Assessment of Antidepressant-like, Anxiolytic Effects and Impact on Memory of Pimpinella anisum L. Total Extract on Swiss Albino Mice

Exploring the Effects of a Calming Herbal Tea Blend on Perioperative Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This research aimed to explore the effectiveness of consuming a calming herbal tea blend, comprising Matricaria recutita, Passiflora incarnata L., and Pimpinella anisum L., in comparison to a placebo tea infused with lemon, to ascertain whether the herbal blend possesses anxiety-reducing properties capable of alleviating perioperative anxiety. The study adopted a clinical randomized, double-blind design and collected data from volunteers undergoing elective surgery at Hospital Unimed Erechim in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 210 participants were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving the placebo tea and the other the sedative herbal tea. All participants completed a questionnaire postoperatively to assess anxiety levels, employing the adapted Portuguese version of the DASS-21 Scale (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale). Results revealed no significant difference in anxiety levels between the group consuming the calming herbal tea and the group consuming the placebo tea. However, consumption of the anxiolytic herbal tea was associated with a notable increase in positive sentiments toward the surgical procedure (P = .0009). Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the DASS-21 questionnaire exhibited a preoperative profile comparable to the clinical scenarios depicted by the scale. Both the calming herbal tea and the placebo tea were found to effectively mitigate perioperative anxiety. This suggests that both options-soothing herbal tea and placebo tea-can be considered safe, efficacious, and pleasant methods for reducing preoperative fasting requirements.

Nephroprotective and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze leaf extract; acute and sub-acute toxicity assessment

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze of the family Amaranthaceae has been extensively used in traditional medicinal practices in Brazil and India for its reputed efficacy in promoting diuresis, as well as treating wounds, inflammation, postnatal symptoms, diarrhea, and cough. Its selection for this study was driven not only by its ethnomedicinal significance but also by its rich phytochemical composition, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, which are known to exhibit nephroprotective and diuretic effects. Additionally, while many species from the Amaranthaceae family have demonstrated similar therapeutic properties, A. brasiliana remains underexplored in this context. Therefore, this research aimed to scientifically evaluate its potential nephroprotective and diuretic activities, providing a pharmacological basis for its traditional uses.

AIM OF STUDY

This experiment was designed to determine nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced kidney injury and diuretic effect of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) in rats. This study also aimed to evaluate the toxicity of plant's extract by performing acute and sub-acute toxicity trials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In current study, the nephroprotective effect of aqueous-ethanol extract of A. brasiliana was evaluated after induction of kidney injury with cisplatin. Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A diuretic activity was also performed by comparing results with control and standard (furosemide). Extract was given in three doses as 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. A 14 day trial for acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 2000 mg/kg and 3000 mg/kg, whereas a 28 day trial for sub-acute toxicity assessment was performed at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. The biological active ingredients were identified and determined using HPLC technique.

RESULTS

The aqueous-ethanol extract of A. brasiliana (ABAE) safeguarded the rats from toxic effects of cisplatin. This extract also enhanced urine output. The protective effect of ABAE increased with increasing dose and produced maximum nephroprotective effect and diuresis at a dose 300 mg/kg. The outcomes from acute toxicity trials suggested that LD50 lied beyond 3000 mg/kg, and no antagonizing effects occurred in sub-acute toxicity trials at doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg. ABAE posed no toxicities on kidney, liver, and heart tissues as evident from histopathological, hematological, and serum biochemical analysis. HPLC-DAD analysis of ABAE indicated the presence of betanin, kaempherol, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid and oxalic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate an abundant supply of bioactive chemicals found in A. brasiliana (L.) extracts, which should be taken into account to improve renal functions with fewer negative effects.

Effects of a traditional herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Rosa damascena on anxiety and depression in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): A double-blind randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a traditional Persian herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Rosa damascena (MPR) on anxiety and depression in IBS patients with symptoms of constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C).

