Determination of the Effect of the Environment on the Genetic Polymorphism In the Genus of Tamarix Using the Molecular Marker ( Simple Sequence Repeats "PCR-SSR" (In Arid Areas of the Khenchela Region (Eastern of Algeria)

Tamarix is used for a long time as a treatment plant in traditional and modern medicine because of its healing powers. In addition to these medicinal characteristics Tamarix has a great adaptation to the extreme environmental conditions, especially in arid and semi arid regions, where it represents a promising source for rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and fight against desertification. However, to date, only limited information about its genetic structure. To attempt to characterize the genetic diversity of the species of this genus is therefore very useful for their classification, their conservation and improvement. In this context, we started in the assessment of the level of genetic diversity characterizing Tamarix pushing currently in Algeria and in which they are originate. we used the PCR-SSR of 23 genotypes selected from three very different sites (en perspective of climate, edaphic and orographic conditions), through the arid regions of Khenchela in eastern of Algeria. The results are obtained by the highlighted amplification of 14 primers specific for Tamarix. Analysis of the results using the software TreeCon for Windows, at a threshold of dissimilarity of 50% we have obtained nine distinct groups, in general, the results showed a high level of genetic divergence within and between species among genotypes, with relevant remarks in four accessions, (II 2, II 10, III 3 and III 9), of the nint

Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of six wild Mentha species (Lamiaceae) from northeast of Algeria

Objective: To investigate the total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins content and the in vitro antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of six wild Mentha species which are Mentha aquatica, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha villosa. Methods: The Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenols content while flavonoids were estimated according to the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. To evaluate tannins content, vanillin and HCl were added to methanolic extracts. The antioxidant potential was measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating and the inhibition of β-carotene bleaching assays. Results: The methanol extracts of Algerian mints were rich in phenolic compounds and exhibited powerful antioxidant activity ranging from 7.5 μg/mL to 44.66 μg/mL, which varied significantly among species. Mentha aquatica stood out with efficient antioxidant ability which was correlated to the high total phenolics content, followed by Mentha arvensis and Mentha piperita with very close values, comparing to Mentha pulegium, Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha villosa with lowest values. Conclusions: These results show that methanolic extracts of Mentha species from Algeria have a great potential of polyphenols which can be used as a natural food preservative and antioxidant source

Caractérisation de l’huile d’argan algérienne (région de Tindouf) et étude de ses activités antioxydantes et antimicrobiennes en comparaison avec une huile marocaine [Characterization of Algerian argan oil (Tindouf region) and study of its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in comparison with a Moroccan oil]

Résumé Introduction. L’huile d’argan algérienne, provenant de la région de Tindouf (Extrême sud-ouest algérien), est une huile non valorisée jusqu’à l’heure actuelle. Objectif. L’huile d’argan algérienne extraite par méthode traditionnelle est comparée avec l’huile d’argan marocaine, obtenue par presse mécanique, dans le but d’étudier ses qualités pour une éventuelle valorisation. Matériels et méthodes. Les caractéristiques physico-chimiques, la composition en acides gras (AG) et en stérols sont déterminées, puis les activités antioxydantes et antimicrobiennes des fractions saponifiable et insaponifiable sont étudiées. Résultats. L’huile algérienne est une huile vierge fine, très riche en acide linoléique (35% pour l’huile algérienne et 28% pour l’huile marocaine) et β-sitostérol (64% pour l’huile algérienne et 59% pour l’huile marocaine), caractérisée par une faible teneur en chlorophylles (1,3 et 1,8 mg phéophytine/kg d’huile respectivement pour l’huile algérienne et celle marocaine) et un faible coefficient d’extinction spécifique (K232=1,15 pour l’huile algérienne et 2,34 pour l’huile marocaine). Les résultats des activités antioxydantes ont montré que la fraction insaponifiable pour les deux huiles est plus active, notamment contre le radical DPPH et le blanchiment de la β-carotène. Quant à l’activité antibactérienne, l’huile marocaine a révélé une activité contre trois bactéries et l’huile algérienne contre un champignon. Conclusion. Il convient de considérer l’huile d’argan artisanale algérienne, non encore valorisée, comme une huile prometteuse tout comme l’huile industrielle marocaine. [Abstract. Introduction. Algerian argan oil, from the region of Tindouf (far south-west of Algeria), is an oil that has not been upgraded until now. Objective. The Algerian argan oil extracted by traditional method was compared with a Moroccan oil obtained by mechanical press, in order to study its qualities for a possible valorization. Material and methods. The physicochemical characteristics, the fatty acid and sterol composition were determined, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the saponifiable and unsaponifiable fractions were studied. Results. The results showed that the Algerian oil, was a fine virgin oil rich in linoleic acid (35% for algerian oil, and 28% for the moroccan), and β-sitosterol (64% for algerian oil and 59% for the moroccan), characterized by a low chlorophyll content (1.3 and 1.8 mg pheophytin/kg oil, respectively for algerian and moroccan oil) and a low specific extinction coefficient (K232=1.15 for algerian oil and 2.34 for the moroccan). The results of the antioxidant activities showed that the unsaponifiable fraction, for the both oils, was more active, in particular against the DPPH radical and the bleaching of β-carotene. As for the antibacterial activity, the Moroccan oil revealed an activity against three bacteria, and the Algerian oil against a fungi. Conclusion. The Algerian artisanal argan oil, not yet valued, should be considered a promising oil as the Moroccan industrial oil.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of the edible and medicinal <i>Acacia albida</i> organs related to phenolic compounds

<div><p>This study compared phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in different organs of <i>Acacia albida</i> (leaves and bark) and focuses on identification of phenolic compounds of leaves by HPLC-DAD. The analysed organs exhibited differences in total polyphenol contents (100 and 59.5 mg GAE g^− 1 DW). Phenolic contents of leaves were two times higher than those in bark. Ethanolic extracts exhibited good antioxidant activities with IC₅₀ = 26 μg mL^− 1 for DPPH and EC₅₀ = 50 μg mL^− 1 for FRAP. Identification by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of nine phenolic compounds known for their high antioxidant activity. The results suggested that this species can be used as source of natural antioxidants.</p></div