Pistacia Lentiscus Research Articles

Effect of the main constituents of Pistacia lentiscus leaves against the DPPH radical and xanthine oxidase: experimental and theoretical study

The aim of this work is to study the content of phenolic compounds in P lentiscus leaves and their antioxidant effect. After extracting the phenolic compounds, fractionation by liquid/liquid partition with increasing polarity gives five extracts. Three of them (ButF, AqF and ButA) were found to have good antioxidant activity. Their IC50s for the inhibition of the free radical formation of DPPH are 1.76 µg/mL, 1.307 µg/ml, and 1.77 µg/mL, respectively. These values are very interesting, considering the effect of the powerful flavonoid quercetin, whose IC50 against DPPH is 1.53 µg/mL. These extracts are also active against xanthine oxidase (XO). The IC50s measured are 0.14 mg/mL, 0.186 mg/mL and 0.33 mg/mL for ButF, Aq F and ButAq F extract respectively, in comparison with allopurinol (0.44 mg/mL). A phytochemical analysis by LC/ESI-MS-MS was performed to explain the observed activities. The results show 22 peaks representing: flavanols, namely catechin, d-Gallocatechin, and gallocatechin gallate. The only flavone detected in the studied extracts was luteolin glucuronide and was found to be in higher amounts in butanolic extract (2,71mg/mL). The phenolic acids and derivatives were also identified in the extracts. A theoretical study was performed to deduce the specificity of the binding between the major compounds identified in the P. lentiscus extract and the xanthine oxidase enzyme using Schrödinger software. The docking procedure was validated using the extraction of ligands from the binding site. Their re-anchoring to the xanthine oxidase structure using quercetin and allopurinol was considered reference molecules. After docking, post-docking minimization was performed to achieve the best scoring poses with the MM-GBSA approach. The dGBind energy of MM-GBSA representing the binding energy of the receptor and the ligand was calculated based on molecular mechanics. Results reveal that β-Glucogallin compounds such as Digalloylquinic acid, Gallocatechin, and Myricetin-3-O rhamnoside are more active than allopurinol, with stronger Docking score (Gscore) and MM-GBSA dGBind. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Use of Pistacia lentiscus leaves, after extraction of their oil, as a new biosorbent for the removal of dyes from water

Use of Pistacia lentiscus leaves, after extraction of their oil, as a new biosorbent for the removal of dyes from water

Cultural landscape and plant use at the Phoenician site of Motya (Western Sicily, Italy) inferred from a disposal pit

The present study concerns the Phoenician-Punic site of Motya, a small island set in Western Sicily (Italy), in the Marsala Lagoon (Stagnone di Marsala), between Trapani and Marsala. A big disposal pit, datable to between the first half of the 8th and the mid-6th century bc, was identified in Area D. This context was sampled for plant macro-remains through bucket flotation. Palynological treatment and analysis were also performed on soil samples collected from each of the identified filling layers. The combination of the study of macro- and micro-remains has shown to be effective in answering questions concerning introduced food plants and agricultural practices, and native plants, including timber use. Here we investigate if a waste context can provide information about Phoenicians at Motya and their impact on the local plant communities. We found that human diet included cereals (mostly naked wheat), pulses and fruits. A focus was placed on weeds (including Lolium temulentum and Phalaris spp.) referable to different stages of crop processing. This aspect was enriched by the finding of cereal pollen, which suggests that threshing (if not even cultivation) was carried out on site. Palynology also indicates an open environment, with little to no forest cover, characterized by complex anthropogenic activities. Anthracology suggests the presence of typical Mediterranean plant taxa, including not only the shrubs Pistacia lentiscus and Erica multiflora, but also evergreen oaks. The presence of a stone pine nut and of Pinus pinea/pinaster in the pollen rain is noteworthy, suggesting the local occurrence of these Mediterranean pines outside their native distribution range. This represents the first such find in the central Mediterranean. Finally, the present study allows us to compare Motya’s past environment with the present one. The disappearance of Juniperus sp. and Erica arborea from the present-day surroundings of the Marsala lagoon appears to be related to land-overexploitation, aridification or a combination of both processes.

