Phytochemical and mineral characterization of the leafy stems of Mezoneuron benthamianum Baill: A traditional chewing stick plant from western Côte d'Ivoire

Traditional chewing sticks are widely used in West Africa for oral hygiene and constitute a source of bioactive phytochemicals. Mezoneuron benthamianum Baill. is traditionally used in western Côte d’Ivoire for oral care, but its chemical profile remains poorly documented. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical constituents, mineral composition, and chromatographic profile of its leafy stems. Aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were analyzed through qualitative colorimetric reactions, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The hydroethanolic extract showed a higher yield (17.6%) than the aqueous extract (13.7%). Qualitative colorimetric reactions revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, sterols/polyterpenes, reducing sugars, and proteins, while TLC confirmed several secondary metabolite classes. SEM–EDS showed a mineral profile dominated by calcium (26974.9 mg/kg), potassium (8201.6 mg/kg), phosphorus (968.4 mg/kg), and magnesium (934.1 mg/kg). These findings provide preliminary scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of Mezoneuron benthamianum as a chewing stick for oral hygiene.