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The present study evaluated the potential of Salvia balansae from the Aures Mountains as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Leaves, flowers, and stems were extracted separately using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. Phenolic compounds were quantified colorimetrically and identified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using six different in vitro assays, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, ferrous ion chelating, and phenanthroline assay, while the photo-protective capacity was evaluated using the sun protective factor. The methanolic flower extracts revealed the highest O-diphenol and phenolic levels (287.9 ± 0.50 and 147.87 ± 0.21 µg GAE/mg, respectively), whereas the acetonic and ethanolic leaf extracts contained the highest flavonoid (72.17 ± 0.12 μg QE/mg) and flavonol (35.28 ± 0.05 μg QE/mg) levels, respectively. LC-MS was used to identify 18 phenolics, including quinic acid (5.051–69.69 ppm), luteolin-7-o-glucoside (7.802–44.917 ppm), apigenin-7-o-glucoside (3.751–68.507 ppm), and cirsiliol (2.081–15.608 ppm), distinguishing this Aures taxon. Principal component analysis and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean revealed variability in phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activity influenced by biological activities and the compound content. Overall, S. balansae demonstrated promising photo-protective capacity, the presence of key bioactive compounds, and wide-ranging antioxidant potential, presenting this endemic plant as a valuable source of natural antioxidants and photo-protective agents with pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

In the Algerian desert, individuals often enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea made from Ephedra alata Decne before bedtime; this aids in their relaxation. Our previous and earlier investigations demonstrated the richness of the shrub in terms of polyphenols and flavonoids and their effective medicinal properties. In the light of that fact, our interest has been aroused to check for other types of metabolites and for the protective ability of the shrub crude extract (SCE) regarding chemically induced edema and subacute toxicity (following a formalin-induced paw edema model and using a carbamate pesticide “pirimicarb” as a toxic agent, in Wistar male rats, respectively). Evidently, the SCE was used as a preventive agent. Swelling of formalin-injected foot was measured, and the anti-edematous ability was expressed as a percent of paw edema. At the end of induced subacute toxicity procedure, many investigations were carried, namely, checking for biochemical several parameters (hepatic, renal), hematological parameters, oxidative stress status (OSS), and histological examining of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. The results revealed a remarkable anti-edematous effect. Furthermore, the association of the SCE effect has clearly minimized the OSS, the tissue aberrations, and the disturbance of the other metabolic parameters, along with a reduced immunodepression that was provoked under the effect of pirimicarb. In conclusion, pirimicarb has an important deleterious impact on metabolic and immune functions, and the studied shrub has exhibited an amazing protective potential against chemically induced inflammation and toxicity.

The Lamiaceae family contains bioactive medicinal compounds mostly used as ornamental plants and traditional medicine, as well as in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. Common uses include treating high cholesterol, diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and food poisoning. These medicinal uses were linked to their components and numerous biological properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidants. The goal of this study was to investigate the phytochemicals and biological activities of the petroleum ether extract of Thymus capitatus plant from two different regions of eastern Algeria (Souk ahras and Guelma), as well as to extract volatile oils using a Clevenger device and then analyze by using GC-MS. The results revealed that the total amount of phenolic compounds was better in the phenolic extract of Souk Ahras (3.41 mg GAE g−1), while the amount of flavonoid compounds was higher in the region of Guelma (26.31 mg QE g−1). Following the quantification of phenolic compounds by HPLC, we observed that the phenolic extracts contained most of the standard compounds in variable proportions. Furthermore, we tested the antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds electrochemically with the cyclic voltammetry method. We concluded that the highest antioxidant content was recorded in the Guelma region extract (3.17 mg GAE g−1). We have also evaluated the antioxidant activity by a chemical method using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and the results showed that the Guelma extract exhibited a high effectiveness in terms of IC50% values. When extracting the volatile oils, it was found that the highest yield was in the Guelma region

This study was conducted to identify and characterize the Bacillus strain from Goat's milk in Algeria and to evaluate the prebiotic effect of H. scoparia aqueous extract and ZnO-NPs on the isolated Bacillus strain. Potentially probiotic bacteria were isolated and identified based on phenotypic characteristics, including the morphological, physiological (growth temperature, salt tolerance), biochemical (API 10S strip kits), and confirmed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Bacillus pumilus specie of lactic acid bacteria were identified. The base pair length of amplified DNA for the isolate was 1500 Bp. The isolates could not grow at 10°C and 45°C and tolerate up to 6% salt. H. scoparia extract and ZnO-NPs have a beneficial effect on the Bacillus pumilus strain for acid tolerance, bile tolerance, and cell surface hydrophobicity respectively; H. scoparia extract and ZnO-NPs results are high comparing to the control group's results. As the concentration of the tested samples increases, the percentage of probiotic characteristics of Bacillus pumilus increases, in contrast to the control sample. Therefore, they could be useful tools to define adequate combinations in colonic foods development and health benefits. The beneficial physiological and biochemical properties of isolated Bacillus pumilus space from Goat's milk with the H. scoparia aqueous extract and ZnO-NPs revealed their potential applications in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an initial exploration of the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Salsola foetida, a wild plant native to southeastern Algeria. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the biochemical content, phytochemical profile, and bioactivity of the plant's aerial parts. The biomass of S. foetida was found to comprise 51.2 ± 0.4% ash, with elemental analysis revealing the presence of carbon, oxygen, calcium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. Carbohydrates were identified as the predominant constituents, surpassing the levels of proteins and lipids. Phytochemical screening, coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) analysis, confirmed the presence of various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids and phenols. