Abstract

ZANTHOXYLUM ZANTHOXYLOIDES, A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL DISEASES IN AFRICA

Daye Efloric Raphaël, Agbangnan Dossa Cokou Pascal*, Olaye Théophile, Koudoro Yaya Alain and Wotto valentin D.

ABSTRACT

Plants for therapeutic use in the Pharmacopoeia constitute an alternative in the management of certain pathologies in developing countries. Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides is a highly exploited medicinal species in Africa and occupies a place of choice given its interesting pharmacological properties. This review proposes to make a synthesis on the state of chemical, biological knowledge and toxicological profile of the plant with a view to a wider use of the species. Several search engines and the Latin binomial “ Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides ” were used for this bibliographical synthesis. The research was conducted over a period of at least twenty-five (25) years, at regular intervals of four years. Patents and citations have not been taken into account. At the end of this synthesis, it appears that the different organs of Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides are rich in various secondary metabolites, the most represented of which are, among others, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and terpenoids. Zanthoxylum leaves zanthoxyloides are very rich in proteins and cellulose making this plant a species used in the diet of small ruminants. Several biological activities of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides have been demonstrated: these are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anthelmintic activities. All parts of the plant are used in the treatment of several conditions including dental pain, sickle cell disease, fatigue, dysentery, gonorrhea, malaria, parasitic pathologies. The toxicological profile studied does not indicate any toxicity of the plant. The root and bark of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are the most used organs. The roots have a very appreciable content of phenolic compounds. Investigations must be carried out to transform the active principles of the roots, the main organs involved in the relief of dental pain, into products that can be placed on the market to prevent and treat oral diseases.

Keywords: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloids, secondary metabolites, biological activities, toxicity.