Chemical Composition and Phytochemical Screening of Juniperus Phoenicea L.: Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Minerals, and Bioactive Compounds

Year 2024, Volume: 11 Issue: 2, 709 - 722, 15.05.2024

Khaled Muftah Elsherif , Marwa A. Sulaiman Adel Mlitan

https://doi.org/10.18596/jotcsa.1330273

Cited By: 2

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to determine Juniperus phoenicea L.'s elemental content, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical composition. Phytochemical screening was performed on four plant extracts (water, ethanol, chloroform, and ether). The aqueous and ethanol extracts were also analyzed for their total phenols, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant contents. The levels of macroelements (Na, Mg, Ca) and microelements (Fe, Cu, Zn) in the plant were determined by flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. Moisture, ash, total protein, and total alkaloids were also determined. The results showed that the aqueous and ethanol extracts contained various phytochemicals, such as carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, anthocyanins, saponins, and glycosides. The ethanol extract had higher concentrations of most phytochemicals than the aqueous extract, except for carbohydrates and proteins. The chloroform and ether extracts had lower concentrations of phytochemicals than the aqueous and ethanol extracts. The moisture, ash, total protein, and total alkaloid contents of the plant were 13%, 5.52%, 10.78%, and 1.84%, respectively. The total phenol contents, total flavonoid contents, and total antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract were 49.36±5.24 mg/g, 20.61±2.08 mg/g, and 34.82±2.44 mg/g, respectively. The corresponding values for the aqueous extract were 46.26±2.47 mg/g, 14.80±1.12 mg/g, and 37.32±3.29 mg/g, respectively. The order of abundance for macroelements was Ca (26860±950 mg/kg) > Na (1705.4±85 mg/kg) > Mg (944.4±38 mg/kg), whereas for microelements it was Fe (315.4±18 mg/kg) > Cu (55.52±3 mg/kg) > Zn (35.66±2 mg/kg). These results indicate that Juniperus phoenicea L. is a rich source of phytochemicals and elements that may have potential health benefits.

Keywords

Juniperus phoenicea L., Phytochemical composition, Antioxidant activity, Elemental content, Medicinal plant, Traditional medicine

