Incorporation of fresh leaves of wormwood (Artemisia herba alba) and/or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in the diet of rams: Effect on testicular function, sexual behavior, and blood parameters.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of wormwood and rosemary supplementation on some reproductive traits of Barbarine rams. The experiment lasted 2 months. Twenty-four adult rams were divided into four groups (n = 6) balanced for the weight (53.3 ± 1.2 kg body weight [BW] ± SD). All rams received 1200 g of straw and 600 g of barley. Control rams (C) without aromatic medicinal plant (AMP), while experimental rams received 20 g of fresh rosemary leaves (R), 20 g of fresh wormwood leaves (A), and 10 g of fresh rosemary leaves plus 10 g of fresh wormwood leaves (RA). The results revealed that the live weight of all rams increased (p < .05) in the RA group compared to the C, A, and R groups. Scrotal circumference increased in the R rams when compared to the controls rams (p < .05). For sperm parameters we showed that the A rams had higher sperm concentrations (p < .05). But, the sperm volume decreased in the R rams (p > .05). However, when the rams received rosemary plus wormwood, their sperm volume increased (p > .05). The sperm mass motility was higher for the A, R and AR rams in comparison to the C rams (p = .05). On the other hand, biochemical analysis of the seminal fluid showed no effect of diets on calcium and total proteins concentration. But the measurement of glucose and seminal insulin showed a decrease (p < .05) in these two biochemical markers in group A rams and a decrease (p < .05) in insulin without modification of the glucose concentration in R rams. Blood glucose and insulin decreased in the animals on AMP diet compared to the other groups (p < .05) while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (p < .05). Rosemary leaves (R and RA groups) increased (p < .05) plasma cortisol compared to the other groups. It can be concluded that the addition of Rosmarinus officinalis and/or Artemisia herba alba in ram diet can have a positive effect on the reproductive function by increasing the concentration and motility of sperm, plasma testosterone, and sexual behavior.

Anti-obesity effects of the n-butanol fraction of the methanolic leaf extract of Artemisia campestris from Tunisian pharmacopeia in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the n-butanol fraction of the methanol leaf extract of Artemisia campestris (BFAC), growing wild in the arid zone of Tunisia, on induced obesity in male Wistar rats. METHODS: The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the BFAC were estimated. The main phenolic composition of the BFAC was determined using the high-performance chromatography system coupled with a diode array detector technics. Five groups of rats received either a standard diet (SD group), a high-fat diet (HFD group), or an HFD supplemented with oral administration of BFAC for eight weeks. RESULTS: The BFAC showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant potential than the total leaf methanol extract. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, and dicaffeoylquinic acids were identified in the BFAC. HFD increased body and relative liver weights, as well as serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, compared to SD. HFD generated significant oxidative stress in the liver by increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, compared to SD. These HFD-altered parameters were restored to normal values by oral treatment with the BFAC. CONCLUSIONS: These findings give first evidence about the antiobesity efficacy of A. campestris. Such a study would enhance existing information and promote the use of this species.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Seed Oil from Carthamus tinctorius L. in the Management of Skin Injuries.

Infection of skin injuries by pathogenic microbial strains is generally associated if not treated with a lasting wound bed oxidative stress status, a delay in healing process, and even wound chronicity with several human health complications. The aim of the current study was to explore the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentialities of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) extracted oil from seeds by cold pressing which would be beneficial in the management of skin wounds. Antioxidant capacity of the oil was evaluated (scavenging ability against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)). Total phenolic, total flavonoid, total carotenoid, and total chlorophyll contents were determined. Antimicrobial activities of safflower oil were tested against 10 skin pathogenic microorganisms: 4 bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae), 3 yeast species strains (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida sake), and 3 fungi species (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, and Fusarium oxysporum). A notable antioxidant capacity was demonstrated for the tested oil that exhibited moreover high antibacterial effects by both bacteriostatic and bactericidal pathways including lysozyme activity. An antifungal effect was further observed on the spore's germination. Safflower oil could be considered as a good natural alternative remedy in the management of skin wounds and their possible microbial infections.

