Protective and stochastic correlation between infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders.

A priori, early exposure to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites appears to fortify and regulate the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. However, improving hygiene conditions in numerous societies has led to a reduction in these microbial exposures, which, according to certain theories, could contribute to an increase in autoimmune diseases. Indeed, molecular mimicry is a key factor triggering immune system reactions; while it seeks pathogens, it can bind to self-molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases associated with microbial infections. On the other hand, a hygiene-based approach aimed at reducing the load of infectious agents through better personal hygiene can be beneficial for such pathologies. This review sheds light on how the evolution of the innate immune system, following the evolution of molecular patterns associated with microbes, contributes to our protection but may also trigger autoimmune diseases linked to microbes. Furthermore, it addresses how hygiene conditions shield us against autoimmune diseases related to microbes but may lead to autoimmune pathologies not associated with microbes.

Extractions of aerial parts of Hippomarathrum scabrum with conventional and green methodologies: Chemical profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and anti-cancer effects.

Hippomarathrum scabrum L. is an endemic medicinal plant in Turkey; however, there have been few studies investigating the phytochemistry and biological properties of these plants has not been investigated. The aim of this work is to determine the chemical composition of different extracts (extracts obtained by using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, accelerated solvent extraction, homogenizer-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction from Hippomarathrum scabrum L., and evaluate their biological properties. The analysis revealed that 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside were the main bioactive compounds. The extract obtained by accelerated extraction contains the highest concentration of 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (7616.74 ± 63.09 mg/kg dry extract) followed by the extract obtained by homogenizer-assisted extraction (6682.53 ± 13.04 mg/kg dry extract). In antioxidant tests, all extracts expressed significant antioxidant activity. Also, cytotoxic and anticancer effects of these plant extracts were detected in the human prostate cancer cell line. Intrinsic apoptotic genes were up-regulated and anti-apoptotic genes were down-regulated in human prostate cancer cells after inhibition concentration dose treatment. The findings are promising, and suggest the use of these plant extracts could be used as natural sources with different biological activities, as well as anticancer agents.

A Review of Recent Progresses on Olive Oil Chemical Profiling, Extraction Technology, Shelf-life, and Quality Control.

Olive oil (OO) is widely recognized as a main component in the Mediterranean diet owing to its unique chemical composition and associated health-promoting properties. This review aimed at providing readers with recent results on OO physicochemical profiling, extraction technology, and quality parameters specified by regulations to ensure authentic products for consumers. Recent research progress on OO adulteration were outlined through a bibliometric analysis mapping using Vosviewer software. As revealed by bibliometric analysis, richness in terms of fatty acids, pigments, polar phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, sterols, and triterpenic compounds justify OO health-promoting properties and increasing demand on its global consumption. OO storage is a critical post-processing operation that must be optimized to avoid oxidation. Owing to its great commercial value on markets, OO is a target to adulteration with other vegetable oils. In this context, different chemometric tools were developed to deal with this problem. To conclude, increasing demand and consumption of OO on the global market is justified by its unique composition. Challenges such as oxidation and adulteration stand out as the main issues affecting the OO market.

Biological Properties of Mentha viridis L. Essential Oil and Its Main Monoterpene Constituents.

This research aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, dermatoprotective, and antibacterial activities of Mentha viridis L. essential oil (MVEO) collected in the province of Ouezzane (Northwest Morocco). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the main constituents of MVEO were carvone (37.26 %), 1,8-cineole (11.82 %), limonene (5.27 %), α-terpineol (4.16 %), and ß-caryophyllene (4.04 %). MVEO showed strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, exceeding those of acarbose, but weak anti-elastase activity. The main compounds, ß-caryophyllene (IC50=79.91±2.24 and 62.08±2.78 µg/mL) and limonene (IC50=90.73±3.47 and 68.98±1, 60 µg/mL), demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on both digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively). In silico investigations, using molecular docking, also showed the inhibitory potential of these bioactive compounds against the enzymes tested. In conclusion, MVEO, due to its main components such as limonene, 1,8-cineole, ß-caryophyllene, carvone, and α-terpineol, shows promising prospects for drug discovery and natural therapeutic applications.

