Author(s):
Rand AlKhoury, Lana Alhajali, Jullanar Eid, Loujain Harb, Rawan Fandi, Mays Khazem
Email(s):
mays.khazem@damascusuniversity.edu.sy , mayskhazem@yahoo.com , alkhoury.rand@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00311 
Address:
Rand AlKhoury*, Lana Alhajali, Jullanar Eid, Loujain Harb, Rawan Fandi, Mays Khazem*
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 5,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Medicinal plants are an important foundation for the identification of novel bioactive molecules, given their pharmacological variability and widespread availability. Species within the Atriplex genus (Chenopodiaceae) have historically been used in the management of conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, skin disorders, and cancer. Atriplex micrantha, a salt-tolerant (halophytic) plant, has not previously been assessed regarding its chemical profile or biological effects. This research explores both the phytochemical makeup and antioxidant properties of aerial part extracts of A. micrantha, using 95% ethanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. The extracts were screened for secondary metabolites, followed by spectrophotometric quantification of total phenolics (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC). Antioxidant capacities were measured through the DPPH assay, expressed as radical scavenging activity percentages (RSA%) and IC50 values. Testing confirmed that both extracts contain polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins; however, the ethanol extract was found to be richer in these active constituents. The ethanol extract exhibited greater TPC (73.59±0.74mg GAE/g DE) and TFC (17.52±0.057mg QE/g DE) compared to the ethyl acetate counterpart. In terms of antioxidant efficacy, the ethanol extract achieved a lower IC50 (81.0±2.13mg/L), denoting stronger activity, while the ethyl acetate extract displayed moderate results (IC50 = 154.7±7.5mg/L). A clear association was identified linking phenolic and flavonoid content to antioxidant effectiveness. These findings position Atriplex micrantha as a notable source of natural antioxidants with a significant content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. This study establishes a scientific framework highlighting the pharmacological potential of this species and supports further studies aimed at characterizing its active principles and evaluating therapeutic utility.
Cite this article:
Rand AlKhoury, Lana Alhajali, Jullanar Eid, Loujain Harb, Rawan Fandi, Mays Khazem. Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potency of Extracts from Atriplex micrantha Aerial parts: First Report. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(5):2160-4. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00311
Cite(Electronic):
Rand AlKhoury, Lana Alhajali, Jullanar Eid, Loujain Harb, Rawan Fandi, Mays Khazem. Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potency of Extracts from Atriplex micrantha Aerial parts: First Report. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(5):2160-4. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00311 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-5-32
7. REFERENCES:
1. Ashfaq MH, Siddique A, Shahid S. Antioxidant Activity of Cinnamon zeylanicum: (A Review). Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2021; 11(2): 106–16.
2. Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, et al. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2017; 2017: 1–13.
3. Jadhav SS, Salunkhe VR, Magdum CS. Daily consumption of antioxidants:-prevention of disease is better than cure. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research [Internet]. 2013; 3(1): 34–40. Available from: http://asianpharmaonline.org/AJPR/8_AJPR_3_1_2013.pdf
4. Llauradó Maury G, Méndez Rodríguez D, Hendrix S, Escalona Arranz JC, Fung Boix Y, Pacheco AO, et al. Antioxidants in plants: A valorization potential emphasizing the need for the conservation of plant biodiversity in cuba. Antioxidants. 2020; 9(1048): 1–36.
5. Abriyani E, Fikayuniar L. Screening phytochemical, antioxidant activity and vitamin c assay from bungo perak-perak ( Begonia versicolar irmsch) leaves . Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2020; 10(3): 183.
6. Gulcin İ. Antioxidants and antioxidant methods: an updated overview. Vol. 94, Archives of Toxicology. 2020. 651–715 p.
7. Alfarrayeh I, Tarawneh K, Almajali D, Al-Awaida W. Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antioxidant properties of the Methanolic extracts of four Medicinal plants selected from Wadi Al-Karak, Jordan related to their Phenolic contents. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2022; 15(5): 2110–6.
