Phytochemical studies carried out on the leaves of Rytigynia canthioides (Benth.) Robyns with regard to the content of organic and mineral substances and the presence of active principles have given satisfactory results. Our results revealed that Rytigynia canthioides contain proteins, lipids, sugar and polyphenols with the contents varying from 0.09 % to 20.75 %. The calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium contents are respectively equal to 4.08 % ; 6.57 % ; 3.88 % ; 0.6%. Only traces of iron and zinc are identified. The active principles screening has shown the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanes, flavonoids, traces of saponosids, tannins and polyphenols, triterpenes and steroids. The anthraquinones and coumarines are absent from the plant. The result of phytochemical study helped notice that the leaves of Rytigynia canthioides are very rich in proteins, calcium and phosphorus and contain biological molecules. These observations justify the use of the leaves of Rytigynia canthioides in dietary and in traditional medicine in Benin.

Polyphenols, antioxidants, tannins