Phytochemical Screening and Assessment of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Antihelminthic Activities of Sarcocephalus latifolius Leaves

Abstract

The main objective of our study was to determine the cheminical composition and to assess the antioxidant, antibacterial and antihelminthic activities of the leaves extracts of S. latifolius. The antibacterial activity of S. latifolius leaves extracts was assessed using micro-dilution method. In end, the antioxidant capacity of different plant extracts has been evaluated by determining their ability to reduce iron (III) to iron (II) and DPPH radical. The results obtained revealed that the dry matter of the powder of the S. latifolius leaves is rich in fibers, crude proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Its water content was moderate (14.3 %); the leaves of S. latifolius are rich in mineral elements like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and iron (Fe); the plant has the main groups of secondary metabolites such as total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, bound and free quinones, steroids and tri-terpenes, while it is poor in anthocyanins, leucoanthocyans and saponins. The bacterial strains used were less sensitive to S. latifolius leaf extracts (MIC greater than or equal to 500 µg/mL). The extracts of this plant showed significant antioxidant and antihelmintic activity, with a strong correlation between the methods used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of DPPH and FRAP. Due to their interesting functional properties, this plant could be used in the formulation of a nutraceutical with strong antioxidant power to improve the antioxidant status of consumers, but also in the management of helminthiases.