Leaf extracts of 20 Combretum species, many of which are used in southern A
frican traditional medicine, were screened for anti-inflammatory, anthelmin
tic, anti-bilharzia (antischistosomal) and DNA-damaging activity. Significa
nt 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 w
ater extracts. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.