METHODS

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in Afzalipour Hospital via block randomization method. A total of 96 IBS-C patients (based on Rome IV criteria), aged 18-60 years, were included in this study. Participants received capsules containing either 500 mg of herbal formula or placebo (cornstarch) twice a day for four weeks Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients in the intervention group and 45 patients in the control group completed this study. Except for the education level, there were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean levels of anxiety and depression, and total IBS symptom severity score showed no significant differences between the two groups at baseline (P > 0.05). After four weeks of treatment, the anxiety score considerably improvement in the treatment group (Cohen's d = -1.19, 95 % confidence intervals [CIs] -4.49 to 2.13), as did the depression score (Cohen's d = -1.93, 95 % CIs -4.32 to 2.79).

CONCLUSION

MPR considerably improved anxiety and depression in patients with IBS-C compared to the placebo without serious side effects.

Neuroprotective potential of Mentha piperita extract prevents motor dysfunctions in mouse model of Parkinson's disease through anti-oxidant capacities

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra (SN) and diminished release of dopamine are prominent causes of this progressive disease. The current study aims to evaluate the protective potential of ethanolic extract of Mentha piperita (EthMP) against rotenone-mediated PD features, dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and neuronal survival in a mouse model. Swiss albino male mice were assigned to five groups: control (2.5% DMSO vehicle), PD (rotenone 2.5 mg/kg), EthMP and rotenone (200mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg, respectively), EthMP (200 mg/kg), and Sinemet, reference treatment containing levodopa and carbidopa (20 mg/kg and rotenone 2.5mg/kg). Behavioral tests for motor functional deficit analysis were performed. Anti-oxidant capacity was estimated using standard antioxidant markers. Histopathology of the mid-brain for neurodegeneration estimation was performed. HPLC based dopamine level analysis and modulation of gene expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for the selected genes. EthMP administration significantly prevented the rotenone-mediated motor dysfunctions compared to PD group as assessed through open field, beam walk, pole climb down, stepping, tail suspension, and stride length tests. EthMP administration modulated the lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, as well as glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities in mouse brain. EthMP extract prevented neurodegeneration in the SN of mice and partially maintained dopamine levels. The expression of genes related to dopamine, anti-oxidant potential and synapses were modulated in M. piperita (MP) extract treated mice brains. Current data suggest therapeutic capacities of MP extract and neuroprotective capacities, possibly through antioxidant capacities. Therefore, it may have potential clinical applications for PD management.

Preventive Roles of Rice-koji Extracts and Ergothioneine on Anxiety- and Pain-like Responses under Psychophysical Stress Conditions in Male Mice

This study determined the effect of daily administration of Rice-koji on anxiety and nociception in mice subjected to repeated forced swim stress (FST). In a parallel experiment, it was determined whether ergothioneine (EGT) contained in Rice-koji displayed similar effects. Anxiety and nociception were assessed behaviorally using multiple procedures. c-Fos and FosB immunoreactivities were quantified to assess the effect of both treatments on neural responses in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), and lumbar spinal dorsal horn (DH). FST increased anxiety- and pain-like behaviors in the hindpaw. Rice-koji or EGT significantly prevented these behaviors after FST. In the absence of formalin, both treatments prevented decreased FosB expressions in the PVN after FST, while no effect was seen in the NRM and DH. In the presence of formalin, both treatments prevented changes in c-Fos and FosB expressions in all areas in FST mice. Further, in vitro experiments using SH-SY5Y cells were conducted. Rice-koji and EGT did not affect cell viability but changed the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In conclusion, Rice-koji could reduce anxiety and pain associated with psychophysical stress, possibly mediated by the modulatory effects of EGT on neural functions in the brain.

