Exploration of the Anti-inflammatory and Antifungal Potential of Bark Extracts from Annona senegalensis and Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Two Plant Species Traditionally Used in Burkina Faso to Treat Skin Infections

Abstract

Skin disorders are a public health concern and are often associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial infection. In Burkina Faso, Annona senegalensis and Pseudocedrela kotschyi are used traditionally for skin-related conditions. This study evaluated the phytochemical content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and acute toxicity profiles of bark extracts from these two species. Trunk bark powders were extracted by methanolic maceration, hydromethanolic maceration, and aqueous decoction. Total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium trichloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation, and antifungal activity was tested against Candida albicans. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in NMRI mice at 2000 mg/kg body weight. Methanolic extracts yielded the highest total phenolic contents, with 528.56 ± 4.95 mg GAE/100 g for P. kotschyi and 384.57 ± 4.04 mg GAE/100 g for A. senegalensis. The strongest DPPH activity was obtained with methanolic A. senegalensis (IC50 = 0.15 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and methanolic P. kotschyi (IC50 = 0.41 ± 0.06 µg/mL). The best anti-inflammatory responses were recorded for aqueous P. kotschyi and hydromethanolic A. senegalensis, with BSA denaturation inhibition of 77 ± 0.63% and 71 ± 0.12%, respectively. Methanolic extracts of P. kotschyi and A. senegalensis inhibited C. albicans, with MICs of 100 and 250 µg/mL, respectively. No mortality or apparent toxicity was observed at 2000 mg/kg. These findings support the traditional use of these species and indicate that their bark extracts contain bioactive constituents that warrant further investigation.