Microscopical And Pharmacological Studies Op Stem-bark Of Steganotaenia Araliacea Hochst

Steganotaenia araliacea is a small, soft wooded tree up to 2.5 meters highbranches more or less erect. It belongs to the family Umbelliferae. The stembarkof Steganotaenia araliacea has characteristic aromatic nature true totypical Umbelliferae. Macroscopical studies reveals stem-bark of 9.0-14.3cmlong, 0.2-0.3cm thick, 2.5-3. lcm width, fracture is short and present doublequillshape.Microscopical examination of the stem-bark shows the presence ofstarch grains, fibres, calcium oxalate crystals and oil cells. Microscopicalmeasurement of the starch grains, fibres, calcium oxalates were also carriedout.Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of terpenes, saponinglycosides, and carbohydrates but absence of tannins and alkaloids.Quantitative evaluation shows moisture content of 10.7% w/w, Ash value of11% w/w, Acid-insoluble ash value of 1.5% w/w, Alcohol-soluble extractivevalue of 7% w/w and water-soluble extractive value of 3 5% w/w.Steganotaerda araliacea stem-bark is commonly used in Zaria, KadunaState, Nigeria and its immediate neighbours for induction of diuresis. Thediuretic property, effects on urine electrolytes and acute toxicity studies arehere highlighted.The Diuretic studies of the water, methanolic and ethanolic extractsusing rats was carried out. Frusemide was used as standard while sodiumchloride was used as conti The procedure involves intraperitoneallyadministration of the sample to weighed rats in metabolic cages, designedthat faecal materials do not mix with urine. The urine volumes were measuredat 3hly time intervals for 24 hours.The urine analysis to determine effects on electrolytes revealed thatthere was increased potassium excretion with the ethanolic extract but noeffect with water extract.( This implies that individuals using ethanolic extractstem-bark of Steganotaenia araliacea will benefit from potassium supplement).The toxicity studies using mice shows LD50 of 1.83g/kg and 1.75g/kgfor ethanolic extract and water extract respectively, signifying a slightly toxicproperty of the stem-bark in mice.

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