BackgroundZizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) also known as Jujube, is a deciduous shrub which belongs to Rhamnaceae family. This plant is used in Algerian traditional medicine for its anti-diabetic, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic activities. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of different vitamins (vitamin A, C and E) and fatty acids in root, stem, leaves, fruit pulp and seed of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) and assessed the effects of their aqueous extracts on antioxidant status and human T-cell proliferation.MethodsAqueous filtrates from different parts, i.e, root, leaf, stem, fruit pulp and seed, of Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) were prepared. Vitamin C levels were determined by precipitating with 10% trichloroacetic acid and vitamin A and E were assessed by HPLC. Lipid composition of these extracts was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Anti-oxidant capacity was evaluated by using anti-radical resistance kit [Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL@; Kirial International SA, Couternon, France)]. T-cell blastogenesis was assessed by the incorporation of 3H-thymidine. IL-2 gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR.ResultsOur results show that fruit pulp contained higher vitamin A and C contents than other parts of the plant. Furthermore, the fruit pulp was the richest source of linoleic acid (18:2n-6), a precursor of n-6 fatty acids. Fruit seeds possessed higher vitamin C levels than leaves, roots and stem. The leaves were the richest source of vitamin E and linolenic acid (18:3n-3), a precursor of n-3 fatty acids. The antioxidant capacity of the different extracts, measured by KRL@ test, was as follows: pulp < seed

No abstract

No abstract

Objectives: Zizyphus lotus L. is a medicinal plant, used in traditional medicine for its multiple therapeutic properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extracts of different parts of Zizyphus lotus in diabetic Wistar rats. Research methods and procedures: The male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight). Aqueous extracts from different parts, i.e, root, leaf, and seed of Zizyphus lotus L. were prepared and administrated orally to the animals at the dose of 300 mg/kg for 21 days. Blood glucose level was measured, and antioxidant status was assessed by determining oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the activities of enzymes like catalase, glutathione reductase and peroxidase in pancreas, liver, and erythrocytes. Vitamin C levels were determined by precipitating with 10% trichloroacetic acid. Vitamins A and E concentrations were measured by HPLC. Results: The leaf and root, but not seed, extracts exerted the glucose lowering effect on 21 st day of postadministration. The leaf and root extracts corrected antioxidant status of diabetic animals in pancreas, liver and erythrocytes. The concentrations of different vitamins (vitamin A, C and E) in diabetic rats were also modulated by leaf and root, but not seed, extracts. Conclusion(s): Our study shows that oral administration of Zizyphus lotus L. extracts from roots and leaves exerted antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in diabetic rats. Z. lotus L. seems to be a good candidate to lower, in addition to conventional antidiabetic drugs, the hyperglycaemia in diabetic subjects.

BackgroundPearl millet (PM), i.e., Pennisetum glaucum, is widely grown in Africa and known for its anti-oxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties.MethodsThe P. glaucum grains were obtained from the region of Ouled Aïssa (South of Algeria).  We assessed the effects of phenolic compounds and lipids, extracted from seeds of P. glaucum, on rat lymphocyte proliferation, activated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin. In order to explore signaling pathway, triggered by these compounds, we assessed interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/ERK2) phosphorylation. Finally, we determined increases in free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, [Ca2+]i, by employing Fura-2/AM in rat lymphocytes.ResultsThe composition of P. glaucum grains in polyphenols was estimated to be 1660 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Lipids represented 4.5 %, and more than 72% of the fatty acids belonged to unsaturated family. Our investigation showed that both lipid and phenolic compounds inhibited mitogen-induced T-cell proliferation. Compared with phenolic compounds, lipids exerted weaker effects on ERK-1/ERK2 phosphorylation and Ca2+ signaling in mitogen-activated T-cells.ConclusionWe conclude that the immunomodulatory effects of P. glaucum could be contributed by its phenolic and lipid contents.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract