Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactive Properties of Opuntia dillenii Flower Extracts, Compound, and Essential Oil.

New research is exploring the enhanced efficacy of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds developed from Opuntia dillenii flowers, a multifaceted source with pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and microbicide activity indexes showing diverse medical capabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, isolate the active compounds, and evaluate their antioxidant properties as well as antibacterial potential through HPLC-MS in flower extract from Opuntia dillenii. The extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and essential oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography (GC). Antioxidant properties were assessed using DPPH and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays. Antibacterial potential was evaluated using disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Nutritional studies of the flower indicated that it contained moderate levels of sugars (4.27% ± 0.240), proteins (1.913% ± 0.268), and microelements (potassium as a major element), sodium, and calcium, with concentration values of 2.267%, 0.55%, and 0.424%, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.61 ± 0.37 mg GAE/g (hexane extract) to 34.45 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g (ethanol extract). The study highlighted the richness of secondary metabolites, such as methylated flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside), and identified essential oil compounds like trimethylsilyl hexadecenoate, squalene, gamma-eudesmol, and citronellol. Antioxidant activities revealed stronger activity in the butanolic extract, while isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside exhibited moderate antioxidant effects. These results provide the rationale for the potential incorporation of Opuntia dillenii flower extracts in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products as a sustainable natural alternative with broad implications for human health.

Proximate nutritive values, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial properties and profiling the chemical content of opuntia stricta cladodes and fruit peel by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analyses.

The study characterises the phenolic compounds in ethanol, butanol, and ethyl acetate extracts from the fruit peels and cladodes of Opuntia stricta (syn. Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw), from Morocco using UHPLC/DAD/ESI-MS. Additionally, the study evaluates the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of these extracts. Thirteen phenolic compounds were found in Opuntia stricta extracts, such as flavonoids (kaempferol 3-O-arabinoside, isorhamnetin rhamnosyl-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin) and phenolic acid. The fruit peels were found to contain the highest phenolic content, protein, and total sugars. The antibacterial effect was investigated in vivo. The most active extract was the ethyl acetate extract of fruit peels and cladodes against Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zone diameters of 16.2 and 15 mm, respectively, followed by dichloromethane extract, with zone diameters of 13.8 and 14 mm, respectively. Our results revealed higher antioxidant activity for the ethyl acetate and butanol extracts from fruit peels than cladodes.

Efficacy of Two Moroccan Cistus Species Extracts against Acne Vulgaris: Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities.

BACKGROUND: The genus Cistus L. (Cistaceae) includes several medicinal plants growing wild in the Moroccan area. Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic skin disorder treated with topical and systemic therapies that often lead to several side effects in addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Our study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of extracts of two Moroccan Cistus species, Cistus laurifolius L. and Cistus salviifolius L., in view of their use as potential coadjuvants in the treatment of mild acne vulgaris. METHODS: Targeted phytochemical profiles obtained by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI/MS analyses and biological activities ascertained by several antioxidants in vitro chemical and cell-based assays of the leaf extracts. Moreover, antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans was evaluated. RESULTS: Analyses revealed the presence of several polyphenols in the studied extracts, mainly flavonoids and tannins. Cistus laurifolius L. and Cistus salviifolius L. possessed good biological properties and all extracts showed antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes, identified as the main acne-causing bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that examined extracts are promising agents worthy of further studies to develop coadjuvants/natural remedies for mild acne treatment.

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.

Essential Oils Derived from Cistus Species Activate Mitochondria by Inducing SIRT1 Expression in Human Keratinocytes, Leading to Senescence Inhibition.

Cistus L. is a genus of dicotyledonous perennial herbaceous plants. Cistus species have been commonly used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean region. In the present study, the biological activities of essential oils derived from Cistus species (Cistus laurifolius, C. monspeliensis, C. creticus, and C. salviifolius) were evaluated. Essential oils derived from C. laurifolius and C. monspeliensis were found to augment the expression of SIRT1, an anti-aging gene, in the normal culture of HaCaT cells. Furthermore, these essential oils increased the number and size of mitochondria and augmented their activity. These effects were thought to be caused by the up- and downregulated expression of MITOL and Drp1 in HaCaT cells, respectively, in response to the essential oil treatment. In addition, these essential oils were found to attenuate ultraviolet-B-induced mitochondrial damage and cellular senescence in HaCaT cells. These findings indicate that essential oils derived from C. laurifolius and C. monspeliensis may inhibit skin aging through mitochondrial regulation via SIRT1 activation.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Chemical Characterization, and Safety Assessment of Argania spinosa Fruit Shell Extract from South-Western Morocco.

