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*Corresponding author: lunwankwo@delsu.edu.ng; +234-813 7794 601
https://doi.org/10.59493/ajopred/2024.2.11 ISSN: 0794-800X (print); 1596-2431 (online)
Original Research Article
PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF LEAF OF OLAX
SUBSCORPOIDEA OLIV (OLACACEAE)
LAWRENCE UCHENNA NWANKWO1,*, BENEDICT BOLAKPONUMIGHA IWETAN2, JACINTA ENOH
APITIKORI-OWUMI1, EMILY UYOVWIESIRI EMUDAINOHWO1, JAPHETH OJEHOMON OJEIFO1
1. Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. PMB, 1
Abraka, Delta State
2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. PMB, 1 Abraka,
Delta State.
INTRODUCTION
There has been a connection between life, illness, and plants
from the beginning of mankind; for this reason, medicinal
plants must be studied [1]. A significant amount of
commercial medications used today for the treatment and
prevention of the majority of diseases are still based on
substances derived from plants. Because medicinal plant
treatments have little adverse effects, they are regarded as
quite safe. It is important to remember that most herbal
ABSTRACT
ARTICLE INFO
One of the most common objections leveled against natural products is a lack of
standardization, necessitating the exploration of various quality control approaches aimed
at proving the safety and quality of crude medications. The purpose of this study was to
assess the quality of Olax subscorpoidea leaves. The ethanol extract of Olax
subscorpoidea leaves was obtained by the maceration process. Chemo-microscopy and
physicochemical examination (moisture content, total ash value, acid insoluble ash, water
soluble ash, extractive values) of the crude drug were performed using established
procedures. The presence or absence of starch, mucilage, calcium oxalate, cellulose, and
lignin was determined to deduce various microscopic traits with chemical reagents. The
crude drugs qualitative phytochemical investigation disclosed the presence of tannins,
saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, and cardiac glycosides.
Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the plant extract had more alkaloids and
saponins than the other phytoconstituents present. Chemomicroscopy
of Olax subscorpoidea leaves indicated the presence of starch, mucilage, cellulose,
calcium oxalate, and lignin. The physicochemical study of Olax subscorpoidea ethanol leaf
extract indicated moisture content (8±0.03%) and total ash content (0.15±0.01%),
respectively. The extractive value also revealed that polar solvents are most suited for
extracting the crude drug. This study was able to provide useful information that aids
pharmacognostic standardization, thereby building a scientific platform to buttress the
quality of Olax subscorpoidea powdered leaf and its ethanol extract for ease of formulation
and commercialization.
Received 18 April, 2024
Accepted 21 July, 2024
Published 26 July, 2024
KEYWORDS
Chemomicroscopy,
Olax subscorpoidea,
Physicochemical,
Phytochemical,
Copyright © 2024 the
authors. This is an open
access article distributed
under the Creative
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License which permits
unrestricted use, distribution,
and reproduction in any
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original work is properly
cited.
African Journal of Pharmaceutical
Research and Development
Available online at https://ajopred.com
Vol. 16 No.2; pp. 109-116 (2024)
L. U. Nwankwo et al. Afr J Pharm Res Dev, 16(2), 2024,109-116
110
formulations are harmful due to a combination of factors,
including improper plant material collection practices, the
inclusion of contaminants in the form of silicates and
phosphates in most crude medications, and a lack of
knowledge regarding the shelf life of crude pharmaceuticals.
It is necessary to investigate the characteristics of crude
medications to assess them. This will help identify, purify, and
improve the quality of the crude medication that is being
investigated. According to data from the World Health
Organization (WHO), 80% of people on the planet heavily rely
on medicinal plants for their basic medical needs. A
fundamental understanding of natural compounds derived
from plants is essential for the creation of new drugs [2].
Some issues, including inadequate standardization,
identification, and isolation of the bioactive compounds, as
well as a lack of clarity regarding the mechanisms underlying
pharmacological activities and clinical trials, are major
obstacles to the use of natural products as therapeutic agents
[3].
The Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. A plant is a tree or shrub that
is a member of the Olacaceae family. It has a height of at
least 10 metres. In Senegal, Zaire, Nigeria, and other regions
of Africa, the plant is widely dispersed [4]. When fully grown,
the shrub becomes woody with leafy branches, pale blooms,
and spherical, brilliant yellow fruits. The Yorubas call it ifon,
and Hausas call it Gwaanon kurmi or Gwaanon raafii. In Igbo,
it is commonly known as Igbulu, Atu-ogili, or Osaja. Other
tribes in Nigeria such as Edo and Igala call it Ukpakon and
Ocheja respectively. [5, 6].
The roots of the plant have been commonly used due to its
aphrodisiac effect. Topically, it can be used for curative
activities against cutaneous and subcutaneous parasitic
infections [7], inflammatory and mental diseases, convulsions,
pain, and cancer, while a decoction of the plant's stem, bark,
and leaves has been used to treat rheumatism and articular
pains in some African countries such as the Congo Republic
[8]. In South-Western Nigeria, the roots are used in a
decoction to treat diabetes, obesity, and asthma and as an
ideal recipe for cancer management, the stem barks are used
in this region to maintain dental hygiene [9,10]. It is also vital
to emphasize the role of Olax subscorpioidea leaves in
Nigerian traditional medicine as a therapy for treating
Alzheimer's disease [11] and depression [12], postpartum
haemorrhage, arthritis, constipation, and other prevalent
diseases [13]. This study aims to standardize Olax
subscorpoidea leaf to ensure its quality for formulation and
commercialization.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The apparatus used during this research includes a hot air
oven (Leader Engineering St Helens Merseyside WAS),
Water Bath (Laptop Instrument PVT, India), Analytical
Balance (SHIMADZU Model: ATY224 Philippines),
Spectrophotometer (B.Bran Scientific & Instrument Company,
England), Refrigerator, Dessicator, Muffle furnace (Techmel &
Techmel, Texas, USA), Ashless Filter paper (Whatmann
International Ltd, Maidstone, England).
The following chemicals, reagents, and drugs were used
during this research work: Ethanol, Hydrochloric acid (JHD,
Guangdong Schi-Tech Ltd, China) Phloroglucinol, ruthenium
red, iodine, sulphuric acid (JHD, Guangdong Schi-Tech Ltd,
China).
Collection and Authentication of Plant Materials
The leaves of Olax subscorpoidea were obtained in July 2023
from the botanical garden of the Department of
Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka. Following the
process of leaf collection, a taxonomist, Dr. Henry
Akinnibosun verified the authenticity of the leaves. Voucher
number UBH-0519 was assigned to the leaves of Olax
subscorpoidea.
Plant Extract Preparation
The leaves of Olax Subscorpoidea were dried at room
temperature for one week. Using a clean blender, the dried
plant was ground into a fine powder. The powder particles
were blended and then carefully preserved in a refrigerator
until their extraction was required.
Extraction of Powdered Plant materials
An analytical weighing balance was used to weigh 750 grams
of the dried, coarsely powdered drug material, which was
then transferred into a container. The drug substance was
covered entirely by the absolute ethanol that was poured on
top. After that, the container was sealed and left for a
minimum of 72 hours [14]. Periodically, the content was
swirled to guarantee full extraction. Filtration was used to
separate the micelle from the marc after extraction. In a bid to
reduce the menstruum content of the extract, the resultant
filtrate was evaporated in a water bath at a temperature of
60oC [15]. The concentrated extract was preserved in a
refrigerator at a temperature of 4oC.
