Exploring the bioactive potential of dried fruit by-products: a focus on hazelnut, peanut, and almond teguments and shells.

Dried fruits are renowned for their nutritional value, particularly their seeds. However, their skins, shells, and hulls also hold significant nutritional and commercial potential, yet remain largely unexplored for their bioactive compounds. This study examines the teguments and shells of three types of dried fruits - hazelnut, peanut, and two almond varieties. Ethanol extracts from these by-products reveal a variety of phytochemicals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, confirmed through in vitro and in vivo assays. Teguments contain higher polyphenol levels compared to shells, with 24 compounds identified via HPLC analysis. The Achak almond tegument extract demonstrates strong antiradical activity, significant antimicrobial effects, and notable antiviral properties at a low concentration. Moreover, extracts from Achak almond tegument and hazelnut shells exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties. This underscores the potential of utilizing dried fruit by-products to create innovative, value-added products, supporting environmental sustainability and boosting the competitiveness of the dried fruit industry.

Optimizing prickly pear by-product valorization: formulating molasses with enhanced antioxidant capacities and sugar contents.

This study endeavoured to capitalize on prickly pear by-products for the optimization of molasses formulation, targeting elevated antioxidant capacities and superior sugar contents. Through robust statistical modelling, the optimal cooking parameters-temperature (70-80 °C) and duration (60-90 min)-were determined, guided by responses of antioxidant activity and Brix value. A D-Optimal mixture design further delineated the ideal proportions of molasses components (pulp, peel, and seeds). Characterization revealed that peel harboured the highest concentrations of total polyphenols (396.41 mg GAE/100g FW) and flavonoids (234.26 mg CE/100g FW), emphasizing its antioxidant potential (DPPH inhibition IC50: 12.72 µg/ml). The optimal cooking conditions were established at 78.35 °C for 79.70 min, with predictive equations guiding ingredient proportions (0.265 g pulp, 0.710 g peel, 0.025 g seed). Intriguingly, while peel inclusion enhanced total sugar content and antioxidant activity, seed incorporation exerted a contrasting effect by reducing total sugar content and limiting antioxidant activity.

Phenolic compounds from Limonium densiflorum: a multifaceted approach to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-influenza activities.

Exploration of the hydroethanolic extracts from the halophyte Limonium densiflorum, led to the isolation of seven phenolic compounds: gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), quercitrin, a mixture of myricetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside + myricetin 3-O-L-arabinofuranoside, dihydrokaempferol, pinoresinol, and trans-N-ferulolyl tyramine. These compounds were assessed for anticancer, anti-influenza A virus, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The results indicated that these compounds do not exhibit toxicity towards healthy cells (WS-1 and MDCK). Furthermore, they displayed strong antioxidant properties. Among these compounds, gallic acid, the mixture of myricetin 3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside + myricetin 3-O-L-arabinofuranoside, dihydrokaempferol, and pinoresinol, showed significant cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells (IC50: 1-39 µg/mL). EGCG, gallic acid, dihydrokaempferol, pinoresinol, and trans-N-ferulolyl tyramine demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitric oxide (NO) production and also inhibited the replication of the influenza A virus. Biological activities varied based on compound structure, with phenolic acids and flavonoid aglycones showing stronger effects than glycosylated compounds and lignans.

Effect of regional disparities and solvent variations on the phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial efficacy of Cupressus sempervirens extracts.

The ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and water extracts of cypress from three Tunisian regions (Bizerte, Ben Arous, and Nabeul) were reported for their phenolic content, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. Cypress extract had an important antiradical and antibacterial potential which was strongly related to the organoleptic quality of the extract which appeared strongly region dependent. The highest contents of polyphenols were obtained in the methanol extract at the region of Bizerte (315.75 mg GAE/g DW). Cupressuflavone was the major compound with high proportions in methanol extract of Bizerte (68%). Amentoflavone also constituted an important flavonoid compound presented in higher proportion in the ethyl acetate extract of Ben Arous (21.2%). For Gram-positive bacteria strains, Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to the ethanol extract of Nabeul with IZ = 40 mm. This study suggests cypress as potential natural source of antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

Tetraclinis articulata essential oil emulsion use as alternative to chemical fungicide to control tomato grey mould disease.

