Phytochemical Content and Potential Antioxidants, Antimitotic, Antifungal Effects of Anabasis aretioïdes Coss. & Moq. (Chenopodiaceae)

Anabasis aretioides is an endemic species of the southwestern Algerian region. It is often used as a remedy for its medicinal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.The aim of this work is to evaluate its biological activities by testing its antioxidant, antiproliferative (Allium cepa test), anti-inflammatory, and antifungal powers. Phytochemical screening of A. aretioides revealed the presence of tannins, free desquinones, terpenoids, fatty acids, saponins, C-heterosides, sterols, and triterpenoid. Furthermore, the in vitro evaluation of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Anabasis aretioide leaves allowed us to observe the significant DPPH radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extract compared with that of vitamin C (the activity remains significant compared with that of the aqueous extract). The mitotic index (MI) of the methanolic extract revealed that a dose of 1 mg/100 mL had the greatest effect (MI=13.10%), followed by a dose of 2.5 mg/mL (MI=11.22%). In parallel, the analysis of the protective activity against protein denaturation of the extracts revealed that the methanolic extract was relatively superior and very important compared with diclofenac. Additionally, the methanolic extract of Anabasis aretioides against different fungal species revealed significant inhibitory activity against Aspergillus parasiticus, Penicillium glandicola, and Aspergillus at 100 mg/mL. Conclusion, Anabasis aretioides is a plant that may have interesting phytotherapeutic effects.