Phytochemical Screening and Polyphenolic Contents of Dialium dinklagei and Diospyros monbuttensis, Two Ivorian Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Malaria

Introduction: Malaria is a deadly parasitic infection in its severe form. It is caused by an endoparasite protozoan transmitted by a mosquito vector. Despite considerable efforts to eradicate it, this endemic disease remains a public health problem because of its high frequency, severity and the consequences it generates. Furthermore, the existing treatments are increasingly ineffective; it is therefore urgent to find new anti-malarial drugs.

Objective: From the phytochemical screening and the determination of the polyphenolic content of Dialium dinklagei and Diospyros monbuttensis used in traditional medicine in Côte d'Ivoire to treat malaria, we identified families of chemical compounds that can guide us towards pharmacological studies. These studies allow us to identify new molecules which could be a possible alternative antimalarial reference used today because of their effectiveness in treating malaria.

Materials and Methods: From Dialium dinklagei and Diospyros monbuttensis, we obtained extracts decoction and hexane extracts, methanolic and aqueous extraction after three solvents of increasing polarity (n-hexane, methanol, water), respectively. The crude extracts obtained were tested for chemical identification of groups that may be the basis of the expected therapeutic effects. Moreover, the decoction and methanol extracts were used to determine the polyphenolic compounds.

Results: The results vary from one plant species to another and from one sample to another. Abundant presence of alkaloids in all samples and an absence of steroids in other extract except decoction extract of Diospyoros monbuttensis were observed. Therefore, the other chemical groups are present in all plants in varying proportions but depending on the mode of extraction. A higher content of phenols and tannins in Dialium dinklagei over Diospyros monbuttensis was observed. However, the content of flavonoids of Dialium dinklagei is relatively lower compared to that observed in Diospyros monbuttensis.

Conclusion: The overall results of the phytochemical screening and polyphenolic content would partly explain the traditional healers’ infatuation to these plants as antimalarials.