Naim Kattour

Plant extracts, rich sources of biomolecules, exhibit potent antioxidant activity and diverse health benefits. This study explored the bioactive potential of Citrus aurantium L. (bigarade) leaf extract (CALE) through focused investigations. A conventional water bath was first used to maximize the yield of phenolic compounds extracted from bigarade leaves. Key parameters, including extraction time, particle size of the ground leaves, temperature, solvent type, and solid‐to‐liquid ratio, were varied to evaluate their impact on the extraction efficiency. Longer extraction times and smaller particle sizes resulted in higher extraction yields. The optimal extraction conditions for maximizing both total phenolic compounds and anti‐radical activity were identified as 80°C, 100% distilled water, with a solid‐to‐liquid ratio of 1:40. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of bigarade leaf extract on mice peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including cytotoxicity, cell viability, and the production of seven cytokines, were examined. CALE extract at concentrations below 250 µg/mL did not significantly affect PBMCs proliferation or viability, thus highlighting its safety profile at low concentrations. However, CALE markedly elevated the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐4 at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, while concurrently reduced levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IFN‐γ. Additionally, CALE treatment led to a significant decrease in IL‐17A secretion in the culture supernatants of PBMCs, accompanied by an increase in IL‐10 levels, both of which showed a dose‐dependent response with increasing CALE concentrations. Our findings underscored the valuable bioactive properties of C. aurantium leaves and their potential applications in functional foods and therapeutic settings for promoting human health and well‐being. Practical application: This study investigates the potential of Citrus aurantium L. (bigarade) leaf extract as a natural source of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and immune‐regulating properties. The antioxidant activity of the extract could benefit the food and cosmetic industries by enhancing product stability and promoting skin health. On the other hand, its ability to modulate the immune responses suggests possible applications in formulations, including functional foods and herbal supplements, aimed at supporting immune balance, and managing inflammation‐related conditions. The optimal experimental conditions of extraction, as identified in this study, can be scaled up for industrial applications, ensuring efficient production of bioactive‐rich extracts.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health challenge, being the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. This review discusses the critical advancements in biomarker discovery using single-omics and multi-omics approaches. Multi-omics, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic data, offers a comprehensive understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of prostate cancer, leading to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This holistic approach not only enhances the specificity and sensitivity of prostate cancer detection but also supports the development of personalized treatment strategies. Key studies highlighted include the identification of novel genes, genetic mutations, peptides, metabolites, and potential biomarkers through multi-omics analyses, which have shown promise in improving prostate cancer management. The integration of multi-omics in clinical practice can potentially revolutionize prostate cancer prognosis and treatment, paving the way for precision medicine. This review underscores the importance of continued research and the application of multi-omics to overcome current challenges in prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Date seeds, which are the main by-products of date fruit consumption, were shown to possess promising biological activities and health benefits with minimal human use. The present investigation analyzed and compared the phenolic content of six date seed varieties from four different origins (Khudari, Sakai, and Safawi from Saudi Arabia, Majdool from Jordan, Zahdi from Iraq, and Kabkab from Iran). The aqueous extracts were examined for possible antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor potential. Date seed oil was extracted, and fatty acid profiles were compared. The results revealed that date seeds are a rich source of polyphenols, which have been linked to biological activities. Furthermore, the phenolic content seemed highly dependent on the variety, where Kabkab had the highest TPC value (271.2 mg GAE/g DM) while Majdool had the lowest value (63.2 mg GAE/g DM). Antioxidant activities of all varieties were highly correlated with the total phenolic content. The antibacterial investigation demonstrated that the Sakai variety possessed the dominant activity, whereas Majdool showed no activity. The results further indicated the sensitivity of both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with a stronger effect against B. cereus, while no effect was observed against Gram-negative strains (Salmonella Typhi and Escherichia coli). All varieties were able to decrease colon and lung cancer cell viability, especially Khudari and Sakai, with stronger effects against colon cancer cells. Analysis of date seed oil showed high oleic acid content, especially in Sakai. The findings suggest that date seeds are promising candidates for future pharmaceutical applications as nutraceuticals to help combat certain illnesses, as well as functional foods and natural additives that boost the nutritional value of food products, increase their shelf lives, and improve the overall health of consumers.