Protective Effect of Lavandula stoechas and Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oils Against Reproductive Damage and Oxidative Stress in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Hichem Sebai,Slimen Selmi,Kais Rtibi,Najoua Gharbi,Mohsen Sakly 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.2

The authors aimed in the present study to assess the protective effect of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils (ROEO) and Lavandula stoechas essential oils (LSEO) against reproductive damage and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. Essential oil samples were obtained from the aerial parts of the plants by hydrodistillation and analyzed by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Rats were divided into four groups: healthy control (HC); diabetic control (DC); healthy +ROEO (H + ROEO), healthy + LSEO (H + LSEO), diabetic +ROEO (D + ROEO), and diabetic + LSEO (D + LSEO). The use of GC-MS allowed to the identification of 15 and 22 compounds in ROEO and LSEO, respectively. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test showed that ROEO and LSEO had an important antioxidant capacity. In vivo, we initially found that ROEO and LSEO treatment protected against the decrease in alloxan-induced body weight gain, relative reproductive organ weights, testosterone level, as well as sperm quality decline. On the other hand, we showed that alloxan administration was accompanied by an oxidative stress status assessed by an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, as well as a depletion of sulfhydril group content (-SH) and antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in testis, epididymis, and sperm. More importantly, ROEO and LSEO treatment significantly protected against oxidative damage of the male reproductive organ systems in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggested that ROEO and LSEO exerted a potential protective effect against alloxan-induced reproductive function damage and oxidative stress in male rat. The beneficial effect of ROEO and LSEO might be related, in part, to their antioxidant properties.

Inhibitory Effects of Two Varieties of Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Extracts on Gastrointestinal Transit in Rat

Abdelaziz Souli,Hichem Sebai,Kais Rtibi,Latifa Chehimi,Mohsen Sakly,Mohamed Amri,Jamel El-Benna,Lamjed Marzouki 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.9

The present study was undertaken to determine whether total and methanol juice extracts of two Tunisian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties (Garsi and Gabsi) protect against diarrhea as well as their effects on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) in healthy rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats were used and divided into control- and pomegranatetreated groups. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea method and the GIT was assessed using charcoal meal. Our results showed that total and methanol P. granatum juice extracts produced a significant dose-dependent protection against castor oil-induced diarrhea. Pomegranate extracts and juice also decreased the GIT significantly and dose dependently. Importantly, the Garsi variety appeared to be more effective than the Gabsi variety on these two parameters. These findings suggest that pomegranate extracts have a potent antidiarrheal property in rats confirming their efficiency in the Tunisian traditional medicine.

Effects of Dates Pulp Extract and Palm Sap (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on Gastrointestinal Transit Activity in Healthy Rats

Abdellaziz Souli,Hichem Sebai,Kais Rtibi,Latifa Chehimi,Mohsen Sakly,Mohamed Amri,Jamel El-Benna 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.7

The current study was performed to measure the chemical composition and the effects of dates pulp extract and palm sap on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) activity in healthy adult rats. In this respect, male Wistar rats fasted for 24 hourswere used and received per orally (p.o.) sodium chloride (NaCl) (0,9%) (control group) or various doses of dates pulp extract (150 and 300 mg/kg, body weight [b.w.]) and palm sap (0.4 and 4 mL/kg, b.w.). Two other groups of rats (batch tests) received, respectively, clonidine (an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, 1 mg/kg, b.w.) and yohimbine (an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, 2mg/kg, b.w.). Chemical analysis showed that the dates pulp extract is more rich in sugars and minerals, especially potassium and sucrose, as compared with palm sap composition. On the other hand, in vivo study showed that the aqueous dates pulp extract significantly, and dose dependently, increased the GIT activity while the palm sap slightly increased it. Moreover, a converse effect has been observed using clonidine (decreased 68%) and yohimbine (increased 33%) on the GIT activity. These findings suggest that dates pulp extract and palm sap have a stimulating effect on GIT activity in rats and confirm their use in traditional Tunisian medicine for the treatment of constipation.

