Myco-chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activity of Terfezia claveryi Chatin from Algeria

Mushrooms, including truffles, are receiving particular and increasing attention as a new source of valuable biotherapeutics, which are also useful from an ecological and socio-economic point of view. The aim of the current study is the valorization of a species of desert truffle, Terfezia claveryi Chatin from Algeria, used in traditional therapy too. The myco-chemical constituents, polyphenol, flavonoid and condensed tannin composition were investigated. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was examined using the heat denaturation protein inhibition method. Myco-chemical tests presented a very interesting richness in terms of secondary metabolites with variable rates, especially Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones, coumarins, free quinones and terpenoids. The polyphenol, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents of the hydro-methanol extract were respectively: 82,27 ± 1,44 µg GAE/mg, 14,94 ± 0,98 µg CE/mg, 27,50 ± 2,50 µg CE/mg. The extract of this species of desert truffle at the 1.5 mg/ml level showed an inhibition percentage of denaturation 83.53± 1.57 % compared for that 98.43± 0.52 % for the diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as a standard in this study, these results appear very promising. This research revealed its interesting anti-inflammatory properties, which confirms its value in traditional use. More research is required, to identify the main bio-compounds responsible for this remarkable potency, and their mechanism of effect.