Insights into the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the Tunisian Ceratonia siliqua L.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) corresponds to an evergreen leguminous tree (Fabaceae family). The high phenolic content of numerous parts of carob has been deeply associated with several nutritional and functional benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of ground carob pods and seeds, the effect of different extraction procedures as well a comprehensive phytochemical characterization of hydro-methanolic extracts (80/20 v/v) of pods and seeds by HPLC-DAD ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Additionally, their antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro assays. The results showed thatthe dry matter (DM) values were 88.09% for pods and 89.10% for seeds, protein contents were 0.41 g/100 g DM for pods and 0.88 g/100 g DM for seedsand total sugars contents were 0.35 g/100 DM for pods and 26.70 g/100 g DM for seeds. Furthermore, the oil holding capacities (OHC) were 10.43 g/g for pods and 7.53 g/g for seeds, while the water holding capacities were 8.46 g/g for pods and 2.59 g/g for seeds.The hydro-methanolic extracts of both pods and seeds showed the presence of 53 secondary bioactive metabolites belonging to various classes(flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and non-phenolic compounds). The antioxidant activities were evidenced in DPPH (22.24 mg/ml for pods and 26.37 mg/ml for seeds), ABTS (198.50 mmol Eq Trolox/100 g for pods and 201.04 mmol Eq Trolox/100 g for seeds) and FRAP (0.39 mmol Eq Trolox/100 g for pods and 0.53 mmol Eq Trolox/100 g for seeds).Moreover,high significant (p ≤ 0.01) correlation coefficients were found between the antioxidant activity estimated by the DPPH method and total phenols (r = 0.943), orthodiphenols (r = 0.996), flavonoids (r = 0.880) and flavonols (r = 0.982). Nevertheless, lower correlations were detected with ABTS and FRAP methods.These results demonstrated that carob parts displayed an interesting potential that can be of interest for further valorizations as a natural antioxidant with multiple applications, namely functional food ingredients or prevention of many health problems.

Untargeted Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of a Tunisian Capsicum annuum Cultivar.

Peppers are among the spices possessing a wide plethora of biological properties due to their excellent supply of health-related metabolites. Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) is cultivated throughout Tunisia, and there is a shortage of information on the identification of the secondary metabolites in the seeds of this species as well as on their biological activities. In the present work, we intended to undertake a chemical characterization of the bioactive compounds from the hydro-methanolic seed extract of C. annuum as well as an evaluation of its broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The chemical profile was evaluated by RP-HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS, whereas the total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were determined in in vitro assays. In this work, 45 compounds belonging to various phytochemical classes, such as organic acids (2), phenolic compounds (4 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoids), capsaicinoids (3), capsianosides (5), fatty acids (13), amino acids (1), sphingolipids (10), and steroids (2) were identified in the hydro-methanolic seed extract of C. annuum. The phenolic and flavonoid content (193.7 mg GAE/g DW and 25.1 mg QE/g DW, respectively) of the C. annuum extract correlated with the high antiradical activity (IC50 = 45.0 µg/mL), reducing power (EC50 = 61.3 µg/mL) and chelating power (IC50 = 79.0 µg/mL) activities. The hydro-methanolic seed extract showed an important antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and four fungal strains. In fact, the inhibition zones (IZs) for bacteria ranged from 9.00 ± 1.00 mm to 12.00 ± 0.00 mm; for fungi, the IZs ranged from 12.66 ± 0.57 mm to 13.66 ± 0.57 mm. The minimal inhibition concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values showed that the extract was more effective against fungi than bacteria.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Chemlali Olive Tree Root Extracts Using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, Their Cytotoxicity, and Antiviral Assessment.

The large quantity of olive roots resulting from a large number of old and unfruitful trees encouraged us to look for ways of adding value to these roots. For this reason, the current research work is devoted to the valorization of olive roots by identifying active phytochemicals and assessing their biological activities, including the cytotoxicity and antiviral potential of different extracts from the Olea europaea Chemlali cultivar. The extract, obtained by ultrasonic extraction, was analyzed using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique (LC-MS). The cytotoxicity was evaluated through the use of the microculture tetrazolium assay (MTT) against VERO cells. Subsequently, the antiviral activity was determined for HHV-1 (Human Herpesvirus type 1) and CVB3 (Coxsackievirus B3) replication in the infected VERO cells. LC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 40 compounds, classified as secoiridoids (53%), organic acids (13%), iridoids (10%), lignans (8%), caffeoylphenylethanoid (5%), phenylethanoids (5%),sugars and derivatives (2%), phenolic acids (2%), and flavonoids (2%). It was found that extracts were not toxic to the VERO cells. Moreover, the extracts did not influence the appearance of HHV-1 or CVB3 cytopathic effects in the infected VERO cells and failed to decrease the viral infectious titer.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities, in an allergic asthma model, of Olea europaea L. leaf extracts from Collo (Skikda, Algeria).

