In-vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) aqueous extracts collected from the National Park of El-Kala (North-East, Algeria).

The aim of our study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of Chamaemelum nobile. Aqueous extracts were administrated to Wistar rats in bronchial-inflammation experimentally induced by an allergen and ovalbumin, administered intraperitoneally / intranasally (20mg/kg/day). Experimentation showed disturbances in bronchoalveolar fluid with increased leukocyte and lymphocyte levels as well as IL-4 concentration in the lungs and erythrocytes associated with high lipid peroxidation. There were disturbances in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Lungs histopathological showed an inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, moderate edema of alveoli, vascular congestion and suffusion hemorrhage. Administration of aqueous extract to OVA-sensitized rats caused a significant and very highly significant improvement of MDA levels in lungs, erythrocytes, GSH, GPx, GST, catalase and SOD. We notice a decrease in IL-4 in LBA and lungs alongside reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, mild bronchiolar dilation, mild alveolar edema and normal cell morphology allowing us to conclude on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory activity of Roman chamomile.

Insecticidal effect of Eucalyptus globulus and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils on a stored food pest Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidea).

For the purpose of evaluating the local heritage of eastern Numidia, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted on a population located in the province (department) of El-Tarf (North-East of Algeria) on a frequency of use of two plants known in traditional health; Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae). After processing data, our results show a female dominance when using these plants on a fairly advanced age group (40 to 60 years old). These plants are used by the people at their fresh state and deem the leaf as the most used part for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Furthermore, steam baths and infusion remain the most widespread preparation methods. Most consumers use these plants to treat influenza, respiratory illnesses as well as diseases of the digestive tract. GC-MS of essential oils extracted from the plants studied disclose a dominance of the alcohols portrayed by the monoterpenes (42.73%), sesquiterpenes (32.6%) and oxides (10.48%) in E. globulus. Data also indicate a high content of oxides (38.11%) monoterpene alcohols (20.43%) and monoterpenes (19.70%) in R.officinalis. Toxicological contact tests were achieved on a store-products pest Ephestia kuehniella. The test results were assessed with E.globulus (LC50=0.013; LC95=0.081 µl/cm2) and R.officinalis (LC50=0.011; LC95=0.059 µl/cm2). The lethal time changes according to the dose used and the tested plant. In E.globulus, we observe (concentration: 0.005 µl/cm2; LT50=56.2 h), (Concentration: 0.01 µl/cm2; LT50=49.53h) and (Concentration: 0.04µl/cm2; LT50=20.93h). Whereas in R.officinalis, we recorded (Concentration: 0.005 µl/cm2; LT50=55.7h), (Concentration: 0.01µl/cm2; LT50=54.99 h) and (Concentration: 0.04µl/cm2; LT50=29.13 h). The bioinsecticide has also been administered by fumigation and underpins toxicity by the reduction of adults longevity in E.kuehniella with R.officinalis (LC50=4.03 µl/l air; LC95=14.73 µl/l air) and E.globulus (LC50=7.76 µl/lair; LC95=21.23 µl/l air). In addition, the tested plants show an outstanding repellent effect as long as E.globulus and  R.officinalis essential oils respectively demonstrate a slightly repellent power at 42.22% (RD50=0.09 µl/cm2 ; RD95=0.24 µl/cm2) and repellent at 60.00% (RD50=0.06 µl/cm2 ; RD95= 0.35 µl/cm2) towards E.kuehniella adults. The plant resources represent a genuine reserve of bioactive molecules, which can create solutions to sustainable development issues. These plants might be the source of new molecules of combat against some pests in order to protect human health and safeguard the environment.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities, in an allergic asthma model, of Olea europaea L. leaf extracts from Collo (Skikda, Algeria).