Tetraclinis articulata essential oil proved to be effective in controlling tomato grey mould, so we would investigate its effect on some tomato defense mechanisms. The pretreatment of Botrytis cinerea infected tomato plants with TAEO emulsion enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes activity SOD, CAT, APX, and GPX, and total polyphenols content and it decreased IC50 of free radical-scavenging activity and H2O2 content. Results showed amelioration in antioxidant status in TAEO emulsion treated and B. cinerea infected plants indicating that treatment decreased infection in tomato plants. The qRT-PCR analysis of defense genes expression Chitinase SlChi, transcription factors SlWRKY and SlAP2/ERF, Lipoxygenase SlLOX, and Thioredoxin SlTRX showed that they were up-regulated as early as 12 hpi sustained with a second increase at 48 hpi in TAEO emulsion pretreated and infected plants. These results suggest the potential use of TAEO emulsion as natural product to induce tomato antioxidant status and activate defense genes.

Screening of antimicrobial and insecticidal properties of essential oils extracted from three Tunisian aromatic and medicinal plants.

The essential oils (EOs) of Coriandrum sativum, Carum carvi and Artemisia herba-alba have been screened for their insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, Sitophilus oryzae and Lasioderma serricorne and for their antimicrobial activity against Gram (+), Gram (-) bacteria and against yeast strain. Artemisia herba-alba EO showed good insecticidal activity with 24-h against L. serricorne (LC50 = 29.7) and against T. castaneum (66.1 µg/mL) and antibacterial potentials against Staphyloccocus aureus (MIC = 0.125 mg/mL). The antimicrobial activities of C. carvi EO, rich in D-carvone (72.4%) and D-limonene (23.8%) were particularly remarkable, with LC50 of 27.9 µg/mL against L. serricorne. Similarly, coriander EO, with linalool (64.6%) as the major compound was selected for its antimicrobial activities (Candida albicans, MIC = 1 mg/mL). These findings demonstrated that the tested EOs could be used as a natural source of insecticidal and antimicrobial activity, which may have a variety of uses in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Antioxidant potentialities and gastroprotective effect of Reichardia picroides extracts on Ethanol/HCl induced gastric ulcer rats.

The goal of this study was to determine for the first time the polyphenol content, antioxidant, and gastroprotective properties of the roots and leaves of Reichardia picroides. TPC considerably varied as a function of organs and solvent nature and ranged from 50 to 284.80 mg GAE/g DW. Leaves exhibited the highest amount of phenolics by using acetone 70%, the same tendency was observed for antioxidant activity. Besides, in vivo gastro-protective effects following HCl/EtOH-induced ulcer models displayed that roots extract at a high dose (500 mg) seemed to be the best performing extract with a decrease of ulceration index (UI) and an increase in the percentage of protection (PP), SOD, CAT, and GPX activities. All these data have been proved with principal component analysis (PCA). Overall, the results indicated that R. picroides could be considered a valuable source of natural compounds, which are beneficial for human health.

Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of Tunisian medicinal Tamarix africana Poir.

The current study aimed to evaluate Tunisian Tamarix africana Poir biological activities. In this study, novel biological activities of the shoot extracts related to their phenolics investigated. Secondary metabolite contents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of four extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water) were investigated. Antioxidant activities were assessed via in vitro and ex vivo assays. Besides, anticancer activity was investigated against human lung carcinoma (A-549) and colon adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells. The anti-inflammatory ability was evaluated via inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. Methanol and water extracts displayed the highest antioxidant (IC50 = 3.3 and 4.3 µg/mL respectively), which are correlated activities correlated with phenolic contents. Hexane extract exhibited an important anti-inflammatory effect inhibiting NO ability by 100% at 80 µg/mL. Besides, T. africana extracts were found to be active against A-549 lung carcinoma cells with IC50 values ranging from 20 to 34 µg/mL. These results suggested that T. africana is considered as a potential source of readily accessible natural molecules with a promising effect on human health and diseases.

Exploring the synergistic potential of wild nettle and olive oil: bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial properties.

