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The aim of the current study was to assess the potential cardiopreventive effect of the methanolic extract of S. molle L. (MESM) on isoproterenol-induced infarction in rats. The biomolecules content was evaluated using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. On the 29

Interest has grown regarding natural plant extracts in food and beverage applications, their vital role in food quality and technology, and their therapeutic use in inhibiting several diseases [...]

Olea europaea is a beneficial edible plant with a number of biological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antithrombic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-ischemic activities. The mechanisms behind the antiphotoaging and anti-inflammatory effects of Olea europaea are not fully understood. To investigate how an ethanol extract of Olea europaea (Oe-EE) exerts these effects, we explored its activities in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. We assessed the anti-oxidant effects of Oe-EE via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2[Formula: see text]-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays and measured the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text], and moisturizing factors. Antiphotoaging and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Oe-EE were explored by assessing signaling molecule activation via immunoblotting. Oe-EE treatment decreased the mRNA expression level of MMPs, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-6, and TNF-[Formula: see text] and restored type I collagen, filaggrin, and sirtuin 1 expression in UVB-irradiated cells. Furthermore, Oe-EE inhibited the activities of several activator protein 1 regulatory enzymes, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and inhibited nuclear factor (NF)-[Formula: see text]B pathway signaling proteins. Therefore, our results indicate that Oe-EE has photoaging-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Olea europaea L., (Oleaceae) has been used widely in folk medicine in the European Mediterranean islands, India, Asia, and other parts of the world. Although this plant has high ethnopharmacological value for treating inflammatory diseases, the molecular mechanisms of how it inhibits the inflammatory response are not fully understood. In this study, we sought to identify the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of this plant. Materials and methods Using macrophages, we investigated the effects of O. europaea L. methanol extract (Oe-ME) and ethanol extract (Oe-EE) on the production of inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the expression levels of pro-inflammatory genes and intracellular inflammatory signaling activities. Results Oe-ME and Oe-EE suppressed the production of NO in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-), Pam3CSK4-, and poly (I:C)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells; importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed. Oe-ME and Oe-EE reduced production of PGE2 without exhibiting cytotoxicity. The mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were down-regulated by Oe-ME and Oe-EE. Nuclear fraction and whole lysate immunoblotting analyses and overexpression experiments strongly suggested that Oe-ME decreased the translocation of p65 and p50 (nuclear factors of the NF-κB subunit) as well as Src and Syk. Conclusion These results suggest that Oe-ME exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by targeting Src and Syk in the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Grains of Tunisian durum wheat varieties (Razzek, Karim, and Om Rabia) were collected from four growing locations (Zaghouan, Jendouba, Kef, and Kairouan). The wheat kernels were evaluated for various chemical and technological quality parameters. The results showed strong effects of growing area and genotype on the chemical compositions of wheat grain samples. These two factors (growing area and genotype) had significant effects on all measured parameters such as the thousand kernel weight, test weight, grain vitreousness, ash content, and gluten and grain-protein levels, but not the fatty acid composition. This study showed that Northern Tunisia (Kef and Jendouba) appears to have a favorable environment for the production of high-quality Razzek durum wheat. Central Tunisia (Kairouan) seems to have the most suitable environment for growing Om Rabia and Karim. It is important to chemically characterize these cultivars in order to select varieties that produce good-quality durum wheat grains which are well adapted to the environmental conditions in Tunisia.

