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This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo.

Given the advanced properties of ZnO, this study introduces a novel green synthesis of ZnO NPs using Ocimum basilicum essential oil as a reducing and stabilizing agent, enhancing both sustainability and biological efficacy. The essential oil composition was analyzed using GC/MS/FID, while ZnO NPs were characterized through FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and β-Carotene assays, and antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacteria. GC/MS/FID identified 36 terpene compounds, with α-Pinene (53.33%) as the major component. XRD confirmed ZnO NPs synthesis with an average crystallite size of 37.33 nm. SEM/TEM revealed irregular needle and spherical morphologies. ZnO NPs exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (DPPH IC 50 : 20.93 µg/mL), while the FRAP assay showed no reaction. In the β-Carotene assay, ZnO NPs had an EC 50 of 80.79%. ZnO NPs showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus (16.66 mm) and P. aeruginosa (18.36 mm), with lower inhibition against E. coli. These findings highlight the potential of O. basilicum essential oil for the eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO NPs, demonstrating promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with potential biomedical applications.

Peptic ulcer disease remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current treatments often have limitations, sparking interest in alternative therapies from medicinal plants. This review examines the gastroprotective potential of 54 North African medicinal plants against peptic ulcers. An extensive literature search was conducted, focusing on plants with preclinical and clinical evidence of anti‐ulcer efficacy and documented use in North African traditional medicine. The review identified several promising plant species, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive (Olea europaea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), Aloe vera, and black seed (Nigella sativa), along with their bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. These compounds exhibit gastroprotective properties through multiple mechanisms, such as enhancing the gastric mucosal barrier, inhibiting acid secretion, displaying antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, promoting ulcer healing, and combating Helicobacter pylori infection. The evidence presented includes in vitro assays, animal models, and some clinical studies. While many of the 53 plants reviewed demonstrated significant anti‐ulcer effects compared to standard drugs, further clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in humans. The synergistic actions of phytochemical mixtures in medicinal plant extracts likely contribute to their therapeutic potential. This review highlights the role these North African medicinal plants may play in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers and identifies promising candidates for further research and development of evidence‐based botanical therapies. Peptic ulcer disease remains common globally, driving interest in alternative treatments. This review examines 53 North African medicinal plants, including licorice, chamomile, olive, pomegranate, Aloe vera, and black seed, for their anti‐ulcer effects. These plants contain compounds like flavonoids and tannins that protect the stomach lining, lower acid production, reduce inflammation, and combat Helicobacter pylori. Although promising, further clinical studies are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness in humans.

Astragalus cruciatus and Astragalus gyzensis are two Saharan plants with medicinal properties. The objective of the current study is to conduct an ethnobotanical investigation of these two plants within the El-Oued population of Algeria to document their traditional uses for the first time. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted between February and November 2022. Data were collected through in-person interviews with 250 individuals. Ethnobotanical indices (the relative frequency of citation, use value, the fidelity level, informant consensus factor and rahaman similarity index) were computed and socio-demographic information was analyzed using the Chi-squared (Chi2) test. The findings showed that A. cruciatus had the highest relative frequency of citation and use value (RFC = 0.404 and UV = 1.84). This species has several uses as food for animals (FL = 77.23) and humans (FL = 76.24), medicinal (FL = 18.81) and cosmetic (FL = 3.96). The most important Informant consensus factor was recorded for its utilization in the treatment of diabetes (Fic = 0.66). Alternatively, A. gyzensis had a similar RFC (RFC = 0.4), but it had a low UV (UV = 0.68). It was also mainly used as food for animals (FL = 79) and humans (FL = 62) and had some medicinal uses (FL = 19). The treatment of snake and scorpion bites had the highest Fic (Fic = 0.66). In El Hamraya/Douar el ma region, both species had a 100% Rahaman similarity index for their antidiabetic properties. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for both species (AC = 88.9%, AG = 57.9%), usually prepared as a decoction (AC = 66.66%, AG = 63.2%). These plants are familiar to elderly, uneducated men over 60. Further validation of traditional plant uses through pharmacological research is necessary to safeguard regional biodiversity.

