Hana Nasrallah

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds are rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics and flavonoids, which contribute to their antioxidant properties. Traditional consumption often involves aqueous preparations, such as infusions and decoctions; however, comparative evaluations of their phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and safety remain limited. This study compares the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of pumpkin seed infusions and decoctions and evaluates their subacute oral toxicity over 14 days in rats. Pumpkin seed infusion and decoction extracts were prepared using traditional aqueous extraction methods. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride assays. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. Subacute oral toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats following daily oral administration of 200 mg/kg for 14 days. Phytochemical screening revealed that the infusion contained higher total phenolic content (7.5 ± 0.032 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) and total flavonoid content (2.72 ± 0.0018 mg quercetin equivalents/g dry extract) compared with the decoction (6.5 ± 0.026 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract and 2.53 ± 0.0014 mg quercetin equivalents/g dry extract, respectively). Accordingly, the infusion exhibited higher antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.66 ± 0.03 mg/mL) than the decoction (IC50 = 4.045 ± 0.02 mg/mL). No mortality or adverse clinical signs were observed in treated animals, indicating an absence of subacute toxicity at the tested dose. These findings support the traditional use of pumpkin seeds and demonstrate that their aqueous preparations, particularly infusion, exhibit antioxidant activity with a favorable safety profile. Overall, pumpkin seeds represent a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Haloxylon articulatum is traditionally used for treating infections, digestive issues, and oxidative stress. Despite its ethnopharmacological relevance, its phytochemistry and biological activities, particularly in Iraq, are underexplored. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of H. articulatum extracts and evaluated their antioxidant and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities, supported by molecular docking and in silico ADMET analysis. Methanol/water and ethyl acetate extracts from roots and aerial parts were analyzed using LC-HRMS/MS. Antioxidant capacity was measured via DPPH assay, and anti-H. pylori activity was assessed using broth microdilution. Molecular docking targeted bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, and ADMET predictions were carried out with SwissADME and ADMETlab. Phytochemical profiling identified 32 compounds, including phenolamides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoid glycosides. Root extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant and antibacterial effects than aerial parts. Ethyl acetate extracts were inactive. Phenolamides, N-caffeoyltyramine, and sinapoyltyramine, present in the extract, showed significant activity (MICs = 54 ± 0.92 and 74 ± 1.05 µg/mL). Docking supported their strong binding to the target enzyme. ADMET results indicated good oral bioavailability and low toxicity. This study is the first to report the anti-H. pylori activity of H. articulatum and to characterize its Iraqi chemotype through advanced metabolomics. The findings highlight the plant’s potential as a source of multifunctional phytochemicals with antioxidant and antibacterial applications, warranting further preclinical development and toxicological investigation.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) in reducing weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat composition (BF), and anthropometric parameters among overweight/obese women, comparing the results with those of a placebo group. Overweight/obese individuals participated in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Body weight, BMI, body composition, and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Additionally, lipid profile and safety evaluation parameters were evaluated. Compared to the placebo group, the NRE group exhibited a mean weight loss difference of 2.27 kg (p < 0.001) at the trial’s conclusion. Interestingly, the most significant weight reduction, amounting to 3.34 kg ± 0.93, was observed in younger participants with a BMI > 30.0. Similarly, BMI and BF% significantly decreased in the NRE group, contrary to the placebo group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). The percentage of body water (BW) (p = 0.006) as well as the ratio of LBM/BF (p = 0.039) showed a significant increase after the NRE intervention compared to the placebo. After age adjustment, all variables, except LBM/BF, retained statistical significance. Additionally, all anthropometric parameters were significantly reduced only in the NRE group. Most importantly, a significant reduction in Triglyceride (TG) levels in the NRE group was revealed, in contrast to the placebo group (p = 0.011), and the significance was still observed after age adjustment (p = 0.016). No side effects or adverse changes in kidney and liver function tests were observed in both groups. In conclusion, NRE demonstrated potent antiobesity effects, suggesting that NRE supplementation may represent an effective alternative for treating obesity compared to antiobesity synthetic drugs.

In the present study, we aimed to explore the feasibility, compliance, and potential benefits of Nitraria retusa extract (NRE) intervention in both healthy (BMI ≤ 24.9 Kg/m²) and overweight/obese adults (BMI > 25 Kg/m²). A total of 98 participants, including 37 healthy individuals and 61 overweight/obese adults, were randomly assigned to either a low-dose (500 mg/day) or a high-dose (2000 mg/day) NRE intervention group. Plasma lipid biomarkers, liver and kidney functions, general hematology, and blood glucose levels were measured at the baseline and 10 days after intervention. While the lipid profile of the healthy participants did not show any statistically significant changes, the obese participants in the high-dose group experienced a significant decrease in triglyceride levels (within-group difference p value = 0.004) and an increase in HDL levels (within-group p value < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in other parameters, indicating that NRE at the given doses was safe. Furthermore, the study had impressive compliance and acceptability, with over 90% of participants completing the intervention and diligently following the study protocol. This pilot study represents the first investigation into the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of NRE intervention on lipid profiles in human volunteers.