This study delved into the incorporation of wild nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaves powder with virgin olive oil, exploring its potential to enhance nutritional value and health benefits. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and mineral-enrichment attributes of the resultant nettle-infused olive oil were investigated. Phenolic composition analysis revealed that an optimal maceration time of 30-40 minutes leads to maximal phenolic and flavonoid contents (57.66 mg GAE/100 g and 67.18 mg QE/100 g, respectively). The infused oil demonstrated superior radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) compared to virgin olive oil. Notably, nettle infusion significantly elevates zinc (10.12 mg/kg) and iron (13.85 mg/kg) contents. Antibacterial assays exhibited enhanced inhibition diameters and lower MIC and MBC values for nettle-infused oil against various bacterial strains. The study's findings underscore the potential of nettle infusion to enhance the nutritional and functional attributes of olive oil, holding promise for novel culinary and health applications.

Essential oil and its nanoemulsion of Eucalyptus cladocalyx: chemical characterization, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.

Formulating a nanoemulsion (NE) of essential oil (EO) could enhance its efficiency while requiring lower concentrations. Eucalyptus cladocalyx F. Muell EO was rich in monoterpenes hydrocarbons. NE was prepared and the effect of surfactant (Tween 20, 40 and 80) and shearing time were investigated. The results showed that the best NE was formed using Tween 80 after 25 min of emulsification. Small droplet size (40 nm), low polydispersity index PDI (0.49), and stable zeta potential highlighted the excellent NE stability which was tested under storage conditions for 4 months. The results showed that the antioxidant and anticancer activities of NE were enhanced compared to free EO. Furthermore, NE and EO exhibited high anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factors alpha (TNF-α) production in liposaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, a stable Eucalyptus cladocalyx-NE was produced, with improved biological activities.

Enhancing antioxidant and antibacterial properties of olive oil through garlic enrichment: a comprehensive study.

The amalgamation of garlic's antibacterial potency with olive oil's nutritional benefits provides a natural, effective way to boost health and counters microbial threats. This study explored the antioxidant and antibacterial traits of garlic-enriched virgin olive oil (VOO) samples, focusing on various garlic forms (fresh, oven-dried, freeze-dried). Comparative analysis revealed fresh garlic's highest total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and strongest DPPH scavenging activity. GC/MS analysis unveiled distinct volatile profiles. Fresh garlic oil contained elevated allyl-methy-sulfide, diallyl-trisulfide, methyl-propyl-disulfide levels. Antibacterial evaluation displayed substantial inhibition zones, especially fresh garlic oil against E. coli, and oven-dried/freeze-dried garlic oils against P. aeruginosa. Lower Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for fresh garlic oil and freeze-dried garlic oil against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria signify potent antibacterial activity of garlic-enriched VOO. These findings underscore garlic-enriched VOO's potential as natural antibacterial agents, fortified with antioxidant traits, while emphasizing drying methods' role in shaping volatile compounds.

Chemical profiling of maceration and decoction of Tamarix gallica L. organs and in vitro biological properties.

Tamarix gallica L. is a halophytic medicinal shrub traditionally used in the treatment of liver disorders. Leaf and flower infusions are widely used for anti-diarrheic and anti-inflammatory preparations. In this work, we have explored the combined effect of method (Maceration and Decoction) and solvent extraction (70% Methanol, 70% Ethanol, 70% Acetone, and Water) on phenolic composition and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of different T. gallica organ extracts (Leaves, Flowers, Stems, and Fruits). Obtained results showed that Tamarix leaves reveal more potent antioxidant activity. Methanol (70%) was the best maceration solvent for the extraction of leaves and flowers with high total antioxidant and anti-radical capacities. HPLC analysis showed that catechin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, isoquercetin were the major phenolics in 70% methanolic extract. Furthermore, this extract showed considerable anti-inflammatory activity. This prospect could be of great importance in the valuation of this halophyte as a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Essential oil composition and biological activities of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Miller) needles collected from different Tunisian regions.