This study is an attempt to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of olive leaves variety (namely Bouricha variety) that is very widespread in the East of Algeria. The aqueous extract (AE) of leaves was initially analyzed for its phenolic profile. Using the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis, it was possible to identify the predominant components in the AE of the leaves. This extract was hydrolyzed with acid and gave hydroxytyrosol (HT). AE and HT were evaluated for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum method. The antioxidant and anti-asthmatic activities of these extracts were examined in a model of experimental asthma in Wistar rats. For measuring the intensity of the airway inflammation, oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in lungs and a histological study of this tissue was performed. The obtained results showed that the sensitization of the ovalbumin (OVA) group induced lung inflammation and severe lipid peroxidation (LPO) revealed by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems. However, the administration of AE and HT extracts significantly improved the antioxidant state in asthma disease and provided evidence for the relation between phenolic compounds and the high antioxidant activity of olive leaves extracts, especially HT more than AE.

Adaptogenic activity of Cinnamomum camphora, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula stœchas and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil used in North-African folk medicine.

Depressive anxiety is one of the most emotional disorders in our industrial societies. Many treatments of phobias exist and are based on plant extracts therapies, which play an important role in the amelioration of the behavior. Our study aimed to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of different essential oils provided from local plants: Cinnamomum camphora (Camphora), Eucalyptus globulus (Blue gum), Lavandula stœchas (Topped lavender) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) on Wistar rats. The adaptogenic activity was evaluated on the elevated plus-maze. The efficacy of the extract (200 mL/kg) was compared with the standard anxiolytic drug Diazepam® 1 mg. Animals administered by the essential oil of Lavandula stœchas, Cinnamomum camphora, Rosmarinus officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus showed a behavior similar to those treated with Diazepam®. For groups treated with the following essential oils: Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula stoechas and Cinnamomum camphora at a dose of 200 mL/kg, we notice an increase in the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus-maze and a decrease in time spent on the closed arms of the elevated plus-maze, especially for Rosmarinus officinalis, which explains the anxiolytic effect of these plants. We also notice a decrease in the number of entries in closed arms, open arms and the number of passing to the central square. The increase in the number of entries to open arms with Eucalyptus globulus essential oil shows a reduction in anxiety behavior in rodents and this shows that these plants have an inhibitory effect.

Nephroprotective effect of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the present study, we investigate the phytochemical composition and the nephroprotective effects as well as the antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in alloxan-induced experimental diabetes in rats. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Wistar rats were divided into four groups of seven rats each: Group I: Normal control (NC) received saline solution at 9‰ given by intraperitoneal way; Group II: Diabetic control (DC) received alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally; Group III: Normal control (NC + AHA) received saline solution at 9‰ and treated orally by AHA aqueous extract (400 mg/kg/b.w); Group IV: Diabetic control (DC + AHA) received alloxan solution (150 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally and treated by aqueous extract of AHA (400 mg/kg/b.w/day) orally after one week of alloxan administration. After 30 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis, respectively. Glomerular damage markers, including creatinine, serum urea, urine creatinine and urine urea levels were estimated. Creatinine clearance was also assessed. Oxidative stress parameters were assessed in the kidney homogenate. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Alloxan-exposure resulted in significant increase in blood glucose and serum level of glomerular damage markers. The antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly downregulated associated with an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level over the baseline values. Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract supplementation significantly improved the studied parameters. In concluding, the results obtained suggests that Artemisia herbs-alba aqueous extract supplementation reduces alloxan-induced free radical generation, potentiates the antioxidant defense system and alleviates renal sensitivity to oxidative stress.

Roundup-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of rats: the ameliorative effects of Linum usitatissimum oil.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Linum usitatissimum oil (LuO) against sub-chronic Roundup (RDP)-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control group (no treatment), RDP group (Roundup at 269.9 mg/kg b.w.), LuO group (0.5 g/kg b.w. of LuO) and RDP+LuO group (RDP and LuO simultaneously). LuO decreased the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC50=10.36 µg/ml) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50=22.85 mg/ml) in the tested tissues. The 30-day exposure of rats to RDP caused an increase in serum hepatic and renal markers: AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γGT, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. In addition, SOD, CAT and GST activities decreased by 43%, 61%, and 61%, respectively, while GPx activity, MDA and PCOs levels increased by 80%, 46%, 25%, respectively. LuO treatment alleviated hepatotoxicity in RDP-treated rats, showing improved levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemical parameters. The histological examination of the liver and kidney confirmed the changes in Roundup-treated rats and demonstrated the protective role of LuO.

