Free Radical Scavenging Activity, Reducing Power and Anti-Hemolytic Capacity of Algerian Drimia maritima Baker Flower Extracts

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties of Algerian Drimia maritima Baker flower extracts. Determination of phenolic content was carried out to estimate the chemical composition of D. maritima extracts. Antioxidant properties were investigated in all extracts using free radical scavenging activity (against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion), reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and anti-hemolytic capacity. Phenolic determination revealed that D. maritima flowers contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Ethyl acetate extract showed the highest reducing power and scavenging activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. However, aqueous extract was the most effective against hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, and lipid peroxidation. The half-time of hemolysis indicates that chloroform extract exhibited the best anti-hemolytic capacity in the AAPH induced hemolysis model. The results of this study suggest that D. maritima could be used as a possible source of antioxidant phenolic compounds and that further determination of these compounds may provide more information on their medicinal value.  Keywords: Drimia maritima, phenolic compounds, scavenging activity, reducing power, anti-hemolytic

Acute and Sub-acute Toxic Effects of Algerian Peganum harmala L. Crud Extract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Algerian Peganum harmala L. seeds (Zygophyllaceae). For the acute toxicity assessment, oral administration of P. harmala crud extract to mice in single doses of 0-12 g/kg caused dose-dependent general behavior adverse effects and mortality with LD50 of 2,86 g/kg. In the sub-acute study, daily oral administration of the crude aqueous extract for 28 consecutive days did not result no mortality. However, our results showed a significant difference in organs weights between control and treated animals. In the biochemical analysis, significant changes occurred in Bilirubin, uric acid (UA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the treated animals when compared to the control ones. Hematological analysis showed differences in WBC count and Hemoglobin estimation. However, urinalysis was negative for all parameters except Glucose in the treated group. Pathologically, a few gross abnormalities and histological changes were observed in hepatic and nephritic tissues. Keywords: Peganum harmala L., Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity, Hematological parameters, Biochemical parameter