Phytochemical profile and antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-sickle cell activities of Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek (Fabaceae) cultivated in DR Congo

Plants, especially medicinal varieties, play a vital role in human health. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical properties and evaluate the antisickling activity of Vigna radiata, cultivated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Results indicate the presence of various chemical compounds, including total polyphenols (239.84 ± 0.57 mg EQ/g), flavonoids (8.089 ± 0.046 mg EQ/g), anthocyanins (0.503 ± 0.003 mg/g), hydrolyzable tannins (0.084 ± 0.002%), and condensed tannins (0.041 ± 0.001%), along with a foam index of 150 for saponins. The mineral composition, determined through X-ray fluorescence, revealed significant levels of Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Extraction of V. radiata seeds was performed with solvents of increasing polarity, and the aqueous extract displayed notable antioxidant activity at 25 μg/mL, with an 81.923±8.9% inhibition rate. Furthermore, the DCM extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects at 3 mg/mL, inhibiting egg albumin denaturation by 22.72±2.4%. The aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial effects, inhibiting Escherichia coli (18±1.8 mm) and Salmonella SPS (22±3.1 mm), with Staphylococcus aureus showing intermediate sensitivity (10±1.5 mm), whereas Citrobacter diversus showed full resistance. Antisickling activity was significant in the aqueous extract, with normalization rates of 90%, 75%, and 60% at concentrations of 5 μg/mL, 2.5 μg/mL, and 1.25 μg/mL, respectively.