Determination of Therapeutic and Safety Effects of Zygophyllum coccineum Extract in Induced Inflammation in Rats.

Background: Z. coccineum is a facultative plant with many medicinal applications. This study examined the anti-inflammatory activity of Zygophyllum coccineum (Z. coccineum) in an arthritis animal model. Materials and Methods: Seventy-Six Wistar Albino rats of either sex randomly divided into six groups (12/each). The inflammation model was done using Complete Freund's Adjuvant in albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activities of the extract were estimated at different dose levels (15.6, 31, and 60 mg/kg) as well as upon using methotrexate (MTX) as a standard drug (0.3 mg/kg). Paw volume and arthritis index scores have been tested in all examined animals' treatments. Histological examination of joints was also performed. Flow cytometric studies were done to isolated osteoclasts. Cytokines assay as well as biochemical testing was done in the examined samples. Results. In vitro studies reported an IC50 of 15.6 µg/ml for Z. coccineum extract in lipoxygenase inhibition assay (L.O.X.). Moreover, it could be noticed that isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, tribuloside, and 7-acetoxy-4-methyl coumarin were the most common compounds in Z. coccineum extract separated using L.C.-ESI-TOF-M.S. (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization ion-trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry). Microscopic examinations of synovial tissue and hind limb muscles revealed the effect of different doses of Z. coccineum extract on restoring chondrocytes and muscles structures. Osteoclast size and apoptotic rate examinations revealed the protective effect of Z. coccineum extract on osteoclast. The results upon induction of animals and upon treatment using of MTX significantly increased apoptotic rate of osteoclast compared to control, while using of 15.6 µg/ml. for Z. coccineum extract lead to recover regular apoptotic rate demonstrating the protective effect of the extract. Z. coccineum extract regulated the secretion of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Biochemical tests indicated the safety of Z. coccineum extract on kidney and liver functions. Conclusion. Z. coccineum extract has efficient and safe anti-inflammatory potential in an induced rat model.

Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Microbial and Anti-Cancer Activity Evaluations and Staph GyraseB and h-TOP-IIß Receptor-Docking Studies of Major Constituents of Zygophyllum coccineum L. Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract and Its Subsequent Fractions: An Approach to Validate Traditional Phytomedicinal Knowledge.

Zygophyllum coccineum, an edible halophytic plant, is part of the traditional medicine chest in the Mediterranean region for symptomatic relief of diabetes, hypertension, wound healing, burns, infections, and rheumatoid arthritis pain. The current study aimed to characterize Z. coccineum phytoconstituents, and the evaluations of the anti-microbial-biofilm, and anti-cancers bioactivities of the plant's mother liquor, i.e., aqueous-ethanolic extract, and its subsequent fractions. The in silico receptors interaction feasibility of Z. coccineum major constituents with Staph GyraseB, and human topoisomerase-IIß (h-TOP-IIß) were conducted to confirm the plant's anti-microbial and anti-cancer biological activities. Thirty-eight secondary metabolites of flavonoids, stilbene, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and coumarin classes identified by LC-ESI-TOF-MS spectrometric analysis, and tiliroside (kaempferol-3-O-(6''''-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside, 19.8%), zygophyloside-F (12.78%), zygophyloside-G (9.67%), and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (4.75%) were identified as the major constituents. A superior biofilm obliteration activity established the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) for the chloroform fraction at 3.9-15.63 µg/mL, as compared to the positive controls (15.63-31.25 µg/mL) against all the microbial strains that produced the biofilm under study, except the Aspergillus fumigatus. The aqueous-ethanolic extract showed cytotoxic effects with IC50 values at 3.47, 3.19, and 2.27 µg/mL against MCF-7, HCT-116, and HepG2 cell-lines, respectively, together with the inhibition of h-TOP-IIß with IC50 value at 45.05 ng/mL in comparison to its standard referral inhibitor (staurosporine, IC50, 135.33 ng/mL). This conclusively established the anti-cancer activity of the aqueous-ethanolic extract that also validated by in silico receptor-binding predicted energy levels and receptor-site docking feasibility of the major constituents of the plant's extract. The study helped to authenticate some of the traditional phytomedicinal properties of the anti-infectious nature of the plant.

