Amino acid HPLC-FLD analysis of spirulina and its protective mechanism against the combination of obesity and colitis in wistar rats.

Objective: The cafeteria diet (CD), designed as an experimental diet mimicking the obesogenic diet, may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This study delves into the influence of spirulina (SP) on obesity associated with colitis in Wistar rats. Methods: The amino acids composition of SP was analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Animals were equally separated into eight groups, each containing seven animals and treated daily for eight weeks as follows: Control diet (SD), cafeteria diet (CD) group, CD + SP (500 mg/kg) and SD + SP. Ulcerative colitis was provoked by rectal injection of acetic acid (AA) (3 % v/v, 5 ml/kg b.w.) on the last day of treatment in the following groups: SD + AA, SD + AA + SP, CD + AA, and CD + AA + SP. Results: Findings revealed that UC and/or CD increased the abdominal fat, weights gain, and colons. Moreover, severe colonic alteration, perturbations in the serum metabolic parameters associated with an oxidative stress state in the colonic mucosa, defined by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased levels of plasma scavenging activity (PSA). Additionally, obesity exacerbated the severity of AA-induced UC promoting inflammation marked by the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Significantly, treatment with SP provided notable protection against inflammation severity, reduced histopathological alterations, attenuated lipid peroxidation (MDA), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPX) along with non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and SH-G). Conclusions: Thus, the antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory proprieties of SP could be attributed to its richness in amino acids, which could potentially mitigate inflammation severity in obese subjects suffering from ulcerative colitis. These results imply that SP hold promise as a therapeutic agent for managing of UC, particularly in individuals with concomitant obesity. Understanding SP's mechanisms of action may lead novel treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases and hyperlipidemia in medical research.

Bioactivity and molecular docking studies of selected plant compounds.

BACKGROUND: The shortcomings of synthetic pesticides are becoming increasingly evident. In the pursuit of looking for alternative, environmentally friendly pesticides, the potential use of two naturally occurring sesquiterpenes, α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A, as bactericides or acaricides, was investigated against three gram-positive and three gram-negative bacteria, and the eggs and larvae of the cattle tick Hyalomma scupense, respectively. The primary targeted site of synthetic insecticides is acetylcholinesterase (AChE), so the inhibitory activity of both sesquiterpenes was evaluated. Then, molecular docking and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) studies were performed to gain insight into their binding mode in the AChE active site. RESULTS: Bisabolol oxide A showed good activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 34 mm and minimal inhibitory concentration (CIM) of 3.125 mg mL-1. Ovicidal and larvicidal assays revealed promising activity of α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A against H. scupense, with bisabolol oxide A being more effective against larval ticks with lethal concentration (LC50) value of 0.78%. Both compounds also displayed potent anti-AChE activity with inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 37.09 and 28.14 µg mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A exhibited good and comparable docking scores (-7.289 and -7.139 Kcal mol-1, respectively) and were found to accommodate in the active-site gorge of AChE via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. CONCLUSION: Bisabolol oxide A and, to a lesser degree, α-bisabolol are active against bacteria and ectoparasites and may represent an economical and sustainable alternative to toxic synthetic pesticides to control pathogens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Laboratory assessment of the acaricidal, repellent and anti-cholinesterase effects of Melaleuca alternifolia and Chamaemelum nobile essential oils against Hyalomma scupense ticks.

In cattle, Hyalomma scupense serves as an important vector of several pathogens resulting in diseases, subsequently affecting the agricultural field as well as the economy. Resistance to chemical acaricides has become widespread affirming the need for new drugs to tick control. The goal of this study was to investigate the acaricidal, repellent activities as well as the putative mode of action of two essential oils (EOs) from Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) on Hyalomma scupense. The chemical composition of EOs was also evaluated. Different concentrations of EOs were tested in vitro for their acaricidal property on adults and larvae of H. scupense using adult immersion test (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT). Additionally, using Ellman's spectrophotometric method, the anticholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity of M. alternifolia and C. nobile EOs was assessed in order to understand their putative mode of action. The main compounds of C. nobile were α-Bisabolene (22.20%) and (E)-ß-Famesene (20.41%). The major components in the analyzed M. alternifolia were Terpinen-4-ol (36.32%) and γ-Terpinene (13.69%). Adulticidal and larvicidal assays demonstrated a promising efficacy of the essential oils against tick H. scupense. The lethal concentration (LC50) values obtained for M. alternifolia and C. nobile oils were 0.84 and 0.96 mg/mL in the AIT and 0.37 and 0.48 mg/mL in the LPT, respectively. Regarding repellent activity, M. alternifolia achieved 100% repellency at the concentration of 1 mg/mL while C. nobile showed 95.98% repellency activity at concentration of 4 mg/mL. Also, M. alternifolia and C. nobile EOs displayed potent AChE inhibition with IC50 value of 91.27 and 100.12 µg/mL, respectively. In the present study, M. alternifolia and, to a lesser degree, C. nobile EOs were found to be effective in vitro acaricides, repellents and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor against H. scupense ticks. These plants may represent an economical and sustainable alternative to toxic synthetic acaricides in the management of ectoparasites of veterinary importance.