Determination of Moisture Content
The moisture content of the crude drug was deduced
following the method of Nwankwo et al. [16]. Two grams (2 g)
of the powdered sample was placed on the porcelain dish,
and both the weight of the powdered sample and the
porcelain dish were duly recorded and subsequently placed in
a hot air oven to dry the powdered sample. The dried plant
was weighed. This process was repeated continuously until a
continuous weight is obtained. The percentage moisture
content was calculated using Equation 1.
where W2 = Final weight of the powdered sample, W1= Initial
weight of the powdered sample
L. U. Nwankwo et al. Afr J Pharm Res Dev, 16(2), 2024,109-116
111
Determination of Total Ash Value
According to the methods of Nwankwo and Obokare [17], the
total ash content of the crude drug was ascertained. Two
empty crucibles were heated in a hot air oven, this was
followed by noting the weight of the crucibles. Two grams (2
g) of the powdered sample was carefully measured into each
crucible and placed inside the muffle furnace at 700oC for 2
hours. After two hours, the crucible was expunged from the
muffle furnace, the total ash was weighed and recorded, and
its corresponding percentage was calculated.
Determination of Acid Insoluble Ash
The procedures of Nwankwo and Obokare [17] was used to
evaluate the acid-insoluble ash. In this method, 40% dilute
HCl was prepared. Two grams (2 g) of the powdered sample
was burned at 550oC for 30 minutes with the aid of a muffle
furnace. The crucible was removed from the furnace, and
observed for any carbon content. A second burn was carried
out due to the presence of carbon after the first burn. 25 ml of
the 40% HCl was added into the crucible containing the
carbon-free ash. After boiling, an ashless filter paper was
used to filter the carbon-free ash solution while it was still
warm. The trapped particles on the filter paper after filtration
are considered as acid insoluble ash. The filter paper
containing the acid-insoluble ash was placed into a furnace
and heated at 550oC for 90 mins. The crucible containing the
ash was weighed and the acid-insoluble ash percentage was
calculated.
Determination of Water-soluble Ash
The methods of Nwankwo and Obokare [17] were used to
determine the water-soluble ash of the pulverized crude
drug. The crucible was dried using a hot air oven. After
cooling, the empty crucible was weighed and recorded. Two
grams (2 g) of the powdered sample was added to the
crucible, and placed in the muffle furnace until it became red
hot. The weight of the covered crucible and ash was
recorded, and distilled water (25 ml) was added to dissolve
the ash. Filtration was done using Ashless filter paper. The
filter paper retained water-insoluble ash while the filtrate
contained the water-soluble ash. The insoluble ash was also
incinerated and the water soluble ash was calculated as the
difference between the water-insoluble and total ash. Finally,
the corresponding percentage of water-soluble ash was
estimated regarding the initial weight of the powdered sample
evaluated.
Determination of Extractive Values Using Different
Solvents
The extractive value of the powdered Olax subscorpoidea
leaves was evaluated following the method of Nwankwo and
Obokare [17]. A 5 g powdered plant was measured and
transferred to a dry 250 ml conical flask. Five (5) 100 ml
graduated flasks were filled with 90% ethanol, water, acetone,
dichloromethane, and methanol, and emptied into conical
flasks containing the powdered plant. The conical flasks were
agitated repeatedly during the first 6 hours and then allowed
to stand for 18 hr. Filtration is performed after 24 hours. The
filtrate in each porcelain dish was evaporated to dryness in a
water bath, and the drying was completed in a hot air oven at
100oC. To keep the dried extract cool, it was transferred to a
desiccator. The cooled dried extract in all porcelain dishes
was weighed, and the percentage (w/w) extractive value was
calculated.
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis
The plant extract was carefully assessed for the existence of
various secondary metabolites. The availability of alkaloids,
tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids, quinones, flavonoids,
anthraquinones, terpenoids were evaluated using standard
methods [17]
Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis
Determination of Alkaloids
Following the techniques of Ejikeme et al. [18], 200 ml of 20%
acetic acid was added to 5 g of the pulverized leaf drug in two
hundred and fifty mililitres (250 ml) beaker and covered for 4
hours. The solution-containing mixture was filtered and
reduced to one-quarter volume using a water bath.
Concentrated ammonium hydroxide was applied to the
material in drips until it precipitated completely. The entire
solution was allowed to settle, and then the precipitate was
filtered and weighed. The percentage of total alkaloid content
was computed using Equation 2.
