Phytochemical Compounds of Euphorbia bivonae Extract and Their Cytotoxicity Effects on the Lethality of Brine Shrimp Artemia salina and Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) Cells.

In this research article, we investigated the effect of Euphorbia bivonae extract compounds on the lethality of brine shrimp Artemia salina and on embryonic cell lines (HEK293) proliferation. Our GC/MS analysis revealed that the E. bivonae ethanolic extract contained essentially sitosterol, euphol, and lupeol. The 24-h LC50 was determined using the probit analysis method (LC50=357.11 mg l-1 ). Depending on this cytotoxicity test result, E. bivona extract induced a significant increase in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-Peroxidase (GPx) activities, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in A. salina larvae. In addition, the cytotoxicity effect of this extract had proved against the HEK293 cell lines in vitro. We suggest that the three compounds of E. bivonae extract (sitosterol, euphol, and lupeol) are the most responsible for this cytotoxicity. The possible application of this extract as an alternative natural antiproliferative is considered.

HPLC Analysis and the Antioxidant and Preventive Actions of Opuntia stricta Juice Extract against Hepato-Nephrotoxicity and Testicular Injury Induced by Cadmium Exposure.

Opuntia stricta is a rich source of phenolic compounds. This species generally has strong antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds isolated from Opuntia stricta, including its radical scavenging activities and preventive action against Cd-induced oxidative stress in rats. To assess the protection of prickly pear juice extract (PPJE) against Cd-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity and testicular damage, male albino rats received PPJE (250 mg kg−1) and/or Cd (1 mg kg−1) by oral administration and injection, respectively, for five consecutive weeks. The preventive action of PPJE was estimated using biochemical markers of kidney and liver tissues, antioxidant status, and histological examinations. In the present study, the lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls, antioxidant status, and metallothionein levels were determined in different tissues. The chromatographic analysis indicated that PPJE extract is very rich in phenolic compounds such as verbascoside, catechin hydrate, and oleuropein. Our results showed that PPJE-treated rats had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased Cd levels in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, the administration of PPJE induced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipid peroxidation of 30.5, 54.54, and 40.8 in the liver, kidney, and testicle, respectively, and an increase in antioxidant status in these tissues. Additionally, PPJE showed a strong ability to protect renal, hepatic, and testicular architectures against Cd exposure. This study revealed that PPJE protects against the toxic effects of Cd, possibly through its free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities.

Polysaccharide from Lycium arabicum: Structural Features, in Vitro Antioxidant Activities and Protective Effect against Oxidative Damage in Human Erythrocytes.

In this research work, a water-soluble polysaccharide (LAP) isolated from the fruits of Lycium arabicum was investigated. LAP contains carbohydrates (82.45±1.23 %), protein (1.56±0.21 %), and uronic acids (3.56±0.34 %). The analysis of the monosaccharide composition revealed the presence of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose in a molar ratio of 4.7 : 1.5 : 1 : 8.7 : 16.4 : 5.6. The extracted polysaccharide (PS) was considered as heterogeneous and highly branched by interpreting its GC/MS, FT-IR and NMR data. Crystallinity of LAP was inferred from its X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. LAP exhibited an interesting stability at high temperatures (∼254 °C) and in a wide range of pH (3-9) deduced, respectively, from its DSC and zeta potential analysis. LAP displayed a strong antioxidant activity at low concentrations evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging, ferric reducing activity power (FRAP), free radical scavenging ability, superoxide radical-scavenging and hydroxyl radical-scavenging abilities. Inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation was also assessed. In 5 h, LAP treatment allowed the protection of the damaged erythrocytes caused by AAPH (2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride), to reduce the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as to increase the reduced glutathione (GSH) level.

Hepatotoxic effects of Euphol-rich fractions from Euphorbia bivonae-Relevance to cytotoxic and anti-tumor activities.

