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Elbouny H, Ouahzizi B, Bekkouch O, Bennani A, Amrani S, Ramchoun M, Sellam K, Alem C. Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine Aqueous Extract Exerts Lipid-lowering and Anti-atherosclerotic Effects in Hyperlipidemic Guinea Pigs. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:256-262. [PMID: 38038002 DOI: 10.2174/011871529x270863231123063744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine (T. atlanticus) is traditionally used in the Moroccan high Atlas Mountains to treat several disorders, including cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic activities of the traditionally used aqueous extract of T. atlanticus were evaluated on guinea pigs subjected to chronic hyperlipidemia. METHODS Animals were given a diet containing 2% cholesterol and 20% lard for 12 weeks. Moreover, thyme extract was given daily at 400 mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, lipid levels and paraoxonase arylesterase activity were measured, and aorta histology was studied. RESULTS Our findings revealed that there was an important elevation of blood lipids in the HFD group along with a significant decrease in paraoxonase arylesterase activity (-40.06%). Moreover, the consumption of fat altered the histology of aorta by thickening the intima media and forming atherosclerotic lesions and foam cells in these tissues. However, the administration of thyme extract attenuated HFD-caused alterations by decreasing blood lipids, elevating paraoxonase activity (+24.04%), and limiting the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSION We conclude that the supplementation with the aqueous extract of T. atlanticus could potentially protect against hyperlipidemia and consequently, the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Elbouny
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Brahim Ouahzizi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Oussama Bekkouch
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnology, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Amal Bennani
- Anatomopathology Department, University Mohamed VI Hospital, Mohamed First University Oujda, Oujda
| | - Souliman Amrani
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnology, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda 60000, Morocco
| | - Mhamed Ramchoun
- Department of Biology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco
| | - Khalid Sellam
- Laboratory of Bioactives, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Chakib Alem
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, Morocco
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El Midaoui A, Khallouki F, Couture R, Moldovan F, Ismael MA, Ongali B, Akoume MY, Alem C, Ait Boughrous A, Zennouhi W, Roqai MC, Hajji L, Ghzaiel I, Vejux A, Lizard G. Thymus atlanticus: A Source of Nutrients with Numerous Health Benefits and Important Therapeutic Potential for Age-Related Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:4077. [PMID: 37764861 PMCID: PMC10534698 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymus atlanticus (Lamiaceae) is a plant endemic to the Mediterranean basin that is found in significant quantities in the arid regions of Morocco. Thymus atlanticus is used in traditional medicine to treat infectious and non-infectious diseases. It is also used for the isolation of essential oils and for the seasoning of many dishes in the Mediterranean diet. The major constituents of Thymus atlanticus are saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, various simple and hydroxycinnamic phenolic compounds, and terpene compounds. Several of these compounds act on signaling pathways of oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood sugar, which are parameters often dysregulated during aging. Due to its physiochemical characteristics and biological activities, Thymus atlanticus could be used for the prevention and/or treatment of age-related diseases. These different aspects are treated in the present review, and we focused on phytochemistry and major age-related diseases: dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil El Midaoui
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; (R.C.); (B.O.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Meknes 50050, Morocco; (F.K.); (A.A.B.); (W.Z.)
| | - Farid Khallouki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Meknes 50050, Morocco; (F.K.); (A.A.B.); (W.Z.)
| | - Réjean Couture
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; (R.C.); (B.O.)
| | - Florina Moldovan
- Research Center of CHU Sainte Justine, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; (F.M.); (M.Y.A.)
| | | | - Brice Ongali
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; (R.C.); (B.O.)
| | - Marie Yvonne Akoume
- Research Center of CHU Sainte Justine, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; (F.M.); (M.Y.A.)
| | - Chakib Alem
- Research Team in Biochemistry and Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Meknes 20250, Morocco;
| | - Ali Ait Boughrous
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Meknes 50050, Morocco; (F.K.); (A.A.B.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wafa Zennouhi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Meknes 50050, Morocco; (F.K.); (A.A.B.); (W.Z.)
| | - Mhammed Chaoui Roqai
- Ecole des Hautes Etudes de Biotechnologie et de Santé (EHEB), 183 Bd de la Résistance, Casablanca 20250, Morocco;
| | - Lhoussain Hajji
- Laboratory of Bioactives and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50050, Morocco;
| | - Imen Ghzaiel
- Laboratory “Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism”, Bio-peroxIL/EA7270, Université de Bourgogne/Inserm, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Anne Vejux
- Laboratory “Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism”, Bio-peroxIL/EA7270, Université de Bourgogne/Inserm, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Gérard Lizard
- Laboratory “Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism”, Bio-peroxIL/EA7270, Université de Bourgogne/Inserm, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (A.V.)
