Noura Gheraissa

Leucaena leucocephala , a well‐known invasive species, possesses significant yet underexplored phytochemical potential. This study investigated how its chemical composition contributes to adaptation in arid environments and provides opportunities for valorization. Methanolic extracts from the plant parts (roots, leaves, pods, seeds, and flowers) collected in Algeria were assessed for their phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content, as well as for their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and photoprotective activities. Seeds exhibited the highest phenolic content (197.26 ± 1.90 μg GAE/mg), while roots were richest in tannins and flavonoids. Notably, strong antioxidant activity was recorded in seeds and leaves (IC ₅₀ : 3.54 ± 0.05 and 3.61 ± 0.05 μg/mL). Roots displayed a high SPF value of 26.40, and both seed and flower extracts showed significant antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Correlation analyses highlighted a strong positive relationship between tannins and SPF ( R ² = 0.92) and a negative correlation between phenolics and DPPH° activity ( R ² = −0.84). LC‐MS analysis identified 13 key polyphenols, with pods and leaves being particularly rich in compounds like vanillin and gallic acid. These findings underscore L. leucocephala 's potential for sustainable use in health and cosmetic industries.

Date palm fruit development involves several stages, including Habauk, Kimri, Khalal, Rutab, and Tamer stages, characterized by intricate biochemical alterations that lead to the accumulation of various metabolites. The objective of this study was to quantify and statistically evaluate the linearity of nutritional compounds, acidity levels, water content, dry matter, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity capacity across the fruit development and maturation stages of two date palm cultivars, Deglet Nour and Degla Beida. Fruits were collected from ten palm trees per cultivar at each growth stage, cleaned, sliced, dried, and powdered. The acidity level was assessed using the Marx method, while water content and dry matter were determined through a drying method. The carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that constitute the nutritional components were quantified using established techniques. The extraction yield of secondary metabolites was calculated using date powder. The water content, PH, carbohydrate, protein, fat content, extraction yield, total Phenol, and total flavonoid content displayed dynamic patterns described by second-order polynomials. The maximum local values for water content, PH, and carbohydrate were observed in both varieties, while the maximum local value for total Phenol was found exclusively in Deglet Nour. Conversely, the minimum local values for protein content, fat content, total flavonoid content, and extraction yield were observed in both varieties. Notably, the minimum local value for total Phenol content was observed only in Degla Beida. For both varieties, the dry matter and antioxidant activity exhibited quadratic dynamics. However, the dry matter showed a positive increasing trend, while the antioxidant activity exhibited a change in the opposite direction.

Peptic ulcer disease remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current treatments often have limitations, sparking interest in alternative therapies from medicinal plants. This review examines the gastroprotective potential of 54 North African medicinal plants against peptic ulcers. An extensive literature search was conducted, focusing on plants with preclinical and clinical evidence of anti‐ulcer efficacy and documented use in North African traditional medicine. The review identified several promising plant species, such as licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ), chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ), olive ( Olea europaea ), pomegranate ( Punica granatum ), Aloe vera, and black seed ( Nigella sativa ), along with their bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. These compounds exhibit gastroprotective properties through multiple mechanisms, such as enhancing the gastric mucosal barrier, inhibiting acid secretion, displaying antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, promoting ulcer healing, and combating Helicobacter pylori infection. The evidence presented includes in vitro assays, animal models, and some clinical studies. While many of the 53 plants reviewed demonstrated significant anti‐ulcer effects compared to standard drugs, further clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in humans. The synergistic actions of phytochemical mixtures in medicinal plant extracts likely contribute to their therapeutic potential. This review highlights the role these North African medicinal plants may play in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers and identifies promising candidates for further research and development of evidence‐based botanical therapies.

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa have been investigated for the inhibition of bacterial growth, the protection of proteins (albumin) from denaturation, and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinomas (Huh-7 and HepG2). Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by five tests, including one that examined their ability to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced hemolysis. The profile of their phenolic compounds was also determined. These two euhalophytes had a high moisture content, high levels of photosynthetic pigments, elevated levels of ash and protein, low oxidative damage indices, MDA (Malondialdehyde) and proline, and low lipids levels. Their content was also characterized by a moderate acidity with good electrical conductivity. They contained abundant levels of phytochemicals and varied phenolic contents. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in both plant extracts. On the pharmaceutical level, the two euhalophytes had anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, and therefore it was recommended to isolate and identify biologically active compounds from these plants and evaluate them in vivo.

Current study verifies the biological efficiency of Bassia muricata (Chenopodiaceae vent), a wild plant in the Algerian desert. MeOH extract (70%) of the aerial parts of B. muricata was tested for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In addition to determining the value of the SPF and its effectiveness as hypoglycemia through a glucose uptake assay by yeast cells. Its phenolic content was also verified by quantitative estimations and RP-HPLC-UV analysis. MeOH extract of B. muricata exhibited antioxidant effects, where it showed good to moderate free radical inhibition activity towards both DPPH• and OH•, and this corresponded with excellent anti-hemolytic activity. As well as being a Fe2+ and molybdate reducing agent, the extract showed moderate photoprotective activity with SPFSpectrophootometric=18.89±0.005. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances glucose uptake. MeOH extract of B. muricata showed remarkable antibacterial activity against B. subtilis, L. innocua, S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. It did not give efficacy against S. typhimurium. Its phenolic content on the other hand was verified by quantitative estimations and RP-HPLC-UV analysis, which revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, p-coumarin acid, gallic acid as a major phenolic compounds. These results showed that B. muricata could be useful as source of bioactive compounds for food, the pharmaceutical industry and the manufacture of cosmetics.