PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ASSESSMENT OF THE METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF KEETIA VENOSA (OLIV.) BRIDSON (RUBIACEAE)

This study evaluated the pharmacognostic and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol leaf extract of Keetia venosa (Rubiaceae). Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out using standard macroscopic, microscopic and chemo-microscopic techniques. Phytochemical screening and Thin-Layer Chromatography were performed using standard procedures, while acute toxicity was evaluated using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) up-and-down method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using egg albumin-induced paw oedema in albino rats at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, with ibuprofen (40 mg/kg) serving as the standard anti-inflammatory drug. Macroscopic analysis showed opposite leaf arrangement, pubescent surface, elliptic shape and acute apex and base. Microscopic studies revealed polygonal epidermal cells, paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes and prism-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenolics and saponins. No mortality or severe toxicity was observed at 5000 mg/kg. Although the extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of paw oedema the anti-inflammatory activity was not statistically significant compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The study provides useful pharmacognostic standards for the identification of Keetia venosa and establishes baseline information for future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.