These studies were designed to evaluate the preliminary oral toxicity profile of the crude ethanolic aerial part extract of E. bivonae in the Male albino Wistar rats and its active chemical constituents. The 24-h LD50 was determined using probit analysis method. The single dose LD50was found to be 2568.64 mg/kg bw when administrated orally in mice. Additionally, the Wistar rats were used to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of E. bivonae ethanolic extract. The serum biomarkers, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in liver and histopathological analysis were investigated in normal and treated groups. Subchronic toxicity studies in rats with oral doses of 50, 150, 350 and 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels. In addition, the administration of this extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and an increment in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls. Finally, we suggest that the three compounds of E. bivonae extract (sitosterol, euphol and lupeol) are the mainly responsible of this toxicity.

HPLC-DAD Analysis, Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Tunisian Rhanterium suaveolens against Acetamiprid Induced Oxidative Stress on Mice Erythrocytes.

The present study was performed to assess the HPLC-DAD analysis as well as antioxidant and protective effects of Tunisian Rhanterium suaveolens (Rs) against acetamiprid (ACT) induced oxidative stress on mice erythrocytes. The in vitro assays showed that the methanolic extract of Rs has an impressive antioxidant effect proved by testing the total antioxidant and scavenging activities using BCB, DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative analysis using HPLC-DAD revealed the richness of Rs in polyphenols where p-Coumaric, Apigenin-7-glucoside and Ferulic acid were detected as the most abundant polyphenols. In the in vivo experiment, ACT, used as a toxicity model, was given to mice at a dose of 20 mg/kg. The latter was the origin of hemolytic anemia characterized by a significant decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and an increase in bilirubin, LDH, osmotic fragility, reticulocytes and white blood cells number. Characteristic erythrocyte morphological alterations were also determined as spherocytosis, schistocytosis and dacryocystitis. The oxidative status of ACT-treated mice was also altered manifested by a significant increase in MDA and GSH levels and a decrease in SOD, CAT and GPx activities. When receiving the Rs methanolic extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg, all the parameters cited above were restored in mice. These remarkable corrections could only confirm the important antioxidant effect and the noticeable protective properties that possess Rs owing to its broad range of secondary bioactive metabolites.

Protective effects of Mentha piperita L. leaf essential oil against CCl4 induced hepatic oxidative damage and renal failure in rats.

BACKGROUND: Mentha piperita L. is a flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Mentha plants constitute one of the main valuable sources of essential oil used in foods and for medicinal purposes. METHODS: The present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of Mentha piperita leaf essential oil (MpEO). A single dose of CCl4 was used to induce oxidative stress in rats, which was demonstrated by a significant rise of serum enzyme markers. MpEO was administrated for 7 consecutive days (5, 15, 40 mg/kg body weight) to Wistar rats prior to CCl4 treatment and the effects on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and γ -glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) levels, as well as the liver and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were evaluated. In addition, histopathological examinations of livers and kidneys was performed. RESULTS: The in vitro antioxidant activity of MpEO was lower than that of silymarin. Pretreatment of animals with MpEO at a dose of 5 mg/kg did not have a significant effect on ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γGT, urea or creatinine levels in CCl4-induced stress. Whereas pretreatment with MpEO at doses of 15 and 40 mg/kg prior to CCl4, significantly reduced stress parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γGT, urea and creatinine) compared to the CCl4-only group. Moreover, a significant reduction in hepatic and kidney lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and an increase in antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx was also observed after treatment with MpEO (40 mg/kg) compared to CCl4-treated rats. Furthermore, pretreatment with MpEO at 40 mg/kg can also markedly ameliorate the histopathological hepatic and kidney lesions induced by administration of CCl4. CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate with this study that MpEO protects liver and kidney from CCl4-induced oxidative stress and thus substantiate the beneficial effects attributed traditionally to this plant.

Estrogenic compounds in Tunisian urban sewage treatment plant: occurrence, removal and ecotoxicological impact of sewage discharge and sludge disposal.

