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Introduction. Ficus carica L. (fig) is one of the oldest fruits in the world. Objective. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of polyphenol content on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of three Algerian dried figs varieties (Abarki, Azendjar and Taameriout). Material and methods. Physicochemical (Titratable acidity, pH and water content) and microbiological (total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), total (CT) and fecal coliforms (FC) and yeast and fungi counts) parameters were determined and polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified to study their impact on physicochemical and microbiological quality. Results. The results of TAMF, TC and FC coliforms and fungal flora revealed that the Azendjar variety had the best microbiological quality followed by the Abarki variety and the Taameriout variety. The values of fungal flora exceeded the international stipulated limit (103 CFU/g) with a value of 2133 CFU/g and 3366 CFU/g for the Taameriout and Abarki varieties, respectively. On the other hand, the results of the quantitative assays phenolic compounds, showed that the Azendjar dried fig variety represented the richest variety in polyphenols, followed by the Taameriout variety. The correlation between microbiological properties and the content of polyphenols different classes measured was inversely proportional with the total polyphenols content (r2 = 0.94, p

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties, to treat various ailments and maintain health. This study was carried out to test the in vitro toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L., native to the north-western region of Algeria. Toxicity was studied in vitro by the hemolysis test and anti-hemolytic activity on human red blood cells, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in vitro by the protein denaturation method. The study of toxicity by hemolysis of red blood cells showed a high rate of hemolysis at a dose of 200 mg/mL, with a hemolytic percentage of around 88.64%, while a high rate of anti-hemolysis was observed at a dose of 25 mg/mL, with an inhibition percentage of around 83.17%. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed a high percentage of inhibition of ovalbumin denaturation, reaching 63.53% at the 2000 ug/mL dose, while the lowest percentage was obtained at the 3500 ug\mL concentration with 10.16%. This extract has a toxic substance but does not exceed the toxicity threshold which achieves significant anti-inflammatory activity with depandant doses.

The intestinal microbiota has become known as the ‘second brain’ a complementary organ for most metabolic and defensive reactions. The study aims to investigate the potential of the methanolic extract of Pistacia lentiscus leaves to modulate the dominant flora in type 2 diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects, by controlling growth kinetics. Comparative study between the dominant flora of type two diabitics (DT2) and helthy subjects (HS) stools. Using fully sterilized experimental space and materials, the germs were isolated through an antimicrobial study, and their microbial growth kinetics, were analyzed both with and without phytotherapeutic treatment in vitro. This was carried out as part of a study into the effect of methanolic extract from the leaves of the Pistacia lentiscus L. plant harvested in north-west Algeria. The study found a decrease in the quantity of lactobacilli and streptococci in DT2 and an inverse relationship between enterobacteria and streptococci in all microbiotas. On the molecular side. The methanolic extract of P lentiscus leaves gave a super antimicrobial effect for E coli and Clostridium sp at concentrations below their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (2 mg mL-1), compared with the other gram positives studied, lactobacillus and Streptococcus (4 mg mL-1). This beneficial action confirms the high antimicrobial effect of the methanolic extract of P lentiscus leaves with lower concentration for the quantitative restauration of intestinal microbiota, the intermediary between insoluno-resistance and metabolism. Pistacia lentiscus has the potential to modulate the dominant flora in type 2 diabetics, through its regulatory antimicrobial power.

