Weldemariam Tsegay Beyene, Leminie Abebaye Aragaw, Gemechu Worku, Hirpesa Samuel Woldekidan, Dibaba Getahun Tsegaye, Muhamed Kerat Ali, Degefu Beza Tasew, Dugul Tesfaye Tolessa
School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Akum University, Ethiopia.
School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Toxicol Rep. 2025 Aug 5;15:102103. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.102103. eCollection 2025 Dec.
Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst. ex A. Rich., a traditionally valued Ethiopian medicinal plant, was investigated for its phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and acute toxicity to validate its ethnopharmacological uses. Through sequential solvent extraction (n-hexane to aqueous), methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of leaves exhibited superior antioxidant activity (DPPH EC50: 12.5 ± 0.8 μg/mL; ABTS EC50: 15.2 ± 1.0 μg/mL), correlating with high phenolic (120.5 ± 0.7 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (85.6 ± 0.6 mg QE/g) content. Leaves consistently outperformed roots across assays, reflecting tissue-specific metabolic specialization. Comprehensive phytochemical profiling revealed alkaloids, saponins, and glycosides, with quantitative analysis demonstrating solvent-dependent metabolite recovery. Acute toxicity testing using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline 425, at 2000 mg/kg showed no mortality or significant biochemical alterations, though mild hepatic vacuolization was observed histologically. The study highlights Z. abyssinica's dual promise as a source of natural antioxidants with a favorable safety profile, while establishing standardized protocols for its evaluation. These findings bridge traditional knowledge with scientific validation, supporting its potential development for nutraceutical or therapeutic applications targeting oxidative stress-related pathologies.
埃塞俄比亚传统上备受珍视的药用植物阿比西尼亚枣(Ziziphus abyssinica Hochst. ex A. Rich.),对其进行了植物化学成分、抗氧化潜力及急性毒性研究,以验证其民族药理学用途。通过连续溶剂萃取(从正己烷到水相),叶片的甲醇和乙酸乙酯馏分表现出卓越的抗氧化活性(DPPH EC50:12.5±0.8μg/mL;ABTS EC50:15.2±1.0μg/mL),这与高含量的酚类(120.5±0.7mg GAE/g)和黄酮类(85.6±0.6mg QE/g)相关。在各项测定中,叶片始终优于根部,反映出组织特异性的代谢特化。全面的植物化学分析揭示了生物碱、皂苷和糖苷,定量分析表明代谢物回收率取决于溶剂。按照经济合作与发展组织(OECD)准则425进行的急性毒性试验,在2000mg/kg剂量下未观察到死亡或显著的生化改变,不过组织学检查发现有轻度肝空泡化。该研究突出了阿比西尼亚枣作为天然抗氧化剂来源的双重前景以及良好的安全性,同时建立了其评估的标准化方案。这些发现将传统知识与科学验证相联系,支持其针对与氧化应激相关病症的营养保健品或治疗应用的潜在开发。