Argania spinosa (L.) plays an important role in the Moroccan agroeconomy, providing both employment and export revenue. Argan oil production generates different by-products with functionalities that are not yet investigated, in particular, the shell fruit. The present study aims, for the first time, at evaluating the acute and subacute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of argan fruit shell ethanol extract (AFSEE). The LD50 of AFSEE was determined to be greater than the 5000 mg/kg body weight of mice. No significant variation in the body and organ weights was observed after 28 days of AFSEE treatment compared to that of the control group. Biochemical parameters and histopathological examination revealed no toxic effects of AFSEE. The AFSEE produced a significant inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema in mice. AFSEE reduced significantly the paw edema in mice after carrageenan injection. The chemical characterization showed that AFSEE contains a high level of total phenol content, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and flavanols. The obtained IC50 of DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and ß-carotene demonstrates that AFSEE has a potential antioxidant effect. The results indicate that AFSEE was safe and nontoxic to mice even at higher doses. Furthermore, the present findings demonstrate that AFSEE has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

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.

Effect of extracts and isolated compounds derived from Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. on anti-aging gene expression in human keratinocytes and antioxidant activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moroccan folk medicine treats skin cicatrization with Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. locally named "Rtem", but the mechanism involved is still not well known. Traditional healers use the plant in small doses as an anthelmintic, disinfectant and an effective abortive. In addition, the cladodes powder mixed with honey is employed as purgative and vermifuge. Equally, the SIRT1 and SIRT3 genes activation and sirtuin proteins expression, which delay cellular senescence, participate in wound healing and skin regeneration especially, SIRT1 the most studied gene, leads to fast skin restoration and cicatrization. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we evaluated the ability of the Retama monosperma (L.)Boiss. flowers and seeds extracts and the isolated compounds in augmenting the SIRT1 and SIRT3 gene expression in HaCaT cells and expressing the antioxidant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined for quantitative expression levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in HaCaT cell by qRT-PCR and the antioxidant activity by four tests (conjugated diene, TBARS assay, DPPH scavenging activity and H2O2 radical scavenging assay) of diethyl ether extract of flowers (DEF extract) and ethyl acetate extract of seeds (EAS extract) of R. monosperma(L.) Boiss. and the isolated compounds (quercetin, 6-methoxykaempferol, kaempferol and genistein). RESULTS: The screening system by EGFP fluorescence revealed that all samples and resveratrol significantly increase SIRT1 and SIRT3 promoters activities in HaCaT cells with p< 0.05. Furthermore, EAS, quercetin, 6-methoxykaempferol and kaempferol increase significantly (p< 0.05) SIRT1 (3.43, 1.18, 2.62, and 1.72 expression quantity, respectively) and SIRT3 (16.27, 5.01, 3.01, and 6.18 expression quantity, respectively) in HaCaT cells. On the other hand, genistein has a moderate activity on SIRT1 and SIRT3 with 1.43 and 2.04 expression levels. For the antioxidant activity, the EAS and the pure compounds exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than BHT. While DEF and genistein have a moderate antioxidant activity when compared with BHT. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the expression levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in HaCaT cells increase in the presence of extracts of R. monosperma (L.) Boiss. and the pure compounds.

Dietary administration of cumin-derived cuminaldehyde induce neuroprotective and learning and memory enhancement effects to aging mice.

Cuminaldehyde (CA) is one of the major compounds of the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CA on aging, specifically on spatial learning and memory. To achieve our objective, an in vitro study on SH-SY5Y cells was performed to analyze the neuroprotective effect of CA against dexamethasone using the MTT assay. An in vivo study was performed for evaluation of the spatial learning and memory using Morris water maze (MWM). RT-PCR was performed to quantify the expression of specific genes (Bdnf, Icam and ApoE) in the mice brain. The results obtained showed a neuroprotective effect of CA against dexamethasone-induced neuronal toxicity. The escape latency of CA-treated aged mice was significantly decreased as compared to the water-treated aged mice after 4 days of training in MWM. Moreover, CA treatment up-regulated the gene expression of Bdnf, Icam and ApoE, while it down-regulated the gene expression of IL-6. These findings suggest that CA has a neuroprotective effect, as well as a spatial learning and memory enhancement potential through the modulation of genes coding for neurotrophic factors and/or those implicated in the imbalance of neural circuitry and impairment of synaptic plasticity. Cuminaldehyde (CA) is one of the major compound of the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CA on aging, specifically on spatial learning and memory. To achieve our objective, an in vitro study on SH-SY5Y cells was performed to analyze the neuroprotective effect of CA against dexamethasone using the MTT assay. An in vivo study was performed for evaluation of the spatial learning and memory using Morris water maze (MWM). RT-PCR was performed to quantify the expression of specific genes (Bdnf, Icam and ApoE) in the mice brain. The results obtained showed a neuroprotective effect of CA against dexamethasone-induced neuronal toxicity. The escape latency of CA-treated aged mice was significantly decreased as compared to the water-treated aged mice after 4 days of training in MWM. Moreover, CA treatment up-regulated the gene expression of Bdnf, Icam and ApoE, while it down-regulated the gene expression of IL-6. These findings suggest that CA has a neuroprotective effect, as well as a spatial learning and memory enhancement potential through the modulation of genes coding for neurotrophic factors and/or those implicated in the imbalance of neural circuitry and impairment of synaptic plasticity.

