Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata are traditionally used medicinal plants with reported pharmacological properties. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of partition fractions of Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata extracts obtained using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvent systems. The plant extracts were successively partitioned using chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous solvent systems. Phytochemical analysis was performed using standard methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and MIC determination. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids (10.2-15.6%), flavonoids (8.5-12.1%), and phenolic acids (5.6-9.2%) in all fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 20.5 μg/mL) in the DPPH assay, while the chloroform fraction of Adansonia digitata showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 35.2 μg/mL) in the FRAP assay. The antibacterial evaluation demonstrated that the chloroform fraction of Adansonia digitata exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.5-1.5 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas the ethyl acetate fraction of Annona muricata showed potent antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.25-1.0 mg/mL) against Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the ethanol fraction of Adansonia digitata displayed moderate antibacterial activity (MIC = 1.0-2.5 mg/mL) against Gram-positive bacteria, and the aqueous fraction of Annona muricata exhibited weak antibacterial activity (MIC = 2.5-5.0 mg/mL) against all tested bacterial strains. Comparison of antioxidant and antibacterial activities among fractions revealed significant variations, indicating the importance of solvent selection in extracting bioactive compounds. The study validates the traditional use of Adansonia digitata and Annona muricata, highlighting their potential as natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

Background: Cadmium chloride is a toxic heavy metal that can cause oxidative stress, damage to organs, and disrupt hormonal balance. Brideliaferruginea is a plant with antioxidant and free radical-scavenging properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Brideliaferruginea extract against cadmium chloride-induced toxicity in rats. Methods: This study used a randomized controlled design, with 36 rats divided into 6 groups. The rats were treated with cadmium chloride, Brideliaferruginea extract, or a combination of both. The study employed various assay methods, including acute toxicity test, reproductive hormone marker assays, oxidative stress marker assays, hepatic marker assays, and hematological parameter assays. Main findings: The results showed that cadmium chloride induced significant acute toxicity, as evidenced by 33.33% mortality rate and significant body weight loss (-15.67 ± 3.33 g), whereas co-treatment with BFE (100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced mortality to 0% and reversed body weight loss to a gain of 10.00 ± 2.50g and 20.00 ± 2.50g, respectively. CdCl2 group had significantly lower testosterone, LH, and FSH levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05), significantly higher MDA levels and lower SOD and CAT levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05).significantly higherALT, AST, and ALP levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and significantly lower Hb, PCV, WBC, and RBC levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05) respectively. Co-administration of Brideliaferruginea extract with CdCl2 significantly improved reproductive hormone markers, reduced MDA levels and improved SOD and CAT levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Additionally, ALT, AST, and ALP levels were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), hematological parameters significantly improved in Hb, PCV, WBC, and RBC levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The highest dose of Brideliaferruginea extract (200 mg/kg) showed the most significant improvement in all parameters (p < 0.01). Implications: This study suggests that Brideliaferruginea extract may be a useful therapeutic agent against heavy metal toxicity. The findings have implications for the development of novel treatments for heavy metal poisoning and highlight the potential of Brideliaferruginea extract as a natural remedy for heavy metal toxicity.

Background: Chromoleana odorata (Astrceaea) is commonly used in folklore traditional medicine for the management of various ailments. The present study evaluated the antioxidant, antimicrobial and safety properties of the Phenolic extracts of C. odorata in male Wister rats. Methods : Quantitative phytochemicals components of C. odorata were determined according to standard protocols described by AOAC, the Phenols extract was subjected to antibacterial study via agar well diffusion method, and antioxidant study using 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) assays. Acute toxicity were carried out by standard protocols described by lorkes methods, subacute toxicity were carried out by the oral administration of the extract at a daily dose of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg for 14 days. Results : Phytochemical analysis of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts revealed an impressive array of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenols, with phenols being the most abundant (261.34±1.07^a and 171.45±0.91^b). The phenolic extract produced significant antioxidants activities with IC₅₀ of 45.07±0.77µg/mL & 55.08±0.80 μg/mL in DPPH and FRAP models respectively. The extracts antioxidant and reducing power activity increased with concentration, reaching a maximum of 96.44% and 81.88% at 100 µg/mL. The phenol extract demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MRSA, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 12.5 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml. Notably, the zones of inhibition increased with increasing concentration, reaching up to 25.6 mm at 100 mg/ml. In comparison, the control antibiotics (Gentamycin, Pefloxacin, Sperfloxacin, and Streptomycin) showed superior efficacy. Acute toxicity testing indicates a relatively low LD50 of approximately 1000 mg/kg bw, suggesting safety. Subacute toxicity studies reveal increased AST activity and decreased creatinine and bilirubin levels, with no significant changes in other parameters. Additionally, the treated groups showed no significant variations in body weight gain and organ weight ratios relative to body weight, compared to the control group. Conclusions : The phenolic extract of Chromolaena odorata exhibits promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, coupled with relatively low toxicity. These findings suggest its potential as a candidate agent for antimicrobial drug development and antioxidant capacity enhancement applications.

