J.O. OSEYOMON

Medicinal plants have been an integral part of human healthcare since ancient times, serving as the foundation of traditional medicine systems across the world. The increasing global prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its associated cardiovascular risks has intensified the search for safer, plant-based therapeutic alternatives. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on serum lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats after 28 days of daily oral administration. Fresh leaves of S. jollyanum were collected; authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each: a control group and three treatment groups administered 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract. At the end of the experimental period, serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard biochemical methods. Results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in all treated groups compared to the control. Cholesterol decreased from 248.26 ± 62.65 mg/dL in the control to 74.67 ± 4.91 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, while triglycerides dropped from 169.91 ± 39.80 mg/dL to 85.35 ± 7.62 mg/dL. LDL concentrations also declined markedly, from 171.57 ± 57.45 mg/dL in the control to −7.82 ± 13.31 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, indicating enhanced lipid clearance and inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Conversely, HDL levels increased significantly at the highest dose (70.94 ± 7.82 mg/dL), suggesting improved reverse cholesterol transport. These biochemical changes reflect a strong lipid-lowering and cardioprotective effect of the extract. The hypolipidaemic activity of S. jollyanum is attributed to its phytochemical constituents particularly flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, which may act synergistically to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, enhance bile acid excretion, and strengthen antioxidant defenses. The findings align with previous reports validating the plant’s traditional use for detoxification and metabolic regulation. In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum demonstrates potent lipid-regulating and cardioprotective potential without apparent toxicity, supporting its ethnomedicinal use as a safe, natural remedy for managing dyslipidaemia and related cardiovascular disorder.

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.

The plant commonly known as the forest fever tree has been widely used in African traditional medicine for treating fever, jaundice, malaria, and liver-related disorders. Its hepatoprotective potential is attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. The study investigated the effect of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on liver enzyme activities in Wistar rats. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using methanol. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. The control group received distilled water, while the other groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract daily for 28 days. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined as biomarkers of hepatic function using standard diagnostic methods. The results revealed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between treated and control groups. ALT values ranged from 80.40 ± 3.79 to 101.40 ± 6.39 U/L, AST from 157.60 ± 4.33 to 169.40 ± 2.73 U/L, and ALP from 373.20 ± 19.78 to 451.00 ± 67.33 U/L. These results indicate that the methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora did not induce hepatotoxicity at the tested doses. The stability of liver enzyme levels within normal physiological limits suggests that the extract maintained hepatic integrity and may possess hepatoprotective properties. The observed effects are attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals that prevent lipid peroxidation, stabilize hepatocyte membranes, and enhance cellular defense mechanisms. These findings support the traditional use of A. grandiflora in managing liver ailments and demonstrate its potential as a safe natural therapeutic agent. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive constituents responsible for its hepatoprotective action