Dietary Supplementation of Carob and Whey Modulates Gut Morphology, Hemato-Biochemical Indices, and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Rabbits

Kaïs Rtibi,Khouloud Marzouki,Abedrraouf Salhi,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.10

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the carob powder (CP) and sweet whey powder (WhP) inclusion into weaning feed on the gut morphology, hemato-biochemical parameters, and antioxidant biomarkers. The addition of 10 g/kg (basal diet +10 g/kg of CP, of WhP) or the mixture (5 g/kg of CP and 5 g/kg of WhP) in the rabbit's standard diet was assessed. A total of 40 weaned New Zealand White rabbits (4 weeks old) was distributed according to body weight (BW) into four treatments (n = 10) and the feed additives were provided for 7 weeks. Tissue samples and blood were obtained after slaughter. Final BW, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology, and carcass dressing were positively affected by CP–WhP treatments compared with the control diet. Also, CP–WhP treatments significantly increased total proteins, calcium and iron levels, fecal cholesterol excretion, total antioxidants capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in different tissues and significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in blood serum. These changes were associated with a diminution of blood tumor necrosis factor alpha, lipid peroxidation, and carbonyl proteins in rabbit tissues. Both the additives separately and especially in the mix may enhance productive performance, protein profile, gut function, immunity, and antioxidant activity, with reducing lipid peroxidation, essential inflammatory mediator, and protein-carbonyl residues of growing rabbits. These findings suggest that CP–WhP dietary supplementation provides novel insights into a variety of bioactive compound mixtures with different beneficial modes of actions.

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Pistacia lentiscus Improves Acute Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats by Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Yasmine Zahouani,Khemais Ben Rhouma,Kamel Kacem,Hichem Sebai,Mohsen Sakly 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.7

We investigate the antioxidant activity and protective effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus (AELPL) against ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid infusion through the rectum in Wistar rats. Phytochemical analyses allowed the identification of numerous phenolic compounds in P. lentiscus leaves such as flavonoids (isoquercetin and luterolin), flavonols (catechin, rutin, and kaempferol), phenolic acids (ellagic and dicaffeoylquinic), and tanins. Acetic acid exposure induced macroscopic colonic mucosal lesions with hemorrhage, congestion, edema, and the development of an expected oxidative stress state revealed by an increase in lipoperoxidation and carbonylation of proteins and a decrease in sulfhydryl (SH) group levels and antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-peroxidase, and glutathione transferase, as well as an increase in the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-6, in the colon and plasma. Administration of acetic acid also increased plasma and tissue levels of hydrogen peroxide and rates of iron and free calcium, whereas AELPL significantly and dose-dependently attenuated all the previous biochemical alterations and intracellular mediator perturbations. In conclusion, the AELPL exhibited a potent cytoprotective effect against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats, mainly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Hepato-Nephroprotective Actions of Salvia officinalis Decoction Extract Against Extraintestinal Alterations Induced with Acetic Acid-Colitis Model in Rats

Saber Jedidi,Kais Rtibi,Houcine Selmi,Foued Aloui,Nourhe`ne Dhawefi,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2023 Journal of medicinal food Vol.26 No.6

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with multiple extraintestinal disorders, including hepato-nephrological disruptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepato-nephroprotective effect of Salvia officinalis leaf decoction extract (SLDE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis accompanied with liver and kidney injuries. Wistar albinos rats were pretreated with SLDE (50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1, b.w., p.o.) during 10 days and intoxicated for 24 h by acute rectal administration of AA (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg−1, b.w.). Our results showed that S. officinalis treatment protected against AA-induced liver and kidney injuries by plasma transaminase activities and preservation of the hepatic and renal tissue structures. The level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was also reverted back to near normalcy by treatment. Lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly by officinal sage supplementation. Treatment with SLDE increased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (–SH groups and reduced glutathione) antioxidants in liver and kidney tissues. Also, SLDE treatment significantly protected against inflammation markers and reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. This study suggests that the S. officinalis has a beneficial effect in controlling kidney and liver injuries by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzymatic contents, which reduce the risk of developing extraintestinal complications.

Role of Anti-Inflammatory, Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Activity and Nematicidal Properties of Myrtle Berry Seeds on Helminthiasis Treatment

Mohamed-Amine Jabri,Soumaya Hajaji,Kaïs Rtibi,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.4

This study was undertaken to investigate the involvement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokine production in the pathogenicity of gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus in mice and also the protective effect of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) berry seeds aqueous extract (MBSAE). With this aim, Swiss Albino mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each: control, helminthiasis, helminthiasis + MBSAE, and helminthiasis + Albendazole. The animals were infected with infective third larval stage (L3) of H. polygyrus by oral administration. Mice were treated with bidistilled water, MBSAE (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) or Albendazole (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.). We have demonstrated that MBSAE (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) significantly reduced the total mean adult worms compared with the infected and nontreated group. Moreover, hematological parameters, intestinal ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH•), and superoxide anion (O2•−), as well as serum cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were analyzed. We have shown that H. polygyrus infection has disrupted all these biochemical parameters and that MBSAE treatment has significantly corrected these disturbances. The effect of plant extract was comparable to the standard drug albendazole. Therefore, MBSAE appeared to be a promising agent for the control of intestinal helminthiasis.