Vernonia amygdalina, a traditionally used medicinal plant, has been purported to possess health-promoting properties.The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical and nutritional composition of V. amygdalina, evaluate its antioxidant and antidiabetic efficacy, and assess its hematological benefits. Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS), antidiabetic evaluations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and hematological assessments were conducted according to standard protocol. V. amygdalina exhibited a rich phytochemical profile, comprising flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, alongside significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 12.5 μg/mL) and complete source of protein. Proximate analysis revealed high protein (21.1%) and fiber (15.6%) content. Antidiabetic evaluations demonstrated significant reductions in blood glucose levels (p < 0.01). Hematological assessments showed significant improvements in hemoglobin (14.1 ± 0.6 g/dL), packed cell volume (42.9 ± 1.8%), red blood cell count (7.1 ± 0.3 x 10^12/L), and differential WBC count, including reduced monocyte (6.3 ± 0.9%) and eosinophil (2.6 ± 0.6%) percentages, and increased lymphocyte (34.4 ± 2.4%) percentage. This study provides comprehensive evidence for the phytochemical, nutritional, and pharmacological value of V. amygdalina, underscoring its potential as a functional food and phytomedicine for oxidative stress and diabetes management, as well as a natural adjunct for improving hematological parameters.

Velvet Bean and African Spinach are traditional plants utilized in folk medicine, yet their nutritional value, proximate analysis, mineral content, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, and phytochemical characteristics remain inadequately defined. This study aimed to assess the nutritional, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties of these plants through standard analytical methods. DPPH and ABTS assays were employed to evaluate antioxidant activity, while antimicrobial activity was tested against various microorganisms. The phytochemical analysis indicated that Velvet Bean contained higher levels of alkaloids (4.23 mg/g), glycosides (2.56 mg/g), phenolic compounds (6.78 mg/g), and flavonoids (1.23 mg/g) than African Spinach. In terms of antioxidant activity, Velvet Bean demonstrated greater DPPH (85.45%) and ABTS (92.12%) inhibition compared to African Spinach. Antimicrobial testing revealed that Velvet Bean was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans than African Spinach. The proximate analysis indicated that Velvet Bean had higher moisture (9.56%), ash (3.21%), protein (23.45%), fat (11.23%), and fiber (14.56%) content, whereas African Spinach had a higher carbohydrate content (52.11%). Mineral content analysis showed that Velvet Bean also had elevated levels of calcium (184.50 mg/100g), phosphorus (346.70 mg/100g), potassium (1246.50 mg/100g), sodium (21.40 mg/100g), iron (6.50 mg/100g), and zinc (3.20 mg/100g) compared to African Spinach. Velvet Bean contained higher amounts of antinutritional factors like phytate (3.92 ± 0.31 mg/g), tannins (2.35 ± 0.20 mg/g), and oxalate (1.63 ± 0.14 mg/g) than African Spinach, which had a higher saponin content (0.78 ± 0.04 mg/g). The results suggest that both Velvet Bean and African Spinach are nutritionally valuable and rich in phytochemicals, offering potential health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. These plants may serve as functional foods or nutraceuticals to enhance health and prevent diseases.

Background: Hypertension is a major public health concern worldwide, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The use of plant-based therapies, such as Euphorbia hirta and Leptadenia hastata, has gained attention for their potential antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, and organ-protective effects. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the phytotherapeutic approach to hypertension using E. ...