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis further delineated a spectrum of phenolic compounds, with rutin emerging as the predominant compound at 1.59 µg/ml. Quantification revealed a noteworthy phenolic content of 67.1 ± 0.2 µg GE/mg ED. The extract exhibited robust radical scavenging effects, with the radical 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) being 61.8 ± 0.2 μg/ml, along with protective effects against H2O2-induced hemolysis and the ability to reduce ferric ions. Additionally, the extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities. Notably, it exhibited considerable sunscreen properties, boasting a sun protected factor (SPF) value of 21 ± 1. Overall, S. foetida presents promising antioxidant activity and a spectrum of potential biological activities, underscoring its significance as a novel antioxidant candidate for applications in animal nutrition, medicine, and natural product research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on the effect of Juniperus communis extract on the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria). Chromatographic analysis by HPLC was carried out to detect the most important compounds extracted from the plant. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the colorimetric procedures Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride. The probiotic properties were studied and evaluated in vivo with Juniperus communis extracts after isolating strains from camel's milk and identifying them using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Chromatographic profiles of the phenolic compounds revealed that Juniperus communis extract is rich in quercetin. After conducting chemical analyses of polyphenols and flavonoids, the results demonstrated a high content of phenolic compounds in Juniperus communis extracts (polyphenols: 103.80 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g E. flavonoids: 15.85 ± 0.80 mg QE/g E). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus safensis strains. The combination of Juniperus communis and Bacillus safensis restored the healthy intestine wall structure and returned the blood biochemical parameters to normal values. It was found that the mixture enhanced anti‐inflammatory effectiveness by reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein values. Juniperus communis has a high polyphenol and flavonoid content which can have a considerable impact on Bacillus safensis probiotic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since antiquity, phenolic compounds produced by plants were known as free radical scavengers and as powerful antioxidants. Huge interest has been made by researchers to the traditional uses of medicinal plants against illnesses related to oxidative stress. This study measures the correlation that can be existed between the antioxidant capacity and phytochemicals levels of four varieties of Ficus carica fruits, figs flowers or "Bakor" as called locally in Algeria. Therefore, extracts were assessed for determining their antioxidative potentials using both test of total antioxidant capacity and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging test followed by quantitative phytochemical analysis to estimate the total flavonoid level (TFL), the total phenolic level (TPL), the total anthocyanin level (TAL) and the condensed tannins level of plants methanolic extracts. A positive correlation was observed between phenolics content and the antioxidant capacity of figs flowers methanol extracts. The methanolic extract of Bechar (MeOH Var.2) chelated 87. 9± 1.23 % of the DPPH free radical with IC50 value equal to 0.185 mg/g DW. A high antioxidant ability of almost all extracts is, probably, related to the appreciable rates of flavonoids, phenolics and tannins showed by those fig extracts. The highest value of phenolics level was detected among the variety 1 methanolic extract of Bechar (MeOH Var.1) of 10.4 mg GAE/g DW.

The main goal of this study was to assess the bioactive and polysaccharide compositions, along with the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials, of five seaweeds collected from the northeastern coast of Algeria. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the study investigated the elemental composition of these seaweeds and their chemical structure. In addition, this study compared and identified the biochemical makeup of the collected seaweed by using cutting-edge methods like tandem mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and it searched for new sources of nutritionally valuable compounds. According to the study's findings, Sargassum muticum contains the highest levels of extractable bioactive compounds, showing a phenolic compound content of 235.67 ± 1.13 µg GAE·mg−1 and a total sugar content of 46.43 ± 0.12% DW. Both S. muticum and Dictyota dichotoma have high concentrations of good polyphenols, such as vanillin and chrysin. Another characteristic that sets brown algae apart is their composition. It showed that Cladophora laetevirens has an extracted bioactive compound content of 12.07% and a high capacity to scavenge ABTS+ radicals with a value of 78.65 ± 0.96 µg·mL−1, indicating high antioxidant activity. In terms of antibacterial activity, S. muticum seaweed showed excellent growth inhibition. In conclusion, all five species of seaweed under investigation exhibited unique strengths, highlighting the variety of advantageous characteristics of these seaweeds, especially S. muticum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammodaucus leucotrichus exhibits promising pharmacological activity, hinting at anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. This study investigated seed extracts from Ammodaucus leucotrichus using methanol and n-hexane, focusing on anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. The methanol extract outperformed the n-hexane extract and diclofenac, a reference anti-inflammatory drug, in trypsin inhibition (85% vs. 30% and 64.67% at 125 μg/mL). For trypsin inhibition, the IC50 values were 82.97 μg/mL (methanol), 202.70 μg/mL (n-hexane), and 97.04 μg/mL (diclofenac). Additionally, the n-hexane extract surpassed the methanol extract and diclofenac in BSA (bovine serum albumin) denaturation inhibition (90.4% vs. 22.0% and 51.4% at 62.5 μg/mL). The BSA denaturation IC50 values were 14.30 μg/mL (n-hexane), 5408 μg/mL (methanol), and 42.30 μg/mL (diclofenac). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed 59 and 58 secondary metabolites in the methanol and n-hexane extracts, respectively. The higher therapeutic activity of the methanol extract was attributed to hydroxyacetic acid hydrazide, absent in the n-hexane extract. In silico docking studies identified 28 compounds with negative binding energies, indicating potential trypsin inhibition. The 2-hydroxyacetohydrazide displayed superior inhibitory effects compared to diclofenac. Further mechanistic studies are crucial to validate 2-hydroxyacetohydrazide as a potential drug candidate for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel method for synthesizing 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives through a one-pot, multi-component addition reaction using flower-like Cu2O microbeads as a catalyst. The flower-like Cu2O microbeads were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Artimisia Campestris L. This extract demonstrated the capability to reduce and stabilize Cu2O particles during their initial formation, resulting in the formation of a porous flower-like morphology. These Cu2O microbeads exhibit distinctive features, including a cubic close-packed (ccp) crystal structure with an average crystallite size of 22.8 nm, bandgap energy of 2.7 eV and a particle size of 6 μm. Their catalytic activity in synthesizing 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives was investigated through systematic exploration of key parameters such as catalyst quantity (1, 5,10,15, 20, and 30 mg/mL), solvent type (dimethylformamide/H2O, ethanol/H2O, dichloromethane/H2O, chloroform, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide), and catalyst reusability (four cycles). The Cu2O microbeads significantly increased the product yield from 20% to 85.3%. The green synthesis and outstanding catalytic attributes make these flower-like Cu2O microbeads promising, efficient, and recyclable catalysts for sustainable and effective chemical transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and their use in the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) from solution is described in the paper. