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Due to its therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits as well as its culinary applications, caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is quite interesting. This study aimed to evaluate some biological activities of the aqueous extracts of Capparis spinosa L. leaves, including the phytotoxic effect, antioxidant capacity, and the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The germination bioassay of the cress seeds (Lepidium sativum L.) was used to evaluate the phytotoxic effect. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical was used as a determinant of antioxidant capacity. The results obtained showed an important antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 0.212 ± 0.096 mg/mL. Also, a total phenolic content of 116.3 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DM and 18.9 ± 0.08 mg RE/g DM for flavonoids were obtained. In addition, the extract showed a very significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the germination and root length of Lepidium sativum L. seeds. The qualitative study carried out by HPLC measurement allowed the detection of chlorogenic acid (3.2 %), vanillin (1.3 %), rutin (1.2 %), and some quercetin derivatives (6.9 %). The results obtained in this study revealed the potential of caper in bioactive molecules. In addition, it could be a natural bioactive product for therapeutic purposes, such as the prevention of oxidative stress and related disorders.

Background. The consumption of food supplements is increasing. This evolution is due to several factors, including nutritional deficiencies in the population, a sedentary lifestyle, and a decrease in physical activity. In addition, stress and an active lifestyle led to several dysfunctions (fatigue, deconcentration) that food supplements can help to overcome. Objective. This study aimed to determine the profiles of food supplement consumers in the Fes-Meknes region (Morocco), distribution, and production of these products. In addition, this survey aimed to evaluate consumers’ knowledge of food supplements as part of their self-medication. Material and methods. The present study was conducted in the form of a survey using a questionnaire composed of two parts. The first part provides information on the socio-demographic status of respondents, including gender, age, and level of education. The second part concerned various information on the consumption of food supplements. Results. The results obtained showed that of the 498 subjects, 68.88% declared that they had already consumed the food supplements. The study revealed the predominance of the female gender at 69.68% and the age group 21-30 years (80.32%). Among the reasons for consumption, improving general health comes first with 56.29%. Our results also showed high consumption of vitamins (44.04%) and minerals (24.79%), next come proteins and plant extracts at 16.62% and 14.54% respectively. The consumption of food supplements is most often done on the advice of a doctor or dietician with 43.60%, and the pharmacy and para-pharmacy remains the main distribution channel at 75.78%. Conclusion. The present survey allowed us to update the current situation of food supplement consumption and a way of regulatory monitoring and more control for an organization of the sector.

In order to identify the medicinal plants used in agri-food and traditional medicine by the population of Fez-Meknes region (Morocco), a floristic and ethnobotanical study was carried out in 4 provinces of this region (Fez, Meknes, Azrou, Taza). Questionnaire forms were used to survey the usual users of the plants and herbalists and to collect as much information as possible on the therapeutic and dietary use of aromatic and medicinal plants in the region. For plants used for food, our survey identified 29 species divided into 26 genera and 16 families, including herbaceous plants (70%), trees (16.60%), shrubs (10%) and bushes (3.30%). The study of the medicinal flora used in traditional medicine also allowed the inventory 81 species belonging to 47 families. Leaves are the most commonly used part and the majority of remedies were prepared in the form of infusion (47%) and decoction (26%). Among all the diseases treated, digestive diseases are the most cited (25%), followed by dermatological diseases (21%). The present study allowed us to evaluate some traditional practices used by the Fez-Meknes region population. In this context, it is essential to carry out similar investigations in other regions of the kingdom, in order to safeguard this precious natural heritage by means of a monograph that is as complete as possible and to validate the remedies and preparations identified using rigorous scientific protocols.