Phytochemical Analysis and Antiradical Activity of Fruit Extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. and Thonn.)Taub., a Medicinal Plant Used in the North of Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with multiple virtues, used in traditional medicine to treat various pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antiradical activity of aqueous and 70% hydroethanolic extracts of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera, used in northern Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology: Phytochemical sorting of the extracts was carried out using the tube staining and precipitation technique, while the phenolic compound content was determined by UV spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was then determined using the 2,2-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulphonic acid (ABTS) reduction method, with Trolox as the reference molecule.

Results: The main chemical groups revealed were alkaloids, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanins, saponins and tannins. Determination of the phenolic compounds in the extracts showed that the hydroethanol extract had the highest levels of total polyphenols (18.66 ± 0.00 mg EAG/g dry extract); total flavonoids (22.33 ± 0.00 mg EQ/g dry extract); total tannins (36633 ± 1.69 mg EAT/g dry extract). This extract also showed the best anti-free radical activity, with an antioxidant capacity of 1.38 ± 0.001 µmolTE/L compared with 1.19 ± 0.001 µmolTE/L for the aqueous extract.

Conclusion: The fruits of T. tetraptera could be a source of bioactive molecules that could be used in the treatment of various infectious and metabolic pathologies.