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Chin ZX, Chua SL, Ang YL, Wee S, Lee KKM, Wu Y, Chan JSH. Illegal synthetic dyes in spices: a Singapore case study. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS. PART B, SURVEILLANCE 2024; 17:142-152. [PMID: 38600616 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2024.2326431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Some synthetic dyes are fraudulently added into spices to appeal visually to consumers. Food regulations in several countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan and the European Union, strictly prohibit the use of unauthorised synthetic dyes in food. Nevertheless, illegal practices persist, where spices contaminated with potentially carcinogenic dyes have been documented, posing potential health risks to consumers. In the present study, 14 synthetic dyes were investigated through liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in 252 commercially available spices in the Singapore market. In 18 out of these (7.1%) at least 1 illegal dye was detected at concentrations ranging from 0.010 to 114 mg/kg. Besides potential health risks, presence of these adulterants also reflects the economic motivations behind their fraudulent use. Findings in the present study further emphasise the need for increased public awareness, stricter enforcement, and continuous monitoring of illegal synthetic dyes in spices to ensure Singapore's food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Xin Chin
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sew Lay Chua
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Li Ang
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheena Wee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ken Kah Meng Lee
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuansheng Wu
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanne Sheot Harn Chan
- National Centre for Food Science, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Ham S, Hamadi K, Zergui A, Djouad ME. Multi-element analysis of food dyes and assessment of consumer's health. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS. PART B, SURVEILLANCE 2024; 17:28-34. [PMID: 37982364 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2023.2278807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed metallic contaminants levels in food colourings using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 51 samples of food dyes marketed in Algeria. The analysed samples were contaminated with lead (0.77 ± 0.034), arsenic (0.008 ± 0.006), cadmium (0.102 ± 0.047), cobalt (0.017 ± 0.008), copper (0.025 ± 0.011), chromium (0.820 ± 0.051), and nickel (0.022 ± 0.009) µg g-1. Mercury constituted a minor contaminant (<0.001 to 0.002 µg g-1). Turmeric and saffron were the most contaminated with Pb, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, and Ni (p < 0.05). Health risk assessment revealed that infant population presents adverse non-carcinogenic effects (THQ = 4.25) and carcinogenic risk (HI = 4.65) linked to the consumption of food dyes contaminated with Cr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa Ham
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Chlef, Ouled Fares, Algeria
| | - Karima Hamadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Chlef, Ouled Fares, Algeria
| | | | - Mokhtar Eddine Djouad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Chlef, Ouled Fares, Algeria
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3
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Hanis F, Messaoudi M, Bouamra M, Abdelhadi SA, Ouanezar A, Malki A, Arbaoui F, Lamouri R, Brahimi A, Rebiai A, Zahnit W. Analysis and Risk Assessment of Essential and Toxic Elements in Algerian Canned Tuna Fish. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:1212-1223. [PMID: 37393386 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03735-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
In Algeria, the data and research on the essential and toxic chemical elements in food are limited and insufficient; therefore, the present study focused on evaluating the essential and toxic elements content in different 11 brands with two types (tomato and oil) of canned tuna fish, consumed in Algeria in 2022, by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), while mercury (Hg) levels were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry, as well as estimate the probabilistic risk assessment. The elements in canned tuna fish commercialized for human consumption in Algeria were determined by ICP-OES methods, The results showed that the heavy metal concentration in the samples under study ranged from 49.11 to 289.80 mg.kg-1 (Ca), 0.0045 to 0.2598 mg.kg-1 (Cd), 0.128 to 1.21 mg.kg-1 (Cr), 8.55 to 35.94 mg.kg-1 (Fe), 121.27 to 379.17 mg.kg-1 (Mg), 0.0767 to 1.2928 mg.kg-1 (Mn), 2.10 to 3.95 mg.kg-1 (Mo), and 2.86 to 35.90 mg.kg-1 (Zn), whereas Cu, Pb, Cu, Ni, and As were under limit of detection (LOD), while the toxic elements of mercury (Hg) levels were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry which showed a content ranged from 0.0186 to 0.0996 mg.kg-1. The levels of mineral elements concentration were close to the minimum recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Obtained data for this investigation can be suitable for Algerian food purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawzia Hanis
- Reproduction of Farm's Animals Laboratory, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Mohammed Messaoudi
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, 17200, Ain Oussera, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | | | - Si Ameur Abdelhadi
- Reproduction of Farm's Animals Laboratory, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, 14000, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Abdelkader Ouanezar
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, 17200, Ain Oussera, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Abderrahim Malki
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, 17200, Ain Oussera, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Fahd Arbaoui
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, 17200, Ain Oussera, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Rahima Lamouri
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, 17200, Ain Oussera, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Abdelkarim Brahimi
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, 17200, Ain Oussera, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Abdelkrim Rebiai