Melanogenesis Promoting Effect, Antioxidant Activity, and UPLC-ESI-HRMS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds of Argan Leaves Extract.

The use of natural products for the regulation of skin pigmentation is gaining popularity. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of argan leaves extract (ALE) on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, determined its antioxidant activity, then quantified and identified its phenolic components. B16 cells were treated with various concentrations of ALE, then the cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT assay while the melanin content was determined using spectrophotometric methods. The expression level of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1) and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) was evaluated by Western blotting. The antioxidant activity of ALE was investigated using four different assays while UPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis was used to characterize the ALE phenolic profile. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified, of which six are reported for the first time to be present in ALE. ALE treatment increases the melanin content of B16 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. This was revealed by the observed ALE-increased expression level of TYR, DCT, and TRP-1. These bioactivities may be mainly attributed to its high flavonoids content. Argan leaves have the potential for use as a treatment for hypopigmentation disorders and as a bioactive component of cosmetic products that aim to increase pigmentation.

Argania Spinosa Fruit Shell Extract-Induced Melanogenesis via cAMP Signaling Pathway Activation.

We have previously reported that argan oil and argan press-cake from the kernels of Argania spinosa have an anti-melanogenesis effect. Here, the effect of argan fruit shell ethanol extract (AFSEE) on melanogenesis in B16F10 cells was determined, and the mechanism underlying its effect was elucidated. The proliferation of AFSEE-treated B16F10 cells was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the melanin content was quantified using a spectrophotometric method. The expression of melanogenesis-related proteins was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR, while global gene expression was determined using a DNA microarray. In vitro analysis results showed that the melanin content of B16F10 cells was significantly increased by AFSEE, without cytotoxicity, by increasing the melanogenic enzyme tyrosinase (TRY), tyrosinase related-protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) protein and mRNA expression, as well as upregulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, as indicated by the microarray analysis results. AFSEE's melanogenesis promotion effect is primarily attributed to its polyphenolic components. In conclusion, AFSEE promotes melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by upregulating the expression of the melanogenic enzymes through the cAMP-MITF signaling pathway.AFSEE may be used as a cosmetics product component to promote melanogenesis, or as a therapeutic against hypopigmentation disorders.

Elucidation of the Molecular Mechanism Underlying Lippia citriodora(Lim.)-Induced Relaxation and Anti-Depression.

Lippia citriodora ethanolic extract (VEE) and verbascoside (Vs), a phenypropanoid glycoside, have been demonstrated to exert relaxant and anxiolytic properties. However, the molecular mechanisms behind their effects are still unclear. In this work, we studied the effects and action mechanisms of VEE and Vs in vivo and in vitro, on human neurotypic SH-SY5Y cells.TST was conducted on mice treated orally with VEE (25, 50 and 100 mg/Kg), Vs (2.5 and 5 mg/Kg), Bupropion (20 mg/Kg) and Milli-Q water. Higher dose of VEE-treated mice showed an increase of immobility time compared to control groups, indicating an induction of relaxation. This effect was found to be induced by regulation of genes playing key roles in calcium homeostasis (calcium channels), cyclic AMP (cAMP) production and energy metabolism. On the other hand, low doses of VEE and Vs showed an antidepressant-like effect and was confirmed by serotonin, noradrenalin, dopamine and BDNF expressions. Finally, VEE and Vsenhancedcell viability, mitochondrial activity and calcium uptake in vitro confirming in vivo findings. Our results showed induction of relaxation and antidepressant-like effects depending on the administered dose of VEE and Vs, through modulation of cAMP and calcium.

