Antioxidant activity and content of total phenols and flavonoids of aqueous extracts from leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L.

The Mounts of Tessala (western of Algeria) is a remarkable site of plants diversity, characterized by the presence of numerous aromatic and medicinal species used by the local population as therapeutic agents, the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) is among the plants inhabiting this mountain; it is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. The dosage of some polyphenols (total phenols, flavonoids) varied respectively between 21.20 - 98.23 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 39.767 - 91.288 mg catechin equivalents/g. ANOVA revealed a significant variation in the mean concentrations according to the used extract. Evaluation of the antioxidant power of aqueous extracts has revealed a remarkable biological effect. The high inhibition percentages (100%) were found in the decocted extract at 10 mg/mL, followed by the macerated extract at 10 mg/mL, and finally the infused extract with 82.99% at 20 mg/mL. The DPPH free radical scavenging test revealed that the antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts varied significantly according to extract type and its concentration. The results obtained not only confirm the richness of active principles in the studied plant but also its therapeutic effectiveness.