Total phenolic contents, cytotoxic, free radicals, porcine pancreatic α-amylase, and lipase suppressant activities of Artemisia dracunculus plant from Palestine.

Artemisia dracunculus: L. (A. dracunculus) is a popular vegetable and spice cultivated across many Middle Eastern countries. The herb's aqueous extract has significant folkloric medicinal importance for treating various disorders. Hence, the present investigation aimed to investigate A. dracunculus hydrophilic extract phytochemical constituents and pleiotropic biological potentials, as no previous studies have investigated the antilipase and anti-α-amylase effects of the A. dracunculus plant. Total phenol content and phytochemical screening assays were performed utilizing standard analytical methods. While the α-amylase inhibition, free radical-scavenging, antilipase, and cytotoxic activities were determined using dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA), DPPH, p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB), and MTS assays, respectively. The standard phytochemical analysis of A. dracunculus aqueous extract shows that this extract contains only a phenolic group. The total phenol content was 0.146 ± 0.012 mg GAE/g of the plant dry extract. The A. dracunculus aqueous extract exhibited potent DPPH free radical inhibitory (IC50 dose of 10.71 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and anti-lipase activities (IC50 dose of 60.25 ± 0.33 µg/mL) compared with Trolox (IC50 = 5.7 ± 0.92 µg/mL) and Orlistat (IC50 = 12.3 ± 0.35 µg/mL), respectively. However, it showed a weak anti-α-amylase effect (IC50 value > 1,000 µg/mL) compared with Acarbose (IC50 = 28.18 ± 1.27 µg/mL). A. dracunculus has a cytotoxic effect against the HeLa cancer cell line compared with the chemotherapeutic agent Doxorubicin. The extract has the same percent of inhibition as Doxorubicin (99.9%) at 10 mg/mL. Overall, these results pointed out for the first time the importance of considering A. dracunculus effects as a favorite candidate for preventing and treating metabolic disorders. Also, our results confirm the findings of previous reports on the role of A. dracunculus in the management of cancer and disorders resulting from the accumulation of harmful free radicals. On the contrary, the current study concluded that the antidiabetic role of A. dracunculus could be minimal. Further in-depth investigations are urgently warranted to explore the importance of A. dracunculus in pharmaceutical production.

An ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory tract disorders in northern parts of Palestine.

BACKGROUND: The medicinal application of natural plant remedies is well established. These medicinal plants are still in use within the Palestinian community to treat several illnesses. This research is intended to study the use of natural plants to treat different types of respiratory tract disorders. METHOD: This ethno botanical study focused on the medicinal plants that are used to treat respiratory diseases in the northern part of Palestine; Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilia, and Jenin. A questionnaire was distributed to 120 respondents. The data obtained included names of the plants used, the parts used, the diseases for which the products were applied, as well as the method of preparation. To evaluate results, percentages (%), Fic (factor of informant consensus), and FL (fidelity-level) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 120 participants were selected for the final analysis. The highest percentage of herbal use was reported for flu 85.8% (103 participants) followed by cough 83.3%, while the lowest percentage of users was for bronchitis with 54.1%. The study showed that 31 plant species of 19 families were used for respiratory disorders treatment. Six species were from the Lamiaceae family, three species from the Apiaceae family, two species from Amaryllidaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and Zingiberaceae, and one plant species for each of the rest of families. Leaves and fruits were the most commonly used parts of plants. Decoction was the method of preparation and was taken as a hot drink. Chamomile, mint, sage, lemon, and ginger were in the recipes for the five respiratory diseases. CONCLUSION: In Palestine, patients with respiratory diseases rely heavily on the use of herbal remedies. Leaves and fruits were the most commonly used plat elements. Age and marriage were significantly associated with the use of botanical remedies. Whereas there was no significant association between the source of information about medicinal plants and the location where medicinal plants were purchased. It is vital to conduct comprehensive clinical investigations and pharmacological assessments of these herbal remedies, in order to identify their efficacy, safety, and toxicity levels.

On-Surface Synthesis of Unsaturated Hydrocarbon Chains through C-S Activation.

We use an on-surface synthesis approach to drive the homocoupling reaction of a simple dithiophenyl-functionalized precursor on Cu(111). The C-S activation reaction is initiated at low annealing temperature and yields unsaturated hydrocarbon chains interconnected in a fully conjugated reticulated network. High-resolution atomic force microscopy imaging reveals the opening of the thiophenyl rings and the presence of trans- and cis-oligoacetylene chains as well as pentalene units. The chemical transformations were studied by C 1s and S 2p core level photoemission spectroscopy and supported by theoretical calculations. At higher annealing temperature, additional cyclization reactions take place, leading to the formation of small graphene flakes.

