Pistacia Atlantica Research Articles

Exploring the performance and biodegradability of Edible Biopolymer blends incorporating Pistacia atlantica subsp. Mutica Gum and Plasticized Poly(lactic acid)

Blending biopolymer is a key objective in development of innovative materials and effectively enhances the characteristics of the components to achieve tailored properties. This study introduces five eco-friendly blends in different ratios, created by melt-blending polymers, incorporating Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica gum into plasticized poly (lactic acid) with 16% acetyl tributyl citrate. To perform a comprative analysis of blends ratios, comprehensive techniques were applied, including differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and evaluations of water absorption behavior, chemical resistance, and biodegradability. The 70/30 (plasticized poly (lactic acid)/P. atlantica) blend was mechanically superior, exhibiting the greatest elongation at break and the lowest yield strength and Young’s modulus. FTIR analysis showed consistent spectral patterns across the 3000 to 650 cm− 1 range, with numerous absorption bands. DSC analysis identified the highest and lowest glass transition temperatures for the 90/10 and 70/30 blends, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy highlighted the development of more distinct island-sea structures as the proportion of P. atlantica gum increased. Water absorption tests differentiated the 90/10 blend as the most absorbent, while the 70/30 blend absorbed the least. Chemical resistance testing revealed all blends gained weight in HCl, but only the 90/10 blend lost weight in NaOH. All samples were confirmed to be highly biodegradable, surpassing 50% degradation after 6 months. Overall, the findings suggest that blending plasticized poly (lactic acid) and P. atlantica gum enhances the flexibility and performance of poly (lactic acid), warranting further attention.

Evaluation of the Impact of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Oleo-gum Resin on Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced Arthritis in a Wistar Rat Model

Background: Pistacia atlantica Desf., also known as Atlantic pistachio or Mt. Atlas mastic tree, has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis. Additionally, the tree's resin possesses antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress. The anti-arthritic efficacy of Pistacia atlantica oleo-gum resin extract (PAG) remains unvalidated, as its potential therapeutic benefits have not been substantiated. In the current investigation, we have substantiated the inhibitory properties of the PAG in mitigating the development of rheumatoid arthritis induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats weighing 160±10 g were subjected to immunization through intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the left hind metatarsal footpad. Following the induction of adjuvant arthritis, oral administration of PAG was initiated at doses of 10, 400, and 800 mg/kg once a day. Prednisolone (10 mg/kg, daily) was employed as a positive control in this study. Various parameters, including paw swelling, arthritic index, body weight loss, spleen index, thymus index, serum cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and histological alterations, as well as nitrite glutathione and catalase level, were measured. Furthermore, the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated. Results: PAG exhibited noteworthy efficacy in attenuating paw swelling and reducing the arthritic index. Moreover, it resulted in enhanced body weight loss and a consequential reduction in the thymus index. PAG (400mg/kg) significantly decreased the level of serum nitrite in the intervention group, as well as the levels of serum glutathione. On the other hand, catalase activity increased, the activity of MMP-9 decreased, and the level of MMP-2 increased compared to the intervention group. The histopathological results revealed that PAG (at doses of 400 mg/kg) had the best therapeutic effects. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study confirms the anti-arthritic activity of PAG in rats. The extract of PAG was found to prevent rheumatoid arthritis induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant, as evidenced by the significant suppression of paw swelling and arthritic index.

A comparative analysis of dendrometric, macromorphological, and micromorphological characteristics of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus in the middle Atlas region of Morocco.