Zygophyllum album leaves extract prevented hepatic fibrosis in rats, by reducing liver injury and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and the TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathways. Exploring of bioactive compounds using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.

Zygophyllum album is traditionally used against many illnesses, such as liver disease. The present study investigated the bioactive compounds in methanol extract of Z. album (MEZA) using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and explored its possible antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and hepatoprotective effect. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified; isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside being the main one was the main composite (144.6 mg/100 g dm). Results showed that MEZA reduced significantly the biochemical markers (AST, ALT, LDH and ALP), and the hepatic oxidative stress indicators (MDA, PC, SOD, CAT, and GPx) in deltamethrin (DLM)-treated rats. Moreover, MEZA limited the inflammatory responses through downregulation of NF-κB gene, which suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6). Furthermore, Z. album reduced DLM-induced apoptosis by attenuating caspase 3 and p53 mRNA activation. MEZA treatment also alleviated upregulation of α-SMA, type I collagen, and TGF-ß1 mRNA in the liver. The possible antifibrotic effect of MEZA was clearly demonstrated by the histopathology examination, using Masson's Trichrome and Sirius Red stainings. Therefore, the current study suggested that the bioactive compounds of Z. album possessed antifibrotic effect against DLM-induced hepatic fibrosis, by protecting liver tissue, and inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and the TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathways.

Zygophyllum album saponins prevent atherogenic effect induced by deltamethrin via attenuating arterial accumulation of native and oxidized LDL in rats.

The current study aimed to examine, for the first time, the relationship between exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) and atherogenic lipid profile disorders in adult Wistar rats, as well as, to verify the mechanism of the beneficial role of Zygophyllum album leaves extracts (ZALE). The experimental study was assessed using DLM (4 mg/kg b.w) either alone or co administered with ZALE (400 mg/kg b.w) orally for 90 days in rats. RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS was used to identify the bioactive metabolites present in ZALE. Plasmatic and aortic total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), native LDL (LDL-apo B-100) and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) were evaluated using auto-analyzer and a sandwich ELISA, respectively. The protein expressions of LDLR (native LDL receptor) and CD36 (Scavenger receptor class B) were evaluated in aorta or liver with a Western blot. The pathology has been confirmed with lipid stain (Oil Red O). Phytochemicals analysis revealed the presence of fifteen saponins in ZALE. Rats intoxicated with DLM revealed a significant increase in plasmatic and aortic lipid profile (TC, LDL-C, LDL-apo B-100 and ox-LDL), as well as, the concentration of the plasmatic cytokines include TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6, compared to control. Hepatic native LDL and aortic CD36 receptor expression were increased in DLM treated group, however aortic LDL-R does not present any modification, when compared to control. The detected disturbances in lipid parameters were supported by Oil Red O applied. Due to their antioxidant activity, the bioactive compounds in ZALE as powerful agents able to prevent the pro-atherogenic effect observed in DLM-treated animals. These metabolites modulated most of inflammatory markers, prevented accumulation of lipid and lipoprotein biomarkers, regulated the major receptor regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism, as well as normalize lipid distribution in liver and aorta tissue.

HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS profiling of Zygophyllum album roots extract and assessment of its cardioprotective effect against deltamethrin-induced myocardial injuries in rat, by suppression of oxidative stress-related inflammation and apoptosis via NF-κB signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zygophyllum album is widely used to treat many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and as anti-inflammatory plant. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the potential protective effects of Zygophyllum album roots extract (ZARE) against myocardial damage and fibrosis induced by a chronic exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bioactive compounds present in ZARE were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. In vivo, DLM (4 mg/kg body weight), ZARE (400 mg/kg body weight) and DLM with ZARE were administered to rats orally for 60 days. Biochemical markers (LDH, ALT, CK, CK-MB and cTn-I) were assessed in the plasma by an auto-analyzer. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) were evaluated by a sandwich ELISA. NF-κB was quantified at mRNA levels by real time PCR. Heart tissue was used to determine cardiac oxidative stress markers (MDA, PC, SOD, CAT, and GPx). Masson's Trichrome (MT) and Sirius Red (SR) stainings were used for explored fibrosis statues. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS revealed the presence of twenty six molecules including phenolic compounds and saponins. ZARE significantly improved the heart injury markers (LDH, ALT, CK, CK-MB and cTn-I), lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein oxidation (PC), antioxidant capacity (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and DNA structure, which were altered by DLM exposure. Moreover, ZARE cotreatment reduced the expressions of NF-κB, decreased plasmatic pro-inflammatory cytokines concentration (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6), and suppressed the myocardial collagen deposition, as observed by Sirius Red and Masson's Trichrome staining. CONCLUSION: ZARE ameliorated the severity of DLM-induced myocardial injuries through improving the oxidative status and reducing profibrotic cytokines production. The ZARE actions could be mediated by downregulation of NF-κB mRNA.

