PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY AND HEMOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE PULP OF BALANITES AEGYPTIACA (L.) DEL

This study aims to explore the phytochemical properties and the hemol
ytic effect of an extract from the fruit pulp of the desert date palm (Bala
nites aegyptiaca(L.) Del.; family Zygophyllaceae), a plant of nutritional
and medicinal importance. The studied specimen was collected in the
Segou region of Mali. Its chemical composition and/or toxicity remain
insufficiently documented from a scientific perspective.The study
relied on classical phytochemical screening methods to characterize the
main groups of secondary metabolites present in the pulp. Three
extraction methods were applied (infusion, decoction, and maceration)
using 5 g of pulp. In addition, the hemolytic effect was evaluated using
a crude extract prepared by hydroalcoholic decoction, applied to bovine
erythrocytes suspended in PBS buffer at pH 7.4 and incubated at
37°C.The results revealed a notable richness in saponins, tannins, and
reducing compounds, as well as the presence of coumarins, terpenoids,
sterols, and triterpenes. Hemolytic activity remained moderate, with a
maximum rate of 46% at 12.5 mg/mL, suggesting a low toxic potential.
These findings support the potential interest of this plant for future
therapeutic applications.