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

Chemical characterisation and the anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antibacterial properties of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Date fruit, Phoenix dactylifera L. has traditionally been used as a medicine in many cultures for the treatment of a range of ailments such as stomach and intestinal disorders, fever, oedema, bronchitis and wound healing. Aim of the review: The present review aims to summarise the traditional use and application of Phoenix dactylifera date fruit in different ethnomedical systems, additionally the botany and phytochemistry are identified. Critical evaluation of in vitro and in vitro studies examining date fruit in relation to anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antimicrobial activities are outlined. Key Findings: The ethnomedical use of Phoenix dactylifera in the treatment of inflammatory disease has been previously identified and reported. Furthermore, date fruit and date fruit co-products such as date syrup are rich sources of polyphenols, anthocyanins, sterols and carotenoids. In vitro studies have demonstrated that date fruit exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activity. The recent interest in the identification of the numerous health benefits of dates using in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that date fruit and date syrup have beneficial health effects that can be attributed to the presence of natural bioactive compounds. Conclusions: Date fruit and date syrup have therapeutic properties, which have the potential to be beneficial to health. However, more investigations are needed to quantify and validate these effects

Antioxidant activity, volatile and nonvolatile composition of two Phoenix dactylifera L. by-products

Objective: To examine the nonvolatile components of the date pulp and seeds of two minor Tunisian date palm cultivars Arechti and Korkobbi at besser stage and to investigate their antioxidant activity, their phytochemical compounds and their aromatic volatiles composition. Methods: The physico-chemical properties, the aroma composition, the mineral profile, the phytochemical content and the in vitro antioxidant activity of those two common date palm fruit varieties and those of their seeds were evaluated. All measurements were made at the besser stage, which showed the highest amount of secondary metabolites. Results: New volatiles compounds are detected in both flesh and seeds and the results revealed that those by products are a suitable source of mineral content and have a high potential of natural antioxidants and good antiradical capacities. Conclusions: Thanks to their characteristics, they could potentially be considered as a cheap resource for new functional food ingredient and novel pharmaceutical applications

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

Abstract Background The 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. Methods In 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. Results The 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. Conclusions Therefore, 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

Dichloroacetic acid-induced testicular toxicity in male rats and the protective effect of date fruit extract

Abstract Background The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous date extract (ADE) against the dichloroacetic acid (DCA)-induced testicular injury in rats. Methods Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight: group I served as the control; group II was given ADE (4 ml/kg) by gavage; groups III and IV received DCA at 0.5 and 2 g/L drinking water, respectively; and groups V and VI received DCA at 0.5 and 2 g/L drinking water, respectively, before ADE administration. The experiment was performed for two months. Results Results showed that the absolute weights of testes and epididymis were decreased following the DCA administration. The testosterone, FSH and LH levels were also decreased. Severe histopathological changes in testes were observed including degeneration of seminiferous tubules and depletion of germ cells. These changes were associated with alterations of oxidative stress markers. Levels of lipid peroxidation and SOD and CAT activities were increased, while activity of GPx and GSH levels were decreased. Pretreatment with ADE has effectively alleviated the oxidative stress induced by DCA thereby restoring these parameters to normal values. Conclusions These results suggest that ADE has a protective effect over DCA-induced oxidative damage in rat testes

Additional file 1: of Effect of solvents extraction on phytochemical components and biological activities of Tunisian date seeds (var. Korkobbi and Arechti)

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Nutritional properties, aromatic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of ten date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties grown in Tunisia

Phoenix dactylifera L. has traditionally been used as a medicine in many cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional properties, aromatic compounds, total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of ten ripe date fruit varieties grown in Tunisia. Sugar profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, while fatty acid compounds were detected by gas chromatography and aromatic compounds were analyzed by GC-Electron Impact Mass Spectroscopy. Total phenolic contents were measured using colorimetric methods, whereas antioxidant capacities were evaluated in vitro using DPPH and ABTS radicals. It has been found that total sugars are the predominant component in all date varieties, followed by moisture, along with moderate amounts of proteins, ash, and fats. Multivariate tests based on the volatile compounds profile showed significant differences among varieties. Between the sixty-two volatile compounds detected, alcohols, aldehydes and unsaturated hydrocarbons constituted the main chemical classes. The date varieties exhibited strong antioxidant potential that correlated with phenolic content. In conclusion date varieties can play a major role in human nutrition and health because of their wide range of valuable nutritional components and natural antioxidants that could potentially be considered as a functional food ingredient

