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Mahjoub Aouni - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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anti inflammatory and analgesic activities of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad immature fruit and seed organic extracts
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2011Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Nadia Fenina, Abderrahman Bouraoui, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Background and Objec- tives: Inflammations and immune-related dis- eases including rheumatoid arthritis are wide- spread in the entire globe. The treatment of these illnesses is mainly based on the use of synthetic and biotechnological drugs, in re- cent years. Tunisian traditional medicine is a potential source of new remedies namely Cit- rullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae): en- demic in southern Tunisia and used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation disor- ders. Our goal was to assess the in vivo anal- gesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Tunisian Citrullus colocynthis immature fruit and seed organic extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and finely methanol extract). Material and Methods: Yields of prepared organic extracts are gravimetrically deter- mined. For the analgesic and anti-inflammato- ry activities, we have used respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the car- rageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results and Discussion: All extracts dis- played an important analgesic and anti-inflam- matory activities at different doses without in- ducing any side effects. This study has demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflam- matory activities of Citrullus colocynthis imma- ture fruit and seed extracts. Experiment re- sults provide scientific insight into the ancient practice of utilizing Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. as analgesic and as anti-inflammatory agents.
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antibacterial and antifungal activities of several populations of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad immature fruits and seeds
Journal De Mycologie Medicale, 2010Co-Authors: B Marzouk, Nadia Fenina, Rachel Decor, Z Marzouk, L Mhadhebi, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Summary Objective Skin infections and gynaecological and pulmonary problems produced by microorganisms are widespread in the entire globe. The treatment of these infections is mainly based on the use of synthetic drugs, many of which have lost their effectiveness, in recent years, due to the development of resistant strains, and to the rise of opportunistic fungal infections. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro antibacterial and anticandidal activity of aqueous immature fruit and seed extracts, screened for the alkaloid and flavonoid levels, of seven populations of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. Material and method C. colocynthis Schrad. samples were harvested and their identification verified. Aqueous extracts (from immature fruits and seeds) were screened for activity against Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive ( Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus ) bacteria – and four Candida spp. ( Candida glabrata , Candida albicans , Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei ). Microdilution method was used to investigate the antimicrobial activity. Results Quantitative screening proved that Medenine Citrullus population was the richest in alkaloids while Hammamet Citrullus population presented the highest flavonoid level. All C. colocynthis extracts showed antibacterial and anticandidal properties against the tested strains. However, samples from southern populations were the most active. Conclusion This study provides scientific insight into the ancient practice of using C. colocynthis Schrad. immature fruits and seeds as an antimicrobial agent and demonstrate the geographical distribution influence on the chemical composition and therefore, on the antimicrobial efficacy.
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screening of analgesic and anti inflammatory activities of Citrullus colocynthis from southern tunisia
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Ehsen Haloui, Nadia Fenina, Abderrahman Bouraoui, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Inflammations and immune-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are growing global concerns. Most of the drugs from plants which have become important in modern medicine had a folklore origin and are traditional in systems of medicine. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (cucurbitaceae), endemic in Southern Tunisia, is used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation diseases. Aim of study To evaluate the acute toxicity of different parts of Citrullus colocynthis and then to screen the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extracts from roots and stems of the plant and from fruits and seeds at different maturation stages. Materials and methods After identification and acute toxicity assay Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. aqueous extracts were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using, respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results All extracts displayed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities at different doses without inducing acute toxicity. Topic results were obtained with immature fruits followed by seeds. The stem and root extracts were shown to possess the less significant inhibitory activity against analgesic and anti-inflammatory models. Conclusions Based on this study, we confirmed that Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. is a potentially useful drug suitable for further evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis, and its folk medicinal use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents is validated.
