Assessment of Pituranthos species' adaptation to edaphic and climatological factors in Algerian Sahara

Abstract
Assessment of Pituranthos species' adaptation to edaphic and climatological factors in Algerian Sahara
Background and Objective: This research investigates the adaptation of the Pituranthos genus to the edaphic and climatic conditions of the Algerian Sahara. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of two medicinal species;Pituranthoschloranthus (Ghardaa̐) and Pituranthosscoparius (Adrar)to determine how seasonal variations and geographical origins modulate their phytochemical profiles and biological potential.
Methodology: Plant materials were collected across distinct seasons (autumn and spring) and analyzed alongside soil and climate data. The physiological response was assessed through the quantification of osmolytes, while secondary metabolites were characterized using UPLC/MS-MS for ethanolic extracts and GC-MS for essential oils. Furthermore, the study utilized the reducing potential of these extracts to green-synthesize a novel silver-doped magnesium oxide (Ag/MgO) nanocomposite, characterized via UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX.
Results: Analytical data revealed highly specific, environment-driven chemoprofiles. P. scoparius (Adrar) exhibited a monoterpene-rich profile (?-Phellandrene, D-Limonene), while P. chloranthus (Ghardaa̐) was dominated by phenylpropanoids, specifically Myristicin and Safrole. Biological assays (DPPH, FRAP, and albumin denaturation) confirmed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Notably, the synthesized Ag/MgO nanocomposite demonstrated superior antibacterial efficacy against seven pathogenic strains compared to crude extracts.
Conclusion: The findings elucidate the sophisticated biochemical adaptation mechanisms of Pituranthos species to arid environments. The study concludes that species selection, geographic origin, and harvest season are critical factors for optimizing bioactive yields. This work validates the traditional medicinal utility of these species and highlights their significant potential in pharmacology and green nanotechnology.

Keywords:Pituranthos, Phytochemical variability, Algerian Sahara, Green synthesis, Ag/MgO nanocomposites, Biological activity.