Enhanced Antidepressant Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing Levosulpiride in Behavioral Despair Tests in Mice

The potential of levosulpiride-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (LSP-NLCs) for enhanced antidepressant and anxiolytic effects was evaluated in the current study. A forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were carried out to determine the antidepressant effect whereas anxiolytic activity was investigated using light-dark box and open field tests. Behavioral changes were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-induced depressed animals. The access of LSP to the brain to produce therapeutic effects was estimated qualitatively by using fluorescently labeled LSP-NLCs. The distribution of LSP-NLCs was analyzed using ex vivo imaging of major organs after oral and intraperitoneal administration. Acute toxicity studies were carried out to assess the safety of LSP-NLCs in vivo. An improved antidepressant effect of LSP-NLCs on LPS-induced depression showed an increase in swimming time (237 ± 51 s) and struggling time (226 ± 15 s) with a reduction in floating (123 ± 51 s) and immobility time (134 ± 15 s) in FST and TST. The anxiolytic activity in the light-dark box and open field tests exhibited superiority over LSP dispersion. Near-infrared images of fluorescently labeled LSP-NLCs demonstrated the presence of coumarin dye in the brain after 1 h of administration. An acute toxicity study revealed no significant changes in organ-to-body weight ratio, serum biochemistry or tissue histology of major organs. It can be concluded that nanostructured lipid carriers can efficiently deliver LSP to the brain for improved therapeutic efficacy.

Direct Evidence for Using Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum Essential Oil to Ameliorate Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment and Brain Oxidative Stress in the Zebrafish Model

Essential oil from Coriandrum sativum has been demonstrated to provide various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticonvulsive, anxiolytic-antidepressant, and anti-aging properties. This study investigated the mechanism of Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum essential oil (CSEO, 25, 150, and 300 μL/L) and cognitive impairment and brain oxidative stress in a scopolamine (SCOP, 100 μM) zebrafish model (Danio rerio) of cognitive impairment. Spatial memory, response to novelty, and recognition memory were assessed using the Y-maze test and the novel object recognition test (NOR), while anxiety-like behavior was investigated using the novel tank diving test (NTT). The cholinergic system activity and brain oxidative stress were also evaluated. CSEO was administered to zebrafish once a day for 21 days, while SCOP and galantamine (GAL, 1 mg/L) were delivered 30 min before behavioral testing and euthanasia. Our data revealed that SCOP induced memory dysfunction and anxiety-like behavior, while CSEO improved memory performance, as evidenced by behavioral tasks. Moreover, CSEO attenuated SCOP-induced brain oxidative stress and decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The results demonstrated the potential use of the CSEO in providing beneficial effects by reducing memory deficits and brain oxidative stress involved in the genesis of a dementia state.

Exploring the Multi-Faceted Potential of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua var. Rahma) Leaves from Morocco: A Comprehensive Analysis of Polyphenols Profile, Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cell Lines, and Genotoxicity

The botanical species Ceratonia siliqua L., commonly referred to as the Carob tree, and locally as "L'Kharrûb", holds significance as an agro-sylvo-pastoral species, and is traditionally utilized in Morocco for treating a variety of ailments. This current investigation aims to ascertain the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extract of C. siliqua leaves (CSEE). Initially, we analyzed the chemical composition of CSEE through high-performance liquid chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Subsequently, we conducted various assessments, including DPPH scavenging capacity, β-carotene bleaching assay, ABTS scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity assays to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extract. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial properties of CSEE against five bacterial strains (two gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis; and three gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Escherichia vekanda, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi (Candida albicans, and Geotrichum candidum). Additionally, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of CSEE on three human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-436) and assessed the potential genotoxicity of the extract using the comet assay. Through HPLC-DAD analysis, we determined that phenolic acids and flavonoids were the primary constituents of the CSEE extract. The results of the DPPH test indicated a potent scavenging capacity of the extract with an IC₅₀ of 302.78 ± 7.55 µg/mL, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid with an IC₅₀ of 260.24 ± 6.45 µg/mL. Similarly, the β-carotene test demonstrated an IC₅₀ of 352.06 ± 12.16 µg/mL, signifying the extract's potential to inhibit oxidative damage. The ABTS assay revealed IC₅₀ values of 48.13 ± 3.66 TE µmol/mL, indicating a strong ability of CSEE to scavenge ABTS radicals, and the TAC assay demonstrated an IC₅₀ value of 165 ± 7.66 µg AAE/mg. The results suggest that the CSEE extract had potent antioxidant activity. Regarding its antimicrobial activity, the CSEE extract was effective against all five tested bacterial strains, indicating its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. However, it only showed moderate activity against the two tested fungal strains, suggesting it may not be as effective against fungi. The CSEE exhibited a noteworthy dose-dependent inhibitory activity against all the tested tumor cell lines in vitro. The extract did not induce DNA damage at the concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL, as assessed by the comet assay. However, the 100 µg/mL concentration of CSEE resulted in a significant genotoxic effect compared to the negative control. A computational analysis was conducted to determine the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the constituent molecules present in the extract. The Prediction of Activity Spectra of Substances (PASS) test was employed to forecast the potential biological activities of these molecules. Additionally, the toxicity of the molecules was evaluated using the Protox II webserver.

