Extraction and Valorization of Phenolic Compounds of Leaves of Algerian Pistacia lentiscus

Pistacia lentiscus is known since antiquity for its medicinal properties. Its leaves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, hepatoprotective and anti-diarrheal effects. They are also used in the treatment of several other diseases. This present study aims to the valorization of the hydro-methanolic extract of Pistacia lentiscus leaves as an antioxidant. First, a hydro-methanolic extraction of the total phenolic compounds contained in the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus was measured and then quantitative analysis of the polyphenol, flavonoids and tannins contents were carried out. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and the scavenging ability with respect to a relatively stable free radical (DPPH). Our results revealed that, the leaves extract has a significant scavenging activity, where it reached up to 76.4% at 200 μg mL-1 which is comparable with that of α-tocopherol. A moderate reducing power (37.04%) of H2O2 was recorded at 50 μg mL-1. In addition, the Pistacia lentiscus leaves extract was rich in polyphenols which seem to have a comparable antioxidant capacity and even more significant than that of the standards.