Koula Doukani

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease distinguished by inflammation, neurodegeneration, and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). The pathophysiology of this disease is intricately linked to immune system malfunction, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions. T-cell activation, microglial activation, and the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier are the main pathogenic characteristics, leading to myelin sheath destruction and axonal loss. The disease is primarily incurable, necessitating the development of new therapeutic techniques. Current treatment methods focus on managing symptoms and modifying the immune response. Flavonoids, a class of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds, are recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Several substances have shown potential in preclinical MS models for regulating immune responses and promoting neuroprotection. Flavonoids can enhance myelin regeneration, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce oxidative stress. Synthetic medications like glatiramer acetate, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators, and interferons have demonstrated clinical success in treating MS. The review discusses the pathogenesis of MS and the potential benefits of synthetic medications and phytocompounds in treating the disease. It highlights phytocompounds' role in inflammation reduction and myelin repair, suggesting the integration of natural and synthetic methods could improve patient outcomes.

Background: This study investigated the phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial effect, and antihemolytic activity of nettle leaves from two understudied Algerian species, Urtica pilulifera and Urtica urens . Methods: Urtica pilulifera and Urtica urens leaves extracts were prepared by maceration using methanol and distilled water respectively. Their phytochemical analysis (total phenolic content, flavonoids, hydrolysable and condensed tannins) was determined. The chemical profle of these extracts was performed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detection tandem mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity (using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging method), antibacterial activity (using disk diffusion method), and antihemolytic activity were carried out. Results: Results reveal high levels of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Several classes of compounds were identified in the extracts. Phenolic acid and other acids and their derivatives and flavonoids were detected in the extracts, with 4‐ O‐ caffeoyl‐quinic acid and 5 ‐ O ‐caffeoyl‐quinic acid being the main constituents in both extracts. Caffeic acid was also the main constituent present only in U. urens extract. For antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of U. pilulifera and the aqueous extract of U. urens , the percentage inhibition value (82.76% and 59.06%) and the half‐maximum inhibitory concentration (IC ₅₀ ) value (302 and 423 μg/mL) , respectively, were obtained. Antibacterial activity of nettle extracts (10 mg/mL) demonstrated the sensitivity of pathogenic strain susceptibility . The strongest antibacterial effect on tested strains was found in the aqueous extract of U. urens against Staphylococcus aureus (21 ± 0.41 mm) compared to the methanolic extract of U. pilulifera (16 ± 0.40 mm). The antihemolytic activity in the methanolic and aqueous extracts was 76.26% and 60.67%, respectively. The methanolic extract exhibited exceptional antihemolytic effect, with an IC ₅₀ value of 327 μg/mL, whereas the aqueous extract had an IC ₅₀ value of 412 μg/mL. Conclusions: The study confirms the presence of bioactive substances in the nettle species, including flavonoids and tannins, which possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihemolytic properties, and can be processed into food and pharmaceutical products.

Natural bioactive compounds have demonstrated potential in altering the Notch signaling system, a crucial regulator of cancer development. This review discusses the molecular interactions of various substances such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids with ligands, receptors, and downstream effectors. Terpenoids like curcumin can combat Notch-mediated medication resistance, while flavonoids like quercetin prevent Notch receptor activation. Alkaloids that directly or indirectly modulate Notch signaling have anticancer effects. Preclinical and clinical investigations have demonstrated the effectiveness of several of these drugs, and several have progressed to clinical trials. The review emphasizes clinical trials to optimize the pharmacokinetics, safety, and therapeutic potential of natural medicines for cancer treatment. Natural bioactive substances targeting the Notch signaling system have the potential to develop cancer treatment. These treatments provide a potential alternative or supplement to current treatments due to their more targeted and less toxic approach to cancer cells. Natural bioactive compounds require further research to enhance pharmacokinetics, investigate processes, and conduct clinical trials. Graphical Abstract

Background: Algeria’s dairy sector is experiencing various obstacles, such as a high frequency of diseases in dairy farms, particularly mastitis. Nonetheless, there has been a scarcity of research on mastitis occurrence, notably in Algeria’s Western area. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mastitis and its associated risk factors in Algeria’s northwest area. Methods: The study included 130 dairy cows from 17 farms. The California mastitis test (CMT) and visual inspection were used to determine the prevalence of subclinical and clinical mastitis. Result: The total cow-level prevalence was 68.50% (89/130), with clinical cases accounting for 3.10% (4/130) and subclinical cases accounting for 65.40% (85/130). The quarter-level prevalence of mastitis was 35.19% (183/520), with 3.08% (16/520) clinical cases and 32.11% (167/520) subclinical cases. The study found that parity, lactation stage and age were all significant intrinsic risk factors for mastitis (P less than 0.05). Additionally, cow cleanliness level, cleaning solution, wiping udder after washing and dry cow treatment were significant extrinsic risk factors linked with mastitis (P less than 0.05). Given the high prevalence of mastitis in this region, regular screening and treatment are crucial to minimize the risk of mastitis and enhance cow health.

Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer and affects more than half of the world’s population. Although this infection can have serious consequences, no novel cure or remedy have been discovered, the present therapy still relies on a variety of known antibiotics and anti-secretory agents. In the present study, the potential effect of combinations between methanolic extracts of four Algerian medicinal plants, garlic (Allium sativum), red onion (Allium cepa), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and fenugreek (T. foenum-graecum L.), with different strains of lactic acid bacteria against H. pylori, was investigated. Similarly, the in vivo antibacterial effect of fenugreek extract combined with Bifidobacterium breve on H. pylori colonization potential to confirm the enhanced effect of the mixture was explored. Helicobacter pylori was inhibited by all combined mixtures of extracts and probiotics with varying results. The highest anti-H. pylori activities were found in fenugreek/B. breve, cumin/B. breve, garlic/B. breve and onion/B. breve combinations with inhibition diameters of 29, 26, 23 and 25 mm, respectively. Preliminary studies on the effect of probiotics against H. pylori revealed that the inhibition was due to lactic acid and bacteriocins and it was also related to the presence of phenolic compounds in the studied plants, such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin and vanillic acid. Fenugreek extract was found to inhibit the growth of H. pylori in a concentration-dependent manner. When H. pylori-infected rats were administered B. breve, the infection rate of H. pylori was significantly reduced, while the combination of B. breve and fenugreek extract effectively inhibited H. pylori. In addition, the B. breve and fenugreek extract mixture significantly reduced gastritis in H. pylori-infected rats. These results suggest that this complex mixture may be an alternative to treating diseases caused by H. pylori infection.