References

• 1. Batool Z, Singh K, Gairola S. Medicinal plants are traditionally used in the health care practices by the indigenous communities of the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. India. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023;317:116837. Available from: <URL>
• 2. Kar A, Mahar D, Biswas S, Chakraborty D, Efferth T, Panda S. Phytochemical profiling of polyphenols and thyroid stimulatory activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract in 6-propyl-thiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023;313:116479. Available from: <URL>
• 3. Elsherif KMM, Ewlad-Ahmed AM, Alhlbad EAA. Evaluation of some Chemical and Biochemical Constituents in Ocimum Basilicum Available in Msallata City- Libya. Adv J Chem B. 2023;5(2):197-212. Available from: <URL>
• 4. Rani P, Yu X, Liu H, Li K, He Y, Tian H, Kumar R. Material, antibacterial and anticancer properties of natural polyphenols incorporated soy protein isolate: A review. Eur Polym J. 2021;152:110494. Available from: <URL>
• 5. Dailah HG. The ethnomedicinal evidence pertaining to traditional medicinal herbs used in the treatment of respiratory illnesses and disorders in Saudi Arabia: A review. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2022;29(9):103386. Available from: <URL>
• 6. Mssillou I, Bakour M, Slighoua M, Laaroussi H, Saghrouchni H, Amrati FE-Z, Lyoussi B, Derwich E. Investigation on wound healing effect of Mediterranean medicinal plants and some related phenolic compounds: A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;298:115663. Available from: <URL>
• 7. Abubaker N, Ali A. Health Information System and Their Impact on The Quality of Health Care at Benghazi Medical Center. Alq J Med Appl Sci. 2021;4(1):132-145.
• 8. Laouar A, Klibet F, Bourogaa E, Benamara A, Boumendjel A, Chefrour A, Messarah M. Potential antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effects of Juniperus phoenicea berries against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2017;10(3):263-269. Available from: <URL>
• 9. Ait-Ouazzou A, Lorán S, Arakrak A, Laglaoui A, Rota C, Herrera A, Pagán R, Conchello P. Evaluation of the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Mentha pulegium, Juniperus phoenicea, and Cyperus longus essential oils from Morocco. Food Res Int. 2012;45(1):313-319. Available from: <URL>
• 10. Ali M, El shatshat S. Ecological study of Juniperus phoenicea L.in EL-Gabal El-Akhdararea, Libya. Eur J Exp Biol .2015;5(7):71-76.
• 11. Nedjimi B, Beladel B, Guit B. Multi-element determination in medicinal Juniper tree (Juniperus phoenicea) by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J Radiat Res Appl Sci. 2015;8(2):243-246. Available from: <URL>
• 12. Keskes H, Mnafgui K, Hamden K, Damak M, El Feki A, Allouche N. In vitro anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and antioxidant properties of Juniperus phoenicea L. leaves from Tunisia. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2014;4(Suppl 2):649-655. Available from: <URL>
• 13. Chelouati T, Lafraxo S, Bouslamti M, El Barnossi A, Chebaibi M, Akhazzane M, Salamatullah A, Nafidi H, Bourhia M, Lyoussi B, Benjelloun A. Study on antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of chemically profiled essential oils extracted from Juniperus phoenicea (L.) by use of in vitro and in silico approaches. Open Chem. 2023;21(1):20220333. Available from: <URL>
• 14. Shahar B, Dolma N, Chongtham N. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and identification of bioactive constituents from three wild medicinally important underutilized plants of Ladakh, India using GCMS and FTIR based metabolomics approach. Food Hum. 2023;1:430-439. Available from: <URL>
• 15. Ait Bouzid H, Oubannin S, Ibourki M, Bijla L, Hamdouch A, Sakar EH, Harhar H, Majourhat K, Koubachi J, Gharby S. Comparative evaluation of chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and some contaminants in six Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants. Biocatal Agric Biotechnol. 2023;47:102569. Available from: <URL>
• 16. Sari KRP, Ikawati Z, Danarti R, Hertiani T. Micro-titer plate assay for measurement of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in medicinal plant extracts. Arab J Chem. 2023;16(9):105003. Available from: <URL>
• 17. Aouadi M, Msaada K, Sebai E, Wannes WA, Abbassi MS, Akkari H. Antioxidant, anthelmintic and antibacterial activities of red juniper (Juniperus phoenicea L.) essential oil. J Essent Oil Res. 2022;34(2):163-172. Available from: <URL>
• 18. Elmhdwi MF, Attitalla IH, Khan BA, Menaa F. Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Antioxidant Potential of Different Extracts from the Leaves of Juniperus Phoenicea. J Plant Pathol Microbiol. 2015;6(9). Available from: <URL>
• 19. Prasathkumar M, Anisha S, Dhrisya C, Becky R, Sadhasivam S. Therapeutic and pharmacological efficacy of selective Indian medicinal plants – A review. Phytomedicine Plus .2021;1(2):100029. Available from: <URL>
