Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Hepatoprotective Property of Crude and Fractions of Triumfetta cordifolia A. Rich. (Tiliaceae)

Background: The role of phytochemicals in modern medicine is abundant with more evidence being published. Triumfetta cordifolia is a local plant known for its vast medicinal applications in traditional medicine with limited documented evidence. This study thus aims to evaluate the leaves of Triumfetta cordifolia to determine its Pharmacognostic parameters and hepatoprotective potential.

Methodology: The leaves were collected, identified, dried and subsequently pulverized before maceration in methanol. This was followed by fractionation using different solvent with increasing polarities (n-hexane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol). Physicochemical evaluations such as macroscopy, organoleptic tests, qualitative phytochemical analysis and total phenolic content was subsequently conducted on the extracts. Finally, an acute toxicity test and hepatoprotective evaluation was performed, the latter using carbon tetrachloride.

Results: The leaves Triumfetta cordifolia on macroscopic evaluation shown a simple, alternate, stipules triangular, densely stellate hairy leaves. The organoleptic evaluation indicated a pungent aromatic smell and a slightly bitter taste. Several phytochemicals such as tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids and flavonoids were identified qualitatively.The extracts was safe at a dose less than 5,000mg/kg. The ethyl acetate fraction showed consistent hepatoprotective activity at a concentration of 400 mg/kg when compared to Gallic acid (positive control). This was possibly due to its high composition of phenolic compounds which was recorded during the study.

Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of Triumfetta cordifolia leaves exhibited a hepatoprotective effect thus showcasing the potential benefits of the plant in mitigating liver damage. More research is however needed to identify specific compounds being extracted that may be responsible for the activity recorded in this study.