Sciences of Phytochemistry

Osahon Kennedy Ogbeide, Christabel Ifeoma Unachukwu, Onome Sajere, Oscar Notoriuwa Aghedo, Osarinmwian Oghomwenrhiere, Edward Nduka Dibie, James Majebi Okuo

In West African cultures, Picralima nitida has long been used in medicine for providing pain relief, controlling inflammation, reducing fever, and fighting infections. This study compares the elemental and proximate compositions, antimicrobial activities, and acute toxicity of the leaf and seed extracts of P. nitida. The samples were extracted using the cold maceration method. Elemental analysis revealed high levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium in the leaf extract, while the seed extract contained lower amounts. The leaves also had a higher crude fiber content (15.5%), whereas the seeds were richer in crude protein (19.47%) and ether extract (14.00%). The leaf extract prevented the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, yet did not affect C. albicans. The seed extract exhibited a broader and stronger inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of E. coli and P. aeruginosa were both 100 mg/mL (15.00 mm inhibition zone) when tested with the leaf extract, whereas S. aureus had an MIC of 75 mg/mL (13.00 mm inhibition zone). The MICs of the seed extract were 25 mg/mL (9.00 mm inhibition zone) for E. coli and S. aureus, 75 mg/mL (18.40 mm inhibition zone) for P. aeruginosa, and 25 mg/mL (11.20 mm inhibition zone) for C. albicans. For the toxicity tests, the leaf extract appeared safer for animals (mice) with no adverse effect at an LD₅₀ of 800 mg/kg, whereas the seed showed a notable adverse effect with an LD₅₀ of ≥283 mg/kg. These experimental findings show the health benefit of P. nitida leaves and seeds in traditional medicines and its potential as an anti-microbial agent and use for dietary purposes.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Abdul Jaleel K, Prakash PS, Nakshathra KV, Devika V

Cycas revoluta Thunb. (sago palm), a cycad native to southern Japan, is widely cultivated and has a long history of ethnobotanical use, including as a famine food and in traditional medicine, but is also well known for its pronounced toxicity to humans and animals. This review critically synthesizes literature published between 1958–2025 on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of C. revoluta from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Presented as a structured narrative review, the study highlights diverse phytochemicals, including biflavonoids, cycasin, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), and reported antimicrobial peptides, noting variability in compound verification and reproducibility. Reported pharmacological activities are derived mainly from in vitro and preclinical studies, with limited in vivo validation and no established clinical relevance, whereas toxicological evidence for neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity is robust. This imbalance underscores the need for caution in extrapolating therapeutic potential. Key gaps include inadequate extract standardization, limited bioavailability and safety data, and overreliance on single-study findings. Future research should prioritize rigorous toxicological assessment and reproducible validation before any translational application is considered. In addition, the review emphasizes the importance of distinguishing traditional knowledge from experimentally validated evidence and separating descriptive phytochemical inventories from mechanistic and translational insights. Particular attention is given to methodological limitations, including inconsistent extraction protocols, insufficient structural confirmation of reported compounds, and the frequent absence of dose–response, pharmacokinetic, and long-term safety evaluations. By adopting a critical and balanced perspective, this review aims to guide future studies toward scientifically rigorous, ethically responsible, and clinically relevant research directions.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Poro David Clark, Gloria Ihuoma Ndukwe, Kehinde Jonathan Awatefe

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in-vitro antioxidant potential of leaves extracts from Sorghum bicolor, which were obtained through sequential maceration with solvents of different polarities (n-hexane and methanol). The extraction yields revealed a predominance of polar compounds, with methanol extract (12.5% w/w) significantly higher than the n-hexane extract (1.7% w/w). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling, using NIST library matching (similarity scores > 80%) without reference standards, showed distinct patterns based on solvent use: the n-hexane extract contained nine primarily lipophilic compounds, mainly consisting of Z-2-octadecen-1-ol and octadecenoic acid derivatives, whereas the methanol extract yielded fifteen characterized by polar fatty acids and oxygenated derivatives. Identifications were tentative; those with lower match scores or inconsistent retention times required confirmation through alternative methods. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical inhibitory activity (HRIA), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The methanol extract demonstrated concentration-dependent DPPH scavenging (IC₅₀ = 0.1402 mg/L), comparable to vitamin C (0.1369 mg/L) in this assay, while the n-hexane extract showed weaker activity (IC₅₀ 3.22 mg/L). In HRIA and FRAP assays, vitamin C consistently showed greater activity than either extract, with n-hexane IC50 estimates constrained by poor curve fits (R2< 0.9). Overall, the methanol extract surpassed the n-hexane extract across all assays but did not match the effectiveness of vitamin C. These in-vitro results suggest that S. bicolor leaves contain polar phytochemicals that merit further fractionation, compound-level characterization, and evaluation in biologically relevant models to elucidate their potential as sources of natural antioxidants.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Chidi Kaosi Clement