The aim of the current work was to study the phytochemical variability among Schinus terebinthifolius (STE) and Schinus molle (SME) fruit extracts. The in vitro antioxidant, antihemolytic, antidiabetic, and macromolecule damage protective activities, as well as, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive capacities were assessed. Using the HPLC–ESI–QTOF/MS analysis, the chemical profile of fruit extract varied between S. terebinthifolius (30 compounds) and S. molle (16 compounds). The major compound was masazino-flavanone (5774.98 and 1177.65 μg/g sample for STE and SME, respectively). The investigations highlighted significant antioxidant proprieties when using ABTS radical (IC50; 0.12 and 0.14 mg/ml for STE and SME, respectively), superoxide (IC50; 0.17 and 0.22 mg/ml for STE and SME, respectively) and hydrogen peroxide (IC50; 014 and 0.17 mg/ml for STE and SME, respectively). In addition, STE and SME proved preventive effects against H2O2-induced hemolysis (IC50; 0.22 and 0.14 mg/ml for STE and SME, respectively). The in vitro antidiabetic effect revealed that STE and SME exhibited important inhibitory effects against α-amylase (IC50; 0.13 and 0.19 mg/ml for STE and SME, respectively) and α-glycosidase (IC50; 0.21 and 0.18 mg/ml for STE and SME, respectively) when compared with acarbose. Furthermore, the extracts showed potent inhibitory activity against AAPH-induced plasmid DNA damage, and protein oxidation. In vivo study revealed that STE and SME presented interesting antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory capacities. All observed effects highlighted the potential application of Schinus fruit extract in food and pharmaceutical industries against ROS-induced damage.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Olea europaea L. (olive) is traditionally used as a folk remedy and functional food in Europe and Mediterranean countries to treat inflammatory diseases. O. europaea contains phenolic compounds and have been reported to prevent cartilage degradation. However, the function and mechanism of O. europaea in rheumatoid arthritis are not known. Aim of the study: In this study, we aimed to examine anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of Tunisian O. europaea L. leaf ethanol extract (Oe-EE). Materials and methods To do this, we employed an in vitro macrophage-like cell line and an in vivo Freund's complete adjuvant (AIA)-induced arthritis model. Levels of inflammatory genes and mediators were determined from in vivo samples. Results The Oe-EE clearly reduced the production of the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in RAW264.7 cells. The results of HPLC showed that Oe-EE contained many active compounds such as oleuropein and flavonoids. In AIA-treated rats, swelling of paws, pain, and cartilage degeneration were alleviated by oral Oe-EE administration. Correlating with in vitro data, PGE2 production was significantly reduced in paw samples. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of Oe-EE was dissected, and Oe-EE regulated the gene expression of interleukin (IL)-6, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and MMPs and inflammatory signaling activation. Conclusion Consequently, Oe-EE possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects and is a potential effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

The effect of the industrial process and collecting period on produced olive oil and by-products was evaluated. Obtained results showed significant variations for the majority of quality indices before and after vertical centrifugation between all samples from the three collecting periods. All samples were rich in monounsaturated fatty acid: Oleic acid (C18:1) with a maximum of 69.95%. The total polyphenols and individual phenolic compounds varied significantly through the extraction process, with a significant variation between olive oil and by-products. Notably, the percentage of secoiridoids and their derivatives was significant in paste and olive oil, highlighting the activity of many enzymes released during the different extraction steps. Regarding antioxidant capacity, the most remarkable result was detected in olive oil and olive mill wastewater samples.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the phenolic profile in different organs (buds, flowers, fruits and leaves) from Chemlali olive variety cultivated in the Center of Tunisia according to development stage. Phenolics recovery was carried out using aqueous methanol from freeze-dried powdered tissues. The extracts were then analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight and ion trap mass spectrometry detectors. Qualitatively, secoiridoids, flavonoids, simple phenols, cinnamic acid derivatives and lignans were identified in the analyzed extracts. Quantitatively, floral buds showed the highest phenolic contents compared to the other tissues under study. The highest content of secoiridoids was observed for unripe fruit extract, whereas the highest content of flavonoids was registered for floral buds.

Ethnopharmacology relevance Schinus terebinthifolius is traditionally used for its anti inflammatory capacity, and indicated as a cardioprotective agent, whereas, its preventive effect against atherogenic diet fed (AD) induced metabolic disorders and the underlying mechanisms has not yet been explored. Aim of the study This study was undertaken to investigate the ameliorative role of Schinus terebinthifolius fruits extract (STFE) against cardiovascular problem, oxidative and inflammatory status related to obesity in rats fed an atherogenic diet. Materials and methods The metabolites profile in STFE was evaluated using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. In Wistar rats, atherogenic diet was added for 9 weeks to induce lipid accumulation simultaneously with STFE (50 mg/kg b. w) or saline treatment. Biochemical, oxidant, and inflammatory criteria together with hepatic and arterial integrity examination were assessed. Results A total of thirty three metabolites were identified using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS, among them masazino-flavanone was the major compound (2645.50 μg/g DW). The results indicated that STFE supplementation during 9 weeks (50 mg/kg b. w.) significantly attenuated the altered lipid profile by decreasing the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and increasing the HDL-C content both in plasma and liver, when compared with the AD-group. The histological analysis using ORO staining revealed a decrease in the lipid droplet deposit in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of STFE + AD group. The addition of STFE could improve the glycemic status of AD-treated rats by decreasing the glucose and insulin secretion, and ameliorating the hepatic glycogen synthesis. The harmful effects of atherogenic diet on hepatic oxidative stress indicators (MDA, PC, GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx), biochemical markers (AST, ALT, LDH and ALP), and liver function, were found to be decreased by the addition of STFE. Moreover, the reduction of inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α), associated to alleviating of aortic oxidative stress and integrity, highlighted the positive anti-atherogenic effect of STFE. Conclusion Overall, the pleiotropic protective effect observed with S. terebinthifolius fruits might be related to the presence of various bioactive compounds.

