Sphenocentrum jollyanum

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a medicinal plant widely employed in West African ethnomedicine for the management of diabetes mellitus and chronic wounds, yet the specific bioactive constituents responsible for its therapeutic efficacy remain insufficiently
characterized. The aim of this study was to profile the phytochemical composition of the root extract to identify bioactive compounds validating its traditional antidiabetic use. The research involved the collection and preparation of root samples, followed by solvent extraction and subsequent analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to separate and identify volatile components based on their retention times, peak areas, and mass spectral fragmentation patterns. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of distinct bioactive compounds, with carbohydrate derivatives and glycosides being the most dominant
class. Specifically, Inositol, 1-deoxy- was identified as the major constituent, accounting for 43.45% of the total extract, followed by alpha-Methyl Mannofuranoside (3.79%) and the antioxidant D-alpha-Tocopherol (1.13%). The substantial concentration of inositol derivatives, which are known mediators of insulin signal transduction, alongside potent antioxidant agents, scientifically substantiates the traditional application of Sphenocentrum jollyanum in the management of diabetes and oxidative stress-related disorders.

This study investigated the effects of 28-day oral administration of the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on haematological parameters in wistar rats. The plant which is widely used in West African traditional medicine, is known for its therapeutic benefits, yet its prolonged safety on blood indices remains scarcely explored. Twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were analyzed for red and white blood cell indices, as well as platelet parameters, using standard hematological techniques. The results revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in total white blood cell, monocyte, and granulocyte counts at the lowest dose (250 mg/kg), while higher doses maintained values comparable to the control. Red blood cell indices—including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume—remained within normal physiological limits, suggesting no adverse effect on erythropoiesis. Platelet counts were greatly unaffected, though a temporary decrease in plateletcrit and platelet distribution width was observed at low dose. Overall, the extract did not produce any clinically significant haematotoxic effect but demonstrated mild dose-dependent immunomodulatory influence. These findings suggest that aqueous extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum is relatively
safe on haematological profiles within the tested range, supporting its traditional use while emphasizing the need for dose regulation in prolonged administration.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is an important West African medicinal plant traditionally used for treating fever, digestive disorders, and metabolic ailments. Despite its widespread use, limited information exists regarding its biochemical safety and systemic effects during prolonged exposure. This study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on renal and hepatic biochemical parameters in Wistar rats following 28 days of sub-chronic oral administration. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five animals each: a control group that received distilled water and three experimental groups treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract, respectively, for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were analyzed for creatinine, urea, uric acid, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) using standard spectrophotometric methods. The mean biochemical values obtained were as follows: creatinine (4.25 ± 2.07–8.96 ± 3.32 mg/dL), urea (99.82 ± 7.00–161.54 ± 22.92 mg/dL), uric acid (8.18 ± 3.75–13.57 ± 3.88 mg/dL), and AST (54.41 ± 7.28–74.03 ± 18.06 U/L). The results showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between treated and control groups across all parameters. A slight, non-dose-dependent variation in creatinine and a mild reduction in urea and AST levels at higher doses indicated stable renal and hepatic function. These findings suggest that the extract does not induce nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity but may
support metabolic and antioxidant balance. In conclusion, sub-chronic administration of S. jollyanum aqueous extract in Wistar rats was well tolerated and biochemically safe at all tested doses. The study validates the plant’s traditional use as a detoxifying and restorative agent and supports its potential as a natural source of hepatoprotective and nephroprotective compounds.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre is a medicinal plant widely used across West Africa for the treatment of various ailments, yet the chemical constituents responsible for many of its reported therapeutic effects remain underexplored in scientific literature. This study aimed to identify the major fatty acids and ester compounds present in the aqueous stem extract of S. jollyanum using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), with the goal of contributing to phytochemical profiling and supporting the plant’s ethnomedicinal applications. Fresh stems were cleaned, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted by cold maceration. The resulting filtrates were freeze-dried and the crude aqueous extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis under optimized chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions. The GC-MS scan revealed a spectrum of bioactive constituents including compounds known for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory activities. This study provides scientific support for the medicinal uses of S. jollyanum and establish a biochemical basis for its reported bioactivities. It further highlights the importance of GC-MS as a robust analytical tool for identifying volatile and semi-volatile compounds in medicinal plant extracts. Overall, the results strengthen the pharmacognostic understanding of S. jollyanum and lay groundwork for future studies on its biological mechanisms, safety, and potential drug development applications.

Cardiac damage induced by environmental toxins such as cadmium chloride (CdCl₂Cl₂) poses a major public health concern. Cadmium chloride accumulates in tissues, exerting harmful effects through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and hematological parameters. Sphenocentrum jollyanum, a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract such damage. This study evaluated the protective effects of S. jollyanum aqueous leaf extract on cadmium -induced cardiac damage in Wistar rats. Thirty- six Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): Group A control (1ml of distilled water), Group B (10 mg/kg CdCl₂Cl₂), Groups C (150mg/kg extract) and D (300 mg/kg extract), and Groups E (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 150 mg/kg) and F (CdCl₂Cl₂ + extract at 300 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Parameters assessed included body and heart weights, hematological indices (RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets), and cardiac histology and histochemistry analysis for Masson’s Trichrome. Group B showed significant reductions in body weight, RBCs, hemoglobin, platelets, and exhibited myocardial degeneration, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption. Co-treatment with S. jollyanum, especially at 300 mg/kg (Group F), significantly reversed these effects, restoring hematological values, preserving myocardial architecture, and maintaining ECM integrity. Histological sections from Group F showed well-aligned cardiomyocytes, normal collagendistribution, and reduced inflammation

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a medicinal plant with potential bioactive compounds, including squalene, a valuable triterpene with wide pharmacological applications. This study aimed to compare the squalene content in aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts using GC–MS analysis. Leaves were collected from a local market in Iwo, Osun State, processed, and extracted with water and ethanol. Percentage yield, phytochemical composition, and GC–MS profiles were evaluated. Results showed that ethanolic extraction produced a higher yield (18.6%) compared to aqueous extraction (12.3%). Phytochemical screening indicated higher concentrations of terpenoids and steroids in the ethanolic extract. GC–MS analysis identified squalene as a major constituent in ethanol extract (14.35 mg/g) and in trace amounts in aqueous extract (0.92 mg/g). This study confirms that solvent polarity strongly influences squalene extraction, with ethanol being superior for non-polar compound recovery. These findings shows S. jollyanum is a promising natural source of squalene for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, and provide a foundation for further standardization and commercialization efforts