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Balanites aegyptiaca Delile (BA) is an enduring xerophytic woody and spinous flowering tree and is commonly known as desert date or Ingudi (Hingot). It belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, which is specific to be drought areas of Nigeria, Africa, South Asia and India (Rajasthan). In Ayurveda, this traditional medicinal plant is reported for the management of jaundice, syphilis, yellow fever, metabolic disorders, liver, and spleen problems. The main aim of the review is to compile its medicinal uses and further advancements to showcase the promises inherited in various parts of the plant for the benefit of mankind. As per the literature survey, various researchers have focused on the detailed investigation of BA including the phytopharmacological evidence, chemical constituents, nano-formulations, commercialized products, and clinical trials. Several remarkable scaffolds and isolated compounds like diosgenin, yamogenin, balanitin1/2, balanitin 3, bal4/5, bal6/7, rutin-3-glycosides, 3,7-diglycosides, (3, 12, 14, 16)-(12-hydroxycholest-5-ene-3,16-diyl-bis)-D-glucopyranoside and balanitoside have been identified. Additionally, this traditional plant has been scientifically proven by in vitro and in vivo. Based on the complete review of this plant, most of the compounds have been isolated from the fruit and kernel part. Additionally, based on the literature, a histogram was developed for pharmacological activity in which antidiabetic study was found to be more compared to other pharmacological activity. As a spinous desert dates, this plant needs to be explored more to bring out newer phytochemicals in the management of various diseases., (© 2023. The Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) is an African herb with traditional medical applications. Various pathogenic factors cause hepatic fibrosis and require novel treatment alternatives. Nanoformulation-based natural products can overcome the available drug problems by increasing the efficacy of natural products targeting disease markers. The current study investigated B. aegyptiaca methanolic extract using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and B. aegyptiaca/chitosan nanoparticles were prepared. In vivo, evaluation tests were performed to assess the curative effect of the successfully prepared B. aegyptiaca/chitosan nanoparticles. For 30 days, the rats were divided into six groups, typical and fibrosis groups, where the liver fibrosis groups received B. aegyptiaca extract, silymarin, chitosan nanoparticles, and B. aegyptiaca/chitosan nanoparticles daily. In the current investigation, phenolic molecules are the major compounds detected in B. aegyptiaca extract. UV showed that the prepared B. aegyptiaca /chitosan nanoparticles had a single peak at 280 nm, a particle size of 35.0 ± 6.0 nm, and a negative charge at - 8.3 mV. The animal studies showed that the synthetic B. aegyptiaca/chitosan nanoparticles showed substantial anti-fibrotic protective effects against CCl 4 -induced hepatic fibrosis in rats when compared with other groups through optimization of biochemical and oxidative markers, improved histological changes, and modulated the expression of Col1a1, Acta2 and Cxcl9 genes, which manage liver fibrosis. In conclusion, the current research indicated that the prepared B. aegyptiaca/chitosan nanoparticles improved histological structure and significantly enhanced the biochemical and genetic markers of liver fibrosis in an animal model., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most prevalent cause of myocardial fibrosis and the leading cause of mortality from cardiovascular disease. The goal of this work was to synthesize Balanites aegyptiaca oil-silver nanoparticles (BAO-Ag-NPs) and evaluate their cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats, as well as their mechanism., Materials and Methods: BAO was isolated, and the unsaturated fatty acids were estimated. BAO-Ag-NPs was prepared, LD50 was calculated to evaluate its cardioprotective activity against ISO (85 mg/kg)-induced AMI. Different doses of BAO-Ag-NPs (1/50 LD50; 46.6 mg/kg.b.w and 1/20 LD50; 116.5 mg) were received to the rats., Results: The total fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids generated by BAO were 909.63 and 653.47 mg/100 g oil, respectively. Oleic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester were the predominant ingredients, with concentrations of 107.6, 243.42, and 256.77 mg/100 g oil, respectively. According to TEM and DLS examinations, BAO-Ag-NPs have a size of 38.20 ± 2.5 nm and a negative zeta potential of -19.82 ± 0.30 mV, respectively. The LD50 of synthesized BAO-Ag-NPs is 2330 mg. On the other hand, BAOAg- NPs reduce myocardial necrosis by lowering increased BNP, cTnI, CK-MB, TC, TG, MDA, MMP2, TGF-β1, PGE2, and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, BAO-Ag-NPs inhibit the expression of ET-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 genes as well as enhance HDL-C, CAT, and GSH levels when compared to the ISO-treated group of rats. Histopathological findings suggested that BAO-Ag- NPs enhance cardiac function by increasing posterior wall thickness in heart tissues., Conclusion: BAO-Ag-NPs protect against AMI in vivo by regulating inflammation, excessive autophagy, and oxidative stress, as well as lowering apoptosis via suppression of the ET-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 signaling pathways., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Phenytoin-induced