• 20. Dim LA, Funtua II, Oyewale AO, Grass F, Umar IM, Gwozdz R, Borylo A, Parus JL. Determination of some elements in Ageratum conyziodes, a tropical medicinal plant, using instrumental neutron activation analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem. 2004;261:225-228. Available from: <URL>
• 21. Abubakar AR, Haque M. Preparation of medicinal plants: Basic extraction and fractionation procedures for experimental purposes. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2020;12(1):1-10. Available from: <URL>
• 22. Kumaran A, Karunakaran RJ. In vitro antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of five Phyllanthus species from India. LWT-Food Sci Technol. 2007;40(2):344-352. Available from: <URL>
• 23. Elsherif KMM, Aljaroushi AM. Biochemical Properties Evaluation of some Libyan dates. Chem Rev Lett. 2021;4(4):213-220. Available from: <URL>
• 24. Najah Z, Elsherif KM. Analytical and Phytochemical Studies on Zizphus Lotus. Eur J Biomed Pharm Sci. 2016;3(7):574-577.
• 25. Najah Z, Elsherif KM, Kawan E, Farah N. Phytochemical screening and heavy metals contents of Nicotiana glauca plant. Int J Pharm Pharm Res. 2015;4(3):82-91.
• 26. Yaghi MM, Mohammed MY, Towier NA, Elsherif KM. Analysis of Potato Chips: Evaluation of Sodium, Potassium and Chloride Contents. Int J Multidiscip Sci Adv Technol. 2021;1(Special Issue):92-97. Available from: <URL>
• 27. Elsherif KM, Abu Khater RA, Hegaig FA. Determination of major and minor elements in dairy products produced in Misurata city – Libya. Maghrebian J Pure Appl Sci. 2017;3(2):9-17.
• 28. Di Marzo L, Pranata J, Barbano DM. Measurement of casein in milk by Kjeldahl and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. J Dairy Sci. 2021;104(7):7448-7456. Available from: <URL>
• 29. Gracelin DHS, De Britto AJ, Kumar PBJR. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals in five Pteris species. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2013;5(Suppl 1):105-107.
• 30. Rumpf J, Burger R, Schulze M. Statistical evaluation of DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteu assays to assess the antioxidant capacity of lignins. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;233:123470. Available from: <URL>
• 31 Shraim AM, Ahmed TA, Rahman MM, Hijji YM. Determination of total flavonoid content by aluminum chloride assay: A critical evaluation. LWT - Food Sci Technol. 2021;150:111932. Available from: <URL>
• 32. Al-Mustafa A, Al-Tawarah M, Al-Sheraideh MS, Al-Zahrany FA. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and in vitro β-galactosidase inhibition activities of Juniperus phoenicea and Calicotome villosa methanolic extracts. BMC Chem. 2021;15(1):55. Available from: <URL>
• 33. Yaghi MM, Elsherif KM, El Ziani NO. Heavy Metals Analysis of Baby Cereal Available in the Libyan Markets. Libyan J Basic Sci. 2022;19(3):1-12.
• 34. Alkherraz A, Hashad O, Elsherif K. Heavy metals contents in some commercially available coffee, tea, and cocoa samples in Misurata City–Libya. Prog Chem Biochem Res. 2019;2(3):99-107.
• 35. Barnawi IO, Nasr FA, Noman OM, Alqahtani AS, Al-zharani M, Alotaibi AA, Daradka HM, Al-Mishari AA, Alobaid WA, Alqahtani A, Herqash RN. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by chloroform fraction of Juniperus phoenicea and chemical constituents analysis. Open Chem. 2021;19:119-127. Available from: <URL>
• 36. Hamzal A, Bouzidi N, Bekhechi C, Fernandez X. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Algerian Juniperus phoenicea L. extracts. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2016;6(1):87-96. Available from: <URL>
• 37. Amalich S, Fadili K, Fahim M, Hilali FE, Zaïr T. Polyphenols content and antioxidant power of fruits and leaves of Juniperus phoenicea L. from Tounfite (Morocco). Mor J Chem. 2016;4(4):2177-2186. Available from: <URL>
• 38. El-Sawi SA, Motawae HM, Sleem MA-f, El-Shabrawy ARO, Sleem A, Ismail MA. Phytochemical screening, investigation of carbohydrate contents, and antiviral activity of Juniperus phoenicea L. growing in Egypt. J Herbs Spices Med Plants. 2014;20(1):83-91. Available from: <URL>
• 39. Zouari Bouassida K, Makni S, Tounsi A, Jlaiel L, Trigui M, Tounsi S. Effects of Juniperus phoenicea hydroalcoholic extract on inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers in carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. BioMed Res Int. 2018;2018:3069487. Available from: <URL>
• 40. Dane Y, Mouhouche F, Canela-Garayoa R, Delpino-Rius A. Phytochemical Analysis of Methanolic Extracts of Artemisia absinthium L. 1753 (Asteraceae), Juniperus phoenicea L., and Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast, 1892 (Cupressaceae) and evaluation of their biological activity for stored grain protection. Arab J Sci Eng. 2016;41:2147–2158. Available from: <URL>
• 41. Farahat EA. Age structure and static life tables of the endangered Juniperus phoenicea L.in North Sinai Mountains, Egypt: implication for conservation. J Mountain Sci. 2020;17(10):2170-2178. Available from: <URL>
