Project 3

Phytochemistry and Bio-Activities of Indigenous Medicinal Species of Tunisia

Tunisia contains a significant reserve of spontaneous aromatic and medicinal plants, but the exploitation of different types of extracts remains little studied for species such as Mercurialis annua L., Portulaca oleracea L. or some plantaginaceae and other woody plants. Therefore, better valorization of these phyto-resources is essential.

Goals:

The phytochemical screening of extracts from different parts of the plant is important to identify biomolecules potentially responsible for biological activities that can be used for several applications.

Program & Methodology:

- Collection of plant material in different regions of Tunisia

- Preparation of extracts (essential oil, fixed oil, methanolic extract, ...)

- Determination of secondary metabolites by HPLC

- Analysis of fixed oils by GC–MS coupling

- Identification by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR)

- Analysis by Multiskan microplate photometer

- Study of biological activities (insecticide, bactericide, enzymatic, ...)

Socio-Economic Benefits:

Better valorization of medicinal flora in Tunisia is fundamental to providing manufacturers (food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries) with a productive and competitive product.

Team members