In Cameroon, forest ecosystems are undergoing degradation due to anthropogenic activities, thus the need to raise awareness and contribute to the conservation of its biodiversity. This study aimed to assess the flora diversity and carbon stock of a disturbed coastal tropical forest in the Douala-Edda National Park. Data was collected after delimitation, enumeration of the plots which made it possible to have an inventory of trees ≥ 2 cm in diameter. The study was carried out on three sites of different levels of disturbance of one hectare each: the Highly Disturbed Forests (HDF), Medium Disturbed Forests (MDF) and Low Disturbed Forests (LDF). Each hectare was divided into 25 quadrats of 20× 20 m and further to 400 subquadrate of 5 × 5 m to determine the composition, structure and the Carbon stock. There were 4,696 individuals classified into 160 species including 41 genera belonging to 86 families. The most important species were: Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre. (27.19%) in the HDF; Baphia capparidifolia Baker. [41.36%] in the MDF; and Mitragyna stipulosa (DC.) Kuntze (41.05%) in the LDF. The most important families were: Oleaceae for HDF and Fabaceae for MDF and LDF. The Fischer α index indicated that the HDF was more diversified and the LDF was weakly diversified. Basal area was highest in the HDF and least in the MDF. The structure of these sites showed an inverted J curve. The above and below-ground biomasses were higher in the HDF and least in the MDF, but the reverse was true for the soil carbon stock. The litter carbon stock was almost equal to that of the Above ground biomass. The total carbon stock across all sites was estimated at 8,76 TC/ha of Carbon. The present results thus indicate the importance of forest management in maintaining and restoring plant cover in Coastal ecosystems.

Aim: This study aimed to quantify the socio-economic importance of the Bloc Kébé research forest, East Cameroon) to riparian livelihoods by assessing non-timber forest products (NTFP) collection patterns, use types, income generation, and perceived dependency for food security and health. Study Design: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted across six villages at varying distances (0.5–7.66 km) from the forest boundary, with stratified proportional sampling yielding 86 households. Methodology: Semi-structured questionnaires captured collection, use type (subsistence/commercial/both), annual income (FCFA), and perceived food and health dependency (Likert 1–5) over a 12-month recall period. Analyses included mixed-effects logistic regression (GEE), multinomial logistic regression, Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post-hoc tests, Cumulative Link Mixed Models, Spearman correlations, and two-way ANOVA. Results: Overall NTFP collection rate was 74%, commercialization rate 59%, and mean annual income 12,097 ± 17,773 FCFA. Distance to forest was the dominant predictor of collection probability (OR = 0.52 per km, p < 0.001), income, and both food (β = –0.15, p < 0.001) and health dependency. The closest village outperformed the farthest across all metrics (collection: 94% vs. 71%; commercialization: 82% vs. 64%; income: 22,200 vs. 5,563 FCFA). Irvingia gabonensis was 12.55 times more likely commercialized than used for subsistence alone (p = 0.018); Strychnos toxifera showed dominant health dependency (3.98 vs. 1.34, d = –2.55). Five of six focal species had significantly greater food than health dependency (d = 0.77–1.79, p < 0.001). Income, collection, and commercialization were tightly coupled (ρ = 0.686–0.868, p < 0.001), but interspecific income differences were non-significant (χ²(4) = 7.52, p = 0.111). Significant village-level spatial heterogeneity emerged for Termitomyces spp., Cola spp., and Trichoscypha abut. Conclusion: Forest dependence is high, multidimensional, species-specific, and spatially structured by distance, with proximity-driven inequalities in income and food-health outcomes. Conservation zoning must integrate these differentiated dependencies.

Changes in composition, abundance and distribution of macrofaunal assemblages are subject to environmental influences. However, the effects of ecological disturbance on mangrove habitats in Cameroon have not been sufficiently studied with regard to macrofaunal assemblages. This work aims to identify the macrofauna assemblages in the Kribi area and determine the relationship between species distribution and some environmental factors. Between March and November 2020, a collection of crabs and molluscs was carried out in parts of Kribi. Simultaneously, several heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Al and Fe) and groundwater temperature, salinity, pH, conductivity, TDS and dissolved oxygen in the sediment were analysed. The macrofauna assemblage consisted of 27 species, including 15 crab species and 12 mollusc species. Hemisinids and Sesarmids were the most abundant with four species and six species respectively. The Shannon-Weaver index (H-y < 3) indicated a high level of pollution in the mangroves studied. With regard to environmental parameters, there is a highly significant difference in macrofauna assemblage structure between the six stations (PERMANOVA, F = 20.126, p = 0.001). Macrofaunal diversity and abundance reflect the dynamics of the mangrove ecosystem and act as indicators of habitat change.