liver injury (PHT ILII) is a serious condition that may necessitate discontinuation of the drug. This study investigates the mechanisms of PHT ILII and evaluates the protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca (BA) fruit extracts on the liver. We focus on the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation from drug-induced liver injury. Phytochemical analyses of BA fruit extracts (Bu-F and EA-F) are conducted. Molecular docking techniques explore the interaction between phenytoin (PHT) and the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 pathways. Thirty-six male rats are divided into Control, Bu-F, EA-F, PHT, Bu-F/PHT, and EA-F/PHT groups, and they are observed for 45 days. EA-F extract is rich in phenolics/flavonoids, while Bu-F extract mainly contains saponins.PHT ILII causes histological damage in liver tissues and affects Nrf-2, MAPK, TNF-α, IL-1β, Mcp-1, Beclin-1, iNOS expression, and liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP). However, EA-F/Bu-F extracts effectively improve the histological structure and significantly reduce biochemical/immunohistochemical parameters, restoring them to near-normal levels. EA-F extract is particularly effective.In conclusion, the Nrf2/MAPK /Beclin-1 pathways play a critical role in the development of PHT ILII. BA fruit extracts show promise as hepato-protective agents, with the EA-F extract demonstrating superior efficacy. These results lay the groundwork for new treatments for PHT ILII and drug-induced liver injuries., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest It is stated by the authors that they have no competing interests. The funding, the content, and the drafting of this paper are all the exclusive responsibility of the authors., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Balanites aeqyptiaca (BA) seeds were toasted at 70 °C, milled and the oil expelled to resolve to meal which were defatted to resolve to defatted balanites aeqyptiaca (BA) protein meal and (BA) protein concentrate respectively. These were subjected to analysis using standard methods. There exist marked trend between defatted balanites aeqyptiaca protein meal, protein concentrate and incidences of diabetes. This work investigated the anti- diabetic effects of balanites aeqyptiaca defatted protein meal and concentrate supplemented diets in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The rats were fattened for two weeks with high fat diet (HFD) to introduce Hyperglycemia and then made diabetic by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (35 mg/kg body weight) and fed diets containing 5 % defatted balanites aeqyptiaca protein meal (DAPM) and 5 % balanites aeqyptiaca protein concentrate (APC) for 14 days. The effect of the diet on blood glucose, serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase activities were investigated. There was marked increase in the blood glucose, TBARS, pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glycosidase with corresponding decrease in serum GPx and GSH contents in diabetic rats control groups. These trends were however, reversed in diabetic rats fed diet supplemented with the balanites aeqyptiaca protein meals for 14 days. The meals from defatted and protein concentrate inhibit α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory activity in vivo. Thus, the anti-diabetes properties of the defatted meal and protein concentrate may be attributed to the influence of its constituent phytochemicals on starch digestion as well as endogenous enzymes activities. The study revealed that defatted aduwa meal and proteins concnentrate demonstrated potentials used as functional ingredients in food materials and could also increase income access of low resource populace., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Balanites aegyptiaca is a wild plant species largely used in folk medicine and a priority fruit tree in West Africa. In Benin, its overexploitation for ethnoveterinary uses could lead to its rarity or extinction in the long term. In this study, we evaluate the possibilities of its substitution by other Zygophyllaceae species. This study was based on optimal defense theory, which distinguished 2 categories of plants: K-strategist species and r-strategist species. Phytochemical screening was carried out based on aqueous extracts of the leafy stems of B. aegyptiaca and Guaiacum officinale (K-strategist species) and Tribulus terrestris and Kallstroemia pubescens (r-strategist species) for the identification of chemical compounds. The phenolic compounds were quantified by quercetin and vanillin methods. The extracts were tested against 5 bacterial strains responsible for severe diarrhea in bovines. Our results indicated the presence of many phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponosides, and tannins. The diversity in secondary metabolites is higher for r-strategist than K-strategist species. The contents of total polyphenols ranged from 4.82 ± 0.05 to 41.84 mg GAE/g of extract. The flavonoid contents varied from 30.64 ± 0.35 to 57.11 ± 0.13 mg QE/g of extract and those of the tannins from 0.04 ± 0.00 to 0.06 ± 0.01 mg PE/mL. The sensitivity of the bacterial strains showed a significant dependence on the extracts. Of the species, K. pubescens showed a bactericidal activity on the majority of strains tested and thus could be a potential substitute for B. aegyptiaca in the treatment of infectious diarrhea., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