Emerging Biopharmaceuticals from Pimpinella Genus

Evolved over eons to encode biological assays, plants-derived natural products are still the first dawn of drugs. Most researchers have focused on natural compounds derived from commonly used Pimpinella species, such as P. anisum, P. thellungiana, P. saxifrage, and P. brachycarpa, to investigate their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ethnopharmacological studies demonstrated that the genus Pimpinella has the homology characteristics of medicine and food and mainly in the therapy of gastrointestinal dysfunction, respiratory diseases, deworming, and diuresis. The natural product investigation of Pimpinella spp. revealed numerous natural products containing phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, sterols, and organic acids. These natural products have the potential to provide future drugs against crucial diseases, such as cancer, hypertension, microbial and insectile infections, and severe inflammations. It is an upcoming field of research to probe a novel and pharmaceutically clinical value on compounds from the genus Pimpinella. In this review, we attempt to summarize the present knowledge on the traditional applications, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of more than twenty-five species of the genus Pimpinella.

Anxiety and Metabolic Disorders: The Role of Botanicals

Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders are becoming more evident every day, affecting an increasing number of people around the world. Metabolic disorders are often associated with anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety branches into metabolic disorders by playing multiple roles as a cofactor, symptom, and comorbidity. Taken together, these considerations open the possibility of integrating the therapy of metabolic disorders with specific drugs for anxiety control. However, anxiolytic compounds often cause disabling effects in patients. The main goal could be to combine therapeutic protocols with compounds capable of reducing side effects while performing multiple beneficial effects. In this article we propose a group of bioactive ingredients called botanicals as a healthy supplement for the treatment of metabolic disorders related to anxiety.

Simultaneous Optimization of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Abilities of Moroccan Pimpinella anisum Extracts Using Mixture Design Methodology

Pimpinella anisum (anise) is a dense vegetal matrix with considerable amounts of bioactive components known for its pharmacological properties. The optimization of extraction constitutes an important key to improving efficacy and avoiding wasting time. Within this framework, the present study was designed to select the most appropriate extractor solvent mixture to extract phenolic and flavonoids using Mixture Design Methodology. The concerned responses were the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant ability examined by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Before mixture design optimization, a screening of solvents was conducted on ten polar and nonpolar solvents to choose the best solvents that give a maximum of total phenolic compounds. This first step has shown that water, ethanol and methanol were the best-used solvents. Later, an augmented centroid design investigated the solvent system’s optimization. The results of simultaneous optimization have shown that the ternary mixture containing 44% of water, 22% of ethanol and 34% of methanol was the most appropriate for simultaneous maximization of TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity with 18.55 mg GAE/g, 7.16 mg QE/g and 0.56 mg/mL, respectively. Our results have shown that using mixture design as an optimization technique was an excellent way to choose the most suitable mixture to extract bioactive compounds, which may represent a promising method of multi-purpose extraction, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Nutritive and Phytochemical Composition of Aromatic Microgreen Herbs and Spices Belonging to the Apiaceae Family