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antibacterial and anticandidal screening of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad from medenine
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Ehsen Haloui, Nadia Fenina, Rachel Decor, Hayet Edziri, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Resistance to current antibacterial drugs and the rise of opportunistic fungal infections are growing global concerns. Traditional medicine is a potential source of new antibacterials and antifungals. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) endemic in Southern Tunisia, is used in folk medicine against dermatological, gynaecological and pulmonary infections. Aim of study To assess in vitro antibacterial and anticandidal activity of aqueous and diluted acetone extracts of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. MIC and MBC/MFC were determined for plant organs at different maturation stages. Materials and methods Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. was harvested and its identification was verified. Aqueous and diluted acetone extracts (from the plant's roots, stems, leaves and three maturation stages of its fruit and seeds) were screened for activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria ( Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) —and various Candida spp. ( Candida glabrata , Candida albicans , Candida parapsilosis and Candida kreusei ). Results All extracts showed activity against all strains. The highest MICs and MBCs/MFCs were obtained from the fruit aqueous extracts (MIC 0.10 mg/ml against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata , 0.20 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ), lowest activity from the root extracts. Conclusions Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. shows antibacterial and anticandidal properties. The folk medicinal use as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is validated.
Belsem Marzouk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Aspergillus flavus as a Model System to Test the Biological Activity of Botanicals: An Example on Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrad. Organic Extracts
MDPI AG, 2019Co-Authors: Francesca Degola, Belsem Marzouk, Antonella Gori, Cecilia Brunetti, Lucia Dramis, Stefania Gelati, Annamaria Buschini, Francesco M. RestivoAbstract:Citrullus colocynthis L. Schrader is an annual plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, widely distributed in the desert areas of the Mediterranean basin. Many pharmacological properties (anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-epileptic) are ascribed to different organs of this plant; extracts and derivatives of C. colocynthis are used in folk Berber medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases—such as rheumatism arthritis, hypertension bronchitis, mastitis, and even cancer. Clinical studies aimed at confirming the chemical and biological bases of pharmacological activity assigned to many plant/herb extracts used in folk medicine often rely on results obtained from laboratory preliminary tests. We investigated the biological activity of some C. colocynthis stem, leaf, and root extracts on the mycotoxigenic and phytopathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus, testing a possible correlation between the inhibitory effect on aflatoxin biosynthesis, the phytochemical composition of extracts, and their in vitro antioxidant capacities
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anti inflammatory and analgesic activities of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad immature fruit and seed organic extracts
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2011Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Nadia Fenina, Abderrahman Bouraoui, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Background and Objec- tives: Inflammations and immune-related dis- eases including rheumatoid arthritis are wide- spread in the entire globe. The treatment of these illnesses is mainly based on the use of synthetic and biotechnological drugs, in re- cent years. Tunisian traditional medicine is a potential source of new remedies namely Cit- rullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae): en- demic in southern Tunisia and used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation disor- ders. Our goal was to assess the in vivo anal- gesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Tunisian Citrullus colocynthis immature fruit and seed organic extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and finely methanol extract). Material and Methods: Yields of prepared organic extracts are gravimetrically deter- mined. For the analgesic and anti-inflammato- ry activities, we have used respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the car- rageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results and Discussion: All extracts dis- played an important analgesic and anti-inflam- matory activities at different doses without in- ducing any side effects. This study has demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflam- matory activities of Citrullus colocynthis imma- ture fruit and seed extracts. Experiment re- sults provide scientific insight into the ancient practice of utilizing Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. as analgesic and as anti-inflammatory agents.
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screening of analgesic and anti inflammatory activities of Citrullus colocynthis from southern tunisia
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Ehsen Haloui, Nadia Fenina, Abderrahman Bouraoui, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Inflammations and immune-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are growing global concerns. Most of the drugs from plants which have become important in modern medicine had a folklore origin and are traditional in systems of medicine. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (cucurbitaceae), endemic in Southern Tunisia, is used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation diseases. Aim of study To evaluate the acute toxicity of different parts of Citrullus colocynthis and then to screen the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extracts from roots and stems of the plant and from fruits and seeds at different maturation stages. Materials and methods After identification and acute toxicity assay Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. aqueous extracts were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using, respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results All extracts displayed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities at different doses without inducing acute toxicity. Topic results were obtained with immature fruits followed by seeds. The stem and root extracts were shown to possess the less significant inhibitory activity against analgesic and anti-inflammatory models. Conclusions Based on this study, we confirmed that Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. is a potentially useful drug suitable for further evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis, and its folk medicinal use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents is validated.