Herein, the influence of the ripeness of Tunisian Sayali olives on the chemical composition and sensory quality of virgin olive oils have been investigated, with a particular focus on minor metabolites. Towards this end, five samples (S1–S5) were produced from fruits at increasing stages of maturity and then analyzed. Quality indices (free acidity, peroxide value, specific extinction in UV, sensory characteristics) and composition in major (fatty acids) and minor compounds (squalene, pigments, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, volatile compounds), as well as oxidative stability, were evaluated. Significant variations for the most analytical parameters of Sayali samples were demonstrated, highlighting the impact of stage of ripening. In particular, at later stages of ripening a decreased tendency was seen in minor compounds that are able to inhibit lipid oxidation (tocopherols, carotenoids, squalene and polar phenolic compounds) and, as a consequence, in the oxidative stability value. Moreover, a higher intensity of positive sensory notes (fruity, bitter and pungent) characteristic of extra virgin olive oil were found for samples produced with less ripe olives. Finally, a deeper knowledge of the influence of this factor would be helpful to correctly manage the optimal fruit harvesting time for producers for this variety and to improve the marketing of extra virgin olive oils by using a promising secondary variety (with a high oxidative stability and an interesting fatty acid composition).

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Globularia alypum leaves extract (GE) against the nephrotoxicity provoked by a chronic exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) in rats. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem quadrupole–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS) analysis revealed the presence of thirty-nine compounds among them globularin was the major compound (9444 mg/100 g of dry matter). Results showed that DLM administration altered the renal functions. Whereas, GE treatment restored the increased plasma creatinine, urea and uric acid levels, reduced the elevated MDA and PC levels, significantly normalized the antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, histopathologic examination confirmed the deltamethrin damage to the renal tissue and revealed renal connective tissue fibrosis and severe necrosis of the proximal tubules with haemorrhage, which was corrected by GE treatment. Therefore, it was speculated that GE presented a protective effects against deltamethrin induced nephrotoxicity through the action of its bioactive compounds.

Polyphenols and triterpenoids in olive have relevant importance both in the physiology of the plant and the nutritional and biological value of its products. Olive leaf extracts are of special interest for their numerous health-promoting properties. The present research is investigating the occurrence of phytochemicals in supercritical fluid extracts from leaves with regard to collection time and drying temperature. The phytochemical profiles of the olive leaf extracts were determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) detection. The main extracted phytochemicals were phenols and terpenoids. A significant variation in the amounts of the different components was observed as a function of the different drying temperature and collecting time (p < 0.05). Among samples, the maximal contents of polyphenols and secoiridoid derivatives were found in the extracts from olive leaves collected in November and dried at 120 ºC, whereas triterpenoids showed the highest content in fresh leaves collected in August., This work was supported by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education under the Tunisian-Korean project “Development of Anti-arthritic remedy with Olive by-products”.

The aim of this work was to characterize extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from four cultivars (Arbequina, Chetoui, Neb Jmal and Picholine) cultivated in Northern Tunisia (Borj El Amri) in terms of their phenolic profile. Determination of total phenol content was first performed spectrophotometrically using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The total phenol content of the analyzed EVOOs varied from 77.33 mg GAE kg−1 in ‘Arbequina’ oil to 405 mg GAE kg−1 in ‘Picholine’ oil. Moreover, the polar extracts were analyzed by a rapid and effective Rapid-resolution liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC–ESI-TOF/MS) method, and 48 phenolic compounds belonging to different classes were identified. The results showed significantly quantitative differences observed for all phenolic compounds except for oleuropein that was present only in two cultivars. In all olive oil samples studied, secoiridoids were the most abundant. Deacetoxyoleuropeinaglycone remains the most abundant complex phenol in Picholine (250.39 mg kg−1), Neb Jmal (104.34 mg kg−1) and Arbequina (19.93 mg kg−1) EVOOs, while in Chetoui oil, the oleuropeinaglycone isomer 5 content is the highest with mean value of 381.63 mg kg−1. The application of principal component analysis permitted a good classification of the EVOOs according to their phenolic profiles.