- Laboratoire VPRS, University of Hamma Lakhdar, B.P.789, 39000, El-Oued, Algeria
| | - Wafa Zahnit
- Laboratory of Valorization and Promotion of Saharan Resources (VPRS), Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Science of Matter, University Kasdi Merabah, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria
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Garg AN, Singh V, Choudhury RP. Use of Multiple Irradiations and Reference Materials as Comparators in Quality Control of Neutron Activation Analysis Data of Biological Samples. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2674-2681. [PMID: 35781620 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We propose that several different reactor irradiation times followed by assaying of activity for differential counting periods may be employed for quality control (QC) of neutron activation analysis (NAA) data of biological samples. It is also recommended that three to four reference materials (RMs) of similar matrix but from different agencies such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna), Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (INCT, Poland), and National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES, Japan) including a synthetic multielemental primary standard should always be analyzed simultaneously along with the samples. Finally, the mean ± σ values so obtained may be considered as more reliable after statistical analysis. Our analytical data for Na and K in three RMs (SRM 1572, CRM H-9, and Bowen's Kale) using different irradiation periods of 15 m, 2 h, 6 h, and 1 day were comparable with the certified values within error range of + 0.2 to - 2.7%. We report our data for 20 elements in two candidate RMs corn flour (INCT-CF-3) and soya bean flour (INCT-SBF-4) from the INCT, Poland, where Z-score values for most elements are in reasonable range of certified values.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Garg
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, 247667, India.
- C 5A/GF Parsvnath Paradise, Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad, 201007, UP, India.
| | - Vivek Singh
- Department of Chemistry, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440010, India
- Filtrex Technologies Pvt. Ltd, HRBR LO, 36/4 Raghavendra Nagar, Kalyan Nagar, Bangaluru, 560043, India
| | - R P Choudhury
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, 247667, India
- Head Finished Product Laboratory, L'Oreal Research Centre Charles Zviak, 13 RueDora Mar, 93400, Saint-Quen, France
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El Youssfi M, Sifou A, Ben Aakame R, Mahnine N, Arsalane S, Halim M, Laghzizil A, Zinedine A. Trace elements in Foodstuffs from the Mediterranean Basin-Occurrence, Risk Assessment, Regulations, and Prevention strategies: A review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2597-2626. [PMID: 35754061 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Trace elements (TEs) are chemical compounds that naturally occur in the earth's crust and in living organisms at low concentrations. Anthropogenic activities can significantly increase the level of TEs in the environment and finally enter the food chain. Toxic TEs like cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury have no positive role in a biological system and can cause harmful effects on human health. Ingestion of contaminated food is a typical route of TEs intake by humans. Recent data about the occurrence of TEs in food available in the Mediterranean countries are considered in this review. Analytical methods are also discussed. Furthermore, a discussion of existing international agency regulations will be given. The risk associated with the dietary intake of TEs was estimated by considering consumer exposure and threshold values such as Benchmark dose lower confidence limit and provisional tolerable weekly intake established by the European Food Safety Authority and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, respectively. Finally, several remediation approaches to minimize TE contamination in foodstuffs were discussed including chemical, biological, biotechnological, and nanotechnological methods. The results of this study proved the occurrence of TEs contamination at high levels in vegetables and fish from some Mediterranean countries. Lead and cadmium are more abundant in foodstuffs than other toxic trace elements. Geographical variations in TE contamination of food crops clearly appear, with a greater risk in developing countries. There is still a need for the regular monitoring of these toxic element levels in food items to ensure consumer protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad El Youssfi
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Sciences, Avenue Ibn Battouta BP.1014 Agdal, Rabat, Morocco
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Environment, Center of Materials, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Sciences, Avenue Ibn Battouta, BP.1014, 10000, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Aicha Sifou
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Environment, Center of Materials, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Sciences, Avenue Ibn Battouta, BP.1014, 10000, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Rachid Ben Aakame
- Laboratory of Food Toxicology, National Institute of Hygiene (INH), BP 769 Agdal, 27, Avenue Ibn Batouta, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Naima Mahnine
- Laboratory of Food Toxicology, National Institute of Hygiene (INH), BP 769 Agdal, 27, Avenue Ibn Batouta, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Arsalane
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Environment, Center of Materials, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Sciences, Avenue Ibn Battouta, BP.1014, 10000, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Halim
- Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies and Environment, Center of Materials, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Sciences, Avenue Ibn Battouta, BP.1014, 10000, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Laghzizil
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Materials, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Sciences, Avenue Ibn Battouta BP.1014 Agdal, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdellah Zinedine
- BIOMARE Laboratory, Chouaib Doukkali University, Faculty of Sciences, Route Ben Maachou, PO Box 20, 24000, El Jadida, Morocco.
