Abstract:
This study is registered in the framework of research a new source of natural antioxidants
and effective inhibitors of digestive enzymes, in particular α-amylase. For this purpose, the
antioxidant power and the inhibitory activity of α-amylase are evaluated for the various aqueous
extracts of the aerial part of M. deserti obtained according to the traditional methods of
preparation (decoction and infusion). The plant is harvested in two different regions (Ghardaïa
and Djanet). Quantification of total polyphenols and certain classes of phenolic compounds
(flavonoids, acid phenols and condensed tannins) is carried out by colorimetric methods. The
results obtained showed that the decoction of M. deserti from the Djanet region had the highest
levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, phenol acids and condensed tannins, which were of the
order of 294,42 mg EAG/g, 20,73 mg ER/g, 8 mg EAC/g and 17,35 mg EC/g respectively.
Evaluation of the antioxidant activity is carried out by three different methods, namely: ABTS,
DPPH and FRAP. The most important anti-radical effect of ABTS is obtained with the infusion
of M. deserti from the region of Ghardaïa which is of the order of IC50 = 0,22 mg /ml. These
results remain low in comparison with the standard antioxidant Trolox, which has an IC50 equal
to 0,10 mg / ml. As regards the inhibitory activity of α-amylase, the various aqueous extracts
of M. deserti have a very remarkable ability to inhibit α-amylase. The most important IC50 is
recorded for the M. deserti decoction of the Djanet region, which is on the order of 0,011mg/ml.
These results confirmed the traditional use of this plant to treat diabetes.