This study is an attempt to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of olive leaves variety (namely Bouricha variety) that is very widespread in the East of Algeria. The aqueous extract (AE) of leaves was initially analyzed for its phenolic profile. Using the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis, it was possible to identify the predominant components in the AE of the leaves. This extract was hydrolyzed with acid and gave hydroxytyrosol (HT). AE and HT were evaluated for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum method. The antioxidant and anti-asthmatic activities of these extracts were examined in a model of experimental asthma in Wistar rats. For measuring the intensity of the airway inflammation, oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in lungs and a histological study of this tissue was performed. The obtained results showed that the sensitization of the ovalbumin (OVA) group induced lung inflammation and severe lipid peroxidation (LPO) revealed by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems. However, the administration of AE and HT extracts significantly improved the antioxidant state in asthma disease and provided evidence for the relation between phenolic compounds and the high antioxidant activity of olive leaves extracts, especially HT more than AE.

RP-UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS As a Powerful Tool of Oleuropein and Ligstroside Characterization in Olive-Leaf Extract and Their Contribution to the Improved Performance of Refined Olive-Pomace Oil during Heating.

Since olive leaf is a potential source of phenolic fraction that is assumed to have good antioxidative effects, we purposed to add its extract to the refined olive-pomace oil during heating to increase its oxidative stability. RP-UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS was employed to characterize the phenolic fraction.The oil samples were evaluated by measuring the polymers and the polar compounds and thus detecting specific oxidized compounds. Using this approach, the results showed that incorporating olive leaf extract in refined oil significantly reduced the formation of polymers from 14.39% to 10.45% and the oxidation state by the variation of extinction ΔK from 3.02 to 2.29 during 20 h of heating compared to unenriched oil. This study has proven that the use of natural substances is an opportunity to extend the life of refined oils.

Phytochemical and Biological Characterization of Methanolic Extracts from Rumex algeriensis and Rumex tunetanus.

The present study is aimed at the evaluation of the phytochemical profile and the biochemical properties of methanolic extracts obtained from different parts of Rumex algeriensis and Rumex tunetanus, two relict species limited to the North Africa. Phytochemical analyses of these extracts were performed using standard colorimetric procedures, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, and their antioxidant/free radical scavenging capability was estimated through several in vitro cell-free assays. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory potential of these extracts was demonstrated in an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation using differentiated Caco-2 cells. The results showed that all the extracts appeared endowed with excellent antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties. In particular, the extracts from both R. algeriensis and R. tunetanus flowers, and that from R. algeriensis stems were characterized by a remarkable SOD-like and NO-scavenging activity, as well as by the capability to protect albumin against HClO-induced degradation. Furthermore, the extracts from flowers of both Rumex species, as well as R. algeriensis stems, showed an anti-inflammatory effect in intestinal epithelial cells, as demonstrated by the inhibition of TNF-α-induced gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8. In conclusion, R. algeriensis and R. tunetanus have shown to be potential sources of bioactive products to be used in the prevention and treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Effects of natural polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice supplementation on plasma ion and lipid profiles following resistance exercise: a placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate juice (POMj) contains abundant soluble polyphenolic antioxidant compounds and is recommended for its cardioprotective/atheroprotective properties. However, very few studies have investigated the efficacy of POMj supplementation to alter physiological responses during intensive physical exercise. This placebo-controlled study aimed to examine whether supplementation with natural polyphenol-rich-POMj could influence the ionic or lipid responses to an intensive resistance training session in elite athletes. METHODS: Nine elite weightlifters (21 ± 1 years) performed two Olympic-weightlifting sessions after ingesting placebo and POMj supplements. Venous blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min after each session for assessment of plasma sodium ([Na+]), potassium ([K+]), chloride ([Cl-]), calcium ([Ca2+]), triglyceride ([TG]) and high-density lipoprotein ([HDL-C]), low-density lipoprotein ([HDL-C]) and total ([TC]) cholesterol concentrations. RESULTS: Plasma [K+] and [TG] were lowered post-exercise compared to resting values in the PLA condition (p = 0.03 for K+ and p = 0.02 for TG) with no pre-to-post exercise differences in the other plasma ion and lipid markers (p > 0.05). Compared to rest, plasma [Na+] and [Cl-] were increased (p = 0.04, %change = 4.10% for Na+ and p = 0.02, %change = 4.44% for Cl-), but there were no differences in the other plasma ion or lipid markers post-exercise after POMj supplementation (p > 0.05). Post-exercise plasma [Na+], [Cl-], and [HDL-C] were greater following POMj supplementation compared to PLA (p = 0.01 for Cl- and HDL-C, p = 0.02 for Na+, and p = 0.04 for TC), with no between-supplement post-exercise differences in the other ion and lipid markers (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, supplementation with POMj has the potential to attenuate the acute imbalance of plasma [K+] and to improve blood lipid responses (i.e., HDL-C) following resistance exercises in elite weightlifters. However, further large research in both athletic and non-athletic populations is needed to corroborate these preliminary observations and to elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms and translational potential of our novel observations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name of the registry:ClinicalTrials.gov PRSThe registration number:NCT02697903.Date of Registry: 03/03/2016 'Retrospectively registered'.The registration title: Pomegranate Improve Biological Recovery Kinetics in Elite Weightlifter.

