Browsing by Author "Njagi, Eliud Nyaga Mwaniki"

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    Antinociceptive Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Pistacia Aethiopica and Warbugia Ugandensis in Mice
    (Society of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2020) Ireri, Moses Munene; Njagi, Eliud Nyaga Mwaniki; Ngugi, Mathew Piero
    Pistacia aethiopica and Warbugia ugandensis are medicinal plants used in folk medicine among the Embu, Kenya. Despite being in use since antiquity, no empirical data is available to validate their claimed use in pain management. This study evaluated the antinociceptive effects of methanolic extracts of these plants in mice. Qualitative phytochemical profile of the methanolic extracts was also established. The antinociceptive studies used formalin pain model. Harbone and Kotaki protocols for qualitative phytochemical screening were used. Stem bark extracts of P. aethiopica inhibited paw licking in mice by between 47.24% 55.13% in the early phase and by between 30.69%-52.12% in the late phase. W. ugandensis leaf extracts inhibited paw licking by between 38.45%- 51.85% in the early phase and by between 43.48%-65.61% in the late phase. Diclofenac sodium inhibited paw licking by between 30.33%- 30.36% in the early phase and by between 62.93% and 77.08% in the late phase. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and terpenoids. This study established existence of antinociceptive effects in the methanolic extracts of P. aethiopica and W. ugandensis in mice. The observed effects were ascribed to the presence of phytochemicals working individually or synergistically.
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    Phytochemical Analysis, Oral Toxicity, and in Vivo Antinociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antipyretic Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Prunus Africana
    (Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology, 2025-07) Chumba, Careen Ihazano; Kefa, Kipngetich Bunei; Kingori, Daniel Gathuka; Ngugi, Mathew Piero; Njagi, Eliud Nyaga Mwaniki
    Introduction: Prunus africana is traditionally used in Kakamega against pain, fever, and inflammation. This research aimed to identify the phytochemicals, the antipyretic, antiinflammatory, and antinociceptive effects, and oral toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of P. africana. Methods: The plant extract was screened for phytochemicals and minerals. The antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects were assessed using formalin-induced edema and pain models using Swiss-albino mice, while the antipyretic effect was evaluated through a turpentineinduced fever model using Wistar rats. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed by administering the extract orally to Wistar rats at doses of 150, 260, and 450 mg/kg for 28 days. The animals’ weekly weight and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: The extract reduced rectal temperature, edema, as well as pain in the initial and late phases (P < 0.05). The leaves contained carnosic acid, flavonoids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and thirteen minerals. Serum biochemistry indicated liver injury at doses of 260 and 450 mg/kg with alterations in total protein, globulin, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and phosphorus levels compared to the normal control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The extract of P. africana exhibits antipyretic, antinociceptive, and antiinflammatory effects; however, it can also cause liver damage. These findings establish a basis for additional investigation of P. africana for therapeutic use