Phytochemical and Biological Validation of the Underexplored Medicinal Plant Tamarix canariensis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i06.6191Keywords:
Tamarix canariensis, HPLC-UV-MS/MS, phytochemical profiling , antioxidant activity, antiinflammatory activityAbstract
Introduction-Aim: This work highlights the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of Tamarix canariensis, an underexplored plant already recognized for its traditional therapeutic uses.
Methods: The phytochemical profile was assessed using HPLC-UV-MS/MS, on extracts obtained via maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Antioxidant activity was quantified through DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, and anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by measuring inhibition of protein denaturation.
Results: The extracts were found to contain bioactive compounds such as quercetin glucuronide, 2’-hydroxy-3,4,4’,6’-tetramethoxychalcone, and ferulic acid sulfate, with tamarixetin-3-O-hexoside detected exclusively in the hexane extract. They exhibited strong antioxidant effects, with IC₅₀
values of 242.62 ± 1.09 µg/mL (DPPH) and 243.95 ± 0.95 µg/mL (H₂O₂), which correlated closely with total phenolic content. Additionally, at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, the extracts inhibited protein denaturation by 90% in bovine albumin and 97.73% in egg white albumin.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that Tamarix canariensis is a promising natural source of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional medicinal use and underscoring its potential for pharmaceutical and healthcare applications.
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