Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Veterinary Pharmacology

The present study aimed to detect phytochemical constituents of Cynara scolymus leaves extract, (CSLE), determine its acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀) in mice and to evaluate some pharmacological effects of this extract. Tests for the qualitative determination of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, resins, sterols and/or triterpenes and flavonoids in CSLE were carried out using standard analytical procedures. Total flavonoids content in CSLE were quantitatively estimated. The hepatoprotective effect of CSLE was performed against CCL4- induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The antimicrobial activity of CSLE was tested against some microorganisms. The antidiarrheal effect was studied using castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and charcoal meal test in mice. The analgesic activity was examined using both acetic acid (chemical)-induced abdominal writhing and radiant heat (thermal) tail flick method in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied using formalin-induced edema in rat's paw. The results showed that CSLE contains large amounts of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. The acute oral LD₅₀ of CSLE was 5.33 gm/kg b.wt. denoting the very low toxicity and high safety of Cynara scolymus leaves. Quantitative estimation of total flavonoids revealed that CSLE contains 498.83 mg/L Quercetin equivalent. It is concluded that CSLE has hepatoprotective, antioxidant, hypochlosterolemic, antidiarrheal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. These findings affirm the traditional use of Cynara scolymus in folk medicine for the treatment of liver diseases, hypercholesterolemia, diarrhea, pain, inflammation, and microbial infections

Issued also as CD