Phytochemical Diversity and Biological Effects of Juniperus Thurifera L., Essential Oil : A Comparative Study using In Vitro and In Silico Methods.

Juniperus thurifera L., a plant endemic to the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains, thrives in extreme climatic conditions, resulting in the production of valuable secondary metabolites. This study aims to elucidate the phytochemical diversity and biological activities of J. thurifera essential oil (JTEO) through a comparative analysis of samples from two distinct regions: Tensift-Al Haouz and Azilal, using both in vitro and in silico methods. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed 21 components in the Tensift-Al Haouz JTEO (99.99 % of the oil) and 23 components in the Azilal JTEO (99.58 % of the oil), with oxygenated monoterpenes being the predominant compounds in both. The biological activities were assessed in vitro. Antioxidant properties, evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, showed significant activity in both oils. Antibacterial activity was tested against two strains of Gram-positive and two strains of Gram-negative bacteria, with both oils demonstrating notable bacterial growth inhibition. Enzymatic assays assessed the antidiabetic (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), dermo-protective (tyrosinase and elastase), and neuroprotective (AChE and BChE) activities. Both oils displayed substantial inhibitory effects across all tested activities, with variations attributed to their distinct chemical compositions. In silico analyses of six target enzymes confirmed significant binding affinities of the major compounds. Notably, 2,2'-Thiobis(6-tert-butyl-p-cresol) exhibited strong binding affinities with AChE, BChE, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and elastase, with binding energies ranging from -10.0 to -6.2 kcal/mol. These findings indicate that JTEO is a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising potential in pharmacological and cosmetic applications.

Innovative Encapsulation Strategies for Food, Industrial, and Pharmaceutical Applications.

Bioactive metabolites obtained from fruits and vegetables as well as many drugs have various capacities to prevent or treat various ailments. Nevertheless, their efficiency, in vivo, encounter many challenges resulting in lower efficacy as well as different side effects when high doses are used resulting in many challenges for their application. Indeed, demand for effective treatments with no or less unfavorable side effects is rising. Delivering active molecules to a particular site of action within the human body is an example of targeted therapy which remains a challenging field. Developments of nanotechnology and polymer science have great promise for meeting the growing demands of efficient options. Encapsulation of active ingredients in nano-delivery systems has become as a vitally tool for protecting the integrity of critical biochemicals, improving their delivery, enabling their controlled release and maintaining their biological features. Here, we examine a wide range of nano-delivery techniques, such as niosomes, polymeric/solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nano-emulsions. The advantages of encapsulation in targeted, synergistic, and supportive therapies are emphasized, along with current progress in its application. Additionally, a revised collection of studies was given, focusing on improving the effectiveness of anticancer medications and addressing the problem of antimicrobial resistance. To sum up, this paper conducted a thorough analysis to determine the efficacy of encapsulation technology in the field of drug discovery and development.

Unveiling the Biological Effects and Pharmacological Properties of Sorbifolin: a Comprehensive Review.

Bioactive phytochemicals act as important factors with preventive and therapeutic potential in the pathogenesis of several disorders, often related to oxidative stress. Many dietary plant secondary metabolites could lower these conditions. Sorbifolin is one of these metabolites. This work is the first review of sorbifolin, a flavone detected in various plant matrices as a major compound. The present study discussed the natural sources, extraction, purification, quantification, and assessment of the biological activities of sorbifolin. Several databases including Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, and Science-Direct were consulted for relevant English articles related to sorbifolin, the phytochemical profiles of several medicinal plants containing this compound, and its biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic. The positive in vitro and in silico outcomes reported in the literature should be followed by additional in vivo and clinical investigations to further research the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic activities, toxicological effects, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic potential of sorbifolin.

Degradation of Argan oils used in edible and cosmetic applications after exposure to UV light.

