Biochemical Profile and In Vitro Therapeutic Properties of Two Euhalophytes, Halocnemum strobilaceum Pall. and Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forske., Grown in the Sabkha Ecosystem in the Algerian Sahara

Abstract

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo.

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil

“…In the last two decades, research on herbs with potential uses in medicine has thrived [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ]. The results demonstrated in the current study represent an important key point for future research regarding the short-term use of T. parthenium EO.…”

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Acute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum vulgare L. Essential Oil

“…The LD 50 has been found to be between 5 and 15 g/kg, which corresponds to toxicological level 5 on the Hodge and Sterner scale, i.e., it is practically non-toxic to humans [ 29 ]. In the last two decades, research on herbs with potential use in medicine is thriving [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. The antioxidant potential and the non-toxicity of T. vulgare L. EO demonstrated in the current study would be an important key point for future research.…”