Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant properties, and molecular docking analysis of Cistanche tinctoria from the Algerian Sahara
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20450/mjcce.2026.3426Keywords:
Cistanche tinctoria, acteoside, chicoric acid, antioxidant activity, HPLC-PDA, molecular docking, ADMET, glutathione peroxidase, NADPH oxidaseAbstract
Cistanche tinctoria is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its tonic and antioxidant properties; however, its bioactive profile remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of a hydromethanolic extract of C. tinctoria, and to explore the interactions of its major phenolic compounds with enzymes involved in oxidative stress-related processes. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods, while chromatographic profiling and quantification of individual constituents were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. HPLC-PDA analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, with acteoside and chicoric acid identified as the major constituents. The extract exhibited strong radical scavenging and reducing activities. Molecular docking studies suggested favorable interactions between the major phenolic compounds and protein targets associated with oxidative stress. In addition, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity predictions suggested acceptable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, this integrated chemical and computational approach supports the antioxidant potential of C. tinctoria and highlights its value as a promising source of bioactive natural compounds.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nesrine Sadaoui-Smadhi, Yasser Kadri, Souheyla Toubal, Djillali El haddad, Sihem Akmoussi-Toumi, Hamza Aliboudhar, Narimen Benhabyles, Razika Laoufi, Mohammed Tayyib Benaissa , Souad Khemili-Talbi
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