The occurrence, fate and ecotoxicological assessment of selected estrogenic compounds were investigated at Tunisian urban sewage treatment plant. The influents, effluents, as well as primary, secondary and dehydrated sludge, were sampled and analyzed for the target estrogens to evaluate their fate. All target compounds were detected in both sewage and sludge with mean concentrations from 0.062 to 0.993 µg L-1 and from 11.8 to 792.9 µg kg-1dry weight, respectively. A wide range of removal efficiencies during the treatment processes were observed, from 6.3 % for estrone to 76.8 % for estriol. Ecotoxicological risk assessment revealed that the highest ecotoxicological risk in sewage effluent and dehydrated sludge was due to 17ß-estradiol with a risk quotient (RQ) of 4.6 and 181.9, respectively, and 17α-ethinylestradiol with RQ of 9.8 and 14.85, respectively. Ecotoxicological risk after sewage discharge and sludge disposal was limited to the presence of 17ß-estradiol in dehydrated-sludge amended soil with RQ of 1.38. Further control of estrogenic hormones in sewage effluent and sludge is essential before their discharge and application in order to prevent their introduction into the natural environment.

Protective effect of Dunaliella sp., lipid extract rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, on hepatic and renal toxicity induced by nickel in rats.

AIMS: The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of lipid extract of Dunaliella sp. (LE) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), against oxidative stress induced by nickel in experimental rats. METHODS: Our investigation evaluated the antioxidant activity of LE using both DPPH and NBT assays. Twenty female albino Wistar rats, randomly allocated into four experimental groups, namely (C): control, (Nit): nickel-treated rats with 5 mg/kg/d of NiCl2 during 30 days, (LEa): lipid extract-administered rats with 5 mg/kg BW/d during 30 days and (Nit + LEa): rats treated with Ni and LE-administered during 30 days. RESULTS: The in vitro antioxidant activity demonstrated that LE presents an important antioxidant potential. In vivo, the (Nit + LEa) cotreatment decreased the level of malondialdehyde and restored the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) in livers and kidneys in comparison with those treated with Ni only. LE administration to rats treated with Ni also ameliorated biochemical and histological parameters as compared to only Ni-treated group. LE of Dunaliella sp., rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a significant hepato- and reno-protective effect against metal-induced toxicity. CONCLUSION: LE of Dunaliella sp., rich in PUFA has been proven to be effective in protection against Ni-induced toxicity.

The Mediterranean limpet Patella caerulea (Gastropoda, Mollusca) to assess marine ecotoxicological risk: a case study of Tunisian coasts contaminated by metals.

Participants in the coastal socio-economy of the Mediterranean Sea, such as industries, aquaculture, urban populations, conglomerates, and tourists, create intense anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems (such as the release of trace metals). This raises concerns about their impact on the surrounding environment and on marine organisms, including those collected for human consumption. This study introduces the possibility of using Patella caerulea (Linnaeus 1758), indigenous to the Mediterranean Sea, as a biosentinel of marine pollution. This study proposes coupling environmental (bioaccumulation) and toxicological (redox homeostasis) measures of bioavailability with genetic variability (COI mtDNA) assessments. Concentrations of six trace metals (cadmium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, and zinc) were measured in surface seawater and in P. caerulea individuals collected from four coastal stations on the Tunisian coast where different levels of metal contamination have occurred. The quantified biomarkers involved the determination of antioxidant defense enzymes, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the measurement of lipid peroxidation indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Our study identified critical levels of metal contamination among locations in the Gulf of Gabes. Concomitantly, the induction of antioxidant biomarkers (especially SOD and GPX) was observed, highlighting the potential of P. caerulea to acclimate to stressful pollution conditions. Molecular analysis of COI (mtDNA) revealed low discrimination between the four P. caerulea populations, highlighting the role of marine currents in the Mediterranean Sea in the dispersal and passive transportation of limpet larvae, allowing an exchange of individuals among physically separated, P. caerulea populations.