Pumpkin seed oil alleviates oxidative stress and liver damage induced by sodium nitrate in adult rats: biochemical and histological approach.

BACKGROUND: Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world's ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate. METHODS: Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined. RESULTS: Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, progressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage.

Atriplex halimus aqueous extract abrogates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating biochemical and histological changes in rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Atriplex halimus aqueous leaves extract (AHAE) against acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: group (C) served as a control treated with 1 ml/(kg bw) of olive oil, and group (CCl4) was treated with 1 ml CCl4/(kg bw) dissolved in olive oil administered by intraperitoneal way. Rats of group (CCl4+AHAE) have received CCl4 and treated with 200 mg AHAE/(kg bw). Animals of group (AHAE) were treated with 200 mg/(kg bw) of AHAE. A significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in liver associated with a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione content was observed in CCl4 group compared to controls. The administration of AHAE to CCl4+AHAE group improved all parameters studied. We conclude that CCl4 induces oxidative stress and modifies biochemical parameters and histological aspects of liver. Administration of AHAE alleviates the toxicity induced by this organic compound.

Mitigating effects of antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract on hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Chronic hyperglycemia and excess reactive oxygen species overproduced in diabetes were associated with oxidative stress, led to continuous injury and functions damage to different organs: eyes, kidneys, neural and cardiovascular system. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Artemisia herba alba (AHA) leaf powder against alloxane-induced oxidative damage in diabetic rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I controls received saline solution 9%; Group II was treated with 150 mg alloxane/(kg body weight) administered by intraperitoneal. Rats of Group III have received saline solution and treated with 400 mg AHA/(kg body weight). Animals of Group IV were treated with alloxane and AHA. Alloxane exposure led to increased blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and a decrease in the antioxidants enzymes activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase). Administration of AHA aqueous extract ameliorated these parameters. These results demonstrate that AHA ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.

Efficacy of Allium sativum oil to alleviate tebuconazol-induced oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats.

The present study focused on the protective efficacy of Allium sativum oil (ASO) against tebuconazol (TEB)-induced oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight each: group I served as control rats, group II was treated with TEB (100 mg/kg bw), group III received ASO (5ml/kg bw). The animals of group IV were treated with TEB and ASO, during 4 weeks. The obtained results showed that TEB induced a significant change of some hematological parameters, including red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), white blood cells (WBC) and platelet (Plt) compared to the control group. Moreover, while the total cholesterol levels and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) significantly increased due to TEB administration, the concentrations of plasma total protein, albumin and triglyceride considerably decreased. Furthermore, the exposure to TEB significantly increased the malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in the hepatic tissues. The results were confirmed by the histological impairments. Besides, the co-administration of ASO improved the status of all studied parameters. Therefore, our investigation revealed that ASO had protective effects against TEB-induced liver injury, which could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.

Insecticidal effects of the Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts on the flour Pyralid Ephestia kuehniella.

In the present study, the aerial parts of the Laperrine olive (Olea europaea subsp. Laperrinei) are subjected to acid extraction and the chemical composition of the extracts is determined by HPLC-DAD. The main compounds found in all of extracts are: hydroxytyrosol (30.45%), tyrosol (0.69%), oleuropein (32.76%), ferrulic acid (17.77%), quercetin (31.57%) and hesperetin (6.90%).The extracts obtained from the leafy stems of Laperrine olive tree are tested on the moth Ephestia kuehniella flour. Their administration by inhalation of newly exuviated chrysalises extends the duration of nymphalid development and disturbs the exuviated adults reproduction, by reducing the period in which the eggs are being laid. Thus, compared to the control insects, the number of eggs laid by treated females is significantly reduced after the treatment by extracts. Besides, the administration of different extracts of adult butterflies has a premature mortality effect.

Conservation of stored food using plant's extracts. Effect of oregano (Origanum vulgaris) essential oils on the reproduction and development of flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella).