The genus Pistacia, with its species having notable ecological, economic, and medicinal implications, demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. The central objective of the study is to analyze interspecific variations between Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus across three distinct bioclimatic zones in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The methodology includes collecting dendrometric measurements and conducting macromorphological examinations on these two taxa, with a detailed analysis of 27 qualitative and quantitative variables. A micro-morphological analysis of leaves, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is employed to explore specific features such as size and stomatal density, as well as qualitative aspects like epidermal cell shape and trichomes. Dendrometric measurements have revealed that the canopy surface and the number of trunks per tree can serve as distinctive features between the two species. Regarding the sex ratio of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica, 59% of the examined trees are males, primarily associated with the jujube tree in arid zones and the dwarf palm in humid areas. In contrast, female Pistacia terebinthus exhibit a similar percentage, predominantly associated with oak groves and cade juniper in their distribution areas. Principal component analysis of biometric measurements emphasized a significant disparity between the two species, representing 60.25% of the total variance. The use of SEM unveiled new features facilitating the identification of the two species. By leveraging the macromorphological and micromorphological variability of pistachio trees, we can qualify those best suited to diverse bioclimates. In this regard, we suggest incorporating them into reforestation and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring our declining ecosystems.

Deciduous fruit trees and grapevines as alternative crops in Demathophora necatrix (syn. Rosellinia necatrix) infested soils

White root rot, caused by Dematophora necatrix (syn. Rosellinia necatrix), affects deciduous trees. A D. necatrix infection-distribution survey found widespread disease in apple and cherry orchards in northern Israel bordering a Mediterranean forest, although the forest trees were unaffected. Because cherry and apple orchards must be abandoned due to long fungal survival in infested soils, alternative deciduous fruit trees and grapevines were assessed for growth in these D. necatrix-infested orchards. In the field, grapevine rootstocks and the almond–peach rootstock GF-677 were most tolerant to D. necatrix-infested soil. Apple was the most sensitive crop, with the rootstock Hashabi being more tolerant than PI80 or MM104. The Mediterranean forest tree Pistacia atlantica, which can serve as a rootstock for pistachio, was as sensitive as kiwifruit and apple, and persimmon rootstock sensitivity was not different from grapevine. Those results show that beside the above mentioned crops, vineyards can also replace apple orchards in D. necatrix-infested soils and so broadens the list of possible crops for the local farmers in a Mediterranean climate at altitudes above 440 m above sea level. This has also been observed in a commercial 10-year-old vineyard of ‘Shiraz’ grapevines grafted on SO4 rootstock. The almond-peach rootstock GF-677 can also be grown in infested soil, but in commercial orchards requires additional treatment for adequate disease control.

Effect of Pistacia atlantica kernel oil on the quality characteristics of mayonnaise during the storage period.

Mayonnaise is an oil-in-water emulsion with 65-85% oil, and its physicochemical and sensory characteristics are greatly influenced by the type of oil used. The nutritional value and oxidation resistance of Pistacia atlantica oil (PAO) are very desirable due to the essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) and antioxidant compounds (phenolics and tocopherols). In this research, the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of mayonnaise sauce (MNS) with different levels of PAO (15% (MNS-PAO15%), 30% (MNS-PAO30%), and 100% (MNS-PAO), as a substitute for soybean oil (SBO)) were compared with sauces containing SBO with antioxidants (MNS-SBOA) or without antioxidants (MNS-SBO) during storage for 30 days at 25°C. The results showed that MNS-PAO and MNS-SBO exhibited the lowest physical and thermal stability. The MNS-PAO had the lowest values in peroxide (2.18 meq/kg oil) and thiobarbituric acid (0.21 mg MDA/kg oil) at the end of the storage period. Increasing the PAO level in the mayonnaise formula increased the b* value, but a decreasing trend of b* in these samples was observed during the storage period. The panelists gave the lowest sensory score to the MNS-PAO sample, but they did not consider a significant difference between the samples containing SBO and the sample containing 15% PAO in terms of color, aroma, and overall acceptance. In general, mayonnaise containing 15% PAO was suggested as a desirable sauce in terms of emulsion and oxidation stability and sensory characteristics.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-gastric cancer properties of Pistacia atlantica aqueous extract green-mediated silver nanoparticles

