Abdelghani Aboukhalaf

Background: Healthy eating habits acquired during childhood and adolescence may persist into adulthood and provide health benefits. Given the internationally reported shift away from the Mediterranean diet (MD) among young people, evaluating dietary practices and implementing nutrition education in this vulnerable population are crucial. The availability of standardized assessment tools is therefore important. Objective: This study aimed to assess adherence to the MD among Moroccan school-aged adolescents using Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) index. Methods: A cross-sectional school-based survey was conducted among 386 school-going adolescents, aged 14–18 years. A research-developed questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and socioeconomic data; the KIDMED index was applied to assess adherence to the MD. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured; body mass index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. Summary: Overall, 53.6% and 7.8% of participants had low and optimal MD adherence, respectively. Poor adherence was more frequent among girls than boys (59.2% vs. 44.6%), whereas moderate and optimal adherence were more frequent among boys than girls (45.9% vs. 34.0% and 9.5% vs. 6.7%, respectively; p = 0.019). The mean KIDMED score was 4.27 ± 2.20 and was higher in boys than girls (4.70 ± 2.01 vs. 4.00 ± 2.27; p = 0.002). This study revealed low adherence to the MD, possibly reflecting a dietary shift toward ultraprocessed foods. The KIDMED index was useful for assessing MD adherence, although it should be updated to align with contemporary dietary guidelines and core MD principles. Schools, parents, and policymakers should promote nutrition education and facilitate adolescents’ access to healthy Mediterranean foods.

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem, prompting the exploration of medicinal plants as potential alternatives. Among these, Cannabis sativa is known for its various pharmacological properties. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity, chemical profile, acute toxicity, and in silico properties of C. sativa leaf extracts from Ain Louh Mezraoua Commune, Sahel Boutahar sector, Taounate Province, Morocco. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of C. sativa leaf extracts from the Taounate region (Morocco) was evaluated against a variety of microbial strains, including Staphylococcus haemolyticus, a species that has received limited attention in research investigating the antimicrobial activity of Cannabis extracts. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed on the most active extract. Acute toxicity was evaluated at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, followed by an in silico study. Results: The methanolic extract showed the highest antimicrobial effect, with moderate activity particularly against Staphylococcus haemolyticus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)= 125μg/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC= 250μg/ml), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC= 250μg/ml). GC-MS analysis tentatively identified neophytadiene (52.38%), phytol (22.46%), and pseudosarsasapogenin (14.47%) as the major components. Acute toxicity evaluation showed no mortality or signs of toxicity, with a median lethal dose (LD50) greater than 2000 mg/kg and no significant hematological, hepatic, or renal biochemical changes. Decreased blood glucose and triglyceride levels were recorded. Pseudosarsasapogenin exhibited the highest binding affinity towards the selected bacteria. Discussion: The major components present in the methanolic extract may contribute to the observed antimicrobial activity. The strong binding affinity of pseudosarsasapogenin toward the selected bacterial targets, as determined by molecular docking, supports its possible involvement in the observed antimicrobial effects. In addition, the absence of mortality or signs of acute toxicity, along with the absence of significant changes in hepatic and renal biochemical parameters, suggests low acute toxicity under the tested conditions. Conclusion: The results suggest that the methanolic extract of C. sativa may have antimicrobial activity and low acute toxicity. These findings highlight the need for further investigation of pseudosarsasapogenin and its potential therapeutic applications.

