Bioassay-Guided Fractionation of the Crude Methanol Extract of Cassia singueana Leaves

Abstract

The crude methanol extract of Cassia singueana leaves was subjected to chromatographic separation using column and thin layer chromatographic techniques. The eluted fractions were screened for bioactivity using indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. The extract yielded eight (8) component fractions. Fraction 8 (F8) exhibited the most profound anti-ulcer activity when it completely protected rat stomachs from experimentally-induced ulcerative effects caused by 40 mg/kg of oral indomethacin treatment. Further fractionation of F8 gave two second generation fractions (A and B). Sub-fraction 8A or 8B demonstrated a comparatively reduced in vivo anti-ulcer protective ability compared to the parent fraction (F8). The bioactive effects of the sub-fractions against indomethacin-induced ulcerogenic tendencies in rats appeared to be synergistic.