How to Cite
Abstract
The Mediterranean plant Pituranthos scoparius L. has been utilized in traditional medicine to cure several illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-hemolytic, and antioxidant effects of the n-butanol P. scoparius stem extract/compounds against AAPH-induced hemolysis. The four isolated compounds from the n-butanol extract of P. scoparius were: isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucoside (C1), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl (1→2)-β glucopyranoside (C2), D-mannitol (C3), and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-glucopyranoside (C4). Results showed that the n-butanol extract and the four isolated compounds have no effect against all tested bacteria strains. The antihemolytic activity of the extracts was assessed by pretreating human erythrocytes with various concentrations. Results demonstrated a significant dose-dependent reduction in AAPH-induced hemolysis. At 100 µg/mL, C1 and C4 inhibited AAPH-induced hemolysis (HT50 = 106.42 ± 2.75 and 99.84 ± 8.37 min, respectively) more than aspirin as standard (HT50= 97.28 ± 3.42 min), followed by C2 (HT50 = 90.48 ± 5.14 min). The n-butanol extract/compounds showed significant efficiency in scavenging DPPH radical, β-carotene bleaching inhibition, and chelate ferrous ions. However, C2 was more efficient (IC50 =15.37 ± 0.00 μg/mL) in scavenging DPPH than other isolated compounds. On the other hand, the extract and the four isolated compounds exhibited oxidation of linoleic acid emulsion and chelate metal ions. This study demonstrates that P. scoparius exhibits substantial anti-hemolytic and antioxidant activities, likely attributable to its phenolic composition. Our results reveal for the first time that P. scoparius effectively attenuates AAPH-induced hemolysis. This suggests that the plant could be used to prevent and treat hemolytic anemias and is a promising source of natural antioxidants.