Lamia Lahouar

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.

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.

Therapeutic Potential of Young Green Barley Leaves in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: An Overview

Medicinal plants have played a major role as a functional food and pharmacological source of active substances. Barley grass (BG) is young green barley leaves. It is the young grass of the common barley plant Hordeum vulgare L. of the family Poeaceae (Graminae). It is a type of green grasses, and the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age. It contains a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, as well as eight essential amino acids that we must get from our diets. BG possesses several pharmacological activities as anticancer activity, anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. It has been argued that BG helps blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. The major pharmacologic interest of BG is its use in the treatment of chronic diseases. The beneficial effects observed in chronic disease may be related to bioactive compounds contained in BG such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and bioflavonoids (lutonarin and saponarin). Thus, this paper is focused on the various studies that emphasize the therapeutic potential of BG in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Raisin Aqueous Extract “Karkni” in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was carried out to investigate the possible antioxidant effects of raisin extract “Karkni” on biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Three doses of extract, 125, 250 and 375 mg/kg were orally administered daily to alloxan-diabetic rats for 4 weeks. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats showed significant increases in the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein LDL-cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) while high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol, total hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly decreased compared to normal rats (P<0.05). The changes of the above parameters to their normal levels after 4 weeks of treatment were observed mainly with the second dose 250 mg/kg. The overall results suggest that the “Karkni” extract possesses potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

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