Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Cytotoxicity Properties of Five Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Burkina Faso: A Review

Abstract

Background: Inflammation, this physiological process, is a natural defense mechanism that plays an essential role in tissue repair. However, if not properly regulated, inflammation can contribute to the development of chronic conditions, including cancer. Inflammatory diseases represent a major public health concern due to their significant impact on patients’ quality of life. In sub-Saharan Africa, limited access to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments, combined with the rise in inflammatory diseases, reinforces the use of medicinal plants. In Burkina Faso, traditional healers use several mixtures of medicinal plants to formulate recipes used in the management of certain pathologies. This review focuses on five plants, Guiera senegalensis, Acacia nilotica, Faidherbia albida, Zanthosxylum zanthoxyloides and Zingiber officinale belonging to different botanical families and traditionally used in Burkina Faso to treat inflammatory conditions. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the available scientific data and the ethnopharmacological use of these plant species. Methods: Bibliographic research was carried out using PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases. Results: Phytochemical studies performed on these plants revealed the presence of various groups of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which could explain their listed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. Conclusion: These results suggest an interesting therapeutic potential for these plants studied. It could be an accessible and culturally accepted alternative for the prevention and management of inflammatory diseases and conditions related to oxidative stress.