Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and micrographic characteristics of the plants consumed by Okapia johnstoni. The results indicate that each plant species has characteristic microscopic elements for its identification. These plants are rich in phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, terpenoids and iridoids. Alchornea cordifolia is richer in total polyphenols (198.53±3.39 mg GAE/g DM) followed respectively by Musanga cercopioides (91.87±6.71 mg GAE/g DM), Macaranga spinosa (59.65±6.54 mg GAE/g DM), Ficus vallis-choudae (46.37±2.43 mg GAE/g DM), Cola acuminata (38.83±4.04 mg GAE/g DM), Pycnanthus angolensis (31.96±3.45 mg GAE/g DM), Alstonia boonei (31.55±1.60 mg GAE/g DM) and Trilepisium madagascariensis (25.18±0.99 mg GAE/g DM). As for flavonoids, the highest content is obtained in T. madagascariensis followed respectively by A. boonei, Pycnanthus angolensis, Cola acuminata, M. spinosa, F. vallis-choudae, M. cercopioides and A. cordifolia. The difference in the content of secondary metabolites is justified by the fact that their expression in the plant is a function of both abiotic and biotic factors and the specificity of each plant species linked to its genetic make-up. The characterization of these chemical compounds is necessary for the formulation of herbal medicines for the management of Okapi ex situ or for human health. Also, the microscopic profiles of the leaves powder of the studied plant species provide relevant information, which may be helpful for the plant authentication and for quality control of raw material.
Highlights
The present study aims to determine the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of secondary metabolites of plants consumed by Okapia johnstoni
Samples used in this study were leaves of Alchornea cordifolia, Alstonia boonei, Cola acuminata, Ficus vallis-choudae, Musanga cecropioïdes, Macaranga spinosa, Pycnanthus angolensis, and Trilepisium madagascariensis
As for flavonoids, the highest content is obtained in T. madagascariensis followed respectively by A. boonei, P. angolensis, C. acuminata, M. spinosa, F. vallis-choudae, M. cercopioides and A. cordifolia
Summary
It has recently been postulated that the choice of certain forages over others is a determining factor in the survival of Okapi both in their natural environment and in captivity, concerning their behavior and reproductive abilities. It could be a matter of self-medication (zoo pharmacognosy) as the death of these animals is usually attributed to intestinal and infectious diseases [5,6,7]. The hypothesis is that the plant species consumed by Okapia johnstoni contain phytochemicals that act either individually or synergistically to increase their chances of survival in a hostile environment such as a tropical forest. The present study aims to determine the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of secondary metabolites of plants consumed by Okapia johnstoni
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