Étude ethnobotanique et phytochimique de Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae) à Cotonou au Bénin (original) (raw)

2017, Journal of Applied Biosciences

Ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae) in Cotonou Benin ABSTRACT Objective: This study, on Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as margose a plant widely used for the treatment of many diseases, is conducted in. Cotonou the capital city of Benin. It aims to verify the scientific scope of the empirical uses of this plant.and to promote its safe use Methodology and Results: An ethnobotanical study was conducted among 32 vendors in the three main markets of medicinal plants in Cotonou. In addition, a phytochemical exploration, associated with the determination of heavy metals and some nutrients were also been conducted on this plant. During the ethnobotanical study the known virtues of the plant , are correlated with the active fractions revealed by the phytochemical screening (tannins, flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, alkaloids, steroids, and mucilage). Lead and Cadmium were also detected with concentrations of about nine and six times, respectively, higher than the World Health Organization standards for human nutrition. Conclusion and application of results: This study revealed the correlation between the empirical uses of Mormodica Charantia and the phytochemical study. This study results highlight the importance to establish a database for validation of traditional knowledge of population related to the plants uses However, this research shows the risk of contamination with lead and cadmium which the population is subjected in the use of. Momordica charantia.