8. Srikanth Y, Tamilanban T, Chitra V. Medicinal plants targeting alzheimer’s disease-a review. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2020; 13(7): 3454–8.
9. Pant P, Pandey S, Dall S. The Influence of Environmental Conditions on Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal Plants : A Literature Review. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 2021; 18(11).
10. Alkhoury R, Alkhatib R. Comparative Anatomical Analysis of three Rumex L. Species (Polygonaceae): Stem and Leaf Cross-sections Study. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024; 17(11): 5235–41.
11. Ali B, Musaddiq S, Iqbal S, Rehman T, Shafiq N, Hussain A. The Therapeutic Properties, Ethno pharmacology and Phyto- chemistry of Atriplex Species : A review. Paki-stan Journal of Biochemistry and Bio-technology. 2021; 2(1): 49–64.
12. Roubi M, Dalli M, Azizi S eddine. Atriplex halimus : Phytochemical Insights, Traditional Applications, and Pharmacological Promises. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 2024; 22(4): 1–16.
13. Alkhoury R, Alkhatib R. Rumex conglomeratus Murr. Grown Wild in Syria: Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Aerial Parts and Rhizomes Extracts. Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2024; 17(4): 659–74.
14. Thenmozhi A, Rao USM. Secondary Metabolite screening, Bioactive compound extraction, and Disrupting Mitotic Activity of Wild Cabbage [ Brassicaceae ] towards Cancer Management . Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2012; 2(1): 19–31.
15. Al-Assaf I, Khazem M. Antioxidant Activity of Total phenols and Flavonoids extracted from Echinops polyceras roots grown in Syria. Iraqi Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2021; 30(2): 261–8.
16. María R, Shirley M, Xavier C, Jaime S, David V, Rosa S, et al. Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Total Phenolic Content and Antibacterial Activity of Thirteen Native Species from Guayas Province Ecuador. Journal of King Saud University - Science [Internet]. 2017; 3(9). Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2017.03.009
17. Chaouche TM, Haddouchi F, Abbou F, Aissaoui M, Boudjemai O, Ghellai I, et al. Phytochemical screening and evaluation of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Atriplex halimus from two regions Algeria (El Oued and Tlemcen). Gabj. 2021; 5(2): 59–67.
18. Ounaissia K, Bennadja S, Aliane L, Djahoudi A. Phytochemical Screening and ANTI-BACTERIAL Activity of Methanolic Extracts of The Aerial Parts of Atriplex halimus L ., From Biskra (ALGERIA). International Journal of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. 2020; 13(1): 26–33.
19. Elazzouzi H, Zekri N. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Anacyclus pyrethrum Link plant extracts and their Antioxidant activity. Karbala International Journal of Modern Science. 2019; 5(4): 278–87.
20. Selvam R, Anandhi D, Saravanan D, Revathi K. Antioxidant properties of punica grantum fruit rind extract against liver hepatocellular carcinoma studied in hepg2 cell line. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2019; 12(10): 4719–23.
21. Zohra T, Ovais M, Khalil AT, Qasim M, Ayaz M, Shinwari ZK, et al. Bio-guided profiling and HPLC-DAD finger printing of Atriplex lasiantha Boiss. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019; 19(4): 1–14.
22. Gunalan G, Suresh Kumar M, Sangeetha N. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and in vitro oxidant scavenging activity of Rosemary officinalis. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2011; 4(10): 1588–90.
23. Jumina, Siswanta D, Zulkarnain AK, Triono S, Yuanita E, Imawan C, et al. Development of C-Arylcalix[4]resorcinarenes and C-Arylcalix[4]pyrogallolarenes as Antioxidant and UV-B Protector. Indones J Chem. 2019; 19(2): 273–84.
24. Jain N, Goyal S, Ramawat KG. Radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content in selected fruits and vegetables. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2012; 5(1): 121–4.