Study of the bio-insecticidal power of Pistacia lentiscus and Pisatcia atlantica from Tlemcen region

The Mediterranean basin has significant natural resources including a proven diversity of flora. The Anacardiaceae family has around 800 tropical and subtropical species, with some representatives around the Mediterranean. Most of the plants of this family are non- toxic plant. They even have many properties. Our work consists to study the bio-insecticidal power of essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus and Pistacia atlantica of the Anacardiaceae family in the Tlemcen region by molecular modeling methods to inhibition of the enzyme α-amylase which is a digestive enzyme of Dociostaurus maroccanus using phenolics compounds derived from essentiels oil of aromatic plants: Elemol; Spathulenol; Myrcene; Beta- myrcene; Terpinen-4-ol; Bornyl acetate. Elemol give the best docking score, its interactions with α-amylase has the lowest energy score compared to the other complexes.

Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus L.) a Renewable Source of Pure Shikimic Acid and its Antioxidant Activity

Background: Pistacia lentiscus L. (Lentisk) an evergreen tree or shrub that is ubiquitous across the semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean and native to all Mediterranean islands. All parts of Lentisk, including resin, leaves, gum, fruits, and aerial parts, have been used as valuable remedies for various diseases since antiquity. Objective: This paper highlights a novel source for the isolation of pure shikimic acid from the Lentisk ethyl acetate extract, which could provide an alternative and renewable solution for shikimic acid in the future. Methods: Characterisation by melting point, elemental analysis, FTIR, HRMS, 1H-NMR, DEPT( 135)-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy confirmed the purity of shikimic acid. The antioxidant activity of Lentisk extract and shikimic acid was performed by DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay. Results: The results prove that Lentisk is an alternative and renewable source of shikimic acid. With regard to activity, the shikimic acid does not act as the lead compound in the antioxidant activity of Lentisk extract. Conclusion: Lentisk is a novel alternative and renewable source of shikimic acid.

The Phytotherapeutic Arsenal in the Guerbes-Sanhadja Wetlands Complex (North East of Algeria)

This study documents indigenous medicinal flora - utilization, and was carried out in the Guerbes-Sanhadja wetland complex, between January 2018 and December 2020. The detailed information was gathered from users of medicinal plants mainly based on semi-structured interviews. A total of 102 plant species distributed in 48 families were found in practice by the natives for fulfilling their daily life requirements. The most frequently cited plants are: Myrtus communis L. (158 citations), Pistacia lentiscus L. (122) and Thymus vulgaris L. (97). Most of the medicinal species listed were herbs (68.93%). The phanerophytes (33.33%) and hemicriptophytes (27.45%) were the principal species used by the local population of the complex to treat different diseases. And finally, the dependence of the local population on medicinal plants prompted the establishment of a complex management plan in order to promote and protect them through their rational use and domestication.

Leaves and Fruits Preparations of Pistacia lentiscus L.: A Review on the Ethnopharmacological Uses and Implications in Inflammation and Infection.

There is an increasing interest in revisiting plants for drug discovery, proving scientifically their role as remedies. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the ethnopharmacological uses of Pistacia lentiscus L. (PlL) leaves and fruits, expanding the search for the scientific discovery of their chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. PlL is a wild-growing shrub rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, the oil and extracts of which have been widely used against inflammation and infections, and as wound healing agents. The more recurrent components in PlL essential oil (EO) are represented by α-pinene, terpinene, caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, with high variability in concentration depending on the Mediterranean country. The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil mainly occurs due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the arachidonic acid cascade. Interestingly, the capacity against COX-2 and LOX indicates PlL EO as a dual inhibitory compound. The high content of polyphenols enriching the extracts provide explanations for the known biological properties of the plant. The protective effect against reactive oxygen species is of wide interest. In particular, their anthocyanins content greatly clarifies their antioxidative capacity. Further, the antimicrobial activity of PlL oil and extracts includes the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, periodontal bacteria and Candida spp. In conclusion, the relevant scientific properties indicate PlL as a nutraceutical and also as a therapeutic agent against a wide range of diseases based on inflammation and infections.