In the present scenario, alternative energy sources are required to achieve the future economic prosperity where shortage of fossil fuels will be a limiting factor and hamper the global economic growth. Therefore, interest in biofuel is increasing continuously. The best way of sustainable development is fossil fuel supplementation with biodiesel to reduce the fossil fuel demand. Biodiesel is a clean burning, ester-based, oxygenated fuel derived from natural and renewable sources. Till now, majority of the people have worked on the biodiesel derived from edible oil. Instead of using edible oil, non-edible oil needs to be explored as feedstock for biofuel because half of the world's population is unable to afford the food oil as feedstock for fuel production. Looking at the significance of biodiesel and the resources of biofuel, in this paper, a comparative exhaustive study has been reported with for three important plants, namely Jatropha curcas, Pongemia pinnata and Balanites aegyptiaca. These plants were selected based on their biodiesel potential, availability, cultivation practices and general information available. The present study involves scientometric publications, comparison of fatty acid composition and biodiesel parameters. We have also compared climatic conditions for the growth of the plants, economic feasibility of biodiesel production and other ecological services. The study paves a way for sustainable solution to policy makers and foresters looking for selection of plant species as bioenergy resource., (© 2021. Akadémiai Kiadó Zrt.)

Microsporum gypseum is a keratinophilic fungi grouped under dermatophytes infecting skin, hair and nail portions in human and animals causing tinea corporis, tinea facei and tinea capitis. As both human and fungi are eukaryotes, the available drugs for treating dermatophytes produce some side effects due to drug interaction with human also. Apart from this, the gut microbiota has a very big role in the health of human which should not be affected by the drugs. Hence this study focused on finding a target which is unique and essential to M. gypseum and non-homologous to human and gut microbiota, non-homologous to human domain architecture, highly interacting with other proteins, sub-cellular localization of proteins and non-druggability analysis of the targets using subtractive proteomics approach which resulted with 3 novel drug targets from M. gypseum which were modeled using I-TASSER, refined by ModRefiner and validated by PROCHECK. Further these targets were docked with compounds identified through LC-MS of fractioned methanol extract of B. aegyptiaca fruit pulp using Glide module and the stability of the docked complex was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation using Desmond module of Schrodinger. Cyanidin-3-O-rhamnoside had better interaction with all the targets and Taurocholic acid had better result with ECCP which suggests the multi-targeting potency of these two compounds against M. gypseum which has to be confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Extraction of biosurfactants from plants is advantageous than from microbes. The properties and robustness of biosurfactant derived from the mesocarp of Balanites aegyptiaca have been reported. However, the dark brown property of biosurfactant and lack of knowledge of its biocompatibility limits its scope. In the present work, the decolorization protocol for this biosurfactant was optimized using hydrogen peroxide. The hemolytic potential and biocompatibility based on cell toxicity and proliferation were also investigated. This study is the first report on the decolorization and toxicity assay of this biosurfactant. For decolorization of biosurfactant, 3 4 full factorial design was used, and the data were subjected to ANOVA. Results indicate that 1.5% of hydrogen peroxide can decolorize the biosurfactant most efficiently at 40 °C in 70 min at pH 7. Mitochondrial reductase (MTT) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays on M5S mouse skin fibroblast cells revealed that decolorized biosurfactant up to 50 µg/mL for 6 h had no significant toxic effect. Hemolysis assay showed ~ 2.5% hemolysis of human RBCs, indicating the nontoxic effect of this biosurfactant. The present work established a decolorization protocol making the biosurfactant chromatically acceptable. Biocompatibility assays confirm its safer use as observed by experiments on M5S skin fibroblast cells under in vitro conditions.

SAPK-JNK pathway performs a significant role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Balanites aegyptiaca (BA) is used as an anti-diabetic agent in folk medicine however its hypoglycemic mechanism is not fully elucidated. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of crude extract, butanol, and dichloromethane fractions from BA on the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK-JNK) pathway in experimental diabetic rats. Six groups of male Wistar rats were included: normal control, diabetic, diabetic rats treated with crude, butanol or dichloromethane fraction from BA (50 mg/kg BW) and diabetic rats treated with gliclazide as a reference drug for one month. Our results suggested a protective role of treatment of diabetic rats with BA against oxidative stress-induced SAPK-JNK pathway. Moreover, BA treatment produced a reduction in plasma glucose, HbA 1c , lactic acid, lipid profile, malondialdehyde levels and produced an increase in insulin, reduced glutathione levels, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities compared with untreated diabetic rats. Moreover, it decreased apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, protein 53 and increased insulin receptor substrate 1 in rat pancreas while it increased glucose transporter 4 in rat muscle. Analysis of BA extracts by LC-HRMS revealed the presence of different saponins with reported hypoglycemic effect. In conclusion, BA exerted hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, insulinotropic and antioxidant effects. Additionally, it reduced apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells and increased glucose uptake in muscle. These results suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of BA is due to the inhibition of the SAPK-JNK pathway., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Condensed tannins (CT) extracted from Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, and Celtis toka browses were used to evaluate their anthelmintic effect on different developmental stages of Haemonchus contortus. To achieve this objective, various serial concentrations of each CT extract of the foliages were used to test adult motility, inhibition of egg hatchability, and larval development. The fodders were selected based on their multipurpose advantage and accessibility to use as fodder for livestock in the low lands of the Gambella region. The fastest and slowest adult motility rate was observed in 2-ml (4 min) and 0.125-ml dose of C. toka, respectively, which is better than that in ivermectin. Egg hatchability inhibition was observed with dose difference within species, but there is no difference between B. aegyptiaca and T. indica. The foliage extracts of the studied browses were observed to inhibit the larvae by 100% at 2 ml, which is similar to ivermectin. There is no significant difference observed in larvae development inhibition between the species and ivermectin (p > 0.05). CT extracts of studied plants have found to own significant anthelmintic activity in a dose-dependent manner. They could serve as anthelmintic economically and eco-friendly after further and series of in vivo experiments.

There are many household products like detergents, disinfectants, stain removers and cosmetics releasing chemicals that may be harmful to human health as well as cause hazardous effect on environment. Global world is now focusing on use of herbal products. They are eco-friendly and more suitable to household applications than chemicals. The present study focused on preparation of three plant-based formulations for household cleaning applications. Result showed antibacterial activity against most commonly available microbes viz. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This is the first report of Terminalia chebula for preparation of herbal cleaners.

The aim of this investigation is to examine the anticancer activities of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract with its biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against colon and liver cancer cells. B. aegyptiaca aqueous extract was fractionated according to polarity and by biosynthesized AgNP. The cytotoxicity of the extract, semi-purified fractions, and the AgNPs was examined on noncancerous cell lines. The safer fraction was subjected to ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS to identify the major active constituents. The anticancer activities of the nontoxic doses of all the used treatments were tested against HepG2 and CaCo2 cells. The nontoxic dose of the B. aegyptiaca (0.63 mg/ml) extract showed high anti-proliferative activities against HepG2 and CaCo2 with a percentage of 81 and 77%, respectively. The butanol fraction was safer than the other two fractions with 46.3 and 90.35% anti-proliferative activity against Caco2 and HepG2 cells, respectively. The nontoxic dose of AgNPs (0.63 mg/ml) inhibits both HepG2 and Caco2 cells with a percentage of 84.5 and 83.4%, respectively. In addition, AgNPs regulate the expression of certain genes with folding higher than that of crude extract. Saponin-coated AgNPs showed great abilities to select the most anticancer ingredient(s) from the B. aegyptiaca extract with a more safety pattern than the polarity gradient fractionation.

