Pharmacological, biological and phytochemical aspects of Thymus munbyanus Boiss. & Reut.: A review

Thymus munbyanus Boiss. & Reut., is a small shrub endemic to Morocco and Algeria, and it is commonly used to treat several diseases, including digestive, circulatory, genital, skin, urinary, nervous and respiratory diseases. The extracts of this thyme are rich in a wide variety of phenolic compounds such as polyphenols and volatile phenols and exhibit numerous biological activities. The present review summarizes the literature investigations reported on Thymus munbyanus concerning various pharmacological and biological properties as well as phytochemical aspects. This species revealed a richness in phenolic compounds in its volatile oils, including thymol and carvacrol, as well as in its non-volatile extracts including phenolic acids phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, salvianolic acid, ferulic acid, etc.), flavonoids (luteolin, gallocatechin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, etc.). Moreover, powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were reported for this Thymus species, which are attributed to its richness in bioactive antioxidants. Furthermore, this thyme was found to possess important nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and tumor cytotoxic properties. In conclusion, Thymus munbyanus is an important natural source of bioactive phenolic compounds that can be used for developing alternative natural drugs for the treatment and prevention of several pathologies

Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial potential of Euphorbia-derived functional products

This study assessed the medicinal properties of Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg (E. resinifera) and Euphorbia officinarum subsp echinus (Hook.f. and Coss.) Vindt (Euphorbia echinus, known for their pharmaceutical benefits. Extracts from their flowers, stems, propolis, and honey were examined for phenolic content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin (TCC) were determined using specific methods. Antioxidant potential was assessed through various tests including DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and Total antioxidant capacity. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using phenol-induced ear edema in rats, while antibacterial activity was measured against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) and Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 10536) bacteria. Among the extracts, the aqueous propolis extract of E. resinifera demonstrated exceptional antioxidant capabilities, with low IC50 values for DPPH (0.07 ± 0.00 mg/mL) and ABTS (0.13 ± 0.00 mg/mL), as well as high TAC (176.72 ± 0.18 mg AA/mg extract) and FRAP (86.45 ± 1.45 mg AA/mg extract) values. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of E. resinifera propolis extracts surpassed that of indomethacin, yielding edema percentages of 3.92% and 11.33% for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. Microbiological results indicated that the aqueous extract of E. resinifera flower exhibited the most potent inhibitory action against S. aureus, with an inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 21.0 ± 0.00 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 mg/mL. Additionally, only E. resinifera honey displayed the ability to inhibit E. coli growth, with an inhibition zone diameter of 09.30 ± 0.03 mm and a MIC of 0.0433 mg/mL

Rosmarinic acid as a potential anti-hyperlipidemic agent

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phytochemical that occurs in numerous plants, including Rosmarinus officinalis. This bioactive compound is widely reported to exert various pharmacological effects, including anti-hyperlipidemic activity. In this study, we reviewed the literature data on RA and hyperlipidemia research. In silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies were retrieved from Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. The In silico studies revealed that RA possesses squalene synthase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase enzymes inhibiting effect. Additionally, in vitro reports revealed that RA exerts remarkable lipid-lowering effects and also exhibits anti-adipogenic and anti-atherosclerotic activities. The lipid-lowering action was modulated by numerous mechanisms including the regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathways. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed that RA alleviates hyperlipidemia in animal models by modulating the expression of genes involved in hyperlipidemia as well as the regulation of gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory pathways. We conclude that RA is a multi-target anti-hyperlipidemic agent. Moreover, we suggest that the use of this bioactive compound as an anti-hyperlipidemic drug would be an effective pharmacological strategy that could provide promising options for the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and its related disorders including atherosclerosis.

