Evaluation of the Antitussive and Expectorant Activities of Fruit Extract and Fractions of Azanza Garkeana.

Azanza garkeana is a medicinal fruit traditionally used in African ethnomedicine for treating respiratory ailments such as cough and sore throat. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, antitussive, and expectorant activities of its ethanol extract and solvent fractions. The fruits were extracted with ethanol and fractionated into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous fractions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, and triterpenoids. Acute toxicity testing in mice showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating a high safety margin. In the ammonia-induced cough model, the crude extract and butanol fraction produced significant dose-dependent reductions in cough frequency, with the 500 mg/kg butanol fraction showing effects comparable to codeine (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the expectorant assay, the butanol and ethyl acetate fractions enhanced tracheal phenol red secretion, which is an indication of increased mucus clearance. These findings suggest that A. garkeana possesses potent antitussive and expectorant activities, likely attributable to its flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides, and support its traditional use in the management of respiratory disorders.