Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant, Antiperoxidative, and Antihemolytic Properties Investigation of Three Apiaceae Species Grown in the Southeast of Morocco

Abuelizz H, Lafdil FZ, Er-rahmani S, Lyoussi B, Derwich E. Coriandrum sativum L., essential oil as a promising source of bioactive compounds with GC/MS, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities: in vitro and in silico predictions

Introduction: Coriandrum sativum L. essential oil (CS-EO) is being evaluated in vitro for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and its volatile compounds are to be identified as part of this exploratory study. Methods: The processes underlying the in vitro biological properties were explained using in silico simulations, including drug-likeness prediction, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity-ADMET). Chemical screening of CS-EO was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Five in vitro complementary techniques were used to assess the antioxidant activity of CS-EO: reducing power (RP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, β-Carotene bleaching test (BCBT), and phosphomolybdenum assay (TAC). Results: According to GC-MS analysis, linalool (59.04%), γ-Terpinene (13.02%), and α-Pinene (6.83%) are the main constituents of CS-EO. Based on the in vitro antioxidant assay results, CS-EO has been found to have a superior antioxidant profile. Its estimated scavenging rates for ABTS+ are 0.51 ± 0.04 mg/mL, BCBT is 9.02 ± 0.01 mg/mL, and CS-EO is 1.52 ± 0.14 mg/mL. C. sativum demonstrated 6.13 ± 0.00 μg/mL for reducing power and 213.44 ± 0.45 mg AAE/mL for total antioxidant activity. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of CS-EO was assessed against five strains, including two gram-positive bacteria, two gram-negative bacteria, and one fungal strain (Candida albicans). Significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against all strains were found using the disc-diffusion assay, with zones of inhibition larger than 15 mm. The microdilution test highlighted the lowest MIC and MBC values with gram-positive bacteria, ranging from 0.0612 to 0.125% v/v for MIC and 0.125% v/v for MBC. The fungal strain's MFC was 1.0% v/v and its MIC was measured at 0.5%. Based on the MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios, CS-EO exhibits bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The ADMET study indicates that the primary CS-EO compounds are good candidates for the development of pharmaceutical drugs due to their favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusion: These results point to a potential application of this plant as a natural remedy and offer empirical backing for its traditional uses. It is a promising environmentally friendly preservative that can be used extensively in the food and agricultural industries to prevent aflatoxin contamination and fungal growth in stored goods.

Allelopathic Effects of Lantana camara L. Leaf Aqueous Extracts on Germination and Seedling Growth of Capsicum annuum L. and Daucus carota L

Allelopathy is the chemical interactions between plants that might lead to either stimulation or inhibition of growth, community structure, and plant invasions. Lantana camara L. is a noxious invasive weed that negatively affects seed germination, seedling growth, and increases the mortality of the crop plant. The objective of this work was to assess allelopathic effect of L. camara leaf aqueous extract on germination and seedling growth of Capsicum annuum (pepper) and Daucus carota (carrot). The aqueous extract of Lantana leaf samples was used as a source of allelopathic effects. Data were collected for germination and seedling growth parameters. The result indicated that the highest concentration of the allelopathic extract (20 mg/L) has demonstrated significantly the highest germination inhibition rate GIR (60.00%), germination speed V (2.54 U/day) for D. carota as GIR (70.00%), mean germination time MGT (0.36 days), and GI (0.67%) for C. annuum seeds. The highest concentration of the allelopathic extract (20 mg/L) has recorded the highest plumule inhibition rate PIR (59.63%) and radical inhibition rate RIR (48.95%) for D. carota seeds, as well as PIR (27.47%) and RLR (79.49%) for C. annuum. The largest negative allelopathic index (-60.00% or allelopathic intensity of 60.00%) was recorded for D. carota seeds, whilst (-63.43% or allelopathic intensity of 63.43%) was recorded for C. annuum seed germination. For D. carota seed germination, the first principal component (PC1) has got high positive loads from GI (0.36), RLR (0.31), GR (0.34), allelopathic index AI (0.34), relative length of plumule RLP (0.24), and V (0.30). By contrast, PC1 for D. carota seed germination has got the highest negative component loads recorded by GIR (-0.34), PIR (-0.24), MGT (-0.35), and RIR (-0.31). In allelopathic effect on C. annum seed germination, the first principal component (PC1) has got high positive scores from relative length of radical RLR (0.31), RLP (0.33), germination rate GR (0.33), V (0.33), and AI (0.33). Likewise, the high negative component loads were recorded by GIR (-0.33), PIR (-0.33), RIR (-0.31), and MGT (-0.32). The result of the present study demonstrated that GIR, PIR, and RIR were directly related to negative allelopathic activity.

