Toxicological profile, phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory properties of leaves of Vitex doniana Sweet. (Verbenaceae)

Abstract

BackgroundNatural herbal compounds are a source and alternative for new compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, in-depth studies should be carried out to assess their safety and efficacy in order to avoid or prevent toxicological risks of these natural plant-based substances. V. doniana is a species of food plant used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to estimate the anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves of V. doniana. MethodsTo do this, acute toxicity was first evaluated on the animal model. Biological activities (carrageenan test, formalin and xylene induced oedemas) were used to assess the anti-inflammatory power. ResultsRegarding the dietary toxicology of the extracts, visual and clinical signs showed that the extracts are not at the end of the 15-day (acute toxicity) and 45-day (subacute toxicity) tests. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, it was observed that the bioactive fraction (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg.b.w) had effective neurogenic anti-inflammatory properties. All of these effects observed were all dose-dependent. ConclusionThe results of this present research have proven that V. donania extracts can be used as anti-inflammatories.