Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of a Phytoremedy Used in Traditional Medecine in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

This study was conducted on a phytoremedy used in traditional medicine for the treatment of childhood leukemia in Côte d’Ivoire. It provides a scientific basis for its phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity with the aim of enhancing its value. To achieve this, qualitative tests (mineral composition, detection tests, TLC), quantitative analyses (quantification of phenolic compounds), antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), and antibacterial assays (liquid dilution method) were performed. Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins), alkaloids, sterols and polyterpenes, saponins, proteins, and oligosaccharides. The mineral composition analysis showed 17 elements, four of which were present in significant concentrations: calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si). Quantification revealed notable and variable concentrations of phytoconstituents in the decoction (total phenolics: 347.150 ± 3.801 mg GAE/g DM; total flavonoids: 115.068 ± 7.527 mg QE/g DM; condensed tannins: 46.343 ± 4.644 mg CE/g DM; hydrolysable tannins: 138.806 ± 15.217 mg GAE/g DM and total coumarins: 49.094 ± 1.907 mg CE/g DM) compared to the macerate and infusion. Furthermore, the extracts demonstrated good antiradical activity in both DPPH and FRAP assays. The antibacterial activity also showed an effect of the extracts on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study could provide scientific support for the pharmacological activity attributed to this phytoremedy.