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (Parsley): An Updated Review of the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (parsley) is a popular medicinal plant widely used in different traditional medicines all over the world. This paper provides an updated review on the traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of parsley. Parsley contains volatile compounds such as terpenes and terpenoids in the essential oil, as well as phenolic compounds in the plant extract. Parsley is traditionally used as a diuretic, liver and stomach tonic, and for urolithiasis and indigestion. Pharmacological investigations also confirm several biological activities of parsley including hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antiurolithiatic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antineoplastic effects in animal and cell-based studies. Parsley has currently demonstrated several pharmacological activities in preclinical studies; however, there is a big lack in clinical evidence. Considering parsley as a possible valuable medicinal food, future clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the plant in different health conditions.

Antioxidant and Wound Healing Bioactive Potential of Extracts Obtained from Bark and Needles of Softwood Species

Interest in the extraction of phytochemical bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols from biomass, has recently increased due to their valuable biological potential as natural sources of antioxidants, which could be used in a wide range of applications, from foods and pharmaceuticals to green polymers and bio-based materials. The present research study aimed to provide a comprehensive chemical characterization of the phytochemical composition of forest biomass (bark and needles) of softwood species (Picea abies L., H. Karst., and Abies alba Mill.) and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities to assess their potential in treating and healing infected chronic wounds. The DPPH radical-scavenging method and P-LD were used for a mechanistic explanation of the biomolecular effects of the investigated bioactive compounds. (+)-Catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, 4 hydroxybenzoic and p-cumaric acids, kaempherol, and apigenin were the main quantified polyphenols in coniferous biomass (in quantities around 100 µg/g). Also, numerous phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, terpenes, lignans, secoiridoids, and indanes with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihemolytic, and anti-carcinogenic potential were identified. The Abies alba needle extract was more toxic to microbial strains than the eukaryotic cells that provide its active wound healing principles. In this context, developing industrial upscaling strategies is imperative for the long-term success of biorefineries and incorporating them as part of a circular bio-economy.

Antioxidant Properties Mediate Nephroprotective and Hepatoprotective Activity of Essential Oil and Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of the High-Altitude Plant Skimmia anquetilia

There are many high-altitude plants such as Skimmia anquetilia that are unexplored for their possible medicinal values. The present study was conducted to examine the antioxidant activities of Skimmia anquetilia (SA) using in vitro and in vivo models. The SA hydro-alcoholic extracts were investigated using LC-MS for their chemical constituents. The essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extracts of SA were evaluated for pharmacological properties. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using in vitro DPPH, reducing power, cupric reducing antioxidant power, and metal chelating assays. The anti-hemolytic activity was carried out using a human blood sample. The in vivo antioxidant activities were evaluated using CCL₄-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity assay. The in vivo evaluation included histopathological examination, tissue biochemical evaluation such as the kidney function test, catalase activity, reduced glutathione activity, and lipid peroxidation estimation. The phytochemical investigation showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract contains multiple important active constituents such as L-carnosine, acacetin, linoleic acid, leucylleucyl tyrosine, esculin sesquihydrate, etc., similar to the components of SA essential oil reported in a previous study. The high amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) reflect (p < 0.001) a high level of reducing power, cupric reducing, and metal chelating properties. This significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited enlargement of the liver, with a significant reduction in ALT (p < 0.01) and AST (p < 0.001). Highly significant improvement in the functioning of the kidney was noted using the blood urea and creatinine (p < 0.001) levels. Tissue-based activities showed a major rise in catalase, reduced glutathione, and reduced lipid peroxidation activities. We conclude from this study that the occurrence of a high quantity of flavonoid and phenolic contents had strong antioxidant properties, leading to hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity. Further active constituent-specific activities should be evaluated.