Microgreens represent a new generation of food products, commonly used to garnish and embellish culinary dishes, and recently associated with an increasing interest in their nutraceutical and phytochemical profiles. Four Apiaceae species: Pimpinella anisum L. (anise), Anthriscus cerefolium L. (chervil), Carum carvi L. (caraway), and Anethum graveolens L. (dill) were assessed for fresh yield, macro- and microminerals, total chlorophylls, total ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols, and their antioxidant activity. Anise was the species yielding the most (2.53 kg m^-2) and having the highest lutein content (18.4 µg g^-1 dry weight (DW)). Chervil and dill were characterized by the highest total ascorbic acid content (~151 mg AA g^-1 fresh weight (FW)). The phenolic profile highlighted the presence of five flavonoid derivatives and 12 phenolic acid derivatives, with quinic acid derivatives being the most abundant phenols in the species tested. In addition, anise, caraway, and dill proved to be considerably rich in total polyphenols (~11056 μg g^-1 DW). Caraway and dill were characterized by the highest antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH and ABTS methods, whereas the FRAP method revealed caraway as having the highest antioxidant activity. Such results highlight the potential of Apiaceae species as an alternative to other families which are commonly used for microgreens production.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Thymus broussonetii Boiss and Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmann and Link Essential Oils

Thymus capitatus and Thymus broussonnetii are two Moroccan endemic medicinal plants used traditionally by the local population. The present study aims to investigate their essential oil chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The chemical composition of the essential oils was determined using the GC-MS analysis, the antioxidant activity assessed using DPPH and FRAP methods while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against nine bacteria species tested (Enterococcus faecalis, Serratia fonticola, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella oxytoca, sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive Escherichia coli, resistant Escherichia coli, resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes). The major identified compounds of T. capitatus essential oil where carvacrol (75%) and p-cymene (10.58%) while carvacrol (60.79%), thymol (12.9%), p-cymene (6.21%) and γ-terpinene (4.47%) are the main compounds in T. broussonnetii essential oil. The bioactivity of the essential oils of the two species of thyme was explained by their richness in oxygenated monoterpenes known for their great effectiveness with an IC₅₀ of 3.48 ± 0.05 and 4.88 ± 0.04 μL/mL and EC₅₀ of 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.20 ± 0.02 μL/mL in the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively, with an important antibacterial activity. These results encourage the use of these plants as a source of natural antioxidants, and antibacterial additives, to protect food from oxidative damage and to eliminate bacteria that are responsible for nosocomial infections.

Neuropharmacological and Antidiabetic Potential of Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Leaves Extract: An Experimental Analysis

The present study examines the neuropharmacological and antidiabetic properties of methanol leaves extract of Lannea coromandelica in animal models. This study is carried out by elevated plus-maze apparatus, motor coordination, thiopental sodium has an induction role in sleeping time, hole board, hole cross, open field, antidiabetic studies. Mice were treated doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight in elevated plus-maze apparatus and motor coordination; 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight in sleeping time, hole cross, hole board, and open field tests; and 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in the antidiabetic activity test. Extraction specifies a significantly decreased time duration and sleeping time in a thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time test. The experimental extract decreased locomotor and exploratory behaviors of mice in the open-field and hole-cross tests compared to the effects of the control. Furthermore, the extract increased sleeping time with a dose-dependent onset of action. The hole-board test extract also demonstrated a reduced number of head dips. The findings showed that L. coromandelica has potential neuropharmacological effects. In addition, in alloxan-induced diabetic mice, leaves extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight revealed significant antidiabetic properties and could be used to manage blood glucose levels with more research.

The Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential of Artisanal and Industrial Apple Vinegars and Their Ability to Inhibit Key Enzymes Related to Type 2 Diabetes In Vitro

