Amaranthus spinosus has been consumed traditionally to prevent various diseases including abdomin... more Amaranthus spinosus has been consumed traditionally to prevent various diseases including abdominal pain. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and analgesic activities of an ethyl acetate extract of A. spinosus leaves (ASEA) were evaluated. The ASEA had the highest concentrations of total phenols (462.2 mg GAE/g DW), condensed tannin (5.01 mg CE/g DW) and total flavonoid contents (30.07 mg CE/g DW) compared to the chloroform, n-hexane, n-butanol and water extracts. Similarly, ASEA showed the most effective total antioxidant activity (45.45 µg/mL), DPPH scavenging activity (27.32 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (30.60 µg/mL). ASEA with the doses of 200-600 mg/kg (p.o.) clearly demonstrated antinociceptive effects by reducing acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions with a maximal inhibition of 79.57% at 600 mg/kg and increasing latencies of the hot-plate paw-licking response. The tested doses also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the reaction time in the formalin test at the neurogenic and inflammatory phases. ASEA contained ten polyphenols with caffeic acid being the predominant polyphenol. Overall, this study gave evidence that A. spinosus is a new antioxidant and analgesic agent, and justified its traditional use for the treatment of pain.
Abstract Chemical modification of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by the replacement of chlorine atom ... more Abstract Chemical modification of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by the replacement of chlorine atom presents a considerable interest in this work. In the first phase, PVC was partially azided with a sodium azide. Click-chemistry based on Copper (I)-catalyzed Huisgen's reaction (CuAAC) was then used to form polymer-grafted 1,4-triazoles using some synthesized substituted alkynes. In the second phase, the new synthesized polymers were used in extraction studies of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb). The obtained polymer-supported triazoles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis (DSC). Evaluation of metallic cation extraction was done by atomic absorption of the remaining solutions. Three polymers efficiently removed Ni Cu and Pb with extraction yields between 50 and 90%. Two of the polymers studied had a high selectivity of extraction for Cadmium with a good efficiency (around 80%).
The present research focuses on the removal of nickel Ni(II) from synthetic and industrial wastew... more The present research focuses on the removal of nickel Ni(II) from synthetic and industrial wastewater using rectangular aluminium electrodes. The main effect of electrocoagulation (EC) parameters to remove heavy metals in a batch electrolytic reactor was evaluated and the characteristics of the EC sludge were investigated to understand the behaviour of nickel during EC. The electrocoagulation process was applied to assess the effect of electrochemical parameters such as: initial pH (pH i), current density (j), electrolyte concentration [NaCl], electrolysis time t EC and connection mode on removal efficiency of Ni(II), energy consumption, flow structure and treatment cost. The results indicated that maximum nickel removal was obtained with a bipolar connection, initial pH = 5.0, current density j = 1.388 mA cm-2 , electrolysis time t EC = 30 min and [NaCl] = 1.5 g L-1. At optimal conditions, nickel removal reached over 95.51% with an energy consumption of barely 0.195 kWh m-3. Once electrocoagulation performance was determined, economic treatment cost of the process was evaluated. In this way, a useful economic feasibility indicator is obtained, and it has been possible to show the effectiveness of this process in the treatment of industrial waste water with a total removal of Ni(II) and a low treatment cost. In the light of these results, this method promises interesting industrial applications.
Amaranth is extensively cultivated as a green leafy vegetable and grain crop in many countries. T... more Amaranth is extensively cultivated as a green leafy vegetable and grain crop in many countries. The nutritional, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and hemolytic potential of Amaranthus spinosus leaves collected from different locations in Tunisia were evaluated and compared. Leaves showed high levels of protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, and ash. The leaves presented high contents in macro (K, Mg, Ca, and Na) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged between 6.6 to 19.6 mg GAE/g DW and 4.07 to 10.48 mg CAE/g DW, respectively. The major compound in the essential oil was found to be a-thujone. The plant exhibited high antioxidant activity with EC 50 values ranging from 25.55 to 54.58 lg/mL for DPPH radical scavenging capacity and 37.54-116.72 lg/mL for H 2 O 2 scavenging activity, respectively. Moreover, A. spinosus leaves have the potential to protect red blood cells from hemolysis. Practical applications The results showed that A. spinosus could be a new source of nutrients and antioxidants and its use in human diet, nutraceutical development, and therapy is encouraged. Especially, it could be used to mitigate the risk of various diseases including cardiovascular, neurological, cancer, and Alzheimer's which are caused by reactive oxygen species (like H 2 O 2).