Despite the importance of inland waters of African Equatorial Belt (humid tropics) in carbon (C) and greenhouse gas control, geochemical transfer of C, major and trace elements in fluvial systems of this region remains poorly investigated. Towards filling this gap, this study investigates the Ogooue River Basin (ORB), a major tropical river system in Gabon (Western Central Africa, WCA), focusing on the dissolved and colloidal transport, fractionation, and mobility of organic carbon, major, and trace elements. Water samples were collected using a twophase approach. First, snapshot sampling was conducted during two cruise campaigns in the wetland-dominated Lower Ogooue Ramsar Zone during rainy seasons in 2022 and 2023, targeting several main river locations and its major tributaries, together with lakes and organic-rich hotspots of stagnant waters, including submerged shorelines and ancient raised fields. A time-series sampling was also carried out with 11 samples from the main stem at Lambarene (Lower Ogooue) and 24 fortnightly samples from Franceville (upper reaches) over a year. Analyses included major and trace elements, dissolved organic and inorganic carbon in <0.22 mu m filtrates, and stepwise size fractionation using 3.1 mu m and 0.22 mu m filters, together with dialysis through 25 kDa and 1 kDa membranes. The Ogooue River exhibits high elemental yield (watershed area - normalized export) compared to other organic-rich fluvial systems, with aluminum 37 times, iron 3 times, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) 4 times higher than those of boreal and sub-Arctic rivers. DOC specific fluxes are also 2.8 times higher than the Congo River and comparable to the blackwater Nyong River. Colloidal transport of solutes dominates the overall export, with organic carbon primarily carried in high molecular weight (HMW) colloids and trace elements such as Fe and Al associated with coarser colloidal fractions. Seasonal flooding and short-term discharge variations strongly influence annual transport, as demonstrated during the high-discharge period of 2022-2023, when DOC concentrations ranged from 5 to 15 mg/L and DOC yields reached 9.3 tC/km2/year. These increases are attributed to the mobilization of organic-rich matter from submerged wetlands and riparian zones. The Ogooue's colloidal behavior aligns with boreal systems for elements like Fe and Al but differs in the transport of alkaline and alkaline earth elements, reflecting unique biogeochemical traits among tropical rivers. Its significant contribution to regional and global carbon and trace element cycles underscores its critical ecological and geochemical importance. This study highlights the need for high resolution hydrometeorological monitoring to better understand the Ogooue's elemental transport dynamics and sensitivity to environmental changes.

Pericopsis elata is a native forest species with high timber value. To characterize its structure and distribution, a study was carried out in the East Region of Cameroon. Data were collected in 50 quadrats of 20 x 20 m2 installed in 10 plots of 1 ha (5 quadrats per plot) using the horizontal projection quadrats method and all individuals of DBH >= 10 cm were assessed for their abundance, density, basal area, diameter-size class, average number, length, thickness and height of buttresses. A total of 158 P. elata individuals were identified (16 individuals/ha). The diametric structure revealed a "bell" or normal distribution that illustrates the heliophile nature of this species. All stages of growth were encountered except for the <= 10 cm, but the low unfavorable luminosity of the understory greatly reduced the density of the undergrowth. The Distribution index I and the Morisita test confirmed the aggregated distribution of this species favored by endogenous and exogenous factors. The chi square results indicated a significant difference in the different plots thus P. elata is habitat-dependent. The average buttress height and serrations observed at the base of the trunk is an indication that the species is not found at the forest floor and an adaptation to the environmental conditions as well as the absence of a taproot in this species. Though in high abundance in the natural forests, the low abundance of P. elata in the <= 10 cm and its aggregated distribution, requires silvicultural practices to improve its low natural regeneration rate.

