ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 3259
Poster No. = 2426


THE PHARMACOLOGY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICINAL PLANT DRIMIA ROBUSTA BAK.


R.P. LUYT, A.K.JAGER, J. VAN STADEN1, Research Unit Plant Growth and Development, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa


Traditional herbalists in South Africa use D. robusta as expectorants, emetics, diuretics, and for feverish colds and chest pain. D. is closely related to the genus Urginea, which is known to contain cardiac glycosides. D. robusta was screened for activity against inflammation, antibacteria, and hypertension. EtOH and ethyl acetate bulb extracts exhibited activity in the cyclooxygenase and antibacterial assays. Bulb extracts did not inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme. A phytochemical screening of D. robusta for alkaloids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides was carried out. D. robusta does not contain alkaloids. Bulb and leaf extracts exhibited haemolytic activity, which is characteristic of saponins. The bufadienolide proscillaridin A was isolated from bulb extracts.


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