Antiobesity and Hypolipidemic Potential of Nitraria retusa Extract in Overweight/Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) in reducing weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat composition (BF), and anthropometric parameters among overweight/obese women, comparing the results with those of a placebo group. Overweight/obese individuals participated in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Body weight, BMI, body composition, and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Additionally, lipid profile and safety evaluation parameters were evaluated. Compared to the placebo group, the NRE group exhibited a mean weight loss difference of 2.27 kg (p < 0.001) at the trial's conclusion. Interestingly, the most significant weight reduction, amounting to 3.34 kg ± 0.93, was observed in younger participants with a BMI > 30.0. Similarly, BMI and BF% significantly decreased in the NRE group, contrary to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). The percentage of body water (BW) (p = 0.006) as well as the ratio of LBM/BF (p = 0.039) showed a significant increase after the NRE intervention compared to the placebo. After age adjustment, all variables, except LBM/BF, retained statistical significance. Additionally, all anthropometric parameters were significantly reduced only in the NRE group. Most importantly, a significant reduction in Triglyceride (TG) levels in the NRE group was revealed, in contrast to the placebo group (p = 0.011), and the significance was still observed after age adjustment (p = 0.016). No side effects or adverse changes in kidney and liver function tests were observed in both groups. In conclusion, NRE demonstrated potent antiobesity effects, suggesting that NRE supplementation may represent an effective alternative for treating obesity compared to antiobesity synthetic drugs.

Hematinic Potential of Olive Leaf Extract: Evidence from an In Vivo Study in Mice and a Pilot Study in Healthy Human Volunteers.

Natural resources have recently received considerable attention as complementary or alternative hematinic agents. In this regard, olive leaf extract, which is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, has been reported to induce erythroid differentiation in human hematopoietic stem cells. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to explore the potential hematinic properties of aqueous olive leaf extract (WOL) in vivo. After 24 days of administering WOL to healthy mice orally, red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit, reticulocyte, and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) showed a significant increase. Additionally, WOL promoted plasma iron levels and the expression of splenic ferroportin (Fpn), an iron transporter. Additionally, a single-arm pilot study involving a limited number of healthy volunteers was conducted to assess WOL's feasibility, compliance, and potential benefits. Following an 8-week intervention with WOL, RBC count and hemoglobin level were significantly increased. Notably, there were no significant changes in the safety measures related to liver and kidney functions. Furthermore, we identified oleuropein and oleuroside as the active components in WOL to induce erythroid differentiation in the K562 cell line. Altogether, our study presents evidence of the hematinic potential of WOL in the in vivo studies, opening up exciting possibilities for future applications in preventing or treating anemia.

Exploring the Effects of Short-Term Daily Intake of Nitraria retusa Tea on Lipid Profile: A Pre-Post, Uncontrolled Pilot Study in Both Healthy and Overweight/Obese Adults.

In the present study, we aimed to explore the feasibility, compliance, and potential benefits of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) intervention in both healthy (BMI ≤ 24.9 Kg/m2) and overweight/obese adults (BMI > 25 Kg/m2). A total of 98 participants, including 37 healthy individuals and 61 overweight/obese adults, were randomly assigned to either a low-dose (500 mg/day) or a high-dose (2000 mg/day) NRE intervention group. Plasma lipid biomarkers, liver and kidney functions, general hematology, and blood glucose levels were measured at the baseline and 10 days after intervention. While the lipid profile of the healthy participants did not show any statistically significant changes, the obese participants in the high-dose group experienced a significant decrease in triglyceride levels (within-group difference p value = 0.004) and an increase in HDL levels (within-group p value < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in other parameters, indicating that NRE at the given doses was safe. Furthermore, the study had impressive compliance and acceptability, with over 90% of participants completing the intervention and diligently following the study protocol. This pilot study represents the first investigation into the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of NRE intervention on lipid profiles in human volunteers.

Olive Leaves Extract and Oleuropein Improve Insulin Sensitivity in 3T3-L1 Cells and in High-Fat Diet-Treated Rats via PI3K/AkT Signaling Pathway.