Waste management is a major concern in large cities under heavy demographic pressure. Landfill, the oldest form of solid waste management is gradually being replaced by new technics such as biomethanisation. With the purpose of contributing to the achievement of one of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), the aim of this study is to assess the fermentable fraction of organic wastes into biogas. This survey was carried out in and around Douala city. Biological material consisted of water hyacinth (WH), household wastes (HW), oil palm wastes (OPW) and a mixture of these three substrates (MS) was collected and introduced with cow dung used as inoculum in a biodigester. Some physico-chemical parameters of substrates were determined. Results have shown that substrates used have a pH around neutral. The C/N ratio has shown an excess of nitrogen in the WH, but a deficit in the OPW and MS. The household wastes have presented an ideal ratio for the biological stability of the anaerobic digestion system (21.153 +/- 0.695). At the end of the experimentation, a large degradation of organic matter has been observed with COD decrease rates of 37.55 +/- 0.12 % (WH), 45.46 +/- 0.60% (HW), 48.27 +/- 0.34% (OPW) and 46.71 +/- 0.26% (MS). All air chambers were inflated and the combustion has shown a blue flame, proof of very high proportions of methane in the flammable biogas. A sanitation process has led to clean energy production.

Mangroves are threatened with extinction worldwide. Many mangrove reforestation projects have been developed, but very few have achieved their restoration objectives. With the ambitions to contribute for rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of substrate composition and level of insertion on the growth and development of Rhizophora seedlings in nurseries. The experiment was conducted in a semi-lighted nursery set up in situ. Rhizophora propagules were reared on three types of mangrove substrates (type 1:75% of mud and 25% of sand; type 2: 50% of mud and 50% of sand, and type 3: 25% of mud and 75% of sand) with different levels of insertion (at ¼; ½ and ¾). Seedling heights and diameters were recorded, as well as the time of appearance of the first leaves and the variation of number of leaves. The greatest average height (40.2 ± 7.48 cm) and the highest mean diameter (1.2 ± 0.01 cm) were obtained for the substrate composed of 75% mud and 25% sand. The best growth and development of seedlings were recorded on the substrate type 1 with an insertion at ¼. Seedling production at ¼ insertion of substrate type 1 appeared the most effective combination. The production of Rhizophora seedlings on the substrate combining 25% Sand and 75% Mud with an insertion level at 1/4 seems to be the best method for the complete restoration and rehabilitation of the mangrove ecosystem of the Wouri estuary.

Background: Prunus africana (Hook. f) Kalkman (Rosaceae) is a multi-purpose species with important utility value for the populations that depend on it. Indeed, local populations living in community forests use P. africana. The objective of this study is to document the different uses of P. africana by local populations in traditional medicine for a better vulgarization for a sustainable management of the resource. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in four P. africana distribution areas in North Kivu. Data were collected on the basis of a survey from 221 informants. Statistical analysis and calculation of ethnobotanical indices were performed using R 4.1.2 software. Results: Results of the investigations show that P. africana is by far used in medical practices (96.83%). It is also used as wood energy (60.18 %), charcoal (40.27 %), in handicrafts (7.24 %), construction (6.79 %), food (2.26 %) and traditional rites (0.45 %). In traditional pharmacopoeia, the characterization of the uses allowed us to identify 23 diseases for which P. africana extracts are used to treat them. The bark and leaves are the most used organs in the recipes. The decoction (99.5%), the macerated (10.41%) and the powders (7.69%) are the galenic or pharmaceutical forms in which the local populations prepare the remedies. The potions prepared are mainly administered orally (99.5%). Conclusion: The multiple forms of use of P. africana by the populations of North Kivu, both in medicine and in other categories of use, constitute a threat to its survival. For a sustainable management, the results of this study reveal that it is possible to substitute the species P. africana with other plant species with similar potential in order to limit its overexploitation. Keywords: Prunus africana, community forests, multiple uses, traditional medicine, sustainable management, DR Congo