Olive leaves have always aroused an important interest, especially for folk medicine. Polyphenols contained in olive leaves have played an important role to this end, because they have demonstrated to be responsible for their anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial proprieties. Olive leaves have common phenolics with other plants, but they also contain phenolics belonging to the secoiridoids family (exclusive to the Oleaceae family). Chemical, agronomical and medicinal researches have contributed together to highlight the interest in the use of olive leaves as a potential source of phenolic compounds for the production of functional food and nutraceuticals. The aim of this review is to provide a guideline summarizing the great information available about phenolic compounds of olive leaves. Therefore, from one side, it has been reported the availability of leaves as by-products, a brief description of the main phenolics identified in leaves, as well as the main analytical methods used for their extraction and determination. From another side, the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on the phenolic compound content in leaves have also been exposed for the first time, and finally, an overview of the main research studies dealing with the beneficial effects of olive leaves phenolic compounds has been included.

Virgin olive oil has demonstrated its effective activity against oxidative stress. However, data on the bioactive effect of olive leaves or their major constituents on the liver are scarce. The present research work was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extracts from fresh and dried olive leaves on hepatotoxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rat models. For this purpose, healthy albino rats of 180–250 g weight were used. The assessment of biochemical markers was carried out on blood and liver tissue. Then, a histopathological study was carried out on liver tissue. The obtained results showed that fresh and dried olive leaf extracts ameliorate the perturbed biochemical parameters caused by CCl4 treatment. Furthermore, the results registered for the histopathological study are in accordance with the biochemical parameters and the protective capacity of SC-CO2 extracts against DNA damage, indicating that olive leaf extracts helped to improve liver fibrosis caused by CCl4 treatment., Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research LR15CBBC05, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) AGL2015-67995-C3-2, Junta de Andalucia B-AGR-466-UGR18

The current study aimed to examine, for the first time, the relationship between exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) and atherogenic lipid profile disorders in adult Wistar rats, as well as, to verify the mechanism of the beneficial role of Zygophyllum album leaves extracts (ZALE). The experimental study was assessed using DLM (4 mg/kg b.w) either alone or co administered with ZALE (400 mg/kg b.w) orally for 90 days in rats. RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS was used to identify the bioactive metabolites present in ZALE. Plasmatic and aortic total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), native LDL (LDL-apo B-100) and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) were evaluated using auto-analyzer and a sandwich ELISA, respectively. The protein expressions of LDLR (native LDL receptor) and CD36 (Scavenger receptor class B) were evaluated in aorta or liver with a Western blot. The pathology has been confirmed with lipid stain (Oil Red O). Phytochemicals analysis revealed the presence of fifteen saponins in ZALE. Rats intoxicated with DLM revealed a significant increase in plasmatic and aortic lipid profile (TC, LDL-C, LDL-apo B-100 and ox-LDL), as well as, the concentration of the plasmatic cytokines include TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6, compared to control. Hepatic native LDL and aortic CD36 receptor expression were increased in DLM treated group, however aortic LDL-R does not present any modification, when compared to control. The detected disturbances in lipid parameters were supported by Oil Red O applied. Due to their antioxidant activity, the bioactive compounds in ZALE as powerful agents able to prevent the pro-atherogenic effect observed in DLM-treated animals. These metabolites modulated most of inflammatory markers, prevented accumulation of lipid and lipoprotein biomarkers, regulated the major receptor regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism, as well as normalize lipid distribution in liver and aorta tissue.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Zygophyllum album is widely used to treat many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and as anti-inflammatory plant. Aim of the study This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the potential protective effects of Zygophyllum album roots extract (ZARE) against myocardial damage and fibrosis induced by a chronic exposure to deltamethrin (DLM) in rats. Materials and methods Bioactive compounds present in ZARE were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. In vivo, DLM (4 mg/kg body weight), ZARE (400 mg/kg body weight) and DLM with ZARE were administered to rats orally for 60 days. Biochemical markers (LDH, ALT, CK, CK-MB and cTn-I) were assessed in the plasma by an auto-analyzer. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were evaluated by a sandwich ELISA. NF-κB was quantified at mRNA levels by real time PCR. Heart tissue was used to determine cardiac oxidative stress markers (MDA, PC, SOD, CAT, and GPx). Masson's Trichrome (MT) and Sirius Red (SR) stainings were used for explored fibrosis statues. Results Phytochemical analysis using HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS revealed the presence of twenty six molecules including phenolic compounds and saponins. ZARE significantly improved the heart injury markers (LDH, ALT, CK, CK-MB and cTn-I), lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein oxidation (PC), antioxidant capacity (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and DNA structure, which were altered by DLM exposure. Moreover, ZARE cotreatment reduced the expressions of NF-κB, decreased plasmatic pro-inflammatory cytokines concentration (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), and suppressed the myocardial collagen deposition, as observed by Sirius Red and Masson's Trichrome staining. Conclusion ZARE ameliorated the severity of DLM-induced myocardial injuries through improving the oxidative status and reducing profibrotic cytokines production. The ZARE actions could be mediated by downregulation of NF-κB mRNA.