ß-cyclodextrin microencapsulation enhanced antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties of Tunisian Periploca angustifolia roots condensed tannins in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the microencapsulation of novel condensed tannins isolated from Periploca angustifolia roots, using ß-cyclodextrin macrocyclic oligosaccharides, in order to enhance their antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic potentials. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that tannin fraction was successfully included into ß-cyclodextrin cavities proved with an encapsulation efficacy of 70%. Our in vitro findings highlighted that both pure and encapsulated tannins have efficient inhibition capacities of pancreatic lipase activity. However, the inclusion complex has the greatest, in vivo, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic effects. In fact, results showed that complexed tannins had markedly restored serum lipid biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl oxidation, and antioxidant enzyme defense. These findings were additionally confirmed by aortic and myocardial muscle sections of histological examination. Consequently, ß-cyclodextrin microencapsulation may be considered as an effective and promising technique for tannin delivery with improved antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities.

Development of catechin-phospholipid complex to enhance the bioavailability and modulatory potential against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rats liver.

The natural flavonoid (catechin) has been shown to possess a multitude of pharmacological activities. However, oral administrated catechin (CT) failed to fulfil its therapeutic potential due to poor absorption and low bioavailability. Thus, is a pressing need to develop a new approach from to increase its intestinal absorption and improved bioavailability. In this work, we intended the increase the bioavailability of CT by preparing catechin-phospholipid complex (CT-PH) and evaluate the protective effect of CT-PH complex against cadmium caused liver injuries in rats. Oral bioavailability of CT and CT-PH complex was evaluated in rats and the plasma CT was estimated by HPLC analysis. The greater absorption of CT-PH complex rats indicated that improved bioavailability. Liver function markers, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, antioxidant status and histopathological changes were determined in normal and treated rats. Moreover, biochemical analysis and histopathological examinations indicated that CT-PH provided better protection to rat liver than free CT.

Optimization, characterization and hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides isolated from Stipa parviflora Desf. against CCl4 induced liver injury in rats using surface response methodology (RSM).

The roots of Stipa species have been used for treatment and prevention of a various number of diseases. To the best of my knowledge, little information is regarding the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of polysaccharides from Stipa parviflora (SPP). Hence the polysaccharides from this plant sample have been investigated here. In addition, Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology were used to optimize the hot extraction conditions. The optimal conditions were determined as: extraction time 120 min, extraction temperature 70 °C and ratio of water to raw material 30. Crude SPP was composed of mannose, ribose, glucose, galactose, pyranose and arabinose. In addition, the SPP showed a strong antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments showed that CCl4 treatment caused significant oxidative damage in hepatic tissues, whereas these problems were inhibited by SPP treatment. Hepatoprotective potential of SPP was evaluated by estimating the levels of serum markers like ALT and AST levels. SPP treated rat liver anti-oxidant parameters (SOD, CAT and GPx) were significantly antagonized for the pro-oxidant effect of CCl4. Histopathological studies proved that the SPP extract has significant hepatoprotective activity. In conclusion, the SPP fraction isolated from S. parviflora showed significant hepatoprotective potential which could be related to active compounds present in this fraction.

Characterization of polysaccharides isolated from Periploca angustifolia and its antioxidant activity and renoprotective potential against cadmium induced toxicity in HEK293 cells and rat kidney.

Periploca angustifolia has numerous biological properties and also used against various diseases. In our study, this plant has been used for biotechnological production of polysaccharides. The prevention action of polysaccharides isolated from P. angustifolia (PAPS) against Cd-caused oxidative stress in HEK293 cells and kidneys of rats was tested. PAPS were characterized by HPLC, FT-IT, DRX, 1D-and 2D-MNR. PAPS present strong capacity to slow the rate of lipid peroxidation and protein glycation in vitro. In addition, the results indicated that the Cd treatment caused a significant decrease in HEK293 cells viability which wasattenuated by PAPS pre-treatment. Furthermore, our findings revealed that Cd injection increased the levels of urea and creatinine in the serum. The increased levels of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation along with decreased activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were significantly (p < 0.01) ameliorated by PAPS pre-treatment. Finally, histopathological studies also supported the prevention action of PAPS.

Nano-encapsulation using macrocyclic carbohydrate polymers (ß-cyclodextrins) of Periploca angustifolia extract: Physical stability and protective effect against cadmium-induced alterations in HepG2 cells.

