Evaluation of the Phytoconstituents and Uses of Fagara Zanthoxyloides (Orin Atata) in Oro-Dental Diseases

Evaluation of the Phytoconstituents and Uses of Fagara Zanthoxyloides (Orin Atata) in Oro-Dental Diseases

Famoroti O. Ifedolapo, Ojo, Bamikole A^*, Ajibola A. Thomas

Ekiti State College of Heath Sciences and Technology Ijero

^*Corresponding author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.908000573

Received: 08 August 2025; Accepted: 16 August 2025; Published: 20 September 2025

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the bioactive constituent of Fagara zanthoxyloides (Orin atata) to authenticate and ascertain the various claims made by rural dwellers who rely on chewing sticks for their oral hygiene and protection against numerous diseases. A total of 50 respondents were given a standardized questionnaire to assess their usage of Fagara zanthoxyloides in the management of oral diseases. Also, the F. zanthoxyloides were purchased at King’s Markets in Ijero, Ekiti. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay of the aqueous extract was also carried out to identify the general bioactive compound and the flavonoid compounds in the plant using HPLC WITH UV and acetonitrile/water as carriers. The result indicates that the majority of the respondents (64%) were between the ages of 40 and 60. There was a significant association (p = 0.0218) between the respondents’ usage of Fagara zanthoxyloides and the desired outcome. Phytochemical screening of the plant shows the abundance of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and compounds. The HPLC assay reveals 18 identified compounds with high therapeutic potential. These compounds include chlorogenic acid, flavone, iso-flaxidin, collinin, furoquinoline, quercetin, and rutaceline. The identified compounds in this study have high dental therapeutic potential, which supports their frequent usage in the management of dental disease among people living in rural areas. Thus, the extract of this plant can be incorporated into toothpaste formulas for prevention and management of dental problems.

Keywords: Phytochemical, Fagara zanthoxyloides (orin atata), oral, high-performance liquid chromatography,

INTRODUCTION

Oral-dental diseases are silent fatal diseases that are affecting both the elite and mostly people in the rural communities (Theriault et al., 2023). This disease condition includes dental caries, periodontal disease, trauma, occlusal dysfunction, and abscess (Cohen et al., 2009; Sanders et al., 2023). And according to Faisal et al. (2014), the most common causes of this oral condition are tooth decay or fracture, abscessed tooth, or infected gums. In general observation, the cost of treatment and prevention of oral diseases is still affordable to the low-income earners. The use of plants and plant products in the management of diseases is as old as man himself. It is reported that about 80% of the world still relies on traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments, especially in rural areas in developing countries where there is no easy access to conventional medicine (Ojo et al., 2022b). Moreover, these plant materials are easily accessible and cheap, resulting in their frequent use in the developing countries where there is not easy access to modern health facilities or the ability to afford the cost of their services (Ojo et al. 2022a). According to Dakkaki et al. (2023), herbal extracts have been used in dentistry for reducing inflammation, for inhibiting the growth of oral pathogens, for preventing the release of histamine, and as antiseptics, antioxidants, and analgesics.

The choice of plant to use as chewing sticks in most cases depends on how effective it is in removing teeth debris, the therapeutic value, or preferred taste or flavor (Ogundiya et al., 2016). In certain parts of West Africa, e.g., Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, chewing sticks are used frequently during the day. These chewing sticks impact varying taste sensations, which could be a tingling, peppery taste, a bitter taste, or numbness (Ogundiya et al., 2016).

Chewing sticks have demonstrated varying levels of antimicrobial activity against oral microbial flora. This suggests that, in addition to providing mechanical stimulation to the gums, chewing sticks effectively eliminate microbes—an advantage not found in conventional toothpaste and brushing methods. This advantage of the chewing sticks over the conventional toothpaste and brush could explain why many Africans have strong teeth (Abdellatif, 2024). The extracts of certain chewing sticks have shown anti-plaque and antimicrobial properties against specific oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, Bacteroides gingivitis and oral anaerobes that are commonly associated with dental caries and orodental infections (Al-Otaibi et al., 2022).

