This study investigates the phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Asphodelus tenuifolius, along with the antioxidant potential and characterization of its polysaccharide, including its antioxidant and insecticidal effects. Phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanolic extract had higher contents in polyphenol (251.53 ± 8.88 μg EAG/mg), flavonoid (166.66 ± 5.24 μg EQ/mg), and tannin (30.41 ± 7.5 μg EAT/mg) compared to the aqueous extract. Both extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity against DPPH radical and reducing power. The polysaccharide yield reached 8.02%, contains sugars and minimal protein as confirmed by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. It also exhibits considerable DPPH scavenging potential and reducing power. The polysaccharides’ fraction also showed significant insecticidal activity against Tribolium confusum, achieving the highest mortality rate at 8 µg/ml. These findings suggest that polyphenols and flavonoids contained in the extract of A. tenuifolius may be responsible for antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the strong antioxidant and insecticidal properties of the polysaccharide of Asphodelus tenuifolius highlight its potential for further in vivo studies on oxidative stress, supporting its promising biological applications.
Asphodelus tenuifolius, antioxidant activity, insecticidal activity, polysaccharide, phytochemistry, Tribolium confusum
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