Untargeted metabolite profiling and phytochemical analysis based on RP-HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS and MS/MS for discovering new bioactive compounds in Rumex algeriensis flowers and stems.

INTRODUCTION: Natural products with distinctive pharmaceutical activities are considered as the main source of new herbal drugs, functional foods and cosmetic additives. Rumex algeriensis is an endemic medicinal plant with no accessible information about its chemical profile and biological activities. OBJECTIVE: In the quest for new sources of biologically-active compounds, we intended in the present work to undertake a comprehensive characterisation of phytochemical compounds from Rumex algeriensis flowers and stems hydro-methanolic extract. METHODOLOGY: Chemical profiles were evaluated by a rapid analytical method reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using negative and positive ions modes. RESULTS: In this work, 44 bioactive compounds were tentatively identified using high mass accuracy data and confirmed by MS/MS experiments, among which five compounds were reported for the first time in the Polygonaceae family. These compounds were classified as sugars, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, flavanones, flavone, flavanols, condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins and their conjugated derivatives. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results highlighted that Rumex algeriensis, even though undervalued and unexplored, contributes to the preclinical knowledge that could be considered as a renewable source of nutraceutical compounds that may be exploited in novel herbal medicinal products, in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Effects of natural polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice on the acute and delayed response of Homocysteine and steroidal hormones following weightlifting exercises: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Maximal strength-speed exercise is a powerful stimulus to acutely increase concentrations of circulating steroid hormones and homocysteine [Hcy]. There is some evidence that antioxidant beverages rich in polyphenols can attenuate [Hcy] levels and modulate endocrine responses in favor of an anabolic environment. Polyphenols-rich pomegranate (POM) have been reported to possess one of the highest antioxidant capacities compared to other purported nutraceuticals and other food stuffs. Studies focused on proving the beneficial effect of POM consumption during maximal strength exercises have only measured physical performance, muscle damage, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, while POM effects on [Hcy] and hormonal adaptations are lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of consuming natural polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice (POMj) on the acute and delayed [Hcy] and steroidal hormonal responses to a weightlifting exercises session. METHODS: Nine elite weightlifters (21.0 ± 1 years) performed two Olympic-weightlifting sessions after ingesting either the placebo (PLA) or POMj supplements. Venous blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min and 48 h after each session. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, circulating cortisol [C] decreased (p < 0.01) and testosterone/cortisol [T/C] ratio increased immediately following the training session in both PLA and POMj conditions (p = 0.003 for PLA and p = 0.02 for POM). During the 48 h recovery period, all tested parameters were shown to recover to baseline values in both conditions with significant increases in [C] and decreases in [T/C] (p < 0.01 for PLA and p < 0.05 for POMj) from 3 min to 48 h post-exercises. Compared to PLA, a lower level of plasma testosterone [T] was registered 3 min post exercise using POMj supplementation (p = 0.012) and a significant decrease (p = 0.04, %change = - 14%) in plasma [Hcy] was registered during the 48 h recovery period only using POMj. A moderate correlation was observed between [Hcy] and [T] responses (p = 0.002, r = - 0.50). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, supplementation with POMj has the potential to attenuate the acute plasma [T] response, but did not effect 48 h recovery kinetics of [Hcy] following weightlifting exercise. Further studies investigating androgen levels in both plasma and muscular tissue are needed to resolve the functional consequences of the observed acute POMj effect on plasma [T]. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov, ID: NCT02697903. Registered 03 March 2016.

