SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF LUPINUS ARBOREUS

*Ohadoma S. C.

ABSTRACT

Lupinus arboreus is a widely used herb in tropical countries, especially in southeast Nigeria. The compounds identified in this plant include saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, protein, reducing sugar and alkaloids. The reported phytoconstituents such as steroids, Flavonoids, and terpenoids consist of stigmastene 3,6-dione, tetrahydroxyflavone -3-rhamnoside which is a flavonol glycoside, and ursolic acid respectively. Studies indicate that L. arboreus possesses various pharmacological activities such as antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antiemetic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Various other effects like antioxidants, spasmolytic as well as treatment of acute lymphatic leukemia, neoplasias and dermatological disorders have also been reported. These results are very encouraging and deserve more extensive study of this plant to reveal other potential therapeutic utilities.

Keywords: Lupinus arboreus, phytoconstituents, chikadoma, therapeutic uses, scientific basis.