Biological properties of latex, aqueous extracts and bee products of Euphorbia Officinarum L.: a short review

Euphorbia officinarum L. is a Moroccan endemic plant known as “Tikiout” and “Daghmus” that can also be found in Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Algeria. In the present review, “Euphorbia officinarum”, “metabolites” “hemisynthesis” were the keywords used for the research in the Web search engine Google Scholar and in the database Web of Science. Triterpenes, phytosterols and ingol diterpenes were isolated and identified in the latex of Moroccan E. officinarum. More than sixty triterpenes were obtained by hemisynthesis from natural triterpenes. Some of these derivatives had insecticidal and antimicrobial activity (phytopathogenic bacteria). The total phenol content and the antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities were dependent on the time and temperature of extractions and also on the plant solvent ratio. The antioxidant activity of monofloral honey of E. officinarum origin was attributed to the phenol fraction (this fraction, previously isolated from honey samples, had better activity than the entire honey).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Response surface methodology (RSM) for optimization of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum extracts with antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities

Background: Euphorbia is one of the plants most used by herbalists and therapists in Morocco. Objectives: The aerial part of two plant samples (Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum) collected in Morocco was examined for the solvent effect, extraction time, and plant concentration in order to determine the best extraction conditions. Materials and Methods: To achieve this goal, a response surface methodology (RSM) using a full three-level factorial design was used to optimize the conditions for the extraction of antioxidants and a-glucosidase inhibitors. Temperature, time, and plant-to-solvent ratio (PSR) and their linear and quadratic interactions on TPC (total phenol concentration), TFC (total flavonoid concentration), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) trapping activity, and a-glucosidase inhibiting activities were studied. Results: According to desirability functions, the optimum operating conditions to achieve a higher extraction yield of phenols and higher antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity were found by using extraction during 60 min at 30 degrees C using a PSR of 20 mg/mL, whereas a longer extraction time (270 min) was needed for E. resinifera and a higher extraction temperature (50 degrees C), with a lower PSR (10 mg/mL) for E. officinarum. Conclusion: In order to find the best conditions to extract secondary metabolites with biological activity and application in phytotherapy, the appropriate solvent generally used by populations, water in this case, should be used, but the best extraction conditions have to be found in order to enhance the pharmacological actions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Extractive optimization of antioxidants and phenolic compounds from Anacyclus pyrethrum

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. is a Moroccan endemic species well appreciated as a remedy against toothache, digestive disorders, and as a tonic agent for the nervous system. This work aims to select the best solvents for extracting antioxidants and optimize their extraction using a surface mixture design. In this study, eleven solvents with different polarities were screened for their efficiency to extract total phenolic compounds and other molecules endowed with antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and total antioxidant activities. The selected solvent was subjected to response surface methodology using a simplex axial mixture design to optimize the extraction of polyphenols and antioxidants. The results showed a significant influence of solvent nature on extraction. Water, ethanol, chloroform, and methanol were the most effective solvents to achieve good polyphenol yields. The best yield is obtained using the tertiary mixture “water-methanol-ethanol”. The anti-radical activity in A. pyrethrum was significantly influenced by the extraction solvent's nature and the mixture's nature. The percentage of inhibition of DPPH was higher in both extracts obtained with the ternary mixture and binary mixtures “water-methanol” and “water-ethanol”. the best total antioxidant capacity was observed for pure water, followed by binary mixtures including water. This study revealed a good synergetic effect between water and both ethanol and methanol on extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the ternary mixture with the following proportions: water 75%; ethanol 11%; methanol 14% was the most efficient

Effect of phenolic compounds extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on cutaneous wound healing in wistar rats