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antibacterial and anticandidal screening of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad from medenine
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Ehsen Haloui, Nadia Fenina, Rachel Decor, Hayet Edziri, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Resistance to current antibacterial drugs and the rise of opportunistic fungal infections are growing global concerns. Traditional medicine is a potential source of new antibacterials and antifungals. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) endemic in Southern Tunisia, is used in folk medicine against dermatological, gynaecological and pulmonary infections. Aim of study To assess in vitro antibacterial and anticandidal activity of aqueous and diluted acetone extracts of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. MIC and MBC/MFC were determined for plant organs at different maturation stages. Materials and methods Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. was harvested and its identification was verified. Aqueous and diluted acetone extracts (from the plant's roots, stems, leaves and three maturation stages of its fruit and seeds) were screened for activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria ( Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) —and various Candida spp. ( Candida glabrata , Candida albicans , Candida parapsilosis and Candida kreusei ). Results All extracts showed activity against all strains. The highest MICs and MBCs/MFCs were obtained from the fruit aqueous extracts (MIC 0.10 mg/ml against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata , 0.20 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ), lowest activity from the root extracts. Conclusions Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. shows antibacterial and anticandidal properties. The folk medicinal use as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is validated.
Willy Malaisse - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protective action of Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts against the deleterious effect of streptozotocin on both in vitro glucose stimulated insulin release from rat pancreatic islets and in vivo glucose homeostasis
Biomedical Reports, 2013Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Emeline Hupkens, Karim Louchami, Wafaa Bellakdhar, Willy MalaisseAbstract:Citrullus colocynthis extracts improve glucose homeostasis in alloxan- or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Little is known, however, regarding the protec- tive effect of these extracts against the β-cytotoxic action of STZ. In the present study, an H2O-methanol extract was found to suppress the inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secre- tion by STZ in rat-isolated pancreatic islets. Similarly, when an aqueous extract from Citrullus colocynthis seeds was injected daily for 21 days prior to STZ administration, the perturbation of glucose homeostasis otherwise generated by the β-cytotoxic agent was minimized in rats.
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insulinotropic action of Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts in rat pancreatic islets
Molecular Medicine Reports, 2013Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Emeline Hupkens, Willy Malaisse, Karim Louchami, Abdullah SenerAbstract:The present study aimed to investigate the direct in vitro effects of several distinct Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts on glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic islets isolated from rats. Six extracts were tested, a crude aqueous, defatted aqueous, ethyl acetate, H2O- methanol and n-butanol extract and an extract containing a major component (fraction A) identified by gel chromatography in the ethyl acetate, n-butanol and H2O-methanol extracts. Under selected experimental conditions, the majority of extracts exhibited a positive insulinotropic action, at least when tested in the presence of 8.3 mM D-glucose. The concentration-response correlation observed with distinct extracts revealed the participation of distinct chemical compounds, including compounds with an inhibitory insulinotropic potential, in the modulation of the insulin secretory response to D-glucose. The results of the present study are relevant for further investigations which aim to identify compounds exhibiting positive insulinotropic actions. These agents may be suitable for the treatment of human diabetic subjects. © 2013 Spandidos Publications Ltd.