Protective Effect of Eucalyptus globulus Extracts Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats

Chirine Brinsi,Anouar Abidi,Karim Hosni,Haifa Tounsi,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.7

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fibrous interstitial pneumonia that causes damage to the lung tissue and thus alters all respiratory functions. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus extracts on bleomycin (BLM)-induced (PF). Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups. The control group received no treatment, the BLM group received only intratracheally BLM (2 mg/kg), the essential water of Eucalyptus globulus (EWEG) group underwent administration of BLM followed by E. globulus hydrosol (2000 mg/kg), and the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus (EOCG) group received BLM followed by E. globulus essential oil (10 mg/kg). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that the main compounds of EOEG and EWEG are eucalyptol and spathulenol. Obtained results showed that BLM-induced PF caused a large accumulation of lymphocytes and monocytes in lung bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, a high fibrosis score, and an inflammatory index coupled to an oxidative stress state assessed by an increase in lipid peroxidation and depletion of the activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase and catalase. Otherwise, the treatment with EWEG and EOEG reversed the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species and the inflammation raised by BLM. E. globulus extracts could improve BLM-induced PF, thus suggesting that the latter could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for PF.

Extraction of Pectin from Orange Peel and Study of Its Protective Effect Against Loperamide-Induced Impaired Gastrointestinal Motor Functions and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Fatma Arrari,Mohamed-Amine Jabri,Imen Hammami,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2022 Journal of medicinal food Vol.25 No.9

Pectin is a polysaccharide attached to carbohydrates. These are substances exclusively of plant origin. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the laxative effects of orange peel pectin extract (OPPE) against constipation induced by loperamide (LOP) in rats. Rats were equally divided into six groups and treated daily 1 week as follows: Control, LOP (3 mg/kg, body weight [b.w.], Per Os [p.o.]), LOP+yohimbine (2 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.), and LOP+OPPE (6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.). At the end of the experiment, the effects of OPPE were assessed by fecal parameters (numbers, weight, and water content), gastrointestinal transit, gastric emptying, serum metabolic parameter changes, intestinal and colon mucosa oxidative stress, and the histological examination. The defecation test showed that administration of LOP (3 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) leads to the production of remarkable constipation. Indeed, the number and water content of stools decreased (25.50 [n/24 h] and 29.86%) significantly (P < .05). Acute pretreatment with OPPE significantly and dose dependently accelerated the stool moistening and allowed an increase of stool weight (2.85, 3.61, 3.93 [g/24 h/rat]) as well as the frequency of defecation (47.36, 54.54, and 56.26 [n/24 h]). OPPE also significantly (P < .05) and dose dependently increased the intestinal motility (70.78%, 73.33%, and 75.01%) and gastric emptying. LOP-induced reduction (P < .05) of intestinal secretion was accompanied by a colonic and small bowel oxidative stress status and histological changes, which was attenuated by OPPE treatment. The findings of this study indicate that OPPE possesses an important role in the gastrointestinal motility regulation, and thus lend pharmacological credence to the suggested use of the natural pectin for the treatment, management, and/or control of constipation.

Myrtle Berries Seeds Prevent Dyslipidemia, Inflammation, and Excessive Cardiac Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Response to High-Fat Diet–Induced Obesity

Mohamed-Amine Jabri,Soumaya Hajaji,Ameni Omrani,Meriam Ben Youssef,Hichem Sebai 한국식품영양과학회 2023 Journal of medicinal food Vol.26 No.9

Anthocyanins are the major polyphenols in myrtle berries seeds aqueous extract (MBSAE). This studyinvestigates the protective potentials of MBSAE against obesity lipotoxicity and inflammation induced by a high-fat diet(HFD). It also describes the underlying mechanisms involved in its protective effects, with special attention to myocardialreactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Male Wistar rats were fed HFD for 6 weeks to induce obesity. MBSAE(100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) was orally administered to HFD-fed rats. Anti-obesity effects were triggered by the inhibitory action ofthe MBSAE against the weights of the body, its relative heart and the total abdominal fat. Treatment with MBSAE alsorestored the lipid profile to baseline compared with the HFD rats and lowered also the white blood cells count, includingneutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils number as well as cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-1b)levels in the rats serum, thus improving the tissue inflammatory status associated with obesity. Exposure of rats to HFD during6 weeks induces a myocardial oxidative stress as assessed by deleterious effects on lipoperoxidation state, antioxidant enzyme(SOD, CAT, and GPx) activities as well as sulfhydryl groups and GSH rates. Of importance, our study shows also that HFDprovokes a heart ROS (H2O2, OH, and O2-) overload. Of interest, all these oxidative heart disturbances were clearly endedby MBSAE treatment. Therefore, consumption of MBSAE as a natural extract may be a potential therapeutic strategy to treatobesity-associated diseases.