Phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of Croton macrostachys roots

Abstract

The 80% aqueous ethanol extract of Croton macrostachys A. Rich (Euphorbiaceae) roots and the six isolated compounds were tested for oral glucose tolerance test, antibacterial activity and brine shrimp lethality test. The 80% aqueous ethanol extract significantly escalated postprandial blood glucose levels (P ≤ 0.05) in mice. The extract also exhibited a weak antibacterial activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and a weak antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Among the six isolated compounds, one compound significantly elevated postprandial blood glucose (P≤0.05), while two compounds exhibited a weak antibacterial activity, but none exhibited antifungal activity. The crude extract and compounds were both cytotoxic to brine shrimps.