Different mechanisms of the metalliferous Zygophyllum fabago shoots and roots to cope with Pb toxicity.

Lead (Pb) remains classified as a priority pollutant. Zygophyllum fabago is considered an early colonizer of heavy metal-polluted soils under semiarid conditions, but physiological mechanisms underlying this colonizing capacity remain unclear. In order to characterize Z. fabago plants' performance on Pb-contaminated soils, we evaluated how Pb influenced root and shoot growth, carbon metabolism, and oxidative status. For that, 30-day-old seedlings from one population colonizing a mine tailing ("Mercader") at Murcia (southeast Spain) were exposed to 500-µM Pb(NO3)2 for 1 week. Results showed that this high dose of Pb induced no plant mortality nor senescence, though promoting plant nanism. Besides the efficiency of roots to accumulate Pb, shoots also demonstrate a high efficiency to translocate and accumulate this metal. Pb exposure decreased Zn uptake to the aerial part and reduced net photosynthetic rate (A), RuBisCO activity, chlorophyll, and soluble sugar contents in shoots. Moreover, in shoots, Pb exposure increased the levels of O2- and decreased antioxidant capacity, culminating with a loss of cell membrane integrity (electrolyte leakage) and increased protein oxidation. Compared to controls, exposed roots had less Mn and Zn levels, and despite the rise in H2O2 levels, they were able to modulate non-protein thiols presenting a robust defense capacity. This capacity may support the roots' ability to maintain cell membrane integrity (electrolyte leakage) with regard to control. Principal component analysis (PCA) contributed to elucidate how this species adjusts physiological mechanisms to cope with Pb toxicity, showing that roots and shoots evolved different antioxidant defenses, which demonstrates the importance of organ specificity in the response of Z. fabago to heavy metals.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the major phenolics from Zygophyllum simplex L.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zygophyllum simplex L. is a halophyte plant that follows Zygophyllaceae. The plant is growing in arid and semiarid regions. It has been used traditionally in Arabic region to treat gout, asthma and inflammation. AIM OF STUDY: Although ant-inflammatory activity has been reported for this plant, this study aimed to isolate and identify the major constituents of Zygophyllum simplex L., as well as assessing their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in-vitro. In this study, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Defatted fraction of the total methanol extract of the aerial parts of Z. simplex was repeatedly chromatographed on Diaion HP-20, polyamide, and RP18 columns to give five major phenolic compounds. The identity of the purified compounds was established by NMR experiments and comparing with previously known analogs. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the purified phenolics were investigated in-vitro through measuring of NFκB, PGE2, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of the flowering aerial parts of Z. simplex resulted in isolation of five major metabolites identified as isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-rutinoside (1), myricitrin (2), luteolin-7- O-ß-D-glucoside (3), isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-glucoside(4), and isorhamnetin (5). It is noteworthy to report that compounds 1-3 were isolated from the plant for the first time. It was reported that NFκB represents an important linkage between oxidative stress and inflammation. Compounds 2 and 3 have exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and showed the most efficient in decreasing NFκB p65 at the lowest concentration (1µM). Moreover; at 1µM concentrations, only compounds 2 and 3 significantly decreased IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels from PHA treatment. Nevertheless, at 100µM, all isolated metabolites significantly decreased IL-6 compared to PHA treatment. CONCLUSION: Five major phenolic compounds were isolated from Z. simplex. Anti-inflammatory activity exhibited by the isolated compounds augment the traditional use of this plant as anti-inflammatory. The effect was mediated via inhibition of NFκB through antioxidant mechanism and subsequent inhibition to other inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6.

