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Introduction: Aldose reductase (AR) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of glucose to sorbitol responsible for the development of diabetic complications like cataracts. Medicinal plants contain several phytocompounds that can inhibit this enzyme.

Introduction: Melons are highly sought after worldwide due to their exquisite and delectable taste. However, the peels of these fruits, which are rich in phytochemicals and sustainable components for innovative culinary formulations, are often discarded as waste. Methods: This study explored the phytochemistry and valorization of three melon fruit, i.e., canary melon (Cucumis melo, var. Fonzy), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus, var. Augusta), and muskmelon (Cucumis melo, var. Cantaloupe), peels in food applications by incorporating into wheat flour biscuits. Peels of fruits were separated, dried and powders were extracted with 70% ethanol. Results and discussion: Comparing the muskmelon fruit peel to the peels of the other two fruits, the muskmelon fruit peel had the significantly (p < 0.05) high ash (8.36%), fiber (12.06%), fat (1.21%), protein (5.02%), mineral contents (Mg 233, Ca 364, K 1605, Fe 49.72, and Zn 2.39 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (167.49 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (79.16 mg QE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (56.92 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g). Results of the antimicrobial experiments of three melon peels showed that extracts from all peels showed enough antimicrobial activities, nearly comparable to the reference drugs (ampicillin and nystatin), which still showed the highest inhibition zones. Among three extracts, highest zone of inhibition against three bacterial species, i.e., Bacillus cereus (12.03 mm), Escherichia coli (10.02 mm), and Streptococcus aureus (18.08 mm), and fungal species, i.e., Candida albicans (8.09 mm), Aspergillus niger (7.06 mm), and Mucor meihi (7.02 mm) was exhibited by muskmelon peel extract. Moisture, ash, fat, fiber, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of biscuits were increased as a result of incorporating peel flours. Correlation showed TPC and TAA were highly correlated in watermelon (10%; 1). Using principal component analysis, adding 5% canary watermelon peel powder to biscuits improved their healthful and active elements while maintaining sensory features. Baking with 10% muskmelon or watermelon peel powder boosted nutrition and antioxidant activity. After the control, biscuits fortified with 5% melon peel powder exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) high sensory scores. These findings highlight the value of melon peels as sustainable ingredients, promoting waste reduction and enhancing the dietary and functional benefits of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with primary causes including excessive alcohol consumption, infections, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. Medicinal plants, due to their natural bioactive compounds, hold promise for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against liver ailments. This study aimed to document the use of herbal remedies in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases and correlate these uses with scientific evidence through a bibliometric analysis. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in remote communities of northeastern Morocco from October 2020 to January 2022. A total of 189 informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on local medicinal plants used for liver ailments. The data were analyzed using four ethnobotanical quantitative indices: use value (UV), familial use value (FUV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the scientific support for the ethnopharmacological uses documented. Results: The survey identified 45 plant species from 26 different families used in the treatment of liver diseases. The most frequently utilized species were Cuminum cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), Allium sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), Salvia officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457). The Apiaceae family showed the highest familial use value (FUV = 0.1066), followed by Alliaceae (FUV = 0.1015). Liver congestion had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.83), followed by hepatic colic (ICF = 0.80). Bibliometric analysis revealed that 61% of the plants identified had documented pharmacological effects related to liver health. Discussion: The study demonstrates that traditional knowledge in northeastern Morocco encompasses a rich diversity of medicinal plants used to treat liver diseases. The high ICF values indicate a strong consensus among informants on the efficacy of these remedies. The correlation between ethnopharmacological use and scientific validation for a significant portion of these plants suggests their potential as reliable therapeutic agents for liver conditions. However, further scientific investigations are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings. This research contributes valuable information for future studies on the therapeutic potential of these plants. Conclusion: This ethnobotanical survey provides a comprehensive database of medicinal plants used in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases. The findings highlight the potential of these plants in developing novel treatments for hepatic conditions, although further research is essential to substantiate their therapeutic claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia species belong to semi-arid and arid regions of Mexico and the United States. O. ficus-indica and O. dillenii are commonly used in alternative medicine to treat various diseases. Up to date, several scientific works have been carried out on the different parts of these plants. However, over the last few years, studies have been focusing on the oil obtained from the fruit seeds of these species. For this reason, this study aims to draw the attention of researchers toward the phytochemical and the pharmacological effects of these two Opuntia oils, which would help set up other scientific projects that promote these products. Phytochemical studies have shown that these oils are rich in biologically active molecules, such as unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols (mainly linoleic acid and β-sitosterol), as well as vitamin E, which is represented only by the γ-tocopherol. Besides, these oils are rich in polyphenols that protect them from photo-oxidation. Moreover, several studies have shown their antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective activities, as well as their hypolipidemic properties. The beneficial effects of these oils include also their ability to block the weight loss, and what makes them more interesting is their safety, according to the literature.

