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This study aims to assess the chemical composition of the aqueous extract of Cistus albidus L. leaves, as well as the potential of aqueous and hydroethanol extracts of the leaves and seeds as analgesic, anti--inflammatory, and antioxidant agents. The contents of phenolics and inorganic constituents were determined in C. albidus seeds and leaves; antioxidant capacity was assessed by 3 complementary and diverse tests. The carrageenan-induced paw edema technique was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, and albumin denaturation to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect in vitro. The acetic acid-induced contortion test, the tail-flick test, and the plantar test were used to assess the analgesic effi cacy in vivo.

This study evaluated the volatile components of Cannabis sativa L. essential oils (CSEOs) and their pharmacological potential in vitro, in animal, and in silico. The anti-oxidant capacities of volatile compounds were tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-microbial activity against bacterial and fungal strains was assessed using disk diffusion and micro-dilution, and acute toxicity was examined on mice using OECD 423 criteria. The results indicate that the main components were β-caryophyllene (31.54%), α-humulene (12.62%), β-myrcene (4.83%), and α-pinene (4.69%). The essential oil showed high anti-oxidant ability (IC50 = 0.981 ± 0.059 mg/ml for DPPH, EC50 = 1.74 ± 0.05 for FRAP), and TAC of 0.101 ± 0.001 mg AAE/g. Additionally, it showed significant antibacterial action against Gram-negative organisms, such as Escherichia coli (11.33 ± 0.00 mm), Klebsiella pneumonia (9 ± 0.00 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.34 ± 0.00), with MICs ranging from 0.0052 to 0.0208 mg/CSEO demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Fusarium proliferatum, with activity levels of 18.66 ± 0.88 mm, 41.89 ± 3.60%, and MICs of 0.39 and 0.013 mg/ml, respectively. In toxicological studies, CSEO proved to be safe for animals. Docking identified bioactive components and explored anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties. Docking proved that bulnesol and champacol caused indicated actions.

Cytisus villosus Pourr. (C. villosus) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, which grows in the Mediterranean area. It is used in traditional medicine against diseases related to inflammation. The objective of the present study was to identify the mineral and polyphenolic composition as well as to evaluate some biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of C. villosus leaf aqueous extract. The chemical constituents were identified and quantified using ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) methods. The antioxidant properties of C. villosus leaves were tested using reducing power (RP), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The anti-inflammatory potency was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using the albumin denaturation test and the carrageenan test, respectively. Furthermore, the analgesic effect was performed in vivo using tail flick, acetic acid-induced contortion, and plantar tests. Mineralogical analysis revealed that potassium and calcium were the most abundant minerals. The analysis and quantification of the phytochemical composition using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS showed that quinic acid (57.478 ± 1.72 mg/kg) was the major compound of the aqueous extract, followed by salicylic acid (17.38 ± 0.2 mg/kg), isoquercetin (16.895 ± 1.01 mg/kg), and gallic acid (15.914 ± 1.51 mg/kg). The extracts showed potent antioxidant activity for all tests used. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded for the DPPH, ABTS and RP methods, with an IC50 of 3.94 ± 0.09, 2.88 ± 0.07, and 1.94 ± 0.10 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, using the most frequent analgesic assays, the aqueous extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg exhibited a potent analgesic activity. Notably, an interesting inhibition of albumin denaturation was recorded with an IC50 of 383.94 μg/mL, corroborating the in vivo test. Overall, the results presented here may represent a scientific basis for the traditional use of C. villosus in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (TA), a member of the Cupressaceae family, is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat various health problems in Al Hoceima Province. Our study aimed to determine the content of polyphenols and flavonoids, and to evaluate the biological antioxidant activities using DPPH and FRAP tests. At the same time, we assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of various extracts of TA from Al Hoceima, using the BSA method for each of the extracts studied. The results reveal that ethyl acetate extracts (28.11 mg EAG/g ES), followed by ethanolic extracts (22.42 mg EAG/g ES), show higher quantities than the other extracts. Regarding flavonoids, ethyl acetate extract (90 mg EQ/g ES) and ethanolic extracts (64 mg EQ/g ES) showed the highest concentrations. For antioxidant activity, ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts showed significant activity, while for anti-inflammatory activity, ethyl acetate and hexanolic extracts showed more marked activity than ethanolic and dichloromethanic extracts. This study reveals that Tetraclinis articulata leaf extracts are an effective antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory agent. The results indicate the efficacy of TA leafs extracts from the province of Al Hoceima.