Background: The aims of this research is to investigate the potential activity of Salvia officina... more Background: The aims of this research is to investigate the potential activity of Salvia officinalis and various hairs responsible of secretion of essential oil. In Tunisia, biological activity of Salvia officinalis is poorly recorded. Salvia leaves contain various types of hairs (glandular and non-glandular). Methods: The investigation of different trichomes was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) apparatus. Antiradical potential was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity was analysed using disc diffusion assay. The extracts of Salvia officinalis (SvOf), showed the following order of richness in phenolic contents: methanolic (70.76 mg GAE/g DW), aqueous (43.76 mg GAE/g DW) and infusion (9.42 mg GAE/g DW). The methanolic fraction records the highest levels of flavonoids (77 mg QE/g DW) compared with the aqueous extracts (33.19 mg EQ/g DW) and infusion (26.25 mg EQ/g DW). MESvOf show...
Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and... more Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of the seeds, leaves and flowers from B. populneus using three different solvents and to explore their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Further, this study was focused on the identification of phenolic compounds from the most active extract. In vitro, all extracts showed strong antioxidant property by DPPH, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting assays, noticeable anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation and membrane stabilization methods and important neuroprotective effects by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory test. In vivo, B. populneus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant dose-response anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced paw edema. With respect to the phenolic profile, the leaf methanol extract presented eight phenolic acids, one flavone and four flavonoids, with salvianolic acid B (820.3 mg/kg), caffeic acid (224.03 mg/kg), syringic acid (100.2 mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid (60.02 mg/kg) as the major compounds. The results of the current study suggested that B. populneus could be a precious source of health-benefitting biomolecules and may be developed as new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and AChE inhibitors.
AbstractThe application of supported liquid membranes (SLMs) and polymer inclusion membranes (PIM... more AbstractThe application of supported liquid membranes (SLMs) and polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) for the transport of Cu(II) in a continuous extraction–re-extraction system using di-(2-hethylhex...
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2019
Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biologi... more Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. Natural antioxidants that prevent or slow the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity may have a significant health impact. The purpose of this study, conducted on Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on nicotine treatment-induced damage on kidney. Our results showed that nicotine significantly (p < 0.01) increased serum and kidney malondialdehyde, the serum contents of urea, creatinine, and uric acid. In addition, nicotine intoxication significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the levels of vitamins E and C in serum and kidney tissue as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, animals that were pretreated with green tea, prior to nicotine administration, showed a significant nephroprotection, revealed by a significant reduction-induced oxidative damage ...
The cellulose and paper industry produces large volumes of wastewater which are difficult to trea... more The cellulose and paper industry produces large volumes of wastewater which are difficult to treat due to large concentrations of Humic acid (HA). In subsurface water, HA can react with active chlorine to produce carcinogenic compounds causing different ecological problem and danger to human health. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of electrocoagulation (EC) process parameters using aluminum (Al) electrodes to remove HA from synthetic solution, and then studies the efficiency of the coupling of electrocoagulation and the adsorption on active carbon (GAC). It has been observed from the experimental results that the best removal of HA by EC was obtained with the following optimum conditions: initial pH of 4, current density of 1.388 mA cm −2 , Na 2 SO 4 concentration of 150 mg L-1 and EC time of 10 min. These operating conditions allow a removal percentage up to 93% with 0.033 KWh m-3 of power consumption by EC and the same removal ratio was achieved for a treatment time of only 2 min by combining adsorption onto GAC with EC with a decrease of power consumption (0.007 kW h m-3). Accordingly, our results displayed prominently that combination of electrocoagulation with adsorption on GAC notably reduces the treatment duration without inducing a strong increase of cost. The current study extends our investigation of these promising processes to wastewater applications, employing samples of cellulose and paper industrial wastewater. The results suggest that combining adsorption onto GAC with EC could greatly improve the economics of treatment of wastewaters generated in cellulose and paper industry by extending efficiency through reduced treatment time and cost. HA was completely removed from Tunisian industrial wastewater with a very low energy consumption (0.0183 KW h m-3) and treatment cost of 0.233 TND.