Introduction: Kidney stone is a major public health problem. Over 5% of the population is affected by kidney stones, with causes a lifetime risk of transmitting renal lithiasis of about 8 to 10%.

This study focuses on synthesizing a new series of isoxazolinyl-1,2,3-triazolyl-[1,4]-benzoxazin3-one derivatives 5a–5o. The synthesis method involves a double 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction following a “click chemistry” approach, starting from the respective [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-ones. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of these newly synthesized compounds through in silico methods. This synthesis approach allows for the combination of three heterocyclic components: [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one, 1,2,3-triazole, and isoxazoline, known for their diverse biological activities. The synthesis procedure involved a two-step process. Firstly, a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction was performed involving the propargylic moiety linked to the [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one and the allylic azide. Secondly, a second cycloaddition reaction was conducted using the product from the first step, containing the allylic part and an oxime. The synthesized compounds were thoroughly characterized using spectroscopic methods, including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT-135, and IR. This molecular docking method revealed a promising antidiabetic potential of the synthesized compounds, particularly against two key diabetes-related enzymes: pancreatic α-amylase, with the two synthetic molecules 5a and 5o showing the highest affinity values of 9.2 and 9.1 kcal/mol, respectively, and intestinal α-glucosidase, with the two synthetic molecules 5n and 5e showing the highest affinity values of −9.9 and −9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Indeed, the synthesized compounds have shown significant potential as antidiabetic agents, as indicated by molecular docking studies against the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Additionally, ADME analyses have revealed that all the synthetic compounds examined in our study demonstrate high intestinal absorption, meet Lipinski’s criteria, and fall within the required range for oral bioavailability, indicating their potential suitability for oral drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses a threat to plant and animal biodiversity. It induces physiological and morphological changes in plants. This study aimed to assess the effect of climate change on the phytochemical constituents, essential oil yield and chemical composition of Inula viscosa leaves. Three samples of I. viscosa from the Taounate region of Morocco were cultivated in a closed chamber for three years under different climatic conditions: sample 1 (I. viscosa cultivated in the first year under normal temperature and precipitation conditions of Taounate region), sample 2 (I. viscosa cultivated in the second year, at 5°C increase in temperature and 50% decrease in precipitation), and sample 3 (I. viscosa cultivated in the third year, at 10°C increase in temperature and 75% decrease in precipitation). Phytochemical and mineral analyses of the three samples were done according to standard procedures. Essential oils were extracted from the leaves of the three samples by hydro-distillation using the Clavenger apparatus. Chemical composition of the essential oils was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. Phytochemical screening showed that moderately intensified climatic conditions (sample 2) led to an increase in phytochemical content, mineral composition, and essential oil yield of Inula viscosa leaves. However, at adverse climatic conditions (sample 3), the phytochemical content, mineral composition, and essential oil yield of Inula viscosa leaves decreased significantly. GC-MS analysis revealed that changes in climatic condition affected the content of major compounds in the essential oil of I. viscosa leaves. Therefore, climate change can significantly impact the chemical composition of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors aimed to compare the phytochemical compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids), antioxidant activity, functional groups present in the compounds (FTIR), and anti-microbial effects, in the aqueous and methanol extracts obtained from flowers of commercial Hypericum perforatum and native Papaver Rhoeas from Morocco. P. Rhoeas L was collected from El Lhaj Kaddour near Meknes, while H. perforatum L was bought in a dried state from a Moroccan herbalist in the same city. Total polyphenols were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, respectively. The antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and antimicrobial effects were tested against six bacteria (Gram- and Gram+). The aqueous and methanol extracts of P. Rhoeas had the highest TPC value (23.67 ± 0.94 mg GAE/g; 15.86 ± 0.65 mg GAE/g) compared to H. perforatum (15.26 ± 1.30 mg GAE/g; 5.50 ± 1.13 GAE/g). The aqueous extract of Papaver Rhoeas exhibited the highest TFC at 14.36 ± 0.49 mg QE/g, while the methanol extract of Hypericum perforatum had the highest 10.65 ± 0.49 mg QE/g in TFC. In contrast, the methanol and aqueous extracts of H. perforatum showed significant zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (9.5 ± 0.5 mm and 10.17 ± 0.29 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (8.33 ± 0.58 mm and 9.33 ± 0.58 mm) respectively, with a minimum