Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Piliostigma Thonningii Leaf Extract: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves to provide scientific evidence for its traditional medicinal use. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods, revealing the presence of anthraquinones, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, saponins, and steroids, while glycosides and phenols were absent. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH radical-scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, all indicating significant antioxidant capacity that increased with extract concentration. The results indicate a dose-dependent antioxidant response across all assays, with higher concentrations of extracts exhibiting greater scavenging potential against free radicals and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation. While the extracts show slightly lower potency compared to ascorbic acid, they still demonstrate considerable antioxidant activity, especially at higher concentrations. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats, comparing three dosages of the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) to Diclofenac and a negative control. The 100 mg/kg dose effectively delayed peak inflammation, showing strong anti-inflammatory activity similar to, but less consistent than, Diclofenac. These findings support the traditional use of Piliostigma thonningii leaves in managing inflammation and pain, suggesting potential for further development as a natural therapeutic agent."