Investigation into Phytochemical Constituents and the Anti-nociceptive Activity of Ficus umbellata [VAHL] Leaves in Mice
Ugodi Gerald Walter *
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Okpe Somfechukwu Janefrances
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Nociceptive pain is a specific type of pain arising from activation of nociceptors. Ficus umbellata, also known as the umbrella fig tree, a genus in the Moraceae family, is a medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological activities. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity, and anti-nociceptive potential of Ficus umbellata [Vahl] leaves to provide a scientific basis for its traditional use in pain management. A 1600 g sample of powdered leaves was extracted with methanol, followed by liquid-liquid fractionation using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The crude extract obtained was tested for the presence of phytochemicals. Acute toxicity studies conducted via Lorke’s method and anti-nociceptive activity evaluated at a dose of 200 mg/kg by measuring pain thresholds over a 120-minute period using hot plate method. The crude extract yield was 5.6% (89.04 g), and qualitative phytochemical screening revealed a rich profile of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Acute toxicity studies demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no mortality observed in mice at doses up to 5000 mg/kg. Results of anti-nociceptive study indicated that the crude extract and its fractions significantly increased the pain threshold compared to the negative control. The crude extract exhibited a sustained increase in reaction time, peaking at the 60-minute interval (26.00 ± 2.89 s) compared to the negative control (13.33 ± 1.2 s). Among the fractions, n-hexane showed the most noteworthy anti-nociceptive activity as early as 30 minutes (21.67 ±5.36 s), whereas the ethyl acetate fraction was the least active (18.00 ±0.58 s) at 30 minutes. This study supports the folkloric usage of F. umbellata for pain relief and provides a foundation insight for isolating specific bioactive compounds responsible for its analgesic effects.
Keywords: Ficus umbellate, anti-nociceptive, hot plate, phytochemicals