Hammada Scoparia Research Articles

Physicochemical, structural, and biological properties of novel water-soluble polysaccharide derived from the Tunisian Hammada scoparia plant and its application on beef meat preservation

This work aims to characterize a novel water-soluble polysaccharide from Hammada scoparia leaves named PSP. The Infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra confirmed the presence of different polysaccharide functional bands. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified a heteropolysaccharide composed of two monosaccharides. A semi-crystalline structure of PSP was proved using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity revealed an interesting potential to prevent oxidative stress.Additionally, PSP showed interesting functional propreties such as good oil and water retention abilities, higher foaming stability, and higher emulsifying capacity and stability. However, the effect of PSP on the oxidation of lipids in the ground beef meat was established during nine days at 4 °C. Obtained data revealed a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels, inhibition of metmyoglobin (MetMb) accumulation, and significant inhibition of microbial growth compared with the control sample during storage. Moreover, incorporating PSP in minced meat proved color pH and moisture stability. Overall, the findings in the present study confirmed that PSP could be considered a natural bioactive polymer for food applications.

In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective activities of aqueous extract of the endemic plant Hammada scoparia L. from Algeria

In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective activities of aqueous extract of the endemic plant Hammada scoparia L. from Algeria

A systematic review on Hammada scoparia medicinal plant: Phytochemicals, traditional uses and biological activities

Medicinal plants have played an important influence in the development of human society; they were always at the forefront of all cultures and civilizations as a source of medicine. Medicinal plants are considered rich sources of secondary compounds, and many modern medications are derived from them. Hammada scoparia is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is currently found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt) and has many medicinal properties used as folk medicine. The present research discusses the phytochemical components and biological activities of Hammada scoparia. The corresponding data were collected from various online databases, new research, and published resources. Different secondary compounds from the species have been documented, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. Pharmacological research has demonstrated that the major bioactives have antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimalarial activities and anticancer, reno-protective, and hepatoprotective effects. In conclusion, this study provides much information about the interests of vegetal species: Hammada scoparia.

Green Synthesis of Nickel and Copper Nanoparticles Doped with Silver from Hammada scoparia Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Their Potential to Inhibit Microorganisms and to Remove Dyes from Aqueous Solutions

Hammada scoparia (Pomel) is a powerful plant with important biological properties. In this study, we report on the green synthesis of silver-doped nickel and copper nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence of H. scoparia leaf extract using a self-propagating sol–gel autocombustion process. The synthesized NiO, CuO, Ag-NiO, and Ag-CuO NPs were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Afterward, they were tested for their antimicrobial activity as well as their potential to remove dyes from aqueous solutions using adsorption processes for malachite green (MG) and photocatalytic degradation for methylene blue (MB). Our results showed that the mass of the adsorbent had a significant effect on the adsorption rate, which increased to reach a maximum value of 98%. The Ag-CuO NP showed the best final conversion of MB (97.95%) compared to NiO, CuO, and Ag-NiO. In addition, we noted that the NPs doped with silver had the best performance in the removal of dyes. These results indicated that the photocatalytic performance was significantly improved after the addition of silver. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity showed that the studied NPs had moderate activity against the tested bacteria and a weak activity or were ineffective against Candida albicans. Therefore, the green synthesis of NPs from H. scoparia leaf extract is considered a sustainable alternative to removing dyes from aqueous solutions. However, further investigation should be performed on the other dyes to understand the overall effectiveness of these NPs.

Preparation and characterization of a novel hamada scoparia polysaccharide composite films and evaluation of their effect on cutaneous wound healing in rat

This work was intended to prepare biodegradable and edible films from polysaccharide extracted from Hammada scoparia leaves (named PSP) and reinforced by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Four films with different ratios of PSP/PVA: P1 (70:30), P2 (50:50), FP3 (30:70) and pure PVA (100 % PVA) were prepared and characterized in terms of structural (FT-IR), physical (Thickness, solubility and swelling index), optical and thermal properties (TGA). The antioxidant activities of different films were determined in vitro and evaluated in vivo through the examination of wound healing capability. Data revealed that the film P1 displayed the highest antioxidant activity in vitro and accelerated significantly the wound healing, after sixteen days of treatment, attested by higher wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen (765.924 ± 4.44 mg/g of tissue) confirmed by histological examination, when compared with control, CYTOL CENTELLA® and pure PVA-treated groups. Overall, these results demonstrated that PSP/PVA based films exhibited a higher wound healing potential confirmed with the high antioxidant activities in vitro.

