Preclinical evaluation of phytoconstituents, antioxidant activity and acute oral toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction of the trunk bark of Sclerocarya birrea (a. Rich.) Hochst (Anacardiaceae), a plant used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, is a major health problem. Their pathophysiology involves an exacerbation of oxidative stress. The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rising sharply worldwide, with around two-thirds of these people living in middle- and low-income countries. Moreover, for their therapeutic management, Sclerocarya birrea (A. rich.) Hochst (Anacardiaceae) is one of the candidates for phyotherapy. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity and safety of the ethyl acetate fraction of this plant's trunk bark (FAE). To achieve this, FAE was obtained following liquid-liquid fractionation from the aqueous decoctate of trunk bark powder. Phytochemical screening was performed by HPTLC. The antioxidant activity of FAE was determined using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and LPO methods. Acute oral toxicity was also assessed in NMRI mice. In the various tests, FAE revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponosides, tannins and steroids/triterpenes. In addition, FAE was rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds with interesting antioxidant activity compared with Trolox (p>0.05). FAE's acute oral toxicity test (2000 mg/kg bw) resulted in no mortality or adverse effects, indicating good safety in use. Thus, this study provides a scientific basis for the use of Sclerocarya birrea trunk bark in the management of pathologies involving oxidative stress, including hypertension.