Minerals analysis, antioxidant and chemical composition of extracts of laurus nobilis from southern algeri

Oxidative stress is a major factor related to the development of diseases, which have traditionally been treated with medicinal plants. The aim of this work is the valorization of Laurus nobilis by chemical characterization, study of the antioxidant and the mineral analysis of the extracts and essential oils. The content of total phenols was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, whereas aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for flavonoid determination. The total antioxidant capacity was estimated by metal chelating activity, the scavenging of free radicals DPPH· and ABTS·+,the phosphomolybdenum assay and by the FRAP (Ferric reducing /antioxidant power), expressed as IC50, TCEAC and VEAC. The essential oil composition of the leaf of Laurus nobilis was investigated by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty four constituents were identified corresponding to 99.97 % of the total oil. The major components are 1,8-cineole (44.13 %), ¿-Terpinyl acetate (17.33 %), Methyl eugenol (6.53% ) and Sabinene ( 5.25 % ) .Mineral and heavy metal concentration of Laurus nobilis possessing health promoting effects and used in indigenous medicine (as medicinal food) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy , A total of 7 elements Ca , K, Mg, Fe, Mn , Cu and Zn have been measured. Therefore, this plant is rich in some essential minerals, especially Ca, K, Fe and Mg.