Depigmenting effect of argan press-cake extract through the down-regulation of Mitf and melanogenic enzymes expression in B16 murine melanoma cells.

Oil extraction from the kernels of Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels (Sapotaceae), an endemic tree of Morocco, produces argan press-cake (APC) used as a shampoo and to treat sprains, scabies, and for healing wounds. We have previously reported that argan oil has antimelanogenesis effect. Here, we determined if the by-product, APC, has melanogenesis regulatory effect using B16 murine melanoma cells. The effect of APC ethanol extract on cell proliferation and melanin content of B16 cells were measured, and to elucidate the mechanism involved, the expression level of melanogenic enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) were determined and mRNA expression level of microphthalmia- associated transcription factor (Mitf) and Tyr genes were quantified. APC ethanol extract showed a significant melanin biosynthesis inhibitory effect on B16 cells in a time-dependent manner without cytotoxicity, which could be due to the decreased expression of TYR, TRP1, and DCT in a time-dependent manner. APC extract down regulated Mitf and Tyr. Decreased TRP1 and DCT levels could be due to post-translational modifications. These results suggest that APC extract may be used as a new source of natural whitening products and may be introduced as an important pharmacological agent for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.

Formulation and stabilization of oil-in-water nanoemulsions using a saponins-rich extract from argan oil press-cake.

In this study, we formulated and stabilized oil-in-water nanoemulsions using a crude extract from argan press-cake as sole emulsifier. Various extracts from argan press-cake were prepared in order to select the most surface-active one(s) foreseeing emulsions preparation. Fifty percent (v/v) ethanolic extract reduced the interfacial tension to a minimum value at both MCT oil and soybean oil interfaces (12.7 and 10.5 mN m-1 respectively). This extract was also effective at producing fine emulsions with small droplet sizes (d3,2 < 115 nm) and good physical stability using different oils such as soybean oil, MCT oil and fish oil and at conventional homogenization conditions (100 MPa for 4 passes). On the other hand, the emulsions were very sensitive to NaCl addition (≥25 mM) and to acidic pH (<3) indicating that the main stabilization mechanism is electrostatic, likely due to the presence of surface-active compounds with ionizable groups such as saponins.

Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells.

Argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil has been used for centuries in Morocco as cosmetic oil to maintain a fair complexion and to cure skin pimples and chicken pox pustules scars. Although it is popular, the scientific basis for its effect on the skin has not yet been established. Here, the melanogenesis regulatory effect of argan oil was evaluated using B16 murine melanoma cells. Results of melanin assay using B16 cells treated with different concentrations of argan oil showed a dose-dependent decrease in melanin content. Western blot results showed that the expression levels of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) proteins were decreased. In addition, there was an increase in the activation of MITF and ERK1/2. Real-time PCR results revealed a downregulation of Tyr, Trp1, Dct, and Mitf mRNA expressions. Argan oil treatment causes MITF phosphorylation which subsequently inhibited the transcription of melanogenic enzymes, TYR and DCT. The inhibitory effect of argan oil on melanin biosynthesis may be attributed to tocopherols as well as the synergistic effect of its components. The results of this study provide the scientific basis for the traditionally established benefits of argan oil and present its therapeutic potential against hyperpigmentation disorders.

Toxicity Profile of the Aqueous Ethanol Root Extract of Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. (Caryophyllaceae) in Rodents.

Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. (Caryophyllaceae) is a Moroccan medicinal plant. Despite its popular usage, no study has been published concerning its toxicological profile. The acute toxicity of C. telephiifolia root extract was evaluated by giving it orally to mice at single doses of 5000, 10000, and 14000 mg/kg bodyweight. The extract was also administered at doses of 5, 70, and 2000 mg/kg bodyweight per day to rats for a forty-day toxicity study. No mortality or signs of toxicity were observed in the acute study. In the forty-day study in rats, the extract at 5 mg/kg/day showed no toxicological effects in either sex. At 70 mg/kg/day, the treated group differed from the control only by a significant decrease in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride ions (P < .05). At the dose of 2000 mg/kg/day, the extract significantly increased the serum concentrations of creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and phosphorus (P < .05) all suggestive of functional nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The relative bodyweight of both sexes decreased at the dose of 2000 mg/kg/day, with a fast recovery for males. Histological examination did not reveal any treatment-related effects. In conclusion, Corrigiola extract appears safe at the doses used ethno-medicinally. Much higher doses pose toxicological risks.