In the search for effective methods of biological control of stored products insect-pests, the essential oil of Origanum vulgaris was extracted using Clevenger apparatus and tested on reproduction and mortality of flour moth Ephestia kuehniella. Bio-insecticide works with a double action mechanism; administered by inhalation in pupae, essential oil affects their pupal development. It also disrupts the reproduction of exuviated adults by extending the preoviposition period and reducing the period of egg laying and fecundity because fecundated females cannot live more than four days compared to control group. Moreover, the essential oil administered by inhalation in adults causes a significant mortality rate compared to control group by reducing their lifespan. A repellent effect against larvae and adults of this pest was noticed in this work. This allowed us ranking this oil as "moderately repulsive".

Modulatory Role of Selenium and Vitamin E, Natural Antioxidants, against Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albinos Rats.

Bisphenol A, an everywhere chemical, is applied as a plasticizer in polycarbonate plastics, which often used in our everyday products and in epoxy resins as protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans for decades. Human exposure to BPA may lead to adverse effects by interfering with oestrogen receptors. Our present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit E) on BPA-induced damage in the liver of male rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: the first group received olive oil and served as control. The second group received both (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet). The third one treated orally by (10 mg/kg b.w.) of BPA. The last group received (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet) concomitantly with (10 mg/kg b.w.) BPA. Exposure to BPA for three weeks engendered a hepatic disorder. An increased AST and ALT enzymatic activity was noticed in BPA-treated group as compared to other groups. Furthermore, a change in glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, albumin, and bilirubin level was remarkable. Moreover, exposure to BPA increased malondialdehyde levels while reduced gluthatione content was decreased in the liver homogenate. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase and catalase activities was observed in the same group. Administration of selenium and vitamin E through the diet in BPA treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. In addition, an improvement in activities of liver enzymes was recorded. The histological findings confirmed the biochemical results. The model of this study that we employed characterized the relationships between BPA-induced hepatotoxicity and its alleviation by natural antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E.

Bio-insecticidal effects of Oleaster leaves aqueous extracts against Psylla larvae (Euphyllura olivina (Costa)), a primary pest of Olea europaea L.

Many plant species produce phenolic compounds in their various organs and their use in crop protection. These plant secondary metabolites may serve as toxins against the insect pests. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the bio-insecticidal effect of an aqueous extract of wild Olive leaves on Psylla larvae (Euphyllura olivina), a primary pest of the cultivated Olive tree (Olea europaea L. subsp sativa). Two concentrations of 0.05g/ml and 0.1g/ml leaves grinding powder in distilled water were sprayed on branches infested with Psylla larvae. The obtained results revealed a very significant mortality rate of the larvae 24 hours after spraying. The chemical composition of Oleaster leaves aqueous extracts is determined by HPLC-DAD. The results show in majority the presence of phenolic compounds represented by oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol. The phenolic compounds of the crude extract were at the origin of this mortality. The Analysis of Variance revealed highly significant results both between the sampled trees and between the tested concentrations. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a close relation between the physiological state of the studied trees and the degree of their infestation by the phytophagus. Taking into account, the physical and chemical characteristics of the sampled soils, data analysis showed that trees growing on nitrogen-rich soils were more infested than those growing on soils rich in organic carbon (Corg) and phosphorus (Porg).

Effect of ecdysone agonist RH-0345 on reproduction of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor.

RH-0345 belongs to a new group of insect growth regulators (IGRs) with a benzoylhydrazine structure that mimic the action of the natural insect molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. After topical application on female adult beetles of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), first oviposition was delayed, the number of eggs per female was reduced by 32%, the follicular epithelium was thinner (-33%) during sexual maturation, the size of deposited eggs was reduced, and egg viability was lost by 68%. Treatment with RH-0345 had also reduced the ovarian protein content and two protein bands were missing in the ovaries. Ultrastructural observations of the ovaries at the end of vitellogenesis in treated females, however, showed no evident differences with the fine structure of both follicular cells and oocytes in controls. In addition, we measured the amount of ecdysteroids in the medium of treated ovary cultures in vitro and in the eggs deposited by treated females. Possible action sites with the reproductive system at different levels in T. molitor are discussed for this novel group of IGRs.