#benin

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn) belongs to the Poaceae family and used widely for the preparation of traditional medicines in Benin. The present study was designed to evaluate phytochemical and cytotoxicity potential of seven sugarcane varieties. The precipitation and coloration method were used to determine phytochemical compounds whilst larval toxicity was performed using brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina Leach). Results of the study revealed variation in phytochemical compounds in the different sugarcane varieties screened. Difference in phytochemical composition was observed also between the juice and bark of same sugarcane variety. Alkaloids, leuco-anthocyanins and reducing compounds were found in juice and bark from all sugarcane varieties used. The CL50 vary from 0.74 mg/mL to 2.66 mg/mL for sugarcane juice and from 0.28 mg/mL to 0.54 mg/mL for the bark extracts. Neither the juice nor bark of sugarcane has presented a risk of toxicity to consumers. The results of the study confirm the potency of sugar cane in preparation of indigenous food and medicine in Benin.