Hichem Ben Salah

Inhibitory Activities of Zygophyllum album: A Natural Weight-Lowering Plant on Key Enzymes in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Obesity is a serious health problem that increased risk for many complications, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The results showed EZA, which found rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, exhibited an inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase in vitro with IC50 of 91.07 μg/mL. In vivo administration of this extract to HFD-rats lowered body weight and serum leptin level; and inhibited lipase activity of obese rats by 37% leading to notable decrease of T-Ch, TGs and LDL-c levels accompanied with an increase in HDL-c concentration in serum and liver of EZA treated HFD-rats. Moreover, the findings revealed that EZA helped to protect liver tissue from the appearance of fatty cysts. Interestingly, supplementation of EZA modulated key enzyme related to hypertension such as ACE by 36% in serum of HFD animals and improve some of serum electrolytes such as Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca2+ and Mg2+. Moreover, EZA significantly protected the liver-kidney function by reverted back near to normal the values of the liver-kidney dysfunction indices AST&ALT, ALP, CPK and GGT activities, decreased T-Bili, creat, urea and uric acid rates. In conclusion, these results showed a strong antihypelipidemic effect of EZA which can delay the occurrence of dislipidemia and hypertension.

Sulphated polysaccharide isolated from Sargassum vulgare: Characterization and hypolipidemic effects

A sulphated polysaccharide from brown algae Sargassum vulgare (SVSP) was extracted and examined with respect to chemical, structural characterization and hypolipidemic effects. SVSP consisted mainly of sulphate and total sugars with low levels of lipids and proteins. Its structure was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (RMN), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), infra-red spectroscopic, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Allowing us therefore to revealed that SVSP was composed of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, mannose and arabinose with XRD pattern that was typical for a semi-crystalline polymer and complexities of the spectra reflected its homogeneous structure. The administration of SVSP to obese rats is effective in lowering the body weight and inhibiting the lipase activity leading to notable regulation of lipid profile, increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, limiting lipid peroxidation; and protects liver-kidney functions proved by a decrease in the levels of toxicity parameters in blood, confirmed by histological study.

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

Abstract 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.

Nutritional constituents, phytochemical profiles, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of various solvent extracts from grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.)

The present study revealed that the nutritive value of grape seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) was 383.55±0.13 Kcal/100 g, with magnesium as the most abundant mineral element (70.44±0.88 mg/L). The maximum phenolic (392.58±1.70mg of GAE/g), flavonoid (256.16±1.60 mg of QE/g), and tannin (30.95±0.17mg of CE/g) contents were also found in the ethanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts, respectively. The major phytochemical compounds in the ethyl acetate extract were identified via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The ethanol extract has the highest antioxidant activity (IC50=140±1.20 μg/mL for DPPH, 145.28±0.45mg α-tocopherol/g for total antioxidant capacity, and EC50=80±1.41 μg/mL for ferric-reducing power assays). For β-carotene test, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained in the hexane extract. A satisfactory antimicrobial activity was found against a panel of microorganisms with the ethyl acetate extract as the best antimicrobial agent. Additionally, it was found that the bactericidal concentration required for the grape seed extract to kill Listeria monocytogenes should be less than 12.50 mg/mL (minimum inhibitory concentration=4).

Chemical Composition, Characteristics Profiles and Bioactivities of Tunisian Phalaris canariensis Seeds: a Potential Source of ω-6 and ω-9 Fatty Acids

Seeds oils of Phalaris canariensis extracted by ultrasonication and cold maceration were evaluated for their physical characteristics, total phenol contents, fatty acid and sterol compositions as well as for their antioxidant, antibacterial and acetylcholinesterase activities. The physicochemical properties of ultrasonication and cold maceration oils respectively were: acid values (4.00 and 3.25) mg KOH/g, peroxide values (5.53 and 4.41) meq O2 Kg-1, iodine values (88.83 and 95.17) g/100 g of oil, saponification values (119.21 and 98.17) mg KOH/g, phenolic content (36.40 and 53.00) mg GAE/g extract, chlorophylls (0.52 and 0.60) mg/kg oil and carotenoids contents (1.92 and 1.88) mg/kg oil. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that linoleic (52.03 and 52.2%), oleic (31.75 and 31.84%) and palmitic (11.09 and 11.34 %) acids were the major fatty acids in the two oils. Specific extinctions at 232 nm (K232) and 270 nm (K270) were (0.58 and 0.44) and (0.42 and 0.33), respectively. The DSC melting curve showed that their melting points and melting enthalpies were (-28.05°C and 76.8 J/g) and (-27.47°C and 62.3 J/g), respectively. On the other hand, the evaluation of their DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, antibacterial and acetylcholinesterase activities showed interesting results. Thus, Phalaris canariensis seeds oils could deserve further consideration and investigation as a potentially new multi-purpose product for agro-food, medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Effects of Cymodocea nodosa extract on metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in alloxan-diabetic rats

