Abstract Background The proliferation of strains that are multi-resistant to conventional antibiotics has led to a need for research into other active molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Anchomanes difformis, a medicinal plant from the West African sub-region used in traditional pharmacopoeia. Methods Total hydroethanolic extracts of the different organs (leaves, bulb and rhizomes) were obtained by maceration. Qualitative phytochemistry of the extracts was carried out using staining methods to identify the main chemical groups. Total flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometric assay. Two methods were used to assess antioxidant activity: the phosphomobyldate reduction method and the FRAP test. in vitro antimicrobial tests were carried out using the solid-state diffusion method (Puits et disque). Results The highest hydroethanol extraction yield was obtained with the A. difformis leaf bark extract (9.47%). The results showed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins and reducing sugars. The highest content of total flavonoids was found in the bulbs, with 33.78 µg Eq routine/mg DM. The plant leaves showed high antioxidant activity in vitro with 37.79 EAA/g DM and 270.50 µmol Eq FeSO4/mg DM. On completion of the antimicrobial tests, there was no visible inhibition zone diameter for all the extracts with the two methods used. Conclusion The present study invalidates the local use of this plant in pathologies caused by the microbial strains studied. However, research into other activities associated with this plant could explain its use in traditional medicine.
Bouyo et al. (Tue,) studied this question.