Optimization of a New Antioxidant Formulation Using a Simplex Lattice Mixture Design of Apium graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Petroselinum crispum M. Grown in Northern Morocco

A statistical Simplex Lattice Mixture design was applied to develop a new formulation based on a combination of three plants grown in northern Morocco: Apium graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Petroselinum crispum M. We examined the extraction yield, total polyphenol content (TPC), 2'2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The results of this screening study showed that C. sativum L. had the highest content of DPPH (53.22%) and TAC (37.46 ± 0.29 mg Eq AA/g DW) compared to the other two plants, while P. crispum M. showed the highest TPC (18.52 ± 0.32 mg Eq GA/g DW). Furthermore, the ANOVA analysis of the mixture design showed that all three responses (DPPH, TAC, and TPC) were statistically significant, with determination coefficients of 97%, 93%, and 91%, respectively, and fit the cubic model. Moreover, the diagnostic plots showed good correlation between the experimental and predicted values. Therefore, the best combination obtained under optimal conditions (P1 = 0.611, P2 = 0.289, P3 = 0.100) was characterized by DPPH, TAC, and TPC of 56.21%, 72.74 mg Eq AA/g DW, and 21.98 mg Eq GA/g DW, respectively. The results of this study reinforce the view of stimulating the effect of plant combinations to achieve better antioxidant activities, thus providing a better formulation using designs of mixtures for the food industry and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Moreover, our findings support the traditional use of the Apiaceae plant species in managing many disorders cited in the Moroccan pharmacopeia.

Apiaceae as an Important Source of Antioxidants and Their Applications

The excess level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) disturbs the oxidative balance leading to oxidative stress, which, in turn, causes diabetes mellites, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. These effects of ROS and oxidative stress can be balanced by dietary antioxidants. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in the use of herbal products for personal and beauty care. The Apiaceae (previously Umbelliferae) family is a good source of antioxidants, predominantly phenolic compounds, therefore, widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, cosmeceutical, flavor, and perfumery industries. These natural antioxidants include polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acids, and exhibit a wide range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis, and anticancer. This review discusses the Apiaceae family plants as an important source of antioxidants their therapeutic value and the use in cosmetics.

Influence of MAP on the Postharvest Quality of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt ex Miq

In Korea, to prevent the extinction of Glehnia littoralis, a cultivation method to improve productivity is being studied and quality maintenance technology is required after harvest. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of MAP on the postharvest quality of G. littoralis. The control showed a weight loss rate of more than 5% after 3 days of storage and lost its marketability, whereas MAP treatment (PE or MPE) showed a weight loss rate of about 2–3% during storage for more than 30 days. In the control, MDA and electrolyte leakage increased due to chilling injury. The total chlorophyll content was low and remained constant until about 23 days of storage in the PE treatment group and 15 days in the MPE treatment group. Among the phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercetin, and nicotiflorin were maintained at significantly higher levels in the PE than in the MPE. In addition, bergapten showed a highly significant upward trend in the MPE, especially after 25 days of storage when the yellowing progressed. In conclusion, MAP treatment effectively maintains quality while minimizing lipid peroxidation and maintaining phenolic compounds during low-temperature storage after harvest of G. littoralis.

Optimization of Volatile Compounds Extraction from Industrial Celery (Apium graveolens) By-Products by Using Response Surface Methodology and Study of Their Potential as Antioxidant Sources

In this study, the potential of industrial celery by-products (the stalk and root) serving as sources of aromatics and antioxidants was investigated. A headspace solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS) procedure was optimized to isolate volatile compounds from celery by-products. A Box–Behnken experimental design was proposed to optimize the procedure through a response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions were found to be 1.6 g of homogenized fresh by-product at 30 °C for 60 min. Under these conditions, 26 volatile compounds in stalk and root samples were identified, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes being the main components. The content of limonene and γ-terpinene found in the stalk was significantly higher in comparison with root samples. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) results underlined the celery wastes studied as good sources of free radical scavengers. This work suggests the potential application of these by-products in the food industry and opens new pathways to valorize celery residues, contributing to the circular economy.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Asymmetric Mesoporous PTFE/Clay Composite Membranes for Textile Wastewater Treatment

Asymmetric mesoporous composite PTFE membranes wit 40, 50, and 85 wt.% of a clay (kaolin) were fabricated and characterized using a scanning electron microscope equipped with EDX for morphology and elemental analysis. The surface chemistry of the membranes was checked using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of incorporating the clay on the hydrophilicity, permeability, morphology, and antifouling properties of the fabricated membranes was investigated. It was observed that incorporating kaolin particles improved the mechanical properties but decreased the contact angle of the membranes, thereby resulting in an improvement in the membrane permeability. The performance of the three composite UF membranes was evaluated through the treatment of a real textile effluent sample containing indigo dye. The results confirmed that these membranes are effective in the removal of COD, color, and turbidity. Indeed, at a transmembrane pressure of 2.5 bar, almost total removal of the turbidity, COD removal > 85%, and color removal > 97% were attained. Furthermore, membrane A85 (with 85% clay) showed the best performance, with a water flux of 659.1 L·h^-1·m^-2·bar^-1. This study highlights the potential of incorporating low-cost clay material for the enhancement of the performance of mixed organic/inorganic matrix membranes, which can be applied to textile wastewater treatment.