inhibitory concentration was estimated at 10 µL/ml. The FTIR analysis demonstrated that the extracts of both plants are rich in bioactive molecules with potential biological activities and a pharmaceutical industry perspective. Consequently, these Papaver Rhoeas and Hypericum perforatum extracts exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis is considered (Cannabis sativa L.) a sacred herb in many countries and is vastly employed in traditional medicine to remedy numerous diseases, such as diabetes. This research investigates the chemical composition of the aqueous extracts from Cannabis sativa L. seeds. Furthermore, the impact of these extracts on pancreatic α-amylase and lipase, and intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes is evaluated, as well as their antihyperglycemic effect. Analysis of the chemical composition of the aqueous extract was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). In contrast, the ethanol, hexanic, dichloromethane, and aqueous extract compositions have been established. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of ethanolic, dichloromethane, and aqueous extracts on pancreatic α-amylase and lipase, and intestinal α-glucosidase activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results of HPLC analysis indicate that the most abundant phenolic compound in the aqueous cannabis seed extract is 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, followed by 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and rutin acid. Moreover, administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts at a dose of 150 mg/Kg significantly suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia compared to the control group; the ethanolic, dichloromethane, and aqueous extracts significantly inhibit pancreatic α-amylase and lipase, and intestinal α-glucosidase in vitro. The pancreatic α-amylase test exhibited an inhibition with IC50 values of 16.36 ± 1.24 µg/mL, 19.33 ± 1.40 µg/mL, 23.53 ± 1.70 µg/mL, and 17.06 ± 9.91 µg/mL for EAq, EDm, EET, and EHx, respectively. EET has the highest inhibitory capacity for intestinal α-glucosidase activity, with an IC50 of 32.23 ± 3.26 µg/mL. The extracts inhibit porcine pancreatic lipase activity, demonstrating their potential as lipase inhibitors. Specifically, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the highest inhibition rate (77%) was observed for EDm. To confirm these results, the inhibitory effect of these extracts on enzymes was tested in vivo. The oral intake of aqueous extract markedly reduced starch- and sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in healthy rats. Administration of the ethanolic extract at a specific dose of 150 mg/kg significantly reduced postprandial glycemia compared with the control group. It is, therefore, undeniable that cannabis extracts represent a promising option as a potentially effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymus vulgaris L. (family Lamiaceae) is an aromatic medicinal plant well-known for its essential oil and therapeutic values. It thrives across Europe, Western Asia, the Mediterranean, and Northwestern Africa. This study aims to investigate the effect of climate change on the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of Thymus vulgaris essential oil. Essential oils were extracted from three distinct Thymus vulgaris samples (S1 - S3) cultivated under different climatic conditions. S1 was cultivated under normal seasonal condition; S2 and S3 were cultivated under controlled conditions; 5°C temperature increase and 50% precipitation (S2), 10°C temperature increase and 75% precipitation (S3). Chemical constituents of the essential oils were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The antidiabetic activity was assessed via the a-glucosidase and a-amylase inhibitory activities. GC-MS analysis identified 23 compounds with varying proportions in the three essential oil samples. The findings showed that S1 had the most potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 461.83±10.49 µg/mL and 1508.83±7.22 µg/mL in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively, while S3 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the FRAP assay, with IC50 value of 244.64±1.34 µg/mL. For the antidiabetic activity, S1 showed the highest a-amylase inhibitory activity, while S2 exhibited the highest a-glucosidase inhibitory effect. This study sheds light on Thymus vulgaris' adaptability and therapeutic potential under changing climatic conditions. These findings underscore the importance of understanding these dynamics for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juncus acutus, acknowledged through its indigenous nomenclature "samar", is part of the Juncaceae taxonomic lineage, bearing considerable import as a botanical reservoir harboring conceivable therapeutic attributes. Its historical precedence in traditional curative methodologies for the alleviation of infections and inflammatory conditions is notable. In the purview of Eastern traditional medicine, Juncus species seeds find application for their remedial efficacy in addressing diarrhea, while the botanical fruits are subjected to infusion processes targeting the attenuation of symptoms associated with cold manifestations. The primary objective of this study was to unravel the phytochemical composition of distinct constituents within J. acutus, specifically leaves (JALE) and roots (JARE), originating from the indigenous expanse of the Nador region in northeastern Morocco. The extraction of plant constituents was