The main objective of the current study was to determine the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition of apple vinegar produced by artisanal and industrial methods. Apple vinegar samples were analyzed to identify their electrical conductivity, pH, titratable acidity, total dry matter, Brix, density, mineral elements, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. The antioxidant activity of apple vinegar samples was evaluated using two tests, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Finally, we determined α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of artisanal and industrial apple vinegar. The results showed the following values: pH (3.69-3.19); electrical conductivity (2.81-2.79 mS/cm); titratable acidity (3.6-5.4); ash (4.61-2.90); °Brix (6.37-5.2); density (1.02476-1.02012), respectively, for artisanal apple vinegar and industrial apple vinegar. Concerning mineral elements, potassium was the most predominant element followed by sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Concerning bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C), the apple vinegar produced by the artisanal method was the richest sample in terms of bioactive compounds and had the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. The findings of this study showed that the quality and biological activities of artisanal apple vinegar were more important than industrial apple vinegar.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Thymus zygis L. and Thymus willdenowii Boiss. Essential Oils

Essential oils (EOs) are chemical products produced by odoriferous glands from a variety of plants. These essential oils have many health benefits: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. So due to these medicinal properties, the present study was designed to analyze essential oils of Thymus zygis L. and Thymus willdenowii Boiss. for their chemical composition and biological activities. These two thyme species were collected from the region of Ifrane, Middle Atlas of Morocco. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the yields were 5.25% for T. zygis and 3.00% for T. willdenowii. The chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the results showed that T. zygis EO is dominated by carvacrol (52.5%), o-cymene (23.14%), and thymol (9.68%), while the EO of T. willdenowii contains germacrene D (16.51%), carvacrol (16.19%), and geranyl acetate (8.35%) as major compounds. The antioxidant activity assessed by Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays revealed that both EOs have excellent antioxidant activities; by DPPH it resulted in IC₅₀ = 6.13 ± 0.11 for T. zygis and 6.78 ± 0.3 µg/mL for T. willdenowii, while the one by FRAP yielded EC₅₀ = 2.46 ± 0.01 (T. zygis) and 5.17 ± 0.2 (T. willdenowii) µg/mL. The antimicrobial activity of the two essential oils was evaluated against six bacterial strains and five fungal strains by the disk diffusion method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). The EOs revealed variable antimicrobial activities against the different tested microbial strains and showed strong antimicrobial activities, even against strains known as multi-resistant to antibiotics (Acinetobacter baumannii) at low concentrations (2 µL/mL). T. zygis EO showed the most powerful activity against all the studied bacteria, while that of T. willdenowii recorded moderate activity when tested against Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella Typhi. With inhibition diameters that vary between 75 mm and 84 mm for concentrations of 2 µL/mL up to 12 µL/mL, S. aureus was shown to be the most sensitive to T. zygis EO. For the antifungal activity test, T. zygis EO showed the best inhibition diameters compared to T. willdenowii EO. These results showed that T. zygis EO has more powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than T. willdenowii EO, therefore, we deduce that thyme EOs are excellent antioxidants, they have strong antimicrobial properties, and may in the future represent new sources of natural antiseptics that can be used in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Boosted Antioxidant Effect Using a Combinatory Approach with Essential Oils from Origanum compactum, Origanum majorana, Thymus serpyllum, Mentha spicata, Myrtus communis, and Artemisia herba-alba: Mixture Design Optimization

Several studies have demonstrated the possible synergistic effect as an effective strategy to boost the bioactivity of essential oils. Using this framework, this study was conducted to effectively establish the ideal combination of six essential oils from different plants (Origanum compactum, Origanum majorana, Thymus serpyllum, Mentha spicata, Myrtus communis, and Artemisia herba-alba) that would express the best antioxidant activity. Each mixture was optimized using a mixture design approach to generate the most effective blend. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method was used as a reference method to assess the antioxidant activity. Each essential oil's composition was identified using the GC/MS method. The single essential oil activities demonstrated variable antioxidant effects, and following the mixture design approach, the optimal antioxidant blend was revealed, as two mixtures demonstrated the best antiradical activity with 79.46% obtained with the mixture of O. majorana (28%) and M. spicata (71%) and 78.8% obtained with the mixture O. compactum (64%), O. majorana (13%), and T. serpyllum (21%). This study proposes a practical way to elaborate mixtures in the search for a boosting effect that can be oriented for the food or pharmaceutical industry.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antispasmodic, Myorelaxant, and Antioxidant Effect of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Flower Hydroethanolic Extracts and Its Chloroform and Ethyl Acetate Fractions

