Ethnobotanical Survey and Phytochemical Screening of Aqueous Extracts of Flueggea virosa Collected in Mali

Flueggea virosa is a medicinal plant widely used in Malian traditional medicine for the treatment of various affections. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical uses of F. virosa in four localities of Mali and to compare the phytochemical profile from different region of Mali in order to link them to traditional uses. The plant material consisted of leaves, bark, and whole roots of F. virosa. These organs were collected between October and November 2018 in Tabarako (Sikasso region) and Bougoula, Sanankoroba (Koulikoro region). A questionnaire was used to collect information from local populations regarding knowledge of the plant and recommended preparation methods. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 45 individuals (25 women and 20 men) aged 30 to 70. The extracts were prepared by decoction using reflux heating. The aqueous extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. The results of ethnobotanical survey showed that F. virosa is used to treat 15 ailments. The main indications were infections and fever. All parts of F. virosa are used but in different proportions. The leaves the most commonly used, accounting for 57%, followed by the combination of leaves and roots (21%), roots alone (14%) and the least used being the combination of roots and bark (7%). The most frequently employed methods of preparation are decoction (79%), maceration (14%) and infusion (7%). The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols and triterpenes, terpenoids, anthraquinones, amines, free quinones, reducing sugars in aqueous extract of F. virosa leaves, bark and root. This study highlights the importance of F. virosa in Malian ethnomedicine and provides a foundation for further pharmacological studies. The presence of the identified phytochemical compounds should justify its use in traditional medicine in Mali.