This study investigates for the first time the effects of UV light exposure on the chemical composition of artisanal and cold-pressed culinary and cosmetic argan oils, as well as their quality and biological activities. We ascertained the oxidative stability of both types of oil through measurements of the peroxide value, acidity, UV-spectrophotometric indexes (E232 and E270), and iodine value. Over the course of eight hours at room temperature, the impact of UV light on the breakdown of tocopherols, polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoid pigments was examined. The findings showed that during photo-oxidation, acidity, peroxide value, and particular extinction coefficients (E232 and E270) gradually increased. On the other hand, a decline in the content of polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoid, and chlorophyll was noted. Interestingly, iodine levels failed to improve. Although after an eight-hour degradation, the physicochemical profile of argan oils remained exceptional. DPPH• (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity tests showed a gradual decrease in radical inhibition over time, which was attributed to lower levels of tocopherol and polyphenol. However, roasted oils showed antifungal action against Botrytis cinerea fungus, while Argan vegetable oils showed no activity against Escherichia coli, Microbacterium resistens, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Raoultella ornithinolytica, according to antimicrobial assays.

Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Pharmacological Properties of Gastrodin: Mechanism Insights.

Gastrodin, a bioactive compound derived from the rhizome of the orchid Gastrodia elata, exhibits a diverse range of biological activities. With documented neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-tumor effects, gastrodin stands out as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. Notably, it has demonstrated efficacy in protecting against neuronal damage and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia. Additionally, gastrodin showcases immunomodulatory effects by mitigating inflammation and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Its cytotoxic activity involves the inhibition of angiogenesis, suppression of tumor growth, and induction of apoptosis. This comprehensive review seeks to elucidate the myriad potential effects of Gastrodin, delving into the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its pharmacological properties. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of gastrodin in addressing various conditions linked to neuroinflammation and cancer.

Unlocking the Potential of Origanum grosii Essential Oils: A Deep Dive into Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anti-Enzymatic Properties within Silico Insights.

The current study's goals were to thoroughly characterize the volatile compounds from Origanum grosii's aerial parts and assess their potential as antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors both in vitro and in silico. The volatile substances in essential oils were identified using GC-MS analysis. Indeed, Origanum grosii essential oil (OGEO) contained carvacrol (15.59%), prehnitol (14.83%), ß-Terpinene (13.56%), and thymol (10.36%). The antioxidant potential was assessed using three different assays. Remarkably, OGEO exhibited important antioxidant activity; the IC50 values found were 55.40 ± 2.23, 81.65 ± 3.26, and 98.04 ± 3.87 µg/mL for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, respectively. The inhibitory effect of essential oils has been studied against enzymes involved in the appearance of human pathologies, including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase. In silico, the main compounds in this essential oil demonstrated high binding energies during their associations with the enzymes tested. To sum up, OGEO possesses the ability to function as a natural agent, offering promising qualities suitable for use in food, medicine, and cosmetics.

UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS metabolite profiles of different extracts from Pelargonium endlicherianum parts and their biological properties based on network pharmacological approaches.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the chemical profiles and biological activities of different extracts (ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, ethanol, and water) of Pelargonium endlicherianum parts (aerial parts and roots). Free radical scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating were assayed for antioxidant properties. To detect enzyme inhibitory properties, cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase were chosen as target enzymes. The ethanol extract of the aerial parts contained higher amounts of total bioactive compounds (120.53 mg GAE/g-24.46 mg RE/g). The ethanol and water extracts of these parts were tentatively characterized by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and 95 compounds were annotated. In addition, the highest acetylcholiesterase (3.74 mg GALAE/g) and butyrylcholinesterase (3.92 mg GALAE/g) abilities were observed by the ethanol extract of roots. The water extract from aerial parts exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on multiple cancer cell lines, especially A549 (IC50: 23.2 µg/mL) and HT-29 (IC50: 27.43 µg/mL) cells. Using network pharmacology, P. endlicherianum compounds were studied against cancer, revealing well-connected targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2, and growth factor receptor bound protein 2 (GRB2) with significant impact on cancer-related pathways. The results could open a new path from natural treasure to functional applications with P. endlicherianum and highlight a new study on other uninvestigated Pelargonium species.

Family Myrtaceae: The treasure hidden in the complex/diverse composition.

