4.2. Plant material
D. metel L. was collected in August 2008 from its natural habitat
in south Tunisia. Leaves were air-dried in darkness at ambient temperature
and ground to a fine powder with an electrical mortar.
Botanical identification of this species was carried out by Prof. A.
Smaoui (Biotechnologic Center in Borj-Cedria Technopark, Tunisia),
according to the Tunisian flora (Pottier-Alapetite, 1979). A voucher
specimen was deposited in the Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Unit,
Biotechnological Center in Borj-Cedria Techno-park, Hammam-Lif,
Tunisia (D.m.08003).