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants is an annual or ephemeral perennial herb used traditionally in the Mediterranean region in folk medicine to treat various illnesses, including those related to the digestive system. This study aims to assess the antispasmodic, myorelaxant, and antioxidant effects of D. ambrosioides flower hydroethanolic extract and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions in a comparative study to evaluate the result of the extraction type on the potential activity of the extract. Both rat and rabbit jejunum were used to evaluate the antispasmodic and myorelaxant effect, while the antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH, a ferric reducing power assay, and a beta-carotene bleaching test. LC/MS-MS analysis was carried out to reveal the composition of the different types of extract. Following the results, the hydroethanolic extract showed a significant myorelaxant effect (IC₅₀ = 0.39 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Moreover, it was shown that the hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the best antispasmodic activity (IC₅₀ = 0.51 ± 0.05 mg/mL), followed by the ethyl acetate (IC₅₀ = 4.05 ± 0.32 mg/mL) and chloroform (IC₅₀ = 4.34 ± 0.45 mg/mL) fractions. The antioxidant tests showed that the hydroethanolic extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity, followed by the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions. The LC/MS-MS analysis indicates that the plant extract was rich in flavonoids, to which the extract activity has been attributed. This study supports the traditional use of this plant to treat digestive problems, especially those with spasms.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Lavandula pedunculata: In Vivo, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Approaches

Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. (LP) is one of lavender species traditionally used in Morocco to prevent or cure diabetes, alone or in the form of polyherbal preparations (PHP). Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to test the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of LP, alone and in combination with Punica granatum L. (PG) and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (FGK). The secondary objective was to explore some mechanisms of action on the digestive functions. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of LP, alone and in combination with PG and FGK, was studied in vivo using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In addition, LP extract was tested on the activities of some digestive enzymes (pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase) in vitro and on the intestinal absorption of glucose ex vivo using a short-circuit current (I_sc) technique. Acute and chronic oral administration of LP aqueous extract reduced the peak of the glucose concentration (30 min, p < 0.01) and the area under the curve (AUC, p < 0.01). The effect of LP + PG was at the same amplitude to that of the positive control Metformin (MET). LP aqueous extract inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase with an IC₅₀ almost identical to acarbose (0.44 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 0.36 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively), as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase, (IC₅₀ = 131 ± 20 µg/mL) and the intestinal glucose absorption (IC₅₀ = 81.28 ± 4.01 µg/mL) in concentration-dependent manners. LP aqueous extract exhibited potent actions on hyperglycemia, with an inhibition on digestive enzymes and glucose absorption. In addition, the combination with PG and FGK enhanced oral glucose tolerance in rats. These findings back up the traditional use of LP in type 2 diabetes treatment and the effectiveness of the alternative and combinative poly-phytotherapy (ACPP).

Citrus Flavanone Narirutin, In Vitro and In Silico Mechanistic Antidiabetic Potential

Citrus fruits and juices have been studied extensively for their potential involvement in the prevention of various diseases. Flavanones, the characteristic polyphenols of citrus species, are the primarily compounds responsible for these studied health benefits. Using in silico and in vitro methods, we are exploring the possible antidiabetic action of narirutin, a flavanone family member. The goal of the in silico research was to anticipate how narirutin would interact with eight distinct receptors implicated in diabetes control and complications, namely, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1), aldose reductase (AldR), glycogen phosphorylase (GP), alpha-amylase (AAM), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), alpha-glucosidase (AGL), while the in vitro study looked into narirutin’s possible inhibitory impact on alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The results indicate that the studied citrus flavanone interacted remarkably with most of the receptors and had an excellent inhibitory activity during the in vitro tests suggesting its potent role among the different constituent of the citrus compounds in the management of diabetes and also its complications.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil from Cistus ladanifer L

