Wild Vitex agnus-castus L.: Phytochemical Characterization, Acute Toxicity, and Bioactive Properties.

Wild Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) is a Mediterranean plant that is rich in bioactive metabolites. This study aimed to validate, for the first time, the beneficial use of VAC fruits and fruit decoctions (VFDs) through in vitro and in vivo trials. Forty-one volatile components were detected in VAC fruits, with 1,8-cineole (30.3%) comprising the majority. The antioxidant activity of VFD was measured by using different in vitro methods (EC50 of 0.16 mg/mL by ß-carotene bleaching inhibition assay) and by measuring the DNA protection power. Using the disc diffusion assay, the antimicrobial activity of VFD was evaluated, and it exhibited a noticeable anticandidal activity. VFD did not cause any toxicity or mortality in rats treated with doses > 200 mg/kg. Using the acetic acid writhing test, the antinociceptive activity of VFD was measured. Our results showed that VFD at 200 mg/kg exhibited a higher analgesic activity (81.68%) than acetylsalicylic acid used as a positive control (74.35%). Its gastroprotective ability was assessed by HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions, which were remarkably inhibited (84.62%) by intraperitoneal administration of VFD. This work helps to validate the popular use of VAC to treat nociceptive, inflammatory, and gastric disorders and encourages researchers to further investigate the identification of pharmacological compounds from this species.

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, and Biological Evaluation of Tunisian Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench).

The aim of this work was to perform an unprecedented in-depth study on the bioactive phytochemicals of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench Tunisian landrace (Marsaouia). For this purpose, its nutritional, aroma volatile, and phenolic profiles were characterized, and sundry biological activities were assessed in vitro. The approximate composition revealed that total dietary fiber as the most abundant macronutrient, mainly insoluble dietary fiber, followed by total carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, okra pods were rich in K, Ca, Mg, organic acids, tocopherols, and chlorophylls. Gas Chromatography-Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry (GC-EIMS) analysis showed that oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and phenylpropanoids were the predominant essential volatile components in A. esculentus pods. A total of eight flavonols were detected by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a DAD detector and mass spectrometry by electrospray ionization (HPLC-DAD-MS/ESI); with quercetin-3-O-glucoside being the majority phenolic component, followed by quercetin-O-pentosyl-hexoside and quercetin-dihexoside. This pioneering study, evidences that Tunisian okra display promising antioxidant and cytotoxic actions, in addition to relevant inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, and interesting analgesic activity.

Rhaponticum acaule (L) DC essential oil: chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties.

BACKGROUND: α-glucosidase is a therapeutic target for diabetes mellitus (DM) and α-glucosidase inhibitors play a vital role in the treatments for the disease. Furthermore, xanthine oxidase (XO) is a key enzyme that catalyzes hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid which at high levels can lead to hyperuricemia which is an important cause of gout. Pancreatic lipase (PL) secreted into the duodenum plays a key role in the digestion and absorption of fats. For its importance in lipid digestion, PL represents an attractive target for obesity prevention. METHODS: The flowers essential oil of Rhaponticum acaule (L) DC (R. acaule) was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activities of R. acaule essential oil (RaEO) were also determined using 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, and DNA nicking assays. The inhibitory power of RaEO against α-glucosidase, xanthine oxidase and pancreatic lipase was evaluated. Enzyme kinetic studies using Michaelis-Menten and the derived Lineweaver-Burk (LB) plots were performed to understand the possible mechanism of inhibition exercised by the components of this essential oil. RESULTS: The result revealed the presence of 26 compounds (97.4%). The main constituents include germacrene D (49.2%), methyl eugenol (8.3%), (E)-ß-ionone (6.2%), ß-caryophyllene (5.7%), (E,E)-α-farnesene (4.2%), bicyclogermacrene (4.1%) and (Z)-α-bisabolene (3.7%). The kinetic inhibition study showed that the essential oil demonstrated a strong α-glucosidase inhibiton and it was a mixed inhibitor. On the other hand, our results evidenced that this oil exhibited important xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect, behaving as a non-competitive inhibitor. The essential oil inhibited the turkey pancreatic lipase, with maximum inhibition of 80% achieved at 2 mg/mL. Furthermore, the inhibition of turkey pancreatic lipase by RaEO was an irreversible one. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the RaEO is a new promising potential source of antioxidant compounds, endowed with good practical applications for human health.