Traditional medicine is used by people as an alternative to orthodox drugs to treat respiratory infections.The aim of this research was to document traditional recipes used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections such as pharyngitis, cold, and sinusitis in peri-urban and rural areas of the Littoral Region of Cameroon.Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out using semi-structured interview model in French or Cameroonian local languages.They were distributed to 115 people.The respondents were both male and female, 20 years old and above, and belonged to seven ethnic groups.Data on plant species and the recipes used against upper respiratory tract infections were collected from the respondents.Plant parts used and methods of preparation were also provided by the respondents.The most abundant ethnic group (56 individuals) was Sawa, followed by Bassa (27) and Bamileke (23).The Lamiaceae family had the highest number of species (06), and Ocimum gratissimum was the most valuable species with 49 citations.Leaf was the main part used (69.94%), and decoction (39.16%) and trituration (38.11%) were the most popular preparation methods.This study has shown the essential role of traditional pharmacopoeia in the treatment of respiratory infections.

Prunus africana is a species of great economic, medicinal and ecological importance. Due to its multiple uses, unsustainable exploitation methods and low regeneration capacity in tropical rainforests, this species is threatened with extinction. Present and exploited in the eastern part of DR Congo, knowledge of the dynamics of post-bark regeneration of Prunus africana remains fragmentary and poorly known. In North Kivu province, this species thrives in both afromontane forest and lowland tropical rainforest habitats. In order to contribute to the rational and sustainable exploitation of Prunus africana in this province, this paper was carried out with the objective of contributing to the knowledge of the dynamics of the regeneration of post-harvest bark of Prunus africana in two exploitation sites (low and high altitude). To achieve this objective, the inventory was conducted on 16 plots of 25 hectares each, with 8 plots per site. Dendrometric parameters (diameter at breast height (DBH), total tree height) and tree growth and regeneration parameters, i.e., stem bark thickness of the unharvested and harvested portions of the trees (bark reconstitution) were measured. A total of 716 barked stems of Prunus africana in 2016 in 25 hectares constituted the study sample. Results show that sites do not influence diameter at breast height of P. africana trees (p > 0.05) or total tree height. The bark diameter of harvested trees and the bark diameter of unharvested trees varied significantly by site (p 0.05). In contrast, the annual growth rate of bark differed with altitude; the highest rate was observed in trees growing at high altitude (2.97 ± 0.9 mm/yr) compared to 2.23 ± 0.74 mm/yr at low altitude. In view of these results, this study indicates that a half-rotation of 7 years could allow an effective reconstitution of the bark of Prunus africana at the second passage on the remaining side of the same stem.

Mangroves are essential ecosystems for the environment and are home to a particular biological diversity. They face many constraints, in particular, that of the invasion of exotic species such as Nypa fruticans. The research aim consisted of the characterization of Nipa palm traits in the Wouri estuary. The study was carried out in five points located in the main and secondary streams of the Wouri River. Floristic statements were inside twenty-five plots of 10 m x 10 m, and structural parameters such as the number of individuals, and DBH, with equidistance of 20m, were installed in five sites. The results showed that Nipa palm has an occurrence of 60 % in the studied sites. The higher density was obtained inAkwa-nord with 1309 individuals.ha-1 . The number of leaves significantly differed between the sampling points (K= 6.91; p= 0.03); Youpwe was the site with the higher number. Stalk width also differed significantly between the sites, from 25.2 cm in Essengue to 47.3 cm in Youpwe. Factor analysis revealed more matures and adults in Youpwe, juvenile plants in Essengue, and seedlings in Akwa-nord. This work showed that Youpwe would represent the oldest site and would have been the focus of the propagation of Nypa fruticans in the Wouri estuary.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in mangrove crabs has been reported and most of them are toxic to animals and potential human carcinogens. Given that the land crab Cardisoma armatum Herklots, 1951 is more consumed by surrounding populations, this study aimed to quantify the levels of metals in its tissues and to assess the human health risks. Soft tissues were isolated in adult crabs and frozen then; samples were dried, crushed and handled following the standard procedures. Human health risks were evaluated using some indices. Heavy metal levels in each tissue were shown in decreasing order: Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Cd > Pb. Cadmium, lead and copper metals were in upper levels in the hepatopancreas (0.35, 0.19 and 7.88 mg/kg) whereas iron, aluminium and zinc were higher in muscles (129.30, 15.96 and 82.83 mg/kg). Most EDI values were apparently below the PTDI and CRLim values signifying that the consumption of C. armatum remains safe for consumers although, a limit in intake frequency might be required for children. For all metals, THQ and HI values were below the standard value 1 indicating no health risks in consumers due to the intake of single or several metals. Also, the carcinogenic risks for Cd and Pb metals are considered to be negligible because they are lower than 10−6. Overall, regarding the results, consumption of C. armatum seems harmless for human health in the study area.

