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Citrus family especially lemon, mandarin and orange, have reached important attention due to the presence of several components with different therapeutic properties. The leaves and peels of non-polar extracts from bio-citrus cultivars were investigated for phytochemical analysis, antibacterial and antioxidant capacity. The DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) activity and phosphommolybdenum antioxidant effect values from leaves and peels ranged from 0 to 12.79% and 0.006 to 0.14 mg/ml AAeq respectively. Results showed significant differences in antioxidant properties of leaves and peels extracts. The leaves of mandarin exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than the other extracts from lemon and orange. Among different components identified from the organic extracts, limonene, myrcene, and benzopyran were major components in all samples.

Business and IT alignment has been a critical issue for researchers, consultants, and practitioners seeking to improve demand and delivery management by executing business requirements in real-life systems that benefit end-users. Companies using IT to enable their business must improve their business and information technology alignment (BITA) by implementing best practices and frameworks. This study focuses on one area of improvement in the BITA model, which is project software delivery using Agile as a project management methodology. Agile methodology allows for collaboration and dynamic requirements, which benefits aligning businesspeople with IT delivery within the software development lifecycle (SDLC) framework.

Background:: Calamintha nepeta is a plant from the Lamiaceae family that is known for its traditional use to treat diabetes among Algerian populations. However, till now, there has been no research work to confirm this activity. background: Calamintha nepeta is a plant from the Lamiaceae family which is known for its traditional use to treat diabetes in Algerian populations. Until now there have been no research work to confirm this activity. Objectives:: This work aimed to evaluate the amylase inhibitory activity of essential oils and phenolic compounds from both methanolic and aqueous extracts of Algerian Calamintha nepeta (L.). objective: The evalutation of the antiamylatic activity of essential oil, methanolic and aqueous extracts from Algerian Calamintha nepeta (L.). Methods:: The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC and then GC/MS. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were obtained from the remains of the hydrodistillation. Total phenolic compounds were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The amylase inhibitory activity of the extracts was determined by testing their ability to inhibit alpha-amylase. Results:: The extraction yield was 0.67 % (w/w) for the essential oil, and 11.85 and 4.38 % (w/w) for the aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively. The essential oil analysis revealed that menthone, menthol, pulegone, and pulegone oxide were the main components of the oil. The total phenolic compounds in the aqueous and methanolic extracts were 41.81 and 32.92 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The extracts inhibited α-amylase activity with IC50 values of 24.46, 31.54, and 115.47 mg/ml for the methanolic extract, essential oil, and aqueous extract, respectively. result: Extraction yield was 0.67 %(w/w) for the essential oil, and 11.85 and 4.38 %(w/w) for the aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively. The essential oil analysis revealed that menthone, menthol, pulegone and pulegone oxide were the main components. Total phenolic compounds for the aqueous and methanolic extracts were respectively 41.81 and 32.92 mg GAE/g. The different extracts showed inhibition activity towards α-amylase with IC50 values equal to : 24.46 ; 31.54 and 115.47mg/ml for the methanolic extract, the essential oil and the aqueous extract respectively. Conclusion:: The different extracts of Calamintha nepeta showed an interesting composition and significant amylase inhibitory activity, emphasizing their successful use in traditional medicine. conclusion: The different extracts of Calamintha nepeta showed an interesting composition, and a significant antimaylatic activity. other: future profound studies are necessary to identify the active molecules

Background: Through this study, the Chemical composition realized by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn allowed the detection of different phenolic compounds groups from Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves extracts. We studied the inhibition of main protease (CL3 Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the SARS-CoV-2 by the identified molecules through molecular docking. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify compounds from Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves extracts, which might have anti-viral effects. Methods: Chemical composition realized by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, the inhibition of main protease (CL3 Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the SARS-CoV-2 is studied using molecular docking with Autodock Vina software. ADMET analysis was carried out. Results: The identified compounds are quinic acid, digallic acid, galloylquinic acid, gallic acid, trigallic acid, digalloylquinic acids, trigalloylquinic acids and methyl gallate; digallic and quinic acids are the best inhibitors. Digallic acid had binding affinity energy (BAE) of -8.2 kcal/mol, and Ki of 1µM for the CL3 Mpro, Ki of 0.62 mM for the RdRp. Quinic acid showed Ki of 4.6 mM, recorded for both enzymes. Through ADMET analysis, we have found that the two molecules are good drugs candidate. Conclusion: This is the first time that a group of identified compounds from Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves is studied for their potential activity against the novel virus by inhibiting two key enzymes in its life cycle, and no further studies have been published in this context.

