Work

A study on the anti-Shigella activity of extracts and constituents from the root bark of Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae), a plant traditionally used to treat dysentery in Niger

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Detarium microcarpum is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat various digestive disorders in Niger including dysentery. This study reports the chemical constituents of the root bark of D. microcarpum and evaluate their anti-Shigella activity. The methanol crude extract obtained from the root of the plant was subjectted to a liquid-liquid fractionation using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Anti-Shigella activity was assessed against four (04) strains of Shigella by the microdilution method using Muller-Hinton broth as medium. The fractions were submitted to the anti-Shigella activity and the most active fraction was used for the isolation. The ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to a column chromatography. Isolated compounds were identified by mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and comparison with literature data. Some of the isolated compounds were tested for the anti-Shigella activity. The methanol extract showed activity against Shigella boydii with MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of 500 μg/mL and Shigella flexneri (MIC = 1000 μg/mL). Among the fractions obtained, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the best anti-Shigella activity with MIC of 250 μg/mL against Shigella boydii and 500 μg/mL against Shigella flexneri. 11 known (described) compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction, belonging to several classes of secondary metabolites including two steroids (1-2), six triterpenes (3-8) and three coumarins (9-11). Among the tested compounds, 6-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-methylcoumarin (10) shows the best activity against Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei with MIC at 62.5 and 500 µg/mL respectively. The anti-Shigella activity of compounds 9, 10 and 11 are described here for the first time. This anti-Shigella activity indicate a promising basis for the use of D. microcarpum and some of its active compounds in the traditional treatment of digestive disorders. The present study contributes to demonstrate the importance of African medicinal plants as an important source of biomolecules.

Source: Scientific African

DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03067

Authors: Hama Hamadou Habibou, Amadou Oumarou Fati, Mahamane Idi Issa Abdoulahi, Sani Souna Sido Abdelkarim, Ikhiri Khalid

Institution: Université Abdou Moumouni

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $590