Contribution to the phytochemical, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activity study of aqueous extracts of Blighia sapida and Trichilia emetica (Côte d’Ivoire)

The present study aims to scientifically valorize medicinal plants of West Africa by evaluating the bioactive properties of aqueous extracts of Blighia sapida (stem bark) and Trichilia emetica (root bark). The extraction yields obtained with distilled water were satisfactory, at 12.96% and 13.26%, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed a more diversified composition for T. emetica, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and volatile oils, compared to a more restricted composition for B. sapida. Cytotoxicity tests conducted on the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line indicated moderate toxicity of the extracts, with IC50 values of 205 µg/mL (EABS) and 140 µg/mL (EATE). Antibacterial assays showed significant activity of T. emetica against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition diameter: 9.16 mm), with confirmed bactericidal effect (MIC = MBC = 100 µg/mL), while no activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results suggest that Trichilia emetica, due to its chemical richness and biological efficacy, is a promising candidate for the development of natural antimicrobial formulations. The study highlights the interest of an integrated approach for the valorization of local floristic resources for pharmaceutical and therapeutic purposes.