Biochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Extracts From Four Food Plants Traditionally Used to Improve Drinking Water Quality in Rural Areas of Burkina Faso

The use of local plant extracts in drinking water purification represents a sustainable alternative in the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water consumption in rural areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of four local plant extracts used in rural areas of Burkina Faso to purify drinking water: Moringa oleifera seeds, Boscia senegalensis seeds, Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes, and Aloe vera leaves. These four extracts were then subjected to biochemical screening to identify phytocompounds, followed by quantification and evaluation of their antibacterial properties on ten pathogenic bacterial strains. The screening results revealed the presence of a variety of molecules (phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponosides, etc.) in the different extracts studied. From a quantitative point of view, M. oleifera and B. senegalensis seeds showed a high total protein content (34.5 and 24.6 g/100 g DM). A. vera and O. ficus-indica extracts showed high levels of total carbohydrates (20.4 and 35.52 g/100 g DM) compared with total lipids and proteins. The same applies to phenolic compounds, which were also high in A. vera and O. ficus-indica extracts (17.42 and 26.5 mg GAE/100 mg DM) compared to M. oleifera and B. senegalensis seeds. In terms of antibacterial properties, the four extracts studied showed inhibition diameters ranging from 7.33 to 16.33 mm. These results reflect the ability of the different extracts to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms present in water. Overall, this study stands out for its innovative character, offering an in-depth understanding of the biochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of four distinct extracts of local plants commonly used in traditional drinking water purification practices. It enriches existing knowledge by providing new data on the biochemical composition and bioactivity of these extracts. In particular, the study highlights the synergistic effects of the bioactive compounds present, underlining their essential role in improving the sanitary quality of water consumed in rural areas, where sustainable and accessible solutions are crucial.