Poor regulation implications in a low and middle income country based on PAH source apportionment and cancer risk assessment.

Ambient particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were collected for one year at an urban background site, and spatially and temporally compared to yearly averages in three coastal cities in Lebanon. The samples were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and source apportioned with an optimized robust method using positive matrix factorization (PMF). Three major sources were found to contribute to PAH emissions at the urban background site, namely, traffic (48%), diesel generators (23%), and incineration (29%). The cancer risk was found higher than what was measured at the same site in previous years with an increase of 35%. Improper regulations of the sources (incineration, power plant, diesel generators and traffic) identified in the different sites resulted in PAH intraurban variability. It is essential to study the chemical components of particulate matter (PM) in order to assess toxicity. In particular, particle-bound PAHs and their oxidation products are known for their carcinogenicity as well as their persistence in the atmosphere, which facilitate their transport to new locations. In the absence of law enforcement, unregulated sources and their total contribution to ambient PAHs present a major health risk. This calls for the attention of development funding agencies and their need to implement sustainable "carbon-free" funding strategies in support of urban development of low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Phytochemical screening, antiobesity, antidiabetic and antimicrobial assessments of Orobanche aegyptiaca from Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Microbial resistance, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are global health care problems that have posed a serious threat to both human and environmental ecosystems. The goals of the present investigations are to investigate the phytoconstituents, antilipase, anti-α-amylase, and antimicrobial activity of Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. (OA) from Palestine. METHODS: Identification of the phytoconstituents of OA plant petroleum ether, methylene chloride, chloroform, acetone, and methanol extracts were conducted using pharmacopeia's methods, while porcine pancreatic lipase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were examined using p-nitrophenyl butyrate and 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid methods, respectively. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated utilizing broth microdilution assay against eight bacterial and fungal strains. RESULTS: The phytochemical screening results showed that the methanol extract of the OA plant is rich in phytochemical components, also this extract has powerful antilipase potential with an IC50 value of 19.49 ± 0.16 µg/ml comparing with the positive control (Orlistat) which has antilipase activity with IC50 value of 12.3 ± 0.35 µg/ml. Moreover, the methanol and chloroform extracts have powerful α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 28.18 ± 0.22 and 28.18 ± 1.22 µg/ml, respectively comparing with Acarbose which has α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 dose of 26.3.18 ± 0.28 µg/ml. The antibacterial results showed that the methylene chloride extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity among the other OA plant extracts with a MIC value of 0.78 mg/ml against S. aureus, while, the methylene chloride, petroleum ether, and chloroform extracts of the OA plant showed potential antifungal activity against C. albicans strains with MIC value of 0.78 mg/ml. CONCLUSION: The OA methanol and chloroform extracts could be excellent candidates as antilipase and anti-α-amylase bioactive materials. In addition, methylene chloride, petroleum ether, and chloroform extracts could be potential natural antimicrobial products.

Anticancer, Free Radicals, and Digestive Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Rubus sanctus Schreb Root Four Solvent Fractions.