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) belongs to the Oleaceae family, and it is native to warm temperate regions of the world. Mainly, this tree is commercially important in the Mediterranean region because it is the source of olive oil. Nowadays, it is also widely cultivated in many other parts of the world for the production of olive oil and table olives. The Mediterranean diet, in which olive oil is the main dietary fat, has been associated with diverse beneficial health effects such as antihypertensive, antiviral, antiinflammatory, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties. The health benefits of olive oil are mainly attributed to the presence of high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and bioactive phytochemicals including phenolic compounds, tocopherols, carotenoids, and phospholipids. In addition to olive oil, olive leaves have gained an increasing interest because of their high availability and low cost. This subproduct has widely been used in folk medicine for several thousands of years in the Mediterranean countries, and many studies have demonstrated its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The rising awareness about these health properties has caused an increased consumption of olive oil and olive leaves throughout the world. Thus, the aim of this chapter is to focus on the recent findings concerning O. europaea tree main products and by-products, olive oil and olive leaves, as potential sources of natural bioactive compounds with health benefits.

Introduction There has been increasing interest dedicated to the phenolic compounds with a view to their antioxidant and healthy properties. Recent studies have focused on plants from the Lamiaceae family with special interest in phenolic compounds antioxidant potential. Objective The metabolite profile of methanolic extracts from two Lamiacea medicinal plants was investigated. Materials and Methods Mentha pulegium and Origanum majorana methanolic extracts were analysed using reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UHPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF-MS) detection in the negative ion mode. Results A total of 85 metabolites were characterised from different families, such as organic acids and derivatives, amino acids and derivatives, nucleosides, phenolic compounds as well as other polar metabolites, by using the MS and MS/MS information provided by the QTOF-MS. However, the total phenols and flavonoids were also quantified spectrophotometrically and they registered higher amounts in Mentha pulegium than in Origanum majorana extract. Gallocatechin was the major compound in M. pulegium extract whereas quercetin dimethyl ether, jaceidin and dihydrokaempferide were the major ones in O. majorana extract. Conclusion The distribution of phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract showed a variation among studied plants. Mentha pulegium can be considered as a source of gallocatechin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A new differential metabolomic approach has been developed to identify the phenolic cellular metabolites derived from breast cancer cells treated with a supercritical fluid extracted (SFE) olive leaf extract. The SFE extract was previously shown to have significant antiproliferative activity relative to several other olive leaf extracts examined in the same model. Upon SFE extract incubation of JIMT-1 human breast cancer cells, major metabolites were identified by using HPLC coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF-MS). After treatment, diosmetin was the most abundant intracellular metabolite, and it was accompanied by minor quantities of apigenin and luteolin. To identify the putative antiproliferative mechanism, the major metabolites and the complete extract were assayed for cell cycle, MAPK and PI3K proliferation pathways modulation. Incubation with only luteolin showed a significant effect in cell survival. Luteolin induced apoptosis, whereas the whole olive leaf extract incubation led to a significant cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. The antiproliferative activity of both pure luteolin and olive leaf extract was mediated by the inactivation of the MAPK-proliferation pathway at the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2). However, the flavone concentration of the olive leaf extract did not fully explain the strong antiproliferative activity of the extract. Therefore, the effects of other compounds in the extract, probably at the membrane level, must be considered. The potential synergistic effects of the extract also deserve further attention. Our differential metabolomics approach identified the putative intracellular metabolites from a botanical extract that have antiproliferative effects, and this metabolomics approach can be expanded to other herbal extracts or pharmacological complex mixtures.