• 42. El-Gohary MA, El-Hady MA, El-Sayed MM. Phytochemical screening, investigation of carbohydrate contents, and antioxidant activity of Juniperus phoenicea L.growing in Egypt. J Appl Sci Res. 2015;11(1):1-9. Available from: <URL>
• 43. Dzialuk A, Mazur M, Boratyńska K, Montserrat JM, Romo A, Boratyński A. Population genetic structure of Juniperus phoenicea (Cupressaceae) in the western Mediterranean Basin: gradient of diversity on a broad geographical scale. Ann For Sci. 2011;68(8):1341-1350. Available from: <URL>
• 44. Bajes HR, Oran SA, Bustanji YK, Al-Zahrany FA. Chemical composition and antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of essential oil from Juniperus phoenicea L. Cupressaceae. Res J Pharm Technol. 2021;14(8):4464-4470. Available from: <URL>
• 45. Shaboun S, Almajbri MM, Elmshiti BM, El Aali NM, Towier NH. The contents of total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate extract of Juniperus phoenicea L.(Cupressacees) leaves growing in East Libya. Lebda Med J. 2021;8:292-297.
• 46. Camacho MdM, Zago M, García-Martínez E, Martínez-Navarrete N. Free and bound phenolic compounds present in orange juice by-product powder and their contribution to antioxidant activity. Antioxidants. 2022;11:1748. Available from: <URL>
• 47. Ullah A, Munir S, Badshah SL, Khan N, Ghani L, Poulson BG, Emwas AH, Jaremko M. Important Flavonoids and Their Role as a Therapeutic Agent. Molecules. 2020;25:5243. Available from: <URL>
• 48. Panche AN, Diwan AD, Chandra SR. Flavonoids: an overview. J Nutr Sci. 2016;5:e47. Available from: <URL>
• 49. El Jemli M, Kamal R, Marmouzi I, Zerrouki A, Cherrah Y, Alaoui K. Radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability of Juniperus thurifera (L.), J. oxycedrus (L.), J. phoenicea (L.) and Tetraclinis articulata (L.). Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci. 2016;2016:6392656. Available from: <URL>
• 50. Menaceur F, Benchabane A, Hazzit M, Baaliouamer A. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Algerian Juniperus phoenicea L. Extracts. J Biologically Active Prod Nat. 2013;3(1):87-96. Available from: <URL>
• 51. Fadel H, Benayache F, Benayache S. (2016). Antioxidant properties of four Algerian medicinal and aromatic plants Juniperus oxycedrus L., Juniperus phoenicea L., Marrubium vulgare L., and Cedrus atlantica (Manetti ex Endl). Der Pharm Lett. 2016;8(3):72-79.
• 52. Rahhal R, EL Hajjouji H, Gmouh S, Hsaine M, Fougrach H, Badri W. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus thurifera and Juniperus oxycedrus. Mediterranean J Chem. 2019;9(3):190-198. Available from: <URL>
• 53. Mazari K, Bendimerad N, Bekhechi C, Fernandez X. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils isolated from Algerian Juniperus phoenicea L. and Cupressus sempervirens L. J Med Plants Res. 2010;4(10):959-964. Available from: <URL>
• 54. Bajes HR, Oran SA, Bustanji YK. Chemical Composition and Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Juniperus phoenicea L. Cupressaceae. Res J Pharm Technol. 2022;15(1):153-159. Available from: <URL>
• 55. Koutsaviti A, Tzakou O, Galati EM, Certo G, Germanò MP. Chemical Composition of Juniperus phoenicea and J. Drupacea Essential Oils and their Biological Effects in the Choriallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay. Nat Prod Commun. 2017;12(3):449-452.
• 56. Aljaiyash A, Ghanmi M, Satrani B, Labiad H, Echchelh A, Chaouch A. Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Ripe and Unripe Berries and Leaves of Juniperus Phoenicea L. Int J Emerg Eng Res Technol. 2016;4(10):7-1.
• 57. Nedjimi B, Beladel B, Guit B. Multi-element determination in medicinal Juniper tree (Juniperus phoenicea) by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J Radiat Res Appl Sci. 2015;8(2):243-246. Available from: <URL>
• 58. Ali RFM, Alaila AK. Morpho-Chemical Composition Characteristics of Juniperus and Pistacia Genera as Bio-Indicator of Construction Dust in Al-Jabal Al-Akhder-Libya. Haya Saudi J Life Sci. 2019;4(8):245-249. Available from: <URL>
• 59. Abu-darwish MS, Ofir R. Heavy metals content and essential oil yield of Juniperus phoenicea L. in different origins in Jordan. Environ Eng Manag J. 2014;13(12):3009-3014. Available from: <URL>
• 60. Nasri N, Tlili N, Elfalleh W, Cherif E, Ferchichi A, Khaldi A, Triki S. Chemical compounds from Phoenician juniper berries (Juniperus phoenicea). Nat Prod Res. 2011;25:1733-1742. Available from: <URL>
• 61. Kim MH, Choi MK. Seven Dietary Minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) and Their Relationship with Blood Pressure and Blood Lipids in Healthy Adults with Self-Selected Diet. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2013;153:69–75. Available from: <URL>
• 62. Paz S, Rubio C, Gutiérrez ÁJ. González-Welleer D, Hardisson A. Dietary Intake of Essential Elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mo, Co) from Tofu Consumption. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199:382–388. Available from: <URL>