Where WR = Weight of residue, WS= Initial weight of the
powdered sample
Estimation of Tannin Content
According to the reports of Ejikeme et al. [18], the tannin
content of plant extract was estimated using Folin-Denis
reagent. One gram of the powdered sample was dissolved in
100 cm3 of distilled water. The solution was boiled for 1 hour
and filtered. Thereafter, 50 cm3 of distilled water and 10 cm3
of diluted extract (aliquot volume ) were added to a conical
flask with the aid of a pipette. This was followed by addition of
5 cm3 Folin-Denis reagent and 10 cm3 sodium bicarbonate
solution.
Afrer properly mixing the solution, the solution was heated in
a water bath at a temperature of 25oC. A spectrum Lab23A
spectrophotometer was used to measure the optical density
at a wavelength of 700 nm. A standard tannic acid curve was
used to compare the optical density (absorbance). The tannic
acid curve was prepared by dissolving 0.20 g of tannic acid in
distilled water and diluted to 200 cm3 mark. Varying
concentrations of the standard tannic acid solution ranging
from 0.2-1.0 mg/cm3 were measured into five different test
tubes. 5 cm3 of Folin-Denis reagent and 10 cm3 of sodium
bicarbonate was added to each test tube and made up to the
L. U. Nwankwo et al. Afr J Pharm Res Dev, 16(2), 2024,109-116
112
100 cm3 mark with distilled water. The resultant solution in the
test tubes were heated in a water bath at a temperature of
25oC for 30 minutes. Optical density was measured at a
wavelength of 700 nm and a plot of optical density
(absorbance) against concentration of tannic acid was made.
The tannin content was calculated using Equation 3.
where C = concentration of tannic acid extrapolated from the
graph, VAQ= Aliquot volume, WS= Weight of the sample,
VEXT= Extract volume
Estimation of Saponin Content
Saponin was measured using the methods described by
Ejikeme et al. [18] and Obadoni and Ochuko [19]. Five (5)
grams of the powder sample was mixed with precisely 100
cm3 of 20% aqueous ethanol. The mixture was cooked in a
hot water bath at 55C for 4 hours, with constant stirring. After
filtering, the mixture was re-extracted with 100 cm3 of 20%
aqueous ethanol and heated for 4 hours at a temperature of
55C with constant stirring. The extract was evaporated to 40
cm3 in a water bath at 90°C. In a 250 cm3 separator funnel,
20 cm3 of diethyl ether was forced into the concentrate,
exposing the aqueous layer and discarding the ether layer.
The purifying process was repeated twice. 60 cm3 of n-
butanol was used, followed by two extractions using 10 cm3 of
5% sodium chloride. After removing the sodium chloride
layer, the remaining solution was boiled in a water bath for 30
minutes before being transferred to a crucible and oven-dried
to a consistent weight. The percentage saponin content was
calculated with reference to the initial weight of the sample
under investigation using Equation 4.
where WX = Weight of saponin, WY = Initial weight of the
pulverized drug
Estimation of Cardiac Glycoside Content
In cardiac glycoside estimation, the method of Amadi et al.
[20] as reported by Ejikeme et al. [18] was adopted. Four
grams (4 g) of the pulverised plant was weighed into a 250
cm3 round bottom flask and about 200 cm3 of distilled water
was added to one gram of the dry leave powder sample and
allowed to stand for 2 hours for autolysis to occur. Full
distillation was carried out in a 250 cm3 conical flask
containing 20 cm3 of 2.5% NaOH (sodium hydroxide) in the
sample after adding an antifoaming agent (tannic acid).
