Phytochemical Profiling, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis, and In Vivo Activity of Terminalia mantaly in Rats.

Synthetic drugs for inflammation, pain, and fever are effective but often cause adverse effects, increasing interest in plant-derived therapeutic alternatives. Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier, traditionally used in African medicine, has limited scientific validation. This study presents an integrated experimental protocol combining phytochemical screening, quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) characterization, and in vivo pharmacological testing to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the methanolic extract of T. mantaly. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of multiple bioactive classes, and GC-MS analysis identified twenty constituents, including fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and other bioactive compounds with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In vivo pharmacological evaluation in rats demonstrated dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, significant prolongation of the pain-withdrawal latency in the tail immersion assay, and a reduction in yeast-induced pyrexia. At higher doses, the extract showed effects comparable to standard drugs such as diclofenac and paracetamol. Acute toxicity and cytotoxicity assessments indicated a favorable safety profile within the tested dose range. Together, these findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of T. mantaly and demonstrate a reproducible experimental framework for linking phytochemical composition with pharmacological activity. The protocol provides a practical methodological reference for researchers investigating medicinal plants and supports the development of plant-derived agents for the management of inflammatory and febrile conditions.