Phytochemical composition and pharmacological assessment of callus and parent plant of Asteriscus graveolens (Forssk.) Less. from Algerian Sahara

Purpose: To determine the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, as well as analgesic and antiinflammatory properties of extracts of the aerial parts and callus cultures of Asteriscus graveolens.Methods: Different standard chemical tests were used for the screening of bioactive compounds in aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Asteriscus graveolens (PAE) and callus (CAE). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to identify the constituents of the glycosidic extract (GE). Acute oral toxicity test was carried out to ascertain the safety of the plant material. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were determined using acetic acid-induced writhing test and carrageenan-induced edema test, respectively.Results: Phytochemical analysis showed some differences in composition between the aerial parts and callus cultures. Results from HPLC analysis revealed the presence of 12 phenolic compounds in the GE of adult plants. In addition to being orally safe (no mortality), all extracts showed significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced chemical pain: PAE and GE produced 63 and 68 % reductions in pain, respectively, relative to 60.26 % pain reduction by aspirin. All extracts exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects, with PAE producing the highest effect (73 %) at a dose of 100 mg/mL.Conclusion: Asteriscus graveolens extracts possess potent pharmacological properties due to the presence of some phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional uses of Asteriscus graveolens, and indicate that it is a potential source of antiinflammatory agents. Keywords: Acute toxicity, Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, Aqueous extract, Callus, Flavonoid

Enhancing bioactive potential by growth regulators in callus of Mentha longifolia L. leaves for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities

122-130Mentha longifolia L., popularly known as Mint, is a medicinal herb against inflammation and analgesic pains caused by venom of snakes and scorpions. Its leaves are commonly used by nomads of Ahaggar to treat external wounds. Unfortunately, this medicinal plant is less accessible in its natural zone. Hence, here, we propose a biotechnological approach to induce callus yielding the same effects. Callus was induced from young leaves cultivated on modified Murashige and Skoog solid medium supplemented with 30 g L-1 sucrose, 100 mg glutamine and growth regulators under dark conditions. Aqueous and C-glycoside extracts of plant and callus, respectively were prepared and analyzed by HPLC-DAD/LC-ESI-MS. The study of acute toxicity at 2000 mg kg-1 followed by the anti-inflammatory activity assessment using carrageenan-induced paw edema and the analgesic activity of acetic acid induced writhing were performed on mice. Compared to the control, the trials showed 79% higher rate of friable callus induced on 2,4-D and BAP. No mortality or signs of toxicity were observed in mice. Unexpected higher anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities by callus extracts can be attributed to their phenolic composition

ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L. POLLEN USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY PROBLEMS IN ALGERIAN OASES

Background: The Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) is known for its traditional medicinal properties across the history of native population in Algerian Sahara. There is a large trend of consumption of date palm pollen preparations in many human infertility cases in our country. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. There has been no direct scientific research on this application. This study was undertaken to identify cultivars with greater potential in the traditional medicine uses. To evaluate the effects of da palm pollen on some sexual behavioural parameters of male adult rats, we tested the role of pollen powder from Deglet Nour cultivar on some male reproductive parameters. Materials and Methods: An Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 17 oases in southern Algeria to identify all cultivars with medicinal interest. Local people were interviewed with open questions. A questionnaire and personal interviews for data collection were designed to record important cultivars, parts used and preparations. To determine the active constituents of date palm pollen used in traditional medicine, a phytochemical screening was performed. The effects of oral administration of date palm pollen suspension on male adult rats were investigated on body and testicle weights, serum testosterone level. Results: 131 prominent cultivars were found within 12 cultivars containing various parts with medicinal effects. Some primary and secondary metabolites were detected by phytochemical screening. The pollen increased the weight of the body, testicles and enhanced the serum testosterone level of male rats treated. Conclusion: The present survey has provided the identification and recognition of date palm cultivars used in traditional Saharan medicine. Date palm pollen could improve sexual activities in male infertility cases and may be attempted to derive drugs