Phytochemical and Biological Validation of the Underexplored Medicinal Plant Tamarix canariensis

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Published Jun 21, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i06.6191
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Vol. 104 No. 06 (2026): Tunis Med Jun 2026

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Khawla Bouaouda
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.
Asma Hmitti
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5474-0006
Hanane Choubbane
Laboratory of Sustainable Development and Health, Department of Chemistry, University Cadi Ayyad, Faculty of Sciences and Technology of Gueliz, Marrakech, Morocco.
Chaimaa Elagdi
Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Department of Biology, University Hassan II, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik, Casablanca, Morocco.
Souad Rahim
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6015-4077
Anass Kettani
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.
Rachid Saile
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.
Karima Mohtadi
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.
Hassan Taki
Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Scik,Casablanca, Morocco.

Abstract

Introduction-Aim: This work highlights the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of Tamarix canariensis, an underexplored plant already recognized for its traditional therapeutic uses.
Methods: The phytochemical profile was assessed using HPLC-UV-MS/MS, on extracts obtained via maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Antioxidant activity was quantified through DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, and anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by measuring inhibition of protein denaturation.
Results: The extracts were found to contain bioactive compounds such as quercetin glucuronide, 2’-hydroxy-3,4,4’,6’-tetramethoxychalcone, and ferulic acid sulfate, with tamarixetin-3-O-hexoside detected exclusively in the hexane extract. They exhibited strong antioxidant effects, with IC₅₀
values of 242.62 ± 1.09 µg/mL (DPPH) and 243.95 ± 0.95 µg/mL (H₂O₂), which correlated closely with total phenolic content. Additionally, at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, the extracts inhibited protein denaturation by 90% in bovine albumin and 97.73% in egg white albumin.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that Tamarix canariensis is a promising natural source of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional medicinal use and underscoring its potential for pharmaceutical and healthcare applications.

Keywords:

Tamarix canariensis, HPLC-UV-MS/MS, phytochemical profiling , antioxidant activity, antiinflammatory activity

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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