Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antioxidant Activity of the Stem Bark of Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A.Juss., a Medicinal Plant from Northern Ivory Coast

Aim: To highlight the phytochemical constituents and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the aqueous (KsA) and 70% hydroethanolic (KsE) extracts of the bark of Khaya senegalensis (a medicinal plant used in the north of Ivory Coast). Study Design: The search for antioxidant molecules by scientists remains today a new alternative to overcome several pathologies linked to oxidative stress. The present study is a part of this perspective. Methodology: Phytochemical screening was carried out by precipitation and/or staining methods. As for the antioxidant power of the extracts, it was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical reduction method. Results: Phytochemical screening results showed that KsE contains the following groups of secondary metabolites: sterols and terpenes, total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. The KsA extract contains the saponins and the same chemical composition as KsE without the alkaloids and terpene compounds. The DPPH test revealed significant antioxidant activity of the two extracts close to that of gallic acid (IC50 =3.6 ± 0.02 µg/mL) with IC50 of 6.4 ± 0.02 µg/mL and 7.5 ± 0.01 µg/mL for KsE and KsA respectively. Conclusion: Ultimately, the richness of K. senegalensis extracts in secondary metabolites with antioxidant effects could be at the origin of its traditional use in the treatment of diseases.