ETHNOBOTANICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF ELEUSINE CORACANA (L.) GAERTNER), PLANTS USED IN VARIOUS WAYS IN CHAD

Mbaihougadobe Séverin*, Nguinambaye Mberdoum Memti, Mbaiogaou Abel, Mbaissidara Reoudoum, Mbayngone Elisée, Yaya Mahmout

This study explores the properties of two varieties (red and white) of Eleusine coracana (l.) Gaertner) by identifying metabolites in its leaves and seeds. Carried out in Krim-Krim between August and September 2022, it includes ethnobotanical surveys of 91 people. The plant is associated with the treatment of 14 ailments, mainly malaria (21.03%), ringworm (16.27%), rheumatism (13.49%) and diabetes (12.30%). Chemical analysis reveals the presence of alkaloids, sterols, terpenoids, tannins, anthocyanins and cardiotonic heterosids in the seeds, as well as flavonoids, saponins and free quinones in the leaves, confirmed by TLC. Seeds also contain dietary fiber (26.62% for reds, 8.47% for whites) and fat (1.075% for reds, 1.185% for whites).