Phytochemistry, antioxidant activity and acute toxicity of medicinal plants used against the sequelae of stroke in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The sequelae after a stroke are significant and there are many patients with motor disabilities. The purpose of this study is to define the phytochemical profile of the five plants most used to treat the sequelae of stroke in Côte d'Ivoire, to assess their antioxidant capacity and their toxicity. After the phytochemical screening, the content of phenols and flavonoids were quantified by the colorimetric method of Folin-Ciocalteu. The quantitative evaluation of the antioxidant potential of the extracts was carried out in vitro by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) test. The tests revealed the presence of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids in all the aqueous extracts. These metabolites are important in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The highest levels of polyphenols are found in aqueous extracts of stem bark of Ficus mucuso (83425.29 μg EAG/g DM) and leafy twigs of Zizyphus mauritiana (74,517.24 μg EAG/g DM). The highest content of flavonoids was observed in the aqueous extract of leafy twigs of Ziziphus mauritiana (20.28%). Significant antioxidant capacities were observed in the aqueous extracts of the stem bark/leaf mixture of Tamarindus indica (IC50 = 0.1269 mg/ml) and in the extract of the stem bark of Ficus mucuso (0.1335 mg/ml). Acute toxicity tests show that the aqueous extract of the stem bark of Ficus mucuso, taken orally, at 5000 mg/kg bw, is slightly toxic in mice.