Kefir mitigates renal damage caused by zearalenone in female wistar rats by reducing oxidative stress.

The estrogen-like mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) was popularly occurred in several food and feeds, posing threats to human and animal health. ZEA induced renal toxicity and caused oxidative stress. In the current study, the protecting effect of kefir administration against ZEA-induced renal damage in rats was explored. Rats were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 5 animals. For the initial 7 days, they were orally administered sterile milk (200 µL/day). Subsequently, during the second week, the groups were exposed to kefir (200 µL/day), ZEA (40 mg/kg b.w./day) and a combination of kefir and ZEA. The biochemical parameters, kidney histological changes and ZEA residue were assessed. Kefir supplementation enhanced the antioxidant enzymes in the kidney, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, which increased by 1.2, 4 and 20 folds, respectively, relative to the ZEA group. Remarkably, the concomitant administration kefir + ZEA suppressed ZEA residues in both serum and kidney. Additionally, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and renal malondialdehyde decreased by 22, 65 and 54%, respectively, in the kefir + ZEA group; while, the creatinine content increased by around 60%. Rats co-treated with kefir showed a normal kidney histological architecture contrary to tissues alterations mediated in the ZEA group. These results suggest that kefir may showed a protective effect on the kidneys, mitigating ZEA-induced acute toxicity in rats.

Extraction of Protein and Bioactive Compounds from Mediterranean Red Algae (Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Gelidium spinosum) Using Various Innovative Pretreatment Strategies.

In this study, the release of proteins and other biomolecules into an aqueous media from two red macroalgae (Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Gelidium spinosum) was studied using eight different cell disruption techniques. The contents of carbohydrates, pigments, and phenolic compounds coextracted with proteins were quantified. In addition, morphological changes at the cellular level in response to the different pretreatment methods were observed by an optical microscope. Finally, the antioxidant capacity of obtained protein extracts was evaluated using three in vitro tests. For both S. coronopifolius and G. spinosum, ultrasonication for 60 min proved to be the most effective technique for protein extraction, yielding values of 3.46 ± 0.06 mg/g DW and 9.73 ± 0.41 mg/g DW, respectively. Furthermore, the highest total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carbohydrates were also recorded with the same method. However, the highest pigment contents were found with ultrasonication for 15 min. Interestingly, relatively high antioxidant activities like radical scavenging activity (31.57-65.16%), reducing power (0.51-1.70, OD at 700 nm), and ferrous iron-chelating activity (28.76-61.37%) were exerted by the different protein extracts whatever the pretreatment method applied. This antioxidant potency could be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, pigments, and/or other bioactive substances in these extracts. Among all the used techniques, ultrasonication pretreatment for 60 min appears to be the most efficient method in terms of destroying the macroalgae cell wall and extracting the molecules of interest, especially proteins. The protein fractions derived from the two red macroalgae under these conditions were precipitated with ammonium sulfate, lyophilized, and their molecular weight distribution was determined using SDS-PAGE. Our results showed that the major protein bands were observed between 25 kDa and 60 kDa for S. coronopifolius and ranged from 20 kDa to 150 kDa for G. spinosum. These findings indicated that ultrasonication for 60 min could be sufficient to disrupt the algae cells for obtaining protein-rich extracts with promising biological properties, especially antioxidant activity.

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

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

Phytochemical Properties of Crataegus azarolus Berries Decoction Extract and Evaluation of its Protective Activity Against Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Crataegus azarolus berries decoction extract (CAB-DE) against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis as well as the mechanisms implicated in such protection. Adult male Wistar rats were separated into seven groups: Control (H2O), acetic acid (AA), AA + various doses of CAB-DE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.), and AA + sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) or gallic acid (50 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) during 10 days. All rats were kept fasting overnight and ulcerative colitis was induced by rectal infusion of AA (300 mg kg-1, b.w.) (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg-1 b.w), for 30 s. The colon was rapidly excised and macroscopically examined to measure ulcerated surfaces and the ulcer index. In vitro, we found that CAB-DE exhibited a high antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50 = 164.17 ± 4.78 µg/mL). In vivo, pretreatment with CAB-DE significantly protected the colonic mucosa against AA-induced damage by stimulating mucus secretion, reducing ulcer index as well as histopathological changes. Also, CAB-DE limited the oxidative status induced by AA in the colonic mucosa, as assessed by MDA and H2O2 increased levels and the depletion of both enzymatic activities and non-enzymatic levels. In addition, AA intoxication increased iron and calcium levels in colonic mucosa and plasma, while CAB-DE pretreatment regulated all intracellular mediators deregulation and significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP (1.175 ± .04 ─ .734 ± .06 µg/dl) and ALP (161.53 ± 5.02 ─ 98.60 ± 4.21 UI/L) levels. We suggest that CAB-DE protected against AA-induced ulcerative colitis due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Techno-functional characterization of gelatin extracted from the smooth-hound shark skins: Impact of pretreatments and drying methods.

Gelatin derived from marine by-products could be an interesting alternative to classic mammalian gelatin. The pretreatment and extraction conditions could influence the size of the resulting peptide chains and therefore their techno-functional properties. Thus, it is important to optimize the production process to get a gelatin for the appropriate applications. Skin pretreatment was done by microwaves or oven-drying and the extracted gelatin was dried by spray- or freeze-drying. Freeze-dried gelatin extracted from untreated skin (FGUS) had the highest gelatin yield (10.40%). Gelatin proximate composition showed that proteins were the major component (87.12-89.95%), while lipids showed the lowest contents (0.65-2.26%). Glycine showed the highest level (299-316/1000 residues) in the extracted gelatins. Proline and hydroxyproline residues of gelatins from untreated skin were significantly higher than those from pretreated skin-gelatin. FTIR spectra were characterized by peaks of the amide A (3430-3284 cm-1), B (3000-2931 cm-1), I (1636-1672 cm-1), II (1539-1586 cm-1) and III (1000-1107 cm-1). Spray-drying decreased the gelling properties of gelatins, since it reduced gelling and melting temperatures compared to freeze-drying. Skin pretreatment significantly reduced the gel strength of gelatin by about 50-100 g depending on the gelatin drying method. The FGUS showed better surface properties compared to other gelatins. The highest emulsion activity index (39.42 ± 1.02 m2/g) and foaming expansion (172.33 ± 2.35%) were measured at 3% FGUS. Therefore, the promising properties of freeze-dried gelatin derived from untreated skin, gave it the opportunity to be successfully used as a techno-functional ingredient in many formulations.

Development of active edible coatings based on fish gelatin enriched with Moringa oleifera extract: Application in fish (Mustelus mustelus) fillet preservation.

An edible coating was developed using gelatin extracted from the skin of gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) and applied to the fillet of the smooth-hound shark (Mustelus mustelus). Moringa oleifera leaf extract was added to gelatin coating solution to improve its preservative properties. The phenolic profiles and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of M. oleifera extracts were determined. Phenolic acids constituted the largest group representing more than 77% of the total compounds identified in the ethanol/water (MOE/W) extract, among which the quinic acid was found to be the major one (31.48 mg/g extract). The MOE/W extract presented the highest DPPH• scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.53 ± 0.02 mg/ml) and reducing (Fe3+) power (EC0.5 = 0.57 ± 0.02 mg/ml), as well as interesting inhibition zones (20-35 mm) for the most tested strains. Coating by 3% of gelatin solution significantly reduced most deterioration indices during chilled storage, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), weight loss, pH, and mesophilic, psychrophilic, lactic, and H2S-producing bacterial counts. Interestingly, coating with gelatin solution containing MOE/W extract at 20 µg/ml was more effective than gelatin applied alone. Compared with the uncoated sample, gelatin-MOE/W coating reduced the weight loss and MDA content by 26% and 70% after 6 days of storage, respectively. Texture analysis showed that the strength of uncoated fillet increased by 46%, while the strength of fillet coated with gelatin-MOE/W only increased by 12% after 6 days of storage. Fish fillet coated with gelatin-MOE/W had the highest sensory scores in terms of odor, color, and overall acceptability throughout the study period.

Development and characterization of fish gelatin-based biodegradable film enriched with Lepidium sativum extract as active packaging for cheese preservation.

The physical and functional properties of gelatin-based films enriched with organic extracts from Lepidium sativum seeds were studied. Gelatin was extracted from the skin of dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and the functional gelatin-based films were used to preserve cheese during chilled storage. Ethanol extract (LSE3) and gelatin-based film enriched with LSE3 at 20 µg/mL showed high antioxidant potential using various complementary methods. No significant difference was measured in the mechanical parameters of the enriched films in terms of thickness, tensile strength and elongation at break. LSE3 incorporation at the highest level slighltly decreased the film L∗ value from 90.30 ± 0.10 to 88.10 ± 0.12, while the b∗ value increased from 0.91 ± 0.07 to 8.89 ± 0.12. Wrapping the cheese with gelatin-based film enriched with 20 µg LSE3/mL reduced the syneresis by 40% and stabilized the color, peroxidation and bacteria growth as compared to the unwrapped sample after 6 days of storage. In addition, cheese wrapped with the active gelatin-based film showed the lowest changes in texture parameters. Overall results suggest the use of the enriched gelatin film as active packaging material to preserve cheese quality.

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

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

Brown seaweed Cystoseira schiffneri as a promising source of sulfated fucans: Seasonal variability of structural, chemical, and antioxidant properties.

A fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharide, was extracted from the brown seaweed Cystoseira schiffneri during 4 harvest periods (December, April, July, and September) and studied for its structural and chemical properties. The Cystoseira schiffneri fucoidan (CSF) showed important variation in sulfate content ranging from 7.8% in December to 34.8% in July. This was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies showing characteristic signals of sulfated polysaccharides. Molecular mass of the CSF varied as a function of season from 3,745 in December to 26,390 Da in July. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy showed that CSF fractions were "mannogalactofucans" composed mainly of mannose, fucose, and galactose with low levels of other monosaccharides. Moreover, interesting in vitro antioxidant activities that depend on the harvest season were noted for CSF. Thus, the present work might contribute to establish criteria for extracting bioactive fucoidans from an endemic Tunisian seaweed C. schiffneri.

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

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

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities, interfacial and emulsifying properties of the apo and holo forms of purified camel and bovine α-lactalbumin.

The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of camel and bovine α-lactalbumin (α-La) in both calcium-loaded (holo) and calcium-depleted (apo) forms were investigated and compared. Antioxidant assay showed that camel and bovine α-La exhibited significant Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous iron-chelating activity (FCA) and antiradical activities especially in their apo form. Camel apo α-La also exhibited attractive antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and against fungal pathogens species (Penicillium bilaiae, Aspergillus tamari and Aspergillus sclerotiorum). Likewise, emulsifying properties (emulsification ability (EAI) and stability (ESI) indexes) and the surface characteristics (surface hydrophobicity, ζ-potential and interfacial tension) of the α-La were assessed. Maximum EAI were found at pH 7.0, with higher EAI values for the camel apo α-La (EAI ~19.5 m2/g). This behavior was explained by its relative high surface hydrophobicity and its greater efficiency to reduce the surface tension at the oil-water interface. Furthermore, emulsions were found to be more stable at pH 7.0 compared to pH 5.0 (ESI ~50%) due to the higher electrostatic repulsive forces between oil droplets at pH 7.0 in consistence with the ζ-potential results. This study concluded that the camel apo α-La has antibacterial, antioxidant, and emulsifying properties in agricultural and food industries.

Microstructure and characteristic properties of dogfish skin gelatin gels prepared by freeze/spray-drying methods.

The effects of two pretreatments (microwaves or oven-drying) on the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) skin as well as two drying processes (freeze-drying or spray-drying) on the extracted gelatins were studied. Thus six types of gelatins were obtained, three of which were freeze-dried (FG) and the others were spray-dried (SG), from the untreated skin (US), microwaves-pretreated skin (MS) and oven-pretreated skin (OS). The highest yield (8.67%) was obtained for the OSFG, while the lowest one (3.06%) was measured for the OSSG. Interestingly, all gelatins exhibited relatively high protein (84.02-89.53%), and low lipid (0.50-1.71%) and ash (3.05-7.17%) contents. In addition, gelatins were analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared and the spectra displayed important differences in some specific peaks, particularly in the amide I, amide II and amide III. The gelatins extracted from the untreated skin, regardless the drying method, presented the highest foaming capacity. The textural profile analysis showed that USSG was the hardest (213.6 g) and the chewier (23.8 N × mm) gelatin. Moreover, analysis of thermal properties showed that USSG also has the highest glass-transition temperature. The interesting properties of gelatin extracted from dogfish skin encourage their future use as a functional ingredient in industrial food formulations.

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

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

Response-surface methodology for the production and the purification of a new H2 O2 -tolerant alkaline protease from Bacillus invictae AH1 strain.

This work deals with the optimization of the culture conditions of Bacillus invictae AH1 in order to increase the production level of the proteolytic activity. Response-surface methodology (RSM) was applied for the most significant fermentation parameters (concentration of wheat bran and K2 HPO4 /KH2 PO4 ) that were earlier identified by Plackett-Burman Design from seven possible factors. A central composite design was used and the quadratic regression model of producing active protease was built. A maximum protease activity was reached and validated experimentally, using a maximum wheat bran concentration (50 g/L) with increased K2 HPO4 /KH2 PO4 concentration (2.275 g/L). Protease production obtained experimentally coincident with the predicted value and the model was proven to be adequate. Interestingly, the use of RSM increased the protease production by four times (7,000 U/mL) using a low-cost substrate and a culture time of 40 hr, as compared to the standard culture conditions. In the second part of this study, a H2 O2 -tolerant alkaline protease produced from B. invictae AH1 with a molecular mass of about 41 kDa, noted P3, was purified by successive steps of ultrafiltration, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. The K m and Vmax values of the purified protease using casein, as substrate, were about 4 mg/mL and 27 µM/min, respectively. The highest enzyme activity was found at pH 9.0 and a temperature of 60°C. In addition, the enzyme showed a quasi-total stability against H2 O2 (5% for 1 hr) and against most of the tested solid and liquid detergents, suggesting its eventual use in bio-detergent formulations.

