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Inflammation, pain, and fever are interconnected pathological processes that underlie a wide range of acute and chronic diseases. Although synthetic drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, and paracetamol remain the mainstay of therapy, their long-term use is often associated with gastrointestinal irritation, renal complications, hepatotoxicity, and other adverse effects1. These limitations have prompted an increasing interest in medicinal plants as safer, more sustainable alternatives for managing inflammatory and febrile conditions. Natural products are well recognized for their rich diversity of bioactive molecules, many of which serve as leads for modern drug development. Within this context, T. mantaly, a member of the family Combretaceae, has drawn attention due to its ethnomedicinal use in African traditional systems for treating infections, gastrointestinal ailments, and inflammatory disorders2,3. Despite its traditional relevance, systematic pharmacological studies validating its therapeutic potential remain limited. In particular, there is a scarcity of comprehensive investigations that integrate phytochemical screening, in vivo biological evaluations, and advanced chemical profiling methods, such as GC–MS. Addressing this gap is crucial for scientifically substantiating its folkloric applications and identifying potential lead compounds for pharmaceutical use4. In the present study, the methanolic extract of T. mantaly was subjected to detailed phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation. Preliminary analysis confirmed the presence of key metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, all of which are known to contribute to anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects5. Quantitative assays further revealed that the extract contained substantial levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with values comparable to reference standards, suggesting a strong antioxidant potential.
Animal models were used because the pharmacological responses evaluated involve integrated inflammatory, neural, and thermoregulatory pathways that cannot be reproduced in vitro. The in vivo assays provided clear pharmacological evidence of bioactivity. The anti-inflammatory (paw edema induced by carrageenan), analgesic (tail immersion), and antipyretic (pyrexia induced by yeast) properties were tested in rats, demonstrating dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity similar to that of diclofenac sodium at higher doses. Similarly, the extract enhanced tail-immersion latencies in rats, confirming its analgesic efficacy, while yeast-induced pyrexia models showed marked antipyretic effects, closely matching those of paracetamol6. Chemical profiling through GC–MS analysis provided deeper insights into its bioactive composition. A total of 20 compounds were identified, including 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one, linoleic acid, γ-sitosterol, squalene, and vitamin E. These compounds are well documented for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, supporting the pharmacological outcomes observed7,8. Importantly, toxicity assessments revealed negligible cytotoxic effects, underscoring its safety at the tested doses. Taken together, this study addresses a critical gap by providing both phytochemical and pharmacological evidence for the medicinal value of T. mantaly. The findings not only substantiate its traditional applications but also highlight its potential as a natural source of lead compounds for developing novel therapies against inflammation and related disorders. The experimental models used in this study primarily reflect acute inflammatory and nociceptive responses and therefore provide preliminary pharmacological evidence rather than a direct indication of chronic therapeutic efficacy.