Phytochemical, nutritional and antioxidant activity study of Adansonia digitata L. leaves in Bénin

Abstract

For decades, traditional or complementary medicine has been an essential health care resource for the rural population through the use of plants such as Adansonia digitata. In this context, the work's objective was to study the phytochemical composition, nutritional content and antioxidant activity of Adansonia digitata leaves harvested in Benin, for better utilization. A. digitata powder was analyzed for its composition in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, using various standardized methods. Through the use of the Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl₃ techniques, respectively, phytochemical screening demonstrated the existence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), showing the ability of the extract to trap free radicals. The leaves of A. digitata have a rich nutritional composition, with high levels of crude protein and calcium. The phytochemical profile reveals the presence of antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, underlining the medicinal potential of the plant. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH method confirms the ability of the extract to trap free radicals, with an IC₅₀ of 146.67 μg/ml, although less effective than ascorbic acid and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Adansonia digitata leaves present a rich nutritional and phytochemical composition, with high levels of protein, calcium, and antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and tannins. These results underline the plant's potential for nutritional and medicinal applications, reinforcing its importance in traditional medicine.