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Bajaber MA, Hussain G, Farooq T, Noreen R, Ibrahim M, Umbreen H, Batool S, Rehman K, Hameed A, Farid MF, Khalid T. Nanosuspension of Foeniculum Vulgare Promotes Accelerated Sensory and Motor Function Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Injury. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030391. [PMID: 36984831 PMCID: PMC10058352 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The seed extract of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) was used for the preparation of a nanosuspension (NS) with an enhanced bioavailability of phytoconstituents. Subsequently, it was employed as a potent source of polyphenols, such as quercetin and kaempferol, to accelerate the regeneration and recovery of motor and sensory function in injured nerves. The NS was administered through daily gauging as NS1 (0.5 mg/mL) and NS2 (15 mg/mL), at a dose rate of 2 g/kg body weight until the end of the study. The NS-mediated retrieval of motor functions was studied by evaluating muscle grip strength and the sciatic functional index. The recovery of sensory functions was assessed by the hotplate test. Several well-integrated biochemical pathways mediate the recovery of function and the regeneration of nerves under controlled blood glucose and oxidative stress. Consequently, the NS-treated groups were screened for blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) compared to the control. The NS administration showed a significant potential to enhance the recuperation of motor and sensory functions. Moreover, the oxidative stress was kept under check as a result of NS treatments to facilitate neuronal generation. Thus, the nanoformulation of FV with polyphenolic contents accelerated the reclamation of motor and sensory function after nerve lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed A. Bajaber
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Hussain
- Neurochemicalbiology and Genetics Laboratory (NGL), Department of Physiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Farooq
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Razia Noreen
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Huma Umbreen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shaheera Batool
- Department of Biochemistry, CMH Institute of Medical Sciences Multan, Multan 60000, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, The Women University Multan, Multan 60000, Pakistan
| | - Arruje Hameed
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: or (A.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Muhammad Fayyaz Farid
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Tanzeela Khalid
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: or (A.H.); (T.K.)
