PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, POLYPHENOLS CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF SOME SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS GROWING IN ALGERIA

This study presents the first analysis of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Erodium medeens, Linum tenue subsp munbyanum, and Chrysanthemum multicaule. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids, with varying levels across the species. The extraction yields were 4.25% for E. medeens, 2.1% for L. tenue subsp munbyanum, and 4.2% for C. multicaule. Total phenolic content (TPC) was highest in E. medeens (166.60 mg GAE/g extract), followed by L. tenue subsp munbyanum (151.01 mg GAE/g extract) and C. multicaule (83.79 mg GAE/g extract). Total flavonoid content (TFC) was also significant, with E. medeens showing 264.50 mg QE/g extract, L. tenue subsp munbyanum at 357.27 mg QE/g extract, and C. multicaule at 232.02 mg QE/g extract. Antioxidant activities were assessed using ABTS, DPPH, phenanthroline, and CUPRAC assays, with E. medeens exhibiting the lowest IC50 values of 24.85 μg/ml (ABTS) and 27.87 μg/ml (DPPH), indicating strong antioxidant potential. In comparison, standard antioxidants BHA and BHT demonstrated lower IC50 values, highlighting the efficacy of the plant extracts. These findings suggest that E. medeens, L. tenue subsp munbyanum, and C. multicaule are promising sources of natural antioxidants, warranting further investigation for their potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.