Influence of Particle Size on the Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Powder of Trunk Bark Parkia biglobosa (JACQ) (Fabaceae-Mimosadeae)

Aims: The present study aim was to evaluate influence of particle size on the phytochemical, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of powder of trunk bark Parkia biglobosa.

Study Design: This is an experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: The study was realized in the Phytomedicine and Medicine Research-Development (LR-D/PM) laboratories of the Health Sciences Research Institute (IRSS) of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.

Methodology: The powder was sieved and classified into four particle sizes: coarse, moderately fine, fine, and very fine. An aqueous decoction was then made from these powders. The extraction yields, qualitative phytochemical composition, and the estimation of polyphenol compound content were determined. The antioxidant effect of the extracts was obtained using four antioxidant models: ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and LPO. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated against the soybean 15-lipoxygenase.

Results: Decreasing the particle size from coarse to very fine resulted in an approximately two-fold increase in extraction yield (from 12.19 to 29.05); an approximately two-fold increase in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities: ABTS (from 4.1 ± 0.1 to 1.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL); DPPH (from 7.3 ± 0.1 to 3.1 ± 0.3 µg/mL); FRAP (from 885.6 ± 84 to 6973 ± 21 mmol EAA/g), and LOX (from 34.09 ± 1.43 to 2.88 ± 0.65 µg/mL). Moreover, the modification of the particle size has also improved the LPO inhibitory activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The increased surface area in contact with the extraction solvent may explain the interesting effect of the very fine powder

Conclusion: The very fine powder offers more significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this powder can be suggested to develop a phytomedicine against inflammatory diseases