Micrographic Profiling and Phytochemical Analysis of Some Plants Consumed by Okapia johnstoni (Giraffidae: Mammalia) in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and micrographic characteristics of the plants consumed by Okapia johnstoni. The results indicate that each plant species has characteristic microscopic elements for its identification. These plants are rich in phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, terpenoids and iridoids. Alchornea cordifolia is richer in total polyphenols (198.53±3.39 mg GAE/g DM) followed respectively by Musanga cercopioides (91.87±6.71 mg GAE/g DM), Macaranga spinosa (59.65±6.54 mg GAE/g DM), Ficus vallischoudae (46.37±2.43 mg GAE/g DM), Cola acuminata (38.83±4.04 mg GAE/g DM), Pycnanthus angolensis (31.96±3.45 mg GAE/g DM), Alstonia boonei (31.55±1.60 mg GAE/g DM) and Trilepisium madagascariensis (25.18±0.99 mg GAE/g DM). As for flavonoids, the highest content is obtained in T. madagascariensis followed respectively by A. boonei, Pycnanthus angolensis, Cola acuminata, M. spinosa, F. vallis-choudae, M. cercopioides and A. cordifolia. The difference in the content of secondary metabolites is justified by the fact that their expression in the plant is a function of both abiotic and biotic factors and the specificity of each plant species linked to its genetic make-up. The characterization of these chemical compounds is necessary for the formulation of herbal medicines for the management of Okapi ex situ or for human health. Also, the microscopic profiles of the leaves powder of the studied plant species provide relevant information, which may be helpful for the plant authentication and for quality control of raw material.

A mini-review on ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and toxicological study of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum & Thonn) Muell. Arg

“…[24][25][26] In addition to being counted among the most widely used medicinal plants in Africa for human health, this plant is also found to be one of the most prized by the iconic Okapia Johnstoni, an endemic species of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 28 The Okapi's choice of this plant is not trivial, but is thought to be motivated by the need for self-care. 27,28 Literature shows that A. cordifolia is rich in secondary metabolites such as Stigmasterol, stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one, friedelin, methylgallate, L-chicoric acid, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids and triterpen glycoside, 18,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] which confer anthelmintic properties to many plants.…”

“…28 The Okapi's choice of this plant is not trivial, but is thought to be motivated by the need for self-care. 27,28 Literature shows that A. cordifolia is rich in secondary metabolites such as Stigmasterol, stigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one, friedelin, methylgallate, L-chicoric acid, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids and triterpen glycoside, 18,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] which confer anthelmintic properties to many plants. 36 The aim of this review is to collect data on A. cordifolia, a plant species which is part of the Okapi diet in the wild which will help to guide future researchers on the investigation into the structure and reactivity of biologically secondary metabolites for controlling gastrointestinal helminths of Okapi in order to ensure its survival in captivity.…”