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Hemmami H, Seghir BB, Zeghoud S, Ben Amor I, Kouadri I, Rebiai A, Zaater A, Messaoudi M, Benchikha N, Sawicka B, Atanassova M. Desert Endemic Plants in Algeria: A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Polyphenolic Compounds and Pharmacological Activities. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041834. [PMID: 36838819 PMCID: PMC9959599 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their robust antioxidant capabilities, potential health benefits, wide variety of biological activities, and strong antioxidant qualities, phenolic compounds are substances that have drawn considerable attention in recent years. The main goal of the review is to draw attention to saharian Algerian medicinal plants and the determination of their bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory importance), and to present their chemical composition as well as in vivo and in vitro studies, clinical studies, and other studies confirming their real impact on human health. Research results have revealed a rich variety of medicinal plants used to treat various disease states in this region. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, biological activity, and clinical studies, a list of 34 species of desert plants, belonging to 20 botanical families, useful both in preventive actions and in the treatment of neoplastic diseases has been established, and polyphenolic compounds have been identified as key to the health potential of endemic diseases and desert plants. It has been shown that people who follow a diet rich in polyphenols are less prone to the risk of many cancers and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. In view of the increasing antioxidant potential of these plant species, as well as the increasing trade in herbal products from the Sahara region, phytosanitary and pharmaceutical regulations must change in this respect and should be in line with Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and the sustainable use and development of plant products must be addressed at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Hemmami
- Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
| | - Bachir Ben Seghir
- Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Laboratory of Industrial Analysis and Materials Engineering (LAGIM), University May 8, 1945, Guelma 24000, Algeria
| | - Soumeia Zeghoud
- Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
| | - Ilham Ben Amor
- Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemical, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
| | - Imane Kouadri
- Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Laboratory of Industrial Analysis and Materials Engineering (LAGIM), University May 8, 1945, Guelma 24000, Algeria
- Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University May 8, 1945, Guelma 24000, Algeria
| | - Abdelkrim Rebiai
- Renewable Energy Development Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
| | - Abdelmalek Zaater
- Biodiversity Laboratory and Application of Biotechnology in Agriculture, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
| | - Mohammed Messaoudi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, Ain Oussera, Djelfa 17200, Algeria
| | - Naima Benchikha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of El Oued, El Oued 39000, Algeria
| | - Barbara Sawicka
- Department of Plant Production Technology and Commodities Science, University of Life Science in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maria Atanassova
- Scientific Consulting, Chemical Engineering, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 1734 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence:
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Benchikha N, Chelalba I, Debbeche H, Messaoudi M, Begaa S, Larkem I, Amara DG, Rebiai A, Simal-Gandara J, Sawicka B, Atanassova M, Youssef FS. Lobularia libyca: Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity Using In Vitro and In Silico Studies. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123744. [PMID: 35744880 PMCID: PMC9231123 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lobularia libyca (L. libyca) is a traditional plant that is popular for its richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the phytochemical profile by liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), the mineral contents and the biological properties of L. libyca methanol extract. L. libyca contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Thirteen compounds classified as flavonoids were identified. L. libyca is rich in nutrients such as Na, Fe and Ca. Moreover, the methanol extract of L. libyca showed significant antioxidant activity without cytotoxic activity on HCT116 cells (human colon cancer cell line) and HepG2 cells (human hepatoma), showing an inhibition zone of 13 mm in diameter. In silico studies showed that decanoic acid ethyl ester exhibited the best fit in β-lactamase and DNA gyrase active sites; meanwhile, oleic acid showed the best fit in reductase binding sites. Thus, it can be concluded that L. libyca can serve as a beneficial nutraceutical agent, owing to its significant antioxidant and antibacterial potential and due to its richness in iron, calcium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naima Benchikha
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamma Lakhdar El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued 39000, Algeria; (N.B.); (I.C.); (H.D.); (M.M.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Imane Chelalba
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamma Lakhdar El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued 39000, Algeria; (N.B.); (I.C.); (H.D.); (M.M.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Hanane Debbeche
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamma Lakhdar El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued 39000, Algeria; (N.B.); (I.C.); (H.D.); (M.M.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Mohammed Messaoudi
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamma Lakhdar El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued 39000, Algeria; (N.B.); (I.C.); (H.D.); (M.M.); (D.G.A.)
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, Ain Oussera 17200, Algeria;
| | - Samir Begaa
- Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180, Ain Oussera 17200, Algeria;
| | - Imane Larkem
- Agronomy Department, University of Mohamed Khider Biskra, P.O. Box 700, Biskra 07000, Algeria;
| | - Djilani Ghamem Amara
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamma Lakhdar El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued 39000, Algeria; (N.B.); (I.C.); (H.D.); (M.M.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Abdelkrim Rebiai
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamma Lakhdar El-Oued, P.O. Box 789, El-Oued 39000, Algeria; (N.B.); (I.C.); (H.D.); (M.M.); (D.G.A.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo—Ourense Campus, 32004 Ourense, Spain;
| | - Barbara Sawicka
- Department of Plant Production Technology and Commodities Science, University of Life Science in Lublin, Akademicka 15 Str., 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Maria Atanassova
- Nutritional Scientific Consulting, Chemical Engineering, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 1734 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Fadia S. Youssef
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
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