According to Nwobodo et al. (2022), chewing sticks, therefore, can safeguard against dental problems, which is probably the reason why dental caries (decay) are not rampant in certain parts of Nigeria where the use of chewing sticks is frequent. Thus, the use of chewing sticks has been encouraged by the World Health Organization. In Nigeria, about 80-90% of the population in rural areas use chewing sticks, mainly because they are readily available, cheap, and efficacious (Odeleye et al., 2016; Okeigbemen, 2021). The cleansing efficacy of chewing sticks could be as a result of the mechanical effects of their fibers, the release of beneficial chemicals, or a combination of both (Al-Otaibi et al., 2022). African chewing sticks have also been reported to contain fluoride ions, silicon, tannic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and other natural plaque-inhibiting substances that can reduce bacterial colonization and plaque formation (Ezoddini-Ardakani, 2023). This unique composition not only enhances oral hygiene but also contributes to overall dental health. As a result, traditional practices using these natural tools may offer a sustainable alternative to commercial dental products, especially in regions where access to modern dental care is limited. The common chewing sticks in Southwest Nigeria include Fagara zanthoxyloides.

Despite government intervention at various levels to alleviate orodental problems, the fact still remains that the unequal distribution of oral health professionals and a lack of appropriate health facilities to meet population needs make access to primary oral health services a strong barrier (Arua et al., 2022). Therefore, this study is set to assess the phytoconstituent and benefit of F. zanthoxyloides (orin atata) used locally in oro-dental diseases among Ijero Ekiti dwellers.

METHODOLOGY

A Descriptive and experimental research design was employed. A well standardized questionnaire was administered to 50 respondents to assess the perspectives about Orin atata this was followed by laboratory evaluation of the plant for bioactive compounds. Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting 50 respondents among staff of College of Health Sciences and Technology Ijero. In this method, the population is first divided into subgroups (or strata) who all share a similar characteristic. It is used when we might reasonably expect the measurement of interest to vary between the different subgroups, and we want to ensure representation from all the subgroups (Helen, B. and  Saran, S. (2009 and 2018).

Collection of Plant Materials and Preparation of Extracts

Chewing sticks of Fagara zanthoxyloides were procured from the Central Market (Oja Oba), Ijero Ekiti, Nigeria, and taxonomically authenticated at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). The sticks were thoroughly washed under running tap water, cut into small pieces, and air-dried at ambient room temperature (25 °C) for three weeks. The dried samples were subsequently pulverized into fine powder and stored in airtight, dry containers until use.

For extraction, 25 g of the powdered material was macerated in 250 mL of 50% ethanol and sterile distilled water in screw-capped bottles. The mixture was left to stand for four days with intermittent agitation and then filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The resulting filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator and subsequently stored at 4 °C for further experimental use.

Phytochemical Screening of the Plant Extracts

Alkaloids

Alkaloid levels were analyzed using Dragendorffs test as described by Evans (2005). Two milliliters (2 mls) of the plant extract was warmed with 2% H₂SO4 for two minutes. It was filtered and a few drops of Dragendorff reagent (potassium bismuth iodide solution) were added to the filtrate. An orange or red precipitate indicated the presence of alkaloids.

Saponins

The method described by Obadoni and Ochuko (2001) was used. One milliliter (1 ml) of each plant extract was measured into test tubes and 5mls of distilled water was added and boiled. The presence of froths after standing for few minutes indicated the presence of saponins.

Tanins

Two milliliters (2 mls) of each plant extract was stirred into 10 mls of distilled water and filtered. A few drops of ferric chloride were then added to the filtrate. Presence of tannin was indicated by a blue-black, green or blue-green precipitate (Evan 2002).

Flavonoids

An aliquot of 500 µL of the extract was transferred to a test tube, 500 µL of acetic acid solution, 2 mL of pyridine solution, 1 ml of aluminium chloride solution and 6 ml of 80% methanol were also added. The samples remain at 28+2oC for 30 mins. Absorbance was measured at 420nm spectrophotometrically. The test was carried out in duplicates and the flavonoid content was expressed as milligrams of quercetin equivalents per gram of sample (mgQE/g) on dry weight basis using standard curve (Ojo et al., 2022a)

