Ethnobotanical Study of Domesticated Edible Plants in Mali and Biochemical Screening of Mangifera indica L.

Abstract

Introduction: In Mali, several domesticated edible plants are commonly used for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. But their usage are poorly documented in terms of their chemical composition and pharmacological properties. This highlights the urgent need for ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigations. Aims: This study aimed to establish an ethnobotanical inventory of domesticated edible plants in Bamako and surrounding areas, document their therapeutic uses, and evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of the most relevant species. Place and Duration of Study: The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Bamako (District of Bamako), Kati, and Sanankoroba (Koulikoro region), in Mali, from November 7, 2022, to March 2, 2023. Methodology: Samples (roots, stem bark, and leaves) of Mangifera indica L. were collected and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using the coloring and precipitation reactions Antioxidant and anti-amylase activities were assessed using DPPH and α-amylase inhibition assay. Results: The survey documented from 101 households 29 domesticated edible plant species distributed across 24 families within Anacardiaceae (66.07%), Caricaceae (12.65%), and Rutaceae (11.10%). Mangifera indica L. was identified as the most domesticated plant and the second most frequently used species for diabetes treatment. Phytochemical screening revealed that tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenes, and reducing sugars were detected in all organs of M. indica (roots, stem bark, and leaves) across both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts. Saponins were absent in all tested organs. The strongest antioxidant activity was observed in the hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark (IC₅₀ = 1.88 ± 0.41 μg/mL), while the aqueous leaf extract exhibited the highest α-amylase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 3.34 ± 0.09 μg/mL). Conclusion: This study highlights the hidden therapeutic objective of the domestication of food plants, particularly in the management of diabetes.