PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS

The synthesis of Manganese Oxide (MnO) nanoparticles using plant extracts has acquired attention as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical methods. This study explores the synthesis of Manganese Oxide nanoparticles using Dacryodes erulis seeds extract, investigating their antioxidant and phytochemical properties. The Phytochemical composition of
Dacryodes erulis seeds, along with the reduction and stabilization properties of plant-based compounds, played a crucial role in the synthesis of nanoparticles. The synthesized Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the MnONPs were crystalline in nature. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) indicated its polydispersity with a PDI value of 0.250 and an average particle size of 48.78nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH), Carbonyl (C=O), and carboxyl (-COOH) functional group. Antioxidant activities of the Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles were assessed using DPPH, while phytochemical properties were evaluated through quantitative analysis. The results suggested that the synthesized Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles exhibited significant antioxidant properties making them promising candidates for applications in medicine, environmental cleanup, and energy production. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of using African bush pear seed extract for the green synthesis of MnONPs

Vernonia amygdalina Delile (bitter leaf) and Spondias mombin Linn (hog plum) are medicinal plants widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile, phytochemical constituents and toxicological effects of these extracts in Female Wistar rats. Ethanol extract of both plants were collected, authenticated and prepared. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted revealing the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolic compounds, steroids/triterpenes, saponins and cardiac glycosides, with a notable absence of cyanogenic glycosides. Sub-acute assessment on Female Wistar rats were carried out following oral gavage of the extracts at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg doses for 28 days. The V. amygdalina extract demonstrated high systemic tolerance, with all doses maintaining stable blood, liver, and kidney functions. It exhibited beneficial immunomodulatory effects, specifically activating the spleen and mobilizing lung defense mechanisms. Meanwhile, a mild liver inflammation (portal hepatitis) was observed exclusively at the 200 mg dose. Conversely, S. mombin extract presented a safety paradox: standard blood tests suggested it was systemically protective (reduced AST/ALT and Urea), yet histopathology study revealed toxicity. This toxicity manifested as destructive localized damage, including ulceration of the coronary arteries and bronchioles, making the extract critically unsafe for internal consumption. This research validates V. amygdalina as a safe, systemic immunomodulator within the tested dose range. While S. mombin presented a safety paradox. The findings strongly necessitate the mandatory integration of detailed histopathology into regulatory safety screening protocols for traditional plant medicines to detect latent, life-threatening organ toxicity that standard blood tests can miss

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, andantimicrobial activity of the methanol leaf extract of Bryophyllumpinnatum(Crassulaceae), a plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of infections, inflammation, and wounds. The crude extract was prepared by maceration in methanol and screened for secondary metabolites using standard phytochemical tests. The extract showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, carbohydrates, and anthraquinones, while tannins were absent. Quantitative analysesrevealed a total phenolic content of 0.040 ± 0.008 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoidcontent of 0.197 ± 0.005 mg QE/g, confirming the predominance of flavonoidconstituents.The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using DPPHandFRAP assays. The DPPH radical scavenging test showed concentration-dependent activity with an IC₅₀ value of 189 µg/mL compared to 120 µg/mL for ascorbic acid, whilethe FRAP assay demonstrated moderate reducing power. Antimicrobial screeningusingthe agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal isolates (S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, C. albicans, and A. niger) revealedthat the methanol extract exhibited no detectable inhibitory zones at 1000 mg/mL, whereasstandard drugs ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole showed significant activity. The findings indicate that Bryophyllum pinnatum contains bioactive secondarymetabolites with measurable antioxidant capacity but limited antimicrobial effect underthe tested conditions. Nonetheless, its strong phytochemical and antioxidant profilesupports its ethnomedicinal use and suggests potential for further purificationandevaluation of its individual constituents as sources of novel therapeutic agents.