In the presence work, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile green procedure using Pistacia atlantica bark extract as natural reducing and pectin as stabilizing reagent. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized Pectin/Ag NPs are further confirmed by several characterization methods such as FT-IR, XRD, FESEM-EDX and TEM analyses. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometer was utilized to investigate the functional groups present in pectin capped silver nanoparticles that were responsible for the capping and remarkably dispersed nanoparticles with no aggregation. The latest research concentrated on the cellular and molecular components. The MTT test was done to assess the effectiveness of the Pectin/Ag NPs nanocomposite on inhibiting human gastric cancer cells and its cytotoxic effects on the treated cells. The evaluation was conducted on healthy (HUVEC) and stomach cancer cells, specifically NCI-N87 and MKN45. The nanocomposite exhibited IC50 values of 75 µg/mL against MKN45 and 152 µg/mL against NCI-N87. A decrease in the viability of gastric cancer cells was noted in the nanocomposite presence, which was dependent on the dosage. Additionally, the nanocomposite triggered a 70–90 % increase in cell apoptosis, resulting in elevated levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and cleaved caspase-8) and reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. The Pectin/Ag NPs exhibited suppressive properties on colony formation. Our findings suggest that the Pectin/Ag NPs have the ability to enhance p53 expression while reducing the STAT3 expression in the cells that were treated. The findings suggest that STAT3 and p53 are essential factors in the biological responses triggered by the extract in human gastric carcinoma cells. The results suggest that the nanocomposite has the potential to serve as an effective treatment for human gastric cancer cells.

Synthesis composit electrospun based gum-resin/polycaprolactone fibers for biomedical application

Electrospun fibers for tissue engineering have recently seen significant advancements. In this study, we created composite fibers by combining Pistacia atlantica Gum-Resin and Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer using the electrospinning method. We examined the morphology, biodegradability, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity of the prepared scaffolds using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric (TG) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and water contact angle measurements. The results indicated complete integration between the materials and successful synthesis of fibers through the electrospinning method. SEM images demonstrated bead-free fibers with different blending ratios of Gum-Resin and PCL. Fibers with a diameter of 100–200 nm and 1–7 μm were obtained with a 9:1 blending ratio of PCL to Gum-Resin. Additionally, PCL/Gum-Resin fibers with an 8:2 blending ratio exhibited an interwoven and porous fiber network structure with a 1–7 μm fiber diameter. The water contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophilic surface of the fibers, with a WCA of 61.2°. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis showed a melting peak at approximately 57°. Cell culture results indicated good cytocompatibility of the fibers. The scaffold sample exhibited inhibitory activity against S. aureus (22 ± 0.26 mm) and E. coli (16.8 ± 0.15 mm) bacteria. These findings suggest that the fabricated fibers could serve as an effective scaffold for wound healing.

Correction: Alpha-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Gall extracts and identification of putative bioactives using a combined UPLC fingerprinting and molecular docking approach

Correction: Alpha-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Gall extracts and identification of putative bioactives using a combined UPLC fingerprinting and molecular docking approach

Basic and microwave modification processes to produce new activated carbon adsorbents based on Pistacia atlantica Kurdica nuts as carbonaceous raw material; A comparative study on the adsorption and elimination of acid blue 113

The nutshell of the pistachio tree was used as a precursor for producing new activated carbon (AC) adsorbent. The raw material was rinsed in H3PO4 (85 % w/w) and heated in a cylindrical furnace at 350 °C/90 min to 700 °C/60 min in a He and NH3 atmosphere. To change the surface chemistry, basic modification of AC was done under the NH3 atmosphere at 700 °C. The FT-IR spectrum showed apparent changes. The microwave, as second modification method, led to significant changes in the porosity properties of AC, especially in the surface area. The SEM images showed the differences in the morphology of the modified and unmodified samples. In the next step, an improved adsorption process was implemented to remove acid blue 113 (AB113). Basic and microwave-modified AC (BMM-AC) showed an enhanced removal efficiency of more than 97.54 % compared to AC, 60.32 %, microwave-modified AC (MM-AC), 73.08 %, and basic modified AC (BM-AC) 88.72 %, which revealed the positive role of the modification methods. Increasing the SBET from 238.8 to 368.6 m2/g using microwaves and changing the surface chemistry by basic modification were significant results of the study. These changes led to the construction of an improved removal process using BMM-AC to eliminate AB113.