Pistacia atlantica Desf. fruit oil may be considered as a feedstock which is low cost and does not compete with food crops for biodiesel production. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of the variation in fatty-acid composition and oil accumulation in developing P. atlantica fruits on the resulting biodiesel properties. Samples were collected from two Algerian sites, i.e. Ain oussera and Laghouat. Gas-liquid chromatography revealed that the oleic acid (51.6–55.4% of fatty acids) was the major component, followed by linoleic acid (21.9–29.4%), and palmitic acid (12.7–19.4%). The highest tocopherol isomer contents were observed in the immature stage (200–256 μg g−1 oil). The quality of the biodiesels synthesized from immature and mature P. atlantica fruit oils was tested according to the international standards. All biodiesel samples exhibited a high energy content with a higher heating value (HHV) of 40 MJ kg−1. Meanwhile, the cetane number, long chain saturation factor, degree of unsaturation, oxidative stability and density were in the ranges 53–55, 4.3–5.6, 101–113, 3.4–3.8 h, and 852–862 kg m−3, respectively. The cold flow behavior of biodiesel was assessed through the cloud point (CP) and the cold filter plugging point (CFPP). The CP value ranged from −4.5 to −2.3 °C, and CFPP from −7.1 to −4.9 °C. The above fuel properties comply with the limits imposed by the EN 14214–08, GB/T 20828–07 and ASTM D6751-2010 standards, showing a promising source for biodiesel production in Algeria.

Background: Plants are a main source of drugs for the therapy of a large number of diseases. Objective: The aim of the present work is to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-α-amylase and anti-peroxidases (HPR) potentials of phenolic extracts obtained from three spontaneous plants; growing in the South of Algeria such as (Chamomilla pubescens, Pulicaria crispa, and Rhanterium adpressum). This is the first report on the study of α-amylase and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) inhibitory activity for phenolic extracts from the Chamomilla pubescens and Pulicaria crispa plants. Method: The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using four tests: DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP, and ABTS. The phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds of the three selected Algerian plants were quantified. Also, the inhibition of α-amylase and HRP was evaluated. Results: The quantification of the total phenolic contents revealed that they are widely variable, and depending on extraction solvents, the highest content was recorded by the ethyl acetate extract of Chamomilla pubescens (flowers) 774.93±60.14mg/100 g of dry matter. In all the antioxidant tests, ethyl acetate extracts showed the most effective activity, which the best was (VCEAC = 65.62 ±0.50 µM/g dry matter) of Pulicaria crispa for the DPPH test. Furthermore, the results of α-amylase and peroxidase inhibitory effects indicated that all plants extracts have inhibitory effects on the two enzymes, with AEIC values ranged from 76.55±3.54 to 149.54±6.68 μM/g of dry matter for the α-amylase, and CEIC values ranged from 8.89±2.22 to 9668.31±254.42 μM/g of dry matter for the peroxidase (HRP). Conclusion: The present study results suggest that the three Algerian spontaneous plant species (Rhanterium adpressum, Pulicaria crispa, and Chamomilla pubescens) inhibit peroxidase and α-amylase and exhibit a high antioxidant activity what can be related to the treatment of diabetes and thyroid diseases.

Background: Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase is considered as an important therapeutic target to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), reducing postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). Objective: The present work explored the antidiabetic activities of five artificial food colorings by α- amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition in vitro and in Silico. Methods: In this study, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was evaluated. Further, the interaction between enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and ligands (food colorings) was followed by QSAR and molecular docking studies. Results: The in vitro results obtained show that the blue patent (SIN131) exhibited more potent inhibition with IC50 values of 0.03± 0.01 mM and 0.014±0.001 mM against α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition respectively compared to acarbose. The QSAR study found a strong correlation between IC50 values with four molecular descriptors. This linear regression confirms that a strong polarity (Apol) and low hydrophobia (ALogP) favor the inhibitory effect of these colorings toward both enzymes. Also, a negative role of the number of heavy atoms has been demonstrated in the phenomenon of inhibition of this enzyme. Finally, the descriptor εlumo (electronic affinity) plays a crucial role on the inhibitory power of these dyes toward both enzymes by electron transfer. The virtual screening of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by these colorings, using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD), allowed us to obtain stable complexes with interaction energies resulting from the place of hydrogen bonds and several hydrophobic interactions. However, the sulfonate groups of these colorings can be the major factors in the inhibition of these enzymes. On the other hand, Rerank Score with the pose are perfectly correlated (R2> 0.76) to the inhibitory activity of these food colorings measured experimentally. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the Blue Patent V (SIN131) effectively acts as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor leading to a reduction in starch hydrolysis and eventually to lower glucose levels.

Background: Research on medicinal plant antioxidants has emerged as a potential therapeutic to prevent free radical generated damage in the human body. Hammada elegans Botsch (popularly known as “Ajram”) is a xerophytic plant widely found in Laghouat region, but there are only a few reports about the biological or chemical properties of these species. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and the antihemolytic activities of hexanic, acetonic, methanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Algerian Hammada elegans Botsch by employing different in vitro assay systems. Methods: The total phenolic content, the flavonoid content and the condensed tannin amount were analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride and vanillin assays, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of extracts was assessed by CUPRAC, iron chelating, ABTS•+ and antihemolytic assays, and was expressed as EC50 values. Results: Among the analyzed extracts, the aqueous extract had the highest phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents. Also, this extract displayed the highest antioxidant capacities compared to the other extracts and standards. Its EC50 value for ABTS radical-scavenging activity was 0.265 ± 0.003 mg/L. Moreover, this extract showed high iron (II) chelating ability (EC50 = 0.958 ± 0.001 mg/L), and good antioxidant activity in the cupric ion reducing activity (CUPRAC) in a concentration dependent manner (EC50 were 0.709 ± 0.002 mg/L). Additionally, this extract had the best antihemolytic activity against AAPH-induced hemolysis (EC50=0.090 ± 0.004 mg/L). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the aqueous extract of Hammada elegans Botsch, is a potential source of antioxidants which possess a high protective effect of membrane against free radical.