Influence des températures alternées et la durée de stockage sur la germination des semences de Thymus satureioides

Thymus satureioides Cosson is an endemic chamaephyte to Morocco and Algeria. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and commonly used in traditional medicine. Its over-exploitation threatens its sustainability in many ecosystems in Morocco. This study aims to explore the effect of environmental factors (temperature and storage) on the germination capacity of the seeds of this species in order to contribute to contribute to the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems of T. satureioides. Accordingly, seeds collected from natural plant populations were subjected to six alternating temperatures (40/25, 35/20, 30/15, 20/10, 15/5 and 10/0 °C with a 14/10 hr. thermoperiod) and three storage duration (3 years, 5 years and 8 years) under ambient laboratory conditions. The results indicate that the alternating temperature and the seed storage duration have a significant effect on the germination parameters according to the test of Student Newman and Keuls (SNK). The highest germination percentage 93% was recorded for the alternating temperature of 15/05 °C, while high alternating temperature 40/25 °C strongly inhibited the seed germination. The 20/10 °C temperature regime was the best in terms of higher capacity and speed germination as indicated by the germination index (7.7 %/day for 20/10 °C versus 0.5 %/day for 10/0 °C). Furthermore, these results show that seed stored for longer duration delayed germination and decreased the germination capacity and rate. Seeds stored at room condition retain seeds viability up to 3 years. However, after 5 and 8 years of storing, the germination percentage was significantly reduced (75.0 and 64.5% respectively), which also suggests a reduction of seed viability.Thymus satureioides Cosson est une chaméphyte endémique du Maroc et de l'Algérie. Elle appartient à la famille des Lamiacées et couramment utilisée en médecine traditionnelle. Sa surexploitation menace sa durabilité dans de nombreux écosystèmes au Maroc. Cette étude vise à tester l'effet des facteurs environnementaux (température et stockage) sur la capacité de germination des graines de cette espèce en vue de contribuer à la réhabilitation des écosystèmes dégradés de T. satureioides. Ainsi, les semences récoltées à partir de populations naturelles ont été soumises à six températures alternées (40/25, 35/20, 30/15, 20/10, 15/5 et 10/0 °C avec une thermopériode de 14/10 h) et trois durées de stockage (3, 5 et 8 ans) dans les conditions du laboratoire. Les résultats montrent que la température alternée et la durée de stockage des graines ont un effet significatif sur la germination (Student Newman et Keuls). Le taux de germination le plus élevé (93 %) est enregistré pour la température alternée de 15/5 °C. Alors qu'aucune germination n'est observée pour la température alternée de 40/25°C. Le régime de température 20/10 °C reste le meilleur en termes de capacité et de vitesse de germination comme indiqué par l'indice de germination (7,7 %/jour pour 20/10 °C contre 0,5 %/jour pour 10/0 °C). Ces résultats montrent également qu'une durée de conservation plus longue des graines, entraîne un retard de germination et diminue la capacité et la vitesse de cette dernière. Les graines stockées dans des conditions ambiantes conservent leur viabilité jusqu'au-delà de 3 ans. Cependant, après 5 et 8 ans de stockage, le taux de germination baisse significativement (75,0 et 64,5% respectivement) suggérant également une réduction de la longévité des semences

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic activities of Teucrium takoumitense

