Phytochemical Characterization, Biochemical Analysis, and Antimicrobial Activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera Fruit in Traditional Treatment of Skin Infections

The high cost of conventional medicines and the prevalence of substandard pharmaceutical products in many African communities have driven interest in locally available medicinal plants with potential pharmacological benefits. Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits are increasingly used in the traditional treatment of skin lesions, despite limited empirical validation. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, vitamins A, C, and E content, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of ethanol and n-hexane extracts of T. tetraptera fruits, with the aim of establishing a scientific basis for their therapeutic application in pathological skin conditions. Phytochemical screening, reducing power, and free radical scavenging assays were conducted using standard methods, while vitamins A, C, and E were quantified with established analytical protocols. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion method. Both extracts contained appreciable levels of phytochemicals; however, the ethanolic extract demonstrated superior antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities, as well as higher concentrations of vitamins C and E, compared to the n-hexane extract. The abundance of these vitamins may account for the fruit’s reported efficacy in managing skin morbidities, supporting its ethnomedicinal use by traditional practitioners. While T. tetraptera presents a promising, affordable alternative to costly orthodox medicines, toxicity evaluation is recommended to define its safety margins. Further studies on its therapeutic potential and safety profile are encouraged.