Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology 2345-5004 14 3 2025 07 01 Phytochemical analysis, oral toxicity, and in vivo antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of aqueous leaf extract of Prunus africana 385 395 10.34172/jhp.2025.53046 EN Careen Ihazano Chumba https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4511-7985 Kefa Kipngetich Bunei https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7193-2794 Daniel Gathuka Kingori https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7347-4518 Mathew Piero Ngugi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0226-9092 Eliud Nyaga Mwaniki Njagi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7934-1785 Journal Article 10.34172/jhp.2025.53046 2025 04 01 2025 06 04 Introduction: Prunus africana is traditionally used in Kakamega against pain, fever, and inflammation. This research aimed to identify the phytochemicals, the antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects, and oral toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of P. africana. Methods: The plant extract was screened for phytochemicals and minerals. The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were assessed using formalin-induced edema and pain models using Swiss-albino mice, while the antipyretic effect was evaluated through a turpentine-induced fever model using Wistar rats. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed by administering the extract orally to Wistar rats at doses of 150, 260, and 450 mg/kg for 28 days. The animals’ weekly weight and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: The extract reduced rectal temperature, edema, as well as pain in the initial and late phases (P < 0.05). The leaves contained carnosic acid, flavonoids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and thirteen minerals. Serum biochemistry indicated liver injury at doses of 260 and 450 mg/kg with alterations in total protein, globulin, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and phosphorus levels compared to the normal control (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The extract of P. africana exhibits antipyretic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects; however, it can also cause liver damage. These findings establish a basis for additional investigation of P. africana for therapeutic use.