ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

Inflammation is a vital biological defense mechanism against harmful stimuli, yet excessive or chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and coconut (Cocus nucifera) juice, focusing on their potential synergistic activity. Fresh fruit juices were extracted, combined in varying concentrations, and administered orally to albino rats using standard experimental models of inflammation; including carrageenan- egg albumen- and formaldehyde- induced paw edema. The effects of the juice were compared with a standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Ibuprofen, 10 mg/kg). Acute toxicity studies revealed no mortality or observable toxic effects at doses up to 5 ml/kg, indicating safety of juice. Results showed that treatment with pineapple and coconut juice produced significant dose-dependent reductions in paw edema across all models, comparable to the standard drug. The observed antiinflammatory activity may be attributed to bioactive compounds such as bromelain in pineapple and lauric acid and polyphenols in coconut, which possess antioxidant and cytokine- modulating properties. These findings support the traditional use of these fruits in managing inflammation and suggest that their combined juice could serve as a natural, safe and effective alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory agents. Further studies on molecular mechanisms and clinical applicability are recommended.

Ocimum gratissimum essential oil comes from the plant, commonly called African basil or Clove basil. It is indigenous to mainly Africa. However, they have been found in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world, like Southern Asia and America (Ezeorba et al., 2024). The African basil is a perennial herb. It is woody at the base with an average height of 1–3 m, many branches, broad leaves and narrow ovate. It is a plant propagated through seed planting and stem cutting and is well-known for its aromatic nature, hence its name, “scent leaf” in Nigeria and some West African countries (Ezeorba et al., 2024). Ocimum gratissimum is known by various names in different parts of the world. In India it is known by its several vernacular names, the most commonly used ones being Vriddhutulsi
(Sanskrit), Ram tulsi (Hindi), Nimma tulasi (Kannada). In the southern part of Nigeria, the plant is called “effinrin-nla” by the Yoruba speaking tribe. It is called “Ahuji” by the Igbos, while in the Northern part of Nigeria, the Hausas call it “Daidoya” (Prabhu et al., 2009).