Evaluation of the In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti inflammatory Potentials of Artemisia arborescens Aqueous and Hydro ethanolic Extracts : Insights from Moroccan Ethnopharmacology.

Artemisia arborescens (A. arborescens) holds a long-standing place in Moroccan traditional medicine and is increasing attention for its pharmacological and therapeutic potential. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts, along with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Spectrophotometric analysis was used to quantify bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed through total antioxidant capacity (TAC), while radical scavenging ability was measured using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by inhibition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation.

The aqueous extract contained phenolics (1.575 ± 0.97 mg AGE/g_DM, flavonoids (18.51 ± 0.64 mg QE/g_DM), tannins (0.615 ± 0.150 mg CE/g_DM), and flavonols (2.99 ± 0.09 mg QE/g DM). Antioxidant activity, as determined by TAC showed an IC₅₀ of 2.68 ± 0.29 mg/mL, while both DPPH and ABTS values exceeded 10 mg/mL. BSA inhibition reached 0.964 ± 0.133 mg/mL.

In comparison, the hydroethanolic extract exhibited higher levels of phenolics (21.30 ± 1.10 mg AGE/g_DM), flavonoids (24.80 ± 0.80 mg QE/g_DM), tannins (0.550 ± 0.120 mg CE/g_DM), and flavonols (4.10 ± 0.15 mg QE/g_DM). Antioxidant activity was stronger, with TAC IC₅₀ of 1.262 ± 0.89 mg/mL, ABTS scavenging activity was 8.127 ± 0.903 mg/mL, while DPPH remained above 10 mg/mL. BSA inhibition was 0.560 ± 0.109 mg/mL.

Overall, the hydroethanolic extract displayed a richer phytochemical profile and greater biological activity than the aqueous extract. These findings support the pharmacological potential of A. arborescens and underscore the need for further mechanistic and in vivo studies.