First phytochemical studies on the genus Baudouinia: B. fluggeiformis, the main feeding source of Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi

As part of an ethological-ecological project designed to explain on a chemical basis the feeding habits of the primate Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi, a lemur with reported self-medicating behaviour, we here study the phytochemical composition of the leaves of Baudouinia fluggeiformis, the preferred food source of these primates. More than 20 compounds were isolated and/or identified, including carotenoids, the flavanone hesperetin, several flavonols, catechins and gallotannins. This is the first phytochemical report on the genus Baudoinia, which is composed only by six species. The polyphenols were responsible for the high in vitro free radical scavenging activity of the methanol extract: the catechins -rich fractions were more active against peroxynitrite-induced tyrosine nitration while the fractions constituted mainly by flavonols showed a greater scavenger activity in the DPPH test. The hypothesis of pharmacophagy of B. fluggeiformis leaves by P. verreauxi verreauxi is discussed with emphasis on the protection against oxidative stress and prophylaxis of certain diseases endemic to the lemurs.