The use of medicinal plants to treat medical issues is common. Over 80 % of Africans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), resorted to plants for medical purposes (Boampong, 2023). Plant-based treatments are now recognized for their simplicity of use and effectiveness in the search for natural active molecules to replace synthetic chemicals and medicines that often exhibit undesired side effects (Alamgir and Alamgir, 2017). In recent years, there has been an increase in chemical studies of plants. Their secondary metabolites have multiples applications and are used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. These substances include, among others, terpenes, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins (Bahorun et al., 1996). These substances, which are well-known for their capacity to lower oxidative stress, also have pharmacological qualities like analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions.

Rhamnus alaternus L. belonging to the family of the Rhamnaceae was the subject of numerous indications in traditional medicine. This shrub is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) (Nekkaa et al., 2021). In Algeria, buckthorn is Known as “Oud el-Khir" in the local Arabic dialect and “Mlilès" in Berber (Aït Youssef, 2006). This plant species has a capacity of surviving in xeric environments making it a popular choice for Mediterranean reforestation initiatives (Moussi et al., 2015). R. alaternus is traditionally used in various regions of Spain for cardiovascular problems. The aerial parts are used as depurative and against hypercholesterolemia (Calvo and Cavero, 2014). In Algeria, R. alaternus enjoys a great reputation in traditional medicine, and is mainly used against jaundice and hepatitis viruses. It is also used against gout, as an antihypertensive, astringent, emollient, laxative and even as a diuretic (Berka et al., 2008; Chouitah et al., 2012). The genus Rhamnus is used traditionally to treat diseases such as cancer, wound, and the aerial parts of R. alaternus such as bark is used to treat dermatological complications (Nekkaa et al., 2021; Nigussie et al., 2021).

Numerous studies have investigated the biological properties of various R. alaternus extracts. Leaf and bark extracts showed strong protection against mutagenesis induced by sodium azide and significantly reduced genotoxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 and nifuroxazide (Ammar et al., 2008). They also exhibited good antioxidant and free radical scavenging capabilities (Boussahel et al., 2013, 2015). In addition, leaf extracts of R. alaternus showed significant antimicrobial effects against multiple Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species (Ben Ammar et al., 2007). According to (Benzaid et al., 2021), the aqueous extract of R. alaternus exhibits liver-protective effect. This extract reduces oxidative damage induced by aluminum chloride through an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Our previous studies have also shown that flavonoids from R. alaternus leaves reduce WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemia and increase fatty acid oxidation in HepG2 cells (Tacherfiout et al., 2018), as well as showing that R. alaternus mitigates AAPH-induced hemolysis in human red blood cells (Kherbachi et al., 2022).

Inflammation is a fundamental physiological response to harmful stimuli, but its chronic form is a major contributor to the development of various diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. The search for safer and more effective anti-inflammatory agents has turned significant attention to plant-derived bioactive compounds. Plants produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties through mechanisms including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of signaling pathways like NF-κB and MAPK, and reduction of oxidative stress (Hilal et al., 2024; Sharma et al., 2024; Singh et al., 2020). Despite the significant progress in identifying bioactive compounds, the specific relationships between plant-derived compounds and their anti-inflammatory activities remain underexplored. This article aims at analysing the phenolic composition of R. alaternus stem bark extract and evaluate its antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.