Phytochemical Properties of Crataegus azarolus Berries Decoction Extract and Evaluation of its Protective Activity Against Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Crataegus azarolus berries decoction extract (CAB-DE) against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis as well as the mechanisms implicated in such protection. Adult male Wistar rats were separated into seven groups: Control (H2O), acetic acid (AA), AA + various doses of CAB-DE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.), and AA + sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) or gallic acid (50 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) during 10 days. All rats were kept fasting overnight and ulcerative colitis was induced by rectal infusion of AA (300 mg kg-1, b.w.) (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg-1 b.w), for 30 s. The colon was rapidly excised and macroscopically examined to measure ulcerated surfaces and the ulcer index. In vitro, we found that CAB-DE exhibited a high antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50 = 164.17 ± 4.78 µg/mL). In vivo, pretreatment with CAB-DE significantly protected the colonic mucosa against AA-induced damage by stimulating mucus secretion, reducing ulcer index as well as histopathological changes. Also, CAB-DE limited the oxidative status induced by AA in the colonic mucosa, as assessed by MDA and H2O2 increased levels and the depletion of both enzymatic activities and non-enzymatic levels. In addition, AA intoxication increased iron and calcium levels in colonic mucosa and plasma, while CAB-DE pretreatment regulated all intracellular mediators deregulation and significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP (1.175 ± .04 ─ .734 ± .06 µg/dl) and ALP (161.53 ± 5.02 ─ 98.60 ± 4.21 UI/L) levels. We suggest that CAB-DE protected against AA-induced ulcerative colitis due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health.

A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.

Salvia officinalis flowers extract ameliorates liver and kidney injuries induced by simultaneous intoxication with ethanol/castor oil.

The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF-AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF-AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF-AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO-caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF-AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF-AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SF-AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2 O2 , free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF-AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, SF-AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Prophylactic Coloprotective Effect of Urtica dioica Leaves against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

Background and Objectives: Urtica dioica, a source of bioactive functional compounds, provides nutritional and gastrointestinal therapeutic benefits. This study attempted to investigate the prophylactic coloprotective action of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica (AEUD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and Methods: Phenolic compounds, total sugar, and mineral levels were determined in AEUD. Then, AEUD at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) and mesalazine (MESA) as a standard treatment (100 mg/kg, BW, p.o.) were given orally for 21 days. Acute colitis was induced by administering drinking water with 5% (w/v) DSS for 7 days. Body weight variation, fecal occult blood, and stool consistency were determined daily. The severity of colitis was graded according to colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histological evaluations, and biochemical alterations. Rats orally administered DSS regularly developed clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis. Results: Due to its richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds (247.65 ± 2.69 mg EAG/g MS and 34.08 ± 0.53 mg EQt/g MS, respectively), AEUD markedly ameliorated DAI, ulcer scores, colon length shortening, colonic histopathological changes, and hematological and biochemical modifications. Taken together, AEUD treatment notably (p < 0.01) suppressed DSS-induced UC by reducing oxidative stress via lowering MDA/H2O2 production and stimulating the effect of enzyme antioxidants as well as attenuating inflammation by decreasing CRP levels by 79.5% between the DSS and DSS + AEUD-50 groups compared to the MESA group (75.6%). Conclusions: AEUD was sufficient to exert a coloprotective effect that might be influenced by its bioactive compounds' anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.

Chromatographic Analyses of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Mechanism of Its Protective Effects against Experimental Obesity and Hepatic Steatosis in Rats.

