Bioactivities and phenolic composition of Maire and Brullo & Erben (Plumbaginaceae): two Tunisian strict endemic plants.

genus is traditionally used in North Africa for disease treatment and in cosmetic. This study investigates for the first time the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities of two Tunisian endemic plants, and . Analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out by using RP-HPLC. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity (antiradical, reducing and total antioxidant activities), tyrosinase and α-glucosidase, collagenase inhibition activities were determined. Inhibiting of NO release in LPS-stimulated macrophages was assessed. exhibited strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the tyrosinase and α-glucosidase inhibitor activity tests, the two species were highly active, especially . High total phenolic and flavonoid contents were recorded in and myricitrin, myricetin, myricetin 3--β-D-galatopyranoside, luteolin 7--glucoside and rutin were the main phenolics in both species. The results obtained render and as valuable new natural sources for cosmetic and pharmacological applications.