J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Apr; 75(1): 45-50.

An investigation on the biological activity of Combretum species.

McGaw LJ, Rabe T, Sparg SG, Jäger AK, Eloff JN, van Staden J.

Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Botany and Zoology, University of Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.

Leaf extracts of 20 Combretum species, many of which are used in southern African traditional medicine, were screened for anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-bilharzia (antischistosomal) and DNA-damaging activity. Significant activity in more than one bioassay was exhibited by Combretum apiculatum, Combretum hereroense, Combretum molle and Combretum mossambicense. Ethyl acetate extracts were generally most active, followed by acetone and then water extracts.