Abstract

Background : Plants are frequently used by traditional healer for the care of the hepatic pathologies. Objective : This study is part of the valorization of the hepatoprotective potential of some plants used in traditional medicine for the care of hepatitis in the Hauts-Bassins region of Burkina Faso. Materials and methods : A survey realized in this region allowed retaining 5 species, after the classification according to the frequency of quotation and the bibliographic review, among the 44 species recorded: Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. and Perr (Combretaceae), Balanites aegyptiaca Delie. (Balanitaceae), Cassia alata L. (Ceasalpiniaceae), Opilia celtidifolia (Guill. and Perr.) Endl. (Opiliaceae) and Ziziphus mauritiana L. (Rhamnaceae). The content in phenolic compounds of the aqueous extracts of these plants was determined. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods: discoloration of radical cation ABTS and iron reduction (FRAP). Results : Anogeissus leiocarpus and Ziziphu smauritiana gave the strongest antioxidant activities and high phenolic compounds (total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannins and flavonols). The antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS) was associated with the total phenolic content of the extracts expressed in tannic acid equivalent per 100 grams of dry matter with R² of 0.8148 and 0.7966. Conclusion : The antioxidant activity and the content phenolic compounds observed during this study with Anogeissus leiocarpus and Ziziphus mauritiana indicates that these two plants have a high hépato protective potential which can justify their use by the Traditional healer in the care of hepatitis.