Background: Balanite aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, is a plant with extensive medicinal properties. Its stem bark is traditionally known for its spasmolytic and antiepileptic properties and used to treat yellow fever, jaundice and syphilis. Angiogenesis (sprouting of new blood vessels) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. The goal of this study is investigate the antiangiogenic, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity as well as antitumor in vivo properties of B. aegyptiaca stem bark extracts., Method: The dried powder of stem bark was extracted sequentially with n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and water. Rat aorta ring assay (RARA) was used as a platform to screen for antiangiogenic affect. The most active extract was subjected to further confirmatory antiangiogenic tests i.e. cell migration, tube formation and VEGF inhibition and finally evaluated for its in vivo antitumor efficacy in nude mice. The cytotoxicity of extracts on four cancer cell lines (HCT-116, K562, U937 and MCF-7) and one normal cells line (HUVEC) was evaluated. To assess the antioxidant activity screening, four methods were used, (DPPH•) and ABTS radical scavenging activity, as well as total flavonoids and phenolic contents., Results: Methanol extract of B. aegyptiaca stem bark (MBA) showed the highest antiangiogenic, antioxidant and anticancer properties. It was found selectively cytotoxic to leukemia cell lines as well as breast cancer cell line MCF-7. (MBA) thus exhibited antiangiogenic in ex-vivo rat aorta ring model; it was found to excel its antiangiogenic effect via inhibition of the key growth factor (VEGF) as well as to halt HUVEC cell migration and tube formation, furthermore animals bearing colon cancer treated with (MBA) showed significant reduction in tumor growth., Conclusion: Different extracts of B. aegyptiaca stem bark showed various anticancer and antiangiogenic properties. MBA demonstrated potent antiangiogenic, antioxidant and antitumor in vivo. The outcome of this study suggests the potential of stem bark of the B. aegyptiaca for developing chemotherapeutic agent against solid tumor as well as leukemia.