Cardiac glycoside (100 cm3), 8 cm3 of 6 M NH4OH
(ammonium hydroxide), and 2 cm3 of 5% KI (potassium
iodide) were added to the distillate(s), mixed, and titrated with
0.02 M AgNO3 (silver nitrate) using a micropipette against a
black background. Continuous turbidity indicated the
endpoint. The content of cardiac glycoside in the sample was
calculated using Equation 5.
where TV = Titre value, VEXT = Extract volume, VAQ= Aliquot
volume, WS = Weight of sample
Total Phenolic Content
The total phenolic content of Olax subscorpoidea leaves was
determined using Singleton's Folin-Ciocalteau reagent
technique [21]. To prepare the solution, 20 µg of the leaf
extract was combined with 1 mL of distilled water. Then, 500
µL of diluted Folins-phenol reagent (1:1 ratio with water) and
2.5 ml of 20% sodium carbonate Na2CO3 were added. The
mixture was thoroughly mixed before being incubated in the
dark for 40 minutes to allow for color development. Following
incubation, the absorbance was measured at 725 nm. A
calibration curve of gallic acid was constructed and linearity
was obtained in the range of 10-50 µg/ml. The total phenolics
content in the plant extract was expressed as mg of gallic
acid equivalent (mg GAE/g extract) by using the standard
curve. The extract was analyzed in triplicate.
Total Flavonoid Content
The total flavonoid content was assessed using the method
reported by Pham et al. [22]. The extract (1 g) was diluted
with 200 µl of distilled water. Sodium nitrite solution (150
microlitres) diluted to 5% was also incorporated into the
mixture which was later incubated. After 5 minutes of
incubation, 150 µl of 10% aluminium chloride solution was
added and allowed to stand for 6 minutes. Then, 2 ml of a 4%
sodium hydroxide solution was added and diluted with
distilled water to get 5 ml. The mixture was thoroughly shaken
before being allowed to rest at room temperature for 15
minutes. The absorbance was measured at an exact
wavelength of 510 nm. The appearance of pink indicated the
presence of flavonoids. The overall flavonoid concentration
was given as quercetin equivalent mgQuE/g. This was used
as a standard of the extract on a dry weight basis using the
standard curve. The extract was analyzed in triplicate.
Qualitative Chemo-microscopy
Chemomicroscopy is a thorough analysis of the anatomical
structures of crude medicines. The microscopic features of
both powdered plant samples were examined using the
procedures outlined below. This test was done on a
powdered plant sample to determine the presence or
absence of lignin, starch, mucilage, calcium oxalate, and
L. U. Nwankwo et al. Afr J Pharm Res Dev, 16(2), 2024,109-116
113
cellulose[23].
Test for Lignin
Two drops of phloroglucinol and HCl were mixed into the
powdered plant on the slide. This was placed on a
microscope stage with the magnification correctly adjusted to
guarantee proper viewing; following the viewing, a pink tint
indicated the presence of lignin.
Test for Starch
Two drops of N/50 iodine were applied to the powdered
sample and placed on a slide, which was then covered. The
fine and coarse adjustments were properly adjusted. Each
sample was carefully examined and evaluated for the
presence of blue-black color.
Test for Mucilage
A few drops of ruthenium red were applied to the powdered
plant sample on a slide. The slide was placed on the
microscope stage to check for pink coloration, which indicates
the presence of mucilage.
Test for Cellulose
Three drops of 0.05 M iodine and 80% sulfuric acid were
added to a slide containing powdered Olax subscorpoidea
leaves. This was appropriately covered with a slide cover,
placed on a stage, and examined under a microscope to look
for the occurrence of a bluish-black color, which indicates the
presence of cellulose.
Test for Calcium Oxalate
The powdered plant was placed on a microscopic slide,
concentrated HCl was applied, and the slide was placed on
the microscope stage to see the structure of calcium oxalate,
which disappears instantly.
RESULTS
Yield Percentage of Ethanol Extract from Olax
subscorpoidea Leaves
The powdered leaf utilized in this investigation weighed 750
grams. The weight obtained after extraction and
concentration was 90 grams. Thus, the ethanol leaf extract of
Olax subscorpoidea has a yield of 12%.
Phytochemistry Analysis
Table 1 shows the presence or lack of phytoconstituents in an
ethanol extract of Olax subscorpoidea leaves. Alkaloid,
saponin, cardiac glycoside, terpenoid, tannin, steroid,
flavonoid and phenol were present while quinone and
anthraquinone glycoside were absent. Table 2 clearly shows
the quantity of some of the phytoconstituents present in Olax
subscorpoidea ethanol leaf extract.