Effect of solvents extraction on phytochemical components and biological activities of Tunisian date seeds (var. Korkobbi and Arechti).

BACKGROUND: The interest in natural antioxidants, especially polyphenols, is growing more and more thanks to their positive contribution to human health. Thus, the prevention from the harmful action of oxidative stress which has been involved in many diseases such as cancer, inflammation diabetes, and cardiovascular illness. Recent research proved the bioactive compounds richness of date seeds which could be a good biological matrix of natural antioxidants. Unfortunately, an important quantity of Tunisian dates seed is discarded yearly. METHODS: In this study, different solvents extraction (water, methanol, absolute acetone and aqueous acetone 80%) were used and the evaluation of its effect on phytochemical level, in vitro antioxidant activities, in vitro hyperglycemia key enzymes inhibition and in vivo anti-inflammatory proprieties were established for Tunisian date seeds. RESULTS: The result revealed that the polar solvent exhibited the highest amount of bioactive compounds. The correlation between polyphenol compounds and the antioxidant potentiality explains the powerful effect of used polar solvents on inflammation, TBARS and hyperglycemia inhibition. Furthermore, it showed its higher capacity to scavenge radicals. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this big waste of Tunisian seeds could be used as cheap source of natural antioxidant compounds which are considered as a health challenge for the poor countries.

Alteration in systemic markers of oxidative and antioxidative status in Tunisian patients with asthma: relationships with clinical severity and airflow limitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the systemic oxidant-antioxidant status in Tunisian patients with asthma. METHODS: We evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as thiobarbituric acid complexes, total protein carbonyls (PCs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). The levels of total thiols, protein sulfhydryls, glutathione (GSH), together with hydrogen peroxide, ascorbic acid, iron and total antioxidant status (TAS) were colorimetrically estimated. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were assessed in plasma and erythrocytes by spectrophotometry. We also determined the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite in plasma from asthmatic patients and healthy controls. The volume of fractionated exhaled NO (FeNO) was evaluated by the Medisoft HypAir method. Estimation of DNA damage was determined using the comet assay. RESULTS: Asthmatic patients showed increased levels of MDA in comparison to healthy controls (p < 0.001), while no significant difference was found in protein carbonyls (p = 0.79) and AOPP (p = 0.98). Patients with asthma also had significantly lower levels of total thiols (355.9 ± 15.72 versus 667.9 ± 22.65, p < 0.001), protein sulfhydryls (333.99 ± 16.41 versus 591.95 ± 24.28, p < 0.001) and glutathione (p < 0.001). They also showed decreased GSH-Px activity (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences in measurements of catalase and SOD enzyme activities were observed between the two groups (respectively, p = 0.06 and p = 0.55). In addition, ascorbic acid and nitric oxide levels were decreased in asthmatics in comparison to controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that oxidative stress and defective anti-oxidative status are major alterations in Tunisian patients with asthma.

Effect of Flavoring with Rosemary, Lemon and Orange on the Quality, Composition and Biological Properties of Olive Oil: Comparative Study of Extraction Processes.

The goal of this work was to investigate the impact of the flavoring of some aromatic plants/spices, including rosemary (R), lemon (L) and orange (O) at the concentration of 5% and 35% (w/w) added by 2 methods (conventional maceration and direct flavoring), on quality attributes, chemical changes and oxidative stability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Six flavored oils were obtained (EVOO + O, O + O, EVOO + R, O + R, EVOO + L and O + L). The physicochemical parameters (water content, refractive index, acidity and peroxide value, extinction coefficient, fatty acids, volatile aroma profiles, Rancimat test, phenols and pigments composition) of the flavored oils were investigated. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that flavoring with a conventional process provided increased oxidative stability to the flavored oils, especially with rosemary (19.38 ± 0.26 h), compared to that of unflavored oil. The volatile profiles of the different flavored oils revealed the presence of 34 compounds with the dominance of Limonene. The fatty acid composition showed an abundance of mono-unsaturated fatty acids followed by poly-unsaturated ones. Moreover, a high antioxidant activity, a significant peripheral analgesic effect (77.7% of writhing inhibition) and an interesting gastroprotective action (96.59% of ulcer inhibition) have been observed for the rosemary-flavored oil. Indeed, the flavored olive oils of this study could be used as new functional foods, leading to new customers and further markets.

