Quantitative Analysis of the Polyphenols Contained in the Mucilage Extracted from Barks and Baobab Leaves (<i>Adansonia digitata L</i>)

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This work focuses on a phytochemical study of the mucilage contained in the leaves and barks of African baobab (<i>adansonia digitata L</i>). The objective of this phytochemical study is to determine the presence of polyphenols in the mucilage derived from baobab leaves and bark. These phenolic compounds are vital for maintaining optimal health, as they combat the presence of fats and cardiovascular disease. To achieve this, we used several samples. The leaves or barks samples were collected from three different sites: Boof Poupouye (Fatick region), Ngohé (Diourbel region) and Tanime (Thiès region). Ethanol and acetone were used as extraction solvents. To extract total polyphenols or each type of polyphenol contained in the mucilage, appropriate extraction methods was performed. Thus, to determine the rates of total polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins and water-soluble tannins contained in the mucilage extracted from barks and leaves, we used respectively the method of Folin-Ciocalteu, Marinova and collaborators, and one based on the reaction with iron trichloride and the colorimetric method. The content of polyphenols depends to many factors such as the site, the extraction solvent and plant organs (barks or leaves). Indeed, in all the sites studied, the results showed that the concentration of total polyphenols and flavonoids were relatively higher in the leaves than in the barks. A similar result was obtained for tannins within the sites of Boof Poupouye and Tanime. On the other hand, in the Ngohé site, the rates of condensed tannins and water-soluble tannins were higher in the barks. In all the cases studied, the highest rates were noted in the ethanolic extracts. The predominance of some factors (site, extraction solvent and plant organ) on variations of polyphenols and flavonoids was confirmed by statistical studies (ANOVA) while the tannins difference were more relatives to the chemical nature or operating methods.