Phytochemical and Anti-Termite Efficiency Study of Guibourtia tessmanii (harms) J. Léonard (Kévazingo) Bark Extracts from Gabon

This study aimed to explore the biodiversity of chemical compounds found in the bark of Guibourtia tessmannii from Gabon, commonly called Kévazingo, and evaluate their anti-termite activity to determine their potential values as a source of development of anti-termite products that can be valued in the fields of fine chemicals and wood preservation. Extraction of G. tessmannii bark powders was carried out using the cold maceration method with trichloroethylene, acetone, ethanol, and water. Phytochemical screening made it possible to highlight groups of chemical families present in the extracts. Anti-termite activity was tested on the wild termites “Cubitermes sp” of the genus Isoptera. The yield of the extracts were 17.11% for the buttress and 13.42% for the height at 6 m. Phytochemical tests revealed that alkaloids, polyphenols, sterols, tannins, reducing compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and anthraquinones were present in the extracts. Results of anti-termite activity indicated that anti-termite activity varied with the different parts of the bark studied, extraction solvent, and concentration (50/50) and (25/75) of the extracts used. The extracts at 50/50 concentration showed a slightly better anti-termite activity compared to the 25/75 concentration. In addition, the buttress Kévazingo or buttress showed the strongest anti-termite activity for the aqueous extract with a survival rate of 0% after 2 days.