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The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical composition of Salvia officinalis flowers decoction extract (SOFDE) as well as its individual and/or synergistic actions with sulfasalazine against ethanol (EtOH)-induced peptic ulcer in Wistar rats. In this respect, rats were divided into six groups of eight animals each: control, EtOH, EtOH + sulfasalazine (SULF, 100 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.), mixture: MIX (SOFDE, 50 mg kg−1 b.w., p.o. + SULF, 50 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.) and EtOH + two doses of SOFDE (100 and 200 mg kg−1 b.w., p.o.). In vitro, the phytochemical and the antioxidant properties were determined using colorimetric analysis. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS assay was used to identify the distinctive qualitative profile of phenolic compounds. Our results firstly indicated that SOFDE is rich in total tannins, flavonols, anthocyanins and a moderate concentration of total carotenoids. Chromatographic techniques allowed the identification of 13 phenolic compounds and the major ones are quinic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and salviolinic acid. SOFDE also exhibited an important in vitro antioxidant activity using the β-carotene bleaching method. In vivo, SOFDE and the mixture provide significant protection against ethanol-induced gastric and duodenal macroscopic and histological alterations. Also, SOFDE alone or in combination with SULF, showed a significant protection against the secretory profile disturbances, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant level depletion induced by alcohol administration. Importantly, we showed that EtOH acute intoxication increased gastric and intestinal calcium, free iron, magnesium and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, while SOFDE/MIX treatment protected against all these intracellular mediators' deregulation. We also showed that alcohol treatment significantly increased the C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in plasma. The SOFDE and MIX treatment significantly protected against alcohol-induced inflammation. More importantly, we showed in the present work that the mixture exerted a more important effect than SOFDE and SULF each alone indicating a possible synergism between these two molecules. In conclusion, our data suggests that SOFDE and SULF exerted a potential synergistic protective effect against all the macroscopic, histological and biochemical disturbances induced by EtOH intoxication. This protection might be related in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as by negatively regulating Fenton reaction components such as H2O2 and free iron.

Cinnamon bark and evergreen oak acorns, natural sources of functional ingredients, are effective for those suffering from diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the dissimilar phytochemical composition and the opposite potential actions of Cinnamomum cassia bark (ACCE) and Quercus ilex aqueous extracts (GIAE) on gastrointestinal (GI)-physiological activities and disruptions. An HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS assay was used to identify the distinctive qualitative and quantitative profiles of phenolic compounds. The GI-physiological action of both extracts on gastric emptying (GE) and gastrointestinal transit time (GIT) were evaluated using the phenol-red colorimetric method and a test meal containing charcoal/gum arabic in water. Loperamide (LOP)-induced colonic constipation and delayed emptying of the stomach were used to explore the reverse effects of ACCE/GIAE on GI disorders. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS showed that the main phenolic compounds detected in ACCE are trans-cinnamic acid, quinic acid, protocatechuic acid and rosmarinic acid, while gallic acid, quinic acid and protocatechuic acid are the major chemical constituents found in GIAE. GIAE at two doses (150 and 300 mg kg−1) exerted a reduction of GE (66.40% and 60.87%, respectively) compared to a control group (70.25%). However, ACCE at the same concentrations induced contradictory actions on GE/GIT in comparison to GIAE and antagonistic synthetic pharmacological drugs in rats. The protective effect of CCAE against constipation induced by LOP in rats was accompanied by a strong antioxidant property related to moderation of intracellular-mediator disorders. An absence of toxic actions was revealed in the case of the hematological profile and biochemical parameters. Hence, in-depth investigations of these nutrients of both extracts may help future researchers to derive the underlying mechanisms and potential molecular targets for the development of physiologically functional foods and future therapies.

Thyme is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals and it is frequently used in folk-medicine to treat gastroenteritis irritations. The current study was performed to examine the potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract (TV-AE) to protect against delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and colonic constipation in rats. Stomach ulcer was caused by a single oral dose administration of indomethacin (INDO) (30 mg kg−1 of body weight). Constipation was induced following intravenous intoxication of rats with vinblastine (VINB) (2 mg kg−1 of body weight) for one week. The effect of TV-AE at two graduated doses (100 and 200 mg kg−1) on DGE, gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and constipated rats and biochemical parameters was estimated using phenol red, charcoal meal test and colorimetric methods, respectively. The phytochemical-profile of TV-AE was explored using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS). INDO and VINB caused a significant reduction in (P < 0.05) DGE and GIT and colonic motility dysfunction. TV-AE consumption remarkably (P < 0.05) attenuated the DGE (from 58.56% to 69.871%) and difficulty in evacuating stools (from 48.5 to 55.5 fecal pellets per rat) and balanced the GIT (65% to 71%). These GI-ameliorative effects were accompanied by reversed INDO/VINB-related oxidative changes, lipid-metabolism alteration and intracellular pathway moderation. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS-analysis identified several chemical constituents including rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, protocatechuic acid and trans-cinnamic acid. Thus, TV-AE bioactive components may be used as medicinal substances to regulate/attenuate gastrointestinal–physiological activities and disturbances, which support its pharmacological use.

