Phytochemical analysis, and antioxidant, anti-hemolytic and genoprotective effects of Quercus ilex L. and Pinus halepensis Mill. methanolic extracts

Context: Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis are largely used in Algerian folk medicine as a remedy for different health problems. Aims: To determine the phytochemical composition as well as to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-hemolytic and genoprotective effects of Quercus ilex root bark extract (QIE) and Pinus halepensis young ovulate cones extract (PHE). Methods: Methanolic extracts were prepared by maceration. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids were quantified spectrophotometrically and identified by HPLC analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by determining the DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). Protective effect of the extracts against AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis was assessed. pBluescript M13 (+) plasmid DNA was used as oxidation target to evaluate DNA protective effect of the extracts. Results: Considerable phenolic compounds and flavonoids contents were found in the studied extracts. Catechin and phenolic acids (4-hydoxybenzoic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic and gentisic acids) were identified in QIE, while catechin and cinnamic acid were identified in PHE. Both extracts scavenge DPPH radical with IC50 values of 5.67 µg/mL and 18.87 µg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant capacity against ABTS radical was 4.13 and 1.15 mM Trolox equivalent/mg extract. The two extracts also showed a considerable ferric reducing ability with 1.98 and 8.55 mM FeSO4/mg extract, respectively. On the other hand, both extracts exerted a significant protective effect against AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and DNA protective activities were noticed. Conclusions: Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis extracts are important sources of bioactive compounds possessing important antioxidants, antihemolytic and genoprotective effects.