@article {1516, title = {Medical Plants Aframomum melegueta and Xylopia aethiopica Show Low Toxicity in vitro and in vivo Highlighting their Potential for Therapeutic Applications}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {1348-1361}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1348}, abstract = {

Background: We previously demonstrated that crude Hydro-Ethanolic Extracts (HEE) of Aframomum melegueta (AM) and Xylopia aethiopica (XA) exhibited anti-helminthic and anti-inflammatory properties with low toxicity. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the toxicological effects of HEE-derived Petroleum Ether (EF), Dichloromethane (DCMF) and Aqueous (AF) fractions of AM and XA. Materials and Methods: The HEE of each plant underwent bioguided fractionation between petroleum ether, dichloromethane and water, yielding three fractions. For the cytotoxicity test, PBMCs were co-cultured with these fractions for 72 hr and stained with Propidium Iodide. Oral acute and sub-acute toxicities were tested using Sprague-Dawley rats after 14 and 28 days, respectively. Histological analysis was performed on the kidneys and livers after staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: HEE-derived fraction showed low cytotoxicity with cell death less than 5\%. No signs of toxicity or death were recorded at concentrations of 5,000 mg/Kg and 100 μl/Kg for acute toxicity. The sub-acute toxicity studies showed that fractions do not affect the weight of the rats and no significant changes in whole blood cell composition and biochemical parameters were observed. Histological analysis reveals the presence of inflammatory cells infiltrating with DCMF and EF of AM and XA in liver and kidney sections. Conclusion: These findings highlighted the low toxicity of these fractions, indicating their safety for potential therapeutic use.

}, keywords = {A. melegueta, Fractions, Togo, Toxicity, X. aethiopica}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20250030}, author = {Essimanam Rosalie Awesso and Kathrin Arndts and Gnatoulma Katawa and Fekandine Victoire Douti and Fagd{\'e}ba David Bara and Simplice Damintoti Karou and Achim Hoerauf and Manuel Ritter} } @article {1464, title = {Xylopia aethiopica Fruit Macerate Inhibits Carrageenan-induced Pleurisy in Rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {1005-1019}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {1005}, abstract = {

Background: Pleurisy is an inflammatory condition of the pleura that can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Controlling excessive pleural inflammation is crucial. Xylopia aethiopica, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, may be a potential treatment. Objectives: This study evaluates its immunological mechanisms and toxicological impact. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were pre-treated with either chloroquine or X. aethiopica fruit macerate before carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured in blood and pleural exudate via sandwich ELISA. Leukocyte counts were also assessed. Acute and subacute toxicity profiles of the macerate were evaluated in rats. Results: Carrageenan injection induced an inflammatory condition, resulting in increased local and systemic TNF-α and IL-6 levels, with increased leukocyte influx in the pleural cavity. X. aethiopica macerate significantly reduced systemic (p=0.0026) and local (p=0.0004) TNF-α levels, comparable to chloroquine. No acute toxic effects were observed within 48 hours or 14 days. A 28-day oral administration did not induce behavioral changes, and biochemical analyses suggested safety at studied doses. However, histological analyses revealed vascular congestion and inflammation in the liver and kidneys. Conclusion: X. aethiopica macerate exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its potential as a pleurisy treatment. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical applications.

}, keywords = {anti-inflammatory activity, Pleurisy, Toxicity, Xylopia aethiopica Fruit Macerate}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252238}, author = {Gnatoulma Katawa and Fagd{\'e}ba David Bara and Foulounanna Daria and P{\'e}lagie Edlom Tchadie and T{\'e}gmaba Gnodja and Kathrin Arndts and Komlan Batawila and Manuel Ritter} }