AQUEOUS PICRALIMA NITIDA

Traditional medicine has long played a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in Africa, where medicinal plants are widely used to treat various ailments. Picralima nitida, also known as the African bitter bean, is one such plant valued for its therapeutic properties, including its use in treating malaria, fever, and inflammatory conditions. Yet, regardless of its broad use in traditional medicine, scientific research on its biochemical effects is insufficient, particularly concerning its influence on mineral metabolism and metabolic health. In this study, forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental groups received standard doses of aqueous Picralima nitida extract daily for a specific period, while the control group received no treatment. At the end of the study, serum calcium and uric acid concentrations were analyzed to determine potential alterations in mineral homeostasis. As calcium is essential for bone health, erve function, and enzymatic processes, and uric acid is a key metabolite linked to conditions such as gout and kidney disease, understanding how Picralima nitida affects these parameters is crucial. The findings of this study will contribute to the scientific validation of Picralima nitida in traditional medicine, therefore determining whether its continued use is safe and beneficial for metabolic and mineral homeostasis. Additionally, it could open pathways for further research into its pharmacological applications, potentially leading to the development of standardized herbal treatments based on traditional knowledge.