The present study evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Mimusops elengi Bojer leaf extract encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) using murine models, to determine whether nanoparticle formulation enhances the biological effects of a methanolic plant extract. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using established qualitative colorimetric assays, which indicated the presence of major secondary metabolite classes, including phenolics and flavonoids; these tests were intended for compositional inference rather than definitive compound identification. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were subsequently quantified using spectrophotometric methods, yielding 806.12 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 103.08 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g of extract, respectively. Antinociceptive activity was assessed using acetic acid–induced writhing and hot-plate assays, while anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated via the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Animals treated with M. elengi–loaded CS-NPs exhibited statistically significant reductions in writhing responses, prolonged pain reaction latency, and decreased paw edema when compared with untreated controls and animals receiving the crude extract (p < 0.05). Inflammatory mediator analysis further demonstrated significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and PGE₂) alongside upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-22). Oxidative stress assessment showed reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating attenuation of lipid peroxidation. All experiments were conducted with appropriate replication, and data were subjected to statistical analysis to ensure reproducibility. While the phytochemical screening provides preliminary compositional insights, the observed pharmacological effects are attributed to the combined action of extract constituents and improved delivery via chitosan nanoparticles. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that nanoparticle-based formulation can enhance the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory efficacy of M. elengi leaf extract, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapeutic approach while underscoring the need for further compound-level characterization and safety evaluation.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Mohamed Said Rajab

Muguka, a high-cathinone cultivar of Catha edulis consumed widely in East Africa, presents a growing health risk when co-administered with diazepam. This theoretical study represents one of the first integrated computational investigations focusing on the interaction between Muguka derived cathinone and diazepam, combining molecular docking, ADMET profiling, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. The in silico analysis identified overlapping CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 pathways, supporting potential mutual metabolic inhibition. The predictive PBPK models suggest moderate CYP2D6/CYP2C19-mediated drug-drug interactions based on a simulated oral dose of 100 mg cathinone and 30 mg diazepam in a human adult population. Co-administration is predicted to increase cathinone systemic exposure by 1.5-fold (AUC ↑50%) and reduce clearance by 33%, while diazepam exposure is projected to rise by 1.3-fold (AUC ↑30%) with 24% clearance reduction. Molecular docking revealed high-affinity binding of cathinone (-6.4 kcal/mol) at the dopamine transporter (DAT) and diazepam (-6.8 kcal/mol) at the γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptor, indicating distinct yet potentially complementary CNS targets. Collectively, these computational predictions suggest that co-use may prolong CNS exposure and theoretically enhance neurotoxicity, and dependence risk. This integrated computational framework provides a hypothetical mechanistic evidence for stimulant-benzodiazepine interactions and underscores the need for clinical monitoring and validation.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Victor Wagner Barajas-Carrillo, Carlos Eduardo Covantes-Rosales, Valeria Estefanía Castrejón-Medina, Alexander Manuel Mendoza-Martínez, Saul Toledo, Adela Yolanda Bueno-Durán, Mercedes Zambrano-Soria, Karina Janice Guadalupe Díaz-Resendiz, Laura Janeth Díaz-Rubio, Iván Córdova-Guerrero

