Quantification of the Antiradical Potential and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of the Stem and Root Barks of Cassia sieberiana: A Plant Used in Traditional Medicine

Abstract

Aims: The general objective of this study was to justify or invalidate the use of C. sieberiana stems and roots as natural antibiotics and antioxidants capable of treating traditional pathologies. Methodology: Specifically, extractions were first carried out with water, ethanol and the binary water/ethanol mixture from stem and root bark powders. The various extracts obtained were then used to assess antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry and antibacterial activity by the solid-state diffusion and liquid-state dilution methods. Results: The yields of the different extractions gave values ranging from 17.02±0.79 to 27.05±0.40 %. Antioxidant activity shows that the stems and roots of C. sieberiana contain a notable antioxidant profile. However, the antioxidant activity of the stems can be considered slightly better than that of the roots. The antibacterial activity assessed showed that C. sieberiana stem and root extracts were active against the Staphylococcus aureus strains tested. The stem extracts were absolutely bactericidal, while the root extracts were bacteriostatic. However, stem extracts were more effective than root extracts. Conclusion: We can conclude that both organs of C. sieberiana, but more strongly the stems, could be used to treat bacterial infections and diseases linked to oxidative stress.