The nano-encapsulation of Periploca angustifolia phenolic extract using the macrocyclic carbohydrate polymers (ß­cyclodextrins) is a most approach compared with other encapsulation methods. In this work, the ß­Cyclodextrins-PAE complex stability has been evaluated by advanced analytical methods and techniques including HPLC, FTIR and XRD. The results showed that CdCl2 treatment caused a significant decrease in cell viability. The CdCl2-induced damage in the HepG2 cells were significantly ameliorated (p < 0.001) by treatment of the PAE and ß­Cyclodextrins-PAE complex. Thus, pretreatment with 100 µg mL-1 of ß­Cyclodextrins-PAE complex significantly protect HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure more effectively than PAE only. However, Cd-intoxication significantly (p < 0.001) increased these enzymes activity. Additionally, reactive oxygen species generation was significantly decreased when cells were treated with nano-encapsulation PAE. The levels of supernatant antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and GSH were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased in Cd-treated cells with concomitant enhancement of lipid peroxidation. In addition, ß­Cyclodextrins-PAE pretreatment significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited Cd-exposure activated the apoptotic pathway caspace-3 and caspace-9. This effect may be due to the ability of ß­Cyclodextrins molecules to enhance stability and permeability properties.

Optimization, isolation, characterization and hepatoprotective effect of a novel pigment-protein complex (phycocyanin) producing microalga: Phormidium versicolorNCC-466 using response surface methodology.

In our study, we focused on the optimization; antioxidant and hepatoprotective potentials of novel pigment-protein complex(C-PC) isolated from Phormidium versicolor against cadmium induced liver injury in rats. From analysis, the C-PC extraction parameters were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) for optimal recoveries of C-PC extraction. For analysis, the optimum operational conditions for maximizing phycocyanins concentration (67.45mg/g DM) were found to be water/solid 2, temperature 32.5°C and pH7.2.This pigment was identified using HPLC and FTIR analysis. In addition, the molecular masses of α and ß subunits were 17 and 19kDa. Scavenging activity of superoxide anion, hydroxyl, nitric oxide radicals and metal chelating in vitro results indicated that C-PC has an excellent capacity as antioxidant. In vivo study, C-PC significantly prevented cadmium-induced elevation of ALAT, ASAT and bilirubin levels in rats. The histopathological observations supported the results serum enzymes assays. The results of this study revealed that C-PC has significant hepatoprotective potential. C-PC (50mgkg-1 body weight) significantly enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes. It can be concluded that C-PC possesses prevention action against hepatotoxicity caused by cadmium.

Optimization, antioxidant properties and GC-MS analysis of Periploca angustifolia polysaccharides and chelation therapy on cadmium-induced toxicity in human HepG2 cells line and rat liver.

The extraction of Periploca polysaccharides (PAPS) was optimized using the response surface methodology. The influence of solvent, liquid-solid ratio and extraction time on polysaccharide yield was evaluated using a full factorial design (23). Also, PAPS extract did not induce a cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells within the range of tested concentrations (0-250µgmL-1). Herein, the pre-treatment with PAPS extract (100µgmL-1) reduced cell mortality. Furthermore, the in vivo antioxidant activity of PAPS extract was investigated in rats. The oral administration of 250mgkg-1 body weight of PAPS extract administered above a period of 10 weeks to cadmium chloride (CdCl2) induced toxicity in male Wistar rats, markedly decreased the content of MDA and protein damage in liver tissue, and enhanced liver function parameters (ALAT, ASAT and bilirubin), as well as the activities of hepatic antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH). Finally, the examination of liver histopathology confirmed that PAPS ameliorate the alteration of liver tissue caused by exposition to cadmium.

Optimization, antioxidant potential, modulatory effect and anti-apoptotic action in of Euphorbia bivonae polysaccharides on hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in human embryonic kidney cells HEK293.