Background and Objectives: Obesity is currently a major health problem due to fatty acid accumulation and excess intake of energy, which leads to an increase in oxidative stress, particularly in the liver. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of spirulina (SP) against cafeteria diet (CD)-induced obesity, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into four groups and received daily treatments for eight weeks as follows: control group fed a standard diet (SD 360 g/d); cafeteria diet group (CD 360 g/d); spirulina group (SP 500 mg/kg); and CD + SP group (500 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) according to body weight (b.w.) per oral (p.o.). Results: Our results show that treatment with a CD increased the weights of the body, liver, and abdominal fat. Additionally, severe hepatic alteration, disturbances in the metabolic parameters of serum, and lipotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in response to the CD-induced obesity were observed. However, SP treatment significantly reduced the liver alteration of CD feed and lipid profile disorder associated with obesity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that spirulina has a marked potential therapeutic effect against obesity and mitigates disturbances in liver function parameters, histological alterations, and oxidative stress status.

Valorization of Baker Yeast Industry Waste in Agriculture by Improving Germination and Growth of Barley and Pea.

Industrial waste still present an environmental danger for the nature and survival of all living beings. Among these toxic products, the focus has been on liquid effluents from the baker's yeast industry that cause real environmental problems mainly due to their pollutant load and the release of unpleasant odors. In order to minimize these hazards and to take advantage of these wastes for the sake of our environment, the present work consists on valorizing effluents from the baker's yeast industry on barley (Hordeum vulgare) and pea (Pisum sativum), two important agricultural products of Tunisian north-west. Results showed that this waste is characterized by its richness in organic matter, and the presence of proteins traces with high chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD5) values. Diluted effluent at a dose of 2.5 mg/g significantly improves germination of both plant seeds by germination index (GI) calculation, to reach a maximum of 190 ± 17% and 150 ± 14% for barley and pea, respectively. In fertigation experiment, the use of a lower dose of .62 mg/g of diluted effluent promotes plant length to reach 52 ± 4 cm and 45 ± 1.4 cm, respectively, for H. vulgare and P. sativum. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis after derivatization showed significant enhancement of auxin production in pea treated with .62 mg/g of cream compared to control with a concentration of 10.60 ± .81 and 8.16 ± .43 ng/gFW, respectively. In another experiment, the irrigation of pea plants with furfural, as major compound of cream, promotes length and auxin production to reach 9.89 ± .56 ng/gFW for a furfural dose of .31 mg/g. This leads us to valorize baker's yeast effluent as an environment-friendly natural product in pea and barley agricultural and give insight to its mode of action.

Pistacia lentiscus essential oil and its pure active components as acaricides to control Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Mesostigmata).

The goal of this work was to assess the in vitro acaricidal effects of Pistacia lentiscus essential oil and its pure active components against red poultry mites Dermanyssus gallinae as an alternative to chemical acaricide (formamidines). Essential oil was obtained using hydrodistillation and then analyzed using GC-MS. The following major components were identified: α-pinene (20.58 %), D-Limonene (18.16 %), ß-Myrcène (15.06 %), 4-Terpineol (7.68 %), caryophyllene (5.45 %) and γ-terpinene (5.21 %). The toxicity of essential oil and its six monoterpenes were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.43 to 3.50 mg/cm2, using contact and spraying bioassays. Toxicity was expressed as a lethal concentration (LC50 or LC90). The experiment results revealed that activity was method and concentration dependent, and the spraying method was more effective than the contact bioassay for acaricidal activity. In this bioassay, the highest mortality was observed with 4-Terpineol. The LC50 was estimated to be 0.184 mg/cm2 for this substance, followed by α-pinene, the LC50 of which was estimated to be 0.203 mg/cm2. Caryophyllene and γ-terpinene were found less effective in controlling D. gallinae. P. lentiscus oil and its major compounds were also evaluated for anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects; 4-Terpineol was found to be the most effective AChE inhibitor with IC50 values reaching 18.73 ± 2.83 µg/mL. This framework pointed out the importance of the traditional use of P. lentiscus as an ecofriendly alternative against ectoparasite of veterinary importance; D. gallinae. In vivo trials should also be conducted to assure the safe use of essential oils or individual compounds and to achieve efficient acaricidal property.

