Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. Aqueous Extract Antibacterial Activity Improved by the Addition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl and Origanum compactum Benth

Lavender aqueous extracts are widely used in the Moroccan traditional medicine for their antibacterial properties. However, previous research have generally focused on investigating the antibacterial activity of lavender essential oils. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Moroccan Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. aqueous extract, alone, as well as in combination with extracts of other plant species known for their antibacterial activity: Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. and Origanum compactum Benth. We have tested the antibacterial activity of L. pedunculata, S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum aqueous extracts individually and in combination against 34 strains using the agar dilution method. The combination effect was evaluated using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC). Polyphenol and tannin contents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and then some phenolic compounds were identified using UHPLC-MS. All the extracts displayed a large spectrum of antibacterial activity, especially against staphylococci, streptococci, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Proteus mirabilis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values reached 0.15 ± 0.00 mg/mL for Staphylococcus warneri tested with S. lavandulifolia and 0.20 ± 0.07 mg/mL for Staphylococcus epidermidis tested with L. pedunculata or S. rosmarinus. Association of the L. pedunculata extract with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum showed synergistic effects (FIC ≤ 1). Moreover, the association of L. pedunculata with S. lavandulifolia was active against most of the Gram-negative strains resistant to the individual extracts. Determination of polyphenol and tannin contents showed the richness of the studied plants in these compounds. Additionally, chromatographic analysis demonstrated the high presence of rosmarinic acid in all the studied plant extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows the enhancing effect of the antibacterial activity of L. pedunculata aqueous extract combined with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum. These results confirm the effectiveness of the plant mixtures commonly used by traditional healers in Morocco and suggest that L. pedunculata might be used as an antibacterial agent either alone or, more efficiently, in combination with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum

Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. Aqueous Extract Antibacterial Activity Improved by the Addition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl and Origanum compactum Benth

Lavender aqueous extracts are widely used in the Moroccan traditional medicine for their antibacterial properties. However, previous research have generally focused on investigating the antibacterial activity of lavender essential oils. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Moroccan Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. aqueous extract, alone, as well as in combination with extracts of other plant species known for their antibacterial activity: Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. and Origanum compactum Benth. We have tested the antibacterial activity of L. pedunculata, S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum aqueous extracts individually and in combination against 34 strains using the agar dilution method. The combination effect was evaluated using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC). Polyphenol and tannin contents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and then some phenolic compounds were identified using UHPLC-MS. All the extracts displayed a large spectrum of antibacterial activity, especially against staphylococci, streptococci, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Proteus mirabilis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values reached 0.15 ± 0.00 mg/mL for Staphylococcus warneri tested with S. lavandulifolia and 0.20 ± 0.07 mg/mL for Staphylococcus epidermidis tested with L. pedunculata or S. rosmarinus. Association of the L. pedunculata extract with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum showed synergistic effects (FIC ≤ 1). Moreover, the association of L. pedunculata with S. lavandulifolia was active against most of the Gram-negative strains resistant to the individual extracts. Determination of polyphenol and tannin contents showed the richness of the studied plants in these compounds. Additionally, chromatographic analysis demonstrated the high presence of rosmarinic acid in all the studied plant extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows the enhancing effect of the antibacterial activity of L. pedunculata aqueous extract combined with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum. These results confirm the effectiveness of the plant mixtures commonly used by traditional healers in Morocco and suggest that L. pedunculata might be used as an antibacterial agent either alone or, more efficiently, in combination with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum

Development of antidiabetic and antibacterial food supplements containing lavender from Morocco

