Quality control of trunk barks of Lannea microcarpa Engl. and K. Krause and Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC) Guill. & Perr. for the manufacture of phytomedicines for the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

Lannea microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) and Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) are two plants used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension in Burkina Faso. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated their efficacy and safety. This study aimed to investigate the quality of trunk barks powder of two plants. The physico-chemical characteristics (macroscopic, organoleptic, water content, ash, heavy metals and pesticides), microbial cleanliness and phytochemical analysis were determined by the methods of the European Pharmacopoeia and / or International standards. The powder of Anogeissus leiocarpus trunk's bark was brown with astringent and slightly sweet taste while Lennea microcarpa was reddish with a slightly bitter taste. The microbiological parameters (total viable germs, specific microorganisms) and contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, siliceous substances, etc.) complied with the recommendations of the European pharmacopoeia and ISO 7218 standards. The results of physico-chemical and pharmacotechnical parameters allowed recognition of plant powders and checking of purity level / the degree of cleanliness. Analysis using chromatography of thin layer established the chromatographical print of powders. These parameters shown the quality of powders and can be used as quality control parameters for plant powders when used for the production of herbal medicines.