Myrtaceae is one of the most important plants families, being regarded as the eighth largest flowering plant family. It includes many genera of utmost ecological and economical importance distributed all over the world. This review aimed to report the latest studies on this family focusing on certain widely used plants including Eucalyptus sp., Eugenia sp. (Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia sulcata), Syzygium sp. (Syzygium aromaticum and Syzygium cumini), Psidium sp., Pimenta dioica, Myrtus sp. (Myrtus communis), Myrciaria sp. and Melaleuca alternifolia. The extraction of bioactive compounds has been evolving through the optimization of conventional methods and the use of emerging technologies. Supercritical CO2 was applied for essential oils and ultrasound for polyphenols leading to extracts and essential oils rich in bioactive compounds. Advances in the field of encapsulation and delivery systems showed promising results in the production of stable essential oils nanoemulsions and liposomes and the production of plant extracts in the form of nanoparticles. Moreover, a significant increase in the number of patents was noticed especially the application of Myrtaceae extracts in the pharrmacuetucal field. The applications of ceratin plants (Pimenta dioica, Melaleuca alternifolia, Syzygium aromaticum essential oils or Myrciaria cauliflora peel extract) in food area (either as a free or encapsulated form) also showed interesting results in limiting microbial spoilage of fresh meat and fish, slowing oxidative degradation in meat products, and inhibiting aflatoxin production in maize. Despite the massive literature on Myrtaceae plants, advances are still necessary to optimize the extraction with environmentally friendly technologies and carry out risk assessment studies should be accomplished to harness the full potential in food, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Effects of Mediterranean diets and nutrigenomics on cardiovascular health.

The field of nutrigenomics studies the interaction between nutrition and genetics, and how certain dietary patterns can impact gene expression and overall health. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to better cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes. This review summarizes the current state of research on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. Results suggest that MedDiet, through its impact on gene expression, can positively influence CVH markers such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between genetics, nutrition, and CVH, and to determine the optimal dietary patterns for individualized care. The aim of this scientific review is to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. The review summarizes the available studies that have investigated the relationship between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health, and explores the mechanisms by which certain dietary patterns can impact CVH outcomes. The review focuses on the effects of MedDiet, a dietary pattern that is rich in whole foods and healthy fats, and its potential to positively influence CVH through its impact on gene expression. The review highlights the limitations of current research and the need for further studies to fully understand the complex interplay between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health.

Impacts of nutritive and bioactive compounds on cancer development and therapy.

For persons who survive with progressive cancer, nutritional therapy and exercise may be significant factors to improve the health condition and life quality of cancer patients. Nutritional therapy and medications are essential to managing progressive cancer. Cancer survivors, as well as cancer patients, are mostly extremely encouraged to search for knowledge about the selection of diet, exercise, and dietary supplements to recover as well as maintain their treatment consequences, living quality, and survival of patients. A healthy diet plays an important role in cancer treatment. Different articles are studied to collect information and knowledge about the use of nutrients in cancer treatment as well as cancer prevention. The report deliberates nutrition and exercise strategies during the range of cancer care, emphasizing significant concerns during treatment of cancer and for patients of advanced cancer, but concentrating mostly on the requirements of the population of persons who are healthy or who have constant disease following their repossession from management. It also deliberates choice nutrition and exercise problems such as dietary supplements, food care, food selections, and weight; problems interrelated to designated cancer sites, and common questions about diet, and cancer survival. Decrease the side effects of medicines both during and after treatment.

Determining Hematological Reference Intervals of the Blood Count in a Healthy Moroccan Adult Population (Al Hoceima Province).

BACKGROUND: The hemogram is the most frequently prescribed laboratory test. It guides the complementary tests essential to the diagnosis and follow-up of the patient. Hematology reference values can be influenced by several parameters such as environmental and genetic factors, rendering it essential to define reference intervals (RIs) for specific populations. This study aimed to determine RIs from a population of healthy adults in Al Hoceima province by following the procedures recommended by the IFCC-CLSI guidelines in 2008 and comparing them to those of similar studies conducted in various countries. METHODS: We initially recruited 977 healthy adults from 18 to 60 years old including 255 men and 722 women, who presented themselves at the provincial hospital center of Al Hoceima (Morocco) for health checkups from February 2019 to September 2019. The erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet parameters were investigated using hematology analyzer ABX Pentra XL80 HORIBA® (HORIBA ABX SAS, Kyoto, Japan). RESULTS: The results showed that the RIs of the blood count parameters searched were more or less close to the RIs determined in Caucasian populations. Nevertheless, they were low compared to the limits of the RIs published in the literature for certain erythrocyte and platelet parameters. Our RIs were also similar in their majority, except for some parameters, to the RIs published very recently in a study conducted on a Moroccan population in the Tangier-Tetouan region. In addition, our intervals differ in their majority from those published in a study of a Ghanaian population. CONCLUSIONS: The differences reported by this preliminary work reinforce the need to establish hemogram RIs specific to the Moroccan population through more extensive studies carried out in different regions of Morocco. These studies should avoid misdiagnosis and allow physicians to interpret hematological tests more specifically.

