Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Retama raetam (forssk) Leaves

Retama raetam is widespread in North Africa and considered to be a medicinal plant in folk treatment besides its importance as feed for livestock. It has been used as herbal remedy for healing several ailments like diarrhea, skin rash, sore throat, rheumatism, fever and injury sterilization. This study was conducted to estimate the medicinal and nutritional values of R. reatam plant by determining some essential contents, minerals, vitamin C and preliminary phytochemical compounds in its leaves. The primary analysis showed that the pH value of water extract was 7.18 ± 0.03 while the percentages of essential contents in leaves were 50.83 ± 1.04 crude fiber, 12.33 ± 0.76 crud lipids, 6.02 ± 0.01 crude protein, 5.00 ± 0.00 total ash content, 10.00 ± 0.00 ash soluble in water, 5.00 ± 0.00 ash insoluble in acid and 19.67 ± 0.58 moisture content. Primary tests of the crude aqueous extract revealed the presence of tannins , saponines, alkaloids flavonoids, glycosides, resins, terpenoids and steroids, while the ethanolic extract showed positive results for tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and steroids, but negative results for saponines and resins. The percentages of phytochemical compounds in the air dried leaves powder were 5.67 ± 0.58 tannins, 10.42 ± 0.72 saponines, 8.33 ± 0.76 alkaloids and 9.80 ± 1.13 flavonoids. The amounts of minerals and vitamins (mg/100) that were determined in the R. raetam dried leaves powder were 333.75 ± 1.77 potassium, 501.25 ± 1.77 sodium, 235.50 ± 6.36 magnesium, 500.00 ± 0.00 calcium and 35.33 ± 0.29 vitamin C. The obtained results prove the traditional medicinal use of R. raetam in North and East Mediterranean regions. In addition, knowing the amounts of the essential components and bioactive compounds may help in the preparation of the exact dosages for the treatment of diseases or for livestock feeding.