Effect of extraction methods on the physicochemical, structural, functional, and antioxidant properties of the dietary fiber concentrates from male date palm flowers.

The current study evaluates the effect of both aqueous and alkaline extraction methods on the physicochemical, structural, functional, and antioxidant properties of dietary fibers (DF) from male date palm flowers (MDPF). The DF extracted by the alkali treatment (ADF) display a higher DF content as well as lower protein and lipid content than the DF resulting from watery extraction (WDF). The scanning electron microscopy, the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the X-ray diffraction show that the alkaline treatment contributes to a slight modification of the structural characteristics of ADF leading to better purity and functional properties. The oil holding capacity and the antioxidant activity of ADF have improved compared to the WDF, which makes this concentrate a promoting functional ingredient and a natural antioxidant. Therefore, these findings confirm the wealth of both concentrates in DF, especially ADF, as well as their potential of functional and antioxidant properties, which emphasize their suitability to be used in food applications as functional ingredients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nowadays, studies on the extraction of DF from vegetable waste are of considerable interest in the face of the rising global demand for dietetic food. The male date palm flowers (MDPF), an agricultural waste generated during the period of pollination, are valuable natural sources of DF and antioxidants. The insoluble DF of MDPF could be essential in a balanced diet as they could fight against obesity by creating a feeling of satiety. The presence of antioxidants, which are known for preventing or slowing cell damage caused by free radicals, could contribute to the improvement of the antioxidant properties of the formulated food. The functional properties of DF concentrates from MDPF are able to solve the technical problems of agri-food industries when used as food ingredients. The use of DF from MDPF, consequently, contributes to the minimization of waste and provides value addition to the by-product considered as waste in agricultural processing.

Physico-Chemical, antioxidant activities, textural, and sensory properties of yoghurt fortified with different states and rates of pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum L.).

This study examines the effects of incorporating fresh, frozen, osmodehydrated, and dried pomegranate seeds, at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20%) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, textural, and sensory properties of yoghurt. Antioxidant activity, pH, acidity, syneresis, and color of yoghurt were also evaluated during the storage (28 days) at 4°C. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess the correlations between different yoghurt formulation and their sensory attributes. Data showed that the addition of pomegranate seeds reduced pH and modified the chromatics coordinate (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°) and firmness of the yoghurt samples. In addition, acidity, °Brix, and syneresis increased compared to the control. Thanks to their high anthocyanin content, pomegranate seeds considerably improved the antioxidant activity essentially for yoghurt enriched with frozen seeds. In addition, the supplementation of 20% of frozen seeds into yoghurt was the most appreciated by panelists and improved the sensory properties in comparison to other formulation. According to PCA, taste and appearance were the main criteria for the overall acceptability of yoghurt. After 28 days of storage, the reddish color was reinforced; however, the antioxidant activity of yoghurts was reduced. Overall, it can be concluded that pomegranate seeds can be used as a natural ingredient to develop a novel yoghurt with high nutritional properties.

Olive leaf extracts for shelf life extension of salmon burgers.

In this work, the effect of the addition of olive leaf extracts on the quality of vacuum-packed salmon burgers stored at 4 ℃ during 16 days has been studied. Olive leaf extract and its hydrolysate were initially characterized and then incorporated to salmon burgers. A shelf life study was conducted in three different batches (control, olive leaf extract, and hydrolyzed olive leaf extract burgers). Among the chemical indices determined, total volatile base nitrogen values were lower in hydrolyzed olive leaf extract and olive leaf extract burgers than in control samples. Lipid oxidation was lower in salmon burger with olive leaf extract. Salmon mince treated with hydrolyzed olive leaf extract showed lower microbial counts during the whole study, which extended the shelf life of the fish product. Therefore, the potential of olive leaf extracts to preserve salmon burgers during cold storage has been demonstrated.