المخلص: أهداف البحث: الغرض الرئيسي للدراسة الحالية هو تحديد التركيب الكيميائي وتقييم السلامة والنشاط المضاد للأكسدة والنشاط المضاد للدهون الزائدة للمستخلص المائي من الأعشاب الطبية التوكريوم تاكوميتينس. طرق البحث: تم تقييم تحليل الفيتوكيميائي (المحتوى الكلي للفينول والفلافونويد وأحماض الهيدروكسي الحمضية)، والنشاط المضاد للأكسدة (قوة التخفيض الفريك للأكسدة، حمض الأزينوبيس الاثيل البنزوثيازولين السلفونيك، الديفينيل البيكريل الهيدرازيل، واختبارات القدرة الكلية المضادة للأكسدة)، السمية الحادة، والنشاط المضاد للدهون الزائدة وفقا لنماذج المقالات والدراسات. في حين تم تحديد التوصيف الفيتوكيميائي بواسطة كروماتوغرافيا الغاز المرتبطة بطيف الكتلة بعد التميثل. النتائج: كشف المستخلص المائي من التوكريوم تاكوميتينس عن محتوى عالي من البوليفينولات الكلية وأحماض الهيدروكسي الحمضية وكمية قليلة من الفلافونويدات الكلية. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، أظهر المستخلص نشاط مضاد للأكسدة ملحوظ. كان البنزين، (هيكسيل أوكسي)-(19,32%) و 2,6 أ-ميثانو-6أ-اتش-اندينو[4,5-ب]أوكسيرين، أوكتاهيدرو – (1أ.ألفا.، 2.بيتا.، 3أ.ألفا.، 6أ.بيتا.، 6ب.ألفا.)-(32,42%)، دي-فوكوز (5,47%)، 5-هيدروكسيميثيلفورفورال (5,47%) والجواياكول (3,19%) هي المركبات الرئيسية في المستخلص. تم تقدير الجرعة الوسطى المميتة بين 500 و 2000 ملغم / كغ. علاوة على ذلك، أظهر المستخلص المائي من التوكريوم تاكوميتينس في 500 و 250 ملغم / كغ نشاطا مضادا للدهون الزائدة في الجسم مثيرا للاهتمام. الاستنتاجات: الجدير بالذكر أن المستخلص من التوكريوم تاكوميتينس له قدرة دوائية هامة وتركيب كيميائي متنوع. Abstract: Objective: The main purpose of the present work was to determine the chemical composition, safety, and antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities of an aqueous extract of Teucrium takoumitense. Methods: Phytochemical analysis (total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total hydroxycinnamic acid contents), antioxidant activity (ferric-reducing antioxidant power, 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil, and total antioxidant capacity tests), acute toxicity, and antihyperlipidemic activity were evaluated according to established models. In addition, the phytochemical profile was determined by methylation followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: The aqueous extract of T. takoumitense had a high content of total polyphenols (87.01 ± 0.31 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract) and hydroxycinnamic acid (2.28 ± 0.1 g/100 g Powdered Material) and a low content of total flavonoids (2.99 ± 0.16 mg GAE/g extract). In addition, the extract demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 76.67 ± 0.56 μg/mL, ABTS IC50 = 89.65 ± 0.27 μg/mL, FRAP EC50 = 296.32 ± 0.86 μg/mL, TAC value = 43 ± 0.27 mg EAA/g extract). The main compounds were identified as benzene, (hexyloxy)- (19.32%), 2,6a-methano-6aH-indeno[4,5-b]oxirene, octahedro-(1a.alpha., 2.beta., 3a.alpha., 6a.beta., 6b.alpha.)- (32.42%), d-fucose (5.47%), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5.47%) and guaiacol (3.19%). The LD50 was estimated to be between 500 and 2000 mg/kg. Furthermore, at 500 and 250 mg/kg, the aqueous extract of T. takoumitense exhibited good antihyperlipidemic activity in vivo. Conclusion: T. takoumitense extract has significant pharmacological potential and a varied chemical composition

Table1_Comparative evaluation of antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial potential of Euphorbia-derived functional products.docx

This study assessed the medicinal properties of Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg (E. resinifera) and Euphorbia officinarum subsp echinus (Hook.f. and Coss.) Vindt (Euphorbia echinus, known for their pharmaceutical benefits. Extracts from their flowers, stems, propolis, and honey were examined for phenolic content, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin (TCC) were determined using specific methods. Antioxidant potential was assessed through various tests including DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and Total antioxidant capacity. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using phenol-induced ear edema in rats, while antibacterial activity was measured against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) and Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 10536) bacteria. Among the extracts, the aqueous propolis extract of E. resinifera demonstrated exceptional antioxidant capabilities, with low IC50 values for DPPH (0.07 ± 0.00 mg/mL) and ABTS (0.13 ± 0.00 mg/mL), as well as high TAC (176.72 ± 0.18 mg AA/mg extract) and FRAP (86.45 ± 1.45 mg AA/mg extract) values. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of E. resinifera propolis extracts surpassed that of indomethacin, yielding edema percentages of 3.92% and 11.33% for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. Microbiological results indicated that the aqueous extract of E. resinifera flower exhibited the most potent inhibitory action against S. aureus, with an inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of 21.0 ± 0.00 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 mg/mL. Additionally, only E. resinifera honey displayed the ability to inhibit E. coli growth, with an inhibition zone diameter of 09.30 ± 0.03 mm and a MIC of 0.0433 mg/mL.</p