Loranthaceae are epiphytic hemiparasitic plants causing a lot of damage to cultivated or spontaneous woody species, but these parasitic plants are also used to treat a wide spectrum of diseases traditionally. It is with a view to searching for new sources of bioactive compounds that the present study was conducted with the aim of exploring the endophytic mycoflora of the haustoria of Phragmanthera capitata. The isolation of the endophytic fungi of P. capitata was done on a PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. The identification was on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic observations using identification keys. The mass culture of the isolated fungi was made on a solid medium based on rice and the extraction with ethyl acetate. 20 endophytic fungi belonging to 7 genera and 2 unidentified species were isolated from P. capitata: Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aureobasidium, Mucor and Fusarium. Flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins and coumarins were detected in all extracts of these endophytic fungi. The endophytic fungi associated with this plant would also be a potential source of bioactive compounds and the exploration of medicinal plants, and habitats of endophytes would be an advantageous path for the discovery of new species of endophytes and new bioactive secondary metabolites.

The increasing heavy metal accumulation in edible fauna is harmful to human health. Among mangrove crabs, Cardisoma armatum is the most consumed despite their doubtful hygienic states. This study aims at assessing heavy metal accumulation in associated sediments and C. armatum crabs related to season and site differences and their implications on human health. Mean concentrations of metals in sediments were ordered: Aluminium (Al=3191.84 mg/kg)> Zinc (Zn=139.90 mg/kg)> Copper (Cu=48.50 mg/kg)> Lead (Pb=36.17 mg/kg)> Iron (Fe=23.08 mg/kg)> Cadmium (Cd=0.35 mg/kg). Occurrence and levels of metals showed high differences between sites and enrichment in the sediments are mainly related to human activities. Copper was not found at Mpalla site and in both seasons. Dried sediments were higher in concentration than wet sediments for all metals because of the regular soil leaching which occurred in the wet periods. For crab tissues, mean concentrations of metals were ranked: Fe (127.43 mg/kg) > Zn (67.07 mg/kg) > Al (13.69 mg/kg) > Cu (3.09 mg/kg) > Cd (0.19 mg/kg) > Pb (0.11 mg/kg). Likewise, patterns of metal levels were highly different in both sites and all metals were prominent during the dry season resulting probably in biological cycle changes in C. armatum. Levels of essential metals (Cu, Zn and Fe) were found higher possibly to maintain biological functions. Concentrations of metals were largely exceeded threshold values (except for Cu and Pb) which imply unpleasant human health risks could occur. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) value of Fe (5.52) was largely above 1. It seems that Fe appears to be a good tool for monitoring Fe pollution in the area. The elevated metal pollution index (MPI=4.37) indicated high bioaccumulation affinities with all metals. This therefore implies that consuming C. armatum may pose non-negligible health implications to humans.