The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical composition of

Cinnamon bark and evergreen oak acorns, natural sources of functional ingredients, are effective for those suffering from diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the dissimilar phytochemical composition and the opposite potential actions of

Thyme is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals and it is frequently used in folk-medicine to treat gastroenteritis irritations. The current study was performed to examine the potential of

Inflammation and oxidative stress are a common mechanism of many gastrointestinal diseases such ulcerative colitis. Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may play an interesting role in the prevention of intestinal inflammation. In this context, we examined the protective effect of carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced sub-acute experimental ulcerative colitis in a rat model. Colon inflammation was induced in rats by oral administration of synthetic DSS (5%) in the drinking water over 7 days. However, CPAE (50 and 100 mg kg−1 body weight) was given by oral administration for 21 days. At the end of the experimental period, the colon and plasma were examined for lipid peroxidation and cytokine determination as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and antioxidant enzyme activities. Our result indicated that DSS caused severe histopathological damage in the colon mucosa. The lesions were associated with increased MPO activity, cytokines and oxidative damage. The CPAE treatment restored dose-dependent body weight gain, prevented colonic shortening and reduced the severity of colonic lesions and biochemical alterations. It was concluded that CPAE consumption limits DSS-induced colonic damage in rats. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols may play a role in this effect.

The current study was performed to assess the effects of carob pod aqueous extracts (CPAE, pulp, seeds or mixture) on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and intestinal epithelium permeability. In this aspect, male rats fasted for 16 hours were used and given by oral administration NaCl (0.9%, control group) or various doses of CPAE (50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1, b.w.). Two other groups of rats (batch tests) received clonidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, 1 mg kg−1) or yohimbine (an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, 2 mg kg−1). Two hours later, all animals were given a test meal containing charcoal and gum arabic in water. 30 minutes later, rats were anesthetized, a laparotomy was performed and the distance traveled by the meal compared to the total length of the small intestine was measured. Regarding the effect of CPAE on diarrhoea, the extract was administered orally to three groups of rats (ten in each group). Two other groups received normal saline (10 mL kg−1) and loperamide (10 mg kg−1) as a negative and standard group. Compared with the control group, the animals treated with the CPAE of pulp, seeds or a mixture (50% pulp and 50% seeds) of mature carob, showed a significant increase (3–25%) of GIT in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, the CPAE of immature carob pods significantly and dose dependently decreased (3–19%) the GIT and diarrhoea (66–87%). However, clonidine and yohimbine respectively decreased (58%) and increased (30%) the GIT. More importantly, using the Ussing chamber system, we found that aqueous extracts of mature and immature carob pods significantly and dose-dependently increased or decreased intestinal epithelium permeability. The results indicate that carob possesses significant laxative and anti-diarrheal activities due to its opposite effects both on gastrointestinal propulsion and permeability. These findings confirm that the degree of maturity of carob characterized by a different phytochemical composition may be responsible for these actions.

Malathion (M) is an organophosphorus pesticide of utmost concern because of its adverse effects on non-targeted organisms. It is well-known for its anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and its negative effects on the liver, pancreas and the immune, hematological and reproductive systems. Natural antioxidants including phenolics, essential oils and vitamins, among others, might have protective effects on the toxicity of malathion. The intent of this study was to examine whether the treatment with Artemisia herba-alba (AhaEO) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (EcEO) essential oils may be useful to overcome the deleterious effects of malathion administration on reproductive function in male rats. Depending on what group they were in, the following dosages were administered to rats via oral gavage for 21 days: only malathion at a dose of 200 mg kg−1 b.w.; malathion (200 mg kg−1 b.w.) following treatment with either AhaEO or EcEO (50 mg kg−1 b.w.); only AhaEO or EcEO. The results indicate that malathion affects the male reproductive system by the reduction of epididymal sperm count, motility and viability, and by increasing abnormal sperm morphology. These effects were tightly associated with oxidative stress, as revealed by the significant increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the decrease in thiol groups (SH) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the testis and epididymis of M-treated rats. Essentials oils of AhaEO and EcEO prevented testicular and epididymis oxidative damage, as evidenced by reduced MDA and H2O2 levels, and improved total sperm motility, viability and morphology in rat spermatozoa. Our study shows that AhaEO and EcEO can offer protection against malathion-induced reproductive toxicity via their potent antioxidant activity, and may become a potential treatment for male infertility associated with malathion exposure.

