Phytochemical Screening of some medicinal plants traditionally used by African Women in Kinshasa city (DR Congo) for their intimate hygiene and Evaluation of the pH of derived recipes

In Africa, about 80% of population relies on traditional medicine for their health care purpose. The aim of the present study was to evaluate both the chemical composition of plants and the pH of derived recipes used by African Women in Kinshasa city (DR Congo) for their intimate hygiene. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols and triterpenoids in all extracts. Saponins were found in seven plant species (Bridelia ferruginea, Crossopteryx febrifuga, Hibiscus mechowii, Lycopersicum esculentum, Mangifera indica, Ocimum basilicum, Vitex madiensis). The use of plants containing saponins by women for their intimate hygiene could serve as source of spermicidal agents. The results of the pH measurements indicated also that the acidity of twenty seven recipes varied between 2, 35 (Citrus limon juice) and 7, 02 (decoction of the leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides). Only 14% of the recipes presented the value of acidity conforms to vaginal physiological acidity (pH 4 to 5) and should preserve the healthier vaginal microflora through retention of Lactobacillus. The acidity of the recipes depends on the factors such as plant species (alone or associated) and the mode of preparation