Alpha-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Pistacia atlantica Desf. gall extracts and identification of putative bioactives using a combined UPLC fingerprinting and molecular docking approach

Alpha-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Pistacia atlantica Desf. gall extracts and identification of putative bioactives using a combined UPLC fingerprinting and molecular docking approach

Production of biodiesel from Pistacia atlantica (PA) oil seeds using nano-catalyst of alumina/sludge of stone cutting factory (Al2O3/SSCF) and separation of biodiesel and glycerol phases by high voltage

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel and a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the cost of its production and purification has prevented the commercialization and industrialization of this fuel. One economic solution for producing biodiesel fuel is the profit from the sale of glycerin, which is produced as a side product in various processes. In addition to the economic aspects, there are problems caused by the presence of glycerin residues in raw biodiesel before the purification process and the low speed of its separation from biodiesel. Biodiesel is produced by the transesterification method from Pistacia atlantica (PA) oil seeds of the Lorestan Mountains and methanol (1:6) using nano-catalysts of alumina/sludge from a stone cutting factory (Al2O3/SSCF). In this study, to investigate cost reduction and pure and quick separation of glycerin from biodiesel produced, a high-voltage electric method has been used. In this method, negative charges are absorbed by glycerin, separating it from biodiesel. The resulting biodiesel is produced in 10 min with 99% efficiency. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum of biodiesel is investigated to ensure the formation of the reaction. This method can replace traditional methods.

Efficacy of a Combined Herbal Product Containing Indigofera argentea, Pistacia atlantica and Salvia hispanica in Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients Treated along Glucantime ®.

Leishmaniasis is highly prevalent worldwide, and while conventional medicine offers numerous treatment methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis, Iranian traditional medicine suggests various remedies. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal combination containing Indigofera argentea leaves, Pistacia atlantica resin, and Salvia hispanica seeds in patients with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study was conducted at the Leishmaniasis Department of Chabahar Health Center in southeastern Iran in 2021. It was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial involving 68 patients enrolled after clinical diagnosis, examination of smear samples using Giemsa staining, and PCR confirmation. The volunteers were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Both groups received 'Glucantime ® as the primary medication weekly until complete healing or up to 12 weeks. Glucantime ® was administered intralesionally at a dosage of 0.1 cc on the wound's margin, with repeat injections at 1 cm intervals along the wound edge when necessary. In addition to the main drug, the intervention group received the herbal product topically twice daily until wound healing or for up to 4 weeks, while the control group received a placebo in the same manner. 82.35% of patients in the intervention group and 20.58% in the control group achieved complete healing within four weeks. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The herbal product demonstrated effectiveness in treating patients with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The Protective Effects of Pistacia Atlantica Gum in a Rat Model of Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease via Affecting BDNF and NF-kB.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration, including deficits in memory and other cognitive functions. Oxidative stress and free radical damage play significant roles in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Pistacia atlantica gum (administered at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 14 days) in a rat model of AD induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Behavioral changes were assessed using open field, passive avoidance, and elevated plus maze tests. Additionally, nitrite levels, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and immunostaining were evaluated. Administration of P. atlantica gum significantly increased step-through latency in the passive avoidance test (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001), enhanced mobility in the open field test (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001), and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze (P < 0.001) compared to the AlCl3 group. Treatment with the gum partially normalized the elevated levels of NF-κB and the decreased levels of BDNF caused by AlCl3 exposure. Our findings suggest that P. atlantica gum administration may alleviate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment in AD rats.

