Abstract

Pentadesma butyracea is a rainforest species of Clusiaceae family with multi-values for human healthcare according to previous ethnobotanical survey. In spite of this traditional use of P. butyracea, there is a lack of scientific knowledge of its biological activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the major phytochemical compounds of P. butyracea hydroalcoholic seeds extract and to assess phyto-hormonal activities. Phyto-chemical screening of dichloromethane and hydroalcoholic seeds extracts were achieved. Subsequently, acute toxicity study was performed on mice to assess extracts safety use. Phyto-hormonal activities of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds were evaluated by uterotrophic and Hershberger’s bioassays. Phyto-chemical screening of seeds of P. butyracea showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanes and fatty acids. Acute toxicity investigation showed no mortality of mice at the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Hydro-alcoholic extract of seeds significantly increased (p<0.05) the weight of uterus of immature female mice while prostate and seminal vesicles weight of immature male mice were significantly (p<0.05) reduced. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of P. butyracea is practically nontoxic and contains chemical groups which induced estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities. The seeds extract of P. butyracea have great potential which could be useful for management of menopausal symptoms disorders and hormone-sensitive diseases.

Key words: Pentadesma butyracea extract, phyto-chemical, acute toxicity and phyto-hormonal activities.