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Mokhtari I, Moumou M, Harnafi M, Milenkovic D, Amrani S, Harnafi H. Loquat fruit peel extract regulates lipid metabolism and liver oxidative stress in mice: In vivo and in silico approaches. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 310:116376. [PMID: 36918050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116376] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Moroccan traditional medicine, fresh or dried loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit peels infused in water and taken for 45 days are used as natural remedies against hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. This is the first experimental study approving the folk medicinal use of loquat fruit peels originated from eastern Morocco. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to investigate the effect of loquat fruit peel extract on lipid metabolism and liver oxidative status in mice as well as to predict the possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out using high fat/fructose diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice model treated with the loquat peel extract for 45 days at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) in comparison to fenofibrate drug. The plasma, tissue, fecal and biliary lipids and blood glucose were analyzed using enzymatic methods. The liver oxidative status was evaluated and the polyphenol profiling was conducted using the HPLC-DAD method. Possible mechanisms involved in the observed pharmacological effects were predicted by in silico method. RESULTS The extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg possessed higher effect than at 100 mg/kg. It significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and plasma glucose (-36%, -45%, -45%, -82%, -87%, 58%, respectively), while the HDL-cholesterol was increased (+172%). Moreover, the extract reduced TC and TG in the liver and adipose tissue by increasing their excretion in bile and fecal matter. It prevented the liver oxidative stress and decreased body weight and organ relative mass. The extract appears to be nontoxic (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg) and contains five polyphenols including ferulic acid (32.74 ± 0.71 mg/g), caffeic acid (21.48 ± 0.32 mg/g), 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (112.15 ± 1.86 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (42.05 ± 0.92 mg/g) and quercetin (32.69 ± 0.68 mg/g). These phenolics and/or their circulating metabolites presented differential interaction capacities with the potential enzymes and transcription factors implicated in lipid homeostasis such as HMG-CoA reductase, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, Cyp7a1, ABCG, PPARs, RXR, FXR and RAR. CONCLUSION Our findings justify the traditional use of loquat fruit peels and suggest that their aqueous extract could be used as substrate to produce phytotherapeutic drugs or dietary supplements to prevent hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and related cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Mokhtari
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnologies, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, 60 000, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Mohammadine Moumou
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnologies, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, 60 000, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Harnafi
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnologies, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, 60 000, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Souliman Amrani
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnologies, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, 60 000, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Hicham Harnafi
- Laboratory of Bioresources, Biotechnologies, Ethnopharmacology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, 60 000, Oujda, Morocco.
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HAMZA E, BRAHİM O, KHALİD S, CHAKİB A. In vitro investigations of biological activities of Thymus willdenowii and Thymus atlanticus polyphenol-rich extracts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SECONDARY METABOLITE 2023. [DOI: 10.21448/ijsm.1110715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyme species produce a wide variety of phenolic compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) and Thymus willdenowii (T. willdenowii) are important thyme species in the southeast of Morocco, with numerous biological properties. The polyphenolic extracts of these two thyme species were obtained using ethanol through Soxhlet apparatus. Antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, and TAC methods), antihemolytic (2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) induced hemolysis test), hypolipidemic (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity inhibition test), and anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation inhibition) effects of extracts were carried out using in vitro methods. The results showed that the polyphenolic extracts of these two species revealed important amounts of phenolic compounds. The contents of flavonoids were significant in the two species, while the contents of tannins and anthocyanin were very low. T. atlanticus showed an important antioxidant activity and a considerable antihemolytic effect in AAPH-induced hemolysis test (IC50 = 0.29 mg/mL), while T. willdenowii showed an important anti-inflammatory activity in heat-induced protein denaturation test (IC50 = 1.61 mg/mL). Moreover, both extracts at a dose of 20 µg/mL showed an important in vitro hypolipidemic activity by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity (T. willdenowii: 51.16 %; T. atlanticus: 62.83 %). In conclusion, T. willdenowii and T. atlanticus extracts have considerable antioxidant, antihemolytic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The richness of these species in polyphenols gives them a large specter of biological properties, making them a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds that could prevent or treat various diseases.
