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Ephedra alata leaf extracts have therapeutic properties and contain various natural compounds known as phytochemicals. This study assessed the phytochemical content and antioxidant effects of a Ephedra alata leaf extract, as well as zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle production. The extract contained phenolic acids, including vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillin and rutin. Its total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 48.7 ± 0.9 mg.g-1 and 1.7 ± 0.4 mg.g-1, respectively. The extract displayed a DPPH inhibition rate of 70.5%, total antioxidant activity of 49.5 ± 3.4 mg.g-1, and significant antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive and negative bacteria. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles had spherical shape, crystallite size of 25 nm, particle size between 5 and 30 nm, and bandgap energy of 3.3 eV. In specific conditions (90 min contact time, pH 7, and 25°C), these nanoparticles efficiently photodegraded 87% of methylene blue, suggesting potential applications for sustainable water treatment and pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have played an important influence in the development of human society; they were always at the forefront of all cultures and civilizations as a source of medicine. Medicinal plants are considered rich sources of secondary compounds, and many modern medications are derived from them. Hammada scoparia is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is currently found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt) and has many medicinal properties used as folk medicine. The present research discusses the phytochemical components and biological activities of Hammada scoparia. The corresponding data were collected from various online databases, new research, and published resources. Different secondary compounds from the species have been documented, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. Pharmacological research has demonstrated that the major bioactives have antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimalarial activities and anticancer, reno-protective, and hepatoprotective effects. In conclusion, this study provides much information about the interests of vegetal species: Hammada scoparia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]