In this study, we investigate the effect of different abiotic environmental factors on the chemical constituents of Pistacia atlantica Desf and their bioactive potential. Altitude, temperature, precipitation, and harvest season were the key factors. Forty-three samples of P. atlantica, including leaves and galls, were collected from two different bioclimatic areas (Tilghemt and Aflou), at two separate seasons (2018 and 2019). Phytochemicals were quantified for each sample, and the biological activities were also determined. The present study aimed for the first time to highlight the relationship and the interactions between the environmental factors and the active substance contents of P. atlantica crude oils and phenolic extracts, by the implementation of multivariate statistical analyses. Four principal components were identified with an information percentage varied between 63.47% and 72.67%. The PCA analysis allowed us to classify the phytoconstituents of P. atlantica and their biological activities according to the geographical origin and the climatic conditions into two clouds of points. It seems from our findings that the harvest season factor could tip the scales and affected inversely the phytochemical constituents of P. atlantica leaves and their antioxidant potential. All results consistently supported the conclusion that the variation on the environmental factors had a significant influence on the chemical constituents of crude oils and phenolic extracts as well as their antioxidant activity and EC 3.2.1.1-α-amylase inhibitory effect.

BACKGROUND: The present work stands as an endeavor to uncover the ideal harvesting time of leaves in which they exhibits the maximum contents of bioactive molecules such as essential fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids. METHODS: A large scale investigation was carried out for the leaves of Pistacia atlantica involving a large number of populations collected over a period of four months during the growing season. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using both DPPH and β-carotene assays. The chemical percentage variability of the fatty acids was investigated using statistical analysis methods (Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering “AHC”, also cited as CAH). OBJECTIVE: During the growth period, the effects of harvesting date on the total contents of lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids, fatty acids composition and also the antioxidant activities of the lipids were investigated. RESULTS: The content of myristic acid and other saturated fatty acids increased during leaf development, while linoleic, linolenic acids and unsaturated fatty acids decreased. The highest percentages of both linolenic C18:3 (27.25±5.92%) and linoleic acids C18:2 (17.68±3.80%) were obtained for the month of May at the first stage of leaves development (young leaves), but higher percentage levels of C18:1, were obtained for both consecutive months of August & September (28.83±6.50%; 27.79±8.63%, respectively) at intermediate developing stage. The lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids contents and the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were dependent on the harvest time. The antioxidant activity showed higher powers at the first developing stage (May). Two main clusters and two sub-clusters of the fatty acids were distinguished and were also depending clearly on the period of the collection. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the FA were dependent on the period of collection of the leaves. The main result of this study illustrate the nutritional potential (richness in MUFA such as C18:1, 2, 3) of the oil of P. atlantica leaves, which can provide opportunities for rational exploitation in the food industries or for medicinal purposes.

Arid and desert environments are characterized by the sparse and discontinuous vegetation cover. Species that have been able to survive difficult bioclimatic conditions and adapt from generation to generation in these areas had to develop physiological and biochemical mechanisms of tolerance and/or resistance. The use of secondary metabolites, specifically terpenoids, is predominant in most of the biotic and abiotic interactions in which these plants are involved. Studies have shown their roles in the prevention of oxidative stress by intervening in thermo-tolerance, water stress, and salt stress generalized in a model of "the protective role of volatile compounds" explained by a single biochemical mechanism. Other studies have proven the functions of terpenoids in direct and indirect defenses against natural enemies, herbivores, and pathogenic microorganisms, in the attraction of pollinators, in competition and facilitation and other interactions between plants. This review mainly summarizes the recent research progress on the adaptation mechanisms of plants in arid environments and the biological and ecological roles of terpenoids in the various biotic and abiotic interactions.

Several medicinal plants are used in the steep area of Algeria (Laghouat) for treatment of inflammation and diabetes. Furthermore, Hammada elegans Botsch. (Chenopodiaceae) a xerophytic plant popularly known as (Ajram) is widely spread perennial shrub in Laghouat region and it is traditionally used to treat inflammation and diabete. Then, the objective of this work is to study for the first time the in vivo anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and acute toxicity effects of acetonic, methanolic and aqueous Hammada elegans Botsch extracts. The acute toxicity test was performed according to the OECD method using single increasing doses (50–1500 mg/kg bw). The anti-inflammatory effect is investigated in Wistar rats by using the rat paw edema assay. The antidiabetic activity was evaluated in vivo using three tests: short-term test (in non-diabetic rats), starch-induced hyperglycemia test (in non-diabetic rats) and long-term alloxan test (experimental diabetes). The acute toxicity results show no deaths in rats and no clinical signs of toxicity. The anti-inflammatory effects showed that all extracts significantly inhibit rat paw edema (EC50 less than 345.51 ± 0.29 mg/kg bw). Therefore, the acetonic extract (EC50 = 157.45 ± 0.33 mg/kg bw) had the more active anti-inflammatory activity than that of the standard inhibitor “Ibuprofen”. In addition, the evaluation of the antidiabetic activities by three tests shows that: in, in the short-term test, there was no important decrease in normal rats glucose rate, while in the starch-induced hyperglycemia test, the aqueous extract decreased significantly hyperglycemia (57.21 ± 1.24 mg AEAC / kg bw) compared to all tested extracts. While in the long-term test, the acetone extract significantly decreased hyperglycemia (9.18 ± 0.72 mg GEAC / kg bw) compared to all the tested extracts. Hammada elegans Botsch extracts seem to have therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of the inflammation and diabetes.