For the first time, we have determined the effect of solvent, liquid-solid ratio and extraction time on polysaccharides yield was evaluated using a full factorial design (23). In this present investigation, a total of 7 molecules were determined in this species. In our analysis saccharose was the dominant monosaccharides. Arabinose, pyranose, fructose, glucose, inositol, saccharose and trehalose found in E. bivonae. The results of the in vitro antioxidant assay showed that the EBPS have higher antioxidant capacity. Accordingly, the HEK293 cells pre-treated with EBPS compounds (100 µg·mL-1) enhanced cell viability against H2O2 exposure. Our results revealed that H2O2-exposure induced a significant increase in intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation in HEK293 cells. Additionally, the H2O2-induced alteration in HEK293 cells morphology, was ameliorated by EBPS treatment. In addition, EPBS pre-treated cells significantly enhanced the activities of HEK293 cells antioxidant status (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) that were decreased after hydrogen peroxide exposure.

Phenolic compounds analysis, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects of Periploca angustifolia extract on cadmium-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cell line and rats.

A total of five components (Catechin, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and Amentoflavone) were identified in Periploca angustifolia leaf methanolic extract. This extract did not cause any cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line within the range of concentrations tested (0-400 µg mL-1). Thus, pre-treatment with 100 µg mL-1 of P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract (PAE) significantly (p < .05) protective HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity induced by cadmium exposure. However, Cd-intoxication significantly (p < .05) increased alanine and aspartate amino transferases serum activities (ALT and AST) and bilirubin content by 1.85-, 1.13-, and 3.55-fold, respectively. The levels of hepatic antioxidant parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (p < .05) decreased in Cd-intoxicated rats with concomitant enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that P. angustifolia leaf methanolic extract can induce antioxidant effects and also exerts beneficial effects for the treatment of Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.

Polysaccharides from Phormidium versicolor (NCC466) protecting HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and rat liver tissues from cadmium toxicity: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo tests.

The in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic and cytoprotective properties and in vivo hepatoprotective activities of crude polysaccharides extracted from cyanobacteria Phormidim versicolor NCC466 (CFv-PS) were investigated. The CFv-PS, identified as heteropolysaccharides with molecular weight of 63.79kDa, exhibited relatively strong antioxidant activity, in a concentration-depended manner, in vitro assays. Additionally, CFv-PS did not induce cytotoxic effect on HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells within the range of tested concentrations (25-150µg·mL-1) while preventing them against Cd. Moreover, in rats subjected to Cd-induced hepatotoxicity, CFv-PS pretreatment significantly (P<0.05) reduced the level of ALAT, ASAT, biliburin, MDA, protein carbonyl and DNA damage, and markedly increased enzyme activities in liver tissues. These findings suggest that the cyanobacteria Phormidium versicolor is a potential source of natural products possessing antioxidant, cytoprotective and hepatoprotective properties.

Chemicals Compositions, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cynara scolymus Leaves Extracts, and Analysis of Major Bioactive Polyphenols by HPLC.

Objective. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) was one of the plant remedies for primary health care. The present study was focused on the determination of chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and anti-inflammatory activity and on analyzing its major bioactive polyphenols by HPLC. Methods. Artichoke Leaves Extracts (ALE) were analyzed for proximate analysis and phytochemical and antioxidant activity by several methods such as DDPH, ABTS, FRAP, and beta-carotene bleaching test. The carrageenan (Carr) model induced paw oedema in order to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity. Identification and quantification of bioactive polyphenols compounds were done by HPLC method. The oxidative stress parameters were determined; CAT, SOD, GSH, MDA, and AOPP activities and the histopathological examination were also performed. Results. It was noted that EtOH extract of ALE contained the highest phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents and the strongest antioxidants activities including DDPH (94.23%), ABTS (538.75 mmol), FRAP assay (542.62 umol), and ß-carotene bleaching (70.74%) compared to the other extracts of ALE. Administration of EtOH extract at dose 400 mg/kg/bw exhibited a maximum inhibition of inflammation induced by Carr for 3 and 5 hours compared to reference group Indomethacin (Indo). Conclusion. ALE displayed high potential as natural source of minerals and phytochemicals compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.