Comparative Evaluation of the Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Uvaria chamae and Jatropha curcas Extracts Traditionally Used in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Benin

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy that provokes recurrent vaso‑occlusive events and persistent oxidative stress, posing a major health challenge in Benin. Due to the prohibitive cost of conventional therapies and limited access to specialized care, many communities rely on traditional remedies such as Uvaria chamae roots and Jatropha curcas leaves. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic profile of these hydroethanolic (50 :50) extracts and evaluate their free‑radical scavenging potential. Secondary metabolites were identified by the colorimetric method. Quantitative expression of bioactive compound profiles was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method. Free radical scavenging capacity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and the ferric iron reducing power method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence and relative abundance of different chemical groups in plant species. These are mainly tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanins, coumarins, steroids, triterpenes, leuco-anthocyanins and saponins. Cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones are absent from Jatropha curcas leaves, but present in Uvaria chamae roots. Mucilages, present in Jatropha curcas leaves, but absent in Uvaria chamae roots. Phenolic compound assays reveal that Jatropha curcas leaves are richer in total polyphenols (73.95 mg EAG/100 mg) than Uvaria chamae roots (41.78 mg EAG/100 mg). On the other hand, Uvaria chamae has a higher content of total flavonoids (25.41 mg EQ/100 mg) and condensed tannins (72.44 mg EC/100 mg) than Jatropha curcas (19.47 mg EQ/100 mg and 54.23 mg EC/100 mg, respectively). Concerning antioxidant activity, Uvaria chamae had the lowest IC₅₀ (3.28 mg/ml), indicating a better antiradical capacity of its root extracts. These results confirm that Uvaria chamae and Jatropha curcas possess a diversity of secondary metabolites explaining their biological activities and would play a major role in the management of sickle cell disease by neutralizing free radicals.