Abstract:
The present study aims to evaluate for the first time the phenolic composition of the
hydromethanolic extracts of the leaves and the different parts of the local M'zab Cucumis melo fruit
known as "amLoun n'waghlène" and their antioxidant activities. The extraction of the active
ingredients has been carried out by maceration using a methanol / water solvent system. The
phytochemical study was conducted using qualitative and quantitative tests to demonstrate the
presence and quantification of certain metabolites, particularly secondary metabolites. The
evaluation of the biological activity has been performant by two tests namely: ABTS and FRAP.
The results of the phytochemical screening reveal the richness of different extracts in different types
of metabolites such as tannins, cyanidines, coumarins, quinones, alkaloids, terpenes and finally
reducing compounds. At the end of the various assays carried out, the results obtained indicate that
the highest contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and condensed tannins are recorded
for the extracts of the pulp (19906,96 ± 2430,72 μg EAG/g), fluid from the central cavity of the
fruit (5856,05 ± 583,98 μg ER / g and 3235,18 ± 353,33 μg EAC/g) and melon bark (3739,71±
206,85 μg EC/g). The leaf extract has the lowest levels in these compounds. Regarding the
antioxidant activity, all the extracts studied showed a more powerful antioxidant activity and very
remarkable in comparison with those of the standard antioxidant (Trolox). The most effective
extract in the inhibition of the radical cation ABTS
-+
and the reduction of iron is that of leaves with
IC50 values of 3,40 ± 0,57 μg/mL and 15,65 ± 1,18 μg/mL respectively.
