Abstract:
Amaranthus spinosus is traditionally acclaimed to be effective in treating infectious wounds in man and
animals. It is also used medicinally in the treatment of menstrual disorders in women, eczema, burns,
earache, haemorroids, lactogogue and a specific treatment for colic. In spite of all these extensive
medicinal uses of A. Spinosus, not much scientific studies have been done, in particular on its wound
healing effects and phytochemical composition. A preliminary phytochemical screening, antimicrobial
properties and wound healing potential of the root extract were determined. Additionally, the
unsaponifiable matter and the total fatty acid content of the seed oil were determined. Exhaustive soxhlet
extraction using petroleum-ether (40-60 0C) yielded 4.45g of fixed oil which was found to contain 2.82g
(73.06%) unsaponifiable matter and 1.04g (26.94%) total fatty acids. Preliminary phytochemical
screening on the unsaponifiable matter gave positive results for steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids whiles
both methanol and aqueous extract were additionally positive for cyanogenic glycosides, tannins,
reducing sugar phenolics and saponins. Column chromatography on the unsaponified matter using
MeOH/CHCl3 (1:2) and 100% MeOH followed by TLC (Benzene-Ethyl acetate (9:1) yielded four and
three possible components respectively with distinct colours when viewed under UV light. Anti-microbial
sensitivity effect of the fixed oil against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus produced minimal
anti-microbial activity compared to the reference anti-biotics (Chloroamphenicol and Tetracycline). The
results from excision wound model showed that the A. spinosus extract has wound healing capacity, as
evident from better wound closure and improved tissue regeneration at the wound sites. The effect of
treatment on microbial load on wounds saw a decrease in the bacteria on the surface of the wounds
corresponding to the activity of the extracts and the other preparations.