In recent years, humans have turned to herbal remedies to solve a variety of problems, both food-related and health-related. Synthetic food preservatives are now restricted in many developed countries because of their irreversible effects on the body. Therefore, the present study is an important contribution to the search for new beneficial preservatives from plants. The Citrus aurantium plant is widely used by the people of the Relizane region for therapeutic and culinary purposes. The extraction of essential oils from the fruit of this plant by hydro-distillation gave a yield of 0.09 ± 0.01%. The relative density at 20°C, the acid value, the ester value and the saponification value are in the order of 0.69 ±0.1, 44 ±3.0 mg KOH/g oil, 2.75 ± 0.5 mg KOH/g oil and 46.75 ± 5.1 mg KOH/g oil respectively. GC/MS analysis revealed the predominance of linalool (43 ± 1.5%) followed by limonene (19 ± 3%). In contrast, no alterations were detected in sample 3 in terms of odour, appearance and colour. A low number of total aerobic mesophilic flora (2×104 CFU/g) was recorded in the same sample, followed by sample 2 (4!!!x0020;× 104 CFU/g) and sample 1 (6 × 106 CFU/g). A total absence of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus in samples 3 and 2. While sample 1 appeared spoiled due to the presence of a load of 104 CFU/g of Salmonella. The Citrus aurantium essential oils appear to be a natural preservative that can be used and incorporated into many perishable food preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to test the toxicology and microbiological of methanolic extract of Marrubium vulgare "MEMV" in rat and its efficiency in the treatment of systemic candidiasis. Methods: Forty (40) male rats (Wistar type) were divided into four groups (10 rats /group) where the toxicological, microbiological and histological studies were applied. Later, the infection with 107 cells /ml of Candida albicans and the curative treatment were applied by the daily administration with a gavage of 800 mg/kg of MEMV. Results: The toxicology studies indicated that the dose of MEMV at 800 mg/kg of body weight was not harmful. The microbiological and histological analysis showed that the treatment with MEMV of rat colonized with 107 cells/ml of Candida albicans limits the multiplication of the yeast in the intestine and colon of the colonized rat. The translocation of Candida albicans in liver, spleen and lungs in rat which was treated with 800 mg/kg of MEMV was significantly lower than in controls to seven post-infection days. However, we did not detect yeast in the kidneys and hearts of the infected treated groups and the infected untreated ones. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MEMV limits the gastrointestinal colonization and dissemination of Candida albicans in the other organs.

Different solvent systems have been used for the extraction of polyphenols from plant material, however, the appropriate solvent system is more effective for extracting the total phenolic of any plant extract and evaluating the antibacterial activity is not determined yet. Thus, the objective of this research was to determine the most effective solvent for extraction and characterization of polyphenols as well as antibacterial activity of the aerial parts Ajuga iva extracts. The Soxhlet method was devised to extract polyphenols from aerials parts of Ajuga iva powders, for this matter, three different solvents were used In order to analyze and quantify the result an in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the various plant extracts was carried out. The preliminary evaluation of the chemical composition made it possible to highlight the presence of some chemical groups. The quantitative determination of polyphenols is twofold, first the dichloromethanic extract contains the highest levels of polyphenols (3.38 mg GAE/g), second the ethanolic extract contains the highest levels of flavonoids (6.59 mg CE/g DW) and tannins (14.58 mg CE/g DW). On other hand, a remarkable antibacterial activity of some tested extracts was detected. The results showed that solvents with different polarities significantly affected polyphenol content and antibacterial activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6402081

Artemisia herba-alba Asso was used since ancient times as a painkiller of gynecological diseases and in the Moroccan folk medicine to treat chronic disease like diabetes, arterial hypertension. The genus of Artemisia was marked as a member of the family of Asteraceae. White wormwood was mentioned also on the list of the flora of Tell Atlas (Oran) subsector as an abundance species with 93 specimens. Chemical analysis of essential oils obtained from this plant by hydrodistillation, revealed the presence of different chemical species, contains santonin, lactones of sesquiterpenic acids. Flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins were found in extracts. In the most cases, there was no toxic effect observed on animals after receiving repeated or single doses of A. herba-alba Asso either in the form of extracts or essential oils. Essential oils, organic and aqueous extracts of the same plant have shown antioxidant properties against free radicals measured by DPPH, β-carotene-bleaching and metal chelating power tests. There is a great potency of this plant by interacting of its compounds with constituents of fungal cells; chitin, wall of cell, membrane ergosterol and eukaryotic nucleus, and by way of consequence disrupting their synthesis. It is well-known, that the hyphal growth of fungal pathogens was inhibited by sesquiterpenes lactones. This plant seemed potent in term of biological activities and can be used as potential alternative remedies for the treatment of many infectious and oxidative diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5552721

