A preliminary list of the Ant Fauna in Northeastern Sahara of Algeria (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

We present here a preliminary list of ant fauna of some study sites in thenortheastern Sahara of Algeria using two methodologies, quadrat andpitfall traps (Barber-pots) methods. This work was conducted in wild andagricultural ecosystems in the basin of Ouargla, El-Oued region and Djamaaregion. We record a total of 26 species of 12 genera belonging to threesubfamilies Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, and Myrmicinae. Species of theMyrmicinae and Formicinae were the most abundant with 62.96% and29.63% respectively. The most diverse genus was Monomorium Mayr, 1855(6 species), followed by Messor Forel, 1890 (5). The highest diversity of antswas in Djamaa region (24 species), followed by Ouargla (18) and El-Oued(13). Moreover, this work shows the first record of the species Strumigenysmembranifera Emery, 1869 for the Country. Finally, we observed a variationin the distribution of ant species between study sites, for why, ecologicaldeterminants such as soil need to be studied deeply to explain their influenceon the repartition and richness of the Saharan myrmycofauna of Algeria

LARVICIDAL EFFECT OF THE SEED OILS OF TWO INDIGENOUS PLANTS FROM THE ALGERIAN SAHARA ON THE DESERT LOCUST

The lethal and sublethal effects of the seed oils of two indigenous plants of the Algerian Sahara, Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) and Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae), were investigated. Administration of 60 μl of oil by forced oral injection using a micropipette to the L5 larvae of Schistocerca gregaria Forsk. (Orthoptera: Acrididae) revealed the deterrent effect of these oils on treated larvae. The treatment resulted in various toxicological symptoms, such as intense defecation, diarrhea, weight loss, reduction in motor activity, delay and difficulty in molting and, in the most extreme cases, the death of treated individuals. During the treatment of L5 larvae of S. gregaria with P. harmala seed oil, various toxicological symptoms appeared: 81.81% of individuals presented with diarrhea; 68.18% of individuals lost weight; 72.72% exhibited reduced motor activity, and 100% of surviving individuals experienced a delay in their molt. On the other hand, in L5 larvae treated with D. stramonium seed oil, 77.27% of individuals had diarrhea, 100% showed weight loss and 100% of individuals reduced their motor activity. D. stramonium seed oil has been shown to be more toxic than P. harmala seed oil. The oral administration of 60 μl of D. stramonium seed oil caused the blocking of the phenomenon of exuviation in 100% of the treated L5 larvae, resulting in death after 16 days. While P. harmala seed oils caused 50% mortality after 12 days, the 50% surviving individuals were able to complete their imaginal molt with difficulties, which resulted in malformations. The estimated lethal time 50 (LT50) in larvae (L5) treated with D. stramonium seed oil was 3.67 days. It was more toxic than the LT50 obtained in larvae (L5) treated with the oil of P. harmala seeds, which was 12 days. The food intake in L5 larvae of S. gregaria treated with D. stramonium seed oil was 0.28 ± 0.18 g/day, it was lower than the average daily consumption recorded in the L5 larvae treated with P. harmala seed oil, which was 0.67 ± 0.36 g/day, D. stramonium seed oil appears to be more toxic, and profoundly affects food intake. The values of the apparent digestive utilization coefficient (DUC a) reported for L5 larvae treated with seed oil of P. harmala and D. stramonium were 39.32 ± 13.07% and 34.23 ± 29,07%, respectively. These values were significantly lower compared to the control group value, which was 70.63 ± 19.56%. Likewise, the digestive conversion coefficients (CCD) recorded in the L5 of S. gregaria treated with the seed oils of P. harmala and D. stramonium were -75.07 ± 54.45% and -3.08 ± 1.18, respectively. However, in the control group of L5 larvae, the noted CCD was 1.004 ± 0.073. Values of the consumption index (CI) reported for L5 larvae treated with the seed oils of P. harmala and D. stramonium were low, 6.74 ± 4.45 and 3.82 ± 2.45, respectively, while for the L5 larvae of the control group, it was 15.74 ± 3.51

Antidiabetic potential of mucilage fraction extracted from Astragalus gyzensis seeds

