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

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.