BACKGROUND: Humankind used herbal products as a source of medicines since they understood their therapeutic benefits from ancient times. Therefore, the current research aimed to determine the anticancer, antioxidant, and metabolic enzyme inhibitory activities of Rubus sanctus (RS) root four solvent fractions for the first time. METHODS: The antioxidant, antilipase, and anti-α-amylase potentials of (RS) four solvent fractions were evaluated using standard biomedical assays. Moreover, the DNA cell cycle of liver cancer was assessed using a propidium iodide (PI) assay. At the same time, the apoptosis activity was estimated utilizing flow the cytometry method. RESULTS: The methanol and acetone (RS) fractions showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 0.078 ± 0.22 and 0.67 ± 0.25 µg/ml, respectively, compared with Trolox, which has an antioxidant IC50 value of 2.039 ± 0.52 µg/ml. Moreover, the methanol (RS) fraction has the highest anti-α-amylase activity with an IC50 value of 20.12 ± 0.34 µg/ml compared with acarbose, which has an IC50 value of 6.565 ± 0.3 µg/ml. Also, the acetone (RS) fraction revealed the highest antilipase activity with an IC50 value of 6.03 ± 1.23 µg/ml compared with the positive control orlistat which has an IC50 value of 0.39 ± 0.45 µg/ml. The aqueous, methanol, acetone, and hexane fractions of the (RS) roots decreased the secretion of the α-fetoprotein in the liver cancer cells. The acetone fraction was the most potent α-fetoprotein inhibitor with an average of 237 ± 12.5% compared with the average of the untreated cells, which was 4066.6 ± 202%. The hexane fraction was the most effective in diminishing apoptosis with an average of 14.5 ± 1.6%, compared with 49% ± 2 untreated cells' average. In inhibiting cell cycle progression, it was recognized that methanol fraction seems to be the most powerful amplifier of the (RS) effect, as it increased the proportion of the cells with an average of 24.5 ± 2.2%, compared with 7.4 ± 1.8% in the doxorubicin (DOX). Data indicated a decrease in cell proliferation rate by prolonging the G2-M phase and thus slowing cancer progression. Our results suggest that (RS) roots four solvent fractions have potential anticancer activity. CONCLUSION: The (RS) roots four solvent fractions have potential anticancer, antioxidant, antilipase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. It could be a promising source for applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Spectral characterization, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cyclooxygenase inhibitory activities of Aloysia citriodora essential oils collected from two Palestinian regions.

BACKGROUND: Aloysia citriodora Palau (AC) is commonly known as Lemon Verbena and has been utilized as a medicinal tea in folkloric medicine for the treatment of abdominal spasm, anxiety, and fever. The present investigation aimed to identify the chemical ingredients of AC essential oil (EO) collected from two different locations in Palestine and to assess their antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory effects. METHODS: Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) technique was used to identify the chemical components of the hydro-distilled EO from both regions, while DPPH, MTS, and COX assays were utilized to estimate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and COX inhibitory activities of the EOs, respectively. Moreover, a broth microdilution assay was used to assess antimicrobial potentials against seven microbial strains. RESULTS: The GC/MS technique revealed the presence of 17 compounds from the AC collected from the Umm al-Fahm region and 13 compounds from the sample from the Baqa al-Gharbiyye region, while α-citral was the major component of both EOs, representing 47.62 and 43.46%, respectively. The Baqa al-Gharbiyye AC EO exerted more potent antioxidant activity than the Umm al-Fahm EO, with IC50 values of 11.74 ± 0.18 and 35.48 ± 0.14 µg/mL, respectively, while the positive control Trolox had antioxidant IC50 values of 2.45 ± 0.01 µg/mL. Interestingly, both EOs inhibited more potential activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Proteus vulgaris than Ciprofloxacin and Ampicillin antibiotics and also showed more potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans than Fluconazole. Moreover, the Baqa al-Gharbiyye AC EO had a more potent cytotoxic effect than the Umm al-Fahm EO, with IC50 values of 84.5 ± 0.24 and 33.31 ± 0.01 µg/mL, respectively, compared with Doxorubicin, which had an IC50 dose of 22.01 ± 1.4 µg/mL. The EOs from Baqa al-Gharbiyye showed potent activity against both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, with IC50 of 52.93 ± 0.13 and 89.31 ± 0.21 µg/mL, respectively, while the EOs from the Umm al-Fahm region showed weaker activity against these enzymes, with IC50 of 349.99 ± 0.33 and 1326.37 ± 1.13 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both characterized EOs have a huge variety of chemical components. The Baqa al-Gharbiyye AC EO has more potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activities than the Umm al-Fahm EO, but both have potential antimicrobial activity against MRSA, P. vulgaris, and C. albicans. These results suggest the use of AC EOs as promising sources of active ingredients in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Synthesis and Spectral Identification of Three Schiff Bases with a 2-(Piperazin-1-yl)-N-(thiophen-2-yl methylene)ethanamine Moiety Acting as Novel Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitors: Thermal, DFT, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Molecular Docking Investigations.

