Comparative Growth Inhibitory Assay Of The Methanol Extract Of The Leaf And Seed Of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae)

Abstract

Persea americana is one of the recipes used by traditional healers in parts of Edo State of Nigeria for the treatment of cancer. This claim was investigated using predictive bench-top assay method of germinating seeds radicle of guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor). The powdered leaves and seeds were extracted by Soxhlet using methanol. The growth inhibitory effect was examined using radicle lengths of germinating seeds of Sorghum bicolor at 1-30 mg/ml. The methanol extract of the leaf of Persea americana was subjected to solvent partitioning. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides with no traces of anthracene derivatives. The aqueous fraction was more active than the chloroform fraction and completely inhibited the germination of the seeds at 20mg/ml. The results suggest the probable use of the plant in preparing recipes for tumor-related ailments. However, using appropriate human cell lines will further justify this claim.