How is the activity of shikimate dehydrogenase from the root of Petroselinum crispum (parsley) regulated and which side reactions are catalyzed?

Inhibitors of the shikimate pathway are widely used as herbicides, antibiotics, and anti-infectious drugs. However, the regulation of the shikimic pathway is complex, and little is known about the feedback regulation of the shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH, EC 1.1.1.25) in plants. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the kinetic mechanism of SDH purified from the root of Petroselinum crispum (parsley), to determine all possible reaction products and to identify phenylpropanoid compounds that affect its activity. Our results showed that the bisubstrate reaction catalyzed by P. crispum SDH follows a sequential ordered mechanism, except for three dead-end complexes. The main and lateral reactions of SDH were monitored by mass spectrometry, thereby detecting protocatechuic acid as a byproduct. Gallic acid was formed non-enzymatically, whereas quinate was not detected. Several polyphenolic compounds inhibited SDH activity, especially tannic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, with IC₅₀ 0.014 mM, 0.15 mM, and 0.19 mM, respectively. The number of hydroxyl groups influenced their inhibition effect on SDH, and p-coumaric, t-ferulic, sinapic, syringic and salicylic acids were less effective SDH inhibitors. Nevertheless, one branch of the phenylpropanoid pathway may affect SDH activity through feedback regulation.

Plant Resources Utilization among Different Ethnic Groups of Ladakh in Trans-Himalayan Region

Simple Summary

Indigenous communities are a large resource of increasingly endangered, traditionally used medicinal plants and the associated ecological knowledge, which needs to be documented quickly as the base to establish sustainable livelihoods and healthcare systems. Through the interaction of indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and the surrounding environment, these communities have developed their livelihoods over time. In this study, we tried to obtain an in-depth understanding of ethnomedicinal, cultural, and ritual perspectives on plant diversity in the Ladakh region and evaluated how the wild flora of Ladakh could improve local livelihoods and alleviate poverty. By surveying and applying open- and close-ended semi-structured interviews and group discussions in three communities, we documented 105 ethnobotanically important plants belonging to 39 families. The Balti and Brokpa ethnic groups showed greater similarity, whereas the least overlap in plant use was observed between Beda and Brokpa. Plants common to all cultures were mostly used for medicinal applications, while some were also used for religious purposes in the two major religions (Islam and Buddhism). A total of 37 species were shared by all cultures (Balti, Brokpa, and Beda). The cluster analysis elucidated three major clusters of different ethnobotanical usage. The first cluster included food and medicinal plants, the second included clusters of dye and flavor plants, and the third included plants used for fragrance, oil, fuel wood, and fodder. Plant parts were collected based on their availability in distinct pheno-phases according to the Tibetan traditional calendar. This study’s findings revealed that plants provide tangible economic benefits to indigenous communities, in addition to aiding in the treatment of various ailments. Sustainable use and management of wild resources can help improve livelihoods and food security and alleviate poverty.

Abstract

The nomadic pastoral indigenous communities of the Ladakhi people share roots with Tibetan culture in terms of food, clothing, religion, festivals, and habits, and rely widely on plant resources for survival and livelihood. This survey was conducted during 2019–2021 to document the indigenous knowledge about plant resources of the Balti, Beda, and Brokpa communities of the Ladakh region, trans-Himalayas. Open- and close-ended semi-structured interviews (N = 184) and group discussions (N = 17) were used to collect the data. Quantitative data was further analyzed using various statistical tools. A total of 105 plant species belonging to 82 genera and 39 families were used as medicine, fuel wood, fragrance, oil, food, flavor, fodder, decoration, and dye. Among these, medicinal use was most prevalent, with 70% of use reports, followed by fodder and fuel wood. Leaves (27%) were the most preferred plant part used, followed by roots and flowers. The principal component analysis revealed five clusters of ethnobotanical usage, i.e., food, medicine, fuel wood, fodder, and fragrance, oil, dye, and flavor. The maximum number of plant species used was reported by the Brokpa, while the Beda reported the minimum number of plant species uses. Delphinium brunonianum, Waldheimia tomentosa, and Juniperus indica played a significant role in the cultural and religious ritual aspects, whereas Allium przewalskianum, Waldheimia tomentosa, Juniperus indica, and Hippophae rhamnoides were commonly used as a livelihood source among Ladakhi communities. The local people collected most plants (65%) for self-consumption, while the rest (35%) were sold in markets as a source of income. The sustainable utilization and management of plant resources by local people is a strategy to boost livelihoods and food security and alleviate poverty.