Chemical characterization and nutritional quality investigations of healthy extra virgin olive oil flavored with chili pepper.

The production of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) flavored with diverse spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables or natural aromas is believed to provide advantageous properties considering either the high nutritional value or biological activity in addition to the flavoring and industrial aspects. The biological activities including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Tunisian EVOO obtained from "Chemlali" variety and mixed with chili pepper were investigated. Molecular analyses, including the detection of twelve olive-infecting viruses and Pseudomonas savastanoi pv savastanoi, were performed to ensure that the samples were obtained from healthy olive trees and EVOO quality was not affected. Quality parameters like free acidity, peroxide number, oxidative stability, and specific absorption at K232 nm and K270 nm were also investigated and no significant variation was revealed. The content of minor compounds such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and total phenols showed minor changes. However, the profiles of the volatile compounds showed remarkable differences, which appeared to be the main factor for the observed variability in consumer acceptance. The results showed for the first time high quantities of polyphenols and ortho-diphenols. Four colorimetric methods were used for the determination of the antioxidant activity, namely DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ß-carotene test. Compared to the control, a higher level of antioxidant activity was observed for the flavored EVOO. Furthermore, significant results were obtained in the antimicrobial tests. The quality parameters of the mixture showed no alteration compared to the control. Finally, all the measurements and the chemical characterization gave a scientific basis for food technology innovation of new food products.

Functionalization of developed bacterial cellulose with magnetite nanoparticles for nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine applications.

This paper deals with the preparation of novel magnetic materials made from tetraaza macrocyclic Schiff base bacterial cellulose ligands with magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) through a multi-step procedure for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities and chemotherapy in cancer treatment. First, the 2,3-dialdehyde bacterial cellulose (DABC) was chemically modified by ethylenediamine (EDA) and benzil (Bzl) in the presence of ferrous ions. Then, the magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) was produced inside the complex [Fe(DABC-EDA-Bzl)Cl2] through a co-precipitation method. In nanobiotechnology, the magnetic [Fe3O4NP-INS-(DABC-EDA-Bzl)] material was showed moderate antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities against different species and cells, respectively. In particular, the magnetic [Fe3O4NP-INS-(DABC-EDA-Bzl)] material have not any cytotoxic activity towards peripheral blood mononucleocyte (PBMC) cells. Anti-tumor studies demonstrated that the magnetic [Fe3O4NP-INS-(DABC-EDA-Bzl)] material effectively inhibits the growth of the CT26 tumor model in BALB/c mice compared with other resulting materials throughout the experimental period and can be effective drug delivery in nanomedicine.

Biological Activities Evaluation of Enantiopure Isoxazolidine Derivatives: In Vitro, In Vivo and In Silico Studies.

A series of enantiopure isoxazolidines (3a-c) were synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between a (-)-menthone-derived nitrone and various terminal alkenes. The screened compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by two in vitro antioxidant assays, including ß-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive species, TBARS). The results revealed that compound 3b (EC50 = 0.55 ± 0.09 mM) was the most potent antioxidant as compared to the standard drug (EC50 = 2.73 ± 0.07 mM) using the TBARS assay. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity was assessed using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Among the synthesized compounds, 3c was found to be the most potent antimicrobial agent as compared to the standard drug. Subsequently, the acute toxicity study has also been carried out for the newly synthesized compounds and the experimental studies revealed that all compounds were safe up to 500 mg/kg and no death of animals were recorded. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was assessed by the MTT cell proliferation assay against the continuous human cell lines HeLa and compound 3c (GI50 = 46.2 ± 1.2 µM) appeared to be more active than compound 3a (GI50 = 200 ± 2.8 µM) and 3b (GI50 = 1400 ± 7.8 µM). Interestingly, all tested compounds displayed a good α-amylase inhibitory activity in competitive manner with IC50 values ranging between 23.7 and 64.35 µM when compared to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 282.12 µM). In addition, molecular docking studies were performed to understand the possible binding and the interaction of the most active compounds to the α-amylase pocket.

Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle seed oil: chromatographic characterization by GC-FID and HS-SPME-GC-MS, physicochemical parameters, and pharmacological bioactivities.

