Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Cedrus atlantica Manetti Tar (Atlas Cedar Tar)

Abstract

Cedrus atlantica Manetti Tar was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, it was subjected to analyzes to know their total polyphenolic and condensed tannins contents, also their Ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Total antioxidant capacity. Chemical characterization identified 88 constituents where Himachalene and α-atlantone isomers (14.51 % - 4.07 %), Calacorene (3.52 %) and ar-Turmerone 3.35 %, were the major components, the total polyphenolic content and condensed tannins contents were 57.15 ± 0.15 milligrams equivalent of gallic acid /g tar and 4.41 ± 0.05 milligrams equivalent of catechin /g tar respectively .This extract showed remarkable Ferric-reducing antioxidant power with effective concentration equal to 50 ± 0.075 mg /mL ± 0,00028 and total antioxidant capacity equal to 262.75 mg equivalents of ascorbic acid /g tar ± 14,43. The experimental results indicated that our tar has promotive antioxidant activity.