Abstract:
Subject description: Algeria’s wealth of plant cover and diversity provides an opportunity to
develop new investment in this natural resource in divers sectors.
Objectives: The object of this study is to highlight certain species used in traditional food and
traditional medicine in north-east of Algeria.
Methods: Flower petals of Asphodelus microcarpus, Cytisus villosus, Narcissus tazetta, Borago
officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Sinapis arvensis, and Calendula officinallis, were used as raw material
for this study. The aim was to apply the same extraction conditions, and deduce their effect on the
total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and on the antioxidant activity (DPPH)
for the different plant species.
Results and discussion: The results shown a significant difference (p<0.05) between samples in
terms of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The best result revealed was for N.tazetta (5837.7mg of
GAE/100g, 9701.34mg of QE/100g, and 73.79% for TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity (DPPH),
respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and TPC
(R2=0.77), and TFC (R2=0.74).
Conclusion: The results obtained were justified by the difference in molecular composition
between the plants, as well as their different colours characteristic of their flower petals. Optimization
of extraction using experimental design can be realized, with eventual use in the food industries as
natural additives
