Title : Phytochemical profiling, in vitro antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity evaluation of Tanopati: A traditional polyherbal recipe used for hypertension management in Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract:
Background: In Côte d'Ivoire, traditional medicinal plants are frequently utilized to manage hypertension. Among these local remedies, Tanopati—a traditional aqueous decoction blending Ageratum conyzoides, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Newbouldia laevis, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Aloe vera, and Cassia occidentalis—is widely administered. Despite its popular use, scientific data validating its safety and therapeutic mechanisms remain scarce.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of the Tanopati recipe, quantify its total phenolic content, evaluate its in vitro antioxidant capacity, and assess its acute oral toxicity in murine models.
Methodology: Standard qualitative methods were used for phytochemical screening. Total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum trichloride, and vanilline-HCl/iron trichloride assays, respectively. The antioxidant potential was measured via DPPH radical scavenging and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Acute oral toxicity was evaluated in female OF1 mice according to the OECD Guideline 423.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, leuco-anthocyanins, anthracenosides, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a high concentration of bioactive compounds: total polyphenols at 232 µg GAE/mg, total flavonoids at 58.48 µg QE/mg, and condensed tannins at 80.5 µg CE/mg. The extract exhibited remarkable in vitro antioxidant activity, efficiently scavenging DPPH radicals with an IC?? of 28 µg/mL and showing a strong capacity to reduce ferric ions. Furthermore, the acute toxicity study demonstrated that Tanopati induced no mortality. Transient behavioral shifts (somnolence, apathy) resolved within two hours, establishing a median lethal dose (LD??) greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight, classifying the recipe into GHS Category 5 (non-toxic).
Conclusion: The significant antioxidant capabilities and favorable safety profile of Tanopati scientifically validate its traditional formulation and use in the management of hypertension. These findings support further in vivo investigations to unravel its specific cardioprotectives mechanisms.
