Antioxidant antileishmanial cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of a local plant Myrtus nivellei from Algeria Sahara

Objective To study the phytochemical constituents and in vitro biological activities of hydromethanolic extract and fractions from Algerian Sahara Myrtus nivellei (M. nivellei) collected in Hoggar region and to identify the active fraction that can act as an alternative of commonly used antibiotics and as antileishmanial or antioxidant agents. Methods Phytochemical screening of M. nivellei aerial parts was realised according to the literature. Extract was firstly prepared by using aqueous methanol then fractionated with ethyl acetate and butanol solvents. Total phenolics, tannis and flavonoids, of the hydromethanolic extract and their fractions were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method as gallic acid equivalents and by aluminium chloride as rutin equivalent respectively. Extract and fractions were tested for their antimicrobial and antiparasital activities against standard bacteria using agar diffusion method and two kinds of leishmania visceral and cutaneous. The antioxidant activities were realized using phosphomolybdenum, FRAP and DPPH tests. Results Preliminary phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. The experimental results showed that plant extract and fractions were high in phenolic compounds and exhibited an important role as antioxidant, antimicrobial and had a moderate antileishmanial activity. Conclusions These observations lead us toward more studies in this field, so that we can get more benefits from our local Algerian medicinal plants.

[Chemical composition antioxidant activity of essential oils of Deverra scoparia Coss. and Dur. [Apiaceae]]

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and to evaluate the antioxydant activity of the essential oils of the aerial part of the plant Deverra scoparia Coss. And Dur. The extraction of essential oils was carried out by hydrodistillation. The composition of essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry [GC and GC/MS]. 22 constituents were identified, representing 84.63% of the essential oil. The major compounds are: alpha-bornyl acetate [31.99%] and alpha-pinene [12.05%]. The study of the antioxydant power of these oils was performed by the method of DPPH and ABTS. The results showed that antioxidant activity of the Deverra scoparia essential oil was more effective than the two references tested, ascorbic acid and Trolox