Comparison and characterization of volatile compounds as markers of oils stability during frying by HS-SPME-GC/MS and Chemometric analysis.

The formation and emission of volatile compounds, including the aldehydes and some toxic compounds of oil samples, ROPO pure (100%) and the blended ROPO/RCO (80-20%), were carried out during deep frying at 180°C. The volatile profile of both oil samples was evaluated by an optimized HS-SPME-GC/MS method, before and after 20, 40 and 60 successive sessions of deep-frying. Actually, from 100 detected compounds, aldehydes were found to be the main group formed. In addition, the oil degradation under thermal treatment regarding the volatile compounds were evaluated and compared. Consequently, the blended ROPO/RCO revealed fewer formations of unsaturated aldehydes, including toxic ones, such as acrolein, and showed a greater stability against oxidative thermal degradation compared to ROPO pure.

LC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS characterization of phenolic constituents in Tunisian extra-virgin olive oils: Effect of olive leaves addition on chemical composition.

The aim of the present research is to evaluate the chemical characterization of main compounds from Tunisian monocultivar extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) ('Chemlali', 'Chétoui', 'Zalmati' and 'crossbreeding Chemlali by Zalmati') extracted after the addition of different amounts (0% and 3%) of olive leaves. As expected for extra virgin olive oil, the main sterols found in all analyzed samples were ß-sitosterol, ∆-5-avenasterol, campesterol and clerosterol. Stigmasterol, 24-methylene-cholesterol, cholesterol, campestanol, sitostanol, ∆-7-stigmastenol, ∆-5,24-stigmastadienol, and ∆-7-avenasterol were also found in all samples, but in lower amounts. Most of these compounds were significantly affected by the cultivars but not to be affected by added leaves at 3% to olives prior to the extraction process. The obtained results revealed that 14 phenolic compounds belonging to different phenolic types were characterized and quantified by an effective HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method. In all the studied olive oil samples, dialdehydic form of elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol (3,4-DHPEA-EDA), oleuropein aglycon (3,4-DHPEA-EA), and ligstroside aglycon (p-HPEA-EA) were the most abundant compounds. In addition, EVOO from 'Chétoui' cultivar extracted with 3% of olive leaves presented the highest amount of individual phenolic compounds.

Discarded seeds from red pepper (Capsicum annum) processing industry as a sustainable source of high added-value compounds and edible oil.

The chemical composition and the antioxidant properties of Capsicum annum discarded seeds from processing industry with their corresponding extracted oil were investigated. C. annum seeds had high levels of crude proteins (18.30%), crude oil (11.04%), and dietary fibers (60.96%). The lipophilic fraction of C. annum seeds showed higher radical scavenging activity compared to their hydrophilic fraction, while this latter exhibited the highest reducing power. The results of fatty acid composition showed that fatty acids present in C. annum seed oil were mainly polyunsaturated (84.23%), with linoleic acid being the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (70.93%). The major monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (12.18%), while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (11.90%). C. annum seed oil showed high absorbance in the UV-B, UV-A, and visible ranges. Owing to their composition, C. annum seeds discarded from pepper processing industry as by-product could be potentially used as high added-value ingredients in some food or nutraceutical formulations because they are well endowed with essential nutriments required for human health.

Effects of Pomegranate Juice Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Following Weightlifting Exercise.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pomegranate juice supplementation would blunt acute and delayed oxidative stress responses after a weightlifting training session. Nine elite weightlifters (21.0 ± 1 years) performed two Olympic-Weightlifting sessions after ingesting either the placebo or pomegranate juice supplements. Venous blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min and 48 h after each session. Compared to the placebo condition, pomegranate juice supplementation attenuated the increase in malondialdehyde (-12.5%; p < 0.01) and enhanced the enzymatic (+8.6% for catalase and +6.8% for glutathione peroxidase; p < 0.05) and non-enzymatic (+12.6% for uric acid and +5.7% for total bilirubin; p < 0.01) antioxidant responses shortly (3 min) after completion of the training session. Additionally, during the 48 h recovery period, pomegranate juice supplementation accelerated (p < 0.05) the recovery kinetics of the malondialdehyde (5.6%) and the enzymatic antioxidant defenses compared to the placebo condition (9 to 10%). In conclusion, supplementation with pomegranate juice has the potential to attenuate oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant responses assessed acutely and up to 48 h following an intensive weightlifting training session. Therefore, elite weightlifters might benefit from blunted oxidative stress responses following intensive weightlifting sessions, which could have implications for recovery between training sessions.