In this work, electrocoagulation (EC) combined to adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC)... more In this work, electrocoagulation (EC) combined to adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC) was studied for the removal of copper ions. EC process was firstly optimized. The effect of the main parameters such as: pH (4-8), electrolysis time t EC (5-60 min), current density j (0.277-1.388 mAcm-2), conductivity, inter-electrode distanced ie (0.5-2 cm), area volume ratio S/V (3.6-14.4 m-1), initial concentration (10-70 mgL-1), stirring speed (0.0-600 rpm) and the mode of connection (bipolaire-monopolaire) on copper removal were explored. Under optimum conditions (pH = 5.0, J = 1.388 mA cm-2 , t EC = 30 min, d ie = 1 cm, S/V = 7.2 m-1 , stirring speed = 300 rpm and monopolaire connection) 97% copper removal was achieved with an energy consumption of W = 0.065 KW hm-3. Combining adsorption on GAC with EC notably reduces the electrolysis required time inducing a strong decrease of energy consumption. The removal of copper from industrial waste water showed the advantage of combining adsorption on GAC with EC in order to reduce the processing time and thus the process energy cost.
This study was designed to assess the protective effects of methanol extract (LEM) on liver and k... more This study was designed to assess the protective effects of methanol extract (LEM) on liver and kidney injuries induced by cisplatin. The phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, and hepatorenal injury biomarkers were investigated. Results revealed that LEM exhibited a significant antioxidant activity on DPPH radical and HO scavenging assays. In the animal studies, treatment with LEM significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin intoxication on serum liver biomarkers and serum renal biomarkers. Meanwhile, LEM diminishes significantly the effect of cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were increased in groups pretreated with LEM and quercetin. Additionally, the normal histological structures of the liver and kidney were restored after treatment with LEM. This work clearly demonstrated that may be useful as a drug...
Lycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medici... more Lycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medicinal plant having various biological activities. The purpose of the present study is to characterize the polysaccharide from L. europaeum L. leaves (LEP) and to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective properties. The structural and functional characteristics of LEP were investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Hepato-renal effects were studied using CCl and cisplatin-induced liver and kidney injuries in mice, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on carrageenan-induced paw edema. The LEP showed an interesting water-holding capacity and effective foaming and emulsifying properties. XRD analysis suggested that LEP form a semi-crystalline polymer with an amor...
Plants provide an alternative source to manage different human disorders due to various metabolit... more Plants provide an alternative source to manage different human disorders due to various metabolites. The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the methanolic extracts of and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. The phytochemical results obtained by HPLC and by chemical assay reactions have revealed the richness of the methanolic extract of in active compounds, in particular polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The methanolic extract shows significant antioxidant activities , in the DPPH and the FRAP assays. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid and hot-plate models of pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema. Oral pretreatment with the methanolic extract of (200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant inhibition of pain induced either by acetic acid or by the heating plate and in a manner comparable to the standard drug paracetamol. significantly r...
Plant essential oils and phenolic compounds are widely used for their medicinal properties. Thus,... more Plant essential oils and phenolic compounds are widely used for their medicinal properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional values, the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and anti-hemolytic effects of Pittosporum tobira seeds. The aroma compounds were isolated using two methods (Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD)) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bioactive phenolic compounds were identified by mean of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). Reducing power, hydrogen peroxide (HO) scavenging and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Anti-hemolytic activity was evaluated using HO-induced hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes were the most volatile fractions identified by HD and HS-SPME coupled to GC-MS but thei...
Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions inclu... more Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions including metal-induced toxicity. The study reports the protective effects of Opuntia ficus indica (CCE) against lithium carbonate-induced toxicity in rats. Nephrocardiotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by single dose of lithium carbonate (25 mg/kg b.w twice daily for 30 days). Aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus indica was administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg of b.w by gavage for 60 days. Obtained results revealed that administration of lithium carbonate caused a significant increase in serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels. Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of renal and cardiac SOD, CAT, and GPx activities was associated with a significant increase of MDA levels in lithium carbonate group more than those of the control. However, the treatment of experimental rats with CCE prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of nephrocardioprotection. CCE supplementation could protect against lithium carbonate-induced renal and cardiac injuries in rats, plausibly by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and inhibition of MDA to confer the protective effect.
Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and... more Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and traditional folk medicine. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Opuntia ficus indica extract against chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced immunotoxicity in rats. The experimental animals consisted of four groups of Wistar rats (5-6 weeks old) of eight each: a control group, a group treated with CPF (10 mg/kg), a group treated with Opuntia ficus indica extract (100 mg/kg), and a group treated with cactus extract then treated with CPF. These components were daily administered by gavage for 30 days. After treatment, immunotoxicity was estimated by a count of thymocytes, splenocytes, stem cells in the bone marrow, relative weights of thymus and spleen, DNA aspects, and oxidative stress status in these organs. Results showed that CPF could induce thymus atrophy, splenomegaly, and a decrease in the cell number in the bone marrow. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in elevated levels of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) in both spleen and thymus, and also degradation of thymocyte and splenocyte DNA. Consistent histological changes were found in the spleen and thymus under CPF treatment. However, administration of Opuntia ficus indica extract was found to alleviate this CPF-induced damage.
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2017
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Mentha spicata supplementation ... more The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Mentha spicata supplementation against nicotine-induced oxidative damage in the liver and erythrocytes of Wistar rats. Bioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization – tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each: a normal control group, a nicotine-treated group (1 mg/kg), a group receiving M. spicata extract (100 mg/kg), and a group receiving both M. spicata extract (100 mg/kg) and nicotine (1 mg/kg). Many phenolic acids were identified in the M. spicata aqueous extract. After 2 months of treatment, nicotine induced an increase in the level of white blood cells and a marked decrease in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and haematocrit. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also found to be higher in nicotine-treated group than those of the control group. Furthermore, nicotin...
Amaranthus spinosus has been consumed traditionally to prevent various diseases including abdomin... more Amaranthus spinosus has been consumed traditionally to prevent various diseases including abdominal pain. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and analgesic activities of an ethyl acetate extract of A. spinosus leaves (ASEA) were evaluated. The ASEA had the highest concentrations of total phenols (462.2 mg GAE/g DW), condensed tannin (5.01 mg CE/g DW) and total flavonoid contents (30.07 mg CE/g DW) compared to the chloroform, n-hexane, n-butanol and water extracts. Similarly, ASEA showed the most effective total antioxidant activity (45.45 µg/mL), DPPH scavenging activity (27.32 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (30.60 µg/mL). ASEA with the doses of 200-600 mg/kg (p.o.) clearly demonstrated antinociceptive effects by reducing acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions with a maximal inhibition of 79.57% at 600 mg/kg and increasing latencies of the hot-plate paw-licking response. The tested doses also significantly (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) decreased the reaction time in the formalin test at the neurogenic and inflammatory phases. ASEA contained ten polyphenols with caffeic acid being the predominant polyphenol. Overall, this study gave evidence that A. spinosus is a new antioxidant and analgesic agent, and justified its traditional use for the treatment of pain.
Abstract Chemical modification of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by the replacement of chlorine atom ... more Abstract Chemical modification of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by the replacement of chlorine atom presents a considerable interest in this work. In the first phase, PVC was partially azided with a sodium azide. Click-chemistry based on Copper (I)-catalyzed Huisgen's reaction (CuAAC) was then used to form polymer-grafted 1,4-triazoles using some synthesized substituted alkynes. In the second phase, the new synthesized polymers were used in extraction studies of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb). The obtained polymer-supported triazoles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis (DSC). Evaluation of metallic cation extraction was done by atomic absorption of the remaining solutions. Three polymers efficiently removed Ni Cu and Pb with extraction yields between 50 and 90%. Two of the polymers studied had a high selectivity of extraction for Cadmium with a good efficiency (around 80%).