Background: The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an emblematic and ecologically significant woody species of the Mediterranean basin that has attracted increasing scientific and industrial interest, owing to the considerable nutritional value and versatile functional properties of its fruit. Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate and comparatively characterize the nutritional and functional attributes of wild and cultivated carob varieties sourced from Morocco. Material and Methods: Carob Pulp Samples were collected from two geographically distinct sites within the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of southern Morocco. The following analytical parameters were assessed: physicochemical properties (ash, moisture, total sugars, and crude protein content), mineral composition (macro- and microelements), bioactive compound content comprising total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, and antioxidant activity, evaluated employing three complementary assays—the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the β-carotene antioxidant activity test (CAT assay). Results: Cultivated carob pulp exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) total sugar content (65.85 ± 0.07 vs. 58.40 ± 0.26%), crude protein content (3.47 ± 0.22 vs. 2.35 ± 0.29%), potassium concentration (9351.0 ± 4.4 vs. 6812.0 ± 3.8 mg/kg), and calcium concentration (2564.0 ± 1.2 vs. 1339.0 ± 2.0 mg/kg) relative to wild carob pulp. Conversely, wild carob pulp displayed significantly lower IC₅₀ values (p < 0.05) across all three antioxidant assays — DPPH (127.09 ± 0.41 vs. 162.17 ± 0.06 μg/mL), FRAP (9.08 ± 0.18 vs. 12.61 ± 0.33 μg/mL), and CAT (62.19 ± 0.56 vs. 78.94 ± 0.80 μg/mL) assays, indicating superior radical scavenging and reducing capacity relative to the cultivated variety. Conclusions: The findings reveal complementary and distinct nutritional and functional characteristics between wild and cultivated Moroccan carob pulp, with both botanical forms representing valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds for food and nutraceutical applications. The cultivated form demonstrated a superior macronutrient and mineral profile, whilst the wild form exhibited greater antioxidant potency, suggesting differential valorization potential according to intended application. Further systematic characterization of individual phytochemical constituents is recommended to deepen understanding of their functional properties and support their potential applications in functional food product development and sustainable agroforestry systems. Keywords: Ceratonia siliqua L.; Antioxidant Activity; Phenolic Compounds; Phytochemicals; Carob pulp; Morocco.

Anthropometric assessment is widely used in sports science, nutrition, and health evaluation as a practical and non-invasive method for analyzing body composition, physical performance, and metabolic health. This review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the role of anthropometric parameters in sports sciences, nutritional assessment, and health monitoring. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases, covering publications from 2020 to 2026. The findings indicate that anthropometric variables such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), skinfold thickness, body circumferences, fat mass percentage (FM%), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and skeletal muscle mass indicators are strongly associated with athletic performance, nutritional status, and cardiometabolic risk. In sports sciences, these measurements are widely applied for talent identification, training monitoring, and performance optimization. In clinical and nutritional contexts, they contribute to the assessment of obesity, sarcopenia, malnutrition, and metabolic disorders. Advanced indices such as Body Roundness Index (BRI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), somatotype analysis, and Phantom Z-scores provide improved evaluation of body proportionality and fat distribution. Despite their broad applicability, anthropometric methods present limitations related to measurement variability and population specificity. Therefore, combining anthropometric assessment with advanced body composition techniques is recommended to improve accuracy and individualized evaluation. The future of anthropometric science is expected to evolve toward AI-driven digital assessment systems integrated with personalized medicine and population-specific predictive models, allowing highly accurate, real-time, and individualized evaluation of body composition, metabolic health, and sport performance across diverse populations.

Background: Food waste in Moroccan rural markets represents a major challenge, resulting in losses not only in quantity but also in dietary and nutritional diversity. This study extends the analyses of a previous one that quantified these losses (Elbiyad et al., 2024), applying the Food Variety Score (FVS) to capture the diversity dimension of food waste and examine its potential implications for sustainable development and the circular economy. Objective: This study aimed to assess the diversity of food and nutrients wasted in Moroccan rural markets using the Food Variety Score, and to estimate the associated nutritional, environmental, and economic implications. Material and methods: A survey was conducted between February 2022 and March 2023 with 600 retailers in five rural markets located in the provinces of El Jadida and Sidi Bennour. At the retail level, food waste was defined as unsold items remaining at the end of the market day and considered discarded. Wasted food was identified and classified by food group and variety. Nutrient losses were estimated using Bilnut software and Ciqual food composition data, based solely on edible portions. The Food Variety Score was calculated at three levels: food group, food variety, and nutrient. Environmental impacts were estimated using coefficients published by the FAO and by Poore and Nemecek, while reduction scenarios were explored through hypothetical simulations. Results: A total of 123 varieties of wasted food were identified and classified into six groups. Vegetables (45.7%) and fruits (27.4%) accounted for the largest share of total food waste. The Food Variety Score (FVS) reached 100% at both the group and variety levels, indicating that all identified groups and varieties were represented in the waste. Nutritionally, all nutrients studied exceeded the binary threshold used for the analysis, reflecting the diversity of nutrients present in the waste. Although the obtained values represent aggregate losses, the estimated nutrient losses were substantial but should not be interpreted as direct equivalents of individual daily intakes. The simulated reduction scenarios suggest potential environmental and economic benefits, although these projections have not been empirically tested. Conclusion: Food waste in Moroccan rural markets is characterized by significant quantities and a wide diversity of food groups, varieties, and nutrients. Measuring the Food Variety Score provides a dimension of diversity in wasted food resources that complements conventional quantitative assessments. These results should be interpreted with caution, particularly regarding their nutritional and policy implications. Reducing food waste contributes to sustainable development and resource valorization, but requires the implementation of feasible and context-appropriate interventions. Keywords: food waste; Food Variety Score; nutritional losses; circular economy; sustainable development; rural markets; Morocco