High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

HPLC assay of the plant extract was done at Location: Bato Chemical Laboratory, Lagos state using Method: HPLC WITH UV. 10.00g Sample was extracted with Acetonitrile, the extract stabilized with Ethyl Acetate, put in 25ml Standard flask, and made up to the mark. 5ul injected @ 2ml/min flow rate. Column is uBONDAPAK C18, Carrier: Acetonitrile/Water,

Statistical analysis

Data analysis was done using SPSS package version 2016 and were presented in percentage table. Test of significant was done using Chi Square at p<0.05

RESULTS

The demography data of the participants is presented in table 1. Fifty volunteers were recruited for the study of which 29(42%) were female and 21(42) were male. The most frequent age was 40-60years 32(64%). The result also shows that the level of utilization of alternative oral hygiene practice was high. 34(68%) of the volunteers indicated previous use of local remedy for the management of oral problems while 20% of them said they have not use nonconventional therapy in the management of oral problem.

Also, table 1 shows that 82% of the respondents know Fagara zanthoxyloides (Orin atata) while 78% of the respondent said they have used the chewing stick before.  The majorities 55% of the respondents that use F. zanthoxyloides use it only when they are having oral-dental diseases. On the frequency of usage of orin atata (F. zanthoxyloides), 23% said they use it once a while 20% said they use it every day.

The prevalence of oral diseases among the respondents shows that 19 (38%) of the respondents have bad breath, 14(28%) show the presence of gum disease, 4(8%) have caries, 3(6%0 have sensitivity to cold, 2(14%) show the presence of mouth sore and 1(2%) have hole in the teeth

The practices for the management of oral-dental disease condition among the respondent was majorly the combine use of toothbrush and F. zanthoxyloides (42%), followed by use of F. zanthoxyloides only. This was statistically significant p < 0.05 in relation to their knower on the medicinal potential of orin atata. There was no significant relationship (p >0.05) between the educational level of the respondents and the previous use chewing stick in the management of dental diseases (able 3). The result also shows that there is a significant relationship (p<0.05) between the oral hygiene practiced by the people and improvement observed (table 4).

Phytochemical screening of F. zanthoxyloides shows of Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Flavomoid with alkaloids and flavonoid having highest concentration. Also, the HPLS assay show an array of 17 bioactive compounds with highest abundant 39.2% of Quercetin, followed by Hesperiden (15.2%), Luvangetin 1 (14.3%), Flavone (11.3%) and Chlorogenic Acid (5.52%) (table 5).

Table 1: Demography Data and usage of local remedy in the management of oral-dental diseases among the respondents

Table 2: Relationship between knowledge of the medicinal potency of orin atata and its usage

 Table 3: Association between the level of education and the previous use of local remedy in the management of oral disease

 Table 4: Association between the usage of F. zanthoxyloides in the management of oral disease and outcome benefit

Figure : Chromatograph of HPLC assay of general Phytoconstituent of Fagara zanthoxyloides

Table 7:  Bioactive constituent identified in HPLC assay of Fagara zanthoxyloides

The phytochemical profile of the analyzed sample reveals a rich composition of bioactive compounds, with a notable abundance of flavonoids and phenolic constituents. Among the seventeen identified compounds, Quercetin is the most abundant, accounting for 39.23% of the total area. This high concentration is significant, as Quercetin is a well-documented antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Following Quercetin, Hesperiden (15.20%) and Luvangetin 1 (14.35%) are also present in substantial quantities. Hesperiden, a citrus flavonoid, is recognized for its role in vascular protection and immune modulation, while Luvangetin 1 is associated with antimicrobial and anti-tumor activities.

Flavone (11.32%) and Chlorogenic Acid (5.52%) further contribute to the phytochemical richness. Flavone compounds have been studied for their potential to modulate cellular signaling pathways and combat oxidative stress. Chlorogenic Acid, often found in coffee and various plants, is linked to blood sugar regulation and lipid metabolism. Other minor constituents, such as Iso-flaxidin (3.74%), Skimmianine (3.30%), and Collinin (1.85%), although present in smaller proportions, may still exert synergistic effects that enhance the overall therapeutic potential of the plant.

