Abstract

Recent research shows the ability of Persea americana peels as a resource of metabolites of natural origin with notable biological activities. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous peel extracts from P. americana (Fuerte and Zutano) in Morocco. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was conducted to determine the main families of secondary metabolites. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and condensed tannin content (CTC) were then quantified using standardized spectrophotometric methods. The free radical scavenging capacity was tested using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while the anti-inflammatory potential was assessed through prevention of denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA), and the disc diffusion technique was used to assess the antibacterial activity. The results showed that the peels were rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and tannins, confirming their strong biological potential. The extracts showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50= 62.060 ± 0.234 µg/mL) for the Zutano variety, as well as a marked inhibition of protein denaturation at 500 µg/mL. The extracts exhibit intense inhibitory activity with levels of 69.65% for Zutano and 65.17% for Fuerte, suggesting an interesting anti-inflammatory activity. Both varieties exhibited similar antibacterial activity against E. coli, while no activity was observed against the other Gram-negative bacterial strains tested, while Fuerte showed superior activity against Gram-positive bacteria. These results underscore the valorisation potential of P. americana peels, generally considered as agri-food waste, as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds.