RESUMEN
This study delves into the dynamic interaction between various fungal strains, substrates, and treatment durations to optimize the nutritional value of these by-products. Six fungi, including Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Penicillium crustosum, and Cosmospora viridescens, were evaluated across three substrates: wheat straw (WS), cedar sawdust (CW), and olive pomace (OP) over treatment periods of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The study discerned profound impacts of these fungi across multiple parameters, including cellulose variation (C.var), lignin variation (L.var), and in vitro true digestibility variation (IVTD.var). Our results demonstrated that the various fungi had a significant effect on all parameters (p < .001). Noteworthy, F. oxysporum and F. solani emerged as exemplars, displaying notable lignin degradation, cellulose liberation, and IVTD enhancement. Importantly, P. crustosum demonstrated substantial cellulose degradation, exhibiting optimal efficacy in just 4 weeks for all substrates. Notably, F. sp. excelled, yielding favorable results when treating WS. P. chrysogenum achieved optimal outcomes with 8-week treatment for WS. Both Fusarium sp. and P. chrysogenum exhibited slight cellulose release, with remarkable reduction of WS lignin compared to other substrates. Especially, WS and OP displayed superior digestibility enhancements relative to CW. It should be noted that the treatment duration further shaped these outcomes, as prolonged treatment (12 weeks) fostered greater benefits in lignin degradation and digestibility, albeit with concomitant cellulose degradation. These findings underscore the intricate balance between fungal strains, substrates, and treatment durations in optimizing the nutritional value of lignocellulosic agro-industrial by-products. The outcomes of this study lead to the enhancement in the overall value of by-products, promoting sustainable livestock feed and advancing agricultural sustainability.
RESUMEN
The aim of this study is to explore the pharmacological properties of the essential oil derived from Ptychotis verticillata Duby (PVEO), a medicinal plant native to Morocco, focusing on its antidiabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the study aims to characterize the phytochemical composition of PVEO and evaluate its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative for various health conditions. To achieve this, phytochemical analysis was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in vitro assessments were conducted to investigate PVEO's antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-amylase, xanthine oxidase, and α-glucosidase. Tests were also undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of PVEO on RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as its efficacy as an anti-tyrosinase agent and its lipoxygenase inhibition activity. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed that PVEO is rich in terpene compounds, with percentages of 40.35 % γ-terpinene, 22.40 % carvacrol, and 19.77 % ß-cymene. Moreover, in vitro evaluations demonstrated that PVEO exhibits significant inhibitory activity against α-amylase, xanthine oxidase, and α-glucosidase, indicating promising antidiabetic, and anti-gout potential. Furthermore, PVEO showed significant anti-tyrosinase activity, with an IC50 of 27.39 ± 0.44 µg/mL, and remarkable lipoxygenase inhibition (87.33 ± 2.6 %), suggesting its candidacy for dermatoprotection. Additionally, PVEO displayed a dose-dependent capacity to attenuate the production of NO and PGE2, two inflammatory mediators implicated in various pathologies, without compromising cellular viability. The findings of this study provide a solid foundation for future research on natural therapies and the development of new drugs, highlighting the therapeutic potential of PVEO in the treatment of gout, diabetes, pigmentation disorders, and inflammation.
RESUMEN
Global water consumption has grown twice as fast as the population. Wastewater is therefore a valuable and renewable source and provides additional water for priority uses. Wastewater can also be a source of pollution; thus, its physico-chemical and biological compositions can present major risks to the environment and human health. The objective of this study was to assess the status of irrigation waters in terms of salinization, accumulation of metallic elements, and microbiological contamination by parasites and pathogenic bacteria. The study focused on the surface water of Oued Fès used for irrigation located downstream of the industrial zone of Doukkarat and upstream of the industrial zone of Ain Noukbi (wastewater) before the confluence with the Oued Sebou, as well as on the treated wastewater of the wastewater treatment plant. The physico-chemical and microbiological analyses were carried out in two periods: summer and winter. Metals were analyzed by ICP-AES. The chemical and bacteriological quality of the wastewater and treated wastewater was found to be poor. These were characterized by organic pollution, including biodegradable pollutants, while upstream the organic residues were not biodegradables. COD, BOD5, Kjeldahl nitrogen, as well as chloride ion (Cl-) are above the standard values. The highest concentrations of Cd, at 850 µg/l, Cu, at 690 µg/l and Mn, at 470 µg/l, largely exceed the international standards and requirements. In addition to fecal contamination, characterized by total coliforms and thermo-tolerant coliforms, other pathogens were present, including helminth eggs, both in the wastewater and in the treated wastewater. Other pathogens, such as Vibrio cholera, were found at all three sites whether in winter or summer, with the exception of the downstream of Oued Fez in winter. As for Salmonella, it was present in treated wastewater during the winter only. The water used for irrigation upstream of Oued Fez and the treated wastewater have poor to very poor quality. Therefore, for a better use of these waters, it is necessary to ensure their regular treatment in order to minimize the impacts on the environment and human health.