Phytochemical Screening and Ameliorative Potential of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Polyaltha logifolia Leaves on Croton Oil-induced Hemorrhoid in Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition defined as the symptomatic enlargement and distal displacement of the normal anal cushions.

Aim: The research is aimed at investigating the ameliorative potential of ethyl acetate fraction of Polyaltha logifolia leaves on croton oil induced hemorrhoids in albino Wistar rats.

Methodology: Induction of Hemorrhoid, Hemorrhoids were induced in the rats by the application of croton oil into the anus of the rats for five days. Hemorrhoids were induced to all the groups, except normal control group, by applying croton oil preparation. On each of the five (5) days of induction, each rat was immobilized in a restrainer cage. The tampon of an ear cotton bud was dipped in 10ml of the above inducer contained in 10 ml vial for 60 s. Then, it was inserted into the rectum and allowed to contact the mucosa to a depth of 2 cm for 60 s and then removed smoothly. The animals were freed from their restrainer and placed in back into their cages.

Results: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses of EAFPL revealed that flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides saponins, steroids and hydrogen cyanide were detected. The study showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of Polyaltha logifolia leaves was not toxic even up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The results prove that group treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w of the fraction shown significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight, rectal anal weight with corresponding decrease in rectal anal coefficient when compared with the untreated group. The study also revealed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w shown significant (p < 0.05) reduction in interleukin level when compared with the untreated group. However, the results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TNF-α level when compared with untreated group. The results showed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w of the fraction significantly (p < 0.05) decrease MDA level with corresponding significantly (p < 0.05) increase in SOD, CAT and GSH levels when compared with untreated group.

Conclusion: This study therefore shows that the ethyl acetate fraction of Polyaltha logifolia possesses anti-hemorrhoid properties in rats.