TITLE:
Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in Management of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Goma City, Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Samuel Kule Kyolo, Godfrey S. Bbosa, Noeline Nakasujja, Norah Mwebaza, Zacharie Tsongo Kibendelwa, John Odda, Esther Katuura
KEYWORDS:
Phytochemicals Analysis, Medicinal Plants, Anxiety and Depressive Disorders Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Depression,
Vol.12 No.3,
August
15,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Latex of Euphorbia abyssinica (J. F. Gmel) (EA) and leaves
of Cleome gynandra L.(CG), Conyza symatrensis (Retz) E. Walker (CS) and Emilia coccinea (Sims) G. Don (EC) are medicinal plant materials (MPMs)
commonly used in treatment of mental illnesses (MIs) in folk medicine of Goma
city, in Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC). However, there is still limited information on phytochemical contents of
these MPMs. Objective: To screen phytochemicals of the commonly used
MPMs and to determine total contents of those with reported anxiolytic and
anti-depressive activities. Methods: Phytochemical analysis involving
both qualitative and quantitative aspects was carried out in Goma city in DRC
and at Makerere University in Uganda from February to June 2022. Medicinal
plant materials were extracted by methanol 90%, diethyl ether and water for
eight hours replicated three times. Various qualitative tests were used in
phytochemicals screening using Throth, Dragendroff, Borntrager, Salkowski,
Nitric Acid, Ferric Chloride, Translucent Spot, for detecting saponins,
alkaloids, carbohydrates, phytosterols, amino-acid, phenols and fatty acid
respectively. Total contents of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and phytosteroids
were determined using Folin Ciocalteau, aluminium chloride, bromocresol
green-complex assay, Liberman-Burchard methods respectively. Results: Various phytochemicals were detected in investigated medicinal plants (MPs),
among which terpenoids, phytosterols,
steroids, phenols, amino-acids, tannins and saponins were the commonest. Among
those with reported anxiolytic and anti-depressive
activities, the highest concentration of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and
phytosteroids were found in EA ether and aqueous extracts, as well as in CS
aqueous extract. Conclusion: Findings proved that selected MPs contain
potential phytochemicals with anxiolytic and anti-depressive activities.