Exploring the Bioactive Potential of <i>Cistus ladanifer</i> Leaves from Northern Morocco (Tangier)

Abstract

The present research explored the antioxidant capacities and phytochemical profile of Cistus ladanifer collected from North Morocco (Tangier), to identify potential medicinal sources of antioxidants. The antioxidant qualities of the extracts were assessed using a variety of analytical methods, such as 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed to examine the chemical constituents present in the plant material. Finally, ICP-AES analysis was performed to characterize the nutritional components of the extract, providing detailed insights into its valuable nutrient content. The findings revealed that the methanolic extract displayed considerable antioxidant potential, as evidenced by its powerful scavenging activities against DPPH, with an IC 50 value of 0.115 ± 0.003 mg/ml and IC 50 of 0.251 ± 0.006 mg/ml ABTS radicals. Moreover, it displayed a higher reducing power using the FRAP test and excellent ORAC values, with 62.74 ± 0.07 mg/g and 40.21 ± 0.7 mg/g dry weight of extract, respectively. This research also assessed the total phenolic and total flavonoid compounds, while tannins were found in high concentrations in the methanolic extract, with 69.08 ± 1.69 mg of GAE/g dW, 47.86 ± 1.76 mg of QE/g dW, and 354.98 ± 15.29 mg of TAE/g dW, respectively. The presence of phenols, benzene rings, aromatic compounds, ethers, and methylene chains was verified by FTIR analysis. Finally, HPLC-MS and GC-MS analyses revealed a rich profile of bioactive phytochemicals. This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Tangier, Northern Morocco, shedding light on the unique chemical composition of Cistus ladanifer in this region.