This study aimed to identify the physicochemical and the chemical properties of Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle seed oil and to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities and in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fatty acids' composition was determined using GC-FID. The oil was screened for antioxidant activity by DPPH test. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were determined using the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats, respectively. Volatile compounds were characterized by HS-SPME-GC-MS. A. altissima produces seeds which yielded 17.32% of oil. The seed oil was characterized by a saponification number of 192.6 mg KOH∙g of oil, a peroxide value of 11.4 meq O2∙kg of oil, a K232 of 4.04, a K270 of 1.24, and a phosphorus content of 126.2 ppm. The main fatty acids identified were palmitic (3.06%), stearic (1.56%), oleic (38.35%), and linoleic acids ones (55.76%). The main aroma compounds sampled in the headspace were carbonyl derivatives. The oil presents an important antioxidant activity (IC50 = 24.57 µg/mL) and a modest antimicrobial activity. The seed oil at 1 g/kg showed high analgesic (91.31%) and anti-inflammatory effects (85.17%). The presence of high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and the noteworthy antioxidant capacity of the seed oil can hypothesize its use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Nutritional properties, identification of phenolic compounds, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Feijoa sellowiana leaves.

The nutritional values, the identification of individual phenolic compounds as well as the functional properties (in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and pancreatic lipase inhibition) of Tunisian Feijoa sellowiana (O.Berg) leaves were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and mass spectrometry detector. Feijoa Sellowiana  leaves Extract (FSLE) were evaluated in the present work. Macronutrient components (proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, lipids, and ashes) of FSLE as well as their fatty acids and mineral content were determined. The individual phenolic composition was characterized by the presence of flavonols (mostly quercetin glycosides), flavan-3-ols (procyanidins and catechins), and phenolic acid derivatives. To understand the possible inhibition mechanism exerted by the extract components, enzyme kinetic studies using derived Lineweaver-Burk (LB) plots and Michaelis-Menten were performed. The obtained results evidenced that FSLE exhibited important AChE inhibitory effect, behaving as a noncompetitive inhibitor. Furthermore, the leaves' extract inhibited irreversibly the pancreatic lipase, with maximum inhibition (70%) achieved at 1 mg/ml. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In many countries of the world, Feijoa Sellowiana leaves are used as an alternative to tea drinks and as a folkloric medicine. Moreover, it is well known that the phytochemical compounds are a practical alternative for the prevention of many chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's and obesity. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional, individual phenolic compounds, and functional properties of Feijoa Sellowiana leaves to valorize them as a food and pharmaceutical bioactive human source.

α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitor effects and pancreatic response to diabetes mellitus on Wistar rats of Ephedra alata areal part decoction with immunohistochemical analyses.

Ephedra alata, known as a medicinal plant in China, was used in this study as aqueous extract from aerial parts, for diabetes mellitus treatment. This study was carried out on two parts, in vitro, we tested the effect of the studied extract on the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, and in vivo on Wistar male rats receiving alloxan intraperitoneally at a rate of 125 mg/kg. Extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of body weight) was administrated for 28 days by oral gavage. Blood glucose, amylase, lipase, and lipid profile level were determined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by estimation of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl (PC) level. Histopathological changes in pancreas were investigated under photonic microscopy using immunohistochemical procedure. Our findings showed that aqueous extract inhibited in vitro both α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities and its use in vivo at 300 mg/kg of body weight restored pancreas weight and weight gain, ameliorated significantly (p Ë‚ 0.05) biochemical parameters; it prevented the increase in lipid and protein oxidation and the decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense system. Histological study of treated animals showed a comparable healed regeneration of beta cells.

Wild edible Swiss chard leaves (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla): Nutritional, phytochemical composition and biological activities.

