Assessment of the quality of plant-based food marketed in food-stores in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Author(s): Cheick A. Noukami Palm, Aminata P. Nacoulma, Naamwin-So-Bawfu R. Meda, Sakinatou Wangrawa, Abdoul Karim Sakira, Touridomon Issa Some

Context: The purpose of human nutrition is to provide exogenous nutrients useful to the body to maintain good metabolism and prevent health disorders. However, some food products of plant origin can be toxic due to their intrinsic chemical composition, degradation during production and storage or adulteration. Therefore, it is essential to assess the quality and the safety of plant-based products marketed for safe nutrition.

Methods: Data on food product availability were collected using collection files. The phytochemical characteristics. were analysied by observation and application of colorimetric and thin layer chromatographic tests.

Results: About 1020 plant-based products were analysed, mainly as herbal tea for infusions (81.37%). Leaves were the most plant part frequently used (49.47%) compare to roots (6.32%). Based on botanical names, we found 55 species from 28 families. Among them 27.07% of plant-based products were from France. Only Combretum micrantum, Hibiscus sabdarifa and Moringa oleifera were found to be from Burkina Faso. Organoleptic analyses indicate that the raw material samples were similar for the same species. Phytochemical screening of plant-based products raw material indicated the presence of phenolic and terpenic compounds and absence of alkaloids. The HPTLC profiles of samples preparations showed qualitative and semi-quantitative similarities.

Conclusion: The plant-based products found in food from the market were mixted-type combining both food and medicinal purposes. Plant species found as raw materials did not exhibit any known toxicity; however, botanical and pharmacognosical characteristics of certain products indicate the presence of some degradations.