Effect of Pistacia lentiscus L. Vegetable Oil on Growth Performance and Coccidiosis in Broiler Chickens: In vitro and In vivo Assessment.

This study aims to assess the ability of vegetable oil of Pistacia lentiscus L. (lentiscus oil) in stimulating growth performance of broiler chickens and protecting them against coccidiosis. For this purpose, an in vitro test was first carried out to evaluate the destructive effect of this oil on Eimeria spp oocysts. On the other hand, an in vivo study was carried out to evaluate, once again, the capacity of the vegetable oil of Pistacia lentiscus L. in stimulating broilers growth performance and reducing the coccidiosis clinical signs. Thus, day old chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups: (1) uninfected and not-supplemented control (NI NS); (2) uninfected and supplemented (NI S); (3) infected and not supplemented (I NS); (4) infected and supplemented (IS). Each group was divided into three replicates containing each of them two subjects. The experimental groups (2 and 4) are supplemented with lentiscus oil by force-feeding at the rate of 1mL per day from the 18th day until the end of the experiment. The chicks of the third and the fourth group are inoculated orally with sporulated oocysts (6.5 × 105 oocysts of Eimeria spp) on the day 20 of age. The results showed that lentiscus oil has an anticoccidial dose-dependent effect as shown by oocysts counting and released substances measurement at 273nm. The growth performance of the (NI S) group was found better with an improvement percentage of 9.14% compared to the control (p < 0.05). Likewise, the weight gain of the (I S) group seems slightly higher than that of the control one (1316g and 1235g, respectively) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the vegetable oil of Pistacia lentiscus L. has shown, not only, a promising growth effect in broiler chickens, but also, it seems to have a protective effect against coccidiosis sequels caused by Eimeria acervulina infection.

Development, Validation and Application of a UHPLC-MS Method for the Quantification of Chios Mastic Gum Triterpenoids in Human Plasma

AbstractChios mastic gum is the resinous secretion obtained from the barks of the shrub Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, which is endemic to the Greek island of Chios. Since antiquity, Chios mastic gum has found several uses as a phytotherapeutic remedy, primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders while recently, Chios mastic gum was also recognized by EMA as an herbal medicinal product with specific indications. Chios mastic gumʼs biological properties are attributed to triterpenes which comprise the major chemical group (approx. 70%) and notably isomasticadienonic acid and masticadienonic acid. However, due to their structural characteristics, the isolation thereof in high yield and purity is challenging and since they are not commercially available, pharmacological studies aiming to assess their biological properties are limited. In the present work, masticʼs phytochemical investigation by UPLC-HRMS is followed by the isolation and characterization of isomasticadienonic acid and masticadienonic acid to be used as analytical standards for their accurate and reliable quantification in human plasma. A UHPLC-tQ-MS method that was developed and validated (in terms of specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy and precision), for the direct quantification of the targeted compounds in the low ng/mL range of concentration, was subsequently implemented on plasma samples of healthy volunteers thus demonstrating its fitness for purpose. The results presented herein might provide insight to the understanding of this traditional natural product consumed notably for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid lowering properties. Moreover, this method might serve as a starting point for any study aiming to monitor bioactive triterpenes in biological fluids.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV): A Preliminary Study on Antiviral Properties of Some Aromatic and Medicinal Plants.

Plant products provide an alternative and successful source of lead compounds for the pharmaceutical industry. The present study was aimed to evaluate, in cell-based assays, the antiviral properties of essential oils obtained from plants that commonly grow in Sardinia, Italy, against a broad spectrum of RNA/DNA viruses. The essential oils of Helichrisumitalicum (Roth) G. Don ssp. microphyllum (Willd.) Nyman, Laurus nobilis L., Mirtuscommunis L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Salvia officinalis L., Saturejathymbra L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Interestingly, the essential oil of Salvia officinalis showed moderate activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. BVDV is responsible for several clinical manifestations in bovines, including respiratory, gastroenteric, and reproductive diseases, with a significant economic impact. With the aim to individuate the constituent of the Salvia officinalis responsible for the biological activity, we tested the major components of the oil: camphene, β-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis-thujone, camphor, (E)-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. Here, we describe α-humulene as an active component that is non-cytotoxic and active against BVDV (EC50 = 36 µM). Its antiviral effects were evaluated using virucidal cytopathic effect inhibition and viral yield reduction assays. This is the first scientific report showing the anti BVDV effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil and α-humulene as the main active component.