The goal of this work was to monitor the hydrophilic profile of the virgin olive oil (VOO) of the second main Tunisian variety, ‘‘Chétoui”, in order to achieve a better understanding of the behavior of the bioactive phenolic compounds during 0, 2, 5, 10, and 15 min of microwave heating at medium power 800 W, and 0, 2.5, and 5 h of conventional heating at 180 ºC. The extent of the oxidative and hydrolytic degradation of the different phenolic subclasses was evaluated using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) method. During heating process, the most represented component in Chétoui VOO was found to be isomer 1 and 2 of deacetoxy oleuropein aglycone, and hydroxy decarboxy oleuropein aglycon. These compounds may be considered as direct markers for the degree of transformation of secoiridoids during heating process. Among the studied phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, luteolin and apigenin displayed the highest heating resistance in the whole time range of microwave and conventional applications. However, the main secoiridoids quantified in the fresh VOO, isomer 2 of oleuropein aglycone, and ligstroside aglycone, decreased in concentration with the thermal treatment and this decrease was drastic under conventional heating., This work was supported by the Ministry of High Education, and Scientific Research in Tunisia, and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) (AGL2015-67995- C3-2-R) and the Andalusian Regional Government Council (P11-CTS-7625).

In this work, phenolic composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of selected Tunisian barley varieties were studied. Swihli barley exhibited the highest total phenolic content and the strongest antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant qualitative and quantitative differences in phenolic composition among the different varieties. Procyanidin B3 and catechin were the most abundant. Pearson’s correlation test revealed significant correlations between the antioxidant activities of barley extracts and both hydroferuloyl glucose and catechin-3-glucose.

In this work, virgin olive oils from autochthonous and introduced varieties cultivated in Tunisia were analyzed for their chemical composition and sensorial profile, and were subject to 3700 consumer-preferences survey. The chemical and sensorial analyses revealed that Chetoui and Oueslati cultivars were characterized by their oils richer in C18:1, C20:1, OOO, α- and γ-tocopherols, chlorophyll, stigmasterol, (Z)-3-hexenol and more stable and bitter, pungent and fruity than those from Arbequina, Zalmati, and Chemlali VOOs. With the aim to identify the most appreciated variety among others, statistical analyses were carried out. Consumers showed appreciation of the oils from “Chetoui” variety. Chetoui olive oils from Borj Toumi and Testour localities were the most appreciated with 50–60% of consumer preference which is the nearest point to the optimum product preference (70%). The results showed that consumer preferences seem to be positively correlated to various sensorial notes (fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency). Preferred oils were characterized by their richness in oleic acid, pigments, tocopherols, and polyphenol amounts. Practical applications: The results are of interest for the olive oil industry where they can be applied in olive oil blending. Preference mapping of the seven VOO samples. OUES: Oueslati, CHEM: Chemlali, CH MB: Chetoui Mjez El Beb, CH TES: Chetoui Testour, CH BT: Chetoui Borj Toumi, ARBE: Arbequina, Fr: fruity, Pun: Pungent, Bitt: Bitter, PV: Peroxide value, Chloro: Chlorophylls, Caro: Carotenoids, Ole: Oleuropein, C18:1: Oleic acid, C16:0: Palmitic acid, C18:2: Linoleic acid, TP: Total polyphenols.

The chemical composition and consumer preferences according to consumer characteristics of virgin olive oils (VOOs) from “Chemlali” and “Arbequina” cultivars were studied in relation to processing system and geographical origin. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences (p

This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of variety, extraction system and storage conditions such as packaging type and temperature variation on the quality of virgin olive oil. Several parameters were studied, namely, quality indices, polyphenols, tocopherols, volatile compounds and sensory properties. Thus, two olive varieties Chemlali (Tunisia) and Coratina (Italy) were selected. The olive oils were extracted by different industrial processes (super press, dual and triple phase decanter) then stored in the established conditions (ambient and refrigerator temperature) in the following packaging materials: clear and dark glass bottles and metal bottles. The oils were analyzed before and after being stored for 9 months. Principal Component Analysis and Graphical Modeling were applied to fully explore the influence of the studied factors. Results revealed that among samples, oils from Coratina cultivar were the richest in γ-tocopherol while Chemlali oils contained the highest amount of Δ-tocopherol. Quality indices namely K232 and K270 values were mainly influenced by the storage date and packaging material. Meanwhile, free acidity and peroxide value were mainly influenced by the extraction system. Concerning tocopherols, α-tocopherol content was mainly influenced by the packaging material, β-tocopherol was mainly affected by the storage date, for γ-tocopherol content the main influencing factor was the cultivar whereas for Δ-tocopherol the main influencing factor was the extraction system. Regarding volatile compounds their amounts were influenced mainly by the storage date, that was influenced by the packaging material, where a considerable decrease was observed after storage which was reflected by the change of sensory characteristics of stored oils: loss of positive attributes fruitiness, bitterness and pungency and onset of defects which were mainly influenced by the storage date (fruity and bitter attributes), packaging material (pungent, rancid and fusty attributes) and extraction system (musty attribute).

