Phytochemical Screening and Toxicity Study of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of <i>Prosopis africana<i> (African Mesquite) In Albino Wistar Rat

Abstract

Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) is a perennial leguminous tree of the subfamily Mimosaidae and is found to grow in the savanna region of Senegal and Nigeria. Several parts of the plant has been documented to possess ethno medicinal value. The study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents using methods described by Trease & Evans and toxicity profile (using established toxicity determination protocols) of methanol stem bark extract of Prosopis africana in albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins. Acute toxicity test showed that the LD50 of the extract was 3807.88 mg/kg, with only the animal administered with 5000 mg/kg of the extract dying in phase two. The extract did not affect food and water consumption or most hematological parameters, except for red and white blood cell counts. Histological examination of liver, kidney, and heart did not show any signs of malformation. These findings suggest that the methanol stem bark extract of Prosopis africana may be safe for use in traditional medicine and could provide a basis for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of various diseases such as malaria fever, wound care and diabetes mellitus.