Comparative Study of Antioxidant and Antimitotic Activities and Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in Three Northern Moroccan Plants

¹ Bioactives and Environmental Health Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes B.P. 11201, Morocco.
² Research Unit in Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Abdelmalek Essaadi University. Al Hoceima, Morocco.
³ Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnology, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco.
⁴ PTM Food supplements and cosmetics, Laboratory of Pharmacology, National Agency for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 34025, Taounate, Morocco.
⁵ Laboratory of Biotechnology, Health, Agrofood and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar EL Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, 30000, Morocco.
⁶ Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez 30000, Morocco.
⁷ Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, BP 1893, Km 22, Road of Sidi Harazem, Fez, Morocco.
⁸ Department of English, Higher School of Education and Training (ESEF), Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco.
⁹ Laboratory of Pharmacology, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Taounate B.P. 34025, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The province of Taounate, located in northern Morocco, is rich in aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs), including Cistus albidus, Cistus laurifolius, and Cytisus villosus. These botanical species, long revered in local traditional medicine, not only offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits but also hold promises for innovative applications in the pharmaceutical and therapeutic fields. This study aims to fully explore and valorize these plants by investigating their phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. The quantification of total polyphenols and flavonoids demonstrates the richness of these species in secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts exhibited remarkable vitro antioxidant activity, as assessed through various tests (DPPH, ABTS, and RP). Concurrently, significant antimitotic activity was demonstrated, suggesting a dose-dependent decrease in the mitotic index of Allium cepa root cells. These results open promising avenues for future clinical research and offer new approaches to the treatment of oxidative stress and related disorders.