Medicinal plants are effective in controlling plasma glucose level with minimal side effects and are commonly used in developing countries as an alternative therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential antidiabetic and antioxidant impacts of Balanites aegyptiaca and Petroselinum sativum extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetic and normal rats. The influences of these extracts on body weight, plasma glucose, insulin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and liver-pyruvate kinase (L-PK) levels were assessed. Furthermore, the weight and histomorphological changes of the pancreas were studied in the different experimental groups. The herbal preparations significantly reduced the mean plasma glucose and MDA levels and significantly increased the mean plasma insulin, L-PK, and TAC levels in the treated diabetic groups compared to the diabetic control group. An obvious increase in the weight of the pancreas and the size of the islets of Langerhans and improvement in the histoarchitecture were evident in the treated groups compared to untreated ones. In conclusion, the present study provides a scientific evidence for the traditional use of these extracts as antidiabetic and antioxidant agents in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Trigonelline (3-carboxy-1-methyl pyridinium) was identified as a relevant bioactivity and taste imparting component in Balanites aegyptiaca fruit, using (1)H NMR of crude extracts without any fractionation or isolation step. The structural integrity of trigonelline was established within the extract matrix via(1)H NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC and HMBC and by comparison with authentic standard. A quantitative (1)H NMR method (qHNMR) was used to determine trigonelline concentrations in the peel and pulp of B. aegyptiaca fruit of 8 and 13mgg(-1), respectively. Trigonelline so far has not been reported from B. aegyptiaca or its genus as it easily escapes LC-MS based detection. Its discovery provides novel insight into the balanite fruits antidiabetic properties as the compound is known for a pronounced hypoglycemic effect. In addition, it is likely to impart the perceptible bitter taste portion to balanites sweet bitter taste. UPLC-MS of the crude extract additionally revealed the fruit flavonoid pattern showing quercetin/isorhamnetin flavonol conjugates in addition to epicatechin, the latter being present at much lower levels., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The role of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) on development and growth of Ehrlich Ascitic carcinoma (EAC) and metastasis (liver and spleen) was evaluated. Balanite (400mg/kg; 10mg in 0.1ml/mouse) was given daily over a period of two weeks started 24h before intraperitoneal injection of EAC (2×10(6)/once). The present study deals with the effect of B. aegyptiaca on the growth of transplantable ascetic tumor, life span of EAC-bearing mice, hepatocellular and splenic histology. Antioxidant and biochemical changes as well as p53 genes expression were recorded. B. aegyptiaca extracts inhibited tumor growth and proliferation in ascetic fluid through a significant decrease in tumor volume, total cell volume, and viable cell count and prolonged the life span of mice. Also, it significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased SOD, CAT levels and P53 expression. Also, balanite inhibited either tumor invaded/or affected hepatic and splenic tissue. This result gives a new insight on beneficial effect of B. aegyptiaca in primary and secondary loci of Ehrlich Ascitic tumor through its antioxidant effect., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Background: Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits are used to treat hyperglycemia in Egyptian folk medicine and are sold by herbalists in the Egyptian open market for this purpose. Nevertheless, the fruits have not yet been incorporated into pharmaceutical dosage forms. The identity of the bioactive compounds and their possible mechanisms of action were not well understood until now., Purpose: Aldose reductase inhibitors are considered vital therapeutic and preventive agents to address complications caused by hyperglycemia. The present study was carried out to identify the primary compounds responsible for the aldose reductase inhibitory activity of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits., Study Design: The 70% ethanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp and its fractions were screened for inhibition of the aldose reductase enzyme. Bio-guided fractionation of the active butanol fraction was performed and the primary compounds present in the saponin-rich fraction (D), which were responsible for the inhibitory activity, were characterized. HPLC chromatographic profiles were established for the different fractions, using the isolated compounds as biomarkers., Methods: Aldose reductase inhibition was tested in vitro on rat liver homogenate. The butanol fraction of the 70% ethanolic extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC, RP-18 column). The most active sub-fraction D, which was eluted with 75% methanol, was subjected to preparative HPLC to isolate the bioactive compounds., Results: The butanol fraction displayed inhibitory activity against the aldose reductase enzyme (IC50 = 55.0 ± 6 µg/ml). Sub-fraction D exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 = 12.8 ± 1 µg/ml). Five new steroidal saponin derivatives were isolated from this fraction. The isolated compounds were identified as compound 1a/b, a 7:3 mixture of the 25R:25S epimers of 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; compound 2, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol 3-O-[ β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; compound 3, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20-diene-3,26-diol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; compound 4, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20-diene-3,26-diol 3-O-[ β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; and compound 5, which is the 25S epimer of compound 4, by using various spectroscopic methods [MS,1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, DQF-COSY, HSQC-TOCSY)]. Compounds 1a/b, 2, 3, 4, 5 exhibited highly significant aldose reductase inhibitory activities (IC50 values were 1.9 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.5, 5.6 ± 0.2, 5.1 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.6 µM, respectively) as compared to the activity of the reference standard quercetin (IC50 = 6.6 ± 0.3 µM)., Conclusion: The aldose reductase inhibitory activity of Balanites fruits is due to the steroidal saponins present. HPLC chromatographic profiles of the crude butanol fraction and its 4 sub-fractions showed that the most highly bioactive fraction D contained the highest amount of steroidal saponins (75%) as compared to the 21% present in the original butanol fraction. The isolated furostanol saponins proved to be highly active in an in vitro assay., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Reactive oxygen species play a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy in diabetes patients. The current study aimed to assess the effect of ethyl acetate extract (EAE) from Balanites aegyptiaca (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg b.w.) in experimental diabetic rats. To achieve this aim, five groups of male rats were included: control, diabetic, and diabetic rats treated with 10, 25, and 50 µg/kg b.w. of EAE for eight weeks. Our results suggests a protective role of EAE against oxidative stress induced by streptozocine. EAE treatment produced a reduction in blood glucose levels, HbA1c, malondialdehyde and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic retina (p < 0.001), as well as an enhancement in antioxidant capacity against streptozocine-induced oxidative stress. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with EAE, compared with untreated diabetic rats. Analysis of EAE by GC-MS indicated the presence of β-sistosterol. Overall, EAE modulates oxidative stress induced by streptozocine and enhances antioxidant activity, which may provide additional endothelial protection in retina of diabetic rats. These results hold great promise in the management of diabetic complications.

Objective: To assess the molluscicidal and cercariacidal activities of aqueous extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) against Ethiopian Biomphalaria pfeifferi (B. pfeifferi), Lymnaea natalensis (L. natalensis) and Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) cercariae., Methods: Extracts of seeds, endocarp, mesocarp, and fruit of B. aegyptiaca were tested for their activities against adult B. pfeifferi and L. natalensis. The cercariacidal activity of the seeds of the plant was also evaluated against S. mansoni. Bioassays were carried out following the methods recommended by WHO. Snail mortalities were compared between each plant part and snail species, and LC50 and LC90 values for the plant parts tested were computed. The cercariacidal activity of the plant was assessed by exposing the mice to the cercariae pre-exposed to aqueous extract of B. aegyptiaca seeds., Results: For the molluscicidal activities of seeds, endocarp, mesocarp and whole fruit, the LC50 values against B. pfeifferi were 56.32, 77.53, 65.51 and 66.63 mg/L, respectively, while the respective LC90 values were 77.70, 120.04, 89.50 and 97.55 mg/L. Similarly, the LC50 values for the seeds, endocarp, mesocarp and whole fruit against L. natalensis were 80.33, 92.61, 83.52 and 87.84 mg/L, respectively, while the respective LC90 values were 102.30, 138.21, 115.42 and 127.69 mg/L. B. pfeifferi were found to be more susceptible to B. aegyptiaca than L. natalensis. S. mansoni cercariae exposed to 15 mg/L of extract of seeds were incapable of infecting mice. The mean egg load of tissue was reduced in mice infected with the cercariae exposed to 5 and 10 mg/L of the extract., Conclusions: The aqueous extracts of different parts of B. aegyptiaca exhibited reasonable molluscicidal activity against B. pfeifferi and L. natalensis, as well as cercariacidal activity against S. mansoni cercariae. However, comprehensive laboratory evaluation is recommended prior to field tests of the plant parts since their impact on other aquatic biota is not known.

