Phenolic profiling and antioxidant activity assessment of selected extracts from the leaves of the Algerian endemic plant Anthemis secundiramea (Asteraceae)

Anthemis secundiramea is an endemic species of the Asteraceae family, native to northeastern Algeria. Despite its unique presence in this region, a comprehensive phytochemical study focusing on its phenolic content has not yet been conducted. In this work, we obtained four leaf extracts of this species using ultrasonic extraction with different solvents.To quantify the phenolic compounds present in the aerial parts (leaves) of Anthemis secundiramea, we conducted several analyses to determine their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Two qualitative and quantitative colorimetric methods, employing specific reagents, were used. The results confirmed that this plant is indeed rich in phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using two different assays: the free radical scavenging test (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power test (FRAP).Additionally, the phenolic profiles of the extracts were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector (HPLC/DAD). Among the various extracts studied, the methanol/water extract exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50: 1.42 ± 0.01) and contained the highest levels of total phenols (109.159 ± 12.213 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (95.44 ± 3.93 mg QE/g). The HPLC/DAD analysis also revealed that the leaves of Anthemis secundiramea are particularly rich in catechin, cinnamic acid, and coumaric acid.This study highlights the antioxidant potential of Anthemis secundiramea, emphasizing its richness in bioactive compounds. Further exploration is needed to fully understand the role of these bioactive compounds in herbal drug development, potentially paving the way for new natural antioxidant sources.