Optimization and Standardization of the Extraction Method of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Seeds (Zygophyllaceae) Used in the Formulation of an Antiparasitic Phytomedicine

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Dec 17;17(12):1698. doi: 10.3390/ph17121698.

Abstract

Background/Objectives:Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine, both human and veterinary, throughout Africa for its many properties, including antiparasitic properties. This experimental study aims to optimize the extraction conditions of the seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Methods: Aqueous maceration was carried out with mass-to-volume ratios of 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% and 5% and extraction times of 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. Extraction yields, phytochemical screening, saponins assay, antioxidant activities ABTS+ free radical scavenging activities, Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and antiparasitic tests on Heligmosomoides bakeri were used to compare the different extracts. Results: The pharmaco-chemical study generally showed that aqueous maceration gave the best results, with a mass/volume ratio of 10% after 12 h of maceration. The yield obtained was 28.03% with a saponins content of 13.81 mg/g. The antioxidant activities were 4.25 ± 0.17 µg/mL by the ABTS method and 0.739 µg/mL by the FRAP method. The larvicidal activity also showed that the 10% 12 h extract produced 100% larval mortality from 25 µg/mL. Conclusions: These data provide a basis for guiding the extraction process parameters in producing this antiparasitic phytomedicine.

Keywords: Balanites aegyptiaca; antiparasitic phytomedicine; optimization; standardization.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the “Fond National de la Recherche et de l’Innovation pour le Développement (FONRID)”, which kindly agreed to finance the project. Thanks to AAP rapide COVID-19_mala infect_1-01 FONRID, which helped us to carry out this work.