Storage stability of traditional Tunisian butter enriched with antioxidant extract from tomato processing by-products.

Traditional Tunisian butter (TTB) is one of the most appreciated dairy products in Tunisia. Herein, the storage stability of TTB enriched with antioxidants from tomato processing by-products (TPB) was evaluated during 60days of storage at 4°C. TPB extract contains significant amounts of lycopene and phenolics. TTB enriched with 400mg of TPB extract/kg of TTB revealed the lowest peroxide values at all the determination intervals. Adding 400mg of TPB extract/kg of TTB did not exhibit any undesired effect on lactic bacteria which are necessary for development of aroma and chemical properties of TTB. However, raw TTB and highly enriched TTB (800mg of TPB extract/kg of TTB) displayed higher lipid peroxidation. The detrimental effect of high antioxidant amounts on TTB stability could be due to a possible pro-oxidant character. Thus, appropriate supplementation of TPB extract could be used in TTB as a protective agent against lipid peroxidation to extend its shelf-life up to two months.

Urtica dioica attenuates ovalbumin-induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation of lung tissues in rat asthma model.

CONTEXT: To find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting anti-asthmatic activity, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) leaves (UD), the closest extract to the Algerian traditional use. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of nettle extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I: negative control; group II: Ovalbumin sensitized/challenged rats (positive control); group III: received UD extract (1.5 g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol; group IV: received UD extract (1.5 g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol and sensitized/challenged with ovalbumin. After 25 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. The oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the lungs, liver and erythrocytes. Then, correlations between markers of airway inflammation and markers of oxidative stress were explored. RESULTS: UD extract significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited eosinophilia increases in BALF (-60%) and the levels of leucocytes (-32.75%) and lymphocytes (-29.22%) in serum, and effectively suppressed inflammatory cells recruitment in the asthmatic rat model. Besides, the lipid peroxidation generated by allergen administration was significantly (p < 0.05) diminished by UD treatment in lung tissue (-48.58%). The nettle extract was also investigated for the total phenolic content (30.79 ± 0.96 mg gallic acid/g dry extract) and shows DPPH radical scavenging activity with 152.34 ± 0.37 µg/mL IC50 value. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that UD administration might be responsible for the protective effects of this extract against airway inflammation.

HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS profiling of phenolics from leaf extracts of two Tunisian fig cultivars: Potential as a functional food.

The phenolic constituents of the aqueous-ethanolic extract of two Tunisian Ficus carica leaves cultivars and their hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidative activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Our results demonstrated that the treatment with the leaves extracts of F. carica improved lipid profile and reduced blood glucose level as well as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content. The antioxidant enzymes activity in the liver and heart tissues of diabetic rats was increased after the treatment. These antihyperglycaemic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effects of both leaf extracts could be associated with their in vitro scavenging ability and their phenolic composition. The HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS analysis of both extracts revealed the presence of dihydroxybenzoic acid, dipentoside, rutin, psoralen, methoxypsoralen and oxypeudacin hydrate as relatively the most abundant compounds. These results showed indicated the capacity of the leaves extracts of F. carica to ameliorate hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.

Extraction optimization and in vitro and in vivo anti-postprandial hyperglycemia effects of inhibitor from Phoenix dactylifera L. parthenocarpic fruit.

Phoenix dactylifera L. plays an important role in social, economic, and ecological Tunisian sectors. Some date palms produce parthenocarpic fruit named Sish. The aqueous ethanolic extract from P. dactylifera parthenocarpic dates demonstrated a potent inhibition of the enzymes related to type II diabetes. In this work, extraction optimization of amylase inhibitors was carried out using Box-Behnken Design. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the 70% aqueous ethanol extract was performed to identify the active compounds. The physicochemical results by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed the presence of 13 phenolic compounds. The in vitro study showed that the extract exhibited a more specific inhibitor of α-glucosidase than α-amylase with an IC50 value of 0.6 and 2.5mg/mL, respectively. The in vivo study of this extract effect on the postprandial hyperglycemia activity showed a decrease in plasma glucose levels after 30min stronger than the Acarbose effect. These results confirmed the anti-postprandial hyperglycemia activity of the aqueous ethanolic extract from P. dactylifera parthenocarpic dates, which could lend support for its pharmaceutical use.