Phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of Moroccan plants

As part of a project to enhance the value of aromatic and medicinal plants from Morocco's flora we are carrying out an ethnobotanical survey ofAnacyclus pyrethrum andArtemisia ifranensis (Asteraceae) spontaneous species endemic to the Moroccan Middle Atlas. Preliminary evaluation of the chemical profile of essential oils from the selected species enabled new chemotypes to be identified. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of the main classes of secondary metabolites. The richness of these plants in phenolic compounds was determined by quantitative analysis using the Folin-Ciocalteu test and aluminum trichloride colorimetry. In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities were then assessed. In microbiological application the plants show bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties. Using the DPPH method the oils and plant extract constitute a valuable source of natural antioxidants. Local plant biodiversity needs to be preserved and enhanced and phytotherapy is attracting renewed interest.