ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of three Moroccan ethno medicinally important plants. The antioxidant activity was performed using β-Carotene bleaching assay, DPPH, ABTS and Ferric reducing assays. In vitro anti-inflammatory assays was also studied through the evaluation of membrane stabilization potential and inhibition of protein denaturation. Results revealed that Lawsonia inermis L leaves extract had significantly higher phenolics-content (5.23 g GAE/100g DW) and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity based on DPPH (IC50 = 18.26 μg/mL). The highest flavonoids content was found in Rosa damascena. L flower (3.97 RE/100g DW) which shows the highest antioxidant activity based on ABTS (30.39 mmol TE/100g DW), FRAP (38.54 mmol TE/100gDW) and β-Carotene bleaching assay (IC50 = 56.33 μg/mL). Concerning the anti-inflammatory potency, the highest membrane stabilization effect was found in Rosa damascena. L flower (IC50 = 125.02 μg/mL) and the highest anti-denaturation of protein effect was found in Lawsonia inermis L leaves extract (IC50 = 103.21 μg/mL). Consequently, to conclude flavonoids and related phenolics present in studied plant materials may possibly be responsible for the important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
ABSTRACT
Analysis of essential oil (EO) obtained from H. maroccana revealed that germanicol (17.8 %), β- pinene (14.6 %), α- guaiene (5.83 %), germacrene D (5.55 %), α- pinene (5.3 %) and δ- cadinene (5 %) were found to be the major components of this essential oil. Antimicrobial potential of H. maroccana oil in liquid and vapor phase against different bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella abony NCTC 6017) and fungal strains (Alternaria sp., Pencillium expansum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinisand Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404) was determined by the disc volatilization method and agar dilution method. The EO is considered moderately active against gram-negative strains (E. coli, S. abony), and those of gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis). S. abony was the most sensitive bacteria, providing the lowest growth with an MIC equal to 0.156 mg mL-1. However, the mycelium growth was totally inhibited in the presence of the vapor generated by 0.5 μl mL-1 air for Alternaria sp.