Amira El Arem

Phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of diverse varieties of whole barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in Tunisia

Four varieties (Rihane, Manel, Roho, and Tej) of Tunisian barley were analysed for their antioxidant activities (AA) using ABTS and DPPH radicals cation, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and condensed tannins (CTC) contents were measured. The results indicated that the total phenolic contents ranged from 195.02 ± 0.32 to 220.11 ± 0.32 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g fresh weight. Results showed that Rihane has the highest TPC, TFC and CTC compared to other varieties. Roho barley had a lower activity than Tej barley. A significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between TPC, TFC, CTC and AA. This study suggests that Tunisian barley varieties may serve as a good source of natural antioxidants.

Nephroprotective effect of date fruit extract against dichloroacetic acid exposure in adult rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of aqueous date extract (ADE) on dichloroacetic acid (DCA)-induced nephrotoxicity. In vitro, total phenolic content estimated in the ADE were 417.71mg gallic acid equivalents/100g fresh weights (FW), while total flavonoid and tannins contents were 285.23 and 73.65mg catechin equivalents/100g FW, respectively. The ADE has strong scavenging activity. Ferulic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids are the majors compounds. Nephrotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of 0.5 and 2g/L DCA as drinking water. Some of these rats received also by gavage ADE (4mL/kg) before the administration of DCA. After two months of experiment, DCA administration caused elevated levels of renal MDA, significant depletion of GSH levels, altered the antioxidant enzyme activities and deteriorated the renal functions as assessed by the increased plasma urea, uric acid and creatinine levels compared to control rats. The treatment with the ADE significantly normalized the increased plasma levels of creatinine, urea and uric acid, reduced the elevated MDA levels, significantly normalized the antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH level and restored the altered kidney histology in rats treated with DCA. Therefore, it was speculated that ADE protects rats from kidney damage through its antioxidant capacity.

Attenuation of histopathological alterations of colon, liver and lung by dietary fibre of barley Rihane in azoxymethane-treated rats.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary fibre (DF) of barley Rihane (BR) in the attenuation of colon, liver and lung histopathology alterations induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. Rats were fed a control (C) or experimental diet containing 30% of BR. The intended rats for cancer treatment received two successive subcutaneous injections of azoxymethane (AOM) at 20mg/kg body weight. The colons were analyzed for crypt multiplicity after 12 weeks of treatment. A histological study of the colon, liver and lungs was determined. The results showed that the BR diet significantly reduced the number of aberrant crypt per focus and altered their distribution. In addition, DF of BR increased significantly the mucus secretion compared to control group. The use of the AOM as colon specific carcinogen substance altered the liver and lung architectures, whereas the presence of DF of BR could be a protective factor for these organs.

Effect of solvents extraction on phytochemical components and biological activities of Tunisian date seeds (var. Korkobbi and Arechti)

BackgroundThe interest in natural antioxidants, especially polyphenols, is growing more and more thanks to their positive contribution to human health. Thus, the prevention from the harmful action of oxidative stress which has been involved in many diseases such as cancer, inflammation diabetes, and cardiovascular illness.Recent research proved the bioactive compounds richness of date seeds which could be a good biological matrix of natural antioxidants. Unfortunately, an important quantity of Tunisian dates seed is discarded yearly.MethodsIn this study, different solvents extraction (water, methanol, absolute acetone and aqueous acetone 80%) were used and the evaluation of its effect on phytochemical level, in vitro antioxidant activities, in vitro hyperglycemia key enzymes inhibition and in vivo anti-inflammatory proprieties were established for Tunisian date seeds.ResultsThe result revealed that the polar solvent exhibited the highest amount of bioactive compounds. The correlation between polyphenol compounds and the antioxidant potentiality explains the powerful effect of used polar solvents on inflammation, TBARS and hyperglycemia inhibition. Furthermore, it showed its higher capacity to scavenge radicals.ConclusionsTherefore, this big waste of Tunisian seeds could be used as cheap source of natural antioxidant compounds which are considered as a health challenge for the poor countries.

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF BARLEY RIHANE (HORDEUM VULGARE L.)

Background: Many experimental studies have suggested an important role for barley Rihane(BR)in the prevention of colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical properties and nutritional characterizations of BR compared to other varieties grown in Tunisia (Manel, Roho and Tej). Material and Methods: Total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber(β-glucan), total protein, ash and some minerals of BR and Tunisian barley varieties were determined. Results: The results revealed that BR is good source of dietary fiber mainly β-glucan compared to the other varieties. This variety is a relatively rich source of phosphorous and potassium and it contains many important unsaturated fatty acids. BR has higher nutritional value than other varieties. Conclusion: Barley Rihane has significant nutritional characterizations compared to others Tunisian barleys varieties. Abbreviations: BR, Barley Rihane; LDL, low density lipoprotein; HDL, high density lipoprotein; AOM, azoxymethane; TBV, Tunisian barley varieties; TGW, thousand grain weight; SW, weight specific; TDF, total dietary fiber; IDF, insoluble dietary fiber; SDF, soluble dietary fiber; DM, Dry Matter.

Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous and pure extracts of raisin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract .Thepresentstudywasconductedtoevaluatethepossibleantioxidanteffectsofraisinaqueousandpurextractof“Karkni”on liver histology, antioxidant enzymes activities and lipid peroxide levels in liver of diabetic and normal rats. 125mg/kg of pureand aqueous extract of “Karkni” were orally administered daily to alloxan-diabetic rats for 4 weeks. Alloxan- induced diabetic ratsshowed significant increases in the levels of total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase(CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly decreased compared to normal rats ( p <0.05). Also, no significanteffectsonglutathioneperoxidase(GPx)activityindiabeticratswereobserved.Thechangesoftheaboveparameterstotheirnormallevels after 4 weeks of treatment were observed mainly with the pure extract. The results suggesting that pure extract suppressesthe liver tissue inflammation attenuate lipid peroxidation and can be helpful in reducing liver damage caused by alloxan-induceddiabetes.Keywords: “Karkni”, alloxan, liver, antioxidant enzymes, MDA