Cistus ladanifer L. is a plant widely used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the plant flourishing time harvest on the chemical composition and the antimicrobial effect of its essential oil. Chemical analysis of the essential oil was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial and antifungal proprieties were tested against four selected bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii) and nine fungi (Yeasts (Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida sp., Rhodotorula rubra, Cryptococcus neoformans) and molds (Penicillium sp. (P), Fusarium sp. (F), Aspergillus niger (A. niger)), respectively. The essential oil of C. ladanifer demonstrated a powerful antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone of 55 ± 0.22 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, 42 ± 0.11 mm for Escherichia coli, 35 ± 0.27 mm for Acinetobacter baumannii (Full resistant to antibiotics) and 30 ± 0.25 mm for Salmonella Typhi. It also inhibited all tested bacteria at 10 µL/mL. For the antifungal activity test, C. tropicalis and C. neoformans appeared to be the most sensitive strains to the essential oil with an inhibition zone of 13 mm, followed by R. rubra and Penicillium sp. (12 mm), then C. dubliniensis and C. glabrata (11 mm). The chemical analysis of the essential oil by GC-MS revealed that the major components of the essential oil were viridiflorol (17.64%), pinocarveol (11.02%), bornylacetate (9.38%), and ledol (8.85%). C. ladanifer exhibited a remarkable antimicrobial activity that could be more exploited to develop targeted natural remedies against specific diseases.

New 2,3-Benzodiazepine Derivative: Synthesis, Activity on Central Nervous System, and Toxicity Study in Mice

We report the design and synthesis of a new diazepine derivative, 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2,3-benzodiazepin-1-one (VBZ102), and the evaluation of its anxiolytic-like profile, memory impairment effect, and toxicity in Swiss mice. VBZ102 was evaluated for central nervous system effects in an open field, light–dark box, and novel object recognition tests under oral administration for acute and sub-acute treatment. We tested the VBZ102 toxicity in mice through a determination of LD₅₀ values and examination of the biochemical and histopathological parameters. The VBZ102 induced an anxiolytic effect at different doses both in the light–dark box and open field tests. Unlike other benzodiazepines (e.g., bromazepam), a sedative effect was noted only after administration of the VBZ102 at 10.0 mg/kg.

The Nephroprotective Effect of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) Fruits in a Gentamicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Model in Rats: A Biochemical and Histopathological Investigation

Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) (Z. lotus) is a medicinal plant largely distributed all over the Mediterranean basin and is traditionally used by Moroccan people to treat many illnesses, including kidney failure. The nephrotoxicity of gentamicin (GM) has been well documented in humans and animals, although the preventive strategies against it remain to be studied. In this investigation, we explore whether the extract of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) Fruit (ZLF) exhibits a protective effect against renal damage produced by GM. Indeed, twenty-four Wistar rats were separated into four equal groups of six each (♂/♀ = 1). The control group was treated orally with distilled water (10 mL/kg); the GM treated group received distilled water (10 mL/kg) and an intraperitoneal injection of GM (80 mg/kg) 3 h after; and the treated groups received ZLF extract orally at the doses 200 or 400 mg/kg and injected intraperitoneally with the GM. All treatments were given daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the biochemical parameters and the histological observation related the kidney function was explored. ZLF treatment has significantly attenuated the nephrotoxicity induced by the GM. This effect was indicated by its capacity to decrease significantly the serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, albumin, calcium, sodium amounts, water intake, urinary volume, and relative kidney weight. In addition, this effect was also shown by the increase in the creatinine clearance, urinary creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels, weight gain, compared to the rats treated only with the GM. The hemostasis of oxidants/antioxidants has been significantly improved with the treatment of ZLF extract, which was shown by a significant reduction in malondialdehydes levels. Histopathological analysis of renal tissue was correlated with biochemical observation. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD showed that the aqueous extract of ZLF is rich in phenolic compounds such as 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, hydroxytyrosol, naringenin, p- coumaric Acid, quercetin, rutin, and vanillic acid. In conclusion, ZLF extract improved the nephrotoxicity induced by GM, through the improvement of the biochemical and histological parameters and thus validates its ethnomedicinal use.