Article
Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Profiling of Medicinal Plants from Burkina Faso Used to Increase Physical Performance
Medicines
(2022)
Abstract
Background: Some ergogenic medicinal plants are used in exercise and sport in Africa
in order to increase sport performance. However, data on their composition and their possible
impacts on health are limited. This study was initiated to provide ethnobotanical data on plants
traditionally used to optimize physical performance and to perform a qualitative characterization
of their main chemical groups. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys in two communes (Dedougou
and Nouna), of the region of Boucle du Mouhoun, Burkina Faso and phytochemical analyses of the
most interesting plants were conducted. Results: A total of 50 respondents including traditional
hunters dozo, farmers, healers, herbalists, marabouts, etc., were interviewed. Fifty-two species used
in the optimization of exercise and sports have been identified. The most cited species were Cassia
sieberiana, Tamarindus indica, Annona senegalensis, Gardenia sokotensis, Securidaca longepedunculata, and
Ficus tonningii. These plants are known to prevent muscle and skeletal disorders, aches and pains, and
mental disorders. The study identified several types of plants including those displaying stimulation,
anxiolytic, sedative, adaptogenic, or erythropoietic activities. Phytochemical screening revealed
the presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenes, and steroids, which are similar molecules
families of those of doping molecules. Additionally, TLC screening allowed the characterization of
numerous terpene and flavonoid compounds including rutin. Conclusions: The possible structural
similarity of the characterized chemical groups of these species with those of doping families raise
concerns about the consequences of their consumption. However, the identification of the active
molecules of these species remains to be performed in order to predict the real risks associated with
their consumption.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Winter January 28, 2022
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines9020010
Citation Information
Hemayoro SAMA, Samson Guenne, Ibrahim SERE, Adama Hilou, et al.. "Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Profiling of Medicinal Plants from Burkina Faso Used to Increase Physical Performance" Medicines Vol. 9 Iss. 10 (2022) p. 1 - 18 ISSN: EISSN 2305-6320 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dicko/128/
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