The oil extracted from the bean of Balanites aegyptiaca was characterized, and its photochemical and thermal stabilization were evaluated. The chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography (GC), revealing that the oil is very rich in unsaturated fatty acids (72% omega-6 and omega-9). The photochemical stability was assessed by subjecting it to artificially accelerated photo-aging and then examining the changes using infrared spectroscopy. The thermal stability was studied at six different temperatures ranging from 130 to 200°C and monitored in situ by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The kinetic parameters (EA and k) describing the thermal degradation of this oil were calculated. It has been shown that the antioxidants present in the oil delay the oxidation process (induction period). The degradation of the Toogga oil was compared with that of oleic and linoleic fatty acids. In addition, the degradation of the Toogga oil extracted with hexane was compared to that of the neat oil., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Context: Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Zygophyllaceae) is a tropical tree that has many folk uses in various countries. The bark extract is used for the control of the fresh water snails that act as intermediary host of Schistosoma., Objective: Study the molluscicidal activity and chemical constituents of seed oil and seed glycosides of B. aegyptiaca against Monacha cartusiana and determine the structure-activity relationship., Materials and Methods: Two bioassay methods (residual film application and the leaf dipping technique) were used to evaluate the toxicity effect of the seed oil and glycosides, in concentrations of 1.000, 0.500, 0.250 and 0.125%. The seed oil was analysed by GC/MS. Acid hydrolysis and chromatographic separation were used to study the seed saponins., Results: The bioassay of B. aegyptiaca against the land snail, M. cartusiana, indicated the activity of the seed oil and the high activity of the seed saponins. The seed glycosides gave 30.0, 53.3, 73.0 and 73.3% mortality for concentrations of 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 and 1.00%, respectively. The LC(50) values were 0.335 and 0.256%, respectively. The seed oil was analysed by GC/MS. Acid hydrolysis of the seed saponins gave a mixture of diosgenin, yamogenin and 3,5-spirostadiene., Discussion and Conclusion: To study the structure-activity relationship, a triterpenoidal saponin and a triterpenoidal saponins rich extract (of Zygophyllum coccenum) were proven to be inactive. Thus, the activity is associated with the steroidal, not triterpenoidal saponins. Moreover, a spirostane aglycone without sugar moiety, was found to be inactive and attained the activity by glycosidation.

In this study, the effect of the methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (BAE) on adult Toxocara vitulorum was evaluated after incubating the parasites in Ringer solution containing 10, 30, 60, 120 and 240 μg/ml of the methanolic extract, for 24h using light and scanning electron microscopic observations. Differences in response to BAE action were concentration dependent. These changes occurred in definite sequences in response to BAE concentration and were consisted of slightly swelling which became pronounced and so severe, with lips showed wrinkled cuticular surface and deformed sensory papillae on increasing the BAE concentration. The strongest effects were reached with the highest BAE concentration, where disorganization of the cuticle and body musculature was observed. Additionally, the ovicidal effect of BAE, at the previous concentrations, on the development of T. vitulorum eggs was examined after 12h exposure. The inhibitory activity of BAE on egg development was concentration dependent and the highest value reached to 100% with the concentration of 240 μg/ml. These results were compared with those observed in the worm cuticle and eggs following incubation in albendazole, as it was a broad-spectrum nematodicidal compound with well-known ovicidal activity., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Balanites aegyptiaca is a tropical plant which is widely used for medicinal purposes in several African countries, including Burkina Faso. Despite its widespread use, little is known about its phenolic content. This study sought to carry out a screening of the polyphenols from the leaves and galls of B. aegyptiaca. A high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was used to investigate the phenolic content in the parts of the plant studied here. The phenolic acid profile showed the presence of gentisic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids in the crude and hydrolysed extracts. The flavonoids pattern showed hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutoside and quercitrin in the crude extract of leaves. Myricetol, quercetol and kaempferol were found after acid hydrolysis of the leaves extract. Ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, rutoside and quercitrin were identified as major phenolic compounds in this study.

Balanites aegyptiaca is a naturally grown desert plant at some radioactive places in Wadi El-Gemal area, Southeastern Desert. The aim of the present study was to highlight on the B. aegyptiaca species grown naturally at radioactive places in Wadi El-Gemal area (fruit part) on the ability of using the fruit in some biomedical application (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and diabetes). The investigated plant was collected from different location at Wadi El-Gemal area. The uranium content was determined previously and different concentrations from the fruit with highest uranium content were used to examine the effect of B. aegyptiaca (fruit part) on the glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol (HDL and LDL-cholesterol) levels using experimental rats. Different analysis techniques were used in order to determine different parameters. The obtained data suggest the beneficial role of B. aegyptiaca fruit as an anti-diabetic and hypo-lipidimic agent., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

There is a considerable interest in developing new anthelmintic drugs including those from medicinal plants due to increasing evidence of parasitic resistance against present anthelmintic drugs and decreasing activity against encapsulated larval stages of parasites. This study was carried out to assess, for the first time, the effectiveness of methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (BAE) fruits against different stages (pre-adult, migrating larvae, and encysted larvae) of Trichinella spiralis in rats compared with commonly used anthelmintic albendazole. Oral administration of BAE at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg b.wt. for five successive days throughout the parasite life cycle led to a marked reduction of migrating and encysted larval rate by 81.7% and 61.7%, respectively, in the muscular tissue. This treatment was less effective against adults in the gut (47.8%). Albendazole treatment at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt. for five successive days resulted in a marked eradication of T. spiralis adult worms (94.4%) and less reduction of migrating and encysted larval infections of skeletal muscles (62.2% and 26.4%, respectively). BAE-treated groups showed marked decreases in serum-glucose levels, triglyceride concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) activities, and lipid peroxide products (malondialdehyde, MDA) as well as an increase in glutathione level in both serum and muscular tissue compared to albendazole-treated- and infected-untreated groups. This result was confirmed by few numbers of living- and dead-encysted larvae and less destruction of the diaphragm and skeletal muscle tissues in BAE-treated groups compared to other treated groups. It can be concluded that the methanolic extract of B. aegyptiaca fruits has high effectiveness against parenteral stages of T. spiralis than albendazole. Albendazole is more effective against enteral stage of T. spiralis than the extract.

