An ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of the African medicinal plant Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel

• DOI: 10.5897/jmpr.9000065
• Publication Date: 2011-05-04
• Authors: Aimé Ainin Somboro; K. C. Patel; Drissa Diallo; Lassine Sidibé; Jean Claude Chalchat; Gilles Figuérédo; Sylvie Ducki; Yves Troin; Pierre Chalard
• Keywords: Phytochemical; Ethnobotany; Khaya; Anthraquinones; Mucilage

The Sudano-Sahelian species Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel. is a small shrub found mainly in West Africa. It well known the Sahel, where it grows gregariously, forming abundant single-species colonies on fallow clay or sandy soils. Its widespread use traditional medicine prompted us to conduct an ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of this plant. chemical analysis tests we carried out confirmed results earlier work. main classes secondary metabolites, namely anthraquinones, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, mucilages, flavonoids, tannins, cardiotonic cyanogenic heterosides were assayed different organs plant: leaves, fruits, root stem bark. New uses parts of G. senegalensis by medical practitioners recorded especially decoctions leaves relieve abdominal pain migraines. further investigation potentially active constituents senegalensis should provide new potential medicines for phytotherapeutic arsenal.

Key words: Guiera senegalensis, ethnobotanical study, characterisation, assay.