Phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of the Zimbabwean endemic plant Phyllanthus serpentinicola Radcl.-Sm. (Phyllanthaceae)

Abstract

Stem methanolic extract of Phyllanthus serpentinicola was screened for phytochemicals, and tested for cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities. Tests indicated presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, reducing sugars and flavonoids. Saponins, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides were absent. Cytotoxic effects of the plant were assessed through Brine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay. An LC 50 value of 1.3 µg/ml was found, thus indicating that the stem extract was strongly cytotoxic. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the egg albumen induced hind paw oedema test on Swiss albino mice. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the oedema, thus indicating that P. serpentinicola has anti-inflammatory properties.