This new study aimed to evaluate for the first time the effect of Cymodocea nodosa extract (CNE) on α-amylase activity, hyperglycemia and diabetes complications in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The in vitro evaluation and oral administration of CNE to surviving diabetic rats inhibited key enzyme related to hyperglycemia as α-amylase, helped to protect the β cells of the rats from death and damage confirmed by oral glucose test tolerance (OGTT), which leads to decrease in blood glucose level by 49% as compared to untreated diabetic rats. The CNE also decreased the triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol rates in the plasma of diabetic rats by 46%, 35%, and 21%, respectively, and increased the high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level by 36%, which helped maintain the homeostasis of blood lipid. When compared to those of the untreated diabetic rats, the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels in the pancreas, liver and kidney of the rats treated with this supplement were also enhanced significantly. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in the lipid peroxidation level in the tested organs of diabetic rats after CNE administration. This positive effect of CNE was confirmed by histological study. Overall, the findings presented in this study demonstrate that CNE has both a promising potential with a valuable hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic functions.

Hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Ulva lactuca ethanolic extract in hypercholesterolemic mice

Abstract Context: Hypercholesterolemia has significant cardiac consequences, since it is among the major risk factors of ischemic heart diseases. Objective: The aim was searching the cardioprotective effect of chemical constituents from the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca upon hypercholesterolemic regime in mice. Material and methods: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: untreated group, hypercholesterolemic group, and mice receiving 1% cholesterol associated with U. lactuca ethanolic extract. Results: In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of phenolic compounds. Additionally, the alga alleviated cardiotoxicity, as shown by the improvement of haematological parameters, white cell viability, heart oxidative stress, plasma biochemical parameters and index of atherogenesis. Gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 significantly decreased in the heart of U. lactuca supplemented hypercholesterolemic animals. Conclusion: It was established that the green alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively counteracts cardiotoxic effects of hypercholesterolemic regime.

Evaluation of nutritional value, characteristics, functional properties of Cymodocea nodosa and its benefits on health diseases

BackgroundNutritional fact study has prime importance to make the species edible and commercially viable to the food consumers. This is the first report that indicates the chemical characterization, functional, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of Cymodocea nodosa to evaluate its nutritional status.MethodsPhysico-chemical determination was determined by colorimetric and spectroscopic analysis. The functional and texture properties were evaluated since a desirable texture should be retained. Bioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS2 analysis. Health benefit of this plant was highlighting by the antioxidant and antihypertensive potentials.ResultsResults showed that the seagrass powder was characterized by a high content of fibers (56.4%), the fatty acids profile was dominated by the oleic acid, which represents about 62.0% of the total fatty acids and the functional properties proved important values of swelling capacity (6.71 ± 0.2) and water holding capacity (12.26 ± 0.25), that were comparable to those of some foodstuffs. Finally, the physico-chemical analysis shows the wealth in phenolic compounds, that could be explained by the high antioxidant and antihypertensive ability which was concentration dependent.ConclusionThe results from this study suggested that this marine plant could be utilized as a healthy food item for human consumption.

Chemical Composition, Characteristics Profiles and Bioactivities of Tunisian Phalaris canariensis Seed: A Potential Source of ω-6 and ω-9 Fatty Acids

Seed oils of Phalaris canariensis extracted by ultrasonication and cold maceration were evaluated for their physical characteristics, fatty acid, sterol composition and total phenol contents as well as for their antioxidant, antibacterial and acetylcholinesterase activities. The physicochemical properties of ultrasonication and cold maceration oils respectively were: acid values (4 and 3.25) mg KOH/g, peroxide values (5.53 and 4.41) meq O2 Kg-1, iodine values (88.83 and 95.17) g/100 g of oil, saponification values (119.21 and 98.17) mg KOH/g, phenolic content (36.40 and 53.00) mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract, chlorophylls (0.52 and 0.60) mg/kg oil and carotenoids contents (1.92 and 1.88) mg/kg oil. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that linoleic (52.03 and 52.2%), oleic (31.75 and 31.84%) and palmitic (11.09 and 11.34 %) acids were the major fatty acids in the two oils. The main sterol found in the seed oils was β-sitosterol (48.01 and 47.86%). On the other hand, the evaluation of their DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, antibacterial and acetylcholinesterase activities showed interesting results. Thus, Phalaris canariensis seed oils could deserve further consideration and investigation as a potentially new multi-purpose product for agro-food, medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Effect of Sardina pilchardus oil on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract The purpose of this study was to prevent or to delay the onset of diabetes-related complications, by using a natural marine resource, Sardina pilchardus oil, administrated to alloxan-induced diabetic rats showing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the sardine oil detected 18 constituents. The major ones were n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids among which are docosahexaenoic acid (25.09%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (19.61%). Sardine oil inhibited the α-amylase activity in rats’ sera (26.82%) and thus improved glycemia (54%). The supplement of this oil protected the β-cells from death and damage, significantly decreased total triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in diabetic rats’ sera and increased the HDL-cholesterol level. Gavage administration of this oil to rats protected the liver and kidney functions by reducing the aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and phosphatase alkaline activities, and by decreasing creatinine, urea and uric acid levels.