Exploration of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Potential: A Comparative Study of Four Libyan Medicinal Plants (Glechoma hederacea, Cichorium intybus, Matricaria chamomilla, and Arachis hypogaea)

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of four medicinal plants commonly used in Libya: Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy), Cichorium intybus (chicory), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), and Arachis hypogaea (peanut). Qualitative screening revealed diverse metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, coumarins, anthraquinones, and phenolics. M. chamomilla exhibited the most diverse phytochemical profile. Antioxidant activity measured via the DPPH assay demonstrated that A. hypogaea (IC₅₀ = 22.8 ± 0.9 µg/mL) and M. chamomilla (IC₅₀ = 30.3 ± 1.2 µg/mL) were the most effective, exceeding the activity of C. intybus (IC₅₀ = 36.8 ± 1.5 µg/mL) and G. hederacea (IC₅₀ = 43.3 ± 1.7 µg/mL), with ascorbic acid as the standard (IC₅₀ = 13.8 ± 0.5 µg/mL). The results highlight the key role of saponins and phenolics in antioxidant activity. Further quantitative analyses (HPLC, LC-MS) are recommended to isolate and characterize compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.