PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) is a medicinal plant grown in different countries, including India, Africa, Thailand and Mexico. It is known as zobo in Nigeria, Jamaica flowers, Sorrel and Karkade (in Egypt), and is a member of the Malvaceae family. It can be used as a colorant for foods, flavoring for sauces, jellies, marmalades and soft drinks. The study researched the phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity profile of the ethanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa stem in mice. Phytochemical screening was done using standard and qualitative methods to identify the presence of bioactive compounds. The acute toxicity assessment followed OECD guidelines, where mice were given increasing doses of the extract, and mortality was recorded. The phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of Glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, which
are known for their therapeutic benefits. The acute toxicity study showed no mortality at doses up to 1600 mg/kg, while a slight toxicity effect (16.66% mortality) was observed at 2900 mg/kg. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa stem is relatively safe at moderate doses and contains bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic potential.

The search for new therapeutic agents derived from natural sources has intensified due to the global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Medicinal plants remain a significant source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological potentials. This study examined the phytochemical components and bacterial inhibitory property of the dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of the stem bark of Antiaris toxicaria var. africana, a plant widely used in African ethnomedicine for treating various infections. The stem bark was extracted using 70% ethanol and subsequently fractionated with DCM using column chromatography. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) were employed for chemical characterization. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with known antibacterial and antioxidant properties, including 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (18.86%), hexadecanoic acid (14.35%), benzoic acid (7.39%), and methyl stearate (6.66%). HPLC profiling confirmed the presence of important phytochemicals such as flavonoids (11.36 µg/mL), proanthocyanidins (13.99 µg/mL), flavanones (9.93 µg/mL), tannins (3.70 µg/mL), cardiac glycosides (5.53 µg/mL), sapogenins (7.96 µg/mL), and steroids (4.70 µg/mL), indicating a rich diversity of secondary metabolites. Antimicrobial testing showed that the extract exhibited inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19 mm), Bacillus subtilis (18 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), Escherichia coli (20 mm), and Enterobacter cloacae (17 mm), but not against Bacillus cereus. Although the extract demonstrated lower activity than the positive control, ciprofloxacin, it displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial potential. Overall, the findings provide scientific validation for the traditional use of A. Toxicaria var. africana in treating bacterial infections.

Annona muricata (soursop) is commonly used in traditional medicine, necessitating toxicological evaluation. This study evaluated the safety profile, phytochemical constituents, and physiological effects of the ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata in adult female Wistar rats after administering doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg for 28 days. Phytochemical screening confirmed a rich composition of carbohydrates, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, and steroids/triterpenes, with a notable absence of saponins and cyanogenic glycosides. Hematological analysis demonstrated overall safety of red cell indices, but revealed a reduction in WBC count at 100mg/kg (p<0.05), suggesting immune modulation that was histologically corroborated by lymphoid activation. Biochemically, the extract conferred significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by a marked reduction in AST and ALT at 200mg/kg. In addition, the extract exhibited hypolipidemic effect, with optimal reductions in Total Cholesterol and LDL observed exclusively at 100mg/kg. The primary cautionary finding was a functional elevation of Creatinine at 200mg/kg (p<0.05), though this occurred without structural renal damage.