Phytochemical investigation and quantification of bioactive compounds of Rhamnus alaternus (L.)

Purpose: In the context of the valorization of medicinal plants in the region of Taza-Morocco, the present study is focused on a phytochemical study of the Rhamnus alaternus plant in view of its use in traditional medicine and its beneficial health properties. Methods: The phytochemical research is carried out through aqueous and organic extraction processes in two modalities (hot and cold), characterization and quantification of its bioactive compounds. Results: The results of the phytochemical study revealed that the decocted and methanolic extract had the highest yields, with percentages of around 42.9% and 37.5% respectively. The leaves of this plant are rich in flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, anthracenosides and quinones. The decocted had the highest averages for phenolic compounds among the aqueous extracts, with values of 21.67 ± 0.10 μg GAE/mg E for polyphenols, 58.40 ± 0.33 μg QE/mg E for flavonoids and 5.43 ± 0.01 μg CE/mg E for tannins. While for organic extracts, the highest concentrations of polyphenols were obtained by ethyl acetate extract with 59.23 ± 0.72 μg GAE/mg E, those of flavonoids and tannins by chloroformic extract with respectively: 470. 79 ± 1.70 μg QE/mg E and 51.75 ± 0.14 μg CE/mg E. Conclusion: Rhamnus alaternus is an attractive plant to study, given its wealth of bioactive compounds involved in interesting biological activities.