Les lavandes sont largement utilisées au Maroc pour leurs différentes propriétés thérapeutiques. Le but de ce travail est la valorisation de ces lavandes par la mise sur le marché des compléments alimentaires qui répondent aux exigences de sureté et de sécurité. Pour ce faire, différentes études ont été réalisées.Une étude ethnobotanique a été effectuée dans la région Fès-Meknès pour mieux comprendre les utilisations traditionnelles de six espèces de lavandes, dont deux cultivées (Lavandula angustifolia Mill. et Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) et quatre spontanées (Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., Lavandula stoechas L., Lavandula multifida L. et Lavandula dentata L.). D’après cette étude, 92,71% des enquêtés utilisent la lavande, sous forme de décocté à 28,90% ou d’huile essentielle (HE) à 27,98%, avec une préférence pour les espèces cultivées. L’usage le plus courant est thérapeutique (41,69%), notamment pour soigner les affections dermatologiques (24,74%) et génito-urinaires (24,48%).Une étude phytochimique a été réalisée sur les six espèces de lavandes choisies, d’une part, pour étudier la variation de la composition chimique des extraits phénoliques et des HE des lavandes cultivées dans différentes régions, et d’autre part, pour interpréter les activités biologiques et pharmacologiques obtenues. Pour cela, 24 échantillons ont été étudiés, dont 20 correspondaient aux lavandes cultivées à Khénifra, Azrou, Ifrane, Dayet Aoua et Oulmès et récoltées pendant plusieurs années. L’analyse par CG-SM a révélé les composés majoritaires des HE des lavandes cultivées (linalol, 1,8-cinéole, camphre et acétate de linalyle) et spontanées (fenchone, camphre et 1,8-cinéole). Les décoctés de ces lavandes ont fait preuve d’une richesse en polyphénols (jusqu’à 313,18 ± 2,35 mg équivalent acide gallique/g d’extrait) et d’une forte présence de l’acide rosmarinique détecté par CLUHP-SM.Une étude biologique a porté sur les propriétés antiradicalaires, antioxydantes et antimicrobiennes des HE et des extraits phénoliques des lavandes. Les résultats ont montré que les activités antiradicalaires et antioxydantes corrèlent positivement avec les teneurs en polyphénols. Par ailleurs, les décoctés ont fait preuve de propriétés antimicrobiennes plus intéressantes que les HE, avec des concentrations minimales inhibitrices allant jusqu’à 0,20 ± 0,07 mg/mL contre Staphylococcus epidermidis. De plus, la combinaison de L. pedunculata et Salvia lavandulifolia a amplifié l’effet antibactérien obtenu par les extraits seuls. En outre, l’effet de la digestion sur la composition chimique des décoctés a été étudié et leurs profils chromatographiques avant et après digestion n’ont pas révélé des différences significatives dans leurs compositions chimiques.Une étude pharmacologique s’est focalisée sur les propriétés antidiabétiques in vitro (sur les enzymes digestives), ex vivo (en chambre d’Ussing) et in vivo (test de tolérance orale au glucose). Les résultats ont montré que le décocté de L. pedunculata inhibe l’activité des enzymes alpha-amylase pancréatique (CI50 = 0,44 ± 0,05 mg/mL) et alpha-glucosidase intestinale (CI50 = 131 ± 20 µg/mL), ainsi que l’absorption intestinale du glucose (CI50 = 81,28 ± 4,01 µg/mL). De plus, L. pedunculata a favorisé la tolérance orale au glucose (aiguë et chronique) chez les rats normaux, et sa combinaison avec Punica granatum a amplifié cet effet qui est devenu semblable à la metformine. Finalement, l’étude de la toxicité in vivo n’a pas montré d’effets toxiques de L. pedunculata sur les souris et les rats.Les résultats du présent travail sont très prometteurs, ils ont permis le développement de deux compléments alimentaires, un antimicrobien et un antidiabétique, à base de la lavande combinée avec d’autres plantes. De plus, ce travail pourrait contribuer à une meilleure exploitation des lavandes cultivées suite à l’étude de la variation de leur composition chimique selon la région de culture et l’âge de la plante.Lavenders are widely used in Morocco for their various therapeutic properties. The aim of this work is the valorization of these lavenders by placing on the market food supplements that meet the safety and security requirements. For this purpose, various studies were performed.An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the Fez-Meknes region to better understand the traditional uses of six species of lavender, including two cultivated species (Lavandula angustifolia Mill. and Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) and four spontaneous species (Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., Lavandula stoechas L., Lavandula multifida L. and Lavandula dentata L.). According to this study, 92.71% of the surveyed people use lavender, in the form of a decoction at 28.90% or as an essential oil (EO) at 27.98%, with a preference for the cultivated species. The most common use is therapeutic (41.69%), in particular to treat dermatological (24.74%) and genitourinary (24.48%) diseases.A phytochemical study was carried out on the six chosen species of lavender, on the one hand, to study the variation in the chemical composition of phenolic extracts and EOs of lavenders grown in different areas, and on the other hand, to interpret the obtained biological and pharmacological activities. For this, 24 samples were studied, including 20 samples of lavenders grown in Khénifra, Azrou, Ifrane, Dayet Aoua and Oulmès and harvested for several years. GC-MS analysis revealed the major compounds of EOs from the cultivated lavenders (linalool, 1,8-cineole, camphor and linalool acetate) and the spontaneous ones (fenchone, camphor and 1,8-cineole). The aqueous extracts of these lavenders showed a richness in polyphenols (up to 313.18 ± 2.35 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract) and a strong presence of rosmarinic acid detected by UHPLC-MS.A biological study focused on the scavenger, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of EOs and phenolic extracts of lavenders. The results showed that the scavenging and antioxidant activities aqueous extracts correlate positively with the polyphenols contents. Moreover, the aqueous extracts showed more interesting antimicrobial properties than the EOs with minimum inhibitory concentrations of up to 0.20 ± 0.07 mg/mL obtained against Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, the combination of L. pedunculata and Salvia lavandulifolia amplified the antibacterial effect obtained by the individual extracts. Besides, the effect of digestion on the chemical composition of the aqueous extracts was studied and their chromatographic profiles, before and after digestion, did not reveal any significant differences in their chemical compositions.A pharmacological study focused on the antidiabetic properties in vitro (on digestive enzymes), ex vivo (in Ussing chambers) and in vivo (oral glucose tolerance test). The results showed that the aqueous extract of L. pedunculata inhibits the enzymatic activity of the pancreatic alpha-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 ± 0.05 mg/mL) and the intestinal alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 131 ± 20 µg/mL), as well as the intestinal glucose absorption (IC50 of 81.28 ± 4.01 µg/mL). In addition, L. pedunculata enhanced oral glucose tolerance (acute and chronic) in normal rats, and its combination with Punica granatum amplified the effect that became similar to metformin. Finally, the in vivo toxicity study did not show any toxic effects of L. pedunculata on mice and rats.The results of this work are very promising; they allowed the development of two food supplements (an antimicrobial one and an antidiabetic one) containing lavender combined with other plants. In addition, this work could contribute to a better exploitation of cultivated lavenders, further to the study of the variation in their chemical composition according to the growing area and the age of the plant