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phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activity of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extracts
Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2013Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Wafaa Bellakhdar, Willy Malaisse, Nacera Belkacem, Marcel Kadiata, Abdullah SenerAbstract:Abstract Objective To study the phytochemical screening of different extracts from Citrullus colocynthis ( C. colocynthis ) seeds extracts and to assess their antioxidant activity on the DPPH free radical scavenging. Methods Phytochemical screening, total content of polyphenols and flavonoids of C. colocynthis seeds extracts, including a crude aqueous extract (E1), a defatted aqueous extract (E2), a hydromethanolic extract (HM), an ethyl acetate extract (EA) and a n -butanol extract ( n -B) was carried out according to the standard methods and to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant. Results None of these extracts contained detectable amount of alkaloid, quinone, antraquinone, or reducing sugar. Catechic tannins and flavonoids were abundant in E1, HM and EA, whilst terpenoids were abundantly present in E1 and n -B but only weekly in HM. Coumarins were found in E2, EA and n -B. Polyphenols, expressed as gallic acid equivalent, amounted, per 100 g plant matter, to 329, 1002 and 150 mg in EA, HM an E1 respectively. Flavonoids, expressed as catechin equivalent, amounted, per 100 g plant matter to 620, 241 and 94 mg in EA, HM and E1 respectively. Comparable values were found in n -B and E1, with lower values in E2. Quercetin, myricetin and gallic acid were found in the EA and HM extracts by thin layer chromatography, The antioxidative effect of these extracts yielded, when tested at a concentration of 2 000 μg/mL in a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay, a reducing percentage of 88.8% with EA, 74.5% with HM and 66.2% with E1, and corresponding IC 50 of 350, 580 and 500 μg/mL as compared to 1.1 μg/mL for ascorbic acid. Conclusions These qualitative and quantitative analytical data document the presence in C. colocynthis extracts of such chemical compounds as flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant activity, as well as other biological activities of this plant.
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short and long term effects of various Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Bouchra Hanane Zerriouh, Wafaa Bellakhdar, Emeline Hupkens, Zahia Boucherit, Willy MalaisseAbstract:In the light of previous findings, the major aim of the present study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of various Citrullus colocynthis L. seed extracts on such variables as glucose tolerance, body weight gain, pancreas, liver, kidney, testis, epididymal fat and diaphragm muscle weight, as well as serum cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, creatinine, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in an animal model of type-1 diabetes mellitus, i.e. streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. For purpose of comparison, a comparable study was conducted in normal rats. Both the immediate and long-term effects of the plant extracts were assessed in rats injected daily, up to 3 weeks after the start of the experiments. The results of this study reinforce the view that both a crude aqueous extract and a n-butanol extract from the Citrullus colocynthis L. seeds may represent the best candidates in order to eventually identify a component suitable for the treatment of both type-1 and type-2 diabetic subjects.
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antihyperglycemic effect of Citrullus colocynthis see aqueous extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Metabolic and functional research on diabetes, 2009Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, B H Zerriouth, K Boucherit, Karim Louchami, Abdullah Sener, Willy MalaisseAbstract:The fruit of Citrullus colocynthis is traditionally used in Mediterranean countries as infusions to treat diabetes mellitus. The present study investigates the effects of a daily intraperitoneal administration, for a period of 14 days, of extracts from Citrullus colocynthis seeds on fasting glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test, body weight and food and fluid intake in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Although the intraperitoneal injection of such extracts failed to affect significantly glycemia over a period of 180 min, glucose tolerance was improved after concomitant oral administration of glucose and an aqueous extract (E1). Even when the E1 extract was applied externally for 180 min, a trend towards improvement of glucose homeostasis was noticed in the diabetic rats. After one and two weeks of daily intraperitoneal injection of the plant extracts, the glycemia measured after overnight fasting was lower than that recorded in diabetic rats injected daily over the same period with saline. Under the same experimental conditions, the plant extracts prevented the decrease in body weight otherwise observed in the diabetic rats, despite a decrease in both fluid and food intake at the 7 th and/or 14 th day of these experiments. As a rule the wet weight of liver, pancreas, testis and kidneys, measured on day 15 failed to differ significantly in control and extract-treated diabetic rats. These findings thus document the beneficial long-term effects of Citrullus colocynthis seed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