Enterobacter cloacae is currently known as a urinary tract infection agent, especially in hospitals recognized by its resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporin’s, which makes it a target for different works in order to find natural and definitive means of fight and treatment. Their limited biochemical reactivity and their different morphotypes is a real obstacle to their identification by conventional phenotypic means. 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing is highly successful for bacterial identification. However, in recent years, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time in flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a very valid technique for the identification and diagnosis of microorganisms. Our study aims to identify three bacteria belonging to the Enterobacter cloacae species isolated from various environments by the MALDI-TOF/MS method and then to study their antimicrobial activity against some extracts of dried figs of Ficus carica fruits grown in the mascara region (western Algeria). The determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) shows a significant inhibition of the activity of E. cloacae by the methanolic extract of El-Keurt variety at 2.34 mg/ml of extract. This study seems to give good guidance for the use of dried figs against Enterobacter infections. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4641370

Plants still present a large source of novel active biological compounds with different activities. The antioxidant activity of three extracts was evaluated by DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods. The formulated extracts were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and then confirmed by High performance liquid chromatography coupled with DAD detector (HPLC-DAD). The results showed the richness of these extracts in phenolic compounds. Three major compounds, resveratrol (17.98%), kaempferol-glucoside (7.23%) and vanillic acid (10.64%) were detected in methanolic extract of Citrus aurantium peel, aqueous extract of Citrus aurantium L. leaves and ethanolic extract of Artemisia herba alba Asso respectively by HPLC-DAD. However, the ethanolic extract of A. herba alba achieved 50% of the anti-radical activity at a concentration equal to 0.8 mg/ml. A higher antioxidant activity measured by ferric reducing antioxidant power was marked in the same extract with an absorbance equal to 0.824. The ethanolic extract of the aerial part of A. herba alba, the methanolic extract of C. aurantium peel and the aqueous extract of C. aurantium leaves were considered as powerful scavengers of free radicals and can be incorporated into the pharmaceuticals preparations to treat many diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4058836

An in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil (EO) and methanol extract (ME) from Algerian Nigella sativa L. seeds against microbial strains isolated from the oral cavities of periodontal patients was performed. Twelve Gram-positive bacteria, eleven Gram-negative bacteria and three microscopic fungi strains were isolated and identified. The antimicrobial activities of EO and ME were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus sp., Acinetobacter baumannii/calcoaceticus, Porphyromonas sp., Veillonella sp., Candida sp. and Saccharomyces sp.. The total polyphenol and flavonoids contents of ME were higher than those of EO. Thin layer chromatography showed that catechin, gallic acid and quercetin were most likely present in the extracts. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis (FT-IR) indicated the presence of bands from the CO groups of acids, alcohols, phenols, and ethers and the CO band of aldehydes. Analysis of the antimicrobial activity of N. sativa extracts obtained by the microdilution method showed excellent bactericidal activity of the essential oil and moderate efficiency of the ME against all the microbes tested. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Porphyromonas sp. were the most sensitive to EO (minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC): 16,500 μg/ml) at 48 h of incubation and, 125,000 μg/ml of ME was the most active against all the microbes tested. However, after18 or 24 h, this efficiency was decreased in some strains. In addition, Saccharomyces sp. and Candida albicans were more sensitive to EO than ME during the incubation, while this efficiency was clearly not visible with the agar well method, and most microbes tested presented remarkable resistance to these extracts. Keywords: Periodontal disease, Nigella sativa L. essential oil, Methanol extract, Bactericidal/fungicidal kinetics, Polyphenols, Flavonoids