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The current study tends to introduce the effects of three wet milling procedures and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) phenotype on starch recovery and some physico-chemical properties of starch isolated from grains. It explores the sorghum grains from landraces, cultivated in the Sahara of Algeria, which in fact has a high percentage of total starch with a little percentage of tannin compared to many regions of the world. This study attempts to unveil that the starch recovery, of fifteen starch isolates, ranged between 58.06% and 83.11%, and their total starch and protein contents ranged from 92.01% to 98.75% and 0.35% to 2.34% respectively. The extents kinetic curves of hydrolysis indicates that starch isolates have high susceptibilities for hydrolysis to glucose by glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger, and the degree of hydrolysis ranges from 50.85% to 81.45%. The results demonstrate that the wet milling procedures affect the starch recovery, and protein content and swelling power at 85 ℃ of starch isolates. The effect of grain phenotype appears in moisture content and swelling power at 95 ℃.

The Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of three independent variables – time, temperature and solvent-to-solid ratio on the responses of total phenolics, total flavonoids, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) of date fruit methanolic extracts. Response surface analysis showed that the optimal ultrasound extraction parameters that maximized the responses were 30 min, 298 K and 74.4 ml/g. Under optimum conditions, UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS was used to tentatively characterize 11 phenolic compounds. The experimental values for the quantification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities are in accordance with the predicted values, indicating the suitability of the model and the success of response surface methodology in optimizing the ultrasound extraction conditions.

The study of the viscoelastic properties of polymer systems containing huge internal two-dimensional interfacial areas, such as blends, foams and multilayer films, is of growing interest and plays a significant role in a variety of industrial fields. Hence, interfacial rheology can represent a powerful tool to directly investigate these complex polymer–polymer interfaces. First, the current review summarizes the theoretical basics and fundamentals of interfacial shear rheology. Particular attention has been devoted to the double-wall ring (DWR), bicone, Du Noüy ring and oscillating needle (ISR) systems. The measurement of surface and interfacial rheological properties requires a consideration of the relative contributions of the surface stress arising from the bulk sub-phases. Here, the experimental procedures and methodologies used to correct the numerical data are described considering the viscoelastic nature of the interface. Second, the interfacial dilational rheology is discussed, starting with the theory and underlying principles. In particular, the Langmuir trough method, the oscillating spinning drop technique and the oscillating pendant drop technique are investigated. The major pioneering studies and latest innovations dedicated to interfacial rheology in both shear and dilatation–compression are highlighted. Finally, the major challenges and limits related to the development of high-temperature interfacial rheology at the molten state are presented. The latter shows great potential for assessing the interfaces of polymer systems encountered in many high-value applications.

