Abstract

This study involved investigation of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Algerian Fraxinus excelsior extracts. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric and electrochemical techniques. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols/triterpenes, and coumarins. The total polyphenol contents in the extracts were in the order of ethyl acetate>methanol>butanol>chloroform>aqueous>petroleum ether, while flavonoid contents were in the order of, ethyl acetate>chloroform>methanol>butanol>aqueous>petroleum ether. In the 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test, ethyl acetate extract exhibited maximum activity followed by chloroform extract, methanol extract, butanol extract, aqueous extract and petroleum ether extract. β-carotene-linoleate and metal chelation tests showed closely the same order, ethyl acetate, chloroform, methanol, butanol, aqueous and petroleum ether extracts. Antioxidant activity measured using cyclic voltammetry method demonstrated activity in the order of ethyl acetate, chloroform, methanol, butanol and aqueous while petroleum ether extract did not show any activity. Results also demonstrated that some extracts possessed antibacterial activity. In conclusion, Fraxinus excelsior extracts contain active compounds, which have antioxidant and antibacterial effects and could be useful in the treatment of pathologies where these activities are needed.