Turmeric and ginger, widely used rhizomes in culinary arts, have several beneficial biological activities, such as hypoglycemic, hepato-protective, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This work investigated the effects of three phenolic extracts isolated from turmeric and ginger rhizomes on anti-inflammatory and healing properties using the solid–liquid extraction method. Wistar rats were used as a biological model. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on induced edema in the rat’s hind paw using carrageenan (1%). Paw volume was measured at 0 min, 45 min, 3 h, and 5 h. Treatment with turmeric and ginger extracts, administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg, revealed a reduction in edema volume by 98.8%, 94.8%, and 98.3% using an aqueous extract of turmeric, ethanolic extract of turmeric, and methanolic extract of ginger, respectively. The healing activity parameters of induced burns on the rat’s dorsal region in nine groups (7 rats each) were monitored daily throughout the experiment’s duration. Results showed that the application of creams composed of petroleum jelly dispersing turmeric and ginger extracts to wounds at a dose of 100 mg/kg g induced complete healing after 19 days while the negative control was only 60% cured. On day 14, the aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic turmeric extracts nearly resulted in complete tissue repair by 95.26%, 98.34%, and 87.39%, respectively. According to the chromatographic analysis (Sephadex G50 column), there is a variation in the molecular weight distribution of phenolic compounds (polymers, oligomers, and monomers) in the three studied extracts, which has a differential effect on the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the extracts.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Organic food consumption and eating habit in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

The purpose of the current study is to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected eating behavior and directed toward organic food and bioproducts consumption in the North African region especially Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia as well as identify the variables that may affect the eating behavior of these population. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey on 1,244 respondents from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The results showed that the confinement did influence the consumption of healthy food to enhance people’s immune system so as to prevent infection by the COVID-19, and other diseases. Moreover, academic level, gender, and country of residence were diversely correlated with the eating behavior during COVID-19 confinement. The understanding of people’s eating behavior will help the public health to reshape future policies toward organic and bio-based food production; moreover, some further nutritional recommendations could be concluded to maintain a global better health status and improve body defence mechanism.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chemical Characterization and Biological Properties Assessment of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum Moroccan Propolis

Although the plants of the genus Euphorbia are largely exploited by therapists in Morocco, the composition and antibacterial activities of propolis from these plants are still unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to characterize the pollen type, the volatile compounds, and the phenolic and mineral profiles of three Euphorbia propolis samples collected in Morocco and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis samples was determined by the microdilution method, and the anti-adherence activity was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The examination of anti-quorum-sensing proprieties was performed using the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Pollen analysis revealed that Euphorbia resinifera pollen dominated in the P1 sample (58%), while E. officinarum pollen dominated in the P2 and P3 samples (44%). The volatile compounds were primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, constituting 35% in P1 and 31% in P2, with α-pinene being the major component in both cases, at 16% in P1 and 15% in P2. Calcium (Ca) was the predominant mineral element in both E. resinifera (P1) and E. officinarum (P2 and P3) propolis samples. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids and dihydroflavonoids were detected in the E. officinarum P2 sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 50 to 450 µL/mL against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Euphorbia propolis displayed the ability to inhibit quorum sensing in the biosensor C. violaceum CV026 and disrupted bacterial biofilm formation, including that of resistant bacterial pathogens. In summary, the current study evidences the potential use of E. officinarum propolis (P2 and P3) to combat important features of resistant pathogenic bacteria, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation.The authors are grateful to the financial support to FCT/MCTES through national funds, under CESAM UIDP/50017/2020+UIDB/50017/2020+LA/P/ 0094/2020, FEDER, PT2020 PACompete 2020. The authors are also grateful for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020); and MED UIDB/05183/2020; UIDP/04326/2020 and LA/0101/2020. The authors acknowledge Município de Loulé for the support provided during the study. The authors are also thankful for the imaging analysis using the equipment available at the Light Microscopy Unit of ABC-UAlg that was partially supported by National Portuguese funding PPBI-POCI-01-0145- FEDER-22122info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparative study of the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of two types of Moroccan Euphorbia entire honey and their phenolic extracts

Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO) and scavenging ability of superoxide anion radical. Then, the phenolic extracts of the same entire honey samples were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) and tested for the biological activities previously evaluated on the entire honeys, in order to conduct a comparative study between both (honey and phenolic extracts). The chromatographic profiles for the studied Euphorbia honey extracts were different. Phenolic compounds gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in all samples, whereas kampferol was only present in two samples. Physicochemical parameters and total phenolic content were also determined. Entire honey that recorded the highest rate of phenols was sample M6 (E. resinifera) = 69.25 mg GAE/100 g. On the other hand, the phenolic extracts had better antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities than the entire honeys, regardless the monofloral honey type. In conclusion, the studied Euphorbia honeys may have a great potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase sources for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Morphological Variability and Adaptability and Phenolic Content of <i>Ajuga iva</i> Collected from Distinct Moroccan Geographical Locations

Adaptation plasticity constitutes a key factor in the development of such plants under different ecoclimatic conditions. The current study was designed to determine the morphological and phenotypic variability of Ajuga iva collected from distinct geographical locations in Morocco and their phenolic content. Four samples of Ajuga iva were collected to evaluate the morphological variability and adaptability to ensure the sustainable growth of this medicinal plant known for its unique biological properties. Eleven morphological parameters were selected, including length, width, number, distance, and the thickness of different parts, as well as total phenolic content. Statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, and correlation were used to assess the change in the parameters under study based on the geographical origin. Treatment of the obtained results revealed a high variability of morphological parameters of different samples according to the site and altitude, and the interaction between the studied factors. The sample collected from Jbel Zerhoun registered the highest values of the following morphological parameters: APL (12.47 ± 2.09 cm), UPL (6.56 ± 0.40 cm), APW (3.28 ± 1.59 g), UPW (1.24 ± 0.19 g), LW (0.40 ± 0.10 cm), LN (44 ± 4), and NN (21.33 ± 2.51). The samples collected from an altitude above 1000 m showed the highest values of different morphological parameters (aerial part length and weight, underground part weight, leaf number and weight, and node number) and registered the maximum of TPC (124.12 mg GAE/g, 128.86 mg GAE/g, and 164.75 mg GAE/g for samples collected from Immouzzer Kander, Jbel Zerhoun, and Azrou, respectively). Therefore, the samples from high elevations can resist environmental critical conditions by the emergence of different biochemical processes to synthesize bioactive compounds with multifaceted effects

A simple diet for the rearing success of the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) (Orthoptera, Acrididae)

The Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) (Orthoptera, Acrididae) is known as a very important insect pest in many countries including Morocco. As a result, it is regarded as one of the most used biological models for studying various physiology domains. In this work, we studied the effect of three types of food on nymphal development and maturation of the ovaries in adults in order to assess the most adequate trophic sources for the rearing of the locusts. The results obtained showed that a mixed diet or a monospecific diet based on turnip could be suitable as nutritive elements : they confer a fast development to nymphal life and a satisfactory oocyte maturation compared to the other studied diet types.Un régime alimentaire simple pour la réussite de l'élevage du Criquet pèlerin Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) (Orthoptera, Acrididae). Le Criquet pèlerin Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) (Orthoptera, Acrididae) est un ravageur polyphage récurrent des productions agricoles et pastorales dans de nombreux pays y compris le Maroc. Vu son importance économique, il est le sujet de nombreuses recherches acridologiques. Il est considéré comme l'un des modèles biologiques les plus utilisés au laboratoire. Cependant, on ne peut réussir son élevage que par la mise en place des besoins nécessaires et de conditions bien contrôlées. Dans le présent travail, nous avons étudié l'effet de trois types du régime alimentaire sur le développement des juvéniles et la maturation des ovaires afin de chercher le régime trophique le plus adéquat pour l'élevage. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que le régime mixte et le régime monospécifique à base de navet semblent être les éléments nutritifs les plus convenables pour l'élevage du Criquet pèlerin. Ils confèrent un développement des juvéniles et une maturation des ovocytes accélérés par rapport aux autres types de régime alimentaire étudiés.Azizi Nabil, El Ghadraoui Lahsen, Petit Daniel, Fadil Fatima, Mohim Ahmed. A simple diet for the rearing success of the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål, 1775) (Orthoptera, Acrididae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 115 (4),2010. pp. 445-450