Medicinal plants serve as a significant source of bioactive molecules, with their utilization in the medical realm dating back to ancient times through herbal preparations. In Morocco, the utilization of plants remains integral to traditional medicine. Despite numerous studies documenting indigenous knowledge regarding plant use, scant attention has been given to northern Morocco, particularly the Rif region. This study seeks to enrich and consolidate our understanding of plant utilization in this area. The ethnobotanical investigation was centred on medicinal plants employed in cosmetics within northern Morocco. A questionnaire was disseminated, gathering data encompassing plant names, utilized plant parts, and preparation methods. The study identified 32 plant species utilized in cosmetics, including Cannabis sativa L., Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, Juglans regia L., and Rubus fruticosus L. Leaves emerged as the most used plant parts, with decoction and infusion being the predominant preparation methods. This survey facilitated a comprehensive examination of ethnobotanical knowledge, shedding light on the primary plants employed in cosmetics. Prudent management of these resources is imperative to prevent future shortages.

In the northern region of Morocco, specifically in the Province of Al Hoceima, the establishment of the Al Hoceima National Park (ANP) serves as a designated protected area. The primary purpose of this park is to promote the conservation, protection, and sustainable development of the diverse natural resources present. The ANP boasts a significant variety of flora, particularly medicinal and aromatic plants (AMP). This research aimed to identify and highlight the AMP the local rural population utilizes. Conducted between August 2020 and March 2021, an ethnobotanical survey engaged herbalists, traditional healers, and rural residents through structured questionnaires. These surveys elicited specific information about the informants and details regarding the plants in use. This survey revealed the identification of 47 taxa based on vernacular names, which were subsequently matched with their scientific names according to available literature. These taxa are distributed among 29 botanical families, with notable prevalence in Lamiaceae, comprising 8 species, followed by Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Solanaceae, each with 3 species. The study further indicates that the most utilized parts of these plants are the foliage and leafy stems, with decoctions being the predominant method of preparation for remedies. The investigation into the diseases treated revealed that digestive infections rank highest, followed by respiratory infections. Sociodemographic characteristics analysis indicated a slightly higher usage of medicinal plants by women than men. The insights gleaned from this research offer valuable information for the studied region and contribute to the broader understanding of the national medicinal flora.

Background. Medicinal plants have long played an integral role in traditional healing systems and are crucial for meeting primary healthcare needs. This study aimed to investigate the use of medicinal plants in phytotherapy in the Ketama region of Northern Morocco. Methods. Ethnobotanical data and ancestral knowledge regarding plants were collected through a field survey conducted from August 2019 to July 2021. The data were gathered using a standardized questionnaire, as well as through semistructured interviews and focus groups. Various ethnobotanical indices were applied to analyse the information collected. Results. A comprehensive inventory identified a total of 81 plant species, belonging to 40 families and 65 genera. These species are used primarily to treat a variety of diseases. Notably, digestive disorders ranked first among the diseases treated, with an ICF value of 0.618. Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L., and Origanum compactum Benth exhibited the highest UV values among medicinal plants. Leaves were the most used part of the plant part (50.28%), and the decoction method was the most recommended preparation, with oral administration being the preferred mode of application of the remedy. Conclusion. The Ketama region boasts a rich abundance of medicinal and aromatic plants, as evident from the quantitative analysis highlighting the significant usage of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L., and Origanum compactum Benth. by the local population. However, further research in the form of pharmacological studies is necessary to validate their therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is a mechanism that occurs against aggressive agents such as infections, wounds, pollens, autoimmune diseases, and tissue damage. Morocco has traditionally used herbal remedies to treat many illnesses, including inflammation. The objective of this study was to describe the Moroccan medicinal plants used in inflammation treatment. This systematic review examines ethnobotanical studies published in English and French in the literature as well as the pharmacological studies that assess anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, from databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Springer). The research was carried out until August 2021. In ethnobotanical surveys, 100 medicinal plants were identified, which belonged to 52 families of which the most often cited are Lamiaceae with 18 species, followed by Apiaceae (13 species) and Asteraceae (10 species). The most used plants to treat inflammation in Morocco are: Coriandrum sativum L, Caralluma europaea (Guss.) Nebr., Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., Capparis spinosa L., Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag, Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb., Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Pau, Thymus saturejoides Coss, Thymus zygis L., Lawsonia isermis L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. This review highlighted Moroccan medicinal plants used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. Many of this plant species require additional pharmacological, and clinical studies to verify which plants are effective in treating inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]