The present research focuses on the removal of nickel Ni(II) from synthetic and industrial wastew... more The present research focuses on the removal of nickel Ni(II) from synthetic and industrial wastewater using rectangular aluminium electrodes. The main effect of electrocoagulation (EC) parameters to remove heavy metals in a batch electrolytic reactor was evaluated and the characteristics of the EC sludge were investigated to understand the behaviour of nickel during EC. The electrocoagulation process was applied to assess the effect of electrochemical parameters such as: initial pH (pH i), current density (j), electrolyte concentration [NaCl], electrolysis time t EC and connection mode on removal efficiency of Ni(II), energy consumption, flow structure and treatment cost. The results indicated that maximum nickel removal was obtained with a bipolar connection, initial pH = 5.0, current density j = 1.388 mA cm-2 , electrolysis time t EC = 30 min and [NaCl] = 1.5 g L-1. At optimal conditions, nickel removal reached over 95.51% with an energy consumption of barely 0.195 kWh m-3. Once electrocoagulation performance was determined, economic treatment cost of the process was evaluated. In this way, a useful economic feasibility indicator is obtained, and it has been possible to show the effectiveness of this process in the treatment of industrial waste water with a total removal of Ni(II) and a low treatment cost. In the light of these results, this method promises interesting industrial applications.
Amaranth is extensively cultivated as a green leafy vegetable and grain crop in many countries. T... more Amaranth is extensively cultivated as a green leafy vegetable and grain crop in many countries. The nutritional, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and hemolytic potential of Amaranthus spinosus leaves collected from different locations in Tunisia were evaluated and compared. Leaves showed high levels of protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, and ash. The leaves presented high contents in macro (K, Mg, Ca, and Na) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged between 6.6 to 19.6 mg GAE/g DW and 4.07 to 10.48 mg CAE/g DW, respectively. The major compound in the essential oil was found to be a-thujone. The plant exhibited high antioxidant activity with EC 50 values ranging from 25.55 to 54.58 lg/mL for DPPH radical scavenging capacity and 37.54-116.72 lg/mL for H 2 O 2 scavenging activity, respectively. Moreover, A. spinosus leaves have the potential to protect red blood cells from hemolysis. Practical applications The results showed that A. spinosus could be a new source of nutrients and antioxidants and its use in human diet, nutraceutical development, and therapy is encouraged. Especially, it could be used to mitigate the risk of various diseases including cardiovascular, neurological, cancer, and Alzheimer's which are caused by reactive oxygen species (like H 2 O 2).
Background: The aims of this research is to investigate the potential activity of Salvia officina... more Background: The aims of this research is to investigate the potential activity of Salvia officinalis and various hairs responsible of secretion of essential oil. In Tunisia, biological activity of Salvia officinalis is poorly recorded. Salvia leaves contain various types of hairs (glandular and non-glandular). Methods: The investigation of different trichomes was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) apparatus. Antiradical potential was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity was analysed using disc diffusion assay. The extracts of Salvia officinalis (SvOf), showed the following order of richness in phenolic contents: methanolic (70.76 mg GAE/g DW), aqueous (43.76 mg GAE/g DW) and infusion (9.42 mg GAE/g DW). The methanolic fraction records the highest levels of flavonoids (77 mg QE/g DW) compared with the aqueous extracts (33.19 mg EQ/g DW) and infusion (26.25 mg EQ/g DW). MESvOf show...
Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and... more Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of the seeds, leaves and flowers from B. populneus using three different solvents and to explore their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Further, this study was focused on the identification of phenolic compounds from the most active extract. In vitro, all extracts showed strong antioxidant property by DPPH, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting assays, noticeable anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation and membrane stabilization methods and important neuroprotective effects by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory test. In vivo, B. populneus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant dose-response anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced paw edema. With respect to the phenolic profile, the leaf methanol extract presented eight phenolic acids, one flavone and four flavonoids, with salvianolic acid B (820.3 mg/kg), caffeic acid (224.03 mg/kg), syringic acid (100.2 mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid (60.02 mg/kg) as the major compounds. The results of the current study suggested that B. populneus could be a precious source of health-benefitting biomolecules and may be developed as new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and AChE inhibitors.
AbstractThe application of supported liquid membranes (SLMs) and polymer inclusion membranes (PIM... more AbstractThe application of supported liquid membranes (SLMs) and polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) for the transport of Cu(II) in a continuous extraction–re-extraction system using di-(2-hethylhex...
