Effect Of Aqueous Stem Extract Of Loranthus Micranthus Linn On Anti Microbial Sensitivity, Cytotoxicity And In-Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Indices On Human Red Blood Cells:- Udekwu, Chinedu E.

ABSTRACT

In an attempt to explain the scientific basis for the medicinal benefits of the aqueous stem extract of Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe), the antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities ofthe plant were assessed. In this study, the anti-microbial activity was evaluated using Escherichia Coli., Salmonella typhi. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus as test organisms which showed significant zones of inhibition at increasing concentrations (25, 50 and lOOmg/ml) of the plant extract. The result of the cytotoxic investigation after the use of brine shrimps as test organisms revealed that the plant wasn’t toxic as the LC50 did not fall within the concentrations used in this study. Also, the aqueous stem extract of L.micranthus was statistically nonsignificant with the standard (Aspirin) at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300pg/ml. This result was in agreement with the %protection of the experimental plant which showed a significant increase with increase in concentration which implies that the aqueous stem extract of L.micranthus has anti-inflammatory effects. It can therefore, be concluded that the consumption of the aqueous stem extract of Loranthus micranthus as a therapeutic drug would exert health benefits by virtue of its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and less toxicity, proved in this study