Probiotics from kefir: Evaluating their immunostimulant and antioxidant potential in the carpet shell clam (Ruditapesdecussatus).

This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating kefir into the diet on biometric parameters, as well as the immune and antioxidant responses of the carpet shell clam (Ruditapes decussatus) after an experimental infection by Vibrio alginolyticus. Clams were divided into a control group and a treated group. The control group was fed on spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) alone. While, the treated group was fed on spirulina supplemented with 10% dried kefir. After 21 days, clams were immersed in a suspension of V. alginolyticus 5 × 105 CFU mL -1 for 30 min. Seven days after experimental infection, survival was 100% in both groups. The obtained results showed a slight increase in weight and condition index in clams fed with kefir-supplemented diet for 21 days compared to control clams. Regarding antioxidant responses, the treated group showed higher superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control group. However, the malondialdehyde level was lower in the treated clams than in the control. In terms of immune parameters, the treated group showed slightly elevated activities of phenoloxidase, lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase, whereas a decreased lectin activity was observed compared to the control group. The obtained results suggest that kefir enhanced both the antioxidant and immune response of infected clams.

Antidiarrheal, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Tunisian Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Fruits.

Medicinal plants were used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders owing, in part, to their antioxidant capacity. The protective effects of Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract (DKFAE) against castor oil (CO)-induced diarrhea was studied. The in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated using colorimetric and biochemical analyses. In vivo, 60 male rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 animals each (n = 10): control (C), CO, CO+various doses of DKFAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.).The DKFAE was rich in tannins and showed interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis resulted in the identification of 16 phenolic compounds, among which quinic acid was the main one. The in vivo study showed that diarrhea was accompanied by an oxidative stress status as measured by an increase of lipid peroxidation, a decrease of glutathione and thiol group levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activity depletion, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The DKFAE administration significantly decreased the gastrointestinal transit in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, DKFAE protected against CO-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Interestingly, DKFAE pretreatment counteracted all the oxidative stress status deregulation induced by CO intoxication. D. kaki fruit could be suggested for its strong protective effect against CO-induced acute diarrhea, which could be explained, in part, to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Protective effects of Crataegus azarolus L. berries aqueous extract against castor oil-induced diarrhea, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder responsible for about 5 million deaths annually. The chemical composition, the antioxidant activity of Crataegus azarolus berries aqueous extract (CABAE) as well as its protective effects against castor oil-induced diarrhea, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat were studied. METHODS: Sixty male rats were used and divided into six groups of ten animals in each: Control (C), castor oil (CO), CO+various doses of CABAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg b.w., p.o.). KEY RESULTS: The CABAE showed relatively high levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The LC-HRESIMS technique allowed the identification of 5 phenolic compounds and the major component is quinic acid. In vivo studies showed that CABAE protected against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. The CABAE counteracted castor oil-induced lipoperoxidation, preserved GSH and thiol groups levels, and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The CABAE administration also protected against castor oil-induced inflammatory markers (ALP and CRP) increase. More importantly, castor oil induced an increase of intracellular mediators, such as hydrogen peroxide, free iron, and calcium, while CABAE pretreatment significantly reversed them to near control levels. CONCLUSION: The Crataegus azarolus berries aqueous extract significantly protected against diarrhea due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chemical Characterization of Bioactive Components of Rosa canina Extract and Its Protective Effect on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Intestinal Bowel Disease in a Mouse Model.

Rosa canina is a well-known medicinal plant used in folk remedy that alleviates various disorders, including inflammation, gastritis, and diarrhea. The objective of this investigation was to identify and quantify the phenolic components of R. canina methanolic extract (RCME) and to determine its protective action with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-generated mice colitis model. RCME chemical analysis was done using Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, and experimental animals received RCME at different doses before colitis induction by oral DSS administration during 7 days. Another group received sulfasalazine as a positive control. Colitis damages and RCME benefits were assessed using histopathological and biochemical changes and improvements. Many phenolic compounds have been identified. In addition, the DSS intoxication induced an alteration of colonic epithelium associated with an oxidative stress state. DSS administration led to an increase or decrease of intracellular mediators such as free iron and ionizable calcium. RCME consumption effectively protected against colonic histological/biochemical alterations induced by DSS intoxication providing support for the traditional use of this plant.

Comparative Studies of Phytochemical Screening, HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS-LC/HR-ESI-MS Analysis, Antioxidant Capacity and in Vitro Fermentation of Officinal Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Cultivated in Different Biotopes of Northwestern Tunisia.

We aimed in the present study to investigate the chemical composition, the antioxidant capacities as well as the in vitro fermentation properties of Salvia officinalis leaves aqueous extract (SOLAE) grown in four regions of northwestern Tunisia. Our data firstly indicated a spatial variation (P<0.05) in condensed tannins, total lipids, polyphenols and flavonoids contents. The HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS-LC/HR-ESI-MS technique allowed to the identification of 13 phenolic compounds and showed that protocatechuic acid is the major constituent of the plant leaves grown in Tabarka, Ain Draham and Testour. The SOLAE of the plant grown in Tabarka presents the most potent scavenging activity against DPPH radical and had the highest percentage of inhibition. More importantly, we found in the present study that the digestibility of dry matter and in vitro fermentation showed a significant variation between the regions and the animal species. Also, we showed a very positive correlation between antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds contents. In conclusion, we suggest that SOLAE had potential beneficial effects owing in part to its antioxidant and ROS scavenging activities. Therefore, S. officinalis can be proposed as an additive food for animals' nutrition and health.

The potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract to protect against delayed gastric emptying and colonic constipation in rats.

Thyme is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals and it is frequently used in folk-medicine to treat gastroenteritis irritations. The current study was performed to examine the potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract (TV-AE) to protect against delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and colonic constipation in rats. Stomach ulcer was caused by a single oral dose administration of indomethacin (INDO) (30 mg kg-1 of body weight). Constipation was induced following intravenous intoxication of rats with vinblastine (VINB) (2 mg kg-1 of body weight) for one week. The effect of TV-AE at two graduated doses (100 and 200 mg kg-1) on DGE, gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and constipated rats and biochemical parameters was estimated using phenol red, charcoal meal test and colorimetric methods, respectively. The phytochemical-profile of TV-AE was explored using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS). INDO and VINB caused a significant reduction in (P < 0.05) DGE and GIT and colonic motility dysfunction. TV-AE consumption remarkably (P < 0.05) attenuated the DGE (from 58.56% to 69.871%) and difficulty in evacuating stools (from 48.5 to 55.5 fecal pellets per rat) and balanced the GIT (65% to 71%). These GI-ameliorative effects were accompanied by reversed INDO/VINB-related oxidative changes, lipid-metabolism alteration and intracellular pathway moderation. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS-analysis identified several chemical constituents including rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, protocatechuic acid and trans-cinnamic acid. Thus, TV-AE bioactive components may be used as medicinal substances to regulate/attenuate gastrointestinal-physiological activities and disturbances, which support its pharmacological use.

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.

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.

The effect of natural extracts on laser burn wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Despite the achievements in modern medicine, there is no effective natural treatment of second-degree burns till now. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the wound-healing efficiency of three extracted oils, from the prickly pear, pumpkin and linseed on partial-thickness burns induced by fractional CO2 laser (an innovative up-to-date technique) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats completing partial-thickness burns by fractional CO2 laser were randomly divided into five groups. The burns were measured, photographed, and topically treated daily with saline solution, "CYTOL BASIC," pumpkin-, linseed-, and prickly pear-extracted oils (0.52 µL/mm(2) of oil) until day 7. The response to treatments was assessed by macroscopic, histologic, and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Due to their chemical composition, the extracted oils showed significant improvements over the control and reference groups during the trial for both general wound appearance and crusting. On day 7, the prickly pear, linseed, and pumpkin oils showed a significant decrease in the healing time (0 cm(2), 0.15 cm(2), and 0.18 cm(2), respectively) when compared to the control and reference groups (1.49 cm(2) and 0.85 cm(2)). Histologic assessment of the prickly pear oil-treated group revealed good healing proprieties compared with the other groups. The collagen content in prickly pear oil-treated group was found to be significantly greater (270.67 ± 7.48) than that in all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiment has shown, for the first time, a scientific evidence of the efficiency of extracted oils of prickly pear, pumpkin, and linseed on partial-thickness burns.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of the wild edible cruciferous: Diplotaxis simplex.

Context The present study deals with new biological properties of the wild edible Diplotaxis simplex (Viv.) Spreng (Brassicaceae). Objectives The current study evaluates the antioxidant, the anti-inflammatory and the anti-cancer properties of ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts from D. simplex flowers. Materials and methods The anti-proliferative activity of the extracts (10-70 µg/mL) was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) against human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by the inhibitory effect of the extracts (1.5-7.5 mg/mL) on phospholipase A2 activity as well as on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. Extracts (200 mg/kg) or indomethacin (50 mg/kg) as positive control were injected intraperitoneally for albino mice prior to the induction of the oedema by carrageenan. Antioxidant activities were investigated using various complementary methods. Results Flower extracts contained a high level of polyphenolics (17.10-52.70 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (74.20-100.60 mg QE/g), which correlate with its appreciable antioxidant potential in ß-carotene peroxidation (IC50 value: 12.50-27.10 µg/mL), DPPH(•) radical-scavenging (IC50 value: 0.20-0.40 mg/mL), Fe(3+ )reducing (EC50 value: 0.10-0.14 mg/mL) and Fe(2+ )chelating (IC50 value: 0.20-0.60 mg/mL) assays. These extracts were effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth (IC50 value: 62.0-63.25 µg/mL). Besides, the ethyl acetate extract inhibited phospholipase A2 activity (IC50 value: 2.97 mg/mL) and reduced the paw oedema in mice (from 0.38 ± 0.01 to 0.24 ± 0.01 cm), 4 h post-carrageenan challenge. Conclusion These data suggest that D. simplex may be useful as a candidate in the treatment of inflammation and the colon cancer.