Revealing the phytochemical diversity of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst.: A comparative study of aqueous and ethanolic leaf and stem bark extracts
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst is a medicinal species widely used in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Niger, for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes. The objective of this study is to compare the phytochemical profile and phenolic compound content of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the leaves and bark of this plant. The extracts were obtained by reflux extraction in water and 95% ethanol, then subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and spectrophotometric quantification of total polyphenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids. Extraction yields ranged from 10.4% to 29.72%, with the aqueous leaf extracts (27%) and ethanolic bark extracts (29.72%) showing the highest yields. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechin tannins in all extracts. Alkaloids and saponosides were also detected in some extracts, while sterols, polyterpenes, and gallic tannins were absent. Total polyphenol contents ranged from 58.22 ± 2.98 to 131.27 ± 1.49 mg GAE/g of dry extract (DE), and flavonoid contents ranged from 5.24 ± 0.59 to 77.41 ± 1.67 mg QE/g of dry extract, while total tannins reached their maximum value in the ethanolic bark extract (22.96 ± 2.66 g/L). The aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the leaves and bark of S. birrea are therefore an important source of bioactive secondary metabolites that contribute to the potential therapeutic properties traditionally attributed to this plant. These results provide a scientific basis for future research on the isolation of active compounds and the evaluation of their biological activities.
Institution: Université Abdou Moumouni
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7203820643