Microscopic Characterisation and Pharmacological Evaluation of Nigerian Sabicea brevipes Leaves: A Step Toward Standardisation
4 affiliations
- 1International Centre for Ethnomedicine and Drug Development, 110 Aku Road, P. O. Box 3138, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
- 2Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001 Enugu State, Nigeria
- 3Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001 Enugu State, Nigeria
- 4Department of Natural Sciences, Centre for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing, Bowie State University, Bowie, MD 20715, United States of America
Abstract
Sabicea brevipes (Wernham) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Africa for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and amoebicidal properties. While previous studies have focused on the roots, this research explores the leaves, which are more abundant and easier to harvest, to assess their pharmacological potential and ensure proper identification. This study examined the microscopic features, phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract. Microscopic evaluation of powdered leaves was conducted using chloral hydrate solution and digital imaging to identify anatomical features unique to the species. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. Methanol extract was prepared via cold maceration and tested for acute toxicity using Lorke’s method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using egg albumin- and formalin-induced inflammation models in Wistar rats. Microscopic analysis revealed distinctive features, including elongated trichomes, wavy epidermal cells with paracytic stomata, annular xylem vessels and stone cells, aiding in species authentication. Phytochemical screening identified secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, tannins and glycosides. Acute toxicity tests showed no adverse effects at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating safety. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.05), with higher doses showing 66.19 and 67.67% inhibition in egg albumin- and formalin-induced models, respectively. The study validates the anti-inflammatory activity and safety of S. brevipes leaf extract, supporting its traditional use. Microscopic evaluation and phytochemical analysis provide essential tools for pharmacognostic characterisation and authentication, paving the way for its potential development into a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent.
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BibTeX
@article{tchimene2026microscopic,
title = {{Microscopic Characterisation and Pharmacological Evaluation of Nigerian Sabicea brevipes Leaves: A Step Toward Standardisation}},
author = {Michel Kenne Tchimene and Christopher Obodike Ezugwu and Charles Okeke Nnadi and Eric Osei Bonsu and Christopher O. Okunji and Elijah Sokomba and Maurice Mmaduakolam Iwu},
journal = {Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.26538/tjnpr/v10i9.41},
url = {https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v10i9.41},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Microscopic Characterisation and Pharmacological Evaluation of Nigerian Sabicea brevipes Leaves: A Step Toward Standardisation
AU - Michel Kenne Tchimene
AU - Christopher Obodike Ezugwu
AU - Charles Okeke Nnadi
AU - Eric Osei Bonsu
AU - Christopher O. Okunji
AU - Elijah Sokomba
AU - Maurice Mmaduakolam Iwu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research
DO - 10.26538/tjnpr/v10i9.41
UR - https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v10i9.41
AB - Sabicea brevipes (Wernham) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Africa for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and amoebicidal properties. While previous studies have focused on the roots, this research explores the leaves, which are more abundant and easier to harvest, to assess their pharmacological potential and ensure proper identification. This study examined the microscopic features, phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract. Microscopic evaluation of powdered leaves was conducted using chloral hydrate solution and digital imaging to identify anatomical features unique to the species. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. Methanol extract was prepared via cold maceration and tested for acute toxicity using Lorke’s method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using egg albumin- and formalin-induced inflammation models in Wistar rats. Microscopic analysis revealed distinctive features, including elongated trichomes, wavy epidermal cells with paracytic stomata, annular xylem vessels and stone cells, aiding in species authentication. Phytochemical screening identified secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, tannins and glycosides. Acute toxicity tests showed no adverse effects at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, indicating safety. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.05), with higher doses showing 66.19 and 67.67% inhibition in egg albumin- and formalin-induced models, respectively. The study validates the anti-inflammatory activity and safety of S. brevipes leaf extract, supporting its traditional use. Microscopic evaluation and phytochemical analysis provide essential tools for pharmacognostic characterisation and authentication, paving the way for its potential development into a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent.
SN - 2616-0684
SN - 2616-0692
ER -