Comparative Phytochemical Study and Antioxidant Activity of a Hemiparasitic Plant (Tapinanthus bangwensis Engl. & Krause, Loranthaceae) and its Host (Guiera senegalensis, Combretaceae)

Background: Guiera senegalensis is a plant of the Senegalese flora which is sometimes parasitized by another plant called Tapinathus bangwensis. These two species are used in traditional medicine against various ailments. Aims/Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative study between the parasitic plant (Tapinanthus bangwensis) and its host (Guiera senegalensis) with regard to their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the two plants leafy stem, was carried out by coloring and/or precipitation reactions. The total polyphenol contents were evaluated by the Folin-Denis method and the flavonoid content by a method using aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2). As for the antioxidant activity, it was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP methods. Results: The same chemical groups were identified in both plants. However, T. bangwensis was richer in total polyphenols than G. senegalensis with respective contents of 184.27 ± 3.21 and 179.46 ± 1.32 mg EAG/g of dry extract. Thus, T. bangwensis extract showed more antioxidant activity than G. senegalensis extract with respective IC50 of 5.94±0.04 µg/ml and 6.36±0.02 µg/ml. Conclusion: The parasitic plant has a better antioxidant activity which could be due to its greater richness in secondary metabolites, in particular, polyphenols.