Three new tetradentate NNNS Schiff bases (L1-L3) derived from 2-(piperidin-4-yl)ethanamine were prepared in high yields. UV-Visible and FTIR spectroscopy were used to monitor the dehydration reaction between 2-(piperidin-4-yl)ethanamine and the corresponding aldehydes. Structures of the derived Schiff bases were deduced by 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, MS, EA, EDS, and TG-derived physical measurements. DFT/B3LYP theoretical calculations for optimization, TD-DFT, frequency, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) / were performed for L2. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the three Schiff bases were evaluated against several types of bacteria by disk diffusion test using Gentamicin as the standard antibiotic. Schiff bases revealed good antioxidant activity by the DPPH method, and the IC50 values were compared to the Trolox standard. Pancreatic porcine lipase inhibition assay of the synthesized compounds revealed promising activity as compared to the Orlistat reference.

Antibiotic resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolates from outpatients with urinary tract infections in Somalia.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies suggest increasing rates of antibiotic resistance among adult populations with Urinary tract infections (UTI). Escherichia coli (E. coli), is the predominant bacterium both in the community and in hospital environments causing uropathogenic infections. This study aimed to estimate the common uropathogen bacteria that cause UTI among outpatients as well as to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of E. coli isolates among outpatients with UTI infections at Shaafi hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shaafi Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia. A total of 128 samples were collected from outpatients suspected of UTI and tested through bacteriological investigations and antimicrobial susceptibility tests following the Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion method. RESULTS: E. coli was isolated in 34 (41%) out of the total 83 samples that showed growth followed by Staphylococcus aureus 22 (26.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 13 (15.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 8 (9.6 %) and Proteus spp. 6 (7.2%). E. coli was highly sensitive to nitrofurantoin, 29 (85.3%), and ciprofloxacin (n = 23, 67.6%), and had the highest resistance rate of ceftriaxone, 33 (97.1%). The odds of having UTI were higher in patients with a history of UTI (Odds ratio OR = 0.211, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.080, 0.553) and history of antibiotic use (OR = 0.322, 95% CI: 0.113, 0.917). Increased resistance rate of E. coli against cephalosporins could be due to its excessive use as empirical therapy. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that outpatients with UTI could be at high risk of antibiotic resistance, suggesting regular surveillance and monitoring of antibiotics.

Whey Protein Concentrate as a Novel Source of Bifunctional Peptides with Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidant Properties: RSM Study.

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is a unique source of protein with numerous nutritional and functional values due to the high content of branched-chain amino acid. This study was designed to establish the optimum conditions for Alcalase-hydrolysis of WPC to produce protein hydrolysates with dual biofunctionalities of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities via response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the optimum conditions were achieved at temperature = 58.2 °C, E/S ratio = 2.5%, pH = 7.5 and hydrolysis time = 361.8 min in order to obtain the maximum DH (89.2%), ACE-inhibition (98.4%), DPPH• radical scavenging activity (50.1%) and ferrous ion chelation (73.1%). The well-fitted experimental data to predicted data further validates the regression model adequacy. Current study demonstrates the potential of WPC to generate bifunctional hydrolysates with ACE inhibition and antioxidant activity. This finding fosters the use of WPC hydrolysate as a novel, natural ingredient for the development of functional food products.

Antibacterial, Anticandidal, Phytochemical, and Biological Evaluations of Pellitory Plant.

Pellitory plant (Parietaria judaica (PJ)) is one of the most widely used Arabian traditional medicinal plants due to its ability to cure several infectious diseases and other illnesses. The current study is aimed at assessing the phytoconstituents, antilipase, antiamylase, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic characters of the Pellitory plant (Parietaria judaica (PJ)). Phytochemical screening and procyanidin detection were conducted according to the standard phytochemical procedures. Porcine pancreatic lipase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were carried out using p-nitrophenyl butyrate and dinitrosalicylic acid assays, respectively. In addition, antimicrobial activity was determined utilizing a microdilution assay against several bacterial and fungal strains. Besides, the cytotoxic effect against HeLa cell line was tested employing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. The quantitative test results revealed that the methanol fraction of PJ contains 18.55 ± 0.55 mg of procyanidin and has a potential α-amylase inhibitory activity compared with the antidiabetic drug Acarbose with IC50 values of 15.84 ± 2.25 and 28.18 ± 1.22 µg/ml, respectively. Also, it has a potential antilipase activity compared to the commercial antiobesity drug, Orlistat, with IC50 values of 38.9 ± 0.29 and 12.3 ± 0.35 µg/ml, respectively. The acetone, hexane, and methanol fractions have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against the screened bacterial strains, while the acetone fraction has shown anticandidal activity with a MIC value of 0.195 mg/ml. The PJ hexane and acetone fractions decreased HeLa cell viability significantly (p value < 0.0001) by approximately 90% at the concentration of 0.625 mg/ml. The revealed outcomes showed that the methanol fraction has strong α-amylase and lipase inhibitory characters. Besides, acetone, hexane, and methanol fractions have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, while the acetone fraction revealed potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Moreover, at low concentrations, hexane and acetone fractions have potent cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against HeLa cancer cells. Nevertheless, PJ acetone, hexane, and methanol fractions can serve as an effective source of natural products to develop new antiobesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents.