executed utilizing an ethanol-based extraction protocol. The subsequent elucidation of chemical constituents embedded within the extracts was accomplished employing analytical techniques based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the purpose of in vitro antioxidant evaluation, a dual approach was adopted, encompassing the radical scavenging technique employing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. The acquired empirical data showcase substantial radical scavenging efficacy and pronounced relative antioxidant activity. Specifically, the DPPH and TAC methods yielded values of 483.45 ± 4.07 µg/mL and 54.59 ± 2.44 µg of ascorbic acid (AA)/mL, respectively, for the leaf extracts. Correspondingly, the root extracts demonstrated values of 297.03 ± 43.3 µg/mL and 65.615 ± 0.54 µg of AA/mL for the DPPH and TAC methods. In the realm of antimicrobial evaluation, the assessment of effects was undertaken through the agar well diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration were determined for each extract. The inhibitory influence of the ethanol extracts was observed across bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the notable exception of Escherichia coli. However, fungal strains such as Candida glabrata and Rhodotorula glutinis exhibited comparatively lower resistance, whereas Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum exhibited heightened resistance, evincing negligible antifungal activity. An anticipatory computational assessment of pharmacokinetic parameters was conducted, complemented by the application of the Pro-tox II web tool to delineate the potential toxicity profile of compounds intrinsic to the studied extracts. The culmination of these endeavors underpins the conceivable prospects of the investigated extracts as promising candidates for oral medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, the phenolic compounds of Solanum elaeagnifolium were identified, and the plant's anti-lipase and anti-glycation effects on hemoglobin were discovered through in vitro experiments, as well as its short-term antihyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effects. The chemical compound composition was detected using HPLC-DAD, the anti-lipase activity was tested in vitro using 4-nitrophenyl butyrate as a substrate, and the antiglycation activity of the plant extracts was also tested in vitro using a haemoglobin model. The antihyperglycemic effect was determined by inhibiting pancreatic α-amylase and α-glycosidase activity and performing an in vivo glucose tolerance test on normal rats, and the anti-inflammatory activity was determined by inducing paw inflammation with carrageenan. In both the SEFR (fruit) and SEFE (leaf) extracts, chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside, rutin, and quercetin. SEFR inhibited the pancreatic lipase enzyme more effectively, with an IC50 of 0.106 ± 0.00 mg/mL. S. elaeagnifolium extracts demonstrated significant antiglycation activity, with 3.990 ± 0.23 mg/mL of SEFE and 3.997 ± 0.14 mg/mL of SEFR. When compared to positive and negative controls, plant extracts had very significant anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings in this study and previous research on this plant encourage us to investigate other pharmacological activities of this plant besides its duiretic, cictrisant, and anti-ulcer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic (in vivo, in vitro, and in silico) activities and acute toxicity of Crataegus monogyna Jacq (C monogyna) aqueous extracts. Methods: The study analyzed the aqueous extract of C monogyna through various methods such as phytochemical screening, and the high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV)-visible analysis. The extract was also tested for antioxidant potential, acute toxicity, antihyperglycemic effect, and inhibitory effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme. Additionally, the study used the molecular docking approach to identify the most potent ligands in the extract. Results: The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of C monogyna showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, sterol, and triterpene. The extract was rich in total polyphenols (1.65 ± 0.04 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract [GAE/g] DM), total flavonoids (0.33 ± 0.03 EQ/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.28 ± 0.01 EC/mg DM). HPLC-UV-visible analysis identified 9 phenolic compounds, with high levels of gallic acid and caffeic acid. The C monogyna extract has a high antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 9.23 ± 0.01 mg/mL by DPPH and 8.32 ± 0.02 mg/mL by FRAP. The aqueous extract of C monogyna was not toxic to albino mice. The glucose tolerance test showed a significant antihyperglycemic effect, with an IC50 of 0.070 ± 0.008 mg/mL for the inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase activity by the aqueous extract of C monogyna. The in vivo inhibitory effect of the extract on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme was confirmed. Two flavonoids, catechin, and rutin, were identified as potent inhibitors of the activity of α-amylase in the in silico part of the study, compared to the native ligand, Acarbose. Conclusion: The study found that C monogyna has significant antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties. The presence of catechin and rutin may contribute to these effects. The results suggest that C monogyna could be used as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]