PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND TOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF IRVINGIA GABONENSIS STEM BARK EXTRACTS

Traditional medicine remains integral to healthcare worldwide, particularly in developing regions where access to modern medical facilities is limited. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 80% of the global population relies on traditional medicine as their primary healthcare source. This reliance is attributed to the accessibility, affordability, and cultural relevance of traditional medicinal practices. The therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants has sparked significant scientific interest in evaluating ethnomedicinal flora. Africa, with its rich biodiversity and deep-rooted plant-based healing traditions, plays a pivotal role in this context. Medicinal plants in Africa have historically been used to manage a wide range of health conditions, including gastrointestinal and infectious diseases. These plants are abundant in secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, which exhibit diverse pharmacological properties. Understanding the phytochemical composition and safety profiles of these plants is crucial for validating their traditional use and for the development of novel therapeutics. This study focuses on the phytochemical characterization and toxicological evaluation of Irvingia gabonensis stem bark extracts, contributing to the scientific documentation and safety assessment of this important ethnomedicinal resource