Nutritional, soluble carbohydrates and aroma volatile profiles of Tunisian wild Swiss chard leaves (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) have been characterized. The chemical composition of an ethanol chard leaves extract, as well as its in vitro antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities were carefully evaluated. The results of the proximate composition showed that total carbohydrate fraction, mainly as dietary fiber were the major macronutrient (2.43 g/100 g fw), being the insoluble dietary fiber the predominant fraction (2.30 g/100 g). In addition, leaves of Beta vulgaris L. were especially rich in Mg, Fe and Ca (4.54, 2.94 and 2.28 mg/100 g fw) and very poor in Na (0.09 mg/100 g fw). Volatile profile revealed that non-terpene derivatives and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the essential classes of volatiles in the chard leaves. Myricitrin, p-cumaric acid and rosmarinic acid were characterized. Moreover, the ethanol extract of wild Swiss chard leaves revealed significant antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, a good enzyme inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities were observed. These findings highlighted the potential health benefits of wild Swiss Chard as a source of nutritional and bioactive compounds.

Protective potential of Opuntia microdasys flower decoction on fructose-alloxan-induced diabetic rats on kidney and pancreas: chemical and immunohistochemical analyses.

Diabetes is a serious condition that is linked to the development of oxidative stress causing among many other effects, kidney failure and pancreatic disorders. However, traditional plant-based remedies can be considered an alternative to diabetes healing. In this context, this study was oriented towards evaluating the protective effect of the flowers of Opuntia microdasys Lehm. collected in Tunisia at a biochemical and histological level on kidneys and pancreas of a type 2 diabetic rats. Renal and pancreatic toxicities were induced in diabetic male Wistar rats by fructose alloxan. Diabetic rats were treated with an extract obtained from flowers collected at post-flowering stage (OFP) (100 and 200 mg kg-1 bw) and metformin (100 mg kg-1 bw) for 28 days. Oral administration of OFP at 200 mg kg-1 bw showed significant reduction of the uric acid, urea, creatinine, amylase, lipase, and glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc). The levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx were increased, while protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation TBARS levels were reduced in the kidney and pancreas. The altered kidney and pancreas histology were restored in rats treated with OFP. Thus, the present study demonstrated that OFP has antihyperglycemic activity in fructose-alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Revalorization of wild Asparagus stipularis Forssk. as a traditional vegetable with nutritional and functional properties.

The nutritional values and phytochemical composition of young shoots of wild Asparagus stipularis Forssk. from Tunisia were determined in this study. The antioxidant (tested by four different in vitro assays) and antiproliferative properties (against human tumour cell lines) of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the young shoots were also investigated. The obtained results indicated that the young shoots are a potential source of valuable nutrients and dietary fiber, and their hydroalcoholic extract showed marked antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in all tested assays. The major phenolic compound, characterized by using a high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with diode-array and mass spectrometer detectors, in both extracts was diferuloyl glycerol. Our results reinforce the interest in recovering the traditional culinary uses of this wild plant, with potential functional properties, which can be included in the modern diet as an alternative to the variety of vegetables normally used.

Hepatoprotective effect of Opuntia microdasys (Lehm.) Pfeiff flowers against diabetes type II induced in rats.

Opuntia sp. has long been used as a folk medicine to treat hepatitis and diabetes in Sicile (Italy). To extract the polyphenols from the flower of Opuntia microdasys Lehm. at post flowring stage and evaluate the antidiabetic activity in vitro and in vivo. The hepatoprotective activity of Opuntia microdasys aqueous flowers extract at post flowering stage (OFP) has been tested for their antidiabetic activity. On fructose-alloxan induced diabete in rat model, evaluating the inhibitory effects of OFP on some carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes, pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase activities in vitro. The OFP extract showed inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC50=0.17±0.012mg/ml) and α-amylase (IC50=2.55±0.41mg/ml). The inhibitory potential of OFP extract on these enzymes suggests a positive and probable role of this extract in the management and treatment of diabetes mellitus, particularly, for type 2. Oral administration of the OFP at 200mg/kg to diabetic male rats for 28days demonstrated a significant protective effect by lowering the levels of glucose (123.21±1.38mg/dL) and hepatic marker enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH, γ-GT, BT, PAL, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG). OFP attenuated oxidative stress by decreasing the SOD, CAT, GPX activity and the levels of PC and MDA in the liver and restored the histological architecture of the rat liver. OFP has protective effects on the protection of liver, thereby reducing some of the causes of diabetes in experimental animals.