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2019
Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biologi... more Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. Natural antioxidants that prevent or slow the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity may have a significant health impact. The purpose of this study, conducted on Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on nicotine treatment-induced damage on kidney. Our results showed that nicotine significantly (p < 0.01) increased serum and kidney malondialdehyde, the serum contents of urea, creatinine, and uric acid. In addition, nicotine intoxication significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the levels of vitamins E and C in serum and kidney tissue as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, animals that were pretreated with green tea, prior to nicotine administration, showed a significant nephroprotection, revealed by a significant reduction-induced oxidative damage ...
The cellulose and paper industry produces large volumes of wastewater which are difficult to trea... more The cellulose and paper industry produces large volumes of wastewater which are difficult to treat due to large concentrations of Humic acid (HA). In subsurface water, HA can react with active chlorine to produce carcinogenic compounds causing different ecological problem and danger to human health. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of electrocoagulation (EC) process parameters using aluminum (Al) electrodes to remove HA from synthetic solution, and then studies the efficiency of the coupling of electrocoagulation and the adsorption on active carbon (GAC). It has been observed from the experimental results that the best removal of HA by EC was obtained with the following optimum conditions: initial pH of 4, current density of 1.388 mA cm −2 , Na 2 SO 4 concentration of 150 mg L-1 and EC time of 10 min. These operating conditions allow a removal percentage up to 93% with 0.033 KWh m-3 of power consumption by EC and the same removal ratio was achieved for a treatment time of only 2 min by combining adsorption onto GAC with EC with a decrease of power consumption (0.007 kW h m-3). Accordingly, our results displayed prominently that combination of electrocoagulation with adsorption on GAC notably reduces the treatment duration without inducing a strong increase of cost. The current study extends our investigation of these promising processes to wastewater applications, employing samples of cellulose and paper industrial wastewater. The results suggest that combining adsorption onto GAC with EC could greatly improve the economics of treatment of wastewaters generated in cellulose and paper industry by extending efficiency through reduced treatment time and cost. HA was completely removed from Tunisian industrial wastewater with a very low energy consumption (0.0183 KW h m-3) and treatment cost of 0.233 TND.
In this work, electrocoagulation (EC) combined to adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC)... more In this work, electrocoagulation (EC) combined to adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC) was studied for the removal of copper ions. EC process was firstly optimized. The effect of the main parameters such as: pH (4-8), electrolysis time t EC (5-60 min), current density j (0.277-1.388 mAcm-2), conductivity, inter-electrode distanced ie (0.5-2 cm), area volume ratio S/V (3.6-14.4 m-1), initial concentration (10-70 mgL-1), stirring speed (0.0-600 rpm) and the mode of connection (bipolaire-monopolaire) on copper removal were explored. Under optimum conditions (pH = 5.0, J = 1.388 mA cm-2 , t EC = 30 min, d ie = 1 cm, S/V = 7.2 m-1 , stirring speed = 300 rpm and monopolaire connection) 97% copper removal was achieved with an energy consumption of W = 0.065 KW hm-3. Combining adsorption on GAC with EC notably reduces the electrolysis required time inducing a strong decrease of energy consumption. The removal of copper from industrial waste water showed the advantage of combining adsorption on GAC with EC in order to reduce the processing time and thus the process energy cost.
This study was designed to assess the protective effects of methanol extract (LEM) on liver and k... more This study was designed to assess the protective effects of methanol extract (LEM) on liver and kidney injuries induced by cisplatin. The phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, and hepatorenal injury biomarkers were investigated. Results revealed that LEM exhibited a significant antioxidant activity on DPPH radical and HO scavenging assays. In the animal studies, treatment with LEM significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin intoxication on serum liver biomarkers and serum renal biomarkers. Meanwhile, LEM diminishes significantly the effect of cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were increased in groups pretreated with LEM and quercetin. Additionally, the normal histological structures of the liver and kidney were restored after treatment with LEM. This work clearly demonstrated that may be useful as a drug...
Lycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medici... more Lycium europaeum Linn. is widely used to treat the burning of the skin and well-known as a medicinal plant having various biological activities. The purpose of the present study is to characterize the polysaccharide from L. europaeum L. leaves (LEP) and to explore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-nephroprotective properties. The structural and functional characteristics of LEP were investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Hepato-renal effects were studied using CCl and cisplatin-induced liver and kidney injuries in mice, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on carrageenan-induced paw edema. The LEP showed an interesting water-holding capacity and effective foaming and emulsifying properties. XRD analysis suggested that LEP form a semi-crystalline polymer with an amor...
Plants provide an alternative source to manage different human disorders due to various metabolit... more Plants provide an alternative source to manage different human disorders due to various metabolites. The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the methanolic extracts of and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. The phytochemical results obtained by HPLC and by chemical assay reactions have revealed the richness of the methanolic extract of in active compounds, in particular polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The methanolic extract shows significant antioxidant activities , in the DPPH and the FRAP assays. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid and hot-plate models of pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema. Oral pretreatment with the methanolic extract of (200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant inhibition of pain induced either by acetic acid or by the heating plate and in a manner comparable to the standard drug paracetamol. significantly r...
Plant essential oils and phenolic compounds are widely used for their medicinal properties. Thus,... more Plant essential oils and phenolic compounds are widely used for their medicinal properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional values, the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and anti-hemolytic effects of Pittosporum tobira seeds. The aroma compounds were isolated using two methods (Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD)) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bioactive phenolic compounds were identified by mean of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). Reducing power, hydrogen peroxide (HO) scavenging and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Anti-hemolytic activity was evaluated using HO-induced hemolysis of red blood cells (RBC). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes were the most volatile fractions identified by HD and HS-SPME coupled to GC-MS but thei...
Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions inclu... more Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is used in the treatment of a variety of conditions including metal-induced toxicity. The study reports the protective effects of Opuntia ficus indica (CCE) against lithium carbonate-induced toxicity in rats. Nephrocardiotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by single dose of lithium carbonate (25 mg/kg b.w twice daily for 30 days). Aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus indica was administered at the dose of 100 mg/kg of b.w by gavage for 60 days. Obtained results revealed that administration of lithium carbonate caused a significant increase in serum creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels. Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of renal and cardiac SOD, CAT, and GPx activities was associated with a significant increase of MDA levels in lithium carbonate group more than those of the control. However, the treatment of experimental rats with CCE prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of nephrocardioprotection. CCE supplementation could protect against lithium carbonate-induced renal and cardiac injuries in rats, plausibly by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and inhibition of MDA to confer the protective effect.
Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and... more Opuntia ficus indica (family Cactaceae) is a typical Mediterranean plant, mainly used in food and traditional folk medicine. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Opuntia ficus indica extract against chlorpyrifos (CPF)-induced immunotoxicity in rats. The experimental animals consisted of four groups of Wistar rats (5-6 weeks old) of eight each: a control group, a group treated with CPF (10 mg/kg), a group treated with Opuntia ficus indica extract (100 mg/kg), and a group treated with cactus extract then treated with CPF. These components were daily administered by gavage for 30 days. After treatment, immunotoxicity was estimated by a count of thymocytes, splenocytes, stem cells in the bone marrow, relative weights of thymus and spleen, DNA aspects, and oxidative stress status in these organs. Results showed that CPF could induce thymus atrophy, splenomegaly, and a decrease in the cell number in the bone marrow. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in elevated levels of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decrease in the levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) in both spleen and thymus, and also degradation of thymocyte and splenocyte DNA. Consistent histological changes were found in the spleen and thymus under CPF treatment. However, administration of Opuntia ficus indica extract was found to alleviate this CPF-induced damage.
Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2017
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Mentha spicata supplementation ... more The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Mentha spicata supplementation against nicotine-induced oxidative damage in the liver and erythrocytes of Wistar rats. Bioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization – tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each: a normal control group, a nicotine-treated group (1 mg/kg), a group receiving M. spicata extract (100 mg/kg), and a group receiving both M. spicata extract (100 mg/kg) and nicotine (1 mg/kg). Many phenolic acids were identified in the M. spicata aqueous extract. After 2 months of treatment, nicotine induced an increase in the level of white blood cells and a marked decrease in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and haematocrit. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also found to be higher in nicotine-treated group than those of the control group. Furthermore, nicotin...
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