Browsing by Author "Sawicka B."

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    Biochemical Profile and In Vitro Therapeutic Properties of Two Euhalophytes, Halocnemum strobilaceum Pall. and Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forske., Grown in the Sabkha Ecosystem in the Algerian Sahara
    (2023-04-01) Gheraissa N.; Chemsa A.E.; Cherrada N.; Erol E.; Elsharkawy E.R.; Ghemam-Amara D.; Zeghoud S.; Rebiai A.; Messaoudi M.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Abdel-Kader M.S.
    This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo.
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    Desert Endemic Plants in Algeria: A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Polyphenolic Compounds and Pharmacological Activities
    (2023-02-01) Hemmami H.; Seghir B.B.; Zeghoud S.; Ben Amor I.; Kouadri I.; Rebiai A.; Zaater A.; Messaoudi M.; Benchikha N.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.
    Due to their robust antioxidant capabilities, potential health benefits, wide variety of biological activities, and strong antioxidant qualities, phenolic compounds are substances that have drawn considerable attention in recent years. The main goal of the review is to draw attention to saharian Algerian medicinal plants and the determination of their bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory importance), and to present their chemical composition as well as in vivo and in vitro studies, clinical studies, and other studies confirming their real impact on human health. Research results have revealed a rich variety of medicinal plants used to treat various disease states in this region. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, biological activity, and clinical studies, a list of 34 species of desert plants, belonging to 20 botanical families, useful both in preventive actions and in the treatment of neoplastic diseases has been established, and polyphenolic compounds have been identified as key to the health potential of endemic diseases and desert plants. It has been shown that people who follow a diet rich in polyphenols are less prone to the risk of many cancers and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. In view of the increasing antioxidant potential of these plant species, as well as the increasing trade in herbal products from the Sahara region, phytosanitary and pharmaceutical regulations must change in this respect and should be in line with Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and the sustainable use and development of plant products must be addressed at the same time.
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    Effect of extraction methods on polyphenols, flavonoids, mineral elements, and biological activities of essential oil and extracts of mentha pulegium l.
    (2022-01-01) Messaoudi M.; Rebiai A.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Ouakouak H.; Larkem I.; Egbuna C.; Awuchi C.G.; Boubekeur S.; Ferhat M.A.; Begaa S.; Benchikha N.
    Our study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antifungal activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs), total phenol, and total flavonoid of wild Mentha pulegium L. This study also determined the mineral (nutritional and toxic) elements in the plant. The EOs were extracted using three techniques—hydro distillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), and microwave-assisted distillation (MAD)—and were analyzed using chromatography coupled with flame ionization (GC-FID) and gas chromatography attached with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The antioxidant effects of the EOs were tested with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), while the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the EO and methanolic extract were tested using Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil, representing 97.73% of the total oil, with 0.202% yield. The major components were pulegone (74.81%), menthone (13.01%) and piperitone (3.82%). Twenty-one elements, including macro-and micro-elements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U and Zn), were detected using neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with the concentration of mineral element close to the FAO recommendation. The results show that the EOs and extracts from Mentha pulegium L. had significant antimicrobial activities against the microorganisms, including five human pathogenic bacteria, one yeast (Candida albicans), and one phytopathogenic fungi. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the leaf extracts were confirmed. The results indicate that the EOs and extracts from Mentha pulegium L. have promising applications in the pharmaceutical industries, clinical applications, and in medical research.
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    Effect of Juniperus communis extract on probiotic properties of Bacillus safensis isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria)
    (2024-01-01) Layadi I.; Laiche A.T.; Tlili M.L.; Messaoudi M.; Ghemam Amara D.; Mezghani-Khemakhem M.; Naccache C.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Zahnit W.; Ahmad S.F.
    The current study focuses on the effect of Juniperus communis extract on the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria). Chromatographic analysis by HPLC was carried out to detect the most important compounds extracted from the plant. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the colorimetric procedures Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride. The probiotic properties were studied and evaluated in vivo with Juniperus communis extracts after isolating strains from camel's milk and identifying them using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Chromatographic profiles of the phenolic compounds revealed that Juniperus communis extract is rich in quercetin. After conducting chemical analyses of polyphenols and flavonoids, the results demonstrated a high content of phenolic compounds in Juniperus communis extracts (polyphenols: 103.80 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g E. flavonoids: 15.85 ± 0.80 mg QE/g E). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus safensis strains. The combination of Juniperus communis and Bacillus safensis restored the healthy intestine wall structure and returned the blood biochemical parameters to normal values. It was found that the mixture enhanced anti-inflammatory effectiveness by reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values. Juniperus communis has a high polyphenol and flavonoid content which can have a considerable impact on Bacillus safensis probiotic properties.
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    Exploring Bioactive Components and Assessing Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities in Five Seaweed Extracts from the Northeastern Coast of Algeria
    (2024-06-01) Bouzenad N.; Ammouchi N.; Chaib N.; Messaoudi M.; Bousabaa W.; Bensouici C.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Ahmad S.F.; Zahnit W.