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H[sub.2]O[sub.2])-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo.

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activities of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica oleracea var. elongata. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and reducing sugars in both methanolic and aqueous extracts. Quantitative analysis showed that methanolic extracts contained higher levels of polyphenols and flavonoids than aqueous extracts, with methanolic seed extract exhibiting the highest polyphenol content (4.399[+ or -]0.14 mg GAEq/g). High- performance liquid chromatography analysis identified significant concentrations of gallic acid (1180.20 [micro]g/100 mg), chlorogenic acid (8323.831 [micro]g/g), and quercetin (5512.58[+ or -]0.02 [micro]g/100 mg) in extracts. Antioxidant activity assays demonstrated potent effects, with methanolic leaf extract showing the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity ([IC.sub.50]: 0.058[+ or -]0.001 mg/mL) and aqueous leaf extract exhibiting the highest activity in the [beta]-carotene bleaching method ([EC.sub.50]: 0.049[+ or - ]0.001 mg/mL). Ultraviolet protection potential was assessed, revealing promising sun protection factor (SPF) values of all extracts, with methanolic seed extract having the highest SPF of 45.58[+ or -]10. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed the aqueous leaf extract's remarkable inhibition of inflammation (94.8%). Antimicrobial assays showed notable antibacterial effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Brassica oleracea extracts and warrant further exploration into their applications in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activities of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica oleracea var. elongata. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and reducing sugars in both methanolic and aqueous extracts. Quantitative analysis showed that methanolic extracts contained higher levels of polyphenols and flavonoids than aqueous extracts, with methanolic seed extract exhibiting the highest polyphenol content (4.399±0.14 mg GAEq/g). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis identified significant concentrations of gallic acid (1180.20 µg/100 mg), chlorogenic acid (8323.831 µg/g), and quercetin (5512.58±0.02 µg/100 mg) in extracts. Antioxidant activity assays demonstrated potent effects, with methanolic leaf extract showing the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (IC50: 0.058±0.001 mg/mL) and aqueous leaf extract exhibiting the highest activity in the β-carotene bleaching method (EC50: 0.049±0.001 mg/mL). Ultraviolet protection potential was assessed, revealing promising sun protection factor (SPF) values of all extracts, with methanolic seed extract having the highest SPF of 45.58±10. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed the aqueous leaf extract’s remarkable inhibition of inflammation (94.8%). Antimicrobial assays showed notable antibacterial effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Brassica oleracea extracts and warrant further exploration into their applications in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Date palm fruit development involves several stages, including Habauk, Kimri, Khalal, Rutab, and Tamer stages, characterized by intricate biochemical alterations that lead to the accumulation of various metabolites. The objective of this study was to quantify and statistically evaluate the linearity of nutritional compounds, acidity levels, water content, dry matter, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity capacity across the fruit development and maturation stages of two date palm cultivars, Deglet Nour and Degla Beida. Fruits were collected from ten palm trees per cultivar at each growth stage, cleaned, sliced, dried, and powdered. The acidity level was assessed using the Marx method, while water content and dry matter were determined through a drying method. The carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that constitute the nutritional components were quantified using established techniques. The extraction yield of secondary metabolites was calculated using date powder. The water content, PH, carbohydrate, protein, fat content, extraction yield, total Phenol, and total flavonoid content displayed dynamic patterns described by second-order polynomials. The maximum local values for water content, PH, and carbohydrate were observed in both varieties, while the maximum local value for total Phenol was found exclusively in Deglet Nour. Conversely, the minimum local values for protein content, fat content, total flavonoid content, and extraction yield were observed in both varieties. Notably, the minimum local value for total Phenol content was observed only in Degla Beida. For both varieties, the dry matter and antioxidant activity exhibited quadratic dynamics. However, the dry matter showed a positive increasing trend, while the antioxidant activity exhibited a change in the opposite direction.