In vitro investigation of antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of three Lamiaceae species from Morocco

Background

Lkhzama (Lavandula officinalis), Mard-doch (Origanum majorana), and Lahbak (Ocimum basilicum) are aromatic and medicinal plants widely used in Moroccan folk medicine as a treatment for numerous diseases including liver diseases, rheumatism, and diabetes. This study was undertaken to examine the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of the aqueous extracts of these plants. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using three in vitro tests: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) radical scavenging activity, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power assay), and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assay. The antihemolytic activity of plant extracts was evaluated against AAPH (2,2′-azobis(2-amidino-propane) dihydrochloride)-induced erythrocyte hemolysis.

Results

Our findings showed that all plant extracts displayed significant antioxidant and antihemolytic effects. In fact, among the studied plant extracts, the highest antioxidant power was recorded in Origanum majorana, based on DPPH (IC50 = 12.29 μg/mL), ABTS (226.13 μmol TE/g DW), and FRAP (477.82 μmol TE/g DW) assays. Moreover, the same plant also showed the best membrane protective effect (269.55%). Whereas, Ocimum basilicum exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity using DPPH (IC50 = 42.85 μg/mL), ABTS (IC50 = 226.13 μmol TE/g DW), and FRAP (IC50 = 172.84 μmol TE/g DW) and, thus, the lowest membrane protective effect (182.70%).

Conclusion

This result supports the use of these plants in folk medicine for preventing and treating many diseases, especially those related to oxidative stress.

Antifungal Potential of Phytochemicals against Mauginiella scaettae, the Plant Pathogen Causing Inflorescence Rot of Date Palm

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) inflorescence rot caused by Mauginiella scaettae poses a serious threat to date palm in Morocco. The present study aims to determine the antifungal activity of five plant extracts against M. scaettae, including Acacia cyanophylla, Cupressus atlantica, Eucalyptus torquata, Nerium oleander, and Schinus molle and link this effect to their content in phenolics and flavonoids, as well as their antioxidant properties. Plant extracts exhibited significant discrepancies regarding their antifungal activity (p < 0.05). The extracts of E. torquata and C. atlantica had the strongest and dose-dependent manner inhibitory effect against mycelial growth and spore germination. E. torquata and S. molle caused the greatest sporulation reductions of about 88.05% and 36.11%, respectively. In addition, there were significant differences among the examined plant extracts with respect to their total polyphenols (14.52-76.68 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (8.75-57.78 g RE/100 g DW), and antioxidant properties as measured by TEAC (74.77-391.23 mmol TE/g DW) and FRAP assays (87.18-474.04 mmol TE/g DW). Strong correlations were found between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity suggesting that polyphenols play a key role in the observed antioxidant and antifungal activities.

Bioactive Properties and Phenolic Compound Profiles of Turnip-Rooted, Plain-Leafed and Curly-Leafed Parsley Cultivars

Petroselinum crispum Mill., Fuss., is a culinary vegetable used as an aromatic herb that garnishes and flavours a great variety of dishes. In the present study, the chemical profiles and bioactivities of leaf samples from 25 cultivars (three types: plain- and curly-leafed and turnip-rooted) from this species were assessed. Seven phenolic compounds were identified in all the varieties, including apigenin and kaempherol derivates. Apigenin-O-pentoside-O-hexoside was the major compound in all the tested parsley types (20, 22 and 13 mg/g of extract, respectively) and responsible for its excellent antioxidant activity, also investigated in this study. Antimicrobial activities were also explored, and the results revealed a good bioactivity against specific tested pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. In conclusion, the leaves of all the types of P. crispum are a good source of natural bioactive compounds that confer health benefits, and thus, they should be part of a balanced and diversified diet.