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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
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 800mg/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
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
Sciences of Phytochemistry (Sci. Phytochem.) is an international, peer-reviewed journal published by ETFLIN, dedicated to advancing research in all aspects of phytochemistry and plant-derived bioactive compounds. The journal provides a platform for the dissemination of original research, reviews, and scientific communications that explore the chemistry, biological activities, and applications of natural products derived from plants. We welcome contributions that deepen the understanding of the chemical diversity of plants and their potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and environmental sustainability.