Despite the widespread use of wild edible medicinal plants (WEMPs) in Morocco, information on their nutritional value, bioactive composition, and safety aspects is limited. Thus, the present study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional value (proximate and mineral contents), phytochemical properties, and acute toxicity of Dysphania ambrosioides , Ziziphus lotus , and Origanum vulgare collected from central Morocco. Nutritional composition was determined using standard food analysis methods, while total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified colorimetrically. Antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The acute safety profile of the plant extracts was evaluated through acute toxicity testing in rats. Results revealed that the studied WEMPs contained valuable nutrients in the respective ranges of moisture (6.25%–10.23%), ash (4.81%–14.85%), protein (6.98%–20.43%), fat (2.26%–2.88%), carbohydrates (63.75%–85.33%), and energy (345.45–395.16 kcal·100 g ⁻¹ ). They were also rich in essential minerals, particularly magnesium (46.76–95.77 mg·100 g ⁻¹ ), iron (1.73–4.31 mg·100 g ⁻¹ ), and manganese (1.65–2.02 mg·100 g ⁻¹ ). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 64.45 to 207.30 mg GAE·g ⁻¹ extract and from 18.84 to 117.18 mg QE·g ⁻¹ extract, respectively. Antioxidant assays showed strong correlations with phenolic and flavonoid contents. Acute toxicity results indicated that all extracts were well tolerated, with LD50 values higher than 5000 mg·kg ⁻¹ body weight, suggesting the absence of acute toxicity under the experimental conditions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that these WEMPs represent valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential and could serve as natural dietary antioxidants to help mitigate oxidative stress.

Background: During famine periods in Morocco, Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz was traditionally consumed in rural areas and contributed to population survival. Despite its historical importance, limited research exists on its nutritional composition, bioactive properties and safety. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the proximate and mineral compositions, phytochemical profile and acute toxicity of A. vulgare tubers. Material and Methods: Nutritional composition was determined using standard food analysis methods, whereas polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity were assessed using colorimetric assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods, and safety was assessed by performing acute toxicity. Results: The finding revealed that this plant is rich in carbohydrates but low in protein and fat, while mineral and phenolic contents were at moderate levels. Biological evaluation of the extracts showed remarkable antioxidant activity and wide antibacterial and antifungal effects. The aqueous extract obtained by traditional decoction showed no acute toxicity with LD50 higher than 5000 mg/kg, which suggests that the traditional preparation method plays an important role in reducing the toxicity of A. vulgare. Conclusions: The results highlight the nutritional value of A. vulgare tubers and their content in bioactive compounds showing antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

As a widely consumed staple, bread serves as an excellent vehicle for incorporating plant-based ingredients with demonstrated health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, mineral composition, sensory properties, and nutrient contribution of wheat bread enriched with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% purslane powder. Mineral content was determined using ICP-AES, phenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant activity through the DPPH assay. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a five-point hedonic scale. Results showed that PO-enriched breads had significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and mineral content compared to the control (p < 0.05), with the 15% PO formulation exhibiting the highest values. Fortification enhanced the daily intake of key minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper. Sensory analysis revealed significant differences in consumer acceptance breads with 10% and 15% PO received lower scores than the control and 5% PO, although all samples remained acceptable (overall liking score >3). Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated strong associations between polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and mineral levels. The 5% PO formulation emerged as the most balanced option, offering improved nutritional value while maintaining acceptable sensory qualities. This study highlights the potential of PO as a functional ingredient to enhance the nutritional and antioxidant properties of bread, with 5% enrichment offering the best compromise between health benefits and consumer preference.

Background: Despite its benefits, the Mediterranean diet (MD) is abandoned or not adopted by the younger generations in most Mediterranean countries. Objective: The aim here was to examine some factors determining adherence to MD in Moroccan school-age adolescents. Material and methods: A...