Bioactive Molecules Isolated from Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn, Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb, Momordica charantia Linn and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich Used in the Diabeto-Dolvo® Recipe in Togo: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: For millennia, humans have relied on nature to meet their basic needs. The use of plants for therapeutic purposes dates back to prehistoric times, and this custom has been passed down from generation to generation. Thus, in Togo, a recipe commonly called Diabeto-Dolvo®, composed of four medicinal plants with hypoglycemic properties, is traditionally used to treat diabetes. These four plants used in the recipe are Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn, Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb, Momordica charantia Linn, and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. The primary objective of this review is to verify the scientific scope of the empirical uses made by the population of these plants, to understand the isolated bioactive molecules and their biological activities to encourage their safe use. Method: Data on these plants were obtained from published literature through a systematic review. Results: It appears that the majority of bioactive molecules isolated from these plant extracts belong to the families of triterpenoids, diterpenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, tannins, alkaloids, Lignans and alkaloids. Most of these molecules have been shown to possess antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. Conclusion: This review indicates that the biological activity of these isolated bioactive compounds could validate the traditional use of these plants by the population. These results would, in part, constitute an essential tool for the scientific validation of this traditional recipe used in Togo.