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

BACKGROUND: Natural 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. METHODS: To 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. RESULTS: Regarding 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. CONCLUSION: The results of this present research have proven that V. donania extracts can be used as anti-inflammatories.