Olive leaves extracts are known to exert potential pharmacological activities especially, antidiabetic and antiobesity. This study explores the anti-insulin resistant effect of olive leaves extracts and oleuropein in 3 T3-L1 cells and in high-fat diet fed rats. Our results showed that ethanol extract (EE) suppressed significantly (P < 0.01) triacylglycerol accumulation. In preadipocytes cells, EE 1/100 decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. Real-time PCR analysis showed that EE reduced the mRNA levels of adipogenesis (CEBP-α, PPARγ, SREBP-1c, and FAS) and proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6) genes. Moreover, the cotreatment of EE 1/1000 or oleuropein with insulin increased considerably the expression of p-IRS, p85-pI3K, and p-AKT. In vivo model, the oral administration of oleuropein at 50 mg/kg in rats fed with high fat diet for 8 weeks reduced inflammation in liver and adipose tissues (WAT), improved glucose intolerance, and decreased hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression level of p-Akt, IRS1, and Glut-4 were significantly enhanced in liver and WAT tissues after oleuropein supplementation comparing with that in HFD group. Additionally, the expression of IRS1 was markedly ameliorated in pancreas. Our obtained results can be adopted as an approach to used olive leaves as complement to prevent insulin-resistance disease.

Novel preventive effect of isorhamnetin on electrical and structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation.

Isorhamnetin, a natural flavonoid, has strong antioxidant and antifibrotic effects, and a regulatory effect against Ca2+-handling. Atrial remodeling due to fibrosis and abnormal intracellular Ca2+ activities contributes to initiation and persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study investigated the effect of isorhamnetin on angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AF in mice. Wild-type male mice (C57BL/6J, 8 weeks old) were assigned to three groups: (1) control group, (2) AngII-treated group, and (3) AngII- and isorhamnetin-treated group. AngII (1000 ng/kg/min) and isorhamnetin (5 mg/kg) were administered continuously via an implantable osmotic pump for two weeks and intraperitoneally one week before initiating AngII administration, respectively. AF induction and electrophysiological studies, Ca2+ imaging with isolated atrial myocytes and HL-1 cells, and action potential duration (APD) measurements using atrial tissue and HL-1 cells were performed. AF-related molecule expression was assessed and histopathological examination was performed. Isorhamnetin decreased AF inducibility compared with the AngII group and restored AngII-induced atrial effective refractory period prolongation. Isorhamnetin eliminated abnormal diastolic intracellular Ca2+ activities induced by AngII. Isorhamnetin also abrogated AngII-induced APD prolongation and abnormal Ca2+ loading in HL-1 cells. Furthermore, isorhamnetin strongly attenuated AngII-induced left atrial enlargement and atrial fibrosis. AngII-induced elevated expression of AF-associated molecules, such as ox-CaMKII, p-RyR2, p-JNK, p-ERK, and TRPC3/6, was improved by isorhamnetin treatment. The findings of the present study suggest that isorhamnetin prevents AngII-induced AF vulnerability and arrhythmogenic atrial remodeling, highlighting its therapeutic potential as an anti-arrhythmogenic pharmaceutical or dietary supplement.

Microalgae extract induces antidepressant-like activity via neuroinflammation regulation and enhances the neurotransmitter system.

The increasing prevalence of mental disorders, such as depression, is currently a serious public health concern. Microalgae are a diverse group of organisms that contain many bioactive compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. These compounds can exhibit many health benefits such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-obesity effects. In the present study, we focused on microalgal (Botryococcus terribilis) extract (ME) rich in Me-meijicoccene (MM), a novel compound. Our results showed that pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with ME and MM ameliorated dexamethasone (depression-causing substance)-induced cytotoxicity. The results of the tail suspension test (TST) indicated that ME (50 mg/kg) induced antidepressant-like activity in TST-stressed mice. Our microarray analysis revealed that ME upregulated neurotransmitter-related gene (neurotransmitter secretion) expression and downregulated neuroinflammatory-related gene (chemokine-mediated signaling) expression in the cerebral cortex. ME also induced an increase in neurotransmitter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and a decrease in corticosterone and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum, cerebral cortex, and hypothalamus. Altogether, our study is the first to report that 50 mg/kg ME (not 100 mg/kg) exerts antidepressant-like effects via regulating neuroinflammation and modulating neurotransmitter systems in the mouse brain, highlighting the prospects of ME in the treatment of depressive disorders of a psychosocial nature.

Molecular Analysis of the Melanogenesis Inhibitory Effect of Saponins-Rich Fraction of Argania spinosa Leaves Extract.

