Chromatographic Identification and the Effect of the Alkaloidal Extract of Buccholzia coriaceae Seeds on the Body Weights and Relative Liver Weights of Mice

Buccholzia coriaceae seed has been known to posses pharmacological activities. The extract of the seed is used as a remedy for headache, stomach ache, fever and inflammation. Alkaloids are alkali - like compounds. They constitute a large family of nitrogen - containing compounds of plant origin which are physiologically active when administered to humans. Alkaloids have been shown to possess both pharmacological and toxicological activities. The aim of this research was to extract and analyze the alkaloidal extracts of Buccholzia coriaceae seed as well as test the effects of the extract on the relative liver and body weights of mice. Different solvent systems were used in the chromatographic analysis of the alkaloidal extracts. Different alkaloidal fractions were identified using the references from a similar study. The alkaloidal extracts were shown to cause changes in body weights as well as the relative liver weights which were used as an index of hepatoxicity. The phenolic alkaloidal extract caused increases in body weights after four days of administration of extracts was compared with the control. The non-phenolic alkaloidal extract caused decreases in body weights after four days of administration of extracts when compared with the control. Also, the phenolic alkaloidal extract caused a significant increase in relative liver weights when compared to the control. The results of this study suggest possible toxic potential for the alkaloidal extract of the seed of Buccholzia coriaceae. The mechanism of this toxicity awaits further studies.