N Benariba - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of two Cucurbitaceae: Citrullus colocynthis fruits and Bryonia dioica roots
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 2015Co-Authors: E. Chekroun, N Benariba, Houria Adida, A. Bechiri, Rachid Azzi, R DjaziriAbstract:Abstract Objective To evaluate antioxidant activity and quantify total content of polyphenols and flavonoids in two Cucurbitaceae plant extracts, Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) fruits and Bryonia dioica (B. dioica) roots. Methods Qualitative and quantitative analysis of aqueous and butanolic extracts, prepared from C. colocynthis fruits and B. dioica roots was carried out using standard methods. Estimation of their antioxidant activity was determined by free radical scavenging activity assay using 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Results Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous and organic extracts showed the presence of tannins, flavanoids, terpenoids, saponins and quinones. The content of phenolic compounds varies among the two species of cucurbits and even in the different extracts of the same species. The most important amount of total polyphenols and flavanoids expressed respectively as gallic acid and catechin equivalent per gram extract, was determined in butanolic extract of B. dioica roots (541.78 mg/g, 120.60 mg/g). The lowest values were noted in C. colocynthis fruit aqueous extract (219.58 mg/g, 46.13 mg/g). Butanolic extract of B. dioica roots exhibited an interesting free radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 2.25 µg/mL compared to IC50 = 1.5 µg/mL of ascorbic acid, followed by B. dioica roots aqueous extract (IC50 = 47.25 µg/mL), butanolic C. colocynthis fruit extract (IC50 = 61 µg/mL) and C. colocynthis fruit aqueous extract (IC50 = 241.25 µg/mL). A highest reducing power was observed in B. dioica roots butanolic extract compared to other extracts (C. colocynthis fruit aqueous and butanolic extracts and B. dioica roots aqueous extract). Conclusions The results indicate that the wealth of B. dioica roots extracts on polyphenols and flavonoids is more than C. colocynthis fruit extracts. These phytoconstituents ensure an interesting free radical scavenging activity and reducing power for the B. dioica roots extracts especially butanolic extract.
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protective action of Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts against the deleterious effect of streptozotocin on both in vitro glucose stimulated insulin release from rat pancreatic islets and in vivo glucose homeostasis
Biomedical Reports, 2013Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Emeline Hupkens, Karim Louchami, Wafaa Bellakdhar, Willy MalaisseAbstract:Citrullus colocynthis extracts improve glucose homeostasis in alloxan- or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Little is known, however, regarding the protec- tive effect of these extracts against the β-cytotoxic action of STZ. In the present study, an H2O-methanol extract was found to suppress the inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secre- tion by STZ in rat-isolated pancreatic islets. Similarly, when an aqueous extract from Citrullus colocynthis seeds was injected daily for 21 days prior to STZ administration, the perturbation of glucose homeostasis otherwise generated by the β-cytotoxic agent was minimized in rats.
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insulinotropic action of Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts in rat pancreatic islets
Molecular Medicine Reports, 2013Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Emeline Hupkens, Willy Malaisse, Karim Louchami, Abdullah SenerAbstract:The present study aimed to investigate the direct in vitro effects of several distinct Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts on glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic islets isolated from rats. Six extracts were tested, a crude aqueous, defatted aqueous, ethyl acetate, H2O- methanol and n-butanol extract and an extract containing a major component (fraction A) identified by gel chromatography in the ethyl acetate, n-butanol and H2O-methanol extracts. Under selected experimental conditions, the majority of extracts exhibited a positive insulinotropic action, at least when tested in the presence of 8.3 mM D-glucose. The concentration-response correlation observed with distinct extracts revealed the participation of distinct chemical compounds, including compounds with an inhibitory insulinotropic potential, in the modulation of the insulin secretory response to D-glucose. The results of the present study are relevant for further investigations which aim to identify compounds exhibiting positive insulinotropic actions. These agents may be suitable for the treatment of human diabetic subjects. © 2013 Spandidos Publications Ltd.