Clariant's catalysts for methanol synthesis aid China's carbon neutrality goal

This work was intended to prepare biodegradable and edible films from polysaccharide extracted from Hammada scoparia leaves (named PSP) and reinforced by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Four films with different ratios of PSP/PVA: P1 (70:30), P2 (50:50), FP3 (30:70) and pure PVA (100 % PVA) were prepared and characterized in terms of structural (FT-IR), physical (Thickness, solubility and swelling index), optical and thermal properties (TGA). The antioxidant activities of different films were determined in vitro and evaluated in vivo through the examination of wound healing capability. Data revealed that the film P1 displayed the highest antioxidant activity in vitro and accelerated significantly the wound healing, after sixteen days of treatment, attested by higher wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen (765.924 ± 4.44 mg/g of tissue) confirmed by histological examination, when compared with control, CYTOL CENTELLA® and pure PVA-treated groups. Overall, these results demonstrated that PSP/PVA based films exhibited a higher wound healing potential confirmed with the high antioxidant activities in vitro.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies of the Aqueous Extract from Haloxylon scoparium Pomel (Hammada scoparia (Pomel)) by Oral Administration in Rodents.

Materials and Methods Acute toxicity test was performed on Swiss albino mice at a single oral dose of 1-10 g/kg for 14 consecutive days. General behavioral adverse effects, mortality, and latency of mortality were determined. In the subacute study, the Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract was administered orally at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg daily for 30 days to Wistar rats. Body weight and selected biochemical and hematological parameters were determined at the end of the experiment. Sections of livers and kidneys were removed for histological studies. Results Acute toxicity study showed that the oral LD50 value of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract was 5000 mg/kg. The subacute toxicity study of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract at doses 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg did not produce any observable symptoms of toxicity and no significant variation in body weight, organ weights, food, and water consumption or mortality in all treated rats. However, the administration of the Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract to rats at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in platelets. Moreover, only at the highest dose (2000 mg/kg), the extract caused a significant increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin. Our results showed that subacute treatments with Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract at doses of 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides. Histological studies showed that the subacute treatments of rats with Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extracts, at the doses 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, induced some histopathological changes in the livers but a slight changing in kidneys. Conclusion Our results indicated low acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel. Furthermore, daily oral administration of Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extract caused some damages to the livers of rats treated with high doses, expressed by an increase in some enzyme activities such as ALP. Regarding the renal function, we did not find remarkable toxicity in the subacute treatment with Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extracts at doses 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. However, further toxicity assessments should be done to ascertain the safety or the toxicity of this valuable plant species “Haloxylon scoparium pomel” in subchronic treatments.

Phenolic composition of some Tunisian medicinal plants associated with anti-proliferative effect on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Abstract Plants have been seen to possess the potential to be excellent biological matrices to serve as a basis for investigating the presence of promising therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. Several successful anti-cancer medicines - or their analogues - nowadays in use are plant derived and many more are under clinical trials. Under current circumstances, the purpose of this work was to test aqueous and ethanolic extracts of five aromatic and medicinal plants from arid zones on some tumor cell lines. These plants, Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng, Crithmum maritimum (L.) Spreng, Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin, Retama raetam (Forssk.) and Zizyphus lotus (L.) Desf., widely used in Tunisian ethnomedicine, were assessed for their phenolic compounds, antioxidants and anticancer activities in aqueous and ethanol extracts. Total polyphenols, flavonoid and tannin contents were determined colorimetrically and some of these molecules were identified using RP-HPLC. A significant difference on phenolic contents and composition were found among the investigated plants. Cymbopogon schoenanthus was the richest in phenolic compounds (approx. 72%) with quercetine-3-o-rhamnoside (approx. 33%) as main contributor. For all the tested plants, the highest antioxidant capacity was detected in the ethanolic extracts rather than in the aqueous ones. The highest antiproliferative potential was observed for the ethanolic extracts. Hammada scoparia, Retama raetam and Zizyphus lotus exhibited important antiproliferative effect that reached 67% at a 1% extract concentration. Taken together, the present study supports the potential development of chemotherapeutic agents from, at least, four of the five studied Tunisian ethnomedicinal plants.

ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIRADICAL PROPERTIES OF HAMMADA SCOPARIA (POMEL) ILJIN

Background: Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin (HS), is commonly used by traditional healers in Morocco against microbial and fungal infections. We studied antimicrobial, antifungal and antiradical effects of organic extracts in vitro in order to confirm traditional utilization after phytochemical screening.
 Materials and methods: Aerial parts of HS have been extracted by hydro-distillation using Clevenger-type apparatus, and the chemical composition was realized by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). The antioxidant activity has been evaluated using DPPH test, while the antimicrobial tests of HS extract were conducted on twenty-eight bacterial strains and antifungal on twelve fungal strains.
 Results: Chemical characterization of HS essential oils (EO) confirmed the presence of carvacrol (82,28%), p-cymene (2,52%), γ-terpinene (2,18%) and Z-caryophyllene (2,04%). Antimicrobial tests of HS extract showed a moderate antibacterial activity without antifungal effect. In addition, HS exhibited a very powerful antiradical activity with IC50 = 1,2 mg/ml compared to that of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0,5 mg/mL) and butylated hydroxyanisole (0,8 mg/mL).
 Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that HS directly inhibits the growth of microorganisms in vitro, and further validates its traditional use as an antiseptic by traditional Moroccan healers.

Corrosion inhibition activity of carbon steel in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid medium using Hammada scoparia extract: gravimetric and electrochemical study

The interest for the environment is becoming more demanding with regard to the use of toxic and non-biodegradable substances and their impacts on different environments. Therefore, the need to develop ‘green inhibitor’ to preserve the nature from pollution is urgent. In this context, an investigation of medicinal plant (Hammada scoparia; HSP) as a corrosion inhibitor on C-steel in 1.0 M HCl solution has been implemented. To accomplish this work, several methods were used as weight loss, electrochemical measurements and surface analysis. Polarization curves show that HSP extract acts as mixed inhibitor type with cathodic predominance. The efficiency of C-steel protection increases with increasing the HSP extract concentration but decreases with the temperature in the range of 303–333 K. The effect of the temperature on the inhibition efficiency, as well determination of the different kinetic and activation parameters, make it possible to deduce a physisorption mechanism of HSP extract on the surface of C-steel. The theoretical fitting of different isotherms was also investigated. It was found the results obeyed the Langmuir isotherm. Surface analysis using FT-IR, UV-visible, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) allowed the clarification of the inhibition mechanism and the relative inhibition efficiency.

Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activity of Leaves and stems extract of Hammada Scoparia

The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of alcoholic extract from wild Moroccan Hammada Scoparia leaves and stems were assessed. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of active ingredients such as Phenols, Flavonoids, Tannins, Alkaloids, Steroids and Saponins. Total content of phenol and flavonoid was quantitatively estimated in leaf and stem extracts of Hammada Scoparia . Total phenoilc content in the leaf and stem was found to be 50,08±1,09and 14,3±0,5 (mg EAG/g DM), while the total flavonoid content in the leaf and stem were found to be 28,8±0,07 and 5,1±0,2 (mg EQ/g DM) respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging DPPH assay, iron-reducing-power FRAP assay and inhibition test of the cation radical ABTS assay, the antioxidant activity showed that leaves extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity. A linear relationship has been found between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of the studied extracts. The extracts exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Citrobacter freundii and Acinetobacter baumanii . The stem extracts was more active than the leaf extracts against test bacteria with Inhibition zone diameters ranging from 7 to 20 mm and the leaf extracts from 7 to 13 mm. Hammada Scoparia leaves and stems had antiradical and antimicrobial activity that may be useful in pharmacy and phytotherapy.

Accumulation of heavy metals in metallophytes from three mining sites (Southern Centre Morocco) and evaluation of their phytoremediation potential

The current study aims to perform a field survey of three abandoned mining sites in the southern centre of Morocco to assess the recent metal pollution in soils and accumulation potential of plant species. Native plants and soils were sampled at several sites in the studied mines and analysed for Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations. Soils in the investigated sites proved to be deficient in major macronutrients and to contain toxic levels of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd. Botanical survey of the prospected sites showed the abundance of diverse plant communities (46 species and 19 families), with no obvious toxicity symptoms. Results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals were different in the same plant species and from plant species to another. Eight plants of 46 species namely Hirschfeldia incana (L.) Lagr.-Foss, Citrullus vulgaris (L.) Schradi, Portulaca oleracea L., Stipa capensis Thunb., Lactuca viminea (L.) J.Presl & C.Presl, Forsskaolea tenacissima L., Lycium intricatum Boiss. and Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin were considered as the best-performing specimens due to their high ability to accumulate multiple metals in their shoots and roots without being affected by excessive metal contents. This was confirmed by the transfer factors generally higher than 1. Consequently, these tolerant and native plant species could be used as tools for an effective phytorestoration of metal-contaminated sites.

