Phytochemical, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters extracts from Al Hoceima province

Abstract

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (TA), a member of the Cupressaceae family, is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat various health problems in Al Hoceima Province. Our study aimed to determine the content of polyphenols and flavonoids, and to evaluate the biological antioxidant activities using DPPH and FRAP tests. At the same time, we assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of various extracts of TA from Al Hoceima, using the BSA method for each of the extracts studied. The results reveal that ethyl acetate extracts (28.11 mg EAG/g ES), followed by ethanolic extracts (22.42 mg EAG/g ES), show higher quantities than the other extracts. Regarding flavonoids, ethyl acetate extract (90 mg EQ/g ES) and ethanolic extracts (64 mg EQ/g ES) showed the highest concentrations. For antioxidant activity, ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts showed significant activity, while for anti-inflammatory activity, ethyl acetate and hexanolic extracts showed more marked activity than ethanolic and dichloromethanic extracts. This study reveals that Tetraclinis articulata leaf extracts are an effective antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory agent. The results indicate the efficacy of TA leafs extracts from the province of Al Hoceima.