BIOACTIVITY AND SAFETY OF HYDRO-ETHANOLIC ZANTHOXYLUM HUMILE

Introduction: Zanthoxylum humile, a medicinal plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, has been used for many years in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. Zanthoxylum plants have been used to treat infections caused by parasites (malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and other parasitic diseases), as well as sickle cell disease, tumors, and bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. However, there is very little scientific research on the ethnomedical claims around Z. humile. The present study aims to explore the phytoconstituents of the hydroethanolic bark extract, screen for antioxidant activity, and determine the plant’s safety. Methods: Zanthoxylum humile bark was subjected to maceration using hydroethanolic solvent to obtain an extract. Phytochemical screening was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify bioactive compounds. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in accordance with the OECD 425 guideline to determine the safety profile of the extract. Results: GC–MS analysis revealed multiple bioactive phytochemicals, including 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, resorcinol, and copaene, supporting the therapeutic relevance of Zanthoxylum humile. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 8.59 µg/ml in the DPPH antioxidant assay. The OECD 425 acute toxicity study demonstrated an LD₅₀ greater than 2500 mg/kgBW with no mortalities or observable clinical signs of toxicity, indicating a favourable safety profile. Conclusion: Zanthoxylum humile bark extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and a good safety profile, indicating its potential as a source of therapeutic agents.