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that the synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles have a crystalline cubic structure. The study of the adsorption of methylene blue onto the cobalt oxide nanoparticles involved determining the contact time and initial concentration of the adsorption of MB on the adsorbent. The kinetics of adsorption were analyzed using two kinetic models (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order), and the pseudo-second-order model was found to be the most appropriate for describing the behavior of the adsorption. This study indicates that the MLTS (monolayer with the same number of molecules per site) model is the most suitable model for describing methylene blue/cobalt oxide systems, and the parameter values help to further understand the adsorption process with the steric parameters. Indicating that methylene blue is horizontally adsorbed onto the surface of the cobalt oxide, which is bonded to two different receptor sites. Regarding the temperature effect, it was found that the adsorption capacity increased, with the experimental value ranging from 313.7 to 405.3 mg g−1, while the MLTS predicted 313.32 and 408.16 mg g−1. From the thermodynamic functions, high entropy was found around 280 mg L−1 concentration. For all concentrations and temperatures examined, the Gibbs free energy and enthalpy of adsorption were found to be negative and positive, respectively, suggesting that the system is spontaneous and endothermic. According to this study's findings, methylene blue adsorption onto cobalt oxide nanoparticles happens via the creation of a monolayer, in which the same amount of molecules are adsorbed at two distinct locations. The findings shed light on the methylene blue adsorption process onto cobalt oxide nanoparticles, which have a variety of uses, including the remediation of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green approach-based nanoparticle synthesis is considered a more cost-effective and ecologically responsible method of producing nanoparticles than other standard techniques. A major accomplishment in resolving these issues is the use of nanoparticles for environmental pollution remediation. This article describes a simple method for producing MgO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale and Glycyrrhiza roots as the stabilizing and reducing agents, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersed X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy methods were used to characterize the biologically synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs). The XRD results showed that the mean crystallite sizes of synthesized ZnO and MgO NPs, which have excellent purity, are 12.35 nm and 4.83 nm, respectively. The spherical or elliptical shape of the synthesized NPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was thoroughly investigated. With a medium zone of inhibition of 7 to 10 mm, the as-synthesized MgO NPs and ZnO NPs demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity towards various bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, in the face of constant climate change and the development of the mining industry, recovering soils degraded by industry for agricultural production and ensuring more food security for the world has become more difficult. Soil contamination is of particular concern as it affects not only human health but also vegetation growth and the biological environment. The aim: The aim of our research is to develop an appropriate cultivation technology in the area of former and present oil extraction areas and monitor their recovery for agricultural purposes and, thus, for food production. Methods: Experimental, descriptive, laboratory, and comparative methods were used. Results: A significantly decreased content of PAHs in the tested soil under the influence of the "Green technology" was observed just in the third year of the research. Eight years after the introduction of "green technology", the sum of PAHs in the soil degraded by the oil extraction industry was more than 2-fold reduced. Therefore, there is a need to develop a nature-friendly and cost-effective method of removing and minimizing the effects of soil contamination by oil and its products. Conclusions: T. repens turned out to be a species that significantly prevents the degradation of the agricultural environment and restores soil for agricultural use, consequently encouraging the production of food safe for humans. The immeasurable effect of the use of "Green technology" was to ensure the biodiversity of the grasslands and to return the sources of natural nitrogen bound by bacteria of the genus Rhizobium in coexistence with plants from the Fabaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbamate pesticides are a risk to human well-being, and pirimicarb is the most widely employed carbamate insecticide. This ongoing investigation aimed to reveal its toxicity on neurobehavioral and reproductive function. The study was carried out on male Wistar rats by assessment of behavioral changes via experiments, such as the forced swim test and the elevated plus maze; determination of oxidative stress (checking parameters such as catalase activity, etc.); measurement of cortisol and testosterone serum titers, and IL-1β levels in the plasma and brain; and evaluation of histopathological lesions that induced pirimicarb after 28 days of gavage, specifically in the brain and testis. Traces of pirimicarb were analyzed in tissue extracts using LCMS/MS. At the same time, the beneficial and protective effect of EamCE (Ephedra alata monjauzeana Crude Extract) were tested. The outcomes showed considerable anxiety and depressive status, with an evident increase in cortisol and IL-1β titers and an important decrease in oxidative enzymes and testosterone. Significant histological lesions were also recorded. In addition, the LCMS/MS analysis affirmed the accumulation of pirimicarb in organ tissue from rats force-fed with pirimicarb. Conversely, EamCE demonstrated outstanding potential as a preventive treatment, restoring cognitive and physical performance, boosting fertility, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and preserving tissue integrity. We concluded that pirimicarb has critical deleterious impacts on health, affecting the neuroimmune-endocrine axis, and EamCE has a general euphoric and preventive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their robust antioxidant capabilities, potential health benefits, wide variety of biological activities, and strong antioxidant qualities, phenolic compounds are substances that have drawn considerable attention in recent years. The main goal of the review is to draw attention to saharian Algerian medicinal plants and the determination of their bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory importance), and to present their chemical composition as well as in vivo and in vitro studies, clinical studies, and other studies confirming their real impact on human health. Research results have revealed a rich variety of medicinal plants used to treat various disease states in this region. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, biological activity, and clinical studies, a list of 34 species of desert plants, belonging to 20 botanical families, useful both in preventive actions and in the treatment of neoplastic diseases has been established, and polyphenolic compounds have been identified as key to the health potential of endemic diseases and desert plants. It has been shown that people who follow a diet rich in polyphenols are less prone to the risk of many cancers and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. In view of the increasing antioxidant potential of these plant species, as well as the increasing trade in herbal products from the Sahara region, phytosanitary and pharmaceutical regulations must change in this respect and should be in line with Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and the sustainable use and development of plant products must be addressed at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the chemical and water treatment industries, it is necessary to achieve maximum contact between the solid and liquid phase, thus promoting the mass and heat transfer, to obtain a homogeneous solution. Increasing stirring speed is the most recommended solution in different types of reactors: stirred tank, column, and tubular. However, this inadvertently increases the energy consumption of the industry. Determination of the minimum speed, labeled the just suspended speed (Njs) and crucial to attaining homogeneity, has been widely investigated. Numerous studies have been carried out to assess formulas for determining the solid particle speed in various reactor types. Given the limitations of the existing formulations based on a generalization of a unique equation for computing Njs for all soil classifications, it appears that most formulas can only approximate complex phenomena that depend on several parameters. A novel formula was developed, and the results given in this paper demonstrate the effectiveness of generating significant uncertainties for the estimation of Njs. The purpose of this study was the elaboration of experiment-based data-driven formulas to calculate Njs for different particle size classes. Nonlinear multiple regression (MNLR) models were used to generate the new formulas. The gradient descent optimization algorithm was employed to solve the hyperparameters of each novel equation, utilizing supervised learning. A comparison of the data indicated that the unique formulas presented in this study outperformed empirical formulas and provide a useful means for lowering energy consumption, while increasing the heat and mass transfer in torus type reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal use of Salsola tetragona Delile (Amaranthaceae) aerial parts is a longstanding tradition. This study delved into the plant's potential as an antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-Alzheimer agent. The aerial portion extracted and evaluated four fractions (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol) for their antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, and anti-hemolysis tests, as well as the inhibitory activity of cholinesterase and carbohydrate digesting enzymes. The results showed that the dichloromethane fraction (St.DCM) of S. tetragona had a significant ability to scavenge DPPH• radicals. The ethyl acetate fraction (St.EtOAc) had the best reduction power test activity compared to other solvent fractions. The n-hexane fraction (St.Hex) was most effective in the anti-hemolysis test. The ethyl acetate fraction also had inhibitory activities (p <.05) with IC50 values of 70 ± 1.80 µg/ml for α-glycosidase, equivalent to the n-butanol fraction (St.n-BuOH), which had very significant activity (p <.05) in the α-amylase inhibition test with an IC50 of 64 ± 1.80 µg/ml. The ethyl acetate fraction also had a considerable concentration of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids and exhibited significant (p <.05) inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase with an IC50 of 30 ± 0.30 µg/ml. Therefore, the aerial parts of S. tetragona contained high levels of biologically active compounds, making it a potential source for developing new plant-based pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to enhance human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teucrium polium L. is commonly used in folk medicine to treat hypertension and diabetes and to heal wounds. The present work aimed to evaluate the different biological activities of T. polium hydroalcoholic extract, its total phenol and flavonoid content, and its mineral elements. Results showed that T. polium extract showed significant antioxidant potential in 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with IC50 equal to 8.68 μg/mL but with moderate activity in galvinoxyl assay with IC50 of 21.82 μg/mL and mild activity in the β-carotene assay. It also showed a pronounced anti-hyperglycemic activity using α-amylase inhibitory assay (IC50 = 111.68 µg/mL) and exceeds that of acarbose. T. polium showed excellent activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) with IC50 values of 28.69 and 4.93 μg/mL, respectively, postulating its promising anti-Alzheimer potential. The plant extract exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) denaturation inhibitory potential estimated by 97.53% at 2 mg/mL, which was further confirmed by the in vivo carrageen-induced edema model. The extract revealed its richness in flavonoids and phenols, evidenced by its polyphenols content (36.35 ± 0.294 μg GAE/mg) and flavonoids (24.30 ± 0.44 μg QE/mg). It is rich in minerals necessary for human health, such as calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Molecular docking performed for previously identified compounds on human α-amylase, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and acetylcholine esterase confirmed the results. Thus, it can be concluded that T. polium can be a good candidate for alleviating many health-debilitating problems and can be highly beneficial in the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobularia libyca (L. libyca) is a traditional plant that is popular for its richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the phytochemical profile by liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), the mineral contents and the biological properties of L. libyca methanol extract. L. libyca contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Thirteen compounds classified as flavonoids were identified. L. libyca is rich in nutrients such as Na, Fe and Ca. Moreover, the methanol extract of L. libyca showed significant antioxidant activity without cytotoxic activity on HCT116 cells (human colon cancer cell line) and HepG2 cells (human hepatoma), showing an inhibition zone of 13 mm in diameter. In silico studies showed that decanoic acid ethyl ester exhibited the best fit in β-lactamase