The aim of this research was to investigate the variation regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of needles essential oils (EOs) of P. halepensis. Chemical profiles demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) variability among the different EOs. The main identified compounds were caryophyllene (48.77 ± 2.26), phenyl isovalerate (22.22 ± 2.26), ß-myrcene (15.55 ± 5.65) and α-pinene (14.52 ± 2.26). Further, it was shown that EO from Tabouba (Tab) displayed the highest DPPH scavenging (IC50 = 73.03 mg/mL), anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 23.29 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (IC50 = 254.45 µg/mL). While Elmahres (Elm) exhibited the most potent ABTS radical's inhibition (IC50 = 197.87 mg/mL). For the cytotoxic capacities, Kettana (Ket) was the most efficient against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 value better than doxorubicin used as positive control. Obtained results suggest that EO of P. halepensis could be used as a source of bioactive compounds.

Insecticidal effects of two Tunisian diatomaceous earth loaded with Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmans and Links as an ecofriendly approach for stored coleopteran pest control.

This study investigated composition and toxicity of Thyme EOs against two main stored grain insect pests. Carvacrol was distinguished as a major compound (78.34%). In laboratory tests, EOs applied by both direct contact and fumigant tests was more toxic to L. serricorne than T. castaneum. The EOs were also tested combined with two Tunisian Diatomaceous earths (DEs) against T. castaneum. The LC50 was 6.28 µL/L air for natural preparation EO/R1, 5.90 µL/L air for EO/R2 and 121.17 for crude EOs by fumigant test, respectively. While, contact test revealed that natural DEs; dust act as an insecticide with 'LC50' values of 3.22 and 0.29 µL/cm2f or R1 and R2, respectively. Moreover, a significant difference was noted between crude EO, EO/R1 and EO/R2. Overall, the enhancement of the Tunisian DEs' insecticidal activity by its mix with EOs may be a promising active substance as a stored grain protectant.

Essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of citron fruit (Citrus medica var. macrocarpa Risso.) peel as relation to ripening stages.

Stages of maturity have decisive roles in determining the quality and quantity of essential oil (EO). In this regard, EO yield and composition and their antioxidant activity of citron fruit at four fruit maturity stages, i.e. the green mature (GM), intermediate (INT), yellow ripe (MAT) and overripe stage (OR) were studied. Obtained results showed significant effect of fruit maturity on most measured properties. The concentration of EO varied between 0.60 and 0.77% (v/w). The highest amount of limonene was 89.39% related to GM stage. The limonene decreased significantly during maturity. The highest antioxidant activity (76.08%) was measured at the OR stage, which is probably due to the presence of specific compounds in the EO and their synergistic effects. The phytochemical behaviors of this citron variety were different as relation to stages of fruit maturity. We can determine the ideal harvest period for maximum bioactive substances by recognizing these actions.

Biological activities and determination of the mode of action of Tunisian Globularia alypum and Cistus monspeliensis ethanolic extracts.

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts (EEs) of Cistus monspeliensis and Globularia alypum. C. monspeliensis showed the highest values of phenolic compounds. Further, it was shown that EE of C. monspeliensis displayed the highest DPPH (IC50 = 8.3 ± 1.08 mg/mL). The chemical profiles demonstrated a total of 12 and 13 phenolic compounds for C. monspeliensis and G. alypum, respectively. EEs of both plants possessed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity when tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment of studied strains with these extracts at their MICs reduced considerably the bacterial viability. The extracts did not induce total bacterial lysis, as determined by the measurement of optical density at 620 nm. Strains treated with EEs at Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations showed significant loss of tolerance to NaCl. Our results contribute to understanding the antibacterial mechanism of ethanolic extracts of the studied medicinal plants.

Profiles of Fatty Acids, Polyphenols, Sterols, and Tocopherols and Scavenging Property of Mediterranean Oils: New Sources of Dietary Nutrients for the Prevention of Age-related Diseases.