Result of Chemo-microscopic Evaluation of Olax
subscorpoidea Leaves
The chemomicroscopy results revealed that Olax
Subscorpoidea leaves contain starch, mucilage, cellulose
calcium oxalate, and lignified tissues (Table 3).
Physicochemical Analysis
The analysis of the physicochemical properties of the crude
drug revealed minimal moisture content and impurities as
stated in Table 4. The table also revealed the extractive
values using different solvents.
DISCUSSION
The yield of the Olax subscorpoidea ethanol leaf extract was
12%. This can be attributable to one of the following factors:
the powdered drug's low diffusion rate, the moisture level of
the crude drug, or the existence of competing extractable
components. It could also be due to an unbalanced liquid-
solid ratio or the type of extraction solvent. In a study
conducted by Ezeani et al. [7], the yield of the ethanol extract
of the crude drug was 9.50%, which is substantially identical
to this latest study.
The qualitative phytochemical examination revealed the
presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides,
terpenoids, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, and phenols. There
was no sign of quinone or anthraquinones. These findings are
consistent with those of Wisdom et al. [13], who confirmed the
presence and absence of the aforementioned
phytoconstituents in the ethanol leaf extract of Olax
subscorpoidea. Similarly, Dzoyem et al. [24] found no
anthraquinone glycosides in the hydroethanolic root extract.
Fankam et al. reported the presence of anthraquinones in
both methanol and fruit extract.
The quantitative phytochemical analysis found a significant
amount of alkaloid and saponin (7.5±0.05% and 7.6±0.75%
respectively). Cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and
phenol were detected in small amounts (1.58±0.08 mg/100g,
2.6±0.05 QuE/g, 2.63±0.12 mg, 1.82±0.01 mgGAE/g). This
contradicts Konan et al.'s [13] findings, which found much
higher levels of total phenol and flavonoids in the hydro-
ethanol extract of Olax subscorpoidea leaves. Certain factors
have been discovered as determinants of medicinal plants'
phytochemical profiles, these factors include
seasonal/climatic fluctuations, genetic polymorphisms,
altitudinal soil composition, and microbial burden.
Chemo-microscopy tests show the presence of starch,
cellulose, mucilage, and calcium oxalate. Chemo-microscopy
of crude drugs is an important part of standardization. In
general, these diagnostic traits have been widely used in
crude drug identification at both the genus and species levels.
As a result, understanding the microscopic features seen on
powdered drugs aids in the accurate distinction of closely
related species from each other.
The physical constants employed in crude drug evaluation
are crucial factors for determining the incidence of
L. U. Nwankwo et al. Afr J Pharm Res Dev, 16(2), 2024,109-116
114
adulteration or inappropriate drug storage [25]. According to
the reports of Shehu et al. [26], the standard requirement for
crude drug moisture content is ≤14%. The moisture content
of Olax subscorpoidea leaves was 8±0.03%, which falls
within the standard requirement. This value indicates minimal
or no tendency for microbial degradation or spoilage. High
moisture content in crude drugs can cause the breakdown of
essential ingredients as well as the proliferation of microbes,
particularly during medication storage. Since Olax
subscorpoidea leaves have a very lengthy shelf life, long-term
storage can be recommended.
