Influence of Particle Size on the Phytochemical Profile of Manihot Esculenta Leaf Extracts: An LC-MS-Based Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Extraction is a key step in the study of organic compounds derived from plants. Over time, numerous methods and techniques have been developed to obtain extracts concentrated in bioactive compounds. Aims: This study aims to identify and characterize, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the phytocompounds present in ethanol extracts obtained from the crushed and sieved leaves of Manihot esculenta, with a view to comparing the chemical composition of these two forms of preparation. Study Design: The research adopts an experimental, analytical, and comparative design aimed at identifying and comparing the phytochemicals present in the ethanol extracts of the crushed and sieved leaves of Manihot esculenta by LC-MS. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Bio-Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances, Nangui ABROGOUA University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, between January 2025 and July 2025. Methodology: After drying, the plant material was ground to obtain a powder known as Broyat. This was then sieved using a 1 mm mesh to produce Tamisat. The ethanol extracts were prepared by Soxhlet extraction, using a liquid-liquid contact process. Phytochemical screening was performed using identification tests based on color reactions in test tubes. Finally, the study was completed by LC-MS analysis performed in positive mode. Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, and sterols/terpenes in both matrices, confirming the chemical richness of the species. LC-MS analysis then revealed six bioactive compounds in the Broyat, including scopoletin, scopolin, rutin, nicotiflorin, caffeic acid, and gallic acid, while the Tamisat had a more limited composition, notably lacking hydroxycoumarins such as scopoletin and scopolin. Conclusion: Sieving (“Tamisat”) resulted in a loss of specific classes of compounds compared to the ground powder (“Broyat”). These results highlight the influence of preparation methods on the metabolic profile obtained. Functionally, the compounds identified are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, thus giving M. esculenta leaves potential interest for biomedical and nutritional applications.