Phytochemical study and antioxidant activity of the aerial part of Mitracarpus scaber Zucc. (Rubiaceae): A medicinal plant from northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the valorization of the Mitracarpus scaber species from northern Côte d'Ivoire, through the identification of the phytocompounds it contains and the evaluation of its antiradical potential. To this end, specialized metabolites were identified by qualitative tests, followed by UPLC-MS analysis, and finally the antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical of extracts from Mitracarpus scaber was assessed. Phytochemical screening by TLC revealed the presence of sterols, terpenes, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. UPLC-MS analysis identified two isomeric flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the aerial part of Mitracarpus scaber was demonstrated by TLC and spectrophotometry. Studies on therapeutic efficacy and safety will be carried out with a view to selecting Mitracarpus scaber as a potential source of natural antioxidants.