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J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3): 385-395.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53046
  Abstract View: 10
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Original Article

Phytochemical analysis, oral toxicity, and in vivo antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of aqueous leaf extract of Prunus africana

Careen Ihazano Chumba 1* ORCID logo, Kefa Kipngetich Bunei 1 ORCID logo, Daniel Gathuka Kingori 1 ORCID logo, Mathew Piero Ngugi 1 ORCID logo, Eliud Nyaga Mwaniki Njagi 1 ORCID logo

1 Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O Box 43844-00100, Nairobi Kenya
*Corresponding Author: Careen Ihazano Chumba, Email: chumbaihazano14@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Prunus africana is traditionally used in Kakamega against pain, fever, and inflammation. This research aimed to identify the phytochemicals, the antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects, and oral toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of P. africana.

Methods: The plant extract was screened for phytochemicals and minerals. The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were assessed using formalin-induced edema and pain models using Swiss-albino mice, while the antipyretic effect was evaluated through a turpentine-induced fever model using Wistar rats. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed by administering the extract orally to Wistar rats at doses of 150, 260, and 450 mg/kg for 28 days. The animals’ weekly weight and biochemical parameters were measured.

Results: The extract reduced rectal temperature, edema, as well as pain in the initial and late phases (P < 0.05). The leaves contained carnosic acid, flavonoids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and thirteen minerals. Serum biochemistry indicated liver injury at doses of 260 and 450 mg/kg with alterations in total protein, globulin, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and phosphorus levels compared to the normal control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The extract of P. africana exhibits antipyretic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects; however, it can also cause liver damage. These findings establish a basis for additional investigation of P. africana for therapeutic use.



Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

The leaf extract of Prunus africana has the potential to alleviate pain, fever, and inflammation; however, it may also induce liver toxicity. Additional toxicity assessment methods are necessary to evaluate the extent of liver damage.

Please cite this paper as: Chumba CI, Bunei KK, Gathuka DK, Ngugi, MP, Njagi ENM. Phytochemical analysis, oral toxicity, and in vivo antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of aqueous leaf extract of Prunus africana. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3):385-395. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53046.

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Submitted: 01 Apr 2025
Revision: 01 Jun 2025
Accepted: 04 Jun 2025
ePublished: 01 Jul 2025
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