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

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

Assessment of Cholesterol, Glycemia Control and Short- and Long-Term Antihypertensive Effects of Smooth Hound Viscera Peptides in High-Salt and Fructose Diet-Fed Wistar Rats.

In this study, the antihypertensive activity of Purafect®-smooth hound viscera protein hydrolysate (VPH) and its peptide fraction with molecular weight (MW) below 1 kDa (VPH-I) was investigated. In addition, the lipase inhibitory activity, as well the anticoagulant potential, in vitro, were assessed. The antihypertensive effects of VPH and VPH-I were studied during 24 h (short-term effect) and 30 days (long-term effect) using high-salt (18% NaCl) and -fructose (10%) diet (HSFD)-induced hypertension. Data showed that, 4 h post-administration of VPH and VPH-I (200 mg/kg BW), the systolic blood pressure of rats was reduced by about 6 and 9 mmHg, respectively. These effects were similar to that obtained with Captopril (~9 mmHg at t = 4 h). On the other hand, exposing the rats to daily to HSFD, coupled to the administration of viscera peptides, was found to attenuate hypertension. In addition, the proteins' treatments were able to correct lipid and glycemic disorders, by reducing the total cholesterol and triglyceride contents and resorting to the plasma glucose level, compared to the HSFD group. Overall, the present findings demonstrated the preventive effect of VPH-peptides from hypertension complications, as a result of their biological properties.

Characterization and assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from cuttlefish skin and muscle.

In this study, novel polysaccharides extracted from cuttlefish skin (CSP) and muscle (CMP), by precipitation with cetylpyridinium, were characterized and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were investigated. CMP showed the highest amounts of sulfated groups (6.6%), uronic acids (9.2%) and proteins (3.7%). Infrared spectroscopic analysis indicated the presence of sulfonyl (OSO) and acetyl (CH3CO-) groups for both CSP and CMP. In addition, CSP showed the presence of glucuronic acid (GlcA) and galacturonic acid (GalA) as major components, while CMP showed highest amount of GalA in its monosaccharide composition. Sulfated polysaccharides were found to display important antibacterial activity against several Gram+ and Gram- bacteria. In addition, they exhibited strong antioxidant activities as showed by various in vitro tests. Fractionation of cuttlefish polysaccharides, by DEAE-cellulose column showed one peak during the buffer elution phase and three major fractions for CMP and two peaks for CSP during the linear gradient of NaCl. The last eluting sulfated fraction from each sample, characterized by the highest negative charge, was found to exhibit the best antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The obtained results demonstrated that cuttlefish polysaccharides and their fractions could serve as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

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

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

Modulating and opposite actions of two aqueous extracts prepared from Cinnamomum cassia L. bark and Quercus ilex L. on the gastrointestinal tract in rats.

Cinnamon bark and evergreen oak acorns, natural sources of functional ingredients, are effective for those suffering from diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the dissimilar phytochemical composition and the opposite potential actions of Cinnamomum cassia bark (ACCE) and Quercus ilex aqueous extracts (GIAE) on gastrointestinal (GI)-physiological activities and disruptions. An HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS assay was used to identify the distinctive qualitative and quantitative profiles of phenolic compounds. The GI-physiological action of both extracts on gastric emptying (GE) and gastrointestinal transit time (GIT) were evaluated using the phenol-red colorimetric method and a test meal containing charcoal/gum arabic in water. Loperamide (LOP)-induced colonic constipation and delayed emptying of the stomach were used to explore the reverse effects of ACCE/GIAE on GI disorders. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS showed that the main phenolic compounds detected in ACCE are trans-cinnamic acid, quinic acid, protocatechuic acid and rosmarinic acid, while gallic acid, quinic acid and protocatechuic acid are the major chemical constituents found in GIAE. GIAE at two doses (150 and 300 mg kg-1) exerted a reduction of GE (66.40% and 60.87%, respectively) compared to a control group (70.25%). However, ACCE at the same concentrations induced contradictory actions on GE/GIT in comparison to GIAE and antagonistic synthetic pharmacological drugs in rats. The protective effect of CCAE against constipation induced by LOP in rats was accompanied by a strong antioxidant property related to moderation of intracellular-mediator disorders. An absence of toxic actions was revealed in the case of the hematological profile and biochemical parameters. Hence, in-depth investigations of these nutrients of both extracts may help future researchers to derive the underlying mechanisms and potential molecular targets for the development of physiologically functional foods and future therapies.