Ethnobotanical and Phytochemical Study of the Medicinal Plant Atriplex Halimus and Its Importance in the Traditional Algerian Pharmacopoeia

Abstract

Atriplex halimus, is a medicinal plant widely used in Algerian phytotherapy. This study included an ethnobotanical and phytochemical survey on aqueous extracts (phytochemical screening, HPLC analysis, phenolic content and antioxidant activity). The ethnobotanical study on A. halimus showed that aqueous extracts are the most used therapeutic means. The phytochemical study has determined that the phenolic content varies significantly from one extract to another depending on the extraction method. In addition, HPLC analysis has revealed various bioactive compounds that mainly belong to the flavonoid category. A. halimus is a valuable source of nutraceutic for various diseases.