Evaluation of Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Tunisian Lentisc (&lt;i&gt;Pistacia Lentiscus L.&lt;/i&gt;) Fruit Oil

Background: Intensive studies and experiments have proven that the drug resistance of microorganisms is evolving very disturbingly. As a consequence, new avenues of research become strongly essential to expand knowledge on this phenomenon and develop highly effective alternatives targeting it. Therefore, there is increasing interest in the use of medicinal plants for treatment of many infections. Objective: In accordance with these findings, this study aims to evaluate the in vitro activities of fruit oil extracted from Tunisian varieties of Pistacia lentiscus, growing in Rimel forest (Bizerte) in north of Tunisia, against some medically important and emerging species of bacteria and yeasts. Methods: The antimicrobial activities were performed using the disc diffusion method. We evaluate antimicrobial activities of this oil against many species like Staphylococcus aureus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Escherichia coli and C. albicans and to our knowledge, in our current study, we demonstrated for the first time his activities against the following species: Listeria innocua; Salmonella enterica; Enterococcus faecalis; Shigella flexneri; Candida parapsilosis; Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata. Results: The results showed positive activities of fruit oil against all tested bacteria and yeasts with some differences depending on the microorganism tested. The maximum antibacterial activities were obtained against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For yeasts, the oil exhibited high activity against C. parapsilosis. Conclusion: This study elaborately confirmed that Tunisian P. lentiscus fruit oil contains compounds that can be used to treat many infections.

Bioactivity of Some Botanical Powders Against Wheat Weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Confused Flour Beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Stored-product pests attack cereal grains and legume seeds post-harvest. They not only damage the grain but also decrease its weight and quality. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the bioactivity of resin powders extracted from Pistacia lentiscus L. bark, Boswellia carterii birdwood bark, and Elettaria cardamomum seeds against two of the most important stored-product pests, Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. We used three bioassay methods, repellent effect, reduction of progeny, and grain weight loss and investigated the effects of the powders on the life cycles of the insects. Wheat grains were mixed with the three botanical powders separately, at different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 10 % w/w). Sitophilus granarius and T. confusum were fed these mixtures. Repellent activity was examined after 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. The E. cardamomum powder displayed the maximum repellent activity (100 %) against both S. granarius and T. confusum after 24 h at 3 % concentration. The P. lentiscus powder reached maximum repellent activity (80 %) against S. granarius and T. confusum at 7 % concentration after 12 h and 24 h, respectively. The B. carterii powder achieved maximum repellent activity against S. granarius and T. confusum (73.3 % and 86.7 %) at 10 % concentration after 24 h and 12 h, respectively. No progeny was produced in grains treated with 3 % P. lentiscus powder, 7 % E. cardamomum powder, or 7 % B. carterii powder. Thus, protection against both beetles started from 3 % concentration when P. lentiscus powder was used and from 7 % and 10 % (against S. granarius and T. confusum, respectively) when E. cardamomum powder was used. A 7 % B. carterii concentration completely saved the grains from S. granarius damage, and a 10 % concentration offered 99.5 % protection against T. confusum. However, all tested powders significantly affected all the studied parameters (life cycle and grain weight loss). The results show that the three botanical powders provide high repellent activity against S. granarius and T. confusum, which might be useful in protecting stored grains from these insects.

