dc.description.abstract | The genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) sometimes called 'prickly ashes' because of the
shape of the leaves is represented by7 species in Kenya (l). Traditionally Zanthoxylum
usambarense has been used to treat coughs, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, tonsilitis and
chest pains; while Zanthoxylum chalybeum has been used for the treatment of malaria,
colds and oedema in kwashiokor (2). The genus is a rich source of alkaloids, lignans,
cournarins and other metabolites(3). In some species phytochemical investigation has
revealed the presence of terpenoids and steroids (4). Other species have yielded amides
most of which are aromatic (5). It is hypothesized that much of the pharmacological
activity of these species may be attributed to their alkaloidal constituents because many
pharmacologically active quarternary alkaloids have been found in various Zanthoxylum
species (6). As a result, the focus in this work on Zanthoxylum usambarense and
Zanthoxylum chalybeum is prompted by the aforementioned perspective. | en |