Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of Phragmanthera capitata (Spreng.) Ballé and Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. and K. Krause) Danser (Loranthaceae) justifying their use in traditional medicine against hypertension

Loranthaceae, although considered pests of wild and cultivated trees and shrubs, are hemiparasitic plants that have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine to treat high blood pressure. In Daloa, two Loranthaceae species, Phragmanthera capitata and Tapinanthus bangwensis, are commonly sold in markets and used by traditional therapists to treat this condition. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out using semi-structured interviews with 40 herbalists and traditherapists from three markets in Daloa. Species citation frequency (CF) and Medicinal Informant Agreement Ratio (Med.IAR) were calculated. In parallel, phytochemical analysis was carried out on aqueous extracts of both species to identify the main bioactive chemical groups. P. capitata obtained the highest citation frequency (45%), reflecting its importance in the treatment of hypertension. T. bangwensis, on the other hand, had the highest Med.IAR (0.71), indicating a strong consensus among practitioners regarding its efficacy. Analysis of the aqueous extracts revealed the presence of chemical groups likely to play a role in the regulation of cardiovascular parameters. The results confirm the therapeutic use of Loranthaceae in traditional medicine against hypertension in Daloa. The identification of the bioactive compounds obtained justifies further toxicological studies to validate their safety of use and envisage their development as antihypertensive phytomedicines.