Chemical Composition of Root Bark of Periploca angustifolia Growing Wild in Saharian Tunisia

Abstract

Periploca angustifolia Labill. is a multipurpose (ecological, pastoral and therapeutic) native shrub of the Mediterranean basin. Periploca leaves were used, for a long time, by the local population as decoction or infusion to treat digestive disorders. Root bark, known by their hypotensive property, is used as infusion with the tea. The resin, exuded by roots after section, is used as masticator having a good smell when burned. The ethnobotanical value of this shrub incited us to develop the present work having as objective to determine the chemical composition of the root bark of P. angustifolia, at the flowering stage. The main results of the phytochemical screening showed the presence of C-Heterosids (Anthracenic derivatives), anthocyans, saponins, free quinons and proanthocyanidols. Quantitative analysis of P. angustifolia's root bark, showed that it has relatively high amount on crude proteins (1.46 mg/g DM) and fatty matter (1.05 mg/g DM), as well as some secondary metabolites such us condensed tannins (3189.8 mgCE/100g DM), polyphenol content (2.6 mgGAE/g DM), carotenoids (0.27 mg/g DM), anthocyanins (1.8 mg/g DM) and flavonoids (4.1 mgQE/g DM). The analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed many volatiles such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde as it is the major compound (89.23 %).