The objective of the current work is to extract a new mucilage fraction from Astragalus gyzensis Bunge. seeds, which are collected from the El-Oued province (septentrional Algerian Sahara) and evaluated for their antidiabetic potential. The mucilage fraction is obtained using hot water extraction followed by alcoholic precipitation of polysaccharides by cold ethanol (96%). The primary investigation was performed by describing the main structural features of the extract through colorimetric assays, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography analysis using two systems. Biological activity was also monitored by antidiabetic activity by testing the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in vitro. The extraction yield was 20.69%. The chemical composition mainly consisted of 78.60±0.29% carbohydrates, among them 63.92±0.67% neutral sugar, 15.78±0.76% uronic acid, 8.08±0.04% proteins and 2.57±0.05% phenolic compounds. The results obtained by thin-layer chromatography analysis showed the dominance of mannose and galactose. Fourier-transform infrared spectrum showed characteristic bands expected galactomannans. The investigations highlighted the antihyperglycemic effect in a dose-dependent manner by the inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme (IC50=0.8±0.005 mg/mL). These factors make it suitable for the industrial application of dietary supplement fiber made for diabetic individuals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.761853

Ethnic Medicine and Ethnobotany Concept to Identify and Characterize New Polysaccharide-Based Drug from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

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Antioxidant antileishmanial cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of a local plant Myrtus nivellei from Algeria Sahara

Objective: To study the phytochemical constituents and in vitro biological activities of hydromethanolic extract and fractions from Algerian Sahara Myrtus nivellei (M. nivellei) collected in Hoggar region and to identify the active fraction that can act as an alternative of commonly used antibiotics and as antileishmanial or antioxidant agents. Methods: Phytochemical screening of M. nivellei aerial parts was realised according to the literature. Extract was firstly prepared by using aqueous methanol then fractionated with ethyl acetate and butanol solvents. Total phenolics, tannis and flavonoids, of the hydromethanolic extract and their fractions were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method as gallic acid equivalents and by aluminium chloride as rutin equivalent respectively. Extract and fractions were tested for their antimicrobial and antiparasital activities against standard bacteria using agar diffusion method and two kinds of leishmania visceral and cutaneous. The antioxidant activities were realized using phosphomolybdenum, FRAP and DPPH tests. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. The experimental results showed that plant extract and fractions were high in phenolic compounds and exhibited an important role as antioxidant, antimicrobial and had a moderate antileishmanial activity. Conclusions: These observations lead us toward more studies in this field, so that we can get more benefits from our local Algerian medicinal plants

Bioactivités, méthodes d’extraction et de purification des polysaccharides de produits naturels

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Mediterranean semi-arid plant Astragalus armatus as a source of bioactive galactomannan

International audienceA water-soluble polysaccharide fraction (WSPF) was extracted and purified from Astragalus armatus Lam. (Fabaceae), a spontaneous plant found in North Algerian Sahara. The structural features of WSPF were evaluated by colorimetric assays, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). WSPF was a galactomannan-rich fraction, with a β-(1,4)-d-manp backbone with α-(1,6)-d-galp branches, and a Man:Gal ratio of 1.13. Besides, the anti-complement activity and the antioxidant potential (DPPH and hydroxyl radicals) of WSPF were evaluated. The results exhibited an anti-complementary activity, with an IC50 value of 0.39 mg/mL of the fraction, better than for heparin (0.58 mg/mL). Moreover, WSPF possessed a notable antioxidant activity on DPPH radical with an IC50 of 330 µg/mL

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF WATER-SOLUBLE POLYSACCHARIDES FROM Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.GUM

International audienceMyrrha, the gum resin exudate from Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. tree, has been extensively used in traditional medicine for their beneficial effects. In this work, we isolated and purified water-soluble polysaccharide fraction (WSP), which afforded a yield of 42%. The chemical composition of WSP was mainly consisted of 83.33±2.63% carbohydrates, among them 79.25±1.06% are neutral monosaccharides and 13.4± 2.18% proteins, with traces of polyphenols (3.82%): The majority components of monosaccharides were galactose (45%) and arabinose (44%), with low levels of xylose (6%), and mannose (5%): In order to evaluate the immunostimulatory effect of WSP, phagocytic activity of opsonized human leucocytes against opportunist pathogen yeast, Candida albicans, was assessed. WSP could significantly (p < 0.05) enhance phagocytic capacity at the dose of 150 μg/ml, which showed a phagocytic activity of 29%. Moreover, the antihyperglycemic activity of extract was determined by α-D-glucosidase inhibitory activity, in vitro. WSP displays a promising inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 8.30±0.12 mg/mL. The results of this work provide new knowledge in the field of chemical composition and biological activities of polysaccharides of Commiphora myrrha gum and might play an important role in activating phagocytosis leucocytes cells, thus having contribution to antidiabetic activity

The prebiotic potential of a new galactomannan extracted from Astragalus gombo seeds

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Chemical features and biological activities of water-soluble polysaccharides from Commiphora myrrha gum

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