To enrich knowledge on the growth dynamics of commercial forest species in the Congo Basin, a study was conducted in Cameroon, within a community forest in savannah forest transition zone (Zone 1) and within FMU 10 052 in dense semi-deciduous humid forest (Zone 2). It aimed to obtain, in 8 species, the height (H) of the tree from its diameter (D) more accessible: Entandophragma cylindricum (Meliacea), Eribroma oblongum, Sterculia rhinopetala et Triplochiton scleroxylon (Malvaceae); Erythrophleum suaveolens et Piptadeniastrum africanum (Fabaceae), Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) et Terminalia superba (Combretaceae). The destructive method was used. After felling and flushing out a tree, the dendrometric parameters were measured and/or calculated. In Zone 1, 6 species including T. scleroxylon were calibrated using 30 trees of each. In Zone 2, 45 trees of E. cylindricum, 99 of E. suaveolens and 82 of T. scleroxylon constituted the sample. At the 5% threshold (95% confidence interval), the height-diameter relationship is a linear model. In all species, the height of a tree is predicted by measuring its diameter through linear regression. In Zone 1 regression equation is: H(m) = 28.13 + 19.09 * D(m) for T. scleroxylon; H(m) = 12.35 + 30.38 * D(m) for S. rhinopetala; H(m) = 23.09 + 26.42 * D(m) for E. oblongum; H(m) = 14.86 + 20.92 * D(m) for P. africanum; H(m) = 14.98 + 24.78 * D(m) for T. superba and H(m) = 1.55 + 32.37 * D(m) for M. excelsa. In Zone 2, the relationship is: H(m) = 27.40 + 14.21 * D(m) for T. scleroxylon; H(m) = 7.79 + 20.18 * D(m) for E. cylindricum and H(m) = 20.08 + 9.74 * D(m) for E. suaveolens (probability associated with F < 0.0001). The influence of site parameters (biotic and abiotic) on the height-diameter relationship should be more studied in multilayers forests specifically in the Congo Basin.

Aromatic plants are one of the components of Cameroonian medicinal flora that seem to be an alternative to fight against the Covid-19 disease. The present study aims to establish chemical characterization of some aromatic plant organs used in the Douala IV sub-division during the COVID-19 pandemic. A semi-structured survey was carried out between September and December 2020 in order to identify aromatic plants used for health diseases during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to their ethnobotanical index the selected plants were screened chemically through staining and precipitation methods to determine different bioactive compounds. Thirty-one (31) plant species belonging to 17 families were recorded with the dominated by Lamiaceae and Zingiberaceae being the dominant families and Ocimum gratissimum as the most cited species (28.57%) in the composition of recipes. Leaves (50.80%) were the most used organs to prepare the decoctions (33.33%) administered to patients orally. These plants were used in the treatment of 51 ailments diseases, notably malaria, cough and typhoid fever with 22, 21 and 12 citations respectively. Informant Consensus Factors (ICF) showed a relatively high agreement (0.75) for the use of species against respiratory diseases. Zingiber officinale, Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus had a good performance (Ip = 3) against cough, typhoid and malaria respectively. Extracts of aromatic plant organs were rich in alkaloids and phenolic compounds. These aromatic species showed their ability to treat respiratory and other infectious diseases, and could be an alternative to fight against Covid-19. Keywords: Aromatic plants; Bioactive compounds; Douala IV; Drug recipes; Ethnobotanical index.

The land crab Cardisoma armatum is traditionally overexploited for consumption issue in Cameroonian mangroves. However, the exploitation of this natural resource ignores sustainable management. Hence, the study aims to assess the availability and growth patterns of C. armatum in Kribi mangroves throughout some of their morphological parameters. Several individuals were captured inside traps baited once each two months from March 2019 to March 2020. Then, wellbeing, growth patterns and size at the first sexual maturity were assessed based on sex, seasons or maturity stages. Despite the fact that the condition factor (K) value overall remained below 1, females and matures individuals were in a better wellbeing compared to males and immature. In the CW-BW relationships, the allometry coefficients (b) were below 3 for both sexes, suggesting a negative allometry growth patterns which means that crabs are lighter than their body weights. In the CW-CL and CW-BH relationships, males showed a positive allometry (b>1) while females a negative allometry (b<1). Fifty percent maturity of females (CW50=58.87±0.14 mm) was significantly lower than that of males (CW50=62.67±0.08 mm). Immature and mature crabs were recorded throughout the sampling period indicating that this species breeds throughout the year with a peak between September and November.

The work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Phragmanthera capitata (Loranthaceae) extracts harvested from 03 host plants (Psidium guajava, Cirus sinensis and Theobroma cacao) traditionally used in the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases. The phytochemical screening of the extracts was determined using standard reference methods. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated by disk diffusion and liquid microdilution methods on 07 bacterial isolates. Qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols, phenols and polyphenols in all extracts of P. capitata. The evaluation of the antibacterial activity showed that the extracts from the stems and haustoria of P. capitata collected from the three host plants are more active than the leaves for all the strains tested. This study shows that P. capitata despite its pernicious character could be a source of useful compounds for the fight against bacterial diseases.