Phytochemical Profiles of Albizia coriaria, Azadirachta indica, and Tylosema fassoglensis Used in the Management of Cancers in Elgon Sub-Region

Abstract

Background: Cancer is one of the serious health burdens in the 21st century with a steady rise in cases and deaths. The current interventions used in cancer management are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, which have not only proved effective but also marred with several shortcomings. Preliminary studies indicated that residents in the Elgon sub-region highly rely on Albizia coriaria, Azadirachta indica & Tylosema fassoglensis as alternative cancer therapies to meet their cancer healthcare. But data are scarce on their phytochemical profiles as a basis for scientific backup in this regard. Therefore, our study documented the phytochemistry of Albizia coriaria, Azadirachta indica & Tylosema fassoglensis. Materials & Methods: We adopted an experimental study design. The collected plant materials were cleaned, air dried, ground into a coarse powder, and extracted by serial extract of aqueous and ethanol. Ultraviolet spectrometry and gravimetry methods were used to determine the phytochemical profiles and data was analyzed with MedCalc version 20.008. The current study revealed that the three plant species exhibited varied phytochemical constituents. The highest mean concentrations were 10174, 748, 17751 & 8060 mg/100ml for polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids respectively. Flavonoids from root extracts of Tylosema fassoglensis and Albizia coriaria were insignificant (P= 0.1060 & P= 0.4983) respectively and the rest of the phytochemical compositions significantly (P < 0.0001) varied. Conclusions: The phytochemical profiles of plant species in the current study exhibited higher concentrations than the same species harvested in different parts of Uganda. Therefore, there is a need to carry out a study on the isolation & characterization of the phytochemical constituents; efficacy tests on anticancer activity against cancer cellline, and safety in animal models. Affiliation: 1Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala 2Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale 3Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale 4Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Muni University 5Faculty of Science, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale *Corresponding author: Ali Kudamba, Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala. Citation: Ali Kudamba, Muhammad Lubowa, Hussein M. Kafeero, Shaban A. Okurut, Hakim Nsubuga, Twaha Abiti, Abdul Walusansa, Joweria Kayendeke, Hasifah Nanyingi, Muhamad S. Mubajje, and Jamilu E. Ssenku. Phytochemical Profiles of Albizia coriaria, Azadirachta indica, and Tylosema fassoglensis Used in the Management of Cancers in Elgon Sub-Region. Fortune Journal of Health Sciences 5 (2022): 461-471. Received: July 17, 2022 Accepted: July 28,2022 Published: August 20, 2022