Gastroprotective effect of leaf extract of two varieties grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) native wild and cultivar grown in North of Tunisia against the oxidative stress induced by ethanol in rats.

Context: Vitis vinifera leaves are traditionally used in Tunisian folk medicine to treat digestive pathologies.Objective: We aimed to compare the gastroprotective effects of hydromethanolic leaves extracts of wild and cultivated grapes accessions native of Tunisia.Materials and methods: The phytochemical analysis of grapevine leaves extracts was performed. The gastroprotective activity was evaluated by ethanol-induced gastric-ulcer in rats pre-treated with increased doses of the extracts or with the standard omeprazole. Index of gastric secretions (volume, pH and gastric mucus production), stomach wall histology and biochemical parameters were estimated for assessment of anti-secretory and gastroprotective effects of the extracts.Results: Pre-treatment with grapevine leaves extracts decreased significantly gastric volume, gastric mucosal damage and increased significantly gastric juice pH compared with the negative control group. The extracts prevented ethanol-induced decrease of the activity of antioxidant enzymes while the levels of malondialdehyde and of reduced glutathione were decreased significantly. Moreover, the most marked effect was observed at low doses of wild ecotype 'Nefza-I' extracts.Conclusion: The leaves of Vitis species might be suitable as a functional food for therapeutic purpose and demonstrates gastroprotective action in gastric lesions model. Both accessions exhibited gastroprotective effects, but wild 'Nefza-I' ecotype was more effective than cultivar 'Marsaoui'.

Effectiveness of Opuntia ficus indica L. inermis Seed Oil in the Protection and the Healing of Experimentally Induced Gastric Mucosa Ulcer.

Gastric ulcer is a painful lesion of the gastric mucosa which can be disabling, or even more very serious in the case of a perforation of the stomach and internal hemorrhage. Traditional pharmacopeias have shown the efficacy of various plant extracts in the treatment of this pathology. Some extracts from Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) have been proven to have medicinal therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive and curative effects of OFI seed oil extracted by cold pressing on an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Gastroprotective activities of the oil were assessed as pretreatments prior to ethanol gavage of Wistar rats compared to reference drugs. Two oil dose effects were tested. Ulcer and gastric parameters were measured (ulcerated areas (mm2), % of ulcer inhibition, gastric juice volume and pH, and mucus weight). Macroscopical and microscopical assessments of the stomachs as well as gastric biopsy histological studies were carried out. OFI oil exhibited a high efficiency in the protection of the cytoarchitecture and function of the gastric mucosa against the severe damages provoked by ethanol intake. Ulcerated areas were very significantly reduced and the % of ulcer inhibition was the highest under OFI oil pretreatment. Mucus production was stimulated, gastric juice volume was reduced, and its pH was increased. Histopathological examination of H&E-stained biopsies collected from gastric mucosae from the different experimental groups confirmed the gastroprotective efficacy of OFI oil against ethanol-induced symptoms such as inflammation and damages like bleeding, erosions, lesions, necrosis, and ulcers. Furthermore, OFI oil treatment speeded-up the reduction of the surface of ethanol-induced ulcerated areas in a dose-dependent manner, leading to a time gain in the healing process. The healing rate reached 91% on day 2 and 99% on day 3, and a complete heal was attained at the fourth day under OFI oil treatment, while ulcer areas were still partially unhealed in all the other groups. The therapeutic effects of OFI oil against gastric ulcer could be mediated by its varied bioactive compounds that we have demonstrated in the analytical study. They could act synergistically or in a delayed manner to optimize the healing process through protective antioxidant properties, as well as an antagonism against histamine H2-receptors, a stimulation of the signaling pathways necessary for mucus and bicarbonate production, and reduction of inflammatory processes in the gastric mucosa. Additionally, OFI oil fatty acids (especially unsaturated) and triacylglycerols contribute to the reconstruction and the repair of the cell membrane lipid bilayer during the gastric ulcer healing process.

The Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of Opuntia ficus indica L. inermis Extracted Oil from Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Opuntia ficus indica L. inermis (OFI) is used in traditional medicine pharmacopeia for its richness in natural bioactive compounds. It has been proven to be effective in the improvement of the healing of laser-induced skin burns. The aim of the present study was to investigate the wound healing effect of OFI extracted oil on full-thickness skin wound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OFI seeds were firstly isolated from mature prickly pears, washed, dried, and then cold-pressed. The antimicrobial activities of OFI seed oil were estimated in vitro against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were calculated. Skin wound healing was investigated using an excisional wound healing model in rats. The skin wounds of three experimental groups of rats were topically treated once/day with saline solution (control group), 0.15 mg/mm2 of a reference drug Esth'Elle Pharma Cicaplaie cream (reference group), and 0.6 µl/mm2 of OFI seed oil (OFI oil group). The healing process was monitored daily and the percentage of wound contraction was calculated. A histological study was carried on skin biopsies. RESULTS: The extracted oil has shown an interesting antimicrobial effect on Enterobacter cloacae, antiyeast effect against Candida parapsilosis and Candida sake, and antifungal activity against three opportunistic cutaneous molds (Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium). Moreover, OFI oil has shown a good wound healing effect. It prevents cutaneous infections and reduces the reepithelialization phase. CONCLUSION: OFI extracted oil has in vitro antimicrobial/fungal properties and in vivo wound healing activity. It seems to be efficient in the treatment of cutaneous infections and the promoting of the scarring process.

Exploration of hypoglycemic effect of an extract from leaves of a plant from Tunisian pharmacopeia: Artemisia campestris (Asteraceae).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A lot of research has been directed towards medicinal plants which are considered as a source of multiple phytotherapic substances endowed with hypoglycemic activities that could be used to treat diabetes and its complications. Our study was carried out in Wistar rats to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of n-Butanol Fraction from Artemisia campestris leaf Methanolic Extract (BFACME). METHODS: Two experimental models were used in rats: orally induced hyperglycemia (OGTT) and isolated perfused liver (IPRL). RESULTS: BFACME at 550 mg/kg BW dose significantly reduced fasting glucose level in normal rats as compared to controls. The decrease of glycaemia was 12.6% more significant than that obtained with the standard drug glibenclamide (10 mg/kg BW), an oral antidiabetic preparation belonging to sulfonylurea class. In OGTT model, BFACME at the highest doses of 550 and 400 mg/kg BW significantly reduced the postprandial hyperglycemic peak compared to controls. In the IPRL model, treatment with BFACME significantly decreased glucose concentrations after 30 min of perfusion with 30 mM glucose solely when insulin was present. The higher doses of BFACME lead to glucose concentration at basal level as early as 90 min, while the lowest dose does not restore this concentration even to t = 120min. The best initial glucose concentration retrieval was obtained with 0.7 mg BFACME/mL/g liver. At this dose, BFACME improves the decrease of glucose level caused by only insulin by about 18%. CONCLUSION: The BFACME appears to exert a hypoglycemic activity by potentiating the insulin action.

Protective effects of phycocyanin on ischemia/reperfusion liver injuries.

In this study, phycocyanin (Pc) extracted from Spirulina platensis was used to evaluate its antioxidants effects after ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) using the ex-vivo model of isolated perfused rat liver. The rats were divided into eight groups : Control group, where livers were directly perfused after their removal; Cold Ischemia group (CI), livers were treated in the same way as the control group, except that after their collection, they were stored for 12 h and 24 h in the Krebs Henseleit (KH) preservation solution at 4 °C and Treated group (PHY), livers were preserved in the same way as the preceding group except that the KH solution was enriched with phycocyanin at two different concentrations. Pc, a powerful antioxidant, significantly reduced ischemia/reperfusion injury in the liver. In fact, the addition of phycocyanin to the preservation solution significantly decreased the activity of liver transaminases (AST) and (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the rate of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes, essentially glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). On the other hand, Pc increases the level of thiol groups in hepatic tissues. In conclusion, the results show the Pc-enriched KH conservation solution is effective in preserving the hepatic graft and protecting it against IRI by acting as a potent antioxidant against the products of oxidative stress.