and DNA gyrase active sites; meanwhile, oleic acid showed the best fit in reductase binding sites. Thus, it can be concluded that L. libyca can serve as a beneficial nutraceutical agent, owing to its significant antioxidant and antibacterial potential and due to its richness in iron, calcium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, herbal medicines (HM) have played a vital role in worldwide healthcare systems. It is therefore critical that a thorough evaluation of the quality and control of its complicated chemical makeup be conducted, in order to ensure its efficacy and safety. The notion of HM chemical prints, which aim to acquire a full characterization of compound chemical matrices, has become one of the most persuasive techniques for HM quality evaluation during the last few decades. The link between NMR and chemometrics is discussed in this article. The chemometric latent variable technique has been shown to be extremely valuable in inductive studies of biological systems as well as in solving industrial challenges. The results of unsupervised data exploration utilizing main component analysis as well as the multivariate curve resolution, were various. On the other hand, many contemporary NMR applications in metabolomics and quality control are based on supervised regression or classification analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cetacean populations of the Algerian west coast are monitored in terms of relative abundance, demographic and ecological parameters, and death causes by Environmental Monitoring Network Laboratory team (EMNL) throughout the Algerian west coast. A survey of cetaceans stranded along the Algerian west coast (2016-2020) allowed us to record a total number of 52 stranding events, know the appearance frequency of different species, specify the spatio-temporal distribution, and determine some causes of death. The stranding included 08 species: one species of balaenopteridae, one species of physeteridae, one species of ziphidae, and five species of delphinidae. From the stranding data recorded on the Algerian west coast, we can conclude that there are two frequent species: the Delphinus delphis (31%) and Stenella ceoruleoalba (21%) of all stranded cetaceans, two commun species: Ziphius cavirostris (17%) and Tursiops truncatus (11%), two uncommon species: Grampus griseus (8%) and Globicephala melas (6%), and two rare species: Physeter catodon (4%) and Baleanoptera acutorostrata (2%). Stranding events occurred all the year round with the highest frequency in winter n=19 (36,54%) and less in spring n=16 (30,77%). Following post-mortem necropsies on the dead animals, 51,92% (n=27) of cetaceans stranded on the Algerian west coast presented criteria related directly or probably to interaction with fishing gears and boat collision. The other causes of death were not determined (n=25, or 48,08%). The D. delphis and S. ceouleoalba were more vulnerable to human and fisheries interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antifungal activities and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties, and identifying the phenolic compounds in Cistus salviifolius. The methanolic leaf extract showed the highest antioxidant activity with 6.1±1.60 μg/ml IC50 value using DPPH. and 55.5±0.20 μg/ml using Reducing Power Activity. The study revealed that the butanolic leaf extract and the aqueous leaf infusion exhibited the strongest growth-inhibiting effect against all Gram positive and Gram negative strains tested, respectively, whereas the methanolic leaf extract showed the strongest antifungal activity against the yeast tested. The MIC value for the butanolic leaf extract was 4 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The pharmacotoxicological tests proved the safety of the aqueous leaf infusion, which exhibit a moderate anti-inflammatory effect, with a significant inhibition of the oedema development equal to 44.7% compared to 59.3% for the reference product diclofenac sodium. Methanolic extracts of the leaf and flower buds showed varied contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins; which were 228.4±11.4 mg GAE/g, 34.2±0.6 mg QE/g, and 36.9±2.6 mg TAE/g of the dry weight for leaves; and 241.1±5.4 mg GAE/g, 47.6±4.5 mg QE/g, and 22.0±1.3 mg TAE/g of the dry weight for flower buds, respectively. Analysis of the ethereal and butanolic leaf extracts using Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method coupled with a Photodiode-Array Detector identified thirteen phenolic compounds, including ascorbic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and orientin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the study of the adsorption of malachite green (MG) dye on Moroccan clay according to different parameters impacting the adsorption phenomenon, such as pH, the temperature of the medium and the MG dye concentration. The clay used as adsorbent was initially characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that the equilibrium of MG adsorption is reached in 90 min. The efficiency of dye removal on clay increases with the contact time, initial dye concentration, solution temperature and pH. The experimental data obtained were examined using isothermal and kinetic models based on the errors calculated values of R² (correlation coefficient) and χ² (chi-square). It was found that the nonlinear forms of the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model are the best-fitting with experimental data. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process. However, FTIR analysis of the adsorbent, before and after MG adsorption, shows that the mechanism of MG adsorption occurs through the phenomenon of chemical interaction between the adsorbate and the adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, wastewater is continuously discharged without pretreatment downstream of urban centers and widely reused in agricultural irrigation, especially where water resources are limited and soils are deficient in organic matter. This constitutes a potential risk for the health of the population. Thus, this work has set as an objective to calculate the cost of damage caused by waterborne diseases in order to estimate how much they weigh (monetary burden) on one of the largest perimeters of Morocco where the reuse of raw wastewater is very responsive (Meknes, Khemisset, Tiflet and Sidi Allal El Bahraoui). For this purpose, we opted for a meso-economic analysis that would provide aid to public health policy decisions in a given region. To calculate the cost of damage caused by waterborne diseases in the provinces of Meknes and Khemisset, the same method used by the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2001 was used: Cost of damage caused by waterborne diseases = Cost of treatment (direct cost) + Cost of time spent caring for sick children (indirect cost). Then we compared the cost of damage caused by waterborne diseases with the cost of wastewater treatment in the two provinces. The results obtained clearly show that waterborne diseases are a real health problem, and weigh heavily on both provinces, particularly in the province of Meknes, despite the decrease in their incidence over time. The monetary quantification of the damage caused by waterborne diseases cannot be completely accurate because of the under-reporting of cases (the use of traditional medicine which escapes any reporting system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Algeria, the residential sector registries a high rate of energy