Evaluation of the Effect of Pistacia atlantica Oleoresin on Blood Sugar, Pressure and Lipids in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar (BS) levels due to impaired insulin production or insulin resistance. It is a global health concern with significant implications for morbidity and mortality. Persian medicine has long utilised natural remedies, such as Pistacia atlantica Desf., for various diseases. In this randomised clinical trial, the effects of P. atlantica oleoresin in the improvement of lipid profiles, glucose indices and blood pressure (BP) were assessed in patients with Type 2 DM. In this randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 42 patients with Type 2 DM were randomly allocated to receive either P. atlantica oleoresin or placebo capsule for 3 months. Patients were evaluated prior to and 12 weeks after the beginning of the intervention, in terms of changes in lipid profiles, glucose indices and BP. After 3 months, the mean BP in patients with DM receiving P. atlantica oleoresin was significantly reduced compared with the baseline (p = 0.001). Also, these changes were significantly higher than those of the control group. The mean of total cholesterol (p = 0.89), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.43) and triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.98) in the intervention group after 3 months was lower than that in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant. After 3 months, there was no significant difference between the P. atlantica and control groups in terms of blood sugar and lipid profiles. The mean BP in patients with DM receiving P. atlantica oleoresin was significantly reduced compared with that in the beginning of the study. Also, these changes were significant compared with the control group.

Structure, floristic composition, and dynamics of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica communities in the north-west of Algeria

Structure, floristic composition, and dynamics of <i>Pistacia atlantica</i> subsp. <i>atlantica</i> communities in the north-west of Algeria

The effects of MEPaL on oxidative stress and motor function in the rats affected by prenatal hypoxia

AbstractBackground and objectivesMaternal hypoxia disrupts neural development and subsequently leads to cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns. Hypoxia plays a role in neurodegeneration by increasing oxidative stress. Pistacia atlantica is known as an important antioxidant, and its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been shown in various studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of P. atlantica leaves (MEPaLs) on the oxidative parameters in the serum of rats affected by maternal hypoxia.Material and methodsIn this study, eight pregnant rats were used. The newborns were divided into four groups, including the control and the hypoxia groups, which are affected by maternal hypoxia, hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg, and hypoxia + MEPaL 150 mg/kg. MEPaL was injected (i.p) for 21 days into the neonatal rats after the lactation period. Hypoxia was induced by keeping pregnant rats in a hypoxic chamber with 7% oxygen and 93% nitrogen intensity for 3 h on the 20th day of pregnancy. Behavioral changes were measured using open‐field and rotarod tests. Finally, biomarkers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), GSSG, TAS, TOS, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in the experimental groups.ResultsBehavioral results showed that the anxiety behavior in the hypoxia group increased, but the motor activity (moved distance and movement speed) decreased. Moreover, the amount of time spent maintaining balance on the rotarod rod was significantly decreased in the hypoxia group. The concentration of NO in the group of hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg showed a significant decrease, and MEPaL 100, and 150 mg/kg + hypoxia also increased the concentration of GSH and decreased GSSG. In addition, MEPaL100 and 150 mg/kg caused a significant increase in the ratio of GSH to GSSG and decreased OSI and total oxidant capacity.ConclusionsOxidative stress increased in the rats affected by maternal hypoxia and may be the main mechanism for motor activity impairment and balance disturbance, whereas MELaL improved motor performance by decreasing oxidative stress.

A facile green synthesis route to novel MgO-Ag nanoparticles using Pistacia atlantica leaf extract (MgO-Ag@PALE NPs) and its photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

A facile green synthesis route to novel MgO-Ag nanoparticles using Pistacia atlantica leaf extract (MgO-Ag@PALE NPs) and its photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

Sustainable strategy for rehabilitating phosphate mining sites and valorisation of phosphate industry by-products and sludge using pistachio tree (Pistacia atlantica), false pepper (Schinus molle), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) trees

