Pharmacognostical studies and phytochemical evaluation of four Meliaceae plants widely use in ethnomedicine across West Africa

Abstract

Meliaceae plants are widely used in traditional medicine across West Africa, including well-documented analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This study describes assessments for the standardization of powders from the leaves and bark of these plant materials. Pharmacognostical studies carried out by macroscopic and microscopic evaluations revealed the presence of stomata, fibers, hairs and calcium oxalate crystals in plant material powders. The physicochemical assays indicated moisture contents less than 5%, and total ash contents less than 10% for all powders except to P. kotschyi bark (20.09%). P. kotschyi leaves showed the highest amount of phenolic (89.14±0.9 mgEAG/g) and terpenoids compounds (229.51±8.76 mgETriam/g). The barks of P. kotschyi (27242 mg/kg) and K. senegalensis (12558 mg/kg) showed the highest calcium contents. These results constitute factual elements that could contribute to the elaboration of monographs for the quality control of Meliaceae powders of interest.