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The purpose of the current study is to assess the chemical profile, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticide efficacy of essential oil derived from the leaf of Moroccan Mentha aquatica L. (MA-EO) using in vitro and in silico analysis. Using GC-MS/MS analysis, 18 components of MA-EO were identified, including linalool (42.42%), α-elemol (10.45%), α-terpineol (8.07%), linalyl acetate (7.37%), and caryophyllene (4.05%). Additionally, MA-EO has a strong antioxidant capacity with IC50 values of 0.64 ± 0.01 µg/mL using the DPPH assay and 0.167 ± 0.13 µg/mL using the ABTS test. Total antioxidant capacity activities were found to be 188.21 ± 0.31 mg EAA/g, while RP activities were 1.95 ± 0.023. The powerful antibacterial properties of MA-EO were proven to be effective against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. MA-EO showed insecticidal potential using the fumigation experiment, with an LC50 of 3.33 μL/L in the air after 24 h of exposure. At a dose of 20 µL/mL, MA-EO reduced fertility, fecundity, and emergence of adult C. maculatus. MA-EO had 95% mortality at the same dosage. In silico analysis revealed that the antioxidant activity of MA-EO is linked to γ-eudesmol, while its antibacterial efficacy is associated with phenol, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-, and its antifungal capacity with phenol, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-. MA-EO demonstrates potent bactericidal, fungicidal, and bioinsecticide properties, making it effective for controlling bacteria, fungi, and insect pests in stored grains.

Controlling mosquitoes responsible for discomfort and serious contagious diseases, such as malaria, requires a better understanding of the vector-environment relationship. Therefore, the present study examined the biotypology of Culicidian species in the Fez Region, Central Morocco, using statistical analytical methods. Entomological investigations and measurements of the physicochemical parameters of the water breeding sites were carried out simultaneously from November 2015 to December 2016 in the region of Fez, Central Morocco. Multivariate analytical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), were used to investigate the correlation between environmental factors and the bioecological characteristics of each species. The identification of 1,531 Culicidae larvae collected from the different breeding sites revealed the presence of 11 species belonging to five genera (Anopheles, Culex, Culiseta, Aedes, and Uranotaenea). The larvae of Anopheles maculipennis (the major malaria vector in Morocco) and the larvae of A. sergentii (the secondary vector), as well as Culex pipiens larvae, were collected among the species at the level of the prospected breeding sites. It was observed that the Shanon-Wiener diversity index (H’) values were higher in areas with a high population of species compared to those with a low population of species. The multivariate analytical methods revealed many groups of species depending on many parameters. This research represents an original and rigorous approach to the vector-environment relationship in the Fez Region of Morocco. It has important implications for the control of mosquito vectors and the prevention of vector-borne diseases, thereby contributing to public health in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roasting is a dry heat processing technique used to develop sensory properties of food which has caught the interest of customers. Roasted seeds of sesame is one of the most recommended oilseeds in the world thanks to its sensorial, medicinal and nutritional benefits. However, the choice of effective roasting conditions is important for the sensorial parameters and for the biological potentials of sesame seeds, as well. In this study, the impact of oven temperature and roasting time on sesame quality was investigated. A total of 16 different roasting conditions were used. Sesame seeds were roasted at the following temperatures: 130°C, 140°C, 150°C and 160°C. During this process, samples were taken and analyzed at different time intervals (40 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min). Both the roasting temperature and time significantly (P<0.05) affected the quality characteristics of sesame seeds. The amounts of oil yield, total proteins, total sugars, total phenolic and flavonoids content, total antioxidant activity and DPPH radical scavenging were increased by increasing the treatment. Roasting sesame seeds at 140°C/40min, gave a significantly higher content of oil yield (52.2%), proteins (20.95%), sugars (29.62%), flavonoids content (0.12 mg/g) and total phenolic content (1.2 mg/g) in comparison to the other roasting conditions. However, beyond this treatment, these contents decreased significantly. Based on these results, time and temperature are undoubtedly important factors to consider in the roasting process of sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphora hispanica L. and Mentha pulegium L. are aromatic shrubs known to produce essential oils demanded by food industries. This study reports on the insecticidal activity of these two oils harvested in Khenifra (Morocco) and of its major compound (Pulegone) against the main legume bruchids. Chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 33 compounds in the essential oil of Ziziphora hispanica (EOZH) and 24 compounds in the essential oil of Mentha pulegium (EOMP), with pulegone being the most dominant in both with percentages respectively of 79.1% and 63.8%. According to the insecticidal activities exerted, the two essential oils, as well as the pulegone, showed significant results against all the bruchids tested of legumes. Pulegone has shown good insecticidal activity, thus the lethal doses of 50% are between 61.6mg/g and 74.4mg/g, which explains the remarkable activity of the two essential oils which are rich in this molecule. moreover, the addition of essential oils in the storage of legumes does not have a significant effect on the legumes and does not diminish their nutritional qualities. This study indicates that essential oils and their main constituent have the potential to be developed into botanical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Polio has not been detected in Morocco since 1989. The aim of this study was to examine the surveillance system for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in the province of Kenitra, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and suggest ways to improve it. Method & materials A qualitative and quantitative evaluation was carried out within the Kenitra Provincial Epidemiology Unit. The AFP case database was analyzed using the standards for evaluation of public health surveillance systems defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2001 and WHO indicators. The surveillance system was found to be flexible and effective. Result The sensitivity of the system reached 50%, with an average notification rate of 3.04 cases. More than 40% of patients were reported within 7 days of onset of paralysis. Investigation time was approximately 70% within 48 hours of notification. 80% of stool samples were sent to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection. Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Kenitra is effective, adaptable and highly vigilant, allowing a rapid response. Maintaining AFP surveillance is essential until polio is eradicated worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]