Aristolochia longa is widely used in traditional medicine in Algeria to treat breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the response of bone resorption markers to A. longa intake by Algerian breast cancer postmenopausal women. According to the A. longa intake, breast cancer patients were grouped into A. longa group (Al) (n=54) and non-A. longa group (non-Al) (n=24). 32 women constituted the control group. Bone resorption markers (from urine) pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were determined by HPLC. Serum and urinary creatinine, uric acid, and urea were measured. 1 g of A. longa intake resulted in significant rise of renal serum markers and a pronounced increase of bone resorption markers. The intake of A. longa roots is detrimental for kidney function and resulted in high bone resorption, maybe due to the reduction in renal function caused by the aristolochic acids contained in the roots.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is a potent central and respiratory acting agent used in neonatology to treat apnea in premature newborns. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of caffeine orally administered to newborn rats on gastrointestinal permeability, bacterial translocation and different biochemical parameters. METHODS: Newborn rats were divided into different groups (N = 06). The treated newborn rats were orally administered with standard caffeine doses (12 mg/kg per day), and the control groups received a placebo. The animals were weighed daily until sacrifice. Blood samples, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and organs were aseptically collected. Furthermore, different biochemical (D-Lactate) and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, CAT, SOD and GSH) were examined. Microbiological analyses were performed to assess microbiota alterations and bacterial translocation. RESULTS: Preliminary results showed that caffeine administration decreased the level of bacterial translocation over time. The treatment reduced plasma D-lactate levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, caffeine induced a disturbance in the concentrations of biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Indeed, liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were significantly (p < 0.05) risen after caffeine treatment. Glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly higher in caffeine treated groups (75.12±0.32; 51.98±1.12 U/mg; p < 0.05) comparing to control ones (40.82±0.25; 42.91±0.27 U/mg; p < 0.05) in the ileum and the colon, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, besides improving gastrointestinal permeability, our data show that caffeine has beneficial effects on the intestinal antioxidant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants constitute a huge reserve of many therapeutic virtues recognized by their powerful effects since the dawn of time. Our research focused on the study of acute skin toxicity (AST) of Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Aha) essential oils, obtained by hydrodistillation. AST has been evaluated, using rats of the species Rattus norvegicus with reference to a method proposed by the organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) guideline. Biochemical parameters, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransférase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and creatinine were measured in whole blood after animal sacrifices. In parallel, the histological liver and kidney sections were analyzed. The Lethal dose50 (LD50) value was found greater than 5000 mg/kg. In addition, the biochemical markers of the tested rats did not change during the experiment compared to the control group. No tissue damage has been detected. A. herba alba Asso essential oil was considered non-dangerous, which can be used to heal against all benign or severe illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia herba alba asso, peel and leaves of Citrus aurantium grown in the western Algerian city (Mascara) were subjected to hydrodistillation by Clevenger dispositive. The essential oils obtained were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and used for the study of the antifungal activity against five clinical strains of Candida albicans. The results of chemical analysis revealed 40 constituents in Artemisia essential oil, where the major components were camphor (34.89%) and chrysantenone (19.60%). While, the main component of peel and leaves of Citrus essential oils was the lineal (42.33%, 60.62%) respectively. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration value was found in the case of Artemisia essential oil (1.95l/ml) against the (S3) Candida albicans strain. The experimental results confirmed that these extracts are marked by significant anti-fungal activity, which can be used as alternative drugs against candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus carica L. have always been known by their power to cure various diseases. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity of twelve different extracts of three samples of dried figs. First, the extracts were tested for their polyphenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents by the Folin-Ciocalteu, the aluminium trichloride and vanillin methods and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for more characterisation. The antioxidant activity was performed by using thre different methods; the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The results showed that the methanolic extract of Sidi Bendjebbar sample presented a higher TPC value (458 mg GAE/g) while the acetonic and aqueous extracts of El-Keurt presented a higher values of TFC and CTC. In other hand, the methanol extract of El-Keurt sample exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 0.078 mg/ml. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts against various Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria was screened by the inhibition zone using the disc and diffusion assay, minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) by micro-well method allonwing to calculate the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC). The ethanolic extracts of the two samples El-Keurt and Sidi Bendjebbar were the most effective extracts being able to inhibit the growth of the majority of the strains tested. Our study supported the use of these fruit as supplements for nutrient deficiencies and for combating diseases associated with oxydative damage or some microbial infection for better drug alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulation of the membrane permeability through a decrease in porin-mediated antibiotic entry and/or an increase in antibiotic efflux is one of the resistance mechanisms to antibiotics evolved by Gram-negative bacteria. To assess whether the outer membrane porin OprD and Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux pumps were similarly expressed in 33 ciprofloxacin-resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in 30 non-clinical strains originating from the hospital environment (mainly waterborne Pseudomonas aeruginosa), the expression of oprD , mexB , mexF , and mexY genes was investigated. Overall, the expression of oprD was not detected by RT-qPCR in 14 (22%) strains and underexpressed in 35 (56%) more. No significant difference in oprD expression was detected between clinical and non-clinical strains. As for efflux pumps, 23 (70%) of the clinical strains overexpressed at least one of the tested RND genes. Overexpression of mexB , mexF and mexY was detected in 27, 12, and 45% of the clinical strains, respectively. In the 30 non-clinical strains, no overexpression could be found for mexB , mexF , or mexY. On the contrary, a global underexpression of the tested efflux pump genes was recorded. In both clinical and environmental strains, a positive correlation was found between the expressions of oprD and mexB. Similarly, the expressions of oprD and mexF were positively correlated. This result contrasts with the inverse correlation between both MexAB-OprM/MexEF-OprN and OprD previously described in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The only positive correlation between phenotypic ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the expression of efflux pump gene was witnessed with mexY (analysis on pooled results for clinical and environmental strains). However, in clinical strains, no statistically significant link could be found between the degree of reduction in ciprofloxacin MICs witnessed with Phenylalanine-Arginine β-naphthylamide (PAβN) and the expression of any of the 3 RND genes tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds of virgin olive oils and dried figs have been broadly investigated over the past 30 years. Consumption of extra virgin olive oil along with dried fig is a common practice in the Algerian diet, but no data is available regarding their combined biological activities. Recently, we used different Algerian dried fig varieties to obtain virgin olive oily macerates and assess their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. This article states the estimation of phenolic content of various extra virgin olive oils and their oily macerates prepared from different Algerian varieties of several geographical areas using Folin-Ciocalteu. The process was followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and in vitro antimicrobial potential of the methanolic extracts of oils and macerates against specific resistant human pathogens. The results showed that, the extract of Chemlali Bejaïa virgin olive oil (CBOO) variety had notably higher total phenolics (700 ± 56mg of gallic acid/kg) in opposition to Chemlali Oran virgin olive oil (COOO)(202.96 ± 26 mg of gallic acid/kg).The extracts of macerates proved to have higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in comparison with the virgin olive oil extract. Their broad extensive antimicrobial potential may be due to the synergetic effect of polyphenols of both extra virgin olive oils and dried figs. Candida albicans showed resistant to pure extra virgin olive oil extracts but didn't to the macerate extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laurusnobilis is an aromatic plant, widespread in Algeria and widely used by local people as a source of spice and for its medicinal properties. The essential oil of this plant native to western Algeria is the subject of our study. The essential oil extraction was performed by steam distillation, the yield obtained from leaf is (1.5 %) by gavage Wistar rats males weight between 100g 80et were infected with Salmonella then treated with a dose 1 g/kg of the essential oil. In the day of sacrifice of the rats some parameters were determined: hemoglobin concentration (Hgb); haematocrit (Hct) and lymphocytes (white blood cell). The result shows the therapy of this magic plant "Laurusnobilis». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the possible hepatoprotective effect of the Ficus carica dried fruits, extra virgin olive oil and their phenolic fractions on CCl4-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats. Administration of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (3.0 g/kg/day) per oral (p.o.) and their methanol extract (MEEVOO) (2.1 mg/kg/day) intravenously (i.v.) for 7 days significantly prevented CCl4-induced elevation of levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The methanol dried fig extract (MEDF) (38.07 mg/kg/day, i.v.) was found to be more hepatoprotective than the dried figs (DF) (4 g/kg/day, p.o.). Administration of MEEVOO with the MEDF significantly prevented CCl4-induced elevation of levels of serum GPT, GOT and ALP. Treatment of rats with CCl4 led to a marked increase in lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA). Hepatic antioxidant enzyme, Catalase (CAT) was significantly decreased in all treated animals. Practical Applications Dried fig ( Ficus carica L.) fruit is an important part of