Objective: The present study aimed to identify new selective inhibitors for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, monoacylglycerol lipase, beta-secretase, and Asparagine endopeptidase, the targets enzymes in Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: The inhibitory effect of P. atlantica Desf. methanol extracts against AChE were determined using Ellman’s method. The molecular docking study is achieved using Autodock Vina. The structures of the molecules 3-methoxycarpachromene, masticadienonic acid, 7-ethoxycoumarin, 3′,5,7- trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone and 5,6,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavonol-3-O-rutinoside and the five enzymes were obtained from the PubChem database and Protein databank. ADMET parameters were checked to confirm their pharmacokinetics using swiss-ADME and ADMET-SAR servers. Results: P. atlantica Desf. methanol extracts showed a notable inhibitory effect against AChE (IC50 = 0.26 ± 0.004 mg/ml). The molecular docking results of 3-methoxycarpachromene, masticadienonic acid, 7-ethoxycoumarin, 3′,5,7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone and 5,6,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavonol-3-Orutinoside with the five enzymes show significant affinities of these molecules towards Alzheimer disease targets, where they could form several interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the studied enzymes. The shortest hydrogen bond is 1.7 A° between masticadienonic acid and Arg128 of the active site of BACE, while the lowest free energy is -11.2 of the complex 5,6,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavonol-3-O-rutinoside –HuBchE. To the best of our knowledge, these molecules' potential anti-Alzheimer disease effect is studied in this paper for the first time. Conclusion: The docking studies of this work show that 3-methoxycarpachromene and masticadienonic acid, 7-ethoxycoumarin, 3′,5,7-Trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone and 5,6,7,4′-tetrahydroxyflavonol- 3-O-rutinoside have good affinities towards the enzymes involved in Alzheimer pathology, which confirm the ability of these molecules to inhibit the studied enzymes namely: HuAChE, HuBChE, BACE, MAGL, and AEP. These molecules might become drug candidates to prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Essential oils (EO) from leaves and flowers of Rhanterium adpressum have shown to inhibit the mycelial growth and type B trichothecenes production. The four strains of Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium graminearum were inhibited with 0.25 μL.mL-1 of each oil. The inhibitory activity of 11 sesquiterpenes identified in these oils was here examined in silico against two key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of trichotecenes namely: 15-O-trichothecene acetyltransferase and 3-O-trichothecene acetyltransferase. In sesquiterpene composition, T-Muurolol and α-Eudesmol have the highest percentages ranging from 1.4 to 2.75 %. Three-dimensional structures of these two enzymes were modeled using SWISS-MODEL with GMQE = 0.93 and QMEAN = -0.45 for 3-O-trichothecene acetyltransferase and GMQE = 0.93, QMEAN = -0.58 for 15-O-trichothecene acetyltransferase. By the results of docking, T-Muurolol and α-Eudesmol showed high affinity compared to 15-Decalonectrin and Deoxynivalenol. These molecules are all sesquiterpenes with no major conformational difference with an RMSD of 3.7 Å and 3.5 Å between 15-decalonectrin and α-Eudesmol, T-Muurolol respectively. The results of docking prove the inhibitory effect of R. adpressum EO sesquiterpenes on the enzymes of mycotoxins biosynthesis pathway of F. culmorum and F. graminearum.

The present study tracked the seasonal variation in the volatile metabolites of Saccocalyx satureioides plant aerial parts and the of antioxidant activities which depend on the chemical composition...

In this study, seasonal evolution and variability of the chemical composition of the fatty acids and tocopherols (isoforms) obtained from the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus growing in Algeria were investigated. Furthermore, quantified total tocopherol and total sterol contents were monitored during the same season. Besides, the antioxidant activity of the lipids was also investigated. The identification of the fatty acid methyl esters FAMEs showed some clear variability of the composition. The range variation of main saturated fatty acids SFA detected were: myristic acid (C14:0 = 2.94–16.61%), palmitic acid (C16:0 = 5.31–15.98%), capric acid (C10:0 = 0–13.88%), lauric acid (C12:0 = 0–8.09%), and arachidic acid (C20:0 = 0–7.07%). On the other hand, the main unsaturated fatty acids USFA were α-linolenic acid (C18:3 = 5.04–48.92%) which is known for its multiple dietary, pharmaceutical and clinical benefits, followed by linoleic acid (C18:2 = 5.49–16.99%), and oleic acid (C18:1 = 3.42–14.90%). The highest content of C18:3 was obtained in January. Major compounds showed different roads of evolutionary patterns. Surprisingly, antioxidant activity determined using two different assays (DPPH and β-carotene) revealed no significant variations for each of the tests during the same season. The variability of the contents of the fatty acids was discussed using clustering analysis (four distinguished clusters). As a main result, the maximum percentages of C18:3 and δ-tocopherol were dependent on the season of collection. In conclusion, this study illustrates the nutritional potential of the oil of P. lentiscus leaves, and gives valuable informations about the season variability of the lipid metabolites, which can provides some real opportunities for rational exploitation in the food industry or for medicinal purposes.

This study aims to predict the impact of bioclimatic variables in current and future climatic scenarios on the distribution of Inuleae tribe species. Modeling the distribution of 30 species of the Inuleae tribe in Algeria was carried out with a maximum entropy model. Two models with 99 occurrence points were obtained with mean values of Area Under a Curve (AUC) of 0.987±0.01 and 0.971±0.02, reflecting excellent predictive power. Three bioclimatic variables contributed mainly to the first model and four - to the second one with cumulative contributions of 83.8% and 79%, respectively elucidating differences between species of the two major climatic zones in Algeria: the Tell and the Sahara. Two-dimensional niches of Algerian Inuleae species allowed to distinguish these two groups with the distribution of 18 Tell species, characterized by high rainfall (14-18°C, 400-1000 mm) and the other 12 species – distributed in hot and dry environments (17-24°C, 20-200 mm). Modeling the distribution under future conditions showed that habitats of the Saharan region would be much less suitable for these species with a variation in the annual mean temperature increase up to 20% and a decrease in annual precipitation, which could raise to 11 and 15%.

