The etiology of obesity in North Africa is not well understood and few studies shed any light on its development among women. This study compiles what is known about the prevalence of obesity and its determinants in Morocco and Tunisia. Results from the authors' two surveys on nutrition-related disease among reproductive-age women (sample size: 2800) and their children (1200 children under 5 y and 500 adolescents) were combined with data from four national income and expenditure surveys (dating from 1980) to assess obesity trends and development in Morocco and Tunisia. Overall levels of obesity, identified by body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m(2), were 12.2% in Morocco and 14.4% in Tunisia. Obesity is significantly higher among women than among men in both countries (22.7% vs. 6.7% in Tunisia and 18% vs. 5.7% in Morocco) and prevalence among women has tripled over the past 20 y. Half of all women are overweight or obese (BMI > 25) with 50.9% in Tunisia and 51.3% in Morocco. Overweight increases with age and seems to take hold in adolescence, particularly among girls. In Tunisia, 9.1% of adolescent girls are at risk for being overweight (BMI/age > or = 85th percentile). Prevalence of overweight and obesity are greater for women in urban areas and with lower education levels. Obese women in both countries take in significantly more calories and macronutrients than normal-weight women. The percentage contribution to calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates seems to be within normal limits, whereas fat intake is high (31%) in Tunisia and carbohydrate intake (65-67%) is high in Morocco. These are alarming trends for public health professionals and policy makers in countries still grappling with the public health effects of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Health institutions in these countries have an enormous challenge to change cultural norms that do not recognize obesity, to prevent significant damage to the public's health from obesity.

Orange (Citrus sinensis) and grapefruit (Citrus paradise) peels were used as a source of pectin, which was extracted under different conditions. The peels are used under two states: fresh and residual (after essential oil extraction). Organic acid (citric acid) and mineral acid (sulfuric acid) were used in the pectin extraction. The aim of this study is the evaluation the effect of extraction conditions on pectin yield, degree of esterification “DE” and on molecular weight “Mw”. Results showed that the pectin yield was higher using the residual peels. Moreover, both peels allow the obtainment of a high methoxyl pectin with DE >50%. The molecular weight was calculated using Mark-Houwink-Sakurada equation which describes its relationship with intrinsic viscosity. This later was determined using four equations; Huggins equation, kramer, Schulz-Blaschke and Martin equation. The molecular weight varied from 1.538 x1005 to 2.47x1005 g/mol for grapefruit pectin and from 1.639 x1005 to 2.471 x1005 g/mol for orange pectin.

Due to its balanced composition in basic nutrients, its richness in vitamins and in minerals, camel milk has a special place in the daily diet of southern populations. The present study aimed at examining some physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of camel milk (Camelus dromedarius) in Morocco. To achieve this aim, three batches of samples of camel milk were collected from various regions (Dakhla, Errachida, and Fès-Meknes) undergoing physicochemical and biochemical analyses. Results showed that Moroccan camel milk is characterized by slight hydronium potential (pH=6.5), low Dornic acidity (15°D), low density (1.029 kg/l), and high content of ashes (8.06 g/l). Likewise, samples had a high content of macronutrients (Fats: 34.09 g/l; Proteins: 32.4 g/l; Sugar: 49.8 g/l) and micronutrients (Vitamin C: 27.53 mg/l; Flavonoids: 29.05 mg EQ/l: total phenolic compounds: 35.45mg GAE/l). In this respect, working on multiple specimens from different Moroccan regions highlighted an analytical diversity from the south to the north. Comparative study of samples from numerous territories all over the world has confirmed this diversity. North African milk is characterized by high content of proteins, fats, and sugar. On the other hand, oriental milk is peculiarized by high vitamin C content.

ABSTRACT:Moroccan Orange peels are a promising commercial source of pectin. Their massive industrialization generates a huge amount of solid waste. This work aims to develop a new valorizing reuse way of this solid waste by developing the extraction process of value-added products such as pectin from orange peels, which is the waste of orange juice processing industry. In this context, we evaluated the yield of pectin according to the state of the substrate and the acids used. Results obtained show that the peels which have undergone a Steam Distillation (SD) gives the highest yield of pectin (40% using sulfuric acid) compared to Fresh Peels (FP) (25.71% using citric acid).One part of the (SD) peels was dried outdoors and Non-Conditioned (SDNC), while the other was Conditioned (SDC) at 4°C. The highest yield of pectin for each one was respectively 40% using sulfuric acid and 34.81% using hydrochloric acid. The citric acid gives a satisfying yield in each peels stats, 38.52% using on (SDC), 31.88% (SDNC) and the lowest yield was 25.71% (FPC).The result of this work has emphasized that sweet orange peels are a good source of orange essential oil and pectin and has the potential to become an important raw material for food processing industries.

