Study of the cytotoxicity and therapeutic virtues of some aromatic and medicinal plants used in traditional Algerian medicine

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity and therapeutic virtues of some plants used in Algerian traditional medicine. The obtained results demonstrate that the aqueous extract of E. spinosus presents a high risk of cytotoxicity, a weak antihemolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, buta very high antioxidant activity. However, the aqueous extract of B. incrassatumpresents a non-significant cytotoxicity along with high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Besides, the aqueous extract of U. dioicapresents a moderate cytotoxicity represented byits hemolytic effect, high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The quantitative analysis has revealed the presence of higher contents of polyphenols and tannins in B. incrassatumand U. dioica against higher contents of flavonoids and tannins in E. spinosus.This variation could explain partially the difference observed in terms of cytotoxicity and biological activities. Further studies are recommended to experimentally evaluate the biological potential and toxicity of the used aromatic and medicinal plants in Algeria.