Variation in Total polyphenols, Tannin and Catechin contents and Antioxidant activity among Moroccan thyme genotype

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenols, tannins and catechins of the leaves extract of nine genotypes of three Thymus species (Thymus hyemalis, Thymus satureioides and Thymus broussonetii) obtained from in vitro culture. Firstly the extracts were analyzed for the total polyphenols, tannins and catechins contents using spectrophotometry method. Furthermore the antioxidant study was carried out using 2,2’-azinobis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results show the presence of phytochemicals compounds in different genotypes of three species, with a considerable variation between species on one side and between genotypes of the same species from another side. Antioxidant activity was also present with varying levels depending on the species and genotypes.