Evaluation of the antifungal powers of five plant species of the genus Terminalia on strains responsible for candidiasis

Background: Candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that preferentially affects mucous membranes. These diseases are more and more recurrent because of the generalized decline in immunity and the appearance of resistance to classical antifungal drugs. Therefore, fighting against therapeutic failures becomes necessary. The objective of this study is to contribute to the fight against candidiasis through the research of new antifungal molecules. To do so, the hydroalcoholic extracts of Terminalia catappa, Terminalia glaucescens, Terminalia ivorensis, Terminalia mantaly and Terminalia superba, five plant species used in traditional medicine against dermatoses, were tested on the in vitro growth of resistant strains of Candida albicans. In addition, the polyphenol composition of these plants was carried out in order to evaluate their protective powers. Methods: The antifungal tests were performed by the solid-state dilution method. While the determination of polyphenols was performed by the photometric method. Results: The results showed an inhibition of the growth of germs by four plants except Terminalia catappa. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) obtained are as follows: MIC (T. ivorensis) =0.25 mg/mL; MIC (T. glaucescens) =0.50 mg/mL; MIC (T. superba) = 4 mg/ML; MIC (T. mantaly) = 2 mg/mL. Conclusion: This study indicates that T. ivorensis is the most active and has the highest content of phenolic compounds. This plant could be a source of effective molecules in the treatment of candidiasis. Keywords: Candida albicans, candidiasis, Terminalia, antifungal, polyphenol

Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used in Traditional Treatment of Diarrhoea in Humans and Cattle in Two Regions of Ivory Coast

International audienceEthnopharmacological Relevance: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in three regions of the country (two rural and one urban), using a questionnaire focussing on anti-diarrheal therapeutic habits.Methodology: Information about the plants has been recorded (local name, organs or part(s) of the plant used, therapeutic indications, harvesting methods, methods of administration, side effects, etc.). Collection of the plants was done in collaboration with traditional practitioners and identification of the specimens was conducted at the National Floristic Center (Ivory coast).During the ethnobotanical survey, twelve traditional healers and nine breeders were interviewed which all declared to treat diarrhoea with plants. During this survey, twenty-seven species belonging to eighteen different families of plants were reported for anti-diarrhoeal use in humans or animals. They were all harvested on the field and a herbarium of each species was prepared in duplicate, one stored at the National Floristic Centre of the Felix Houphouët-Boigny University and the other at the Pasteur Institute of Ivory coast.Results: Decoction was the most common mode of preparation used by practionioners and the oral route remained also the main way of administration of plants by healers. These plants are also used in other countries for the same or other purpose.Conclusion: This study shows that traditional medicinal plants play an important role in the treatment of diarrhoea in Ivory coast. It provides basis for future studies to assess, biological and chemical potential of these plants