Assessment of wound healing activity of ethanolic extracts of Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves and Quercus ilex L. bark in full thickness skin excision in rats

The objective of our study was to evaluate the wound healing effect of ethanolic extracts of pistachio (Pistacia lentiscus L.) leaves and holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) bark on full-thickness excisions (4 cm2) in Wistar rats. Forty-two rats were divided into seven equal groups that received different treatments; two groups were treated with Quercus ilex bark extract (10% and 30%), two other groups with Pistacia lentiscus leaves extract (10% and 30%), one group received Cicatryl-bio® and considered as a positive control, a group treated with pure Petroleum jelly, and the last was left as an untreated negative control. The evaluation of the excision zones was estimated by a planimetric study using an image processing software (ImageJ®) and histological examination of healed skin tissue. The results revealed that Pistacia lentiscus leaves and Quercus ilex bark promote wound healing effect because they accelerated wound contraction and reduced epithelialization period. Ointments prepared from Quercus ilex bark and Pistacia lentiscus leaves ethanolic extracts exhibited effective wound healing action in Wistar rat’s skin excisions. Both preparations showed an accelerated healing process compared to the other formulations. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study of wound healing effect of pistachio (Pistacia lentiscus) leaves and holm oak (Quercus ilex) bark.

Soil parameters and bioclimatic characteristics affecting essential oil composition of leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L. from València (Spain)

The variability of the soils found in an area together with the diversity of the bioclimatic parameters will affect the chemical profile of plant species, in our case &lt;em&gt;Pistacia lentiscus&lt;/em&gt; L. The aim of this work is to analyse the bioclimatic characteristics and soil parameters affecting the essential oil (EO) composition of the leaves of the &lt;em&gt;Pistacia lentiscus&lt;/em&gt; L. growing in València (Spain). The EO compositions of dried leaves of &lt;em&gt;Pistacia lentiscus&lt;/em&gt; L. from five sampling sites with noticeable differences in soil and climate features were analysed by GC(MS) and GD(FID). The main bioclimatic and soil parameters were also determined in order to relate them to oil composition. a-pinene (2.8-39.2%), myrcene (0.6-59.3%), b-phellandrene (0.0-42.8%), germacrene-D (3.9-20.4%) and terpinen-4-ol (0.2-19.0%) were found to be the major compounds showing a high variability. The five sampling sites presented well-defined bioclimatic and edaphic characteristics that could be related to specific EO profiles. The results suggested that the EO composition of &lt;em&gt;P. lentiscus&lt;/em&gt; L. depends more on the edaphic factors interacting with bioclimate conditions than on the geographical origin itself. Some general trends could be established based on the results: the Calcaric Arenosol (Saler) with a high evapotranspiration index was associated with a high sesquiterpenic fraction, (germacrene-D and b-caryophyllene, mainly). The Luvisol (Borrell and L’Ull), with high amounts of a + b-pinene, were found to be related to sub-humid bioclimatic conditions and clayey and fertile soils (high CEC and OM levels). This last requirement was also observed to be related to the myrcene content, but with drier climatic conditions and calcareous soils (Haplic Calcisol) with high level of carbonates and active lime (Lliria). The rest of hydrocarbon monoterpene and oxygenated monoterpene (terpinen-4-ol, mainly) fractions could be related to a dry climate and non-calcareous and low fertility soils (Eutric Regosol, Segart). Given the most suitable composition related to specific and useful biological activities, new research of controlled environmental factors (soil features and bioclimatic conditions) should be conducted in order to define the best conditions to manage industrial crops of &lt;em&gt;P. lentiscus &lt;/em&gt;L&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;

Chemical Profiling of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia Resin and Essential Oil: Ageing Markers and Antimicrobial Activity

Chios Mastic Gum (CMG) and Chios Mastic Oil (CMO) are two unique products of the tree Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, cultivated exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. In the present study, the method proposed by the European Pharmacopoeia for mastic identification was employed using HPTLC together with an in-house method. A GC-MS methodology was also developed for the chemical characterization of CMOs. α-Pinene and β-myrcene were found in abundance in the fresh oils; however, in the oil of the aged collection, oxygenated monoterpenes and benzenoids such as verbenone, pinocarveol, and α-campholenal were found at the highest rates. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of Chios Mastic Gums (CMGs) with their respective Chios Mastic Oils (CMOs) was evaluated, with growth tests against the fungi Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Mucor circinelloides, and Rhizopus oryzae, and the bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, with the samples exhibiting a moderate activity. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an HPTLC method is proposed for the analysis of mastic and its essential oil and that a standardized methodology is followed for the distillation of CMO with a parallel assessment of the ageing effect on the oil’s composition.