Ethnobotanical study of Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin in the region of Naâma (south-western Algeria)

The Hammada scoparia is a relatively common and characteristic steppe species of the Saharan Atlas of south-western Algeria. It has several ecological, medicinal and floristic interests. The description of its ethnobotany in the region of Naâma will contribute to a better knowledge and valorization of this species. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out using 100 questionnaires undertaken from October 2014 to September 2015 with users, herbalists, traditional healers and the local population of Naâma. The exploitation of the results of the ethnobotanical survey made it possible to identify the different ways of using and exploiting Hammada scoparia . More than 45% of the population uses this plant against poisonous reptile bites such as scorpions, snakes and vipers as well as the treatment of digestive tract diseases, injuries, skin inflammations and diabetes. The species Hammada scoparia is a perennial chamaephytic plant with many therapeutic virtues, the most important of which remains its action in the treatment of scorpion stings.

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF HAMMADA SCOPARIA EXTRACTS FROM SOUTHEASTERN ALGERIA

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the aerial part extracts of Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin to validate the medicinal potential of this Algerian plant species.Methods: Crude extracts were prepared by cold maceration with absolute methanol and distilled water. Preliminary phytochemical screening is carried out to detect the presence of the major secondary metabolites using qualitative characterization methods. Quantitative estimation of total phenols, total flavonoids, flavanols, flavonols, and condensed tannins contents is performed using gallic acid, rutin, catechin, and quercetin as standards. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by the free radical scavenging activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity by scavenging of 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation assay, and the ferric reducing power assay (ferric reducing antioxidant power).Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes and sterols, saponins, and anthocyanins. Total phenols were present more in aqueous crude extract (ACE) with 336.756±0.855 mg gallic acid equivalent/g DM. Total flavonoids and flavonols were more abundant in methanolic crude extract (MCE) than ACE. However, condensed tannins and flavanols were present less in MCE with only 0.958±0.052 and 4.547±0.055 mg CE/g DM, respectively. The ACE of this plant species had greater antioxidant activity than the other extract by DPPH and ABTS assays (35.823±0.129 and 51.323±0.394 mg trolox equivalent/g DM). The better ferric reducing power (2060.535±2.566 mM Fe+2/g DM) was also recorded with the same extract.Conclusion: ACE of aerial part of H. scoparia (Pomel) Iljin showed a high amount of secondary metabolites. The obtained results confirmed that the extracting solvent influenced the antioxidant property estimations of this plant. Hence, the ACE can be further exploited further for in vitro and in vivo research work.

Seasonal distribution and diversity of ground-active arthropods between shrub microhabitats in the Negev Desert, Israel

ABSTRACTWe examined the ground-active arthropods using pitfall trapping beneath Hammada scoparia and Zygophyllum dumosum shrubs and in adjacent open spaces in wet winter, short spring, dry and hot summer, and autumn in the Negev Desert, Israel. The activity abundance of ground-active arthropods was 244, 424, and 506 individuals trap−1 in open spaces and beneath H. scoparia and Z. dumosum shrubs, and was 134, 448, 414, and 178 individuals trap−1 in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. The activity abundance and richness of predators and phytophages were found to exhibit an inconsistent pattern between shrub microhabitats throughout seasonality. In contrast, the activity abundance and richness of omnivores indicated contrasting pattern between summer and other seasons. Likewise, total abundance was found to exhibit a similar pattern to taxa richness and Shannon index between shrub microhabitats only in summer. There was a consistent pattern of diversity indices between shrub microhabitats observed in both winter and autumn. However, no significant (P > 0.05) differences in activity abundance and diversity indices were found between shrub microhabitats in spring. The Sørensen index between open spaces and H. scoparia and Z. dumosum canopy microhabitats, and that between the latter two microhabitats were found to be 0.26, 0.29, and 0.19 in winter, 0.53, 0.48, and 0.48 in spring, 0.47, 0.45, and 0.52 in summer, and 0.57, 0.56, and 0.78 in autumn, respectively. It was suggested that seasonality could mediate the activity abundance and diversity distribution of ground-active arthropods between shrub microhabitats in the Negev Desert.

Effet de la réhabilitation de la steppe à Hammada scoparia dans la région de Naâma (Algérie)

La réhabilitation pastorale de la steppe à Hammada scoparia par la technique de la mise en défens a un impact positif en matière de remontée biologique par une augmentation quantitative et qualitative du taux de recouvrement de la végétation, de la richesse floristique et de la phytomasse.

