The present study revealed that the nutritive value of grape seeds ( L.) was 383.55±0.13 Kcal/100 g, with magnesium as the most abundant mineral element (70.44±0.88 mg/L). The maximum phenolic (392.58±1.70mg of GAE/g), flavonoid (256.16±1.60 mg of QE/g), and tannin (30.95±0.17mg of CE/g) contents were also found in the ethanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts, respectively. The major phytochemical compounds in the ethyl acetate extract were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The ethanol extract has the highest antioxidant activity (IC=140±1.20 μg/mL for DPPH, 145.28±0.45mg α-tocopherol/g for total antioxidant capacity, and EC=80±1.41 μg/mL for ferric-reducing power assays). For β-carotene test, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained in the hexane extract. A satisfactory antimicrobial activity was found against a panel of microorganisms with the ethyl acetate extract as the best antimicrobial agent. Additionally, it was found that the bactericidal concentration required for the grape seed extract to kill should be less than 12.50 mg/mL (minimum inhibitory concentration=4).

The chemical composition, main physicochemical properties, and biological activities of Simmondsia chinensis (S. chinensis) seeds oil were studied. The results revealed that the physiochemical characteristics of S. chinensis seeds oil were as follows: acid values 1.15 mg KOH/g, peroxide values 8.00 meq O2 Kg-1, iodine values 80.00 g/100 g of oil and saponification values 92.00 mg KOH/g, phenolic content 50.91 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract. Gas chromatography analysis indicated that eicosenoic (55.50 %), erucic (20.43 %) and oleic (19.01 %) acids were the most abundant, saturated and unsaturated, fatty acids in the oil. Moreover, the evaluation of their antioxidant (DPPH, TAC), antibacterial, antidiabetic and acetylcholinesterase evinced interesting results. Seeds of S. chinensis constitute a substitute source for stable vegetable oil and protein with regard to nutritional and industrial applications.

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The purpose of this study was to prevent or to delay the onset of diabetes-related complications, by using a natural marine resource, Sardina pilchardus oil, administrated to alloxan-induced diabetic rats showing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the sardine oil detected 18 constituents. The major ones were n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids among which are docosahexaenoic acid (25.09%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (19.61%). Sardine oil inhibited the α-amylase activity in rats' sera (26.82%) and thus improved glycemia (54%). The supplement of this oil protected the β-cells from death and damage, significantly decreased total triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in diabetic rats' sera and increased the HDL-cholesterol level. Gavage administration of this oil to rats protected the liver and kidney functions by reducing the aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and phosphatase alkaline activities, and by decreasing creatinine, urea and uric acid levels.