Chemical constituents isolated from Zygophyllum melongena Bunge growing in Mongolia.

We report the first investigation of the chemical constituents of Zygophyllum melongena Bunge, a species growing in Mongolia. The quinovic acid glycosides 3-O-(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)quinovic acid and 3-O-(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)quinovic acid (28→1)-(ß-D-glucopyranosyl) ester were identified in the chloroform fraction along with the flavonoid glycoside astragalin. The n-butanol fraction contained (+)-D-pinitol as the major component, a cyclitol with anti-diabetic properties. The structures of the isolated natural products were confirmed using ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY and ROESY). This is the first report of the isolation of (+)-D-pinitol from the genus Zygophyllum.

Evaluation of Hematological and Biochemical Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Zygophyllum simplex Linn. in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Zygophyllum simplex is commonly used in Saudi Arabia for the treatment of horny patches of skin and as an anthelmintic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. The experiment was to aimed at to evaluate the constituents of Zygophyllum simplex extract and their effect on blood biochemical parameters in Wistar male rats. METHODOLOGY: The plant extract was orally administered to the rats (n = 10) at two doses of 250 and 500 mg kg -1 b.wt., for 30 days. Its effects on glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine kinase (CK), total protein, total bilirubin and blood urea were investigated. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol, blood glucose and CK levels. However, levels of AST, ALT, triglycerides, total bilirubin, total protein and blood urea were unaltered. CONCLUSION: In coclusion, the ethanolic extract of Z. simplex may act as hypoglycemic and hypolipidimic in rats.

Essential oil of Zygophyllum album inhibits key-digestive enzymes related to diabetes and hypertension and attenuates symptoms of diarrhea in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as Bougriba, is widely used to treat diabetes, digestive tract spasm, and hypertension in folk medicine, in Tunisia. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, and antihypertensive activities of the leaves of the essential oil from Zygophyllum album (OZA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Males rats were divided into four groups: control, diabetic-untreated group, diabetic-treated group with acarbose (10 mg/kg), and diabetic-treated rats with OZA (200 mg/kg) for 30 d. RESULTS: At the end of the experimental period, the OZA significantly decreased the activity of α-amylase in pancreas and serum of the diabetic rats by 43% and 38%, respectively, which led to reduce the serum glucose level by 60% and lower of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) rate by 17% as compared with untreated diabetic animals. Moreover, the OZA treatment attenuated symptoms of diarrhea, improved lipid disorders, and hypertension through inhibiting the pancreatic lipase and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activities by 47% and 25%, respectively, in serum of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: OZA showed a good effect in the management of diabetes mellitus and exerted preventive action from related hypertension.

[Studies on terpenoids from Zygophyllum fabago].

This study was to investigate the chemical constituents of the aerial part of Zygophyllumfabago, by phytochemical methods. The compounds were isolated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies from the EtOAc extract. Their structures were characterized by various spectroscopic data (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS) and comparison with the literature. As a result, thirteen compounds were isolated and their structures were identified as 1-hydroxyhinesol(1), hinesol(2), atractylenolactam(3), beta-eudesmol (4), 5alpha-hydroperoxy-beta-eudesmol(5), 12-hydroxy-valenc-1(10)-en-2-one(6), pubinernoid A(7), (6S,7E)-6-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3,9-dione(8), 3-hydroxy-5alpha, 6alpha-epoxy-beta-ionone (9), (3S,5R, 6S, 7E)-3, 5, 6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one(10), (6R,7E,9R)-9-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one(11), (S)-3-hydroxy-beta-ionone(12), and blumenol A(13). Compounds 1-7 were sesquiterpenoids and 8-13 were megastigmane type norsesquiterpenoids. All the compounds were obtained from Z. fabago for the first time, and compound 1 was a new natural product.

Urease inhibitory activity of ursane type sulfated saponins from the aerial parts of Zygophyllum fabago Linn.

Five ursane type sulfated saponins have been isolated from the aerial parts of Zygophyllum fabago Linn. (locally called Chashum). The urease inhibitory effects of these compounds have been investigated for the first time as well as their molecular docking studies have also been carried out to check the structure-activity relationship. The IC50 values of these compounds could not be found due to paucity of the samples. The molecular docking studies were performed only for the most active compound mono sodium salt of 3ß,23-di-O-sulfonyl-23-hydroxyurs-20(21)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (Zygofaboside A; 1).

Inhibition of carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes activities by Zygophyllum album extracts: effect on blood and pancreas inflammatory biomarkers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Zygophyllum album has been used as herbal medicine in Southern Tunisia to treat several diseases such as diabetes mellitus. This study is aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying the antihyperglycemic potential, the anti-inflammatory and the protective hematological proprieties of this plant in diabetic rats. The inhibition of the α-amylase activity by different solvent-extract fractions of Z. album was tested in vitro. The fraction endowed with the powerful inhibitory activity against α-amylase was administered to surviving diabetic rats for 30 days. Data from in vitro indicated that each extract from the medicinal plant showed moderate inhibition of α-amylase enzyme except the ethyl acetate extract which was ineffective. The powerful inhibition was achieved by ethanol extract of Z. album (EZA) with an IC50 of 43.48 µg/ml as compared to acarbose (Acar) with an IC50 of 14.88 µg/ml. In vivo, the results showed that EZA decreased the α-amylase levels in serum, pancreas and intestine of diabetic rats by 40 %, 45 % and 46 %, respectively, associated with considerably reduction in blood glucose rate by 61 %. Moreover, the EZA helped to protect the structure and function of the ß-cells. Interestingly, EZA had a potent anti-inflammatory effect which is manifested by decreases in CRP and TNF-α levels. Overall, a notable reduction in lipase activity both in serum and small intestine of treated diabetic rats resulted in the improvement of serum and liver lipids profile. Z. album showed a prominent antidiabetic effect via inhibition of carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes and ameliorated the inflammation and the disturbance of hematological biomarkers in diabetes.

LC-ESI-TOF-MS identification of bioactive secondary metabolites involved in the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of the edible halophyte Zygophyllum album Desf.

In this work, liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOF-MS) has been applied to screen bioactive metabolites in shoot extract of the medicinal halophyte Zygophyllum album. Among 10 compounds identified (saponins, flavonoids and sterols) five were reported for the first time in Z. album. Furthermore, novel biological activities of hexane, dichloromethane and methanolic extracts were assessed. Results showed that methanolic extract exhibit the highest antioxidant activity using in vitro ORAC test and anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting by 84.8% NO release in RAW264.7 macrophages. However, dichloromethane extract proved the utmost antioxidant activity in cell (WS1) based-assay (IC50=57 µg/ml) and interesting anticancer capacity against human lung carcinoma (A-549) and colon adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells (IC50=37 and 48 µg/ml, respectively). These findings can be attributed to the presence of triterpenes, flavonoids and sterols in Z. album, which are widely known as powerful antioxidants and used in various industrial fields.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanolic extract of Zygophyllum album in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Zygophyllum album has been mentioned in Tunisian system of folk medicine to be of value in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to investigate the possible antihyperglycemic effects of ethanolic extracts of the whole plant of Z. album on blood glucose, plasma insulin, serum lipids and hepatic glycogen and metabolism enzymes of carbohydrate in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Administration of the ethanolic extract from plant (100 and 300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days resulted in significant reduction in plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density liprotein, hepatic glucokinase and glycogen in STZ diabetic mice. In addition to that, significant increase in plasma high-density lipoprotein, hepatic phosphofructokinase and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase was observed in STZ diabetic mice. After administration of the ethanolic extract, the increased level of plasma insulin is not significant in diabetic mice. In conclusion, the present results showed that the ethanolic extract of Z. album possesses significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in experimental model of diabetes mellitus.

Simultaneous determination of saponins and a flavonoid from aerial parts of Zygophyllum coccineum L.

