NUTRITIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC VALORIZATION OF ROCKET (ERUCA SATIVA MILL.) CULTIVATE IN ALGERIA: A FUNCTIONAL FOOD WITH MULTIPLE BENEFITS.

Abstract

The growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds underscores their potential for improving human health. This study explores the biochemical and pharmacological properties of Eruca sativa (arugula), a Brassicaceae species with culinary and medicinal significance, collected in Algeria. The research aims to characterize the phytochemical composition of leaf and root extracts, assess their antioxidant activity, and evaluate their nutritional and antimicrobial potential. Modern analytical methods were employed, including the DPPH assay for antioxidant capacity, and colorimetric assays to quantify total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Nutritional analysis revealed total sugar contents of 0.40 ± 0.02 g/L in leaves and 0.20 ± 0.002 g/L in roots. Fat content was significantly higher in leaves (33.86% ± 0.06%) than in roots (0.43% ± 0.03%), while protein levels were 0.93 ± 0.05 g/L in leaves, 0.50 ± 0.03 g/L in stems, and 0.01 ± 0.02 g/L in roots. The leaf extracts exhibited high concentrations of polyphenols (180 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (160 mg CE/g), compared to the roots (52.13 mg GAE/g and 80 mg CE/g, respectively). Antioxidant activity, measured by IC50 values, was stronger in leaves (0.88 mg/mL) than in roots (1.89 mg/mL). Qualitative phytochemical screening identified secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and quinones in both organs, with greater diversity particularly terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids detected in leaves. These findings highlight the biochemical richness of E. sativa, supporting its potential valorization in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food applications.