PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND EVALUATION OF THE ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF SAHARAN Asphodelus tenuifolius CAV

Abstract

Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. is a traditional medicinal plant used in arid regions for its therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts (EtOH/H₂O, 75:35, v/v) from the aerial parts and roots of A. tenuifolius Cav. harvested in the region of Ghardaïa (Algerian Sahara). Phytochemical screening showed significant levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins.   The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH free radical assay and revealed a significant concentration-dependent scavenging capacity. The aerial parts extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 51.22 ± 4.15 µg/ml) compared to the root extract (IC₅₀ = 88.33 ± 4.15 µg/ml; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the extracts also exhibited good antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial pathogens. A. tenuifolius from Ghardaïa proves to be a promising candidate for bio-sourced antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.