consumption which requires an important action for rationalizing this charge and integrating renewable energies. Particularly, the geothermal energy with its less intermittence presents an attractive candidate to reinforce energy-saving and building thermal comfort. In this paper, geothermal energy is used to create a favorable environment for creating a better life inside a semi-buried building during the very hot period in the desert climate of southern Algeria. The cooled room is buried in rocky soil until 3 m depth, and only 0.5 m of the room high is above the ground level. The upper parts of southern and northern room walls are provided by small windows for aeration and lighting purposes. Inside room the air flow is modeled by Navier-Stocks and energy equations. The computational domain is taken as 3D design, and the prediction of temperature is calculated by ANSYS-Fluent code. For the base case, at 2 m height, the indoor temperature fluctuates between 30 and 33°C which is in good concordance with experimental data. For reducing the indoor temperature, some simple design modifications are introduced and a small ventilation system is installed. The new results show that the indoor temperature does not exceed 25 °C at the height of 2 m, therefore the temperature for height between 2 and 3 m it fluctuates between 25 and 26 °C. This indoor thermal behavior ensures acceptable cooling with negligible electricity consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are of great importance in development and research because of their application in industries and biomedicine. The development of nanoparticles requires proper knowledge of their fabrication, interaction, release, distribution, target, compatibility, and functions. This review presents a comprehensive update on nanoparticles' toxic effects, the factors underlying their toxicity, and the mechanisms by which toxicity is induced. Recent studies have found that nanoparticles may cause serious health effects when exposed to the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact without caution. The extent to which toxicity is induced depends on some properties, including the nature and size of the nanoparticle, the surface area, shape, aspect ratio, surface coating, crystallinity, dissolution, and agglomeration. In all, the general mechanisms by which it causes toxicity lie on its capability to initiate the formation of reactive species, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El-Oued province (southeast Algeria), is located in a medicinal plant-rich area; Launaea glomerata (Cass.) Hook. f. is one among them which is a perennial herb spread widely in the arid regions of the Mediterranean Sea. The selection of the studied plant corresponds perfectly to the scientific needs due two reasons, firstly because these samples are used by the Algerian population as herbal remedies for primary health care, secondly, for the lack of published data on it. The aim of this investigation is to provide new data on quantities of phenols, which were estimated at 25.81 mg GAE/g extract and flavonoids (49.13 mg RE/g extract), and the determination of antioxidant activities by three ways (DPPH, CAT, ABTS), the results of IC50 equals to 98.07 mg TE/g extract for DPPH• and 286.5 mg eq. AG/g for ABTS assays, noted that the best inhibition was by the ABTS root. We also conducted a test for the inhibitory ability of extract against cancer cells tested on both human hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG2) and colon cells (HCT116), the results were negative. The data obtained in this work can be useful for the pharmaceutical industry, also used in the Algerian medicinal herbs database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two techniques Hydrodistillation (HD) and Microwave-accelerated distillation (MAD), was used to extract essential oils (EOs), from the peels of citrus fruits Washington Navel (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) collected from Tipaza province, north Algeria during April 2018. The extraction yield and time of EOs were (0.28% and 180 min) using HD extraction and (0.27% versus 30 min) using MAD extraction. After using gas chromatography analyses (GC-FID) and (GC-MS), 21 aromatic compounds obtained and identified for both extraction approaches. On the other hand, and in order to better comprehension the extraction phenomena, two models of extraction processes were applied, the first one considers the existence of a single site with a constant speed ruled by the equation of the quasi-stationary state, whereas, the second assumes that there are two distinct sites. The first is part of the fraction easily accessible with a very high desorption rate k1 (fast fraction), the second contains the fraction that is difficult to extract, with a low desorption speed k2 (slow fraction). The results showed that, the application of the two sites model can describe accurately the used extraction methods in this study. The data from HD extraction modeling indicate that this method extraction is fast fraction (f equal 0.79), then MAD method (f equal 0.40). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to find a good clarification method to eliminate the substances in Algerian grape juice and study the effects of the clarification agents on juice quality. The clarified grape juice was subjected to different treatments, namely bentonite, gelatin, combination of gelatin and bentonite, then stored for 4 weeks. The effects of fining treatment by determining the critical micillary concentration of each agent used accelerated stability test on turbidity, tannin contents (ethanol index, condensed tannins, total polyphenol and anthocyanins) and microbiological quality of clarified grape juice were evaluated during storage. Fining treatment and storage had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on turbidity, tannins, total polyphenol, condensed tannins and anthocyanins. However, a better percentage elimination was noted for freshly squeezed grape juice with a combination of gelatin and bentonite corresponding to a turbidity of 6.5 NTU. The clarifiers separately gave lower removal rates than average, up to 83% of tannins present in the freshly squeezed juice has been eliminated using the bentonite. The results obtained are very satisfactory since we were able to obtain a clear juice of good microbial quality while ensuring the preservation of the organoleptic and nutritional qualities during the treatment and the storage of the juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the content of phytochemical compounds and in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of Teucrium polium L. aerial parts and root methanolic extracts at different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, and seeding). The T. polium extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their antioxidant properties were tested with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), ferrous ions (Fe2+), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. Forty-nine compounds were identified with the majority of germacrene D, t-cadinol, β-pinene, carvacrol, bicyclogermacrene, α-pinene, and limonene. The results show that the extracts significantly differ between different phenological stages of the plant material used in terms of the phytochemical composition (total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total alkaloids, and total saponin contents) and bioactivities (antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory) (p < 0.05). The highest total contents of phenolics (72.4 ± 2.