The present study aimed to test the validity of Balanites aegyptiaca remedies used for the treatment of rheumatisms and mental disorders by examining the antioxidant, xanthine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of galls and leaves extracts and fractions. The total phenolics and flavonoids were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. Two methods i.e., FRAP and ABTS were used to estimate the total antioxidant capacity of the plant materials. The FRAP and ABTS antioxidant activities showed that among all extracts and fractions tested, the best antioxidant activities were found with the galls dichloromethane and the leaves ethyl acetate fractions. The antioxidant activities did correlated significantly with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The study also showed that B. aegyptiaca galls and leaves fractions exhibited a moderate xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity comparatively to the acetylcholinesterase which was weakly inhibited by the tested extracts and fractions.

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of Desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile) as an oil crop in arid lands for large-scale sustainable industrial biodiesel production. Characterization of the Desert date plant material showed that using proper cultivation practices with emphasis on low quality irrigation water trees can be extremely well developed in hyper-arid conditions of the Israeli Arava desert and yield oil-rich fruits. Best selected trees can yield date fruits up to 52 kg/trees. Desert date kernels oil content may reach up to 46.7% (based on dry weight). The oil is consisted on four major fatty acids: palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1), and linoleic (18:2), constituting 98-100% of the total fatty acids in the oil of all tested genotypes. Linoleic acid was the most prevalent fatty acid, ranging from 31% to 51% of the fatty acids profile, very similar to soybean oil profile. In situ biodiesel production directly from oil-enriched powder was successfully developed. Yield efficiency for both conventional and in situ biodiesel production was about 90%. The qualities of the produced biodiesel well meet the international biodiesel standards. The present study clearly demonstrated Desert date as a model for the utilization of bioresources in the Israeli Arava desert and potentially other similar areas for cost-effective biodiesel production.

Seeking an alternative approach for producing a larvicidal product from Balanites aegyptiaca plants, callus was produced from in vitro cultures of root explants and its larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae was evaluated. Concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm of saponins from the root-derived callus of B. aegyptiaca were used to determine larvicidal effects and consequent effect on adult emergence. A dose-dependent effect was observed. In a chronic mortality assessment (after 7 days of exposure), concentrations of 500 ppm or greater killed 100% of the test larvae population. Fifty parts per million showed no difference in larval mortality compared to the control (0 ppm); however, this concentration allowed one-fourth of the adult emergence of the control treatment. These results suggest that saponins from in vitro cultures of the root explant of B. aegyptiaca can be used as a larvicidal agent against A. aegypti larvae.

Balanites aegyptiaca is a widely distributed African plant of medicinal interest containing a number of cytotoxic and cytostatic compounds. The studies reported here have attempted to further characterize the anti-cancer activity of a mixture of steroidal saponins: balanitin-6 (28%) and balanitin-7 (72%) isolated from Balanites aegyptiaca kernels. The balanitin-6 and -7 mixture (henceforth referred to as bal6/7) has demonstrated appreciable anti-cancer effects in human cancer cell lines in vitro. Bal6/7 displayed higher anti-proliferative activity than etoposide and oxaliplatin, although the mixture was appreciably less active than SN38 and markedly less active than taxol. Bal6/7 demonstrated highest activity against A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (IC(50), 0.3 microM) and U373 glioblastoma (IC(50), 0.5 microM) cell lines. The current study has further indicated that bal6/7 is more a cytotoxic compound than a cytostatic one. However, Bal6/7 does not appear to mediate its anti-proliferative effects by inducing apoptotic cell death. Computer-assisted cellular imaging has revealed that bal6/7 does not induce detergent-like effects in A549 NSCLC and U373 glioblastoma unlike certain saponins. Furthermore there is indication that its in vitro anti-cancer activities result at least partly from depletion of [ATP]i, leading in turn to major disorganization of actin cytoskeleton, ultimately resulting in the impairment of cancer cell proliferation and migration. In contrast to a number of natural products acting as anti-cancer agents, bal6/7 does not induce an increase in intra-cellular reactive oxygen species. In vivo, bal6/7 increased the survival time of mice bearing murine L1210 leukemia grafts to the same extent reported for vincristine. These preliminary in vivo data suggest that it may be possible to generate novel hemi-synthetic derivatives of balanitin-6 and -7 with potentially improved in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity and reduced in vivo toxicity, thus markedly improving the therapeutic ratio.

