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Pistacia Atlantica in folk medicine is used by Algerian traditional healers for treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions including dyspepsia, digestive problems, peptic ulcers, and, in particular, inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity (using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS+, and reducing power methods), enzyme inhibitory activity (towards α-amylase and urease), antibacterial activity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica collected from different parts of the Djelfa region of Algeria. According to the findings, various aqueous extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and enzymatic activities in all tests, but showed that they have a weak inhibitory effect against all tested bacterial strains. Twenty-one minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U, and Zn) were determined using the technique of neutron activation analysis (INAA). The result indicates that the concentration of the mineral element is close to the minimal FAO recommendation. In addition, the result revealed significant anti-inflammatory activities. The data generated can be a valuable source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. These results suggest that the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica have an appropriate potential to be utilized across a wide range of contexts as an agent with multifunctional uses, as well as a natural remedy for other physiological diseases.

Glycation generates advanced glycation end products (AGE) and its intermediates, thus increasing the risk of developing various ailments including diabetes mellitus. Current study was planned to explore the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of selected nuts viz, Juglans regia (Walnut), Prunus dulcis (Almond), Pistacia vera (Pistachio), and Arachis hypogaea (Peanut), locally available and readily consumed in Faisalabad, Pakistan, for their health‐promoting properties. The prepared methanolic extracts of selected nuts were tested for biological activities including the antioxidant and antiglycation potential. The effect of these extracts against oxidation and AGE formation was evaluated by in vitro method using bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose system. Juglans regia, Pistacia vera, and Arachis hypogaea were found rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents with increased reducing potential and least IC50 due to the DPPH free radical scavenging inhibition. Dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of glucose‐induced advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) was exhibited by fruit extracts through in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐glucose system. Juglans regia and Pistacia vera were predominantly effective in the inhibition of early and intermediary glycation products at different incubation conditions. The study indicated that the extracts of selected nuts possess significant antioxidant capacity and are rich in phenolics and flavonoids, making them useful supplements as an important part of a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus exasperata has been used to treat ulcer, diabetes, fever, and a variety of stress-related disorders. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of drug-induced acute liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of F. exasperata (EFE) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Rats were pretreated with EFE (150, 250, 500 mg/kg) and thereafter received 250 mg/kg APA intraperitoneally (i.p.). The normal control group received distilled water, while the negative control group received 250 mg/kg APAP, respectively. Hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress-antioxidant parameters were then assessed. Flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and glycosides, but not phenolics were detected by EFE phytochemical analysis. No mortality was recorded on acute exposure of rats to varying concentrations of APAP after 24 h; however, a dose-dependent increase in severity of convulsion, urination, and hyperactivity was observed. APAP overdose induced high AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin levels in the serum, invoked lipid peroxidation, depleted GSH, decreased CAT, SOD, and GST levels, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) level, myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, COX-2, MCP-1, and IL-6 were also increased. Importantly, pretreatment of rats with EFE before acetaminophen ameliorated and restored cellular antioxidant status to levels comparable to the control group. Our results show and suggest the hepatoprotective effect of F. exasperata and its ability to modulate cellular antioxidant status supports its use in traditional medicine and renders it safe in treating an oxidative stress-induced hepatic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]