Toxicity, repellency, and anti-cholinesterase activities of bioactive molecules from clove buds Syzygium aromaticum L. as an ecological alternative in the search for control Hyalomma scupense (Acari: Ixodidae).

Introduction: The goal of the current study is to evaluate the acaricidal and repellent properties of the ethanolic extract, essential oil, and primary component eugenol from Syzygium aromaticum against Hyalomma scupense cattle ticks. Their potential mechanisms of action were also examined, using an in vitro assay. Methods: Clove essential oil was extracted using hydrodistillation technique. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify the chemical composition of clove. To evaluate the adulticidal, ovicidal, larvicidal and repellent proprieties of clove essential oil, eugenol and ethanolic extract on H. scupense, in vitro assays were performed using the adult immersion test (AIT), the ovicidal test, the larval packet test (LPT), the filter paper test and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Results: After treatment, eugenol, the primary phytoconstituent of clove oil, which accounts for 97.66% of the whole oil, had 99.22% acaricide activity and inhibited egg hatching at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. Eugenol and clove essential oil showed potent adulticidal effect at high concentrations (10 mg/mL), achieving 100 and 93.76% mortality, respectively. The ethanolic extract exhibited moderate activity. At high concentration, the larvicidal activity of S. aromaticum oil, eugenol, and ethanolic extract were 100, 100, and 77.18%, respectively. In filter paper experiments, when tested at the concentration 5 mg/mL; eugenol showed the longest repellent effect up to 6 h. We also found that eugenol was the most active AChE inhibitor (IC50 = 0.178 mg/mL). Nevertheless, additional investigations are required to confirm the accurate mechanism and the relevance of clove in practical application. Conclusion: Overall, our research indicated that, because its effectiveness as acaricide, S. aromaticum essential oil and its phytoconstituent eugenol may offer an alternative source for the control of H. scupense cattle ticks.

Myrtle Berries Seeds Prevent Dyslipidemia, Inflammation, and Excessive Cardiac Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Response to High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

Anthocyanins are the major polyphenols in myrtle berries seeds aqueous extract (MBSAE). This study investigates the protective potentials of MBSAE against obesity lipotoxicity and inflammation induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). It also describes the underlying mechanisms involved in its protective effects, with special attention to myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Male Wistar rats were fed HFD for 6 weeks to induce obesity. MBSAE (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) was orally administered to HFD-fed rats. Anti-obesity effects were triggered by the inhibitory action of the MBSAE against the weights of the body, its relative heart and the total abdominal fat. Treatment with MBSAE also restored the lipid profile to baseline compared with the HFD rats and lowered also the white blood cells count, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils number as well as cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-1ß) levels in the rats serum, thus improving the tissue inflammatory status associated with obesity. Exposure of rats to HFD during 6 weeks induces a myocardial oxidative stress as assessed by deleterious effects on lipoperoxidation state, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GPx) activities as well as sulfhydryl groups and GSH rates. Of importance, our study shows also that HFD provokes a heart ROS (H2O2, OH•, and O2•-) overload. Of interest, all these oxidative heart disturbances were clearly ended by MBSAE treatment. Therefore, consumption of MBSAE as a natural extract may be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat obesity-associated diseases.

Anti-Obesity Actions of Two Separated Aqueous Extracts From Arbutus (Arbutus unedo) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Fruits Against High-Fat Diet in Rats via Potent Antioxidant Target.

Arbutus unedo and Crataegus monogyna are widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin and commonly used in folk medicine against a wide range of diseases. Therefore, the present study has been designed to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of two aqueous extracts of the fruits of A. unedo (AUAE) and C. monogyna (CMAE). Male Wistar rats were supplied with a standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD with the two separated extracts at the same dose (300 mg/kg, BW, p. o.), or HFD with atorvastatin-(ATOR) (2.1 mg/kg, BW, p. o.) for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and the liver and kidney linked-markers were assessed. Besides, obesity-related disorders' biomarkers were measured. AUAE, CMAE, and ATOR were observed to reduce significantly total body and organ weights following HFD-induced obese rat models. Likewise, epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue weights were noticeably decreased in HFD rats treated with both extracts and ATOR. Added to that, biochemical and metabolic changes were normalized by significant attenuation of lipid peroxidation accompanied with an increase of thiol-group concentrations and antioxidant status. More importantly, a modulation in trace element levels was revealed when compared with HFD group. Altogether, current study concluded that AUAE and CMAE could be potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disturbs induced by HFD.