Background and Objective: The present paper aims to study the inhibition of Candida albicans growth as candidiasis treatment, using seeds of Lepidium sativum as source. Methods: In vitro assays were carried out on the antifungal activity of three kinds of extracts from L. sativum seeds against four strains of C. albicans, then testing the same phytochemicals on the inhibition of Lipase (LCR). A new in silico study was achieved using molecular docking, with Autodock vina program, to find binding affinity of two important and major lepidine alkaloids (lepidine E and B) towards the four enzymes secreted by C. albicans as target drugs, responsible of vitality and virulence of this yeast cells: Lipase, Serine/threonine phosphatase, Phosphomannose isomerase and Sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51). Results: The results of the microdillution assay show that the hexanic and alkaloidal extracts have an antifungal activity with MICs: 2.25 mg/ml and 4.5mg/ml, respectively. However, Candida rugosa lipase assay gives a remarkable IC50 values for the hexanic extract (1.42± 0.04 mg/ml) followed by 1.7± 0.1 and 2.29 ± 0.09 mg/ml of ethyl acetate and alkaloidal extracts respectively. The molecular docking confirms a significant correlation between C. albicans growth and inhibition of crucial enzymes involved in the invasion mechanism and cellular metabolisms, for the first time there were an interesting and new positive results on binding modes of lepidine E and B on the four studied enzymes. Conclusion: Through this work, we propose Lepidine B & E as potent antifungal drugs.

Through this study, the Chemical composition realized by UHPLC-DADESI- MSn allowed the detection of different phenolic compound groups from Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves extracts. We studied the inhibition of main protease (CL3 MThe objective of this study is to identify compounds from Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves extracts, which might have anti-viral effects.Chemical composition was realized by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, and the inhibition of the main protease (CL3 MThe identified compounds are quinic acid, digallic acid, galloylquinic acid, gallic acid, trigallic acid, digalloylquinic acids, trigalloylquinic acids and methyl gallate; digallic and quinic acids are the best inhibitors. Digallic acid had binding affinity energy (BAE) of -8.2 kcal/mol, and Ki of 1μM for the CL3 Mpro, Ki of 0.62 mM for the RdRp. Quinic acid showed Ki of 4.6 mM, recorded for both enzymes. Through ADMET analysis, we have found that the two molecules are good drug candidates.This is the first time that a group of identified compounds from Pistacia atlantica Desf. leaves are studied for their potential activity against the novel virus by inhibiting two key enzymes in its life cycle, and no further studies have been published in this context.

Over-consumption of foods high in purines like seafood, red meat, and alcoholic beverages leads to hyperuricemia causing gout attacks. Xanthine oxidase was reported responsible for the overproduction of uric acid.We intend to test in silico and in vitro, the inhibition effect of four vitamins against bovine milk xanthine oxidase (BXO). We performed Molecular docking with GOLD v4.0, and the biological activity prediction with the PASS server. The best-selected vitamins were chosen based on their best PLPchem score. The BXO constant KThe in silico results show that the tested vitamins were the best inhibitors model with PLPchem scores up to 70 comparing to the control. The in vitro results show that BXO have a KThe obtained results promise an excellent strategy using vitamins to enhance immunity, treat hyperuricemia, and minimize the usual drug side effects.

Gallic acid and hispidin have been previously described by us as inhibitors of horseradish peroxidase (Benarous, K., Benali, F. Z., Bekhaoua, I. C., and Yousfi, M. Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics, (2021) 39(18), 7168-7180). However, additional experiments have demonstrated that under the applied assay conditions both compounds are rapidly oxidized by this enzyme. After oxidation, the components of the reaction mixture undergo complex reactions giving products with much weaker absorption at the detection wavelength. This was interpreted by us as enzyme inhibition, which, however, is only apparent. In fact, the activity of horseradish peroxidase is not affected by these compounds, which was demonstrated by measurements of hydrogen peroxide consumption. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Pistacia Atlantica in folk medicine is used by Algerian traditional healers for treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions including dyspepsia, digestive problems, peptic ulcers, and, in particular, inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity (using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS+, and reducing power methods), enzyme inhibitory activity (towards α-amylase and urease), antibacterial activity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica collected from different parts of the Djelfa region of Algeria. According to the findings, various aqueous extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and enzymatic activities in all tests, but showed that they have a weak inhibitory effect against all tested bacterial strains. Twenty-one minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U, and Zn) were determined using the technique of neutron activation analysis (INAA). The result indicates that the concentration of the mineral element is close to the minimal FAO recommendation. In addition, the result revealed significant anti-inflammatory activities. The data generated can be a valuable source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. These results suggest that the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica have an appropriate potential to be utilized across a wide range of contexts as an agent with multifunctional uses, as well as a natural remedy for other physiological diseases.