Contribution to the phytotherapy against scorpion sting envenomation in the Naama region (Algeria)

Scorpion envenomation represents one of the most important public health problems in Algeria and particularly in the High Plateaus and the South regions. Every year, several thousand people are stung by scorpion and an average of one hundred die. In the region of Naama, nearly 1500 people are bitten annually; mainly at the beginning and at the end of the summer period; and, on the average, three die from the consequences of these bites. The study is prospective and was carried out over a period of three months between December 2015 and February 2016. It is based on a survey supported by fifty questionnaires for the population and herbalists in the Naama region. Results showed that the most widely used plant species was Hammada scoparia , commonly known as Remt, with a percentage of 74%, much higher than the rest of used plants in the area and it should be studied in detail. One teaspoon of Hammada scoparia powder combined with a tablespoon of pure butter (from ovine milk for instance) and cooked at low heat is the most used remedy. 50% of the surveyed people answers they are convinced this treatment is the most efficient to have all active compounds of the species.

Biological recovery the steppe of Hammada scoparia after enclosure in the region of Naama (Algeria)

Abstract This work was being carried out in the steppe of remth (Hammada scoparia) in Oranian part of the Saharan Atlas (Tiout - south of Naama). The H. scoparia of Saharan group occupies the foothills south of the Saharan Atlas and glazes and hamadas of the northern part of the Sahara where it seems to find its optimum development. The objective of the study is the floristic and ecological characterisation of the steppe vegetation groups of H. scoparia after 4 years of enclosure grazing (Eg). For the past three decades, steppe of H. scoparia were completely overwhelmed, both in their structure and their operation by increasing the herd and the continued use of natural pastures using animal load significantly higher than the production potential of course, which is reflected by the reduction of their capacity for natural regeneration. Intervention measures that address this alarming situation are to foster the inverse process of degradation reconstruction and rehabilitation of degraded steppe rangelands by the technique of the Eg. The methodology involves a device that is composed of a series of transects that constitute a grid and allow to scan the whole website for Eg and part of the neighbouring paths. The results emphasise the interest and constructive impact of the Eg on plant diversity and the fight against the factors of degradation and desertification. This review highlights the importance of the technique of Eg for the rehabilitation and restoration of steppe rangelands in arid bioclimate.

Aluminium-induced acute neurotoxicity in rats: Treatment with aqueous extract of Arthrophytum (Hammada scoparia)

ObjectiveTo study the antioxidative and protective properties of aqueous extract of Hammada scoparia (H. scoparia) against the effects of sub-chronic aluminium (Al) intoxication on mnemonic process and some neurochemical markers. MethodsAl was administered intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg body weight, three times a week), and H. scoparia and malic acid were given orally by gavage at a daily dose (100 mg/kg body weight) to rats for 90 days. ResultsAl caused significant short-term and long-term memory disturbances, a decrease in locomotor activity, a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in brain and a significant depletion of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase) and glutathione. It significantly increased lipid peroxidation levels in cerebrum and cerebellum. However, treatment with H. scoparia extract protected efficiently the neurological functions of intoxicated rats by considerably increasing antioxidants levels and decreasing production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances by 4.26% compared to untreated group. We noted some controversial results with malic acid. It showed some positive results but it was not as efficient as H. scoparia extract. Current results were consistent with histopathological observations including neurodegeneration and vacuolated cytoplasm (spongiosis) in Al treated sections when H. scoparia and malic acid treated sections showed marked neuroprotection signs. ConclusionsThis study strongly suggested that H. scoparia extract could possibly restore the altered neurological capacities and antioxidant power in rats, and it could even be a good alternative to chelating agents or other chemical medicines against Al-induced neurotoxicity.

Assessment of heavy metals accumulation by spontaneous vegetation: Screening for new accumulator plant species grown in Kettara mine-Marrakech, Southern Morocco

ABSTRACTThe present paper aims to perform a screening of native plants growing in Kettara mine-Marrakech (Southern Morocco) for its phytoremediation. Plants and soil samples were collected and analyzed for Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd concentrations at several sites in the mine. The results showed that the soil in the vicinity of Kettara mine is deficient in major elements and contain toxic levels of metals. Spontaneously growing native plants were botanically identified and then classified into 21 species and 14 families. Significant difference was observed among the average concentrations of four heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd) in plants (p ≤ 0.05). Six plants of 21 species namely Hammada scoparia (Pomel) Iljin, Hirschfeldia incana (L.) Lagreze-Fossat, Lamarckia aurea (L.) Moench, Calendula algeriensis Boiss. & Reuter, Aizoon hispanicum L. and Melilotus sulcata Desf. were considered as the best-performing specimens due to their high ability to accumulate multiple metals in their shoots and roots without sustaining toxicity. This was confirmed by the transfer factors generally higher than 1. Using the most common criteria to classify the hyperaccumulator plants, these species can be classified as new accumulator plants of many heavy metals and be potentially used as remediation tools of metal-contaminated sites.