Protective Effect of Tunisian Red Seaweed (Corallina officinalis) Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive respiratory disease whose diagnosis and physiopathogenesis are still poorly understood and for which, until recently, there were no effective treatments. Over the past few decades, many studies have demonstrated that marine macroalgae such as red seaweeds are potential alternative sources of useful bioactive compounds possessing various physiological and biological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Corallina officinalis aqueous extract (COAE) against bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rat. Thus, Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 each: control, BLM (2 mg/kg), BLM/COAE-150 mg/kg and BLM/COAE-300 mg/kg once a day for 21 days. Obtained results showed that COAE is rich in phenolic compounds and exhibited relatively high antioxidant activity. COAE might significantly reduce the damage caused by BLM by rewarding the decline in weight and pulmonary index in rats given only BLM. Moreover, lungs, liver and kidneys lipid peroxidation, and sulfhydryl group levels were reversed significantly in a dose-dependent manner in the COAE-treated groups. BLM decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while COAE administration increased the antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathologically, COAE attenuates the severity of the inflammatory lungs state caused by instillation of BLM in rats. These findings suggest that COAE can be a potential therapeutic candidate against BLM-induced lung fibrosis.

Hepato-Nephroprotective Actions of Salvia officinalis Decoction Extract Against Extraintestinal Alterations Induced with Acetic Acid-Colitis Model in Rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with multiple extraintestinal disorders, including hepato-nephrological disruptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepato-nephroprotective effect of Salvia officinalis leaf decoction extract (SLDE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis accompanied with liver and kidney injuries. Wistar albinos rats were pretreated with SLDE (50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1, b.w., p.o.) during 10 days and intoxicated for 24 h by acute rectal administration of AA (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg-1, b.w.). Our results showed that S. officinalis treatment protected against AA-induced liver and kidney injuries by plasma transaminase activities and preservation of the hepatic and renal tissue structures. The level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was also reverted back to near normalcy by treatment. Lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly by officinal sage supplementation. Treatment with SLDE increased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (-SH groups and reduced glutathione) antioxidants in liver and kidney tissues. Also, SLDE treatment significantly protected against inflammation markers and reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. This study suggests that the S. officinalis has a beneficial effect in controlling kidney and liver injuries by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzymatic contents, which reduce the risk of developing extraintestinal complications.

Nematicidal Effect of Raphasatin from Raphanus Sativus Against Meloidogyne Incognita.

The nematicidal activity of radish bulb (Raphanus sativus) methanol (RME) and aqueous extracts (RAE) was tested against the second stage (J2) root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita model. The EC50 of RME after 3 d of J2 immersion in test solutions was 312 ± 65 µg/ml. However, no activity was noted for RAE (EC50 > 1,000 µg/ml). The chemical composition analysis of the methanol extract carried out by the GC-MS technique showed that 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (raphasatin) was the most abundant compound at 20%. This pure compound strongly induced J2 paralysis with an EC50 of 1.3 ± 0.2 µg/ml after 24 hr. Comparison with other 11 selected isothiocyanates with structure similarity showed that the double bond at position 3 of the alkyl side chain is important for nematicidal activity, followed by the sulfur group at position 5 and the benzyl group at position 2. In addition, raphasatin showed the highest nematicidal activity with the corresponding lowest antioxidant activity of about 92 ± 18 µg/ml. In conclusion, the results of this investigation reveal that R. sativus and its major compound raphasatin can be integrated into the pest management system.

Dose-dependent Action of Zingiber officinale on Colonic Dysmotility and Ex Vivo Spontaneous Intestinal Contraction Modulation.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes are commonly used in foods and employed for many ailments including gastrointestinal disorders. Our main objective was to evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on gastrointestinal (GI) physiological motility and colonic dysmotility. Thereby, Wistar rats were given loperamide (LP, 3 mg/kg, b.w.) and ZOAE (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, b.w.) or yohimbine (YOH, 2 mg/kg, b.w.). ZOAE-action on intestinal secretion was assessed using Ussing chamber technique and intestinal motility with isometric transducer. GI-transit (GIT) and gastric emptying (GE) were evaluated with the charcoal meal test and the red phenol methods. ZOAE-bioactive components were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS). Constipation was induced with LP and the different indicators such as stool composition, GIT, oxidative stress biological parameters, and colonic mucosa histological alteration were performed. Anti-constipation effect of ZOAE was confirmed on stool composition, GIT (53.42% to 85.57%), GE (55.47% to 98.88%), and re-established oxidative balance. ZOAE induces an amplitude increase of spontaneous intestinal contraction with EC50 of 10.52 µg/mL. No effect of ZOAE was observed on electrogenic transport of intestinal fluid. These findings suggest that ZOAE-bioactive candidates might exert an anti-constipation action and spontaneous intestinal contraction modulation.