Table 1: Result of qualitative phytochemical analysis
S/N
Phytochemicals Analysed
Status
1
Alkaloid
+
2
Saponin
+
3
Cardiac Glycosides
+
4
Terpenoids
+
5
Tannins
+
6
Steroids
+
7
Flavonoids
+
8
Phenol
+
9
Quinones
-
10
Anthraquinone Glycosides
-
Note: + indicates presence, - indicates absence
Table 2: Result of quantitative phytochemical analysis
S/N
Phytochemicals
Quantity
1
Alkaloid
7.50±0.05%
2
Saponin
7.60±0.75%
3
Cardiac Glycoside
1.58±0.08 mg/100mg
4
Tannin
2.63±0.12 mg/100g
5
Flavonoid
2.60±0.05 mgQuE/g
6
Phenol
1.82±0.01 mg GAE/g
Table 3: Chemomicroscopy of Olax Subscorpoidea leaves
Parameter
Result
Lignified tissues
Absent
Starch
Present
Mucilage
Present
Cellulose
Present
Calcium oxalate
Present
Table 4: Result of the Physicochemical Evaluation of Powdered Sample of Olax subscorpoidea leaves
Physicochemical parameters
Values (%)
Moisture content (Mean± SEM)
8±0.03
Extractive value (Ethanol soluble)
20±0.81
Extractive value (Water soluble)
26.4±0.04
Extractive value (Methanol soluble)
25.2±0.01
Extractive value (Acetone soluble)
3.9±0.08
Extractive value (Dichloromethane soluble)
1.2±0.03
Total ash (Mean± SEM)
0.15±0.01
Acid insoluble ash (Mean± SEM)
0.04±0.01
Water soluble ash (Mean± SEM)
0.09±0.01
L. U. Nwankwo et al. Afr J Pharm Res Dev, 16(2), 2024,109-116
115
Extractive values are a very important tool in the evaluation of
crude pharmaceuticals since they show the nature of the
chemical elements present. Extractive values, a type of
physicochemical parameter utilized in the quality control of
crude drugs, can be used to correctly predict the most
suitable extracting solvent. Five different solvents with
different levels of polarity were utilized to determine the
extractive values of the crude drug: water, ethanol, methanol,
dichloromethane, and acetone. Extractive values from various
solvents are commonly used to determine the quality and
purity of crude pharmaceuticals, as well as to detect
adulteration caused by expired and poorly handled drugs [27].
Various solvents were utilized to correctly forecast which
solvent will most likely extract a higher yield of
phytoconstituents, hence from the results of the extractive
value (Table 3), water, methanol, and ethanol soluble
extractive value (26.4%, 25.2%, and 20%w/v) produced a
higher yield of Olax subscorpoidea ethanol leave extract
when compared to acetone (3.9%) and dichloromethane
(1.2%) extractives.
Ash values are important for determining foreign inorganic
matter that emerges as contaminants in crude medicines.
Phosphates, carbonates, sodium silicates, potassium,
magnesium, and other inorganic components of ash all have
an impact on the quality of crude drugs. Olax subscorpoidea
ethanol leaf extract has a total ash concentration of
0.15±001, indicating low levels of foreign inorganic radicals in
crude medicines. Detecting these contaminants contributes to
the correct standardization of both basic pharmaceuticals.
However, because these foreign inorganic variables that
make up the total ash are entirely soluble in acid, they can be
eliminated by treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Therefore, the acid-insoluble ash of both crude
pharmaceuticals was assessed to determine the amount of
foreign inorganic matter that cannot be removed with acid.
Acid insoluble ash values indicated the level of contamination
of the crude drugs with siliceous materials [28]. The results
(Table 3) showed that both plant extracts contained only trace
amounts of contaminants after being treated with hydrochloric
acid. The water-soluble ash values of both crude medications
revealed extremely few contaminants, confirming their
acceptable quality.
CONCLUSION
The present study evaluates the phytochemical, chemo-
microscopic, and physicochemical properties, which provides
useful information for pharmacognostic evaluation and thus
establishes a scientific basis for buttressing the quality nature
of Olax subscorpoidea ethanol leave extract for ease of
formulation and commercialization.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None
AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTION
Concept and Design of work- LUN and JEA Experimental
procedures – BBI, EUE and LUN Manuscript writing- LUN
and BBI Proofreading of Manuscript - OOO and JEA.
Supervision- LUN
FUNDING
Funding was not received either internally or externally during
and after the study.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors thank the laboratory technologists, Mr. Lawrence
Ewhre and Mr. Joshua Agboun, for their exceptional
laboratory competence. We also applaud Prof. Clement O.
Anie, Immediate Past Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, for
fostering an environment that promotes pharmaceutical and
other science-based research.
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