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phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activity of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extracts
Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2013Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Wafaa Bellakhdar, Willy Malaisse, Nacera Belkacem, Marcel Kadiata, Abdullah SenerAbstract:Abstract Objective To study the phytochemical screening of different extracts from Citrullus colocynthis ( C. colocynthis ) seeds extracts and to assess their antioxidant activity on the DPPH free radical scavenging. Methods Phytochemical screening, total content of polyphenols and flavonoids of C. colocynthis seeds extracts, including a crude aqueous extract (E1), a defatted aqueous extract (E2), a hydromethanolic extract (HM), an ethyl acetate extract (EA) and a n -butanol extract ( n -B) was carried out according to the standard methods and to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant. Results None of these extracts contained detectable amount of alkaloid, quinone, antraquinone, or reducing sugar. Catechic tannins and flavonoids were abundant in E1, HM and EA, whilst terpenoids were abundantly present in E1 and n -B but only weekly in HM. Coumarins were found in E2, EA and n -B. Polyphenols, expressed as gallic acid equivalent, amounted, per 100 g plant matter, to 329, 1002 and 150 mg in EA, HM an E1 respectively. Flavonoids, expressed as catechin equivalent, amounted, per 100 g plant matter to 620, 241 and 94 mg in EA, HM and E1 respectively. Comparable values were found in n -B and E1, with lower values in E2. Quercetin, myricetin and gallic acid were found in the EA and HM extracts by thin layer chromatography, The antioxidative effect of these extracts yielded, when tested at a concentration of 2 000 μg/mL in a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay, a reducing percentage of 88.8% with EA, 74.5% with HM and 66.2% with E1, and corresponding IC 50 of 350, 580 and 500 μg/mL as compared to 1.1 μg/mL for ascorbic acid. Conclusions These qualitative and quantitative analytical data document the presence in C. colocynthis extracts of such chemical compounds as flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant activity, as well as other biological activities of this plant.
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short and long term effects of various Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: N Benariba, R Djaziri, Bouchra Hanane Zerriouh, Wafaa Bellakhdar, Emeline Hupkens, Zahia Boucherit, Willy MalaisseAbstract:In the light of previous findings, the major aim of the present study was to investigate the potential beneficial effects of various Citrullus colocynthis L. seed extracts on such variables as glucose tolerance, body weight gain, pancreas, liver, kidney, testis, epididymal fat and diaphragm muscle weight, as well as serum cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, creatinine, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in an animal model of type-1 diabetes mellitus, i.e. streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. For purpose of comparison, a comparable study was conducted in normal rats. Both the immediate and long-term effects of the plant extracts were assessed in rats injected daily, up to 3 weeks after the start of the experiments. The results of this study reinforce the view that both a crude aqueous extract and a n-butanol extract from the Citrullus colocynthis L. seeds may represent the best candidates in order to eventually identify a component suitable for the treatment of both type-1 and type-2 diabetic subjects.
Nadia Fenina - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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anti inflammatory and analgesic activities of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad immature fruit and seed organic extracts
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2011Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Nadia Fenina, Abderrahman Bouraoui, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Background and Objec- tives: Inflammations and immune-related dis- eases including rheumatoid arthritis are wide- spread in the entire globe. The treatment of these illnesses is mainly based on the use of synthetic and biotechnological drugs, in re- cent years. Tunisian traditional medicine is a potential source of new remedies namely Cit- rullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae): en- demic in southern Tunisia and used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation disor- ders. Our goal was to assess the in vivo anal- gesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Tunisian Citrullus colocynthis immature fruit and seed organic extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and finely methanol extract). Material and Methods: Yields of prepared organic extracts are gravimetrically deter- mined. For the analgesic and anti-inflammato- ry activities, we have used respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the car- rageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results and Discussion: All extracts dis- played an important analgesic and anti-inflam- matory activities at different doses without in- ducing any side effects. This study has demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflam- matory activities of Citrullus colocynthis imma- ture fruit and seed extracts. Experiment re- sults provide scientific insight into the ancient practice of utilizing Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. as analgesic and as anti-inflammatory agents.