Many studies have initiated the use of plant species in traditional Algerian medicine taking into consideration that the Algerian flora is the main source of traditional remedies. In fact, Algerian ethnopharmacology was a combination of ancient knowledge inherited from Islamic civilization and purely empirical uses of substances of different origins; plant, animal and inorganic. The study showed the existence of non-systematic knowledge of plants oriented by knowledge in classical medicine and the use of a large number of ingredients separately or in mixture according to very diverse therapeutic formulas. This study presented the different uses of 134 substances of plant origin, 13 of animal origin and 12 of inorganic origin; these substances have enriched among others the Algerian pharmacopoeia in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The present review relates to the field of nanocomposite materials comprising a thermoplastic nanofibrillar phase dispersed in a matrix that is also thermoplastic. The fact of forming the nanofibrillar phase in situ during melt processing gives it the role of a reinforcing nanofiller for thermoplastic materials. This paper discusses the major factors influencing the formation of self-reinforced nanofibrillar polymer composite (NFC) materials throughout manufacturing steps. More specifically, the rheological considerations allowing the prediction of the in situ nanofibrillation during melt blending and post-processing as well as the methods of production of these polymer nanocomposites are described. The major challenges related to the future development in the field of NFCs are addressed. The concept of self-reinforced nanofibrillar polymer materials shows great potential in lightweight eco-design processes and represents a new approach to polymer nanocomposite recycling for a variety of industrial applications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacities of Cleome arabica leaves’ extract collected on two seasons in the town of Laghouat steppe region of Algeria. Five common tests for measuring antioxidant capacities were used to compare with three standard antioxidants: measurement of free radical scavenging activity with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) and 2,2ʹ- azinobis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazo-line-6-sulfonate) (ABTS·+) radical cation, measurement of total antioxidant capacities with phosphomolybdenum, ferric reducing, and cupric reducing methods. The amount of the phenolic compounds was carried out by the quantification of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents in three organic solvents with varying polarities. The results show that the ethyl acetate is the best extractor solvent of flavonoids, while petroleum ether has the ability to extract more of terpenes. The values of quantification ranged from 0.341 to 0.751 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dry matter, from 0.172 to 0.682 mg of quercetin equivalent/g of dry matter and from 0.172 to 0.332 mg of catechin equivalent/g of dry matter for the total phenolic, flavonoids, and the condensed tannins, respectively. All the extract shows strong antioxidant activity, whose best are found in the ABTS and DPPH assay with IC50 values of 0.01 and 0.017 mg/ml, respectively, in a different season. These results suggest that the level of antioxidant activity in this plant varies to a great extent. They also suggest that phenolics in this plant provide substantial antioxidant activity. Upon achievement of this survey, an extra benefit of this medicinal plant may be found.

The phytochemical screening of flowers and rest aerial parts (without flowers) of local Hammada elegans Botsch., performed for the first time, revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, catechin and gallic tannins, sterols and triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, and C-glycosides. However, the combined anthracene and coumarins are present only in the air rest aerial parts. Qualitative analysis of extracts by TLC confirmed the presence of these compounds in both parts of Hammada elegans. The total phenolic content was widely variable and depends on extraction solvents. The crude methanolic extract of flowers presented the highest content (2.66 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g). The in vitro antioxidant capacity of Hammada elegans extracts was assessed by DPPH, CUPRAC, iron chelating, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory assays. The DPPH assay showed an important antiradical activity of the diethyletheric fraction of the rest aerial part (EC50 = 0.46 ± 0.05 mg/ml) compared to other extracts. However, in the CUPRAC assay, the diethyletheric extract of flowers part has an interesting ability (EC50 = 2.67 ± 0.00 mg/ml) comparatively to the other extracts, but lower than those of ascorbic acid and TBHQ. The results of the chelating effect on ferrous ions show clearly that diethyletheric and acetonic extracts of both plant parts have greater chelating powers than that of the positive control. Finally, diethyletheric extract of oth parts of Hammada elegans proved to be the most active in the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity.

Natural products, such as plant extracts, open a new horizon for the discovery of new antiurolithiatic agents. In AlgeriaPituranthos scopariuscommonly known as “guezzah”, one of the most important plants medicinal Saharan is used for the treatment and prevention of urinary lithiasis. The present study deals with the in vitro evaluation of the inhibitory effect on the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones of isolated fractions fromPituranthos scopariusroots hydromethanolic extract. First, the study led to the isolation of four fractions (F1 = 107 mg, F2 = 19 mg, F3 = 7 mg, F4 = 18 mg) by combining two chromatographic techniques: open column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC). The in vitro antiurolithiatic activity of different isolated fractions has been carried out by two different models. In the turbidimetric assay, we have determined spectrophotometrically the effect of the isolated fractions (1g/l) on the oxalocalcic crystallization, induced by the addition of oxalate in urines from four subjects, whereas the gravimetric assay is used to measure the variation of uric acid and calcium urate renal calculi weight, after putting them in contact with 3 ml of the isolated fractions (1 g/l) during 30 days. In the two assays, the antiurolithiatic activity was compared with that of six antiurolithogenesis inhibitory standards: sodium citrate, succinimide pharbiol, foncitril, alcaphor, allopurinol, and phosphoneuros. The achieved results measured by the two tests show clearly that the fraction 1 (F1) has provided very important antiurolithiatic power (> 50% of inhibition) compared to the standard inhibitors. The in vitro obtained experimental results in this study show that thePituranthos scopariusroots are a biologically active natural source for the treatment of oxalocalcic lithiasis. Therefore, further experiments will be required to identify the molecules involved in the antiurolithiatic effect and to study their in vivo effects, which can be used therapeutically.