The presence of diverse alkaloids like Fagaronine, Canthin-6-one, and Nitidine, even in trace amounts, underscores the complexity of the chemical makeup. These compounds have reported pharmacological properties ranging from antimicrobial to anticancer activities. Overall, the data suggests that the plant extract is not only chemically diverse but also pharmacologically promising, with a strong concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acids that support its use in traditional and modern medicine

DISCUSSION

The cases of gum disease are high among the respondents in the present study, accounting for 28%. This conclusion is supported by the World Health Organisation statistics, which reviewed that periodontal diseases are estimated to affect about 14% of the world’s adult population, which represents more than one billion cases worldwide (Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network, 2019).

The frequent use of F. zanthoxyloides in combination with a toothbrush among the respondents shows that F. zanthoxyloides provides a satisfactory therapeutic effect in the management of their oral disease conditions. This result agrees with Lara et al. (2010), who observed that people preferred F. zanthoxyloides to other chewing sticks because of the warm, pungent and benumbing effect on the palate when chewed. This aromatic warm taste with attendant profuse salivation is believed to be beneficial to the elderly and those with sore gums and other oral disease conditions.

The non-significant relationship (p > 0.05) between the educational level of the respondents and the previous use of chewing sticks in the management of dental diseases could indicate the general acceptance of the Orin atata by people across all social statuses. According to WHO, over 78% of the world depends on plants and plant products in the management of different kinds of illnesses (Ojo et al., 2022a).

The significant relationship (p<0.05) between the oral hygiene practiced by the people and improvement observed is supported by the presence of numerous bioactive compounds as identified in the phytochemical screening. These includes saponins, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoid this agree with Ojo et al., (2022) and Shittu et al., (2019) who stated that medicinal plants contain the bioactive constituents which are effective in management of many diseases including oro-dental diseases.

The claimed that F. zanthoxyloides possess medicinal potential by the respondent is supported by the presence of bioactive constituents which has been reported in literatures. The phytochemical constituents identified in the analyzed F. zanthoxyloides exhibit significant potential for application in dental and oral healthcare. Among the seventeen identified compounds, Quercetin is the most abundant, accounting for 39.23% of the total area. This high concentration is significant, as Quercetin is a well-documented antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and anti-carcinogenic properties (Aghababaei et al., 2023, Vollmannová et al., 2024). Which are highly relevant in managing periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis by helping to reduce gum inflammation, neutralizes oxidative stress in oral tissues, and inhibits the growth of key oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, which is primarily responsible for dental caries (Laky et al., 2024). Additionally, Quercetin has been shown to promote wound healing, making it beneficial in post-surgical dental care and the treatment of oral ulcers (Hashim et al., 2025).

Hesperiden (15.20%) and Luvangetin 1 (14.35%) are also present in substantial quantities. Hesperiden, this citrus flavonoid, is recognized for its role in vascular protection, reducing bleeding in the gums and improving capillary strength and immune modulation, while Luvangetin 1 is associated with antimicrobial (Odeleye et al., 2016) and anti-tumor activities.  Flavone (11.32%) and Chlorogenic Acid (5.52%) further contribute to the phytochemical richness F. zanthoxyloides. Flavone compounds have been studied for their potential to modulate cellular signaling pathways and combat oxidative stress (Jomova et al., 2025). According to Sankari et al. (2014) Flavone has Antiosteoporotic effects (mineral density of bone), Anti-inflammatory, Anti-thrombogenic, antioxidants, Antibacteria Controlled dental caries and Repair of dental sockets

Chlorogenic acid possess antioxidant activity, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-hypertension, free radicals scavenger and a central nervous system (CNS) stimulator (Naveed et al., 2018). Other minor constituents, such as Iso-flaxidin (3.74%), Skimmianine (3.30%), and Collinin (1.85%), although present in smaller proportions, may still exert synergistic effects that enhance the overall therapeutic potential of the plant.

The high frequency of use of chewing sticks (F. zanthoxyloides) and the presence of bioactive constituents as observed in this present study have revealed significant reasons for F. zanthoxyloides usage. These compounds show promise, although dosage formulation and stability and bioavailability in the oral cavity need to be studied further for clinical application. Additionally, understanding the mechanisms through which these bioactive constituents exert their effects will be crucial in optimising their therapeutic potential. Future research should also explore the long-term implications of regular use and assess any potential interactions with other oral health products.

Conflict of Interest

There was no any conflict of interest whatsoever, and every sited phrase and reference has been dully acknowledged.

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