The present study provides the fatty acid, tocopherol, phytosterol, and polyphenol profiles of some Mediterranean oils extracted from pumpkin, melon, and black cumin seed oils and those of dietary argan seed oil. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that oleic and linoleic acids were the most abundant fatty acids. Argan and melon seed oils exhibited the highest levels of oleic acid (47.32±0.02%) and linoleic acid (58.35±0.26%), respectively. In terms of tocopherols, melon seed oil showed the highest amount (652.1±3.26 mg/kg) with a predominance of γ-tocopherol (633.1±18.81 mg/kg). The phytosterol content varied between 2237.00±37.55 µg/g for argan oil to 6995.55±224.01 µg/g for melon seed oil. High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis also revealed the presence of several polyphenols: vanillin (0.59 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g) for melon seed oil, and p-hydroxycinnamic acid (0.04 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g), coumarine (0.05 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g), and thymoquinone (1.2 mg equivalents Quercetin/100 g) for black cumin seed oil. The "Kit Radicaux Libres" (KRL) assay used to evaluate the scavenging properties of the oils showed that black cumin seed oil was the most efficient. On the light of the richness of all Mediterranean oil samples in bioactive compounds, the seed oils studied can be considered as important sources of nutrients endowed with cytoprotective properties which benefits in preventing age-related diseases which are characterized by an enhanced oxidative stress.

Chemometric Profiling and Bioactivity of Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) Methanolic Extract from Four Localities in Tunisia.

This research aimed to study the chemical composition of Aloysia citrodora methanolic extract and its biological activities as an antioxidant, and its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities based on four bioclimatic collection stages. The contents of total phenols, total flavonoids and total tannins were determined. Nine phenolic compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The major compound was acteoside, a phenylpropanoid which represented about 80% of the methanolic fraction in the various regions. The antioxidant activities of different locations were measured by different analytical assays, such as DPPH, ABTS and iron reducing power. The results showed that phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities varied with climatic and environmental factors. Moreover, there was a significant dependency between regions and biological activities. The use of a principal component analysis showed that there was a close relationship among phenylpropanoids, phenolic compounds and the studied biological activities.

Green Solvent to Substitute Hexane for Bioactive Lipids Extraction from Black Cumin and Basil Seeds.

A comparative study of bioactive lipids extraction from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds using conventional petroleum-based solvent and green solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) was performed. MeTHF extraction allowed obtaining the highest oil yield in black cumin (34%). Regarding fatty acids composition, linoleic acid (61%) and α-linolenic (78%) were relevant in black cumin and basil green and conventionally extracted oils, respectively. Besides, MeTHF allowed obtaining higher tocopherols and total phenolics contents in black cumin (400 mg/kg of oil and 12 mg EGA/g oil) and basil (317 mg/kg oil and 5 mg EGA/g oil) compared to hexane-extracted ones. The content of major phenolic compounds in the two seed oils, trans-hydroxycinnamic acid, rosmarinic acid, and thymol was enhanced by MeTHF extraction. Furthermore, MeTHF-extracted oils possess stronger antioxidant activities (radical scavenging, total antioxidant, and ß-carotene bleaching activities) and high and similar anti-inflammatory capacity to hexane-extracted oils. In conclusion, the results revealed that MeTHF is efficient to replace hazardous solvents to extract oil from black cumin and basil seeds rich in compounds relevant to the human diet, including essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 and n-3), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds with improved biological activities.

Green extraction of oil from Carum carvi seeds using bio-based solvent and supercritical fluid: Evaluation of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of health-promoting products such as oil seeds may improve human health and prevent certain diseases. Carvi seeds have the potential to produce oil with nutritional and functional properties rich in active compounds. OBJECTIVE: To extract bioactive lipids from Carum carvi seeds using green methodologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Supercritical-carbon dioxide (Sc-CO2 ) and ethanol as co-solvent and bio-based solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) were used to extract the oil from Carum carvi. The yield, the chemical composition, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of green extracted oils were investigated and compared to those obtained with conventional methods (hexane and Folch system). RESULTS: MeTHF extraction gave higher oil yield than that obtained by hexane. Fatty acids composition of the two obtained green extracted oils was similar to conventional extracted ones where petroselinic (39-43%), linoleic (29-31%) and oleic (19-21%) acids were the major compounds. Furthermore, MeTHF and Sc-CO2 green extracted oils were enriched of bioactive compounds including sterols (5.4 and 7.3 mg/g oil) and total polyphenols (9.3 and 7.6 mg GAE/g oil) which were correlated to enhanced antiradical capacity. Moreover, the green extracted oils exhibited high anti-inflammatory capacity inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 28 and 24 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: Green solvents are a good alternative to petroleum solvents to recover oil from carvi seeds with high amount of nutritionally important fatty acids, along with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.