Phytochemical, pharmaco-biological and cytotoxic profile of the leaves of Uvariodendron molundense (Annonaceae)

Abstract

The aim of present study was to investigate and evaluate the phytochemical of the anti-sickle cell, anti-inflammatory, anti-free radical and cytotoxic activities of the leaves of Uvariodendron molundense, a Non-timber forest product (NTFP). The study found that the leaf powder of this NTFP contains the characteristic histological elements such as parenchyma fragments, calcium oxalate crystals, fibres, ringed vessels, starch grains and punctate vessel fragments. It also contains tannins, saponosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, iridoids, anthocyanins, anthrones, anthraquinones and terpenes. The content of total polyphenols is 442 ±1.1 mg GAE/g extract and that of total flavonoids is 7.0 ± 0.18 mg QE/g extract. The antiradical activity of the percolate is higher than that of the decoctate and U. molundense leaves are not cytotoxic (%Hemolysis <50 to 1000 µg/mL). These leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that are low for the decoction (%I=35.8 ± 4.9) and medium for the percolate (%I=50 ±3.3). Both the decoctate and the percolate of U. molundense leaves have in vitro antisickling properties. It is therefore desirable that further phytochemical studies be carried out on the leaves of U. molundense to identify the active molecules.

Keywords: Uvariodendron molundense, Non-timber forest product, medicinal product, sickle cell disease, traditional medicine