Characterization of essential oil components from an Algerian Auresian Anacyclus clavatus using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, with its antioxidant capability

Abstract

This study included the volatile composition and antioxidant potential of an Algerian Auresian Anacyclus clavatus. A. clavatus essential oil (ACEO) and crude methanol extract (ACME) were obtained using the steam distillation process and maceration techniques. Phenols and flavonoids were found in moderate amounts in ACME. ACEO exhibited moderate antioxidant capacity using β-carotene bleaching assays (40.09 ± 3.7% and 78.1 ± 5.28%, respectively). The main volatile constituents of ACEO were octadecanol (33.08%), caryophyllene oxide (5.10%), cis-thujone (4.81%), tetracosane (4.36%), nonanal (4.05%), and phytone (3.66%), respectively, with nonanal and phytone as key compounds in ACEO for the first time. These results will certainly contribute to enrich our knowledge of the currently limited information about the chemical composition of ACEO and suggest this species as a viable source of bioactive chemicals with potential uses in medicines and nutraceuticals.