Boua et al. J. Appl. Biosci. 2013. Criblage phytochimique et érectile de Turraea Heterophylla de Côte d'Ivoire Phytochemical screening and erectile potential of Turraea heterophylla of Côte d'Ivoire ABSTRACT Objective: the study aims to find new drugs plant sources for the treatment of impotence. Methodology and results: Thus, the phytochemical screening carried out on Turraea heterophylla, commonly called "cure-dent gouro" extract (Eth) revealed the presence of phytocompounds such as sterols,

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... erpenes, alkaloids, coumarins, reducing sugars, polyphenols, steroid saponins, and proteins. The evaluation of the effect of Eth on an isolated guinea pig aorta showed vasorelaxation in favor of better blood circulation, which is the origin of erectile potential. This potential is linked to erectile action of some secondary metabolites such as terpenes and alkaloids detected in Eth. Moreover, Eth induces negligible side effects on blood pressure (hypotension dose dependent) and electrocardiogram (moderate inhibition of cardiac activity). Conclusion and application: The phytochemical screening carried out on the mEthanol extract of Turraea heterophylla (Eth) identified sterols, terpenes, alkaloids, coumarins, reducing sugars, polyphenols, saponins steroids and proteins. At this plant commonly used by healers to treat erection problems in Côte d'Ivoire, we attached vasorelaxation in erectile potential. Eth induces vasorelaxation favorable to a better blood circulation, which is the origin of erectile potential is linked to the action of certain suspected secondary metabolites such as terpenes and alkaloids detected in Eth. Moreover, Eth induced a dosedependent hypotension and moderate inhibition of cardiac activity. These biological tests indicate that Turraea heterophylla not only erectile properties but also manifest significant side effects on blood pressure and electrocardiogram. This is a rational approach that would justify the recurring use of this plant in the traditional treatment of sexual impotence in Côte d'Ivoire.