Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Potential and Anthelmintic Activity of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) from Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: This study aims the pharmacological potential of Desmodium triflorum (Fabaceae), a medicinal plant from Côte d'Ivoire. Methodology: For this purpose, aqueous and selective (organic) extracts of the whole plant were subjected to phytochemical screening using detection (color reaction and precipitation) tests and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), antioxidant evaluation via DPPH (free radical scavenging) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays (compared to quercetin), and anthelmintic testing on earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) with albendazole as the reference standard. Results: The selective extracts revealed a richness in secondary metabolites (phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, anthocyanins, sterols, and polyterpenes). Concerning the quantitative profile of extracts, the decoction gave the best total phenol (TP) (37214.29 µg GAE/g and 85805.56 µg QE/g) and total flavonoid (TF) (4116.97 µg GAE/g and 9492.55 µg QE/g) contents. In terms of hydrolysable tannins (HT) and condensed tannins (CT), the decoction and the macerate had practically the same contents. A dose-dependent antioxidant potential was observed (DPPH EIs and FRAP reducing power), though lower than that of quercetin. The anthelmintic activity against earthworms was notable but less pronounced compared to albendazole. Conclusion: D. triflorum exhibits a diversified phytochemical profile and promising bioactivity, justifying further studies on its mechanisms of action and potential applications in animal or human health.