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Lavandula pedunculata: In Vivo, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Approaches

Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. (LP) is one of lavender species traditionally used in Morocco to prevent or cure diabetes, alone or in the form of polyherbal preparations (PHP). Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to test the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of LP, alone and in combination with Punica granatum L. (PG) and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (FGK). The secondary objective was to explore some mechanisms of action on the digestive functions. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of LP, alone and in combination with PG and FGK, was studied in vivo using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In addition, LP extract was tested on the activities of some digestive enzymes (pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase) in vitro and on the intestinal absorption of glucose ex vivo using a short-circuit current (Isc) technique. Acute and chronic oral administration of LP aqueous extract reduced the peak of the glucose concentration (30 min, p < 0.01) and the area under the curve (AUC, p < 0.01). The effect of LP + PG was at the same amplitude to that of the positive control Metformin (MET). LP aqueous extract inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase with an IC50 almost identical to acarbose (0.44 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 0.36 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively), as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase, (IC50 = 131 ± 20 µg/mL) and the intestinal glucose absorption (IC50 = 81.28 ± 4.01 µg/mL) in concentration-dependent manners. LP aqueous extract exhibited potent actions on hyperglycemia, with an inhibition on digestive enzymes and glucose absorption. In addition, the combination with PG and FGK enhanced oral glucose tolerance in rats. These findings back up the traditional use of LP in type 2 diabetes treatment and the effectiveness of the alternative and combinative poly-phytotherapy (ACPP)