Nutritional properties, aromatic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of ten date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties grown in Tunisia

Phoenix dactylifera L. has traditionally been used as a medicine in many cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional properties, aromatic compounds, total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of ten ripe date fruit varieties grown in Tunisia. Sugar profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, while fatty acid compounds were detected by gas chromatography and aromatic compounds were analyzed by GC-Electron Impact Mass Spectroscopy. Total phenolic contents were measured using colorimetric methods, whereas antioxidant capacities were evaluated in vitro using DPPH and ABTS radicals. It has been found that total sugars are the predominant component in all date varieties, followed by moisture, along with moderate amounts of proteins, ash, and fats. Multivariate tests based on the volatile compounds profile showed significant differences among varieties. Between the sixty-two volatile compounds detected, alcohols, aldehydes and unsaturated hydrocarbons constituted the main chemical classes. The date varieties exhibited strong antioxidant potential that correlated with phenolic content. In conclusion date varieties can play a major role in human nutrition and health because of their wide range of valuable nutritional components and natural antioxidants that could potentially be considered as a functional food ingredient

A comparison study of the nutritional, mineral and volatile compositions of three dry forms of ginger rhizomes, and antioxidant properties of their ethanolic and aqueous extracts

Objective: To compare the most accessible dry forms of ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) used as a spice and as a remedy in order to choose the best ginger for medicinal purpose. Methods: Freshly air dried ginger, commercially dry rhizomes and ginger available in powder form are investigated in terms of nutritional values (proximate and mineral compositions) and volatiles profile. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts (decoctions and infusions) were prepared for total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents determination. Also, three standard tests were established in order to estimate the best extract with the better antioxidant potential. Results: The results showed unlike proximate composition revealing different nutritional values. In fact, freshly dried ginger contained much ash, while already dry samples contained much protein. In addition, mineral contents of studied samples indicated their dissimilar richness especially in Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Fe, and Mn. Solid phase micro-extraction gave volatile profiles with many interesting compounds, only 26 from the 51 identified components were common to studied samples with bioactive compounds predominance in freshly dried sample. Also, the antioxidant potential established by three different tests was higher in already dry samples and was positively correlated with their higher contents in the determined phytochemicals. The ethanolic extracts showed higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extracts. Decoctions and infusions were almost similar proving that long cooking time did not affect ginger antioxidant potential. Conclusions: This work highlighted the benefits of traditional preparations of ginger as sources of bioactive compounds, namely antioxidants, and proved that the available commercial samples are not identical and encouraged analyzing samples before uses depending on needs

Immature mulberry fruits richness of promising constituents in contrast with mature ones: A comparative study among three Tunisian species

Mulberry is one of the most consumed fruit for its special taste, and its nutritional and medicinal properties. The present study aims to track for the first time the chemical changes occurring in three Tunisian Mulberry species: Morus alba L., Morus nigra L. and Morus rubra L. fruits according to four classified maturity stages. Nutritional composition showed that mulberries content varied from species to the other and from a stage to another. Protein increases during maturation while Ash decrease with surprisingly the highest amounts in Morus rubra L. Fatty acid composition proved richness of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a light decrease from immature stages to mature ones. Mulberries volatile components showed a heterogeneous composition such as mineral composition with a decrease during maturation of calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese amounts). Also, polyphenols and flavonoids content became lower, reducing antioxidant potential with maturation while anthocyanins content became higher. Results proved that mulberry powdered fruits, specially Morus rubra L. have high nutritional potential and suggest immature stages valorization for human beings