Toxicity study and blood pressure-lowering efficacy of whey protein concentrate hydrolysate in rat models, plus peptide characterization.

We evaluated the acute (single-dose) and subacute (repeated-dose) oral toxicity of alcalase-hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate. Our acute study revealed no death or treatment-related complications, and the median lethal dose of whey protein concentrate hydrolysate was >2,500 mg/kg. In the subacute study, when the hydrolysate was fed at 3 different concentrations (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg), no groups showed toxicity changes compared with controls. Then, whey protein concentrate hydrolysate was orally administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats. Results revealed significant reductions in blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, and dosing at 400 mg/kg led to significant blood pressure reduction (-47.8 mm Hg) compared with controls (blood pressure maintained) and the findings of previous work (-21 mm Hg). Eight peptides-RHPEYAVSVLLR, GGAPPAGRL, GPPLPRL, ELKPTPEGDL, VLSELPEP, DAQSAPLRVY, RDMPIQAF, and LEQVLPRD-were sequentially identified and characterized. Of the peptides, VLSELPEP and LEQVLPRD showed the most prominent in vitro angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 0.049 and 0.043 mM, respectively. These findings establish strong evidence for the in vitro and in vivo potential of whey protein concentrate hydrolysate to act as a safe, natural functional food ingredient that exerts antihypertensive activity.

Endemicity of Yaws and Seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum Antibodies in Nonhuman Primates, Kenya.

Human yaws has historically been endemic to Kenya, but current epidemiologic data are lacking. We report seroprevalence for Treponema pallidum antibodies in olive baboons (Papio anubis) and vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in Laikipia County, Kenya. Our results suggest endemicity of the yaws bacterium in monkeys, posing a possible zoonotic threat to humans.

Rapid, cost-effective and organic solvent-free production of biologically active essential oil from Mediterranean wild Origanum syriacum.

BACKGROUND: Origanum syriacum (O. syriacum) is a very popular edible and medicinal plant in the East Mediterranean countries. The aims of the current study were to use microwave-ultrasonic assisted hydrodistillation (MUAHD) method to produce essential oils (EOs) from wild O. syriacum samples collected from four different geographical areas in The West Bank using water as a solvent, determine the phytochemical profile using GC-MS analysis and assess their antioxidant and antibacterial potential. METHODS: Essential oils were produced using MUAHD method. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS) was employed for phytochemical analysis. In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant potentials were carried out. RESULTS: Differences in the EOs yield among the four Origanum samples were observed. GC-MS analysis of EOs revealed terpenes as the major constituents; monoterpenes (22-56%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (28-57%). Thymol, α-terpinene and carvacrol represent the bulk of all phytochemicals detected by GC-MS analysis. γ-Terpinene-rich EOs, exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Thymol-rich EOs were found to be most effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (MIC 390 µg/mL). Alpha-terpinene-rich chemotype EOs exhibited the highest inhibitory effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC of 1560 µg/mL). Interestingly, γ-terpinene-rich EO showed promising antibacterial properties against Enterococcus faecium (MIC 97 µg/mL) and a powerful anti-oxidant effect (91.45% ±2.30). CONCLUSION: The current study supports the use of MUAHD as a time-saving, cost-effective, environment-friendly method for production of high quality O. syriacum EO for potential use as a natural complementary treatment and in the prevention of bacterial infections as well as oxidation by free radicals without compromising the quantity.

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor, and Cytotoxic Activities of Teucrium pruinosum Boiss. Essential Oil.

