Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the Anacyclus valentinus L. essential oil and its oxygenated fraction

Aim and Objective: Synthetic antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are widely used by the food and pharmaceutical industries. Like any synthetic product, these are toxic and represent a significant health risk. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of Anacyclus valentinus essential oil and its oxygenated fraction, as well as their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and Methods: The essential oil was hydrodistilled using a Clevenger-type device and the oxygenated fraction was obtained by column chromatography using diethyl ether. The essential oil and its oxygenated fraction were analysed by GC and GC/MS. The antioxidant activities were performed using three different methods Radical scavenging activity (DPPH), β-carotene bleaching test, and the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), using BHT as a positive control. The activity of anti-inflammatory of essential oil and its oxygenated fraction was assessed by the protein denaturation method using the diclofenac sodium as a positive control. Results: The essential oil of Anacyclus valentinus was represented mainly by oxygenated sesquiterpene compounds (37.7%), hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (14.7%), oxygenated monoterpenes (18.4%) and non-terpenic compounds (15.6%). The oxygenated fraction was composed mainly of oxygenated sesquiterpenes (40.6%), oxygenated monoterpenes (38.5%), and non-terpene compounds (19.4%). Essential oil and hydrosol extract showed antioxidant activity. The most potent activity was observed by the oxygenated fraction in the DPPH (IC50 = 8.2 mL/L) and β-carotene bleaching (IC50 = 5.6 mL/L) tests. While the essential oil of A. valentinus showed very good anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 of 0.3 g/L higher than that of diclofenac (IC50= 0.53 g/L). Conclusion: The results showed that the essential oil and the oxygenated fraction of A. valentinus are rich in sesquiterpene compounds and possess interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, other studies are necessary to be able to offer these extracts to the pharmaceutical and food industries.