In vitro anti-onychomycosis and radical-scavenging activities of Pistacia lentiscus L.

Background: Herbalists sell extracts of Pistacia lentiscus, prepared by small businesses to treat certain dermatological and digestive problems, without side effects. Very little research has discussed the main compounds and biological activities of the leaves of this species. Aim: Phytochemical screening, quantify phenolic compounds, and evaluate the biological activities of Pistacia lentiscus. L. Setting: The leaves are taken from the female plants of P. lentiscus L., which grow in the forest of Canastel, Oran, (Algeria). Methods: A phytochemical screening was performed on P. lentiscus. L leaves and two extraction techniques were used for a comparative study. The total polyphenolic compounds, condensed tannins and flavonoids was quantified by the spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by two different techniques. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts against Fusarium sp causing onychomycosis, was determined using the microdilution method. Results: Phytochemical screening indicates the presence of flavonoids, gallic tannins, saponins, anthocyanins, cardiac glycosides, leucoanthocyanins and quinones. The hydroalcoholic extract contained the highest amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins and the most potent antioxidant and anti-Fusarim activities. Conclusion: Condensed tannins were found to be the most abundant phytochemical constituents. This suggests that the biological activities observed in this study may be largely attributed to the presence of condensed tannins. Contribution: The results of this study justify the use of P. lentiscus extracts in phytotherapy, especially for treating dermatological (onychomycosis) and digestive diseases, and open new research perspectives to promote this species in different sectors.