The development of anthroposols has been proposed as a new environmentally friendly approach to ensuring the successful revegetation of phosphate mining sites. The phosphate industry's by-products, including phosphogypsum (PG), phosphate sludge (PS), and sewage sludge (SS), can be valuable resources in restoring the ecological balance of mined soil areas. The aim of this study was to safely and sustainably restore the ecological integrity of the phosphate mining site through the evaluation of nutrients and heavy metals dynamics in soil and plant tissues of three tree species and treated by-products containing 65 % PG, 30 % PS, and 5 % SS. The tree species used were Pistacia atlantica, Schinus molle, and Eucalyptus globulus. The experimental layout was a randomised complete block design with six replicates and three treatments. Growth diameter, height, nutrient uptakes and heavy metal dynamic were evaluated from the rhizosphere soils and plant tissues over two years. Hierarchical head maps of correlations between the measured growth parameters, soil and nutrient uptakes of the tree species were analysed using a phylogenetic generalised linear mixed model. S. molle and E. globulus had higher average diameter and height than P. atlantica plants. P. atlantica and S. molle showed greater nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations than E. globulus trees. Tree growth parameters were closely linked to soil nutrient bioavailability. The heavy metal accumulation ratio was higher in the E. globulus and S. molle leaves than in stems. Using by-products could be valorised for rehabilitating mine sites together with E. globulus and S. molle species.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of the essential oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleoresin on human gastric cancer cell lines.

Numerous herbal products have been the subject of research regarding their potential role in cancer prevention or adjuvant therapy. Pistacia atlantica and its main phytochemicals have garnered significant attention for their potential anti-cancer effects. The study aimed to assess the growth inhibitory effects of P. atlantica essential oil (PAEO) on MKN-45 and AGS cells. This study quantified the volatile compounds in PAEO using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, MKN-45 and AGS cells were treated with varying concentrations of PAEO (5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, 0.3125%, 0.156%, 0.0781%, 0.0391%, 0.0195%) for 24h. Cell viability was evaluated through the MTT assay. The impact of PAEO on gene expression was investigated by quantifying the mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl2 in the various experimental groups using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Additionally, flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate apoptosis in the treated cells. The analysis of PAEO revealed that α-pinene was the predominant monoterpene, constituting 87.9% of the oil composition. The cytotoxic effects of PAEO were evaluated, and it was found that the oil significantly reduced the viability of MKN-45 and AGS cells. The IC50 for MKN-45 cells was determined to be 1.94 × 10-3% after 24h of treatment, while for AGS cells the IC50 was 2.8 × 10-3% after 24h. Additionally, the research revealed that PAEO triggered a notable rise in apoptotic cells in both AGS and MKN-45 cell lines. Moreover, at the molecular level, the findings indicated an increase in Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl2 mRNA expression, providing further evidence of the induction of apoptosis in both MKN-45 and AGS cell lines following PAEO treatment. The findings of this study offer evidence supporting the cytotoxic effects of PAEO on gastric cancer cell lines by promoting apoptosis. The findings suggest that PAEO may offer potential as a therapeutic candidate in managing and treating gastric cancer.

Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) unripe fruit extract as a source of phytochemicals with anti-tyrosinase, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties

The current need for biologically active substances that are sustainable, allegedly beneficial to health, and may be employed as ingredients in cosmetic products has encouraged numerous researchers. Pistacia atlantica is known to contain compounds that possess strong biological effects beneficial to health. The objective of this study was the quantification of the polyphenols in unripe Atlas pistachio (AP) fruit extract and the evaluation of hydro-methanolic extract and anthocyanins for their antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and antimicrobial effects. The results revealed that the yield of the hydro-methanolic extract was 22.15%, characterized by 75.12 mg GAE/g DM for total phenolics and strong content of hydrolysable tannins (400.16 mg GAE/g DM). 1,1-dimethyl-allyl caffeate, hydroxytyrosol, ellagic acid, rutin, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the most abundant components quantified by HPLC-DAD. The tyrosinase enzyme was significantly inhibited by AP extract (EC50 = 0.70 mg/mL). For the antioxidant properties, the hydrolyzed anthocyanin extract exhibited the best action against reducing power and β-carotene, compared to anthocyanins crude extract and fruits. This extract showed its stronger antibacterial activity. In conclusion, unripe AP fruit is a promising source of diverse phytochemicals that can be applied in medicinal, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications as antioxidants and antimicrobials.