Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17508/CJFST.2026.18.1.09
Pharmaceutical biology and bioactive properties of Rhamnus alaternus L.: A comprehensive evaluation of extraction methods and antioxidant potential
Abdelkader Hamiani
; University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Computer Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Mostaganem, Algeria; University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Oran, Algeria
Salim Bouchentouf
orcid.org/0000-0002-2725-9798
; University of Saida (Dr. Moulay Tahar), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Process Engineering, BP 138, Cité EN-NASR, Saïda 20000, Algeria; University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Natural and Bioactive Substances (LASNABIO), P.O. Box 119, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
*
Naima Hammoudi
; University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Computer Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Mostaganem, Algeria
Nadia Kambouche
; University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Oran, Algeria
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae) is used in Algerian traditional medicine for treating hepatic and dermatological conditions. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical profile and bioactivities of Soxhlet extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol) and hydrodistilled essential oil (1.9% yield) from Algerian R. alaternus leaves. The methanolic extract demonstrated superior performance, exhibiting the highest total phenolic content (220.0 ± 0.335 mg GAE/g) and the most potent antioxidant activity, with a DPPH IC₅₀ of 3.50 ± 0.10 µg/mL and a FRAP value of 0.100 ± 0.138 mmol Fe²⁺/g. Notably, this phenolic content is approximately 25% higher than that reported from other Mediterranean regions. HPLC analysis identified quercetin and ascorbic acid as the major bioactive constituents. The extracts also showed significant, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans, with the dichloromethane extract exhibiting antifungal effects. This study establishes the Algerian variant of R. alaternus as a particularly rich source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, thereby validating its traditional use and highlighting its strong potential as a dual-function agent for applications in food preservation and nutraceuticals.
Keywords
Rhamnus alaternus; natural antioxidants; antimicrobial activity; phenolic compounds; natural food preservatives
Hrčak ID:
348946
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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