Triterpenoid saponins are a class of glycosides with a wide range of bioactivities, which make them interesting research candidates. Zygophyllum coccineum is an Egyptian desert plant rich in triterpenoid saponins. Reviewing the relevant literature, no data concerning the HPLC or ultra-performance LC (UPLC) analysis of Zygophyllum content were found. This paper presents two methods, HPLC-UV and UPLC-UV-evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD)/MS, for the simultaneous determination of 10 compounds in the alcohol extract of Z. coccineum. The HPLC method uses a C18 column and water-acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) gradient system. The separation was achieved within 32 min. The developed UPLC method simultaneously detects and quantifies the 10 compounds using an Acquity UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column and reagent alcohol-acetonitrile (80/20, v/v) and water (both containing 0.5% formic acid) gradient system within 14 min with UV, ELS, and MS detectors. The methods were used to analyze another species, Z. simplex, and results revealed a great variation between the secondary metabolite pattern of both species.

[Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Zygophyllum gaetulum]. / Activité anti-inflammatoire des extraits aqueux et éthanolique de Zygophyllum gaetulum.

Zygophylle or Zygophyllum gaetulum Emberger and. Maire is a Moroccan medicinal plant which has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antispasmodic and antidiarrheic. The present study was carried out to study and compare the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extract with aqueous extract of Z. gaetulum. Organic extract of Z. gaetulum was obtained in soxhlet apparatus. Aqueous extract was obtained by infusion. The Wistar albinos rats of either sex weighing 200-300 g aged 2-3 months were used for this experiment. The rats were housed under standard environmental conditions. The anti-inflammatory activity was estimated by measuring the oedema induced by carragenin according to the method of Winter and al. Ethanolic extract of Z. gaetulum reduced the increase of the paw volume with a percentage of inhibition of 46% (p<0.01), this percentage was 47.48% (p<0.01) with aqueous extract. The inhibition decrease in time, it arrived to 39% (p<0.01) at the sixth hour while the activity of aqueous extract decrease a lot. In conclusion, Z. gaetulum is an interesting plant which the aqueous and éthanolic extracts could be used scientifically in the treatment of inflammation.

Two new triterpenoids from Zygophyllum eurypterum.

Two new triterpenoids trivially named as atriplicoide A and B were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of the whole plant of Zygophyllum eurypterum. Based on EI-MS, IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR (HMQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY) data, the structures of the new compounds were determined as 30-carboxy-3beta,24-dihydroxy-urs-28,13beta-lactam-N-acetate (1) and 3beta,24-dihydroxyursan-28,13beta-olide (2).

Triterpenoidal saponins: bioactive secondary metabolites from Zygophyllum coccineum.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Zygophyllum coccineum L. led to the isolation of nine ursane-type triterpene saponins (1- 9), including the new one; zygophylloside S (1), together with a known flavonoid glycoside (10) and a sterol glycoside (11). The isolated compounds were tested for antifungal activity against several important plant pathogens and for insecticidal activity against two important mosquito species. Among the isolated compounds 1, 3, 5, 6, and 9 showed 32-77 % fungal growth inhibition at a concentration of 30 µM against Phomopsis viticola. Compound 9 showed 90 % and 80 % mosquitocidal activity at 3.1 µg/0.5 µL against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, respectively.

Amiloride reduces sodium transport and accumulation in the succulent xerophyte Zygophyllum xanthoxylum under salt conditions.

To investigate the effects of amiloride, which is an inhibitor of Na(+)/H(+) antiporter (NHX), on Na(+) accumulation and transport at the whole plant level, in this study, 3-week-old Zygophyllum xanthoxylum plants were exposed to 25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl with or without 0.5 mM amiloride. After 72 h of treatment, dry weight, tissue water content, Na(+) and K(+) concentrations, and transcript levels of ZxNHX were determined. The results indicated that, under salt conditions, leaf Na(+) concentration, total Na(+) quantity and root net Na(+) uptake rate in plants treated with amiloride are significantly lower than those in control plants. Amiloride remarkably increased Na(+) proportion in stem and decreased Na(+) proportion in leaf of Z. xanthoxylum. Furthermore, our results showed that the transcript levels of ZxNHX are down-regulated by amiloride. It is clear that the inhibition of vacuolar Na(+)/H(+) antiporter by amiloride could disrupt Na(+) accumulation of leaf, and reduce Na(+) uptake by root and Na(+) transport from stem to leaf, thus resulting in the growth inhibition of Z. xanthoxylum exposed to salt.