Tunisian Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) Aqueous Extract Improves Treatment of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Rat.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) remains one of the most serious pneumopathies whose diagnosis and physiopathogenesis are still poorly understood and no treatment has been shown to be effective. Recently, many studies have shown a renewed interest in plants thanks to their pharmacological potentials, like horehound, known, for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The present study investigated the effects of the aqueous extract of horehound (Mae) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF in rats. Thirty rats were divided into three groups. The control group received no treatment, the BLM group received only intratracheally BLM (2 mg/kg), and the Mae group underwent administration of BLM+ Mae (2 mL/kg) daily for 20 days. Obtained results showed that Mae, rich in polyphenols, could significantly improve the damage caused by BLM by reducing the inflammatory index and the fibrosis score, bringing the lung structure of fibrotic rats close to that of control rats. As well, Mae obviously acted on the BLM inflammatory reaction, and the counting of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (Balf) cells showed an increase in total cell number and a decrease in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar space. In addition, the BLM instillation was accompanied by oxidative stress in the lung, liver, and kidney tissues, proven by an increase in lipid peroxidation, as well as through depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The Mae treatment reversed all disturbances of BLM-induced oxidative stress parameters promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of the latter. These findings point to Mae as a promising candidate for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Wool Wax Extraction From Washing Effluent and Effect on Olea europea Germination and Growth.

Effluents from textile industry using wool pose serious environmental nuisances in Tunisia that are mainly due to their pollutant load and the release of unpleasant odors. In order to minimize these hazards and to take advantage of these wastes for the sake of our environment, the present work consists on valuating wool wax from washing effluent on olive (Olea europea), germination and growth. Extraction was made in water at 70°C or hexane using sonication followed by concentration of the extracts in soxhlet apparatus. Results showed that this waste is characterized by its richness in total lipid content with extraction yields of 60.7 and 95.6%, respectively. GC-MS analysis of wax showed its richness on fatty acids. Six saturated fatty acids ranking from 15 to 27 carbon atoms were characterized. Furthermore, diluted wax at a dose of 1.25 mg/g significantly improves germination of olive seeds by germination index calculation, to reach a maximum of 150 ± 17%. In fertigation experiment, the use of the same dose of diluted wax promotes plant length to reach 45.7 ± 2.52 cm. GC-MS analysis after derivatization showed significant enhancement of auxin production in plants treated with 1.25 mg of wax/g of soil compared to control with a concentration of 1.1 ± .1 and .7 ± .2 ng/mg, respectively. This leads us to valuate wool wax as environmental friendly natural product in agricultural and fertigation practice of olive plant.

Protective Effect of Eucalyptus globulus Extracts Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fibrous interstitial pneumonia that causes damage to the lung tissue and thus alters all respiratory functions. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus extracts on bleomycin (BLM)-induced (PF). Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups. The control group received no treatment, the BLM group received only intratracheally BLM (2 mg/kg), the essential water of Eucalyptus globulus (EWEG) group underwent administration of BLM followed by E. globulus hydrosol (2000 mg/kg), and the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus (EOCG) group received BLM followed by E. globulus essential oil (10 mg/kg). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the main compounds of EOEG and EWEG are eucalyptol and spathulenol. Obtained results showed that BLM-induced PF caused a large accumulation of lymphocytes and monocytes in lung bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a high fibrosis score, and an inflammatory index coupled to an oxidative stress state assessed by an increase in lipid peroxidation and depletion of the activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase and catalase. Otherwise, the treatment with EWEG and EOEG reversed the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species and the inflammation raised by BLM. E. globulus extracts could improve BLM-induced PF, thus suggesting that the latter could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for PF.