PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE, ANTI-LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITIES OF THYMUS ALGERIENSIS BOISS. & REUT

Thymus algeriens Bioss & Reut is an Algerian native plant traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Biological activities varied with their chemical composition, which depends on the floral and geographical origin. This study was designed to screen the phenolic content of the n-BuOH extract of Thymus algeriensis (BETA), anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-diabetic properties on different in vitro models. The results showed that BETA reduced TBARS formation in a concentration-dependent manner; protected ss-carotene from auto-oxidation and prevented oxidation of ferrous in the linoleic acid/ferric thiocyanate assay. Furthermore, BETA showed effective inhibitions of the key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes; alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. BETA blocked also the formation of AGE as shown by the results of glucose-BSA (BSA-GLU), BSA-Methylglyoxal system (BSA-MGO) and glycated hemoglobin. The effectiveness of BETA in combating diabetics might be influenced by the synergistic action of its phenolic compounds; mentioned by the phenolic content and LC/MS analysis; particularly their richness on the rosmarinic acid and ferulic acid, cafeic acid as well quercetin. This suggests the potential of BETA to mitigate multiple complications stemming from oxidative stress and protein glycation in diabetes.