Phytochemical and mineral profiling of anti-fertilizer plants used by pygmy women in the town of Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Case of Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical survey carried out in 2018 among indigenous women in Mbandaka and the surrounding area. Micrography was carried out, followed by determination of mineral composition by ICP-AES and SAA, and the TLC for a highlight of the various phytochemical compounds making up these two plants. The study determined the relative structure of the multiple cells and tissues making up these plant drugs, including numerous raphids characteristic of Ipomoea involucrata and calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Among the chemical compounds, those directly linked to female anti-fertility have been highlighted. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Elemental analysis revealed mineral salts and trace elements directly influencing reproduction, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, and arsenic. Even if these data make it possible to justify the activity of these two plants in reproductive health, it is, however, necessary for an in-depth study on the in vitro evaluation to determine the clear anti-fertilizing activity of these plants used, raw, by indigenous women. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 64-69, Dec 202

Congolese Traditional Foods as Sources of Antioxidant Nutrients for Disease Prevention

Oxidative stress, characterized by excessive production of reactive species, is involved in several chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, chronic obstructive pulmonary, sickle cell, chronic kidney, neurodegenerative, and cancer. The negative impact of ROS and RNS, produced by endogenous and exogenous processes, is neutralized by antioxidant defenses. Given the importance of oxidative stress to human health, the use of antioxidants as therapy directs medical research toward the specificity of antioxidants causing each disease. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and phytoceuticals, the consumption of which reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. Flora of African countries is endowed with plant species that would make a putative source for new antioxidants. This article reports antioxidant activities of traditional foods from Democratic Republic of the Congo. Further studies are needed to ensure mechanisms of their functionality in the human body

Evaluation of the toxicity of aqueous extract of the Ganoderma applanatum mushroom

Plants and fungi, are widely used around the world as a source of traditional medicine and human food. Nowadays, scientists and nutritionists encourage the use of plants and fungi although cases of poisoning are frequently reported. Many countries around the world, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, use Ganoderma applanatum mushroom for its proven therapeutic virtues. However, the people of Sankuru have often suspected it of being poisonous. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the supposed toxicity of this mushroom. For this, a chemical screening was carried out in test tubes containing methanolic and aqueous extracts, followed by a screening by thin layer chromatography in order to detect the presence of secondary metabolites. The aqueous extract was administered to mice at rates ranging from 5000 to1000 mg/kg to assess the toxicity of the G. applanatum sample. Examination of Alanine amino-transferase (ALAT) and Asparate amino-transferase (ASAT) in the mice blood showed no resistance and no alteration of vital organs (liver and heart) even at the highest rate (5000 mg/kg). The results of the chemical screening revealed the presence of various compounds, including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenols and others. The administration of the different doses did not cause any lethality to the animals used. The results of this study argue in favor of its safety in the traditional treatment of certain diseases by oral route. Keywords: Ganoderma applanatum, traditional use, chemical compounds, Sankuru, Democratic Republic of the Cong

Phytochemical and mineral profiling of anti-fertilizer plants used by pygmy women in the town of Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Case of Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical survey carried out in 2018 among indigenous women in Mbandaka and the surrounding area. Micrography was carried out, followed by determination of mineral composition by ICP-AES and SAA, and the TLC for a highlight of the various phytochemical compounds making up these two plants. The study determined the relative structure of the multiple cells and tissues making up these plant drugs, including numerous raphids characteristic of Ipomoea involucrata and calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Among the chemical compounds, those directly linked to female anti-fertility have been highlighted. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Elemental analysis revealed mineral salts and trace elements directly influencing reproduction, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, and arsenic. Even if these data make it possible to justify the activity of these two plants in reproductive health, it is, however, necessary for an in-depth study on the in vitro evaluation to determine the clear anti-fertilizing activity of these plants used, raw, by indigenous women

Phytochemical and mineral profiling of anti-fertilizer plants used by pygmy women in the town of Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Case of Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical survey carried out in 2018 among indigenous women in Mbandaka and the surrounding area. Micrography was carried out, followed by determination of mineral composition by ICP-AES and SAA, and the TLC for a highlight of the various phytochemical compounds making up these two plants. The study determined the relative structure of the multiple cells and tissues making up these plant drugs, including numerous raphids characteristic of Ipomoea involucrata and calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Among the chemical compounds, those directly linked to female anti-fertility have been highlighted. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Elemental analysis revealed mineral salts and trace elements directly influencing reproduction, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, and arsenic. Even if these data make it possible to justify the activity of these two plants in reproductive health, it is, however, necessary for an in-depth study on the in vitro evaluation to determine the clear anti-fertilizing activity of these plants used, raw, by indigenous women