Phytochemical characterization and of total polyphenols and flavonoids content of the aqueous extract of the seeds of Cucumeropsis edulis (Cucurbitaceae) from Gabon.

Abstract

Cucumeropsis edulis (Cucurbitaceae) is a plant cultivated in many countries of Central Africa. Its seeds are using in the diet of Gabonese population. The present study consists to analyse the phytochemical composition, quantify polyphenols and flavonoids content of the aqueous extract prepared by decoction of the powder of the dried seeds. A phytochemical screening performed on this aqueous extract showed only the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids and gallic tannins. An assay of total polyphenols and total flavonoids was also carried out. The results showed that the seeds are rich in polyphenols (257 ± 0,004 mg GEA/ 100g) and flavonoids (215 ± 0,02 mg QE/ 100g).