Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Pharmacy - Department of Pharmacognosy

Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. (Satin leaf) and Chrysophyllum cainito L. (Golden leaf tree), two members of the pantropical family Sapotaceae, are successfully acclimatized in Egypt. The current study aimed to evaluate the local plants as potential candidates for implementation in pharmaceutical industries. Reports concerned with experiment-based bioactivities of the cited species were scarce or completely lacking, thus imposing an intensive investigation. To ensure quality and purity of the raw material, criteria for characterization of and/or discrimination between the two species were established via DNA and botanical profiling, proximate analysis and phytochemical screening. The leaves were subjected to comparative biological and chemical study to select the most suitable from the medicinal and economic standpoint. In this respect, the biological activities of the non-polar (petroleum ether) and polar (defatted 70% ethanol) extracts of the tested samples were assessed in-vivo through measuring appropriate biochemical parameters, histopathological examination and genetic study. Meanwhile, the chemical composition of the leaves was examined through qualitative and quantitative comparative analyses of the lipoid and phenolic components. Moreover, the global consumption of the fruit of C. cainito stimulated the nutritional evaluation and flavor characterization of that obtained from the local plant

Issued also as CD