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of extracts and partitions derived from the root of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd. ) Poir. , also known as tepezcohuite. Three extracts were prepared through hydroalcoholic maceration, total alkaloid extraction, and Soxhlet extraction. Additionally, four partitions were obtained from the ethanolic extract using the modified Kupchan technique: n-hexane, dichloromethane, n-butanol, and water. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, reducing sugars, coumarins, and cardiac glycosides in various several fractions, while no anthraquinone glycosides were detected. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. In the DPPH assay, the most active fractions were the butanolic (EC₅₀ = 2.20 ± 0.45 µg/mL) and the ethanolic (EC₅₀ = 2.25 ± 0.01 µg/mL). While, in the ABTS assay, the ethanolic extract and butanol partition were the most active fractions with EC₅₀ values of 4.87 ± 1.11 µg/mL and 5.43 ± 0.21 µg/mL respectively. The less polar fractions (n-hexane, Soxhlet) exhibited lower activity. This study expands the phytochemical knowledge of M. tenuiflora, focusing on its roots, an organ less extensively characterized than the bark regarding its comprehensive phytochemical and antioxidant profile. The results show that this organ is a promising source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant capacity. This finding justifies further investigation into the pharmacological and therapeutic applications of these compounds, which is particularly relevant given that while previous research has systematically favored the bark, and existing root studies have focused primarily on specific alkaloids, comprehensive profiling remains limited.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Noudou Solitaire Bodrix, Malle Lando Armand, Mbazoa Djama Celine, Aponglen Ayimele Godfred, Wandji Jean, Taiwe Sotoing Germain, Ndinteh Tantoh Dereck, Talla Mangoua Rostan

A known peptide, Asperphenamate (1) and a labdane diterpenoid, Nepetaefuran (2) were isolated for the first time from the aerial parts of Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) Ait. f. (Lamiaceae) together with five known compounds: ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside and β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid and Apegenin-7-O-glycoside. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of mass spectrometry, NMR data and by the comparison with literature data. The dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) (LM) extract, the peptide and the labdane diterpenoid compounds were evaluated for their anticonvulsant effects on pentylenetetrazol, picrotoxin or bicuculine induced convulsions in mice. All the tested treatments showed anticonvulsant effects on experimental models of epileptic seizures chemically induced in mice. Asperphenamate (1) (JW514) showed up to 100% protection of animals against convulsions, Nepetaefuran (2) (JW512) and the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) (LM) extract showed a maximum of 83.33% protection against pentylenetetrazol induced convulsions.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Patrick Buah, Akwasi Acheampong, Cedric Dzidzor Amengor, Adolf Oti-Boakye, Kennedy Ameyaw Baah, Judith Odei, Lydia Opoku Acheampong, Lydia Tima Sarfo-Mainoo

Memecylon amoenum is traditionally employed across West Africa for treating waist pains, diarrhoea, wounds, toothache and various skin ailments. The study aimed to identify major phytoconstituents using standard phytochemical screening, chromatographic separation, and FTIR analysis and to evaluate the biological activities of the methanol and petroleum ether leaves extracts. Phytochemical investigations revealed twelve constituents in the pulverized plant material and eleven in the methanolic extract, while the petroleum ether extract contained six. In the DPPH assay, the methanol and petroleum ether extracts of M. amoenum demonstrated IC₅₀ values of 11.42 ± 0.05 and 43.42 ± 0.62 µg/mL, respectively, outperforming ascorbic acid (58.46 ± 0.8 µg/mL). Total antioxidant capacity values (gAAE/100 g) were 36.04 ± 1.43 for the hetmethanol extract and 31.35 ± 3.98 for the petroleum extract. The extracts also exhibited potent anthelmintic activity, surpassing mebendazole at all tested concentrations for example the death time at 6mg/mL are 2min 05s, 4min 16s and 8min 33s respectively for the methanol extract, pet-ether extract and mebendazole. Both extracts showed broad antimicrobial effects, with minimum inhibition concentrations, 0.0122 to 25 mg/mL, and demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory properties. Thin-layer chromatographic profiling revealed four spots in the methanolic extract and seven in the petroleum ether extract, suggesting chemical diversity between the solvent fractions. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups consistent with the compounds detected through phytochemical screening. The results indicate that the methanol and petroleum ether extracts of M. amoenum possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anthelmintic activities, supporting their potential as therapeutic effect.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Sylvester Nefai Mathias, Aliyu Hamidu Ahmed, Emmanuel Halilu Mshelia, Achor Mohammed, Chinenye Jane Ugwah-Oguejiofor, Mansur Lawal, Ibrahim Yusuf Alkali, Nkeiruka Nkeonyere Igbokwe, Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Ahmed Aminu Biambo