Capparis spinosa is one of the few shrub species which has so many qualities with many uses. In this case, the present work aimed to study both some morphological characteristics and biochemical components (proteins, lipids, and carotenoids) of fresh C. spinosa seeds with three different sizes, collected from two Moroccan regions. In this study, C. spinosa seeds present a total of proteins ranging from 23.32 to 28.5% on a dry weight basis. Additionally, the total lipids varied between 2.8 and 3.4%. C. spinosa seeds contained a high level of carotenoids. Besides, the analytical values have been variously affected by both size and location. Further, the preliminary morphological and anatomical characterization of leaves, stems, and morphological properties such as length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, and mass of 100 seeds have been determined. Consequently, this present study confirms the importance of Moroccan C. spinosa seeds, which represent a significant nutritional value. Also, its good morphological quality is a significant indicator of commercial criteria.

Background Citrus reticulata is one of the most cultivated fruit with great benefits for humans in the world. Citrus reticulata peel has several biological activities within them hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and antioxidant. The present study emphasizes on the in vivo wound healing and in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Citrus reticulata peel extract. Methods Forty albino mice (23–29 g) of either sex were divided into four groups. The test groups were treated with experimental ointment (0.5% and 10% of methanolic extract), negative control were treated with Vaseline and the positive control were treated with silver sulfadiazine. Burn wounds were induced on dorsal area of mice bodies. Wound area measurement was carried out every day during 22 days. Biochemical screening was performed to identify possible compounds. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also determined. Results Significant wound healing activity was observed with topical application of Citrus reticulata peel extract. Wound area reduction at day 16 of treatment was 100% for both treated groups (0.5% and 10%) when compared to positive and negative control it was 100% and 98.32% respectively at day 22. Furthermore higher rate of wound contraction (100% on 16th day) was observed for both treated groups. The result of biochemical screening showed that C. reticulata peel is characterized by highest amount of total polyphenols (13.19 mg/g), flavonoids (4.07 mg/g), vitamin C (13.20 mg/g), carotenoids (0.032 mg/g) and lowest content of macronutrients (Proteins: 0.40%, reducing sugars: 7.21%; lipids: 1.5%). Additionally C. reticulata peel exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity using DPPH and phosphomolybdate methods as well as the extract possess antimicrobial effect against pathogen bactria. Conclusion The findings from this research indicated that Citrus reticulata peel extract is effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogen bacteria and could be of therapeutic potentials for wound healing.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate planted Henna in three sites in Morocco, namely, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali, and Tazzarine. Morphometric study shows that Tafraoute Sidi Ali Henna variety has highest geometric and weight parameters (length of 27.48 mm, width of 10.92 mm, specific mass of 25.1 mg/leaf, leaf area of 51, 53 mm2, and rib’s number of 9.41) when compared to Alnif and Tazzarine varieties. On the other hand, biochemical analysis shows that Tazzarine Henna variety, in the first rank, is characterized by high levels of total sugars (11.27 g/100 g), reducing sugars (5.59 g/100 g), proteins (4.4 g/100g), lipids (3.05 g/100g), phenolic compounds (31.9 g/100 g), flavonoids (5.68 g/100 g), and tannins (5.5 g/100 g). Chromatographic study shows that Tazzarine Henna variety is rich in monocyclic and polycyclic phenolic compounds. Climatic conditions analysis shows that the morphometric and biochemical diversity is related to hydrous and thermal profiles of studied sites. As a conclusion of this work, we can recommend the use of morphometric analysis and phytochemical and chromatographic analysis to determine the quality of Henna in Morocco and elsewhere.

Snails were fed with three medicinal plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family (rosemary, sage, and peppermint) in order to test their effects on those animals with high nutritive values. The media of raising were flour containing different percentages of the cited plants ranging from 1% to 9%. The feed had benefits on the raised snails depending on the plant and its percentage. Minerals in those aromatic plants, especially zinc and magnesium, had their effect on protein synthesis in snails fed with those plant percentages. Rosemary was the most profitable plant with the highest protein amount, the lowest mortality rate, and reduced microbial charge. Furthermore, it was a good regulator of the specific catalase activity which confirmed the role of the antioxidant activity of rosemary during raising snails.