Introduction – Although continuous research has been conducted on the biological activities of myrtle and the characterisation of its essential oil, few studies have focused on its phenolic composition despite major beneficial properties. Objective – To carry out a comprehensive characterisation of infusion and methanolic extract from myrtle leaves by UPLC–QTOF/MS. Methods – Myrtle-leaf infusions, prepared using deionised water, and the methanolic extracts were analysed by reversedphase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI/QTOF/MS). The MS and MS/MS experiments were conducted using the negative-ionisation mode, in order to provide molecular-mass information and production spectra of the compounds for structural elucidation. Results – The analytical method applied enabled the characterisation of several compounds such as gallic acid and galloyl derivatives, ellagic acid and derivatives, hexahydroxydiphenolyl and derivatives, flavonoids, lignans and gallomyrtucommulones. Flavonoids, ellagic acid and its derivatives and gallic acid and its derivatives formed the major fractions. Conclusion – UPLC combined with QTOF/MS is a powerful analytical method for characterising infusions and alcoholic extracts from myrtle leaves. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Supporting information can be found in the online version of this article.

Introduction Plant phenolics are secondary metabolites that constitute one of the most widely occurring groups of phytochemicals that play several important functions in plants. In olive (Olea europaea L), there is not enough information about the occurrence of these compounds in buds and flowers. Objective To conduct a comprehensive characterisation of buds and open flowers from the olive cultivar ‘Chemlali’. Methods The polar fraction of buds and open flowers was extracted using solid–liquid extraction with hydro-alcoholic solvent. Then extracts were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI/TOF/MS) and electrospray ionisation ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/IT/MS2) operating in negative ion mode. Results Phenolic compounds from different classes including secoiridoids, flavonoids, simple phenols, cinnamic acid derivatives and lignans were tentatively identified in both extracts. Qualitatively, no significant difference was observed between flower buds and open flowers extracts. However, quantitatively the secoiridoids presented higher percentage of total phenols in open flowers (41.7%) than in flower buds (30.5%) in contrast to flavonoids, which decreased slightly from 38.1 to 26.7%. Cinnamic acid derivatives and simple phenols did not show any change. Lignans presented the lowest percentage in both extracts with an increase during the development of the flower bud to open flower. Conclusion The HPLC–TOF/IT/MS allowed the characterisation, for the first time, of the phenolic profile of extracts of ‘Chemlali’ olive buds and open flowers, proving to be a very useful technique for the characterisation and structure elucidation of phenolic compounds. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polyphenols have become a subject of intense research because of their perceived beneficial effects on health due to their anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. It is well known that olives and their derivatives are rich in phenolic substances with pharmaceutical properties, some of which exert important antioxidant effects. The characterization and quantification of their polyphenol composition is one of the first steps to be taken in any evaluation of the putative contribution of the olive to human health. This review is concerned with polyphenols in Tunisian olive (Olea europaea L.) products (fruit and oil) and some by-products (leaves and olive-mill wastewater) with an emphasis on the analytical methods used, as well as the biological activities described in recent years.

A study on the characterization of Tunisian extra-virgin olive oil varieties produced in their place of origin has been carried out. Due to the influence of the genotype and environmental, agronomic and technological factors on the chemical composition of olive oil and its quality, all the olives studied were collected on the same season, and the oil was obtained under the same processing technique. Several analyses were performed to characterize the different olive oils: free acidity, peroxide value, fatty acid composition, radical scavenging activity, Rancimat assay, pigments content and phenolic compounds by HPLC–MS. In order to evaluate all the results obtained (36 parameters for each variety), different statistical analyses were used to discriminate the extra-virgin olive oil varieties: one-way analysis of variance was performed to check significant differences among cultivars (p ≤ 0.05); PCA was applied to the data showing that variables such as oleic, linoleic, quinic and vanillic acids, apigenin, luteolin, taxifolin, oleuropein aglycon, pinoresinol acetate, elenolic acid and oxidative stability allowed discriminating among the different varieties of extra-virgin olive oil studied. Besides, LDA model was able to classify the samples depending on their geographical origin in Tunisia (North, Centre and South).