traditional Mediterranean Algerian diet since antiquity and widely consumed with extra virgin olive oil because of their nutritional importance along with their medicinal value. Obtained results suggest a synergistic functionality of dried figs and extra virgin olive oil extracts. The observed hepatoprotective effect is believed to occur due to antioxidant properties of the contents of extra virgin olive oil and dried figs extract, which may provide a new drug to be used for prophylaxis against liver diseases and it validates its folkloric use by Algerian people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of four different extracts of two varieties ( Azendjar and Taamriout) of dried figs ( Ficus carica L.) by using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and agar diffusion methods and minimum inhibitory concentration ( MIC)-determination. Moreover, the extracts were investigated for their polyphenolic, flavonoidal and tannin content by using the Folin- Ciocalteu assay, the aluminium trichloride method and precipitation with casein, respectively. The results showed that the highest antioxidant capacity was exhibited by the methanol extract of Azendjar variety with IC50 of 0.080 mg/mL. All extracts possessed more or less antimicrobial activity against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Candida albicans was the most susceptible microorganism to all extracts. Pronounced antimicrobial activity was observed by the methanolic extract of Taamriout variety ( MIC values 32-128 μg/mL). Moreover, the results showed that the phenolic compounds and flavonoids were abundant in acetone and aqueous extracts. Practical Applications Dried Fig ( Ficus carica L.) fruit is an important part of traditional Mediterranean Algerian diet since antiquity. Obtained results revealed great antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as high content of phenolic compounds of two varieties growing in Algeria namely Azendjar and Taamriout varieties. This study highlights the importance of Algerian dried figs as a source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents to be used in traditional medicine to treat or protect humans against infections as well as other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and different inflammations. Therefore, the F. carica extracts have the potential to be developed into dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Salvadora persica L. (miswak) is traditionally used to ensure oral hygiene Muslim people in developing countries where it is growing. The antibacterial properties of Salvadora persica L. originating from various geographic areas have already been reported. However, they have never been tested for samples originating from Hoggar, where extreme weather conditions could lead to different properties for this Salvadora persica L. ecotype. Aim of the study: To assess the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of methanolic extract of Algerian Hoggar Salvadora persica L. (miswak) on some isolated and identified strains from the oral cavity of school children aged from 6 to 12 with (n=20) and without (n=20) caries. Materials and methods: After a qualitative and quantitative analysis of dental plaque samples from the selected children, the effect of methanolic extract of Hoggar miswak against oral bacterial and fungal strains isolated from the oral cavity of children with caries was tested by both agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The stability and physicochemical parameters of Hoggar Salvadora persica L. mouthwash were also assessed compared. The in vivo antimicrobial effect of Hoggar miswak rinse on dental plaque samples was also tested over a week. Results: Four bacterial genera (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia and Lactobacillus) were commonly identified in all subjects at different colonization levels. A statistically significant difference in colonization levels between the two groups of children was recorded. Hoggar miswak extract more significantly inhibited the growth of Gram negative bacteria from the dental plaque than Gram positive ones. Hoggar Salvadora persica L. mouthwash was stable at 4°C and 25°C over the period of conservation (one week) while a temperature of 40°C induced variations in the physicochemical parameters and considered not suitable for preservation. The in vivo study revealed a significant reduction in bacteria of the oral cavity using miswak mouthwash as compared to placebo. Conclusion: Hoggar miswak extract displayed a strong antimicrobial effect both in vitro and in vivo. Its use as a mouthrinse could therefore be recommended as a preventive measure to preserve from tooth decay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and objectives: The present study evaluates the effect of essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis and Populus alba on experimentally cutaneous heat-induced burn injury in rat. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the acute toxicity test was carried out on Wistar rats that received intraperitoneally gradual doses (0.5to 7 ml/Kg) of the both essential oils. Then, Second-degree burn wounds were induced in five groups (N=5 in each). The percentage of wound healing were assessed on 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days. In the other hand, wound surface was monitored and photographed during the period of treatment. Results and Conclusion: The essential oil of Populus alba and even Rosmarinus officinalis have no acute toxicity in rats. The treated rats with essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis and Populus alba presented a high level in healing percentage in comparison to the other groups (4.99 ± 2.3, 4.22 ± 0.19, 36.48 ± 1.12, 29.99 ± 0.8 and 84.82 ± 6.41% for the untreated, placebo, Rosmarinus officinalis, Populus alba and Madecassol® group respectively). Moreover, the results of wound surface at the 25 day presented a value of 6.65 ± 0.16, 6.7 ± 0.01, 4.44 ± 0.07, 4.9 ± 0.05 and 1.06 ± 0.44 cm² respectively for the Untreated, Placebo, Rosmarinus officinalis, Populus alba and Madecassol® groups. These essential oils have a marked healing effect during the proliferative phase of wound healing process induced in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloe vera is widely used in conventional medicine in Algeria to treat various diseases. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and biological activities of Aloe vera collected from western Algeria. Two extracts of ethanolic (EEA) and aqueous (AEA) were used to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content. HPLC was applied to determine the amount of 15 compounds they contain, while the antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity experiment was conducted against five selected bacterial strains. Finally, an in vivo study on Swiss albino mice was conducted to discover the toxicity using Lorke’s method and anti-inflammatory activity using the Carrageenan method. The EEA extract shows the highest total phenol content of 37.00±0.37mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content of 9.14±0.19 mg CE/g. The AEA contains hydroxybenzoic and benzoic acid with other ingredients (0.84 and 0.82 mg/g, respectively). The EEA contains 0.93 mg/g of benzoic acid. Aloe vera has antioxidant activity with IC50 values equal to 0.821 mg/ml for EEA and 1.993 mg/ml for AEA. The AEA inhibits E. coli and S. aureus with a bacteriostatic effect; EEA is the best inhibitor of S. aureus and S. mutans with the bactericidal effect. Aloe vera is practically nontoxic (LD50 is 3800 mg/kg of the AEA and superior to 5000 mg/kg of EEA). The AEA gives the best inhibition of edema, 85.96% at (100 mg/kg). Aloe vera leaves are an important resource of polyphenols, which have interesting antioxidant power, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7274997

This study was conducted to examine chemical compositions, the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts from aerial parts of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp oxycedrus growing in Mascara, Algeria. The quantitative assessment indicated that methanol extract was the most concentrated in phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents (167.77±5.12 mg GAE/g DW, 90.56±2.23 mg QE/g DE and 110.21±2.38 mg CE/g DE respectively). The chromatographic analysis by HPLC showed quantitative differences in phenolic constutents, noting that Chlorogenic acid was the major compound of both extracts. Moreover, methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity than the aqueous extract when tested by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (IC50 4.45±0.001 μg/mL) and phosphomolybdenum (328.52±0.071 mg of GAE/g DW) assays. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed a strong inhibition of albumin denaturation by the methanolic extract at different concentrations when compared to standard drug diclofenac sodium. These findings confirm the richness of Algerian Juniperus oxycedrus extracts in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. These results are compatible with the use of the plant in traditional medicine. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7135281

Modulation of the membrane permeability through a decrease in porin-mediated antibiotic entry and/or an increase in antibiotic efflux is one of the resistance mechanisms to antibiotics evolved by Gram-negative bacteria. To assess whether the outer membrane porin OprD and Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux pumps were similarly expressed in 33 ciprofloxacin-resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in 30 non-clinical strains originating from the hospital environment (mainly waterborne Pseudomonas aeruginosa), the expression of oprD, mexB, mexF, and mexY genes was investigated. Overall, the expression of oprD was not detected by RT-qPCR in 14 (22%) strains and underexpressed in 35 (56%) more. No significant difference in oprD expression was detected between clinical and non-clinical strains. As for efflux pumps, 23 (70%) of the clinical strains overexpressed at least one of the tested RND genes. Overexpression of mexB, mexF and mexY was detected in 27, 12, and 45% of the clinical strains, respectively. In the 30 non-clinical strains, no overexpression could be found for mexB, mexF, or mexY. On the contrary, a global underexpression of the tested efflux pump genes was recorded. In both clinical and environmental strains, a positive correlation was found between the expressions of oprD and mexB. Similarly, the expressions of oprD and mexF were positively correlated. This result contrasts with the inverse correlation between both MexAB-OprM/MexEF-OprN and OprD previously described in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The only positive correlation between phenotypic ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the expression of efflux pump gene was witnessed with mexY (analysis on pooled results for clinical and environmental strains). However, in clinical strains, no statistically significant link could be found between the degree of reduction in ciprofloxacin MICs witnessed with Phenylalanine-Arginine β-naphthylamide (PAβN) and the expression of any of the 3 RND genes tested.