Plant saponins are abundant and diverse natural products with a great potential for use in drug-discovery research. Here, we evaluated extracts of saponins-rich fractions of argan leaves and argan oil extraction byproducts (shell, pulp, press cake) for their effect on melanogenesis. Results show that from among the samples tested, only the saponins-rich fraction from leaves (ALS) inhibited melanin production in B16 murine melanoma (B16) cells. The mechanism of the melanogenesis inhibition was elucidated by determining the protein and mRNA expression of melanogenesis-associated enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and performing DNA microarray analysis. Results showed that 10 µg/mL ALS significantly inhibited melanogenesis in B16 cells and human epidermal melanocytes by 59% and 48%, respectively, without cytotoxicity. The effect of ALS on melanogenesis can be attributed to the decrease in TYR, TRP1, and MITF expression at the protein and mRNA levels. MITF inhibition naturally led to the downregulation of the expression of Tyr and Trp1 genes. Results of the DNA microarray analysis revealed the effect on melanogenesis-associated cAMP and Wnt signaling pathways' genes. The results of this study suggest that ALS may be used in cosmeceuticals preparations for hyperpigmentation treatment.

Safety Assessment and Pain Relief Properties of Saffron from Taliouine Region (Morocco).

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. In addition to its culinary utilization, this spice is used for medicinal purposes such as in pain management. In this study, the analgesic activity of Crocus sativus stigma extract (CSSE) was evaluated in rodents and its possible physiological mechanism was elucidated. The anti-nociceptive effect of CSSE was evaluated using three animal models (hot plate, writhing, and formalin tests). The analgesic pathways involved were assessed using various analgesia-mediating receptors antagonists. The oral administration of CSSE, up to 2000 mg/kg, caused no death or changes in the behavior or in the hematological and biochemical blood parameters of treated animals nor in the histological architecture of the animals' livers and kidneys. CSSE showed a central, dose-dependent, anti-nociceptive effect in response to thermal stimuli; and a peripheral analgesic effect in the test of contortions induced by acetic acid. The dual (central and peripheral) analgesic effect was confirmed by the formalin test. The anti-nociceptive activity of CSSE was totally or partially reversed by the co-administration of receptor antagonists, naloxone, atropine, haloperidol, yohimbine, and glibenclamide. CSSE influenced signal processing, by the modulation of the opioidergic, adrenergic, and muscarinic systems at the peripheral and central levels; and by regulation of the dopaminergic system and control of the opening of the ATP-sensitive K+ channels at the spinal level. The obtained data point to a multimodal mechanism of action for CSSE: An anti-inflammatory effect and a modulation, through different physiological pathways, of the electrical signal generated by the nociceptors. Further clinical trials are required to endorse the potential utilization of Moroccan saffron as a natural painkiller.

Effects of Isorhamnetin on Diabetes and Its Associated Complications: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies and a Post Hoc Transcriptome Analysis of Involved Molecular Pathways.

Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 (T2DM), is a major public health problem globally. DM is characterized by high levels of glycemia and insulinemia due to impaired insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity of the cells, known as insulin resistance. T2DM causes multiple and severe complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy causing cell oxidative damages in different internal tissues, particularly the pancreas, heart, adipose tissue, liver, and kidneys. Plant extracts and their bioactive phytochemicals are gaining interest as new therapeutic and preventive alternatives for T2DM and its associated complications. In this regard, isorhamnetin, a plant flavonoid, has long been studied for its potential anti-diabetic effects. This review describes its impact on reducing diabetes-related disorders by decreasing glucose levels, ameliorating the oxidative status, alleviating inflammation, and modulating lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation by regulating involved signaling pathways reported in the in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, we include a post hoc whole-genome transcriptome analysis of biological activities of isorhamnetin using a stem cell-based tool.

Rosemary Tea Consumption Alters Peripheral Anxiety and Depression Biomarkers: A Pilot Study in Limited Healthy Volunteers.