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Fruits

Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (Z. lotus) is a medicinal plant species that is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. Moroccans traditionally use it to treat many illnesses thanks to its beneficial medicinal properties. The purpose of this study is to assess the anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of a flavonoid-rich aqueous extract of Z. lotus fruits (ZLF). The 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and the β-carotene bleaching test were used to determine the antioxidant activity of ZLF. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the aqueous extract of ZLF (200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated in albino mice exposed to the chronic high-fat diet, based on lipid profile, blood sugar, and changes in growth performance. The results showed that the aqueous extract of ZLF rich in flavonoids (2242.89 ± 25 µg QE (quercitin equivalent)/mg), and has a considerable antioxidant power against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 116 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and β-carotene oxidation. The aqueous extract of ZLF also showed a significant anti-hyperlipidemic effect by improving abnormal changes in lipid profile and blood glucose levels in albino mice exposed to a chronic high-fat diet. Our findings suggest that the anti-hyperlipidemic activities of ZLF aqueous extract are correlated with its flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aqueous extract of ZLF could be an essential therapeutic candidate for hyperlipidemia patients, thanks to its richness in bioactive molecules

Acute and Subacute Toxicity and Cytotoxicity of Opuntia Dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw. Seed Oil and Its Impact on the Isolated Rat Diaphragm Glucose Absorption

This study aims to assess the safety of the Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) haw. seed oil (ODSO) and its effect on the glucose absorption activity of the isolated rat hemidiaphragm. This oil’s safety was studied by exploring its acute (doses 1, 3, 5, and 7 mL/kg) and subacute (doses 1 and 2 mL/kg) toxicities in albino mice and Wistar rats, respectively. The safety of the ODSO was also assessed by studying its effect on the HepG2 cell viability in vitro. The effect of ODSO, or combined with the insulin, on the glucose absorption activity of isolated rat hemidiaphragm was evaluated at the dose 1 g/L in vitro. The results demonstrated the safety of ODSO. Indeed, this study showed that this oil does not produce any mortality or signs of toxicity after the single-dose administration in mice. Additionally, the daily intake of the ODSO during four weeks does not induce a significant variation in the biochemical parameters and body weight of rats compared with the control group. Besides, the cell viability of HepG2 did not change in the presence of ODSO. On the other hand, the ODSO increased the glucose absorption activity of the isolated rat hemidiaphragm, and this activity was significantly enhanced when combined with insulin. This study confirms, on one side, the safety of this oil and its efficacy and, on the other side, encourages its potential use as a complement to treat diabetes

Antihyperglycemic Effect of <i>Lavandula pedunculata</i>: In Vivo, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Approaches

Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. (LP) is one of lavender species traditionally used in Morocco to prevent or cure diabetes, alone or in the form of polyherbal preparations (PHP). Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to test the antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of LP, alone and in combination with Punica granatum L. (PG) and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (FGK). The secondary objective was to explore some mechanisms of action on the digestive functions. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of LP, alone and in combination with PG and FGK, was studied in vivo using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In addition, LP extract was tested on the activities of some digestive enzymes (pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase) in vitro and on the intestinal absorption of glucose ex vivo using a short-circuit current (Isc) technique. Acute and chronic oral administration of LP aqueous extract reduced the peak of the glucose concentration (30 min, p p 50 almost identical to acarbose (0.44 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 0.36 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively), as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase, (IC50 = 131 ± 20 µg/mL) and the intestinal glucose absorption (IC50 = 81.28 ± 4.01 µg/mL) in concentration-dependent manners. LP aqueous extract exhibited potent actions on hyperglycemia, with an inhibition on digestive enzymes and glucose absorption. In addition, the combination with PG and FGK enhanced oral glucose tolerance in rats. These findings back up the traditional use of LP in type 2 diabetes treatment and the effectiveness of the alternative and combinative poly-phytotherapy (ACPP)

Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. Aqueous Extract Antibacterial Activity Improved by the Addition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl and Origanum compactum Benth

Lavender aqueous extracts are widely used in the Moroccan traditional medicine for their antibacterial properties. However, previous research have generally focused on investigating the antibacterial activity of lavender essential oils. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Moroccan Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. aqueous extract, alone, as well as in combination with extracts of other plant species known for their antibacterial activity: Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. and Origanum compactum Benth. We have tested the antibacterial activity of L. pedunculata, S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum aqueous extracts individually and in combination against 34 strains using the agar dilution method. The combination effect was evaluated using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC). Polyphenol and tannin contents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and then some phenolic compounds were identified using UHPLC-MS. All the extracts displayed a large spectrum of antibacterial activity, especially against staphylococci, streptococci, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Proteus mirabilis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values reached 0.15 &plusmn; 0.00 mg/mL for Staphylococcus warneri tested with S. lavandulifolia and 0.20 &plusmn; 0.07 mg/mL for Staphylococcus epidermidis tested with L. pedunculata or S. rosmarinus. Association of the L. pedunculata extract with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum showed synergistic effects (FIC &le; 1). Moreover, the association of L. pedunculata with S. lavandulifolia was active against most of the Gram-negative strains resistant to the individual extracts. Determination of polyphenol and tannin contents showed the richness of the studied plants in these compounds. Additionally, chromatographic analysis demonstrated the high presence of rosmarinic acid in all the studied plant extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows the enhancing effect of the antibacterial activity of L. pedunculata aqueous extract combined with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum. These results confirm the effectiveness of the plant mixtures commonly used by traditional healers in Morocco and suggest that L. pedunculata might be used as an antibacterial agent either alone or, more efficiently, in combination with S. rosmarinus, S. lavandulifolia and O. compactum

Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw., Seeds Oil Antidiabetic Potential Using In Vivo, In Vitro, In Situ, and Ex Vivo Approaches to Reveal Its Underlying Mechanism of Action

Opuntia dillenii Ker Gawl. is one of the medicinal plants used for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Morocco. This study aims to investigate the antihyperglycemic effect of Opuntia dillenii seed oil (ODSO), its mechanism of action, and any hypoglycemic risk and toxic effects. The antihyperglycemic effect was assessed using the OGTT test in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. The mechanisms of action were explored by studying the effect of ODSO on the intestinal absorption of d-glucose using the intestinal in situ single-pass perfusion technique. An Ussing chamber was used to explore the effects of ODSO on intestinal sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). Additionally, ODSO’s effect on carbohydrate degrading enzymes, pancreatic α-amylase, and intestinal α-glucosidase was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using STZ-diabetic rats. The acute toxicity test on mice was performed, along with a single-dose hypoglycemic effect test. The results showed that ODSO significantly attenuated the postprandial hyperglycemia in normal and STZ-diabetic rats. Indeed, ODSO significantly decreased the intestinal d-glucose absorption in situ. The ex vivo test (Ussing chamber) showed that the ODSO significantly blocks the SGLT1 (IC50 = 60.24 µg/mL). Moreover, ODSO induced a significant inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase (IC50 = 278 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and pancreatic α-amylase (IC50 = 0.81 ± 0.09 mg/mL) in vitro. A significant decrease of postprandial hyperglycemia was observed in sucrose/starch-loaded normal and STZ-diabetic ODSO-treated rats. On the other hand, ODSO had no risk of hypoglycemia on the basal glucose levels in normal rats. Therefore, no toxic effect was observed in ODSO-treated mice up to 7 mL/kg. The results of this study suggest that ODSO could be suitable as an antidiabetic functional food