The kernel cake produced from Balanites aegyptiaca fruit of Israeli origin was analysed for its saponin constituents using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The HPLC was equipped with a reversed-phase C18 column and a refractive index detector (RID), and elution was isocratic with methanol and water (70:30). The MS system was equipped with electrospray ionisation (ESI). Nine compounds were chromatographically separated, their masses were determined in the negative ion mode and subsequent fragmentation of each component was carried out. From the nine components, six saponins with molecular masses of 1196, 1064, 1210, 1224, 1078 and 1046 Da were identified, with the compound of mass 1210 Da being the main saponin (ca. 36%). Saponins with masses of 1224 and 1046 Da have not been previously reported in B. aegyptiaca. In all saponins, diosgenin was found to be the sole aglycone. This study shows that HPLC-ESI/MS is a quick and reliable technique for characterizing the saponins from kernel cake of B. aegyptiaca., (Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The main saponin (1) present in the mesocarp of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit is a mixture of 22R and 22S epimers of 26-(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-3-beta-[4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy]-22,26-dihydroxyfurost-5-ene. This structure differs from a previously reported saponin isolated from this source by the site of attachment of the rhamnosyl residue, and presumably represents a structural revision of the latter. The main saponin (2) present in the kernel is a xylopyranosyl derivative of 1. The use of high-field NMR enabled the practically complete assignment of 1H and 13C chemical shifts of these complex saponins, existing as a mixture of C-22 epimers. Moreover, the work represents a new approach to structural elucidation of saponins: direct preparative-scale HPLC-RID of crude extracts followed by high-field NMR investigations supported by ESI-MSn., (Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Fenugreek and Balanites are two plants commonly used in Egyptian folk medicine as hypoglycemic agents. In the present study, the effects of 21 days oral administration of Fenugreek seed and Balanites fruit extracts (1.5 g/kg bw) on the liver and kidney glycogen content and on some key liver enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in STZ-diabetic rats were studied. In addition, the effects of these two plant extracts on the intestinal alpha-amylase activity in vitro and starch digestion and absorption in vivo were also examined. Results indicated that single injection of STZ (50 mg/kg bw) caused 5-folds increase in the blood glucose level, 80% reduction in serum insulin level, 58% decrease in liver glycogen and 7-folds increase in kidney glycogen content as compared to the normal levels. The activity of glucose-6-phosphatase was markedly increased, whereas, the activities of both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phospho-fructokinase were significantly decreased in the diabetic rat liver. Administration of Fenugreek extract to STZ-diabetic rats reduced blood glucose level by 58%, restored liver glycogen content and significantly decreased kidney glycogen as well as liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Meanwhile, Balanites extract reduced blood glucose level by 24% and significantly decreased liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic rats. On the other hand, our results demonstrated that both the Fenugreek and Balanites extracts were able to in vitro inhibit alpha-amylase activity in dose-dependent manner. Fenugreek was more potent inhibitor than Balanites. This inhibition was reversed by increasing substrate concentration in a pattern which complies well with the effect of competitive inhibitors. Furthermore, this in vitro inhibition was confirmed by in vivo suppression of starch digestion and absorption induced by both plant extracts in normal rats. These findings suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of Fenugreek and Balanites is mediated through insulinomimetic effect as well as inhibition of intestinal alpha-amylase activity.

Objective: The main objective of this paper is to assess the impact of various vehicular traffic densities on lead (Pb) accumulations in some environmental components in Katsina, a semi-arid urban area of Nigeria., Methods: This was achieved by collecting and analyzing samples of surface soils, fruits, kernels, leaves, and barks of Balanites aegyptica from locations of different vehicular traffic densities in the area, and analyzing them for lead, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry., Results: The results obtained revealed that the Pb concentration in the high, medium, low, and zero traffic density areas are, 75, 53, 35, and 12 microg x g(-1) respectively for the fruit pulp. They are also16, 13, 8, and 6 microg x g(-1) for fruit kernel and 44, 28, 17, and 9 microg x g(-1) respectively for leaves. For tree barks, the values are 138, 97, 64, and 18 microg x g(-1) respectively while for under-tree-canopy soil samples the mean values are 99, 74, 44, and 17 microg x g(-1). In the case of outside-canopy soil samples, the mean values are 113, 91, 50, and 18 microg x g(-1) respectively for the various classes of vehicular traffic density., Conclusion: These results indicate a strong influence of vehicular traffic density on Pb emission into surrounding atmosphere and its subsequent precipitation on soil and components of B. aegyptica specie in the area. Of all the samples, tree bark should be the best index of assessing Pb pollution in the area, as it maintains the closest contact with the surrounding atmosphere. Since Pb has no known lower limit for human tolerance, there is an urgent need for Pb pollution control in the area to be effectively enforced.

Balanites aegyptiaca Del. kernels were chemically, physically and morphologically characterized. Crude oil (49.0%) and crude protein (32.4%) were the two major constituents of the kernels. Phytic acid content was relatively high compared to other legumes. In contrast, antitryptic activities of the kernel flours were very low. Sapogenin contents of the full fat, defatted and testa flours were 1.5, 2.7 and 3.0%, respectively. The hardness of the kernel was found to be about 10.4 x 10(5) N/m2, which was somewhat high. The morphological structure of the kernel using a scanning electron microscope revealed that the protein matrix was embedded in a lake of oil droplets. Oil recovery, as a function of pressing time, pressure, temperature and particle size was investigated. With increasing temperature up to 70 degrees C at 400 bar, for 120 min, an oil recovery of 79.4% was obtained. Using an expeller at 115 degrees C, about 85% of the kernel oil was recovered. The reduction of particle size had a negative effect on oil recovery under the same conditions. The fatty acid composition was not affected by the pressing temperature up to 115 degrees C. The total amount of the unsaturated fatty acids was found to be up to 74.8% (50 degrees C) and 75.1% (115 degrees C) of the total fatty acids content.