Ethnobotanical Survey and Secondary Metabolite Composition of Boscia senegalensis (pers) Lam. Ex Poir. Capparaceae Harvested in Mali

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times to relieve and cure human diseases in developing countries where access to modern care is limited. Boscia senegalensis is a versatile plant that adapts to Sahelian, desert and potentially unexplored areas. The objective of this work was to study ethnobotanical research and secondary metabolite composition of the plant. The material used consisted of a survey sheet, leaves and stems of B. senegalensis. These organs were harvested in their natural habitat on April 17, 2023 in Niono, circle of the Segou region in Mali. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among traditional health practitioners and herbalists. Tube coloring reactions using specific reagents were used to determine the chemical constituents of the plant. Eighteen (18) diseases were listed during the ethnobotanical survey, the main ones being urinary infections, headaches, aches and pains, etc. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins and triterpenes were identified in the plant by phytochemical screening. The data generated by this study reinforce the scientific recognition of B. senegalensis as a medicinal plant of interest. Further studies are needed to isolate secondary metabolites and evaluate biological activities that can validate the ethnomedicinal indications of B. senegalensis.