Purpose: A 1: 1: 2 mixture of exudates of Anchomonas difformis, Cyrtrospherma  senegalense and Pycanthus angolensis is claimed to be used for the treatment of corneal  ulcers. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activities and the effectiveness of a mixture of these exudates in the treatment of corneal ulcers as claimed in Traditional medicine practice.

Method: Fresh exudates were collected in different containers. They were reduced to dryness and each residue tested for phytochemical constituents. Exudates of P. angolensis was further tested for antimicrobial activities and its effect on chemical – induced corneal ulcers in rabbits.

Result: Only reducing sugars were detected in exudates of A. angolensis and C. senegalensis. Bioactive constituents detected in exudates of P. angolensis were the reducing sugars and phenolic compounds- tannins and flavonoids. This also showed antimicrobial activity against the organisms used. It healed the NaOH – induced corneal ulcers in rabbits within ten of days of treatment.

Conclusion: Exudates of P.angolensis contained bioactive constituents and exhibited antibacterial activity, and healed the corneal ulcers induced in rabbits. Its use in traditional practice for healing corneal ulcers is rational, even in the absence of exudates of A. angolensis and C. senegalensis.

 

Key words: Pycanthus angolensis, exudates, corneal ulcers, rabbits.

 

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