Phenolic compounds, GC-MS analysis and in vitro antioxidant effect of Algerian Artemisia herba-alba (Asso) essential oil

Artemisia herba-alba (Asso) is an aromatic and medicinal plant with various biological properties, known for its richness in essential oil (EO). For this reason, Artemisia herba-alba aerial parts were collected from the M’Sila region (Algeria). The extract was obtained by macerated methanol-water (70:30, v/v), and then subjected to phytochemical investigations to estimate the phenolic compounds. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil was evaluated by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2’‑Azino‑bis (3‑ethylbenzothiazoline)‑6‑sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging test, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the β-carotene bleaching inhibition test. The results showed the richness of Artemisia herba-alba extract in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other compounds. GC-MS analysis gave 61 compounds which represents 99.311 % of the total composition and the major constituents were camphor, α-thujone, chrysanthenone, 1,8 cineol, and β-thujone. Essential oil revealed a significant antioxidant effect; this activity is due to its chemical composition. The result of this study suggests that the essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba can be a source of natural antioxidant agents, which can replace the synthetic in the food and pharmaceutical industries.