Reference Intervals for Routine Biochemical Markers and Hematological Indices Derived from Healthy Adults in the Mediterranean Region of Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Reference intervals (RIs) for biochemical and hematological parameters are fundamental tools for clinical diagnosis, management, and therapeutic follow-up. In Morocco, the RIs used by clinical laboratories and physicians are derived from western populations. Also, RIs of biochemical and hematological parameters specific to the various Moroccan areas are lacking. This study aimed to determine RIs for biochemical and hematological parameters in apparently healthy voluntary adults by following the procedures recommended by the IFCC-CLSI guidelines in 2008 and comparing them to those of literature and other countries. METHODS: A total of 768 healthy adults from 18 to 60 years old were recruited. Complete blood count and biochemical analyses were performed using hematology analyzer Sysmex KX21N® (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan) and COBAS INTEGRA®400 plus biochemistry analyzer (Roche, Diagnostics GmbH, Germany) at the laboratory of the hospital Mohamed VI of M'diq, Morocco, and went into effect between November 2017 and December 2020. The data analysis was made by the software SPSS 20.0 and RIs have been established by using the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. RESULTS: RIs established include: glucose 3.90 - 6.76 mmol/L for males and 4.01 - 6.87 mmol/L for females; alanine aminotransferase 5.60 - 40.07 U/L for males and 5.60 - 38.71 U/L for females; aspartate aminotransferase 5.60 - 40.08 for males and 5.89 - 39.90 U/L for females; creatinine 47.73 - 113.15 µmol/L for males and 44.64 - 102.28 µmol/L for females; urea 2.2 - 7.6 mmol/L for males and 1.90 - 7.5 mmol/L for females; total cholesterol 2.71 - 5.46 mmol/L for males and 2.64 - 5.89 mmol/L for females; triglycerides 0.58 - 2.01 mmol/L for males and 0.55 - 2.08 mmol/L for females; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 1.40 - 1.50 mmol/L for males and 1.40 - 1.65 mmol/L for females; and uric acid 157.3 - 410.8 µmol/L for males and 146.1 - 388.5 µmol/L for females. Concerning the hematological parameters, a significant difference (p < 0.05) between both genders was noted for the majority of pa rameters. CONCLUSIONS: The present study underlines the importance to establish RIs specific to the Moroccan population in each region for a more rational and reliable interpretation of biochemical and hematological testing in order to avoid errors in diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Chemical Characterization of Different Extracts from Artemisia annua and Their Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae Family) is an important plant in Asia that has been used for treating different diseases, including fever due to malaria, wounds, tubercolisis, scabues, pain, convulsions, diabetes, and inflammation. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of different polarity extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70 %) and water) from A. annua against the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in colon tissue exposed to LPS. In parallel, chemical composition, antiradical, and enzyme inhibition effects against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and cholinesterases were evaluated. The water extract contained the highest content of the total phenolic with 34.59 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract, while the hexane had the highest content of the total flavonoid (20.06 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g extract). In antioxidant assays, the polar extracts (ethanol, ethanol/water and water) exhibited stronger radical scavenging and reducing power abilities when compared to non-polar extracts. The hexane extract showed the best AChE, tyrosinase and glucosidase inhibitory effects. All extracts revealed effective anti-inflammatory agents, as demonstrated by the blunting effects on COX-2 and TNFα gene expression. These effects seemed to be not related to the only phenolic content. However, it is worthy of interest to highlight how the higher potency against LPS-induced gene expression was shown by the water extract ; thus suggesting a potential phytotherapy application in the management of clinical symptoms related to inflammatory colon diseases, although future in vivo studies are needed to confirm such in vitro and ex vivo observations.

Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of HLA DQ2/DQ8 in Adults with Celiac Disease.

Although people with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) DQ2 and/or DQ8 are more likely to develop celiac disease (CD), the condition cannot be fully explained by this genetic predisposition alone. Multiple, as yet unidentified, factors contribute to the genesis of CD, including genetics, the environment, and the immune system. In order to provide insight into a prospective possibility and an expanded screening technique, we aim to undertake a comprehensive and meta-analytical study of the assessment and distribution of HLA class II (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) in adult CD patients. A systematic review was conducted using an electronic search of databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Direct Science) from January 2004 to February 2022. DQ2/DQ2 homozygotes have the highest risk of developing CD. DQ2/DQ8 typing is an effective test to exclude CD from the differential diagnosis of a patient with CD symptoms. Although other non-HLA genes have been associated with CD, they are rarely considered at diagnosis because they account for only a small proportion of the heritability of CD. This finding, together with the information gathered previously, may be useful in considering widely available and economically feasible screening options for celiac disease in young people.

A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Properties and Bioactive Components of Retama monosperma.

Retama monosperma L. (Boiss.) or Genista monosperma L. (Lam.), known locally as "R'tam", is a spontaneous and annual herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean regions, specifically in the desert areas and across the Middle Atlas in Morocco. This plant has been extensively used in folk medicine and it is rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Current research efforts are focusing on the development of novel natural drugs as alternatives to various organic and non-organic chemical products from Retama monosperma. In addition, extract, and isolated compounds obtained from different parts of the chosen plant have been described to exhibit multiple biological and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-helminthic, disinfectant, diuretic, and hypoglycemic effects. The plant-derived extract also acts as an antimicrobial agent, which is highly efficient in the treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Its antiproliferative effects are associated with some mechanisms, such as the inhibition of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In light of these assessments, we critically highlight the beneficial effects of the flowers, stems, seeds extracts, and isolated compounds from R. monosperma (L.) Boiss in human health care, industrial, and other applications, as well as the possible ways to be employed as a potential natural source for future drug discovery.

Antioxidant, Volatile Compounds; Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Dermatoprotective Properties of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti Ex Carriere Essential Oil: In Vitro and In Silico Investigations.

Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carriere is an endemic tree possessing valuable health benefits which has been widely used since time immemorial in international traditional pharmacopoeia. The aim of this exploratory investigation is to determine the volatile compounds of C. atlantica essential oils (CAEOs) and to examine their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermatoprotective properties. In silico simulations, including molecular docking and pharmacokinetics absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), and drug-likeness prediction were used to reveal the processes underlying in vitro biological properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) was used for the chemical screening of CAEO. The antioxidant activity of CAEO was investigated using four in vitro complementary techniques, including ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging activity, ferric reductive power, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (ß-carotene test). Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition and tyrosinase inhibitory assays were used for testing the anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties. GC-MS analysis indicated that the main components of CAEO are ß-himachalene (28.99%), α-himachalene (14.43%), and longifolene (12.2%). An in vitro antimicrobial activity of CAEO was examined against eleven strains of Gram-positive bacteria (three strains), Gram-negative bacteria (four strains), and fungi (four strains). The results demonstrated high antibacterial and antifungal activity against ten of them (>15 mm zone of inhibition) using the disc-diffusion assay. The microdilution test showed that the lowest values of MIC and MBC were recorded with the Gram-positive bacteria in particular, which ranged from 0.0625 to 0.25 % v/v for MIC and from 0.5 to 0.125 % v/v for MBC. The MIC and MFC of the fungal strains ranged from 0.5 to 4.0% (MIC) and 0.5 to 8.0% v/v (MFC). According to the MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios, CAEO has bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that CAEO possesses remarkable antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effects on 5-LOX and tyrosinase enzymes was also significant (p < 0.05). ADMET investigation suggests that the main compounds of CAEO possess favorable pharmacokinetic properties. These findings provide scientific validation of the traditional uses of this plant and suggest its potential application as natural drugs.