Phytochemical composition, total polyphenols and total flavonoids content of the aqueous extract of Raphia hookeri mesocarp from Mebole village (Gabon)

Abstract

The Raphia hookeri is a palm tree that grows naturally in marshy and wooded areas and thus the origin extends from Central Africa to West Africa. Cooked Mesocarp of the Raphia hookeri is exploiting in the diet of Gabonese populations. The present study aims to determine the phytochemical composition, quantify the total polyphenols and total flavonoids content of the aqueous extract made by decoction of the dried pulp powder. A phytochemical screening achieved on this aqueous extract simply revealed the presence of polyphenols, catechic tannins, leucoanthocyans, saponins, triterpenes, reducing compounds, coumarins, free anthracenes, and alkaloids. An assay of total polyphenols and total flavonoids was too achieved and the results indicated that mesocarps of fruits of Raphia hookeri are rich in total polyphenols (631.70 ± 4.38 mg GEA/ 100g) and total flavonoids (92.07 ± 2, 72 mg EQ/ 100g).