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Khouya T, Ramchoun M, Elbouny H, Hmidani A, Bouhlali EDT, Alem C. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb) Lindl.): Evaluation of nutritional value, polyphenol composition, antidiabetic effect, and toxicity of leaf aqueous extract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115473. [PMID: 35718052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) is an evergreen tree native to China, which is introduced in many Mediterranean countries. As in many ancient medical systems, loquat leaves have been used in Moroccan traditional medicine to treat diabetes and its complications. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to determine the nutritional and polyphenol composition and to evaluate the in vivo antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties and oral toxicity of a leaf aqueous extract (LLE) derived from loquat grown in Morocco. MATERIALS AND METHODS Energy value and fiber, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, total carbohydrate, sugar, lipid, and protein contents were determined according to international methods committee guidelines. Polyphenol profiling was carried out using the HPLC-DAD method. Mice fed a high-fat and high-glucose (HFG) diet for 10 weeks were used as a model to assess the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of a daily administration of LLE at three different doses (150, 200, 250 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day), in comparison with metformin (50 mg/kg BW/day) and pravastatin (20 mg/kg BW/day). The oral toxicity was determined following OECD 425 Guideline. RESULTS Loquat leaves were found to be rich in fiber, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium), and vitamins (B2, B6, and B12) and lower in energy, sugar, and fat. Ten different phenolic compounds were characterized. Naringenin, procyanidin C1, epicatechin, and rutin were the more abundant compounds in LLE. The administration of the LLE dose-dependently ameliorated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hyperlipidemia in HFG diet-fed mice. The median lethal dose of LLE was higher than 5000 mg/kg BW. CONCLUSIONS Loquat leaves are a potential source of micronutrients and polyphenols with beneficial effects on diabetes and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Khouya
- Biochemistry and Natural Substances Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco.
| | - Mhamed Ramchoun
- Biochemistry and Natural Substances Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco; Laboratory of Biotechnology & Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Beni Mellal, 23000, Morocco.
| | - Hamza Elbouny
- Biochemistry and Natural Substances Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco.
| | - Abdelbassat Hmidani
- Biochemistry and Natural Substances Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco.
| | - Eimad Dine Tariq Bouhlali
- Biochemistry and Natural Substances Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco; National Institute of Agronomic Research Regional Center, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco.
| | - Chakib Alem
- Biochemistry and Natural Substances Team, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, University Moulay Ismail, Errachidia, 52000, Morocco.
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Khouya T, Ramchoun M, Hmidani A, Amrani S, Benlyas M, Kasbi Chadli F, Ouguerram K, Alem C. Effect of supplementation with polyphenol extract of Thymus atlanticus on paraoxonase-1 activity, insulin resistance, and lipid profile in high-fat diet-fed hamsters. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14225. [PMID: 35575425 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Thymus atlanticus has been used by Moroccan people to treat a variety of health problems, particularly metabolic disorders. In this study, hamsters fed a high-fat diet daily received distilled water (a positive control) or a single dose of Thymus atlanticus polyphenols (Pp) for 63 days. The negative control was fed a normal diet and received distilled water. Results showed that the supplementation of HFD with Pp significantly (p < .001) reduced the levels of MDA and LDL cholesterol, restored insulin level, and increased the activities of serum paraoxonase-1 and HDL cholesterol levels, but did not affect (p > .05) the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase when compared with the group feeding HFD alone. Thymus atlanticus could be an effective agent against dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: HFD consumption is a risk factor for oxidative stress and the development of metabolic disorders, such as hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance, which may result in atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases, the leading causes of death globally. The management of these alterations is an important strategy to prevent and treat heart complications. Our results showed thatT. atlanticus effectively alleviated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance and improved PON1 activity. T. atlanticus is a source of biomolecules that may be an effective supplement for controlling HFD-related metabolic disorders. Therefore, the findings of this study may be helpful in the preparation of effective supplements from T. atlanticus to control metabolic disorders and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Khouya
- Team of Biochemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Mhamed Ramchoun
- Team of Biochemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco.,Laboratory of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal, Morocco.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Abdelbassat Hmidani
- Team of Biochemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco
| | - Souliman Amrani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohamed I, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Benlyas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Fatima Kasbi Chadli
- INRAe UMR1280 PhAN, Physiopathology of Nutritional Adaptations, CHU Hôtel Dieu, IMAD, CRNH Ouest, University of Nantes, Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Khadija Ouguerram
- UMR1280 PhAN, Physiopathology of Nutritional Adaptations, INRAe, University of Nantes, CHU Hôtel Dieu, IMAD, CRNH Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Chakib Alem
- Team of Biochemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismail University, Errachidia, Morocco
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