The olive oil content in phenolic compounds depends on the variety of the fruit used for its extraction as well as on the predominant climate conditions in the tree cultivation area. Here, we report on the characterization of virgin olive oil samples obtained from fruits of the main Tunisian olive cultivars Chemlali and Chetoui, grown in three different Tunisian locations, Zaghouan (North), Sousse (Center) and Sfax (South). Chetoui olive oil samples obtained from fruits of olive trees cultivated in Zaghouan and Chemlali olive oil samples obtained from fruits of olive trees cultivated in Sousse were found to have a higher mean total phenol content (1004 and 330 mg/kg, respectively). Olive oil samples obtained from fruits of both cultivars had different phenolic profiles and a higher content in 3,4-DHPEA-EDA when the olive trees were cultivated in Zaghouan. Both olive cultivars were found to have different responses to environmental conditions. Chetoui olive oil showed decreased oxidative stability when the fruits were obtained from olive trees cultivated in the center of Tunisia (34.8 h) and in Sfax (16.17 h). Furthermore, statistical data showed that the phenolic composition and oxidative stability of Chetoui olive oil varied more by location than those of Chemlali olive oils.

Publisher Summary The Mediterranean diet and its basic constituent, olive oil, are today of great interest due to their healthy virtues. Among other fat sources, olive oil, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Virgin Olive Oil (VOO), is unique due to a characteristic phenolic composition that is at least in part the key of its beneficial properties. Phenolics are important because they are natural antioxidants that contribute to the quality and organoleptic features of EVOOs. Moreover, the amount of phenolic compounds and their profile change during fruit maturity, and this is a determinant for the biological properties of the fruit and the oil produced. Thus, the determination of these minor compounds is a challenge for the analyst, who may combine hyphenation of chromatography and electrophoresis techniques with Ultraviolet (UV), fluorescence, and Mass Spectrometry (MS) detection, as well as fluorescence, Infrared (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and ambient MS. This set of techniques permits detection of phenolic components directly in olives and olive oil without or with poor pretreatment. High-resolution spectroscopy coupled further to the facilities of computerized mathematical and statistical processing of the data has found interesting applications in this field. Electrochemical-based techniques are also used for the detection of phenolic compounds, but their application in the analysis of olive and olive oil phenolics is not as wide. This chapter reviews most of the advances in extraction methods, Gas (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), the main separation techniques, and the detection strategies, including spectrophotometry, MS, and NMR spectroscopy. It discusses the application of these methodologies to determine phenolic compounds in olive fruit and olive oil and their metabolites in biological samples, which is based mainly on literature published in the last 5 years.

There has been increasing interest dedicated to the phenolic compounds with a view to their antioxidant and healthy properties. Recent studies have focused on plants from the Lamiaceae family with special interest in phenolic compounds antioxidant potential.The metabolite profile of methanolic extracts from two Lamiacea medicinal plants was investigated.Mentha pulegium and Origanum majorana methanolic extracts were analysed using reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UHPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF-MS) detection in the negative ion mode.A total of 85 metabolites were characterised from different families, such as organic acids and derivatives, amino acids and derivatives, nucleosides, phenolic compounds as well as other polar metabolites, by using the MS and MS/MS information provided by the QTOF-MS. However, the total phenols and flavonoids were also quantified spectrophotometrically and they registered higher amounts in Mentha pulegium than in Origanum majorana extract. Gallocatechin was the major compound in M. pulegium extract whereas quercetin dimethyl ether, jaceidin and dihydrokaempferide were the major ones in O. majorana extract.The distribution of phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract showed a variation among studied plants. Mentha pulegium can be considered as a source of gallocatechin.

Oxidative stress occurs due to the overproduction of oxygen and nitrogen free radicals, which may cause damage to cells and tissues by their ability to react with different biomolecules. In this sense, reverting oxidative stress damage has been considered as a promising strategy in different diseases with an altered oxidative status. Antioxidant compounds relevance has been increased because recent evidence regarding their role in human health. In fact, antioxidants present in dietary products, such as polyphenols, have been associated with preventive effects in various diseases such as cancer or inflammation. In this study, up to 30 olive leaf extract have been obtained using different drying techniques and the influence on total polyphenolic content (measured using FOLIN assay) and antioxidant activity (using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) has been tested. The influence of drying temperature and harvesting season on the results are discussed and the best season and extracting procedure have been identified.