Phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Cassia sieberiana leaves from Benin and Niger specimens

Abstract

Background: Cassia sieberiana is a plant often used in the treatment of various human diseases in Africa.: This is a comparative study of the phytochemistry and biological activity of leaves from samples collected in Benin and Niger. Methodology: Phytochemical screening was performed using coloration and/or precipitation tests on the leaves. Total phenol content was determined using the method described by Wong et al., and total flavonoid content was determined using the method described by Agbangnan et al. DPPH radical reduction of the extracts was performed. Finally, microbiological tests on the extracts were based on the 96-well microdilution technique. Results: Screening of the leaves revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites, with some differences between the two specimens. The total phenol and total flavonoid contents are much higher in the Niger specimen than in the Benin specimen. The extract from the leaves of the Niger sample, which has an IC50 = 2.044 mg/mL, is more active in reducing DPPH than that from the Benin sample, which has an IC50 = 3.4403 mg/mL. The Niger sample produced much lower minimum inhibitory concentrations on Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Vibrio cholerae respectively (2.5 and 5 mg/mL). Conclusion: The Niger sample is more active than the Benin sample. This could be explained by the high concentration of secondary metabolites.