Background and Objective: Lipase inhibitors have gained great interest because they could help in the therapy of many diseases, however, unfortunately, only a few drugs are currently available on the market. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate for the first time the lipase inhibition effect of Thapsia garganica extracts from seeds, leaves and roots. Methods: Polyphenols and flavonoids contents were determined using spectrophotometric method. Inhibitory activity of ethyl acetate extracts from seeds, leaves and roots of T. garganica against Candida rugosa lipase was determined. To uncover the active constituents responsible for this anti-lipase activity, further investigations were performed by employing theoretical docking simulations, using AutoDock Vina program to discuss the nature of interactions and the inhibition mechanism by major bioactive compounds synthesized by this plant. Results: Seeds, leaves and roots extracts of T. garganica showed appreciable contents of polyphenols and flavonoids which is most in seeds extract with 2.90±0.02mg GAE/gdw and 1.53±0.05mg QE/gdw, respectively. Hence, their inhibitory activities against Candida rugosa lipase were determined as IC50 of 1.19mg/ml, 1.96mg/ml and 1.87mg/ml, respectively. Docking simulations have shown that nortribolid and tribolid are best inhibitors for both lipases (Candida rugosa and human pancreatic lipases). Conclusion: Testing the anti-lipase activity of the ethyl acetate extracts of T. garganica revealed a potent lipase inhibition activity, which suggests the use of these molecules as anti-obesity drugs.

Background:The genus Linaria belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a large genus comprising about 200 species. Various parts of several Linaria species have been reported to exhibit various biological effects. In Algeria especially in the Sahara and steppe regions, the different species of Linaria have several uses in dietary application.Objective:The aims of this study are to evaluate the α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase inhibitory effects and the antioxidant activity using in vitro assays by an organic extract of the aerial part of Linaria aegyptiaca collected in two months, April and June, from southern Algeria.Methods:The extracts were obtained with successful maceration in (hexane, dichloromethane, acetone and methanol). The phenolics and flavonoids contents of L. aegyptiaca extracts were evaluated with Folin- Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride reagents, respectively. Then, we studied their inhibitory effects on α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase enzymes. The antioxidant potential was determined in vitro with DPPH, ABT and Phosphomolybdate tests.Results:The highest phenolic and flavonoid content were detected in the methanolic extracts of Linaria aegyptiaca collected in April. All the extracts showed good inhibitory activity on both enzymes, where the best activity was against α- amylase by acetonic extract collected in June with an IC50 = 95.03 μg/ml. The evaluation of antioxidant activity showed that all the extracts exhibited a good antioxidant capacity compared to standard antioxidants.Conclusion:The aim of this research is to establish the anti-diabetic properties and the probable alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase inhibitory activities of Algerian Linaria aegyptiaca species. These results show that this species has good antioxidant properties and a good potential for hyperglycemia management, too. The Algerian Linaria aegyptiaca can be considered as a natural source of anti-hyperglycemic treatment and might be interesting for the prospect of new molecules with antidiabetic effect.

Modeling the distribution of Rhanterium adpressum, an endemic species from southwestern Algeria, and the interactions of soil’s chemical properties with the variability of chemical composition of its essential oils makes the objective of this study. Obtained MaxEnt model (AUC = 0.98) showed that the general distribution of genus Rhanterium established mainly by the contribution of eight bioclimatic variables derived from temperature and precipitation (90.5%). Projection of the model in future conditions until 2070 reveals that the habitats of this species will be very affected by climate changes. The analysis of 9 soil samples shows a sandy (77–96%), alkaline, and calcareous character with an electrical conductivity between 0.2 and 1.8 dS/m at 20°C. The chemical composition of terpenoids families during a period of 5 months was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (70–90%) followed by oxygen monoterpenes (4.5–9.2%), hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (1.6–9.9%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (4.3–7.2%). The variation of this composition in relation with phenological cycle and physicochemical properties of the soil was discussed.

The two important targets to treat gout disease are (1) control the hyperuricemia by the inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase (XO) and (2) treatment of acute attacks of gout by the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important to distinguish between therapy to manage hyperuricemia and to reduce acute inflammation. While reducing hyperuricemia is resolved very slowly with available drugs, gout symptoms like pain and inflammation may become persistent. The objective of this study is to find a relevant treatment with a beneficial double effect. (1) As an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effect and (2) as XO inhibitory effect, which is the main objective of this study. We investigated the effect of five non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against human and bovine milk xanthine oxidases (HXO and BXO) using the double enzyme detection method (DED) and molecular docking with the Autodock vina program. in vitro results show that the NSAIDs give an important inhibition to HXO and BXO with an IC50 of 2.04 ± 0.13 μg/ml, 2.75 ± 0.23 μg/ml, 1.45 ± 0.19 μg/ml, 0.31 ± 0.13 μg/ml and 1.27 ± 0.11 μg/ml, for HXO, and 2.96 ± 0.27 μg/ml, 9.46 ± 0.13 μg/ml, 6.21 ± 1.17 μg/ml, 0.83 ± 0.11 μg/ml, and 3.48 ± 0.13 μg/ml, for BXO, for respectively, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, and Celecoxib. Testing the inhibitory activity of these drugs on both XOs shows an important inhibition, especially from Indomethacin, which could be a promising lead compound for reducing acute inflammation and at the same time controlling hyperuricemia.