Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antiradical and antibacterial activities of stem and root barks of Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. (Rubiaceae): A plant traditionally used in northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Gardenia ternifolia is an Ivorian plant species used to treat tooth decay, hemorrhoidal crises, leprosy, skin diseases and rheumatism. The present study is based on phytochemical screening and evaluation of the antiradical and antibacterial activities of aqueous, hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts of G. ternifolia stem and root barks. Phytochemical screening of secondary metabolites was carried out using tube color reaction methods and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols (flavonoids, coumarins, tannins), saponins, steroids and terpenoids in G. ternifolia stem and root extracts. Phenolic acids were revealed only in stems, while alkaloids were absent in both organs studied. Anti-radical activities were highlighted in both organs by qualitative and quantitative methods with respect to the DPPH free radical. However, quantitative spectrophotometric analysis showed better antioxidant activity in stems than in roots. Antibacterial activity assessed against 05 bacterial strains using the solid-medium diffusion and liquid-medium dilution methods showed that only the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of G. ternifolia stems were absolutely bactericidal against the Staphylococcus aureus strains tested (S.a ATCC 29213, S.a 06 UB/22 and S.a 27 UB/22). The results obtained could give the stems the ability to treat infections caused by S. aureus bacteria.

Protective effects of leaf aqueous extracts from Gardenia ternifolia Schumach. on alcoholic liver disease in Wistar rats

“…Our results are close to those of Agbodjento et al (2018) who showed that GT leaves are full of tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids [ 18 ], and those of Yununa and Dahiru (2015) who detected saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids in GT leaf extract in Nigeria [ 15 ]. They also support findings from Ouattara et al (2023), who only found polyphenols and catechic tannins in the GT leaf aqueous extract [ 29 ]. Aside from regulating hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress, polyphenols in general also upregulate genes involved in bile acid synthesis, unsaturated fatty acid elongation, and tetrahydrofolate production, as well as iron metabolism in ALD [ 30 ].…”

“…Aside from regulating hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress, polyphenols in general also upregulate genes involved in bile acid synthesis, unsaturated fatty acid elongation, and tetrahydrofolate production, as well as iron metabolism in ALD [ 30 ]. A prior phytochemical investigation of the GT stems and roots in the Ivory Coast reported steroids, terpenoids, and diverse categories of polyphenols such as flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins; however, alkaloids were not found in these plant parts [ 29 ] ( Table 4 ). As a result, the content of the plant extract may differ depending on the plant part obtained, the location, and the time of collection.…”