Abstract:
Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels (Combretaceae), is a member of the genus Terminalia that comprises around 100 species distributed in tropical regions of the world. In Africa it is found along the coast of west and central Africa. It has different uses in traditional medicine such as antimalarial, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, and anti-hypertensive in the areas where it is found. Most of these uses are yet to be scientifically investigated. The powdered stem bark of Terminalia superba was extracted by maceration using methanol. The crude extract was chromatographically fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical analysis was conducted on the crude methanol extract, n-hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate fractions using standard procedures. The LD50 of the crude methanol extract was determined using Lorke’s method. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, resins and reducing sugars. The crude extract, the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions were investigated for anti-ulcer activity using the ethanol, stress, and aspirin induction models. The parameters evaluated were ulcer index and percentage protective index. The data was statistically analysed. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) between the group treated with the crude extract and the control group. The microscopy showed the presence features characteristic of a bark. The anti-ulcer screening showed that the methanol extract of Terminalia superba possesses antiulcer property and its use in traditional medicine for treatment of stomach ulcer is justified.