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are induced by biological, chemical and physical factors which are, in turn, associated with an increased risk of several human diseases. Plants are a large source of new bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential. In this respect, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of a Ceratonia siliqua L. leaf aqueous extract (CSLAE) on human neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in vitro myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and expression as well as the small intestinal fluid and electrolyte secretion. Neutrophils were isolated from whole human blood of healthy volunteers using the ficoll–dextran method and ROS generation and H2O2 were measured by luminol amplified chemiluminescence. Superoxide anion generation was also detected by chemiluminescence using the lucigenin method. MPO activity and quantity were measured by the tetramethylbenzidine oxidation method and Western blotting analysis. Concerning the in vivo part, fasted male rats received by gavage either the vehicle (NaCl, 0.9%), the extract at various doses (50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1) or clonidine (1 mg kg−1). An activated charcoal suspension was administered by oral gavage. Thirty minutes after receiving the charcoal meal, rats were euthanized and the small intestine was removed. The length of the small intestine and the distance traveled by the charcoal were recorded. Castor oil-induced hypersecretion in Wistar rats was treated with administration of CSLAE (50, 100 and 200 mg kg−1) and antidiarrheal drug, Atropine (0.1 mg kg−1 i.p.). CSLAE inhibited luminol-amplified chemiluminescence of (PMA)-stimulated neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner and is able to scavenge superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide. The CSLAE also reduces significantly and dose-dependently MPO activity and expression. On the other hand, in vivo studies showed that the CSLAE decreased notably and dose-dependently the GIT activity, intestinal fluid and electrolyte concentration. The chemical analysis using a HPLC technique showed that the CSLAE is rich in phenolic compounds, especially kaempferol, tannic acid and catechin hydrate. The intended neutrophil inhibition is introduced as a part of a new strategy for pharmacological modulation of chronic inflammatory and oxidative stress processes. On the basis of these findings, it can be also assumed that CSLAE could be a potential source for novel discovery for antidiarrhoeal drug development.

Natural antioxidants such as phenolic compounds protect cells against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated the effect of carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE) on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by human neutrophils, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and expression as well as lactoferrin and NADPH oxidase phosphorylation. Neutrophils were isolated from whole human blood using the ficoll–dextran method and ROS generation was measured by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. Superoxide anion generation was detected by chemiluminescence using the lucigenin method. H2O2 was detected by the chemiluminescence assay. MPO activity was measured by the tetramethylbenzidine oxidation method. Western blotting analysis was used to determine the MPO and lactoferrin as well as P47phox–Ser-328 phosphorylation. The use of HPLC technique revealed the identification of many phenolic compounds in carob pods with pyrogallol as the main compound in the pulp and tannic acid in the seeds. We also found that CPAE inhibits luminol-amplified chemiluminescence in human neutrophils stimulated by PMA and that it is able to scavenge superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. Carob extract significantly reduces MPO activity and expression. More importantly, CPAE inhibits PMA-induced p47phox phosphorylation on Ser328 as well as lactoferrin release by neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects are generally more marked for the seeds compared to the pulp. In conclusion, we suggest in the present study that Carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua L.) inhibit human neutrophils myeloperoxidase and in vitro ROS production.

International audience; We aimed in the present study to investigate the protective effect of a myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) berry seed aqueous extract (MBSAE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis in rats as well as the mechanism implicated in this coli-protection. The use of the LC/MS technique allowed us to identify 18 phenolic compounds in the MBSAE. Secondly, we found that the MBSAE inhibited the luminol-amplified chemiluminescence of resting neutrophils and N-formyl-methionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF) or phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) stimulated neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner. The MBSAE had no effect on superoxide anions, but it inhibited H2O2 production in the cell free system stimulated with horseradish peroxidase (HRPO) and MPO release from the neutrophils. In vivo, the pre-treatment of rats with sulfasalazine (100 mg kg(-1)) and the MBSAE (25, 50, and 100 mg kg(-1)) significantly reduced AA-induced colonic mucosa lesions as well as histopathological changes. The MBSAE counteracted AA-induced lipid peroxidation and the depletion of the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We also found that the myrtle extract inhibited the increase of the plasma scavenging activity (PSA) and preserved the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as sulfhydryl groups (-SH) and reduced glutathione (GSH). More importantly, acetic acid administration increased colonic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), free iron and calcium levels, while the MBSAE pre-treatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. In conclusion, our data suggests that the MBSAE exerted a potential protective effect against AA-induced injury and oxidative stress in the rat colon. This coli-protection might be related in part to its antioxidant and ROS scavenging activities or by negatively regulating Fenton reaction components such as H2O2 and free iron, which are known to lead to cytotoxicity mediated by intracellular calcium deregulation.