Diversité écologique du peuplement de coléoptères des écosystèmes dunaires mobiles de la frange septentrionale et de la région orientale du Maroc

The present work is a continuation of our research for a better understanding of the ecological organization of beetles in the mobile sand dunes of north-eastern Morocco. This study is spread over 400km ² of dunes from Guercif (north) to Merzouga (Sahara), and also the following sites : north-east Missour, Midelt, Aïn Beni Methar, Tendrara, Rich, Boulman, Bouârfa, Boudnib and Erfoud. The highest density of coleoptera is recorded in Figuig, Tendrara, Bouârfa. On the other hand, the lowest densities are measured in Guercif, Aïn Beni Methar, Bouânane and Rich. Diversity and evenness were low overall. We distinguish a first group of sites, consisting of Tendrara, Bouârfa to Missour, Aïn Beni Methar and Guercif, where the assemblage is more bal- anced due to the mediterranean climatic influence, a rather rich and abundant vegetation allowing the establishment a higher diversity of coleoptera. A second group of sites (Bouânane, Midelt, Rich and Figuig) is characterized by lower diversity and evenness. The third group of sites, located in the south (Erfoud, Merzouga and Boudnib) have assemblages with low diversity and very low eveness composed of a few specialized species. These assemblages are directly dependent on extremely harsh conditions.Le présent travail constitue la suite de nos recherches pour une meilleure connaissance de l’organisation écologique des groupements des coléoptères des dunes mobiles du Maroc oriental et de la frange septentrionale occidentale du Sahara. Cette zone s’étend sur 400 km ² , des dunes de Guercif au nord, à celles de Merzouga (Sahara), en passant par les dunes des stations suivantes : nord-est de Missour, Midelt, Aïn Beni Methar, Tendrara, Rich, Boulmane, Bouârfa, Boudnib et Erfoud. Les plus fortes densités de la faune sabulicole sont enregistrées à Figuig, Tendrara et Bouârfa. À l’inverse, les plus faibles densités sont relevées à Guercif, Aïn Beni Mathar, Bouânane et Rich. La variation des paramètres de la diversité et de l’équitabilité nous a permis de distinguer, dans l’ensemble, des valeurs globales assez faibles à très faibles, quelle que soit la station. Il s’agit donc de peuplements peu diversifiés et dominés par quelques espèces. Ces peuplements, comme le milieu qui les héberge, sont spécialisés. Nous avons ainsi distingué un premier groupe de stations (Tendrara, Bouârfa, NE Missour, Aïn Beni Methar et Guercif) où les peuplements sont les plus diversifiés et équilibrés. Cela est dû au climat sous influence méditerranéenne, à végétation assez riche et abondante qui permet l’installation d’un bon nombre d’espèces contribuant à leur tour à l’établissement d’une bonne valeur de la diversité. Un deuxième groupe de stations (du «centre » : Bouânane, Midelt, Rich et Figuig) est caractérisé par une diversité et une équitabilité plus faibles. Dans les stations du sud (Erfoud, Boudnib et Merzouga), les peuplements sont peu diversifiés et dominés par quelques espèces spécialisées. Ces peuplements, sont sous la dépendance directe des facteurs de milieux extrêmement rigoureux.Bouraada Khalid, Chavanon Guy, Essafi Mariam, El Ghadraoui Lahsen, Benjelloun Meryem. Diversité écologique du peuplement de coléoptères des écosystèmes dunaires mobiles de la frange septentrionale et de la région orientale du Maroc. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 42 n°1, 2016. pp. 39-50