Chemical Profile and Protein Stabilizing Potential of Tamarindus indica (Fabaceae) from Kindia, Guinea

Abstract

Aims: Pain caused by inflammation is a real public health problem. This work aims to contribute to the valorization of Guinean flora by studying the phytochemistry and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Tamarindus indica crude extracts. Study Design: The work falls within the field of the application of organic chemistry to explore sustainable solutions to the basic health of the population in the Republic of Guinea Place and Duration of Study: Organic chemistry laboratory, Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kindia, December 2024 to March 2025 Methodology: Phytochemical screening is carried out using the classical method based on staining and precipitation reactions. Total phenols and flavonoids were determined by the colorimetric method using gallic acid and quercetin respectively as standards. Anti-inflammatory efficacy was determined in vitro using the UV-Visible spectrophometric method, measuring the concentration of the extract that inhibits the denaturation of bovine serum albumin. Results: Extraction yields were 12.12% for the aqueous fruit extract and 7.16% for the hydroethanol extract of T. indica leaves. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, leuco-anthocyanins, reducing compounds, cardiotonic heterosides and coumarins in both prepared extracts. In addition to these secondary metabolites, the hydroethanol extract of T. indica leaves contains anthocyanins, mucilages, steroids and saponosides. Determination of major compounds showed that the total phenolic compound content of the hydroethanol leaf extract was 134.40 ± 5.22 µg/mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE), while that of the aqueous T. indica fruit extract was 11.80 ± 0.75 µg/mg GAE. The total flavonoid content of the hydroethanolic leaf extract is very high (57.55 ± 2.00 µg eqQ/mg), compared with the aqueous extract of T. indica fruits, which is 1.73 ± 0.77 EAG. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, the IC50 inhibitory concentration of aspirin was 456.14±4.71µg/ml, lower than that of the aqueous fruit extract (873.95±2.63µg/ml) and the hydroethanol leaf extract (664.14±8.35µg/ml). Conclusion: This study confirms the use of Tamarindus indica leaves and fruit in the treatment of pain