Structure and organization of the secretion apparatus of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.) and LC–HRMS analysis of leaf extracts

The quantitative profile of the biochemicals secreted by summer and winter leaves, present noticeable differences and appear to be qualitatively different from the biochemical profile of the commercially valuable mastic. The anatomy of the root and the primary and secondary shoot as well as that of the summer and winter leaves of P. lentiscus was thoroughly investigated. The secreting network was tracked throughout the plant axis, from the root to the leaves, and the active secreting cells of the duct epithelium were localized, while the secondary metabolites produced within the cells of the summer and winter leaf tissues were identified histochemically. Numerous phytochemicals were identified in the leaf extracts with UHPLC-qTOF MS analysis. The analyzed extracts from summer and winter leaves displayed similar qualitative profile, although quantitative differences were evident, since, during the summer, the leaves tend to synthesize the more complex amongst the identified compounds. The phytochemical profile of the leaf extracts turns to be completely different compared to that of the valuable mastic harvested from the injured trunks. Many of the compounds common in mastic were not detected in the analyzed leaves samples. The numerous secreting ducts either fail to form a unified network, so composition of the secreted material varies in the different organs of the plant or they compose a continuous network, but the biochemical profile of the secreted material differs along the plant axis. Such a detailed investigation of the secretion network of the mastic tree may assist the improvement of the yield and promote the production of valuable phytochemicals through in vitro cultures.

Litter microbial responses to climate change: How do inland or coastal context and litter type matter across the Mediterranean?

Warmer and drier climates are expected in the Mediterranean basin which is considered as a climate-change hotspot. Here we used climate contrasts across the Mediterranean to mimic climate change effects on litter microbial communities. Litterbags of monospecific (Pinus halepensis and Pistacia lentiscus) and of binary mixtures of litter (Pinus/Pistacia, 50/50) were transferred across contrasted climates between France and Algeria (from a sub-humid to a semi-arid climate). We tested the effect of litter type (species identity, litter-mixing) and of environmental context (coast/inland) on microbial responses to more constraining climate conditions. After 12-months of field incubation, litter chemical properties (C/N and solid-state 13C NMR) and microbial markers (active microbial biomass (MB), basal respiration (BR), bacterial catabolic and genetic structures (BIOLOG and T-RFLP) were characterized. After transfer, catabolic and genetic structures were different from those of both French and Algerian control and responses depended on the context and on litter type: stronger modifications were observed in inland context, except for microbial communities of Pistacia lentiscus litter (weak variations). However, MB and BR decreased in response to transfer for this litter type. On the other hand, and for either inland or coastal context, MB of Pinus halepensis litter did not vary in response to transfer and BR decreased reflecting microbial performance in sustaining biomass and limiting C losses through respiration. Here, litter mixture did not mitigate the effect of climate stress on microbial communities neither in inland nor in coastal context: lower MB and BR were detected after transfer in inland context whereas lower MB was accompanied by a higher BR in coastal context, reflecting an increase in CO2 release for a weaker amount of microbial biomass. This study shows that microbial responses to climate change vary with litter type and also with the environmental context.

Long-term human impact and forest management in the Phoenician and Roman city of Utica (Tunisia) (900 BC−500 AD)

Human Colonization of new lands implied historically the diffusion of new plant species and the exploitation of local plant resources and forests by human communities. Phoenician colonization in the 1st millennium BC had important consequences in Mediterranean agriculture and the exploitation of vegetation in colonized areas. Later, Roman agriculture introduced new changes. The anthracological analysis or charcoal analysis of the archaeological record of the site of Utica can inform us about the long term transformations in vegetation in North Africa. The original vegetation, consisting mainly of Pistacia lentiscus, would see its population reduced due to the implantation of non-intensive olive production in Phoenician and Punic periods. Nevertheless, since the Roman Imperial Period there was a strong decline of natural vegetation, in correlation of the important increment of olive trees, which indicate the presence of intensive oil production, mainly to be exported to Rome. Furthermore, the appearance of walnut trees presents novel data regarding the expansion of arboriculture throughout the Mediterranean in hand with the Phoenicians during the 1st millennium BC. The anthracological analysis of Utica presents important information regarding the natural vegetation that existed when the Phoenicians arrived, and the transformation that happened throughout time, corresponding to the management of the surrounding landscape during the Phoenician, Punic, and Roman periods.