Background: Rosmarinus officinalis L.is traditionally used as an infusion in the treatment of several diseases and in particular against neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It was established that rosemary extracts show an antidepressant effect on animal models. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no scientific data that highlights the therapeutic effects of rosemary intake on human mental health.Aim: This study investigated whether rosemary tea consumption affects the plasma levels of anxiety and depression biomarkers in healthy volunteers.Methods: Twenty-two healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 50 years old consumed rosemary tea prepared from 5 g of dried rosemary in 100 mL boiled water once a day for 10 days. Plasma concentrations of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Interleukine-6 (IL-6), Interleukine-4 (IL-4), Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-α), Interferon-gamma (IFNϒ), and cortisol were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial ELISA kits (R&D systems) before rosemary consumption and at the end of the experiment.Results: Rosemary tea consumption significantly increased the concentration of BDNF([BDNF]D0 = 22363.86 ± 12987.66 pg/mL, [BDNF]D10 = 41803.64 ± 28109.19, p = 0.006) and TNF-α([TNF-α] D0 = 39.49 ± 14.44 pg/mL, [TNF-α] D10 = 56.24 ± 39.01, p = 0.016). However, a slight variation that was statistically non-significant in INFϒ, cortisol, IL-4, IL-6 levels and in the ratio IL-4/INFϒ was observed (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Our findings highlight the promising anxiolytic and/or antidepressant effects of rosemary tea consumption in healthy volunteers since it increases the level of the most reliable depression biomarker BDNF. However, more powerful studies with larger sample size, carefully-chosen target population and, an extended intervention period are required.

Preventive effect of a Kampo medicine, kososan, on recurrent depression in a mouse model of repeated social defeat stress.

Depression is deemed a mood disorder characterized by a high rate of relapse. Therefore, overcoming of the recurrent depression is globally expecting. Kososan, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, has been clinically used for mild depressive mood, and our previous studies have shown some evidence for its antidepressive-like efficacy in experimental animal models of depression. However, it remains unclear whether kososan has beneficial effects on recurrent depression. Here, we examined its effect using a mouse model of modified repeated social defeat stress (SDS) paradigm. Male BALB/c mice were exposed to a 5-min SDS from unfamiliar aggressive CD-1 mice for 5 days. Kososan extract (1.0 kg/kg/day) or an antidepressant milnacipran (60 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 26 days (days 7-32) to depression-like mice with social avoidant behaviors on day 6. Single 5 min of SDS was subjected to mice recovered from the social avoidance on day 31, and then the recurrence of depression-like behaviors was evaluated on day 32. Hippocampal gene expression patterns were also assayed by DNA microarray analysis. Water- or milnacipran-administered mice resulted in a recurrence of depression-like behaviors by re-exposure of single SDS, whereas kososan-administered mice did not recur depression-like behaviors. Distinct gene expression patterns were also found for treating kososan and milnacipran. Collectively, this finding suggests that kososan exerts a preventive effect on recurrent depression-like behaviors in mice. Pretreatment of kososan is more useful for recurrent depression than that of milnacipran.

Design of nanoemulgel using Argania spinosa microfibrillated cellulose and natural emulsifiers foreseeing melanogenesis enhancement.

Nanotechnology is a route of choice that improves administration and efficacy of bioactive compounds. In this study, nanoemulgels were prepared using microfibrillated cellulose from Argania spinosa shell (AS-MFC) and Argan shell (ASE) or Argan press cake extracts (APC) as natural emulsifiers. Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions were prepared using different natural emulsifiers or synthetic emulsifiers and presented a nano size (d3,2 < 140 nm). Following that, the nanoemulsions were incorporated within AS-MFC matrix and rheological properties confirmed a shear thinning behavior. Confocal micrographs of nanoemulgels confirmed the dispersion of nanoemulsions in the AS-MFC network without affecting the nanoemulsions stability. Finally, in vitro bioassay on B16F10 using ASE or APC nanoemulsions was conducted. This study confirmed cell permeation in B16F10 cells of formulated nanoemulsions and the upregulation of melanin content up to 30% more that the untreated cells. This study designed novel MFC nanoemulgel with high potential application in healthcare and cosmetic field.

Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of Rosmarinus officinalis extract in rodent models: Involvement of oxytocinergic system.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide involved in mammal reproductive and prosocial behaviors, has been reported to interact with various stressor-provoked neurobiological changes, including neuroendocrine, neurotransmitter, and inflammatory processes. In view of disturbances in psychosocial relationships due to social isolation and physical distancing measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, being one of the triggering factors for the recent rise in depression and anxiety, OXT is a potential candidate for a new antidepressant. METHODS: In this present study, we have aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Rosmarinus officinalis extract (RE), extracted from distillation residue of rosemary essential oil, on central OXT level in the context of other stress biomarkers and neurotransmitter levels in mice models. Tail suspension test (TST) and elevated plus maze test (EPMT) following LPS injection were employed to assess depressive- and anxiety-like behavior in mice, respectively. FINDINGS: Pretreatment with RE for seven days significantly improved behavior in TST and EPMT. Whole-genome microarray analysis reveals that RE significantly reversed TST stress-induced alterations in gene expressions related to oxytocinergic and neurotransmitter pathways and inflammatory processes. In both models, RE significantly increased central Oxt and Oxtr expressions, as well as OXT protein levels. RE also significantly attenuated stress-induced changes in serum corticosterone, brain and serum BDNF levels, and brain neurotransmitters levels in both models. INTERPRETATION: Altogether, our study is the first to report antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of RE through modulating oxytocinergic system in mice brain and thus highlights the prospects of RE in the treatment of depressive disorders of psychosocial nature.

Elucidation of Melanogenesis-Associated Signaling Pathways Regulated by Argan Press Cake in B16 Melanoma Cells.

The beneficial effect on health of argan oil is recognized worldwide. We have previously reported that the cake that remains after argan oil extraction (argan press-cake or APC) inhibits melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells in a time-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. In this study, the global gene expression profile of B16 melanoma cells treated with APC extract was determined in order to gain an understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of APC. The results suggest that APC extract inhibits melanin biosynthesis by down-regulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) and its downstream signaling pathway through JNK signaling activation, and the inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin and cAMP/PKA signaling pathways. APC extract also prevented the transport of melanosomes by down-regulating Rab27a expression. These results suggest that APC may be an important natural skin whitening product and pharmacological agent used for clinical treatment of pigmentary disorders.

Grape skin extract modulates neuronal stem cell proliferation and improves spatial learning in senescence-accelerated prone 8 mice.

In recent years, the number of patients with neurodegenerative illness such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased with the aging of the population. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Grape skin extract (GSE) on neurotypic SH-SY5Y cells as an in vitro AD model, murine neurospheres as an ex vivo neurogenesis model and SAMP8 mice as an in vivo AD model. Our in vitro result showed that pre-treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with GSE ameliorated Aß-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, GSE treatment significantly decreased the number of neurospheres, but increased their size suggesting reduced stem cell self-renewal but increased proliferation. Our in vivo Morris water maze test indicated that GSE improves learning and memory in SAMP8 mice. To detect proliferation and newborn neurons, we measured BrdU+ cells in the dentate gyrus (DG). GSE treatment increased the number of BrdU+ cells in the DG of SAMP8 mice. Finally, we showed that GSE induced a decrease in inflammatory cytokines and an increase in neurotransmitters in the cerebral cortex of SAMP8 mice. These results suggested that GSE increased neurogenic zone proliferation and memory but decreased oxidative stress associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines in aging, thus protecting neurons.

Argan (Argania Spinosa) press cake extract enhances cell proliferation and prevents oxidative stress and inflammation of human dermal papilla cells.

BACKGROUND: Hair follicle undergoes a growth cycle under the regulation of dermal papilla cells. Due to their enormous roles, these fibroblast cells have been used in various in vitro studies as a screening model to evaluate the effect of hair growth regulating agents. OBJECTIVE: In the current study, we aim to check the hair growth potential effect of Argan press cake (APC) extracted using 50 or 80 % aqueous ethanol on human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and to determine the molecular mechanism. METHODS: APC were applied to HFDPCs, then cell proliferation assays, mitochondrial biogenesis assay, and oxidative stress assay were assessed. DNA microarray was performed from the cells treated with our samples and minoxidil. Validation of the results was done using Quantitative Real-Time PCR with primers for hair-growth related genes. GC/MS analysis was used to determine the compounds contained in APC 50 and 80 %. RESULTS: APC enhanced cell proliferation along with the stimulation of the ATP content. Additionally, APC had an anti-oxidant activity against H2O2 mediated oxidative stress preventing dermal papilla cell senescence. Consistent with this, global gene profiling analysis showed an activation of hair growth-related pathway, and a downregulation of inflammation- and oxidative stress-related genes by APC extracts. GC/MS analysis revealed that these extracts contained pure fatty acids, derived sugar chains, and pure compounds including tocopherols, squalene, and spinasterol. CONCLUSION: Taken together, here we showed that APC extracts had an effect on stimulating hair growth while inhibiting the inflammation and the oxidative stress of HFDPCs and thus can potentially contribute to an anti-hair loss drug development.

Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of erythroid differentiation potential of olive leaf in haematopoietic stem cells.

Anaemia is one of the leading causes of disability in young adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in elderly. With a global target to reduce the disease burden of anaemia, recent researches focus on novel compounds with the ability to induce erythropoiesis and regulate iron homeostasis. We aimed to explore the biological events and potential polypharmacological effects of water-extracted olive leaf (WOL) on human bone marrow-derived haematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs) using a comprehensive gene expression analysis. HPLC analysis identifies six bioactive polyphenols in the WOL. Treatment with WOL for 12 days regulated gene expressions related to erythroid differentiation, oxygen homeostasis, iron homeostasis, haem metabolism and Hb biosynthesis in hHSCs. Functional clustering analysis reveals several major functions of WOL such as ribosomal biogenesis and mitochondrial translation machinery, glycolytic process, ATP biosynthesis and immune response. Additionally, the colonies of both primitive and mature erythroid progenitors, CFU-E and BFU-E, were significantly increased in WOL-treated hHSCs. The expressions of erythroid markers, CD47, glycophorin A (GYPA), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) and adult Hb subunits-HBA and HBB were also confirmed in immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometer analysis in WOL-treated hHSCs. It is well known that induction of lineage-specific differentiation, as well as the maturation of early haematopoietic precursors into fully mature erythrocytes, involves multiple simultaneous biological events and complex signalling networks. In this regard, our genome-wide transcriptome profiling with microarray study on WOL-treated hHSCs provides general insights into the multitarget prophylactic and/or therapeutic potential of WOL in anaemia and other haematological disorders.

Interfacial and emulsifying properties of purified glycyrrhizin and non-purified glycyrrhizin-rich extracts from liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

This study compared the interfacial and emulsifying properties of purified saponins and non-purified saponin-rich extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, and highlighted potential mechanisms by which crude surface-active compositions, such as liquorice root extract (LRE), act as emulsifiers. LRE presented different fluid properties, in comparison to purified glycyrrhizin (PG), at equivalent glycyrrhizin concentrations. Particularly, it exhibited limited glycyrrhizin fibrilization at pH < pKa and efficiently reduced the interfacial tension at the soybean oil/water interface, independently of pH. LRE also presented better emulsification properties, in comparison to PG samples. Emulsions prepared using LRE had lower droplet sizes when using higher oil mass fractions or lower homogenization pressures, which was attributed to 2 main factors: (i) efficient adsorption of glycyrrhizin molecules at relatively low interfacial curvatures, thus accelerating oil phase breakup during homogenization and (ii) sufficient coverage of newly generated droplets due to adsorption of residual surface-active components (e.g. proteins), thus minimizing droplet coalescence.

Microfibrillated cellulose from Argania spinosa shells as sustainable solid particles for O/W Pickering emulsions.

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from Argan (Argania spinosa) shells was prepared by chemical purification of cellulose, then mechanical disintegration via high pressure homogenization was performed to isolate fibrils of cellulose. Chemical characterization of raw argan shell (AS-R), purified cellulose (AS-C), and argan shell MFC (AS-MFC) included FT-IR, XRD and NMR. Morphological characterization of AS-MFC was assessed using TEM. Next, the use of AS-MFC as oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilizer was investigated. The particle concentration was observed to affect the long-term stability of the emulsions; high concentrations (0.5-1 % w/w) of AS-MFC resulted in emulsions that were thermodynamically stable during 15 days of storage, which was demonstrated by the droplet's size evolution. The suitable oil concentration for a maximum volume of emulsion using 1 % w/w AS-MFC was demonstrated. The results show that AS-MFC is able to stabilize 70 % w/w MCT oil without visual phase separation. Finally, CLSM shows the adsorption of AS-MFC at the oil-water interface and the formation of a 3D network surrounding oil droplets, confirming Pickering emulsion formation and stabilization.