Phytochemistry study of aqueous extract of Anastatica hierochuntica and Eucalyptus globulus

Abstract

Introduction: Eucalyptus globulus (EG) and Anastatica hierochuntica (AH) are plants made up of several secondary metabolites with hygroscopic and antifungal properties. The aim of the work was to carry out a phytochemical study of the aqueous extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica and Eucalyptus globulus.

Methodology: An experimental study was carried out between October 26, 2020 and June 30, 2021. EG was collected in the Bamboutos division, Babadjou sub-division, West Region, and AH in the Déira market, East of the Dubai metropolis. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the extracts was carried out using the colorimetric tests described by Harbone (1998) and Evans (2000) and the UV-visible spectrophotometric assay of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, respectively.

Results: EG and HA extracts showed phenolic compounds, triterpenes and sterols. No alkaloids were found in HA extracts. Total phenolic assay showed the highest content in EG extract with a value of 10.62±0.314 µg GAE/g DE, followed by HA extracts with a value of 4.27±0.432 µg GAE/g DE. Flavonoid assay showed that EG aqueous extract contained maximum flavonoids with a value of 624.3437± 0.423 µg QE/g DE, while HA extract recorded a value of 369.1875± 0.312 µg QE/g DE.

Conclusion: The two plants studied are rich in phenolic compounds, triterpenes and sterols. EG had high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. This would justify the potential biological activities attributed to these two plants.