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, safety profile, and pharmaceutical formulation of capsules containing the hexane fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOHx). The main objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical constituents, toxicity profile, and develop a standardized oral capsule formulation of the hexane fraction of M. oleifera leaves suitable for potential therapeutic application. Phytochemical profiling was performed using LC–MS and GC–MS, and compounds were tentatively identified based on spectral library matching and fragmentation patterns. Selected phytochemicals were evaluated using in silico ADMET prediction and molecular docking analyses. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats using Lorke’s method. Pre-formulation studies were conducted prior to capsule formulation using the wet granulation technique. The granules were evaluated for micromeritic properties, and the capsules were subjected to pharmacopoeial quality tests including weight uniformity, disintegration, and dissolution. The estimated LD₅₀ of the extract was 3.808 mg/kg body weight, indicating relatively low acute toxicity. Dissolution testing showed more than 80% release within 20 min under the experimental conditions employed. These findings suggest that the developed capsule formulation provides a suitable pharmaceutical dosage form for the hexane fraction of M. oleifera, although further studies including stability testing, quantitative phytochemical standardization, and pharmacological evaluation are required.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Chimezie Alexdaniel Chukwuemeka, Chukwudi Jude Ofoegbu, Nnaemeka Promise Amadi

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the acetone extract of green coffee beans (Coffea excelsa) using in vitro assays. The extract was assessed for its ability to inhibit protein denaturation and stabilize biological membranes using heat-induced hemolysis of human erythrocytes as a model. The extract exhibited an overall increase in inhibitory effect across the tested concentrations in both assays. In the protein denaturation assay, percentage inhibition increased from 13.10% at 100 µg/mL to 70.45% at 1000 µg/mL, with an IC₅₀ value of 249.8 µg/mL. Similarly, in the membrane stabilization assay, inhibition ranged from 21.16% to 62.06% across the same concentration range, with an IC₅₀ value of 391.6 µg/mL. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test indicated that all tested concentrations produced significant effects compared to the control (p < 0.0001). IC₅₀ values were determined using nonlinear regression analysis (n = 3). Although the extract showed lower activity compared with acetylsalicylic acid, it demonstrated moderate anti-inflammatory activity. These effects may be associated with the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids; however, this cannot be confirmed since no phytochemical analysis was conducted in this study. Overall, these results indicate that the acetone extract of green coffee beans possesses measurable anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, suggesting that it may serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds for further investigation. Further studies, including phytochemical characterization and in vivo evaluations, are required to validate these findings.

Sciences of Phytochemistry

Courage Chandipwisa, Harrison Banda, Agness Shimilimo

Plant secondary metabolites are natural compounds with immunomodulatory and adjuvant properties that may complement conventional vaccines and support regionally relevant vaccine strategies in Africa. This structured narrative review analyzed English-language studies published between 2000 and 2025 from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and EBSCOhost. Included publications comprised original research, systematic reviews, and clinical trials addressing mechanisms, formulation, safety, and clinical development. Evidence included in vitro studies, animal models, formulation research, and human investigations. Preclinical findings show that selected metabolites enhance antigen presentation, promote dendritic cell maturation, and strengthen humoral and cellular immune responses through modulation of key signaling pathways. Triterpenoid saponins from Quillaja saponaria have progressed into clinical adjuvant platforms, while polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera and flavonoids from Curcuma longa and Artemisia annua demonstrate immunostimulatory effects and improved antigen stability in preclinical models. Nanoencapsulation improves compound stability and delivery but lacks sufficient clinical validation. Clinical translation requires standardized phytochemical characterization, comprehensive safety evaluation, regulatory harmonization, validated manufacturing processes, and adequately powered clinical trials with defined immunological endpoints.

Sciences of Phytochemistry