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antibacterial and antifungal activities of several populations of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad immature fruits and seeds
Journal De Mycologie Medicale, 2010Co-Authors: B Marzouk, Nadia Fenina, Rachel Decor, Z Marzouk, L Mhadhebi, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Summary Objective Skin infections and gynaecological and pulmonary problems produced by microorganisms are widespread in the entire globe. The treatment of these infections is mainly based on the use of synthetic drugs, many of which have lost their effectiveness, in recent years, due to the development of resistant strains, and to the rise of opportunistic fungal infections. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro antibacterial and anticandidal activity of aqueous immature fruit and seed extracts, screened for the alkaloid and flavonoid levels, of seven populations of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. Material and method C. colocynthis Schrad. samples were harvested and their identification verified. Aqueous extracts (from immature fruits and seeds) were screened for activity against Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive ( Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus ) bacteria – and four Candida spp. ( Candida glabrata , Candida albicans , Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei ). Microdilution method was used to investigate the antimicrobial activity. Results Quantitative screening proved that Medenine Citrullus population was the richest in alkaloids while Hammamet Citrullus population presented the highest flavonoid level. All C. colocynthis extracts showed antibacterial and anticandidal properties against the tested strains. However, samples from southern populations were the most active. Conclusion This study provides scientific insight into the ancient practice of using C. colocynthis Schrad. immature fruits and seeds as an antimicrobial agent and demonstrate the geographical distribution influence on the chemical composition and therefore, on the antimicrobial efficacy.
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screening of analgesic and anti inflammatory activities of Citrullus colocynthis from southern tunisia
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Ehsen Haloui, Nadia Fenina, Abderrahman Bouraoui, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Inflammations and immune-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are growing global concerns. Most of the drugs from plants which have become important in modern medicine had a folklore origin and are traditional in systems of medicine. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (cucurbitaceae), endemic in Southern Tunisia, is used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation diseases. Aim of study To evaluate the acute toxicity of different parts of Citrullus colocynthis and then to screen the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extracts from roots and stems of the plant and from fruits and seeds at different maturation stages. Materials and methods After identification and acute toxicity assay Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. aqueous extracts were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using, respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results All extracts displayed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities at different doses without inducing acute toxicity. Topic results were obtained with immature fruits followed by seeds. The stem and root extracts were shown to possess the less significant inhibitory activity against analgesic and anti-inflammatory models. Conclusions Based on this study, we confirmed that Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. is a potentially useful drug suitable for further evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis, and its folk medicinal use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents is validated.
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antibacterial and anticandidal screening of tunisian Citrullus colocynthis schrad from medenine
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009Co-Authors: Belsem Marzouk, Zohra Marzouk, Ehsen Haloui, Nadia Fenina, Rachel Decor, Hayet Edziri, Mahjoub AouniAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Resistance to current antibacterial drugs and the rise of opportunistic fungal infections are growing global concerns. Traditional medicine is a potential source of new antibacterials and antifungals. Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) endemic in Southern Tunisia, is used in folk medicine against dermatological, gynaecological and pulmonary infections. Aim of study To assess in vitro antibacterial and anticandidal activity of aqueous and diluted acetone extracts of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. MIC and MBC/MFC were determined for plant organs at different maturation stages. Materials and methods Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. was harvested and its identification was verified. Aqueous and diluted acetone extracts (from the plant's roots, stems, leaves and three maturation stages of its fruit and seeds) were screened for activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria ( Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) —and various Candida spp. ( Candida glabrata , Candida albicans , Candida parapsilosis and Candida kreusei ). Results All extracts showed activity against all strains. The highest MICs and MBCs/MFCs were obtained from the fruit aqueous extracts (MIC 0.10 mg/ml against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata , 0.20 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ), lowest activity from the root extracts. Conclusions Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. shows antibacterial and anticandidal properties. The folk medicinal use as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent is validated.