Nutritional properties, aromatic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of ten date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties grown in Tunisia

Abstract Phoenix dactylifera L. has traditionally been used as a medicine in many cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional properties, aromatic compounds, total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of ten ripe date fruit varieties grown in Tunisia. Sugar profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, while fatty acid compounds were detected by gas chromatography and aromatic compounds were analyzed by GC-Electron Impact Mass Spectroscopy. Total phenolic contents were measured using colorimetric methods, whereas antioxidant capacities were evaluated in vitro using DPPH and ABTS radicals. It has been found that total sugars are the predominant component in all date varieties, followed by moisture, along with moderate amounts of proteins, ash, and fats. Multivariate tests based on the volatile compounds profile showed significant differences among varieties. Between the sixty-two volatile compounds detected, alcohols, aldehydes and unsaturated hydrocarbons constituted the main chemical classes. The date varieties exhibited strong antioxidant potential that correlated with phenolic content. In conclusion date varieties can play a major role in human nutrition and health because of their wide range of valuable nutritional components and natural antioxidants that could potentially be considered as a functional food ingredient.

Bioactivity and chemical characterization of Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm. seed oil: potential food and pharmaceutical applications.

In the food industry, there is a continuous search for ingredients that might provide advantageous properties to food products, either considering their nutritional value or bioactivity, as well as flavouring and technological aspects. Crude oils are good examples of this type of ingredient, especially if obtained from nonconventional sources. Accordingly, the Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm. seed oil (OMSO) was chemically characterized and evaluated for different in vitro and in vivo bioactivities. OMSO presented physicochemical characteristics appropriate to be considered as an edible oil, namely low acidity value, stability to oxidation (high peroxide value and low K232 and K270 values), and high contents of unsaturated fatty acids (as shown by the iodine value) and saponifiable matter. Furthermore, this natural oil, owing to its rich phytochemical profile, showed relevant antioxidant activity (especially in lipid peroxidation inhibition assays), α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, cytotoxicity against human tumour cell lines, antibacterial (mainly against Gram positive species) and antifungal properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Furthermore, OMSO did not show any sign of acute toxicity on animals, highlighting its possible use in different applications, considering that this natural product is not expected to induce the adverse effects typically associated with synthetic bioactive agents (e.g., ampicillin, amphotericin B, or lysine acetylsalicilate).

Activity of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antigenotoxic of the aqueous flower extracts of Opuntia microdasys Lem.Pfeiff.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and the anti-inflammatory activity of Opuntia microdasys at post flowering stage, F3 (OMF3) in rat and, in other hand, its antigenotoxic effects by the Allium cepa test. METHODS: OMF3 extracts were screened for activity of analgesic and anti-inflammatory using, respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay in rats. The antigenotoxic has been evaluated by A. cepa test. KEY FINDINGS: OMF3 extracts showed a higher analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity at 100 mg/kg (72.03% and 70.11%) as determined by the tests of acetic acid-induced writhing and carrageenan-induced oedema, respectively. Furthermore, the OMF3 aqueous extracts have a preventive antimutagenic potential, at lower concentration (EC50 ≈ 60 µg/ml), against H2 O2 -mediated DNA damage in A. cepa root meristem cells with an efficient restoration of the mitotic index in comparison with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, the flower of O. microdasys at post flowering stage may be use as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic agents.

Dosing-time dependent oxidative effects of an immunosuppressive drug "Mycophenolate Mofetil" on rat kidneys.

This study investigates whether the toxicity in kidneys as well as oxidative stress varied according to the dosing time of an immunosuppressive agent "mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)" in Wistar Rat. 300mg/kg of MMF was injected by intraperitonal at four different circadian stages (1, 7, 13 and 19h after light onset, HALO). Rats were sacrificed after 3days, and the kidneys were removed for determination of oxidative stress and histological analysis. Biochemical variable (creatinine, urea) was performed. Statistical analysis showed that MMF administration at 7 HALO produced a renal toxicity assessed by the significant increase in both blood creatinine and urea and antioxidant activity assessed by malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels indicating an induction of lipid peroxidation in oxidative damage. Whereas, at this time MMF induced a decrease the enzyme activities of renal catalase and superoxide dismutase, with a renal histopathology alterations (glomerular atrophy and lesions within proximal tubules). However, when MMF was injected in the middle of the dark-activity phase it produced a very mild renal toxicity and low oxidative stress. The obtained data indicate that the maximum of renal toxicity is observed when MMF was injected in the middle of the light- rest span in rats.