Phytochemical composition, nutritional values, traditional uses of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Ricinodendron heudelotii and their pharmacological activities: an update review

Abstract

The exploration of the use of natural herbals drug, especially plant parts, is a major area of focus. Medicinal plants are being increasingly used to manage a wide numerous ailment. Tetrapleura tetraptera and Ricinodendron heudelotii are known among medicinal plants having beneficial effects due to their several biological activities. The fruits and seeds of these plants are mostly used in many parts of Africa as spice for flavoring soup and making stews. This update review focused on the phytochemical characterization, traditional used, nutritional values and biological activities of these species. Both are known to possess macro-and micro-nutrients. They are rich in majority to the phytochemical’s compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugar, saponins and alkaloids etc. Their activities have been reported positive by several authors for both alcoholic and aqueous extractions. The plants exhibited appreciable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and good antimicrobial activities against the test microorganisms justifying their broad-spectrum use. The hypolipidaemian, hypocholesterolaemian and hypoglycaemic properties have been proven to be efficacy especially for the plant Tetrapleura tetraptera and much practice remains to be done with Ricinodendron heudelotii. The confirmation of these biological activities is related to the high content of bioactive molecules conferring beneficial properties to plants.