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight), flavonoids (36.2 ± 3.1 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight), alkaloids (105.7 ± 2.8 mg atropine equivalent (AE)/g dry weight), and saponins (653 ± 6.2 mg escin equivalent (EE)/g dry weight), as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities, were measured for the extract of the aerial parts obtained at the flowering stage. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the extracts were varied within 9.4–300 µg/mL, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were varied within 18.75–600 µg/mL. In addition, they were more active on Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. The data of this work confirm that the T. polium extracts have significant biological activity and hence can be used in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical applications, and medical research, as well as cosmetic and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antifungal activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs), total phenol, and total flavonoid of wild Mentha pulegium L. This study also determined the mineral (nutritional and toxic) elements in the plant. The EOs were extracted using three techniques—hydro distillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), and microwave-assisted distillation (MAD)—and were analyzed using chromatography coupled with flame ionization (GC-FID) and gas chromatography attached with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The antioxidant effects of the EOs were tested with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), while the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the EO and methanolic extract were tested using Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil, representing 97.73% of the total oil, with 0.202% yield. The major components were pulegone (74.81%), menthone (13.01%) and piperitone (3.82%). Twenty-one elements, including macro- and micro-elements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U and Zn), were detected using neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with the concentration of mineral element close to the FAO recommendation. The results show that the EOs and extracts from Mentha pulegium L. had significant antimicrobial activities against the microorganisms, including five human pathogenic bacteria, one yeast (Candida albicans), and one phytopathogenic fungi. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf extracts were confirmed. The results indicate that the EOs and extracts from Mentha pulegium L. have promising applications in the pharmaceutical industries, clinical applications, and in medical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study successfully synthesized high-performance photodetectors based on Ag-WO3 core–shell heterostructures using a simple and economical two-step pulsed laser ablation in water method and has investigated the electrical characteristics of the Ag@WO3 nanocomposite heterojunction. The Hall effect tests indicate that the synthesized Ag@WO3 exhibits n-type conduction with a Hall mobility of 1.25 × 103 cm2V-1S-1. Dark current–voltage properties indicated that the created heterojunctions displayed rectification capabilities, with the highest rectification factor of around 1.71 seen at a 5 V bias. A photodetector's responsivity reveals the existence of two response peaks, which are situated in the ultraviolet and visible region. The photodetector demonstrates a rapid response time of less than 100 ms. The detectivity values for wavelengths of 350 nm and 490 nm were 35 × 1013 Jones and 28 × 1013 Jones, respectively. The n-Ag-WO3/n-Si photodetector achieved a maximum EQE of 11.5% in the ultraviolet wavelength when subjected to 3 V and illuminated with 350 nm (26 mW/cm2) light. The devices demonstrate rapid switching behavior with a rise time of 0.32 s and a fall time of 0.33 s. The time-dependent light response of a photodetector under illumination at 26 mW/cm2 is seen at a bias of 3 V. The light exhibits a rise and decay duration of 15 s, while the photocurrent gain is measured at 9µA. The photocurrent of devices exhibited a positive correlation with the incoming light intensity, suggesting that the junction has the potential to function as a photo detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Peptic ulcer disease remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current treatments often have limitations, sparking interest in alternative therapies from medicinal plants. This review examines the gastroprotective potential of 54 North African medicinal plants against peptic ulcers. An extensive literature search was conducted, focusing on plants with preclinical and clinical evidence of anti‐ulcer efficacy and documented use in North African traditional medicine. The review identified several promising plant species, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive (Olea europaea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), Aloe vera, and black seed (Nigella sativa), along with their bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. These compounds exhibit gastroprotective properties through multiple mechanisms, such as enhancing the gastric mucosal barrier, inhibiting acid secretion, displaying antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, promoting ulcer healing, and combating Helicobacter pylori infection. The evidence presented includes in vitro assays, animal models, and some clinical studies. While many of the 53 plants reviewed demonstrated significant anti‐ulcer effects compared to standard drugs, further clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in humans. The synergistic actions of phytochemical mixtures in medicinal plant extracts likely contribute to their therapeutic potential. This review highlights the role these North African medicinal plants may play in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers and identifies promising candidates for further research and development of evidence‐based botanical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activities of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica oleracea var. elongata. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and reducing sugars in both methanolic and aqueous extracts. Quantitative analysis showed that methanolic extracts contained higher levels of polyphenols and flavonoids than aqueous extracts, with methanolic seed extract exhibiting the highest polyphenol content (4.399±0.14 mg GAEq/g). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis identified significant concentrations of gallic acid (1180.20 µg/100 mg), chlorogenic acid (8323.831 µg/g), and quercetin (5512.58±0.02 µg/100 mg) in extracts. Antioxidant activity assays demonstrated potent effects, with methanolic leaf extract showing the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (IC50 : 0.058±0.001 mg/mL) and aqueous leaf extract exhibiting the highest activity in the β -carotene bleaching method (EC50 : 0.049±0.001 mg/mL). Ultraviolet protection potential was assessed, revealing promising sun protection factor (SPF) values of all extracts, with methanolic seed extract having the highest SPF of 45.58±10. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed the aqueous leaf extract's remarkable inhibition of inflammation (94.8%). Antimicrobial assays showed notable antibacterial effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Brassica oleracea extracts and warrant further exploration into their applications in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the minerals elements, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Algerian Melissa officinalis plant. The essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation (HD) using a Clevenger-type apparatus of dry leaves of M. officinalis and was analyzed by two techniques, gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eighteen minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (As, Br, K, La, Na, Sb, Sm, Ba, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Rb, Sc, Th, and Zn) were determined using neutron activation analysis technique for the first time from Algerian Melissa officinalis plant. Seventy-eight compounds were identified in the essential oil, representing 94.090% of the total oil and the yields were 0.470%. The major component was geranial (45.060%). Other predominant components were neral (31.720%) and citronellal (6.420%). The essential oil presented high antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, mainly five human pathogenic bacteria, one yeast, Candida albicans, and two phytopathogenic fungi. The results can be used as a source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the chemical composition, antitumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the plant Thymus algeriensis Boiss. Essential oils (EOs) were collected in different periods (before, during, and after flowering stage) from the El-Guetfa region, M'sila, Algeria. The EOs extraction was achieved using three distinguishing techniques: hydro (Clevenger trap), steam, and microwave distillations, targeting different aerial parts of the plant (stems, flowers, and leaves). The EOs chemical components were estimated using GC-FID and GC-MS apparatuses. The resulting yield of the extracted oil was moderate and ranged between 0.84 and 1.53% (wt/vol). In total, eighty-five components were identified, in which the oxygenated monoterpenes family formed the main portion, starting from 40.56 up to 70.66%. The obtained essential oil was dominated by five major components that varied from low to quite moderate percentages: camphor (17.45–32.56%), borneol (11.16–22.2%), camphene (7.53–12.86%), 1.8-cineole (5.16–11.21%), and bornyl acetate (3.86–7.92%). The biological results of this oil pointed out that the EOs extracted from the leaves part exposed a weak radical scavenging activity afterward using two well-known antioxidant assays DPPH (IC50 = 8.37 mg/mL) and ABTS (10.84 mg/mL). Meanwhile, this oil presented strong inhibition activity against colon cancer cell line HCT116 (LC50 = 39.8 µg/mL) and a moderate inhibitory against hepatocellular cancer cells HePG2 (LC50 > 100 µg/mL). In addition, this oil antimicrobial activity was quite important against Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), Staphylococcus aureus CIP 7625, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 4226, Candida albicans IPA200, Candida tropicalis (Ct), and Candida glabrata (Cg) after using Amoxicillin and Itraconazole as references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani , kancolla, Giza 02, Amarilla sacaca , and black. The analysis of ground seeds revealed that Giza 02, white, and A. marangani had the most significant protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates, respectively. Furthermore, the MeOH extracts of the various quinoa genotypes exhibited high levels of total phenolic, flavonoid, condensed tannin and reducing sugar contents in the seed extracts obtained using consecutive solvents. In addition, HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of seven phenolic compounds, which may be classified into four families: phenolic acid, flavonoids, coumarins, and stilbenes. The IC50 values for the antioxidant activity ranged from 6.4 to 7.7 µg/mL. Furthermore, the variability in the antibacterial activity across different genotypes and gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial species was observed, and the efficacy of the CYHA-red extract against Micrococcus luteus was the highest. The findings of this study indicate that the incorporation of quinoa into the arid and Saharan cultivation system has the potential to enhance the nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics of the seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anacyclus pyrethrum , a native Algerian medicinal plant, demonstrates notable therapeutic efficacy. The bioactive profile of the Anacyclus pyrethrum extract was examined using HPLC-UV-VIS, which showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds (33.46 ± 0.57 mg EAG/g EP) and flavonoids (11.08 ± 0.24 mg E Qu/g EP). The Anacyclus pyrethrum extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in iron chelation (IC50 = 0.019 ± 0.0006 mg/ml) DPPH (IC50 = 0.142± 0.001 mg/ml), ABTS+ (IC50 = 0.079 ± 0.0005 mg/ml) and OH (IC50 = 0.845 ± 0.052mg/ml) radicals. Anti-inflammatory investigations were conducted using both in vitro and in silico methods. The in vitro testing involved evaluating the denaturation of egg albumin and BSA, while the in silico tests focused on measuring the effect of caffeic acid on the COX-2 protein. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the substance was similar to that of Aspirin, with a value of 76.1 ± 1.04% compared to Aspirin's 81.11 ± 1.6%. Our extract exhibited a fatal dose (LD50) of 45.847 ± 1.661 mg/ml and showed significant antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 2.5 to 27.5 mg/ml. The findings emphasize the wide range of medicinal uses of Anacyclus pyrethrum, underscoring its significance in both traditional and modern pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, the prevalence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) continues to increase especially within previously treated cases; these MDR cases may evolve to extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) raising major concern to TB control programs. From an epidemiological window, scarce informations are available about the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains fueling these forms of resistance. The aim of this study was to assess to genetic diversity of MDR-MTB strains. Hence, this prospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MDR-TB at Pasteur Institute of Casablanca from 2010 to 2013. A total of 70 MDR-MTB isolates were genotyped by spoligotyping and 15-loci MIRU-VNTR methods. Spoligotyping generated four orphan patterns, five unique profiles whereas 61 strains were grouped in nine clusters (2 to 25 strains per cluster), the clustering rates being 87.1%. Subtyping by 15 loci MIRU-VNTR splitted all clusters already established by spoligotyping and generated 70 unique profiles not recognized in SITVIT2 database; clustering rate was equal to zero. HGDI analysis of 15 loci MIRU demonstrated that eight out of 15 loci were highly discriminant. Of note, all pre-XDR strains belongs to many clades, meaning that there no association between gyrA mutants and particular clade. Overall, the data generated by this study (i) describe the population structure of MDR MTBC in Morocco which is highly homogenous, (ii) confirm that TB in Morocco is almost exclusively transmitted by modern and evolutionary lineages with high level of biodiversity seen by MIRU, and (iii) validate the use of optimized 15-loci MIRU-VNTR format for future investigations in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]