Cytotoxic activity and toxicity study of HF8, a poly-herbal formulation

IntroductionBreast cancer ranked the 2nd amongst all cancer in terms of mortality worldwide. ObjectiveWe evaluated the anticancer, apoptotic activity and toxicity of the polyherbal formulation, HF8, prescribed by the herbalist in Saudi Arabia. MethodsHF8 was prepared by mixing different proportion of plants namely Rosmarinus officinalis. L, Vitis vinifera seeds, Cichorium intybus seeds, Trigonella foenum-graecum L seeds, Lavandula multifida L., Pistacia lentiscus resin, commiphora myrrha resin, and Viola odorata flower. The HF8 was evaluated for its cytotoxicity using human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cells) cell lines. ResultsThe result revealed promising cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 (IC50: 107 µg/mL) and MDA-MB-231 (IC50: 89.5 µg/mL) cell lines. Further, HF8 was assessed for its apoptotic potential using acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) dual staining and Caspase-3/7. After incubation with MDA-MB-231, the HF8 inducted apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3/7. The toxicity of the HF8 was assessed using zebrafish and Swiss Albino mice. The zebrafish embryos did not show any noticeable toxicities or teratogenicity when treated with HF8 with a concentration from 0.001 to 300 µg/ml. In acute toxicity, no mortality detected after a single dose (5000 mg/kg) administration to Swiss Albino mice of both genders. ConclusionsHF8 extract has the potential for development into a potent anticancer agent against breast cancer, albeit further studies are needed to evaluate the mechanism of action as well as validation of other drug development processes.

Etude ethnobotanique du Pistachier lentisque Pistacia lentiscus L. dans la wilaya d’El Tarf (Nord-est algérien) - Ethnobotanical study of Pistacia lentiscus L. in El Tarf region (Northeastern Algeria)

Background: This study was conducted to promote a medicinal plant, Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae), through an ethnobotanical study carried out in the region of El Tarf (Northeastern Algeria), which aims to highlight the virtues and the traditional therapeutic uses reported by the local population and herbalists in its urban center. Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys on P. lentiscus were carried out during two campaigns (2017 and 2018) using questionnaire sheets and were intended for rural populations in four zones: Bougous, Gantra El Hamra, Cheffia and Bouhadjar. These investigations also affected herbalists in the urban center of El Tarf. Once the fieldwork was completed, the collected data was sorted and organized into a matrix from which graphs and tables were realized using Excel software.Results: The results obtained indicate that the use of lentisk pistachio is very widespread in the region. Fixed oil extracted from ripe fruits of the plant seems to be the most used by local residents (66%). Indeed, surveys have shown that it is mainly recommended for skin troubles (63%), gastrointestinal and lung disorders (16%). Leaves and stems were also mentioned by the people interviewed (34%) and were used in particular to treat digestive and hepatic disorders as well as respiratory problems. The methods of administration mentioned during the surveys were generally massage with oil, decoction, infusion and maceration. Various Lenstisk products were sold in El Tarf herbalists. Oil was the most sold (39%) followed by cream (18%), leaves (16%), soap and powder (9%). The methods of preparation and the therapeutic indications were similar to those reported by rural populations.Conclusion: The use of P. lentiscus is widespread in El Tarf region for traditional medicine as well as in herbalists in its urban center. The oil was the most used compared to other parts of the plant. The study confirmed the transmission of knowledge on the uses and therapeutic effects of this plant not only from generation to generation, but also between rural and urban settings.Keywords: Pistacia lentiscus, surveys, uses, methods of preparation, rural population, herbalists, El Tarf region.