    The main goal of this study was to assess the bioactive and polysaccharide compositions, along with the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials, of five seaweeds collected from the northeastern coast of Algeria. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the study investigated the elemental composition of these seaweeds and their chemical structure. In addition, this study compared and identified the biochemical makeup of the collected seaweed by using cutting-edge methods like tandem mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and it searched for new sources of nutritionally valuable compounds. According to the study’s findings, Sargassum muticum contains the highest levels of extractable bioactive compounds, showing a phenolic compound content of 235.67 ± 1.13 µg GAE·mg−1 and a total sugar content of 46.43 ± 0.12% DW. Both S. muticum and Dictyota dichotoma have high concentrations of good polyphenols, such as vanillin and chrysin. Another characteristic that sets brown algae apart is their composition. It showed that Cladophora laetevirens has an extracted bioactive compound content of 12.07% and a high capacity to scavenge ABTS+ radicals with a value of 78.65 ± 0.96 µg·mL−1, indicating high antioxidant activity. In terms of antibacterial activity, S. muticum seaweed showed excellent growth inhibition. In conclusion, all five species of seaweed under investigation exhibited unique strengths, highlighting the variety of advantageous characteristics of these seaweeds, especially S. muticum.
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    Lobularia libyca: Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity Using In Vitro and In Silico Studies
    (2022-08-01) Benchikha N.; Chelalba I.; Debbeche H.; Messaoudi M.; Begaa S.; Larkem I.; Amara D.G.; Rebiai A.; Simal-Gandara J.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Youssef F.S.
    Lobularia libyca (L. libyca) is a traditional plant that is popular for its richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the phytochemical profile by liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), the mineral contents and the biological properties of L. libyca methanol extract. L. libyca contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Thirteen compounds classified as flavonoids were identified. L. libyca is rich in nutrients such as Na, Fe and Ca. Moreover, the methanol extract of L. libyca showed significant antioxidant activity without cytotoxic activity on HCT116 cells (human colon cancer cell line) and HepG2 cells (human hepatoma), showing an inhibition zone of 13 mm in diameter. In silico studies showed that decanoic acid ethyl ester exhibited the best fit in β-lactamase and DNA gyrase active sites; meanwhile, oleic acid showed the best fit in reductase binding sites. Thus, it can be concluded that L. libyca can serve as a beneficial nutraceutical agent, owing to its significant antioxidant and antibacterial potential and due to its richness in iron, calcium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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    Mineral Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-Urease and Anti-α-Amylase Activities of the Unripe Fruit Extracts of Pistacia atlantica
    (2023-01-01) Benmohamed M.; Guenane H.; Messaoudi M.; Zahnit W.; Egbuna C.; Sharifi-Rad M.; Chouh A.; Seghir B.B.; Rebiai A.; Boubekeur S.; Azli T.; Harrat M.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Yousfi M.
    Pistacia Atlantica in folk medicine is used by Algerian traditional healers for treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions including dyspepsia, digestive problems, peptic ulcers, and, in particular, inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity (using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS+, and reducing power methods), enzyme inhibitory activity (towards α-amylase and urease), antibacterial activity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica collected from different parts of the Djelfa region of Algeria. According to the findings, various aqueous extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and enzymatic activities in all tests, but showed that they have a weak inhibitory effect against all tested bacterial strains. Twenty-one minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U, and Zn) were determined using the technique of neutron activation analysis (INAA). The result indicates that the concentration of the mineral element is close to the minimal FAO recommendation. In addition, the result revealed significant anti-inflammatory activities. The data generated can be a valuable source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. These results suggest that the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica have an appropriate potential to be utilized across a wide range of contexts as an agent with multifunctional uses, as well as a natural remedy for other physiological diseases.
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    Nutritional potential, phytochemical analysis, and biological activities of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds from arid zone culture
    (2024-01-01) Touil L.; Rami R.; Aydi S.S.; Amara D.G.; Messaoudi M.; Sawicka B.; Atanassova M.; Zahnit W.; Aydi S.; Ahmad S.F.; Mars M.
    Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, kancolla, Giza 02, Amarilla sacaca, and black. The analysis of ground seeds revealed that Giza 02, white, and A. marangani had the most significant protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrates, respectively. Furthermore, the MeOH extracts of the various quinoa genotypes exhibited high levels of total phenolic, flavonoid, condensed tannin and reducing sugar contents in the seed extracts obtained using consecutive solvents. In addition, HPLCDAD analysis revealed the presence of seven phenolic compounds, which may be classified into four families: phenolic acid, flavonoids, coumarins, and stilbenes. The IC50 values for the antioxidant activity ranged from 6.4 to 7.7 μg/mL. Furthermore, the variability in the antibacterial activity across different genotypes and gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial species was observed, and the efficacy of the CYHA-red extract against Micrococcus luteus was the highest. The findings of this study indicate that the incorporation of quinoa into the arid and Saharan cultivation system has the potential to enhance the nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics of the seeds.