Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of

The need for antioxidant agents, which can prevent oxidative stress, has become a major priority. Saharan plants could constitute a reservoir of effective biomolecules useful as antioxidants. Genista saharae, wich is anendemic plant of Algeria,is a leafless spontaneous fabaceae called "Tellegit" by local people. As it is known to be a source of chemical compounds which are characterized by antioxidant properties, this medicinal shrub is used in traditional pharmacopoeia. The originality of the present study consists in scrutinizing the phytochemical composition and evaluating the antioxidant activity of aerial parts of aqueous extract of Genista Saharae (AEG) in conditions corresponding to its traditional use. Phytochemical screening was performed to assess the qualitative chemical composition of (AEG) using precipitation and coloration reactions. In addition, the total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and β carotene contents were determined by using spectrophotometric methods. Finally, AEG was assayed to determine its antioxidant activities using 3 methods: DPPH, reducing power and β carotene bleaching tests. The results reveal the presence of several biomolecules in AEG such as phénolics compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids and saponins. Besides, the quantitative analysis show a considerable total phenolics, tannins and β carotene contents. In sum, it was found that EAG possess a high antioxidant activity against bleaching of β carotene, which justifies its use by traditional healers.Consequently, Genista Saharae is a good source of antioxidants. Its good antioxidant activity may be explained by the occurence of tannins or other phenolic compounds such as terpenoids, β carotene and saponins. .