INTRODUCTION: In traditional medicine, many pharmacological activities have already been ascribed to the genus of Teucrium plant. These include antirheumatic antispasmodic, anthelmintic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, and anticancer effects. The recent investigation aimed to characterize and estimate the chemical composition, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer potentials of the essential oil isolated by the microwave-ultrasonic apparatus from Teucrium pruinosum leaves collected from Palestine. METHODS: The essential oil (EO) was analyzed by Gas Chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), while its anticancer activity was evaluated against HeLa cervical adenocarcinoma cells. The ability of T. pruinosum EO to inhibit the conversion of Arachidonic Acid (AA) to PGH2 by ovine COX-1 and human recombinant COX-2 was determined using a COX inhibitor screening assay. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the EO was evaluated on the basis of the scavenging activity with a stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, while Trolox was used as a positive control. RESULTS: Forty-four molecules were identified in T. pruinosum EO, representing 100% of the total EO. Agarospirol was found to be the most abundant component (45.53%) followed by caryophyllene (19.35%). However, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor assay revealed that T. pruinosum has potential COX-1 and Cox-2 inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.25 µg/ml and 0.5 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the T. pruinosum EO showed moderate antioxidant capacity with an IC50 value of 16.98±0.84 µg/ml in comparison with the positive control Trolox, which has an antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 2.09±0.17 µg/ml. In addition, 250, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 15.625, 7.67, and 3.84 mg/ml of T. pruinosum EO treatments inhibited mitochondrial activity (cell viability) significantly and extremely by 90-95%. CONCLUSION: The current study provided data that revealed that the T. pruinosum EO could be a suitable candidate for use as a novel anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant medication. Further clinical trials would be required to ensure these effects and to allow the design of suitable pharmaceutical dosage forms from this natural oil.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Cyclamen persicum Mill tuber extracts.

The emerging drug resistance bacteria increased the demand on the discovery of antibiotics from natural sources. This research was aimed to study the antibacterial reactivity; as well as the phytochemicals, of the wild type of Cyclamen persicum, using nine different extraction methods where four solvents (Methanol, Ethanol, Hexane; and Water) were involved with varied extraction periods ranged from 2 up to 10 hours. The antibacterial activity of crude methanol extract (CME) was found as the best method of extraction, with particular emphasis on the method with prolonged extraction time of (10 hrs). The antibacterial activities of produced CME were determined by using agar diffusion method against two of gram-positive bacteria and two gram-negative ones. The CME treated Mueller-Hinton-Agar plates, were exhibited antibacterial effects against the gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) by showing of inhibition zone after overnight incubation, while nothing was noticed on those of gram negative ones (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). These results that proved the antibacterial activity of the Cyclamen persicum tubers were positively tested the Saponin glycosides from plant. In addition to that, methanol solvent could be the useful method for extractions of Cyclamen and can be used in any developing drugs against pathogenic gram positive bacteria.

Pharmacodynamic testing and new validated HPLC method to assess the interchangeability between multi-source orlistat capsules.

BACKGROUND: Orlistat is an irreversible inhibitor of the lipase enzyme that prevents trigylcerides from being digested, thereby inhibiting triglyceride hydrolysis and absorption. The resultant reduced calorie uptake enables a positive effect on weight control. Systemic absorption of the drug is, therefore, not necessary for its mode of action. An alternative in vitro study (pharmacodynamic) has been introduced for this drug, as in vivo bioavailability studies are irrelevant with regard to the achievement of the product's intended purposes. OBJECTIVES: To develop a new validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the analysis of orlistat and to assess the potency and equivalence of three orlistat formulations using the pharmacodynamic method as a surrogate indicator of pharmaceutical interchangeability. METHODS: A new HPLC method was developed for the analysis and for the dissolution studies of orlistat in capsules. Pancreatic lipase activity was measured for three different capsule products: Orlislim®, Slimcare®, and Xenical®, G1, G2, and the brand, respectively. Porcine pancreatic lipase and p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB) were placed in a pH 7.4 reaction buffer at 37°C, and substrate hydrolysis was monitored by measuring absorbance changes at 410 nm; this was repeated on six capsules of each product. The inhibition was expressed by the concentration of product, which inhibited 50% of the activity of pancreatic lipase (IC50). RESULTS: The new analytical method was suitable for orlistat analysis. Values of IC50 from regression lines and equations were 6.14, 8.43, and 7.80 µg/mL for Orlislim®, Xenical®, and Slimcare®, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pharmacodynamic studies of lipase inhibition could be used to support in vitro dissolution, which demonstrates interchangeability between generic and branded orlistat capsules. Moreover, it could be suggested as an alternative tool to bioequivalence studies for orlistat oral products.

Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants practiced by traditional healers and herbalists for treatment of some urological diseases in the West Bank/Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Throughout history, every civilization in the world used plants or their derivatives for treatment or prevention of diseases. In Palestine as in many other countries, herbal medicines are broadly used in the treatment of wide range of diseases including urological diseases. The main objective of this research is to study the use of herbal remedies by herbalists and traditional healers for treatment of various urological diseases in the West Bank regions of Palestine and to assess their efficacy and safety through the literature review of the most cited plants. METHOD: The study included a survey part, plant identification and a review study. The first part was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Face to face questionnaires were distributed to 150 traditional healers and herbalist in all regions of the West Bank of Palestine. The literature review part was to assess the most cited plants for their efficacy and toxicity. RESULTS: One hundred forty four herbalists and traditional healers accepted to participate in this study which was conducted between March and April, 2016. The results showed that 57 plant species belonging to 30 families were used by herbalists and traditional healers for treatment of various urinary tract diseases in Palestine. Of these, Apiaceae family was the most prevalent. Paronychia argentea, Plantago ovata, Punica granatum, Taraxacum syriacum, Morus alba and Foeniculum vulgare were the most commonly used plant species in the treatment of kidney stones, while Capsella bursa-pastoris, Ammi visnaga and Ammi majus were the most recommended species for treatment of urinary tract infections and Portulaca oleracea used for renal failure. In addition Curcuma longa and Crocus sativus were used for enuresis while Juglans regia, Quercus infectoria, Sambucus ebulus and Zea mays were used for treatment symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. Fruits were the most common parts used, and a decoction was the most commonly used method of preparation. Through literature review, it was found that Paronychia argentea has a low hemolytic effect and contains oxalic acid and nitrate. Therefore, it could be harmful to renal failure patients, also Juglans regia, Quercus infectoria and, Sambucus ebulus are harmful plants and cannot be used for treatment of any disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provided that ethnopharmacological flora in the West Bank regions of Palestine can be quite wealthy and diverse in the treatments of urinary tract diseases. Clinical trials and pharmacological tests are required evaluate safety and efficacy of these herbal remedies.

Topical aqueous extract of Ephedra alata can improve wound healing in an animal model.

PURPOSE: Ephedra alata (E. alata) is perennial tough shrub plant that grows in Palestine and other regions. It is used often in folk's medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this project, E. alata extract was tested for its ability to improve wound and burn healing. METHODS: An aqueous extract of E. alata was prepared and underwent several phytochemical analyses for the presence of the major classes of phytochemical compounds. After that, a polyethylene glycol-based ointment containing the extract of E. alata was prepared and its wound and burn healing activities were tested in-vivo using an animal model for deep wound and full thickness skin burn. The effect was compared against a placebo ointment. Skin biopsies were evaluated by a blinded clinical histopathologist, in addition to digital analysis. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of the major classes of phytochemical compounds in the prepared extract including flavonoids, alkaloids, phytosteroids, phenolic compounds, volatile oils and tannins. As compared to placebo ointment, E. alata ointment significantly improved the healing of the wound ulcers, whereas it showed no advantage on the quality of the healing of burn ulcers. CONCLUSION: E. alata extract is rich in phytochemical compounds and can improve wound healing when applied topically.

Anti-Lipase Potential of the Organic and Aqueous Extracts of Ten Traditional Edible and Medicinal Plants in Palestine; a Comparison Study with Orlistat.

Background: Herbs have played a fundamental and essential role in the humans life since ancient times, especially those which are used as food and/or folk medicinedue to both their nutritive and curative properties.This study aimed to investigate new antilipase agents from tentraditional Palestinian edible and medicinal plants through inhibition of the absorption of dietary lipids. Methods: The anti-lipase activity for ten plants was evaluated and compared with the reference compound Orlistat by using the porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory test which was conducted by using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Results: The aqueous extracts of Vitis vinifera and Rhus coriaria had the highest antilipase effects with IC50 values 14.13 and 19.95 mcg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the organic extract of Origanum dayi had an IC50 value 18.62 mcg/mL. V. vinifera showed the highest porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects when compared with Orlistat, which has an IC50 value 12.38 mcg/mL. Conclusions: According to the obtained results, V. vinifera, R. coriaria, and O. dayi can be considered a natural inhibitors of the pancreatic lipase enzyme as well as new players in obesity treatment. In fact, these plants can be freely and safely consumed in a daily diet or can be prepared as nutraceutical formulations to treat or prevent of obesity.