Securidaca longepedunculata is a savannah shrub found growing in SouthWest Nigeria and some other areas in Africa. It has been reported to be used in the treatment of over a hundred ailments. Its root bark is included in several anti-cancer decoctions in Nigeria. Despite its reported use as an anti-cancer plant, there is a dearth of information on the anti-cancer potential of Securidaca longepedunculata in Nigeria. The aim of this research is to determine the cytotoxic and antimitotic activity of aqueous root bark extract of Securidaca longepedunculata. Securidaca longepedunculata aqueous root-bark extract was prepared and used for the study. Cytotoxic activity of S. longepedunculata extract was determined by the brine shrimp toxicity assay and Allium cepa assay was used to assess the anti-mitotic activity. Brine shrimp toxicity assay showed an LC50 of 25.1 µg/mL and the Allium cepa assay revealed that 100 mg/mL extract caused a reduction in mitotic index (MI) which was comparable to that of the standard drug, methotrexate. Securidaca longepedunculata has potential as a cytotoxic agent.

Alafia barteri leaves are valued for its efficacy in the traditional medicine system in Nigeria. It has been used over the years for the treatment of various diseases some of which include malaria, sickle cell anaemia, and eye infections. This has necessitated the evaluation of its chemical composition to ensure its safety for human use. This study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, proximate and elemental composition of Alafia barteri leaf. The phytochemicals and proximate analyses were carried out using standard methods. The mineral elements were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The proximate analysis of the leaves showed it contained moisture 8.6%, crude fibre 48.29%, protein 15.84%, carbohydrate 13.13%, lipids 7.23% and ash 6.75%. The mineral analysis of the leaves revealed the presence of the following minerals: calcium (96.2 mg/100 g), manganese (74.8 mg/100 g), iron (46.2 mg/100 g), magnesium (31.05 mg/100 g), potassium (3.3 mg/ 100 g), sodium (2.9 mg/100 g). The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. The study revealed the leaves of Alafia barteri to be a potential source of minerals and nutrients needed for human nutrition.