Rhamnus Alaternus Research Articles

Efficacy of medicinal plants from Algeria on cell proliferation: Involvement of caspases 3/7 and cell cycle disorder

Abstract Introduction Cancer is the main cause of mortality worldwide, and finding effective treatments with fewer side effects is crucial. Medicinal plants offer significant potential in this area. They contain bioactive compounds that may have antitumor effects. The aim of this study is to assess the cytotoxicity of various medicinal plants towards several cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods Antiproliferative activity of extracts from Crataegus monogyna, Rhamnus alaternus, Lavandula dentata, Aristolochia baetica, Erica arborea, Cistus lanifedus on cell lines: A-498 (kidney carcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), PLC/PRF/5 (hepatoma), MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma), MV-4-11 (biphenotypic B myelomonocytic leukemia), and one non-tumorigenic murine fibroblast BALB/3T3 by colorimetric methods using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and tetrazolium salt (MTT), enzyme caspases 3/7 activity, and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed by the Shapiro–Wilk and Brown–Forsythe tests ensured normality and variance equality, respectively, followed by one-way ANOVA (Dunnett’s and Tukey’s tests) for caspase 3/7 and two-way ANOVA (Dunnett’s test) for cell cycle analysis. Results Aristolochia baetica (Aristolochiaceae) and Lavandula dentata (Lamiaceae) extracts have significant antiproliferative properties with caspase 3/7-independent activity which implies that the cytotoxicity of this extracts induces cell death through non-apoptotic mechanisms. Extracts from lavender and aristolochia exhibit antiproliferative effects by disrupting cell cycle progression, leading to the accumulation of dead cells in the sub-G1 phase. Conclusion These two species show promising therapeutic potential as antiproliferative agents, operating through mechanisms distinct from those of conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

Phytochemical investigation and quantification of bioactive compounds of Rhamnus alaternus (L.)

Phytochemical investigation and quantification of bioactive compounds of Rhamnus alaternus (L.)

Similar climate–growth relationships but divergent drought resilience strategies in coexisting Mediterranean shrubs

Abstract Anticipating future impacts of climate warming and aridification on drylands requires understanding how coexisting woody plant species respond to climate variability. However, we lack knowledge of the growth resilience capacity of Mediterranean shrubs. Do coexisting trees and shrubs differ in their response to climate? Do coexisting shrub species have comparable post‐drought growth resilience? This study was conducted in two Mediterranean shrublands with sparse trees in semi‐arid north‐eastern Spain. We selected sites situated in formerly agricultural or grassland areas in two regions subjected to semi‐arid Mediterranean climate conditions. We sampled six shrubs' species (Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus oxycedrus, Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia terebinthus, Rhamnus lycioides and Rhamnus alaternus) and one tree species (Pinus halepensis) to measure their radial growth and to reconstruct their past growth patterns using dendrochronology. We quantified climate–growth relationships of trees and shrubs, as well as the growth resilience capacity after drought events of the six shrubs. Growth patterns differed between species but a prevalent trade‐off between growth and longevity was found. Growth responses to climate were comparable between species but differed between sites. Most species responded positively to precipitation and negatively to temperature. The most negative correlations of growth with drought severity were found at the driest Valcuerna site. Shrubs differed in their resilience capacity. Across sites, species were more resistant and resilient in Alcubierre, the wettest site. The shrubs P. terebinthus and R. lycioides were more resistant and resilient than the rest of species, which required longer growth recovery times and accumulated stronger growth reductions, particularly J. phoenicea. Synthesis. These results highlight the importance of drought as a driver of growth in Mediterranean scrublands. Growth resilience strategies differed between species with junipers being less resilient to drought than other coexisting shrubs. Further research should investigate how this difference in post‐drought resilience is related to functional traits, particularly those related with plant water‐use strategies.

Determination of Heavy Metal Contents in some Medicinal Plants from The Region of Oran from Algeria

Background: Some heavy metals found in our environment are toxic; once absorbed by plants, they build up in tissues and are phased out. Other heavy metals are trace elements needed for human health, but they can be toxic in excess concentrations. Objective: The purpose of this study is both to confirm the necessary metals' recognized medicinal virtues and to raise awareness of the presence of harmful non-essential metals that could harm humans and the environment. Methods: This study depicts a profile of existence of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Fe) in some important herbal plants used in some parts of the country as a food condiment like (Moringa oleifera, Artemesia campestis, Nigella sativa, Asparagus stipularis, Sesamum indicum, Ruta montana, Rhamnus alaternus, Pistacia lentiscus using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The heavy metals in these medicinal plants were in the range of 0.38-0.56ppm of Zn, 0.00- 0.69 ppm of Cu, 0.13-0.16 ppm of Cd, 0.26-0.52 ppm of Pb, 1.10-8.89 ppm of Fe. Of the eight medicinal plants/products examined, the prescribed limits were respected. For each plant, a test sample of 2 grams of powder is mineralized. Each mineral is analyzed by injection. For each element, a calibration curve is generated. Assay with atomic absorption devices (lead, copper, cadmium, nickel, manganese) is carried out. The results are expressed in mg/L for different species. The highest value is lead. Copper content is present in various extracts and is considered a good source. Conclusion: The obtained results are promising for human health. The zinc contained in Moringa is very valuable. The presence of iron in the species Rhamnus alaternus confirms its use in traditional medicine as an anti-anemic.

Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa subspecies multiplex from naturally infected to healthy Rhamnus alaternus by Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris

In Europe, the recently reported plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex affects several wild, ornamental, and cultivated trees causing scorch diseases. In 2018, the sequence type 87 was reported in Tuscany on Mediterranean shrubs and trees. Although spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) were already identified as main vectors of this bacterium in Europe, their role in the transmission of this subspecies has not been ascertained yet. In this study the ability of Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris to acquire and transmit Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex sequence type 87 from and to Rhamnus alaternus was evaluated in two-year semi-field experiments. To acquire the bacterium, insects were confined on wild, naturally infected R. alaternus shrubs for 120 h. Then, they were transferred to healthy plants and maintained in cages for 96 h. To follow the infection, plant samples were collected every two months for three times. Tested plants were destroyed at the end of experiments and roots, twigs and leaves were analysed. Philaenus spumarius showed a significantly higher survival rate than N. campestris. The infection status of both insects and plants was assessed through molecular analysis. P. spumarius and N. campestris were able to infect healthy plants although the acquisition rate and the estimated probability of transmission appeared to be low. These findings provide new accounts on the role of two polyphagous insect vectors in spreading a quarantine organism, which is lethal to a huge number of plant species. However, further studies are needed to disclose more specific interactions within this complex pathosystem.

Vertebrate Pollination of Angiosperms in the Mediterranean Area: A Review.

For a long time, it was considered that entomogamy was the only pollination mechanism in the Mediterranean area. However, data recorded in this review prove that ornithogamy and saurogamy also take place. With the exception of the nectarivorous Cinnyris osea (Nectariniidae) which pollinates the mistletoe Picosepalus acaciae in Israel, all birds responsible for the pollination of several plant species in this area are primarily insectivorous, sedentary, or migrating passerine birds, particularly Sylvia atricapilla, S. melanocephala, Phylloscopus collibita and Parus caeruleus. They contribute, together with insects, to the pollination of Anagyris foetida, three species of Scrophularia with big flowers, Rhamnus alaternus, Brassica oleracea, and some other plants. The lacertid lizard Podarcis lilfordi acts as a pollinating agent on several W Mediterranean islands, where it effectively pollinates Euphorbia dendroides, Cneorum tricocum, and presumably Rosmarinus officinalis and Chrithmum maritimum. The flowers of some other plant species are visited by birds or by Podarcis species in the Mediterranean area, where they could also contribute to their pollination.

Anthraquinones from Rhamnus alaternus L.: A Phytocosmetic Ingredient with Photoprotective and Antimelanogenesis Properties.

The purpose of the present work was to develop a phytocosmetic sunscreen emulsion with antioxidant activity and an anti-melanogenic effect, containing an anthraquinone-enriched extract of Rhamnus alaternus (A.E.). Our findings demonstrated that A.E. decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde induced by UVA in human keratinocytes and melanocytes. Furthermore, the calculated SPF value in vitro of the cream containing A.E. was 14.26±0.152. Later, it was shown that A.E. extract had an inhibitory effect on the amount of melanin. This extract could also reduce B16F10 intracellular tyrosinase activity. Besides, docking studies were carried out to provide a logical justification for the anti-tyrosinase potential. The findings showed that, A.E. may provide protection against UVA-induced oxidative stress and could be thought of as a viable treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders.

Comment on Nekkaa et al. Rhamnus alaternus Plant: Extraction of Bioactive Fractions and Evaluation of Their Pharmacological and Phytochemical Properties. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 300.

Analyzing the article "Rhamnus alaternus plant: extraction of bioactive fractions and evaluation of their pharmacological and phytochemical properties" by Nekkaa et al. [...].

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of polyphenols from Rhamnus alaternus for their antioxidant activity

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of polyphenols from Rhamnus alaternus for their antioxidant activity

Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of 76 Plant Species Collected in Andalusia (Spain) against Lung Cancer Cells.

Every year, cancer kills millions of people around the world. Finding more selective anticancer agents is essential to improve the low survival rates of patients with metastatic cancers. Since the research of natural products is a valuable approach to the discovery of new compounds and the Iberian flora offers a rich source of unstudied plants, we have carried out a random screening of 76 plant species from 43 families collected in Andalusia (South of Spain). Using non-malignant cells (HaCaT) and lung cancer cells (A549), we found that the extract from Arum italicum Mill. subsp. italicum (Araceae), Mandragora autumnalis Bertol. (Solanaceae), Rhamnus alaternus L. (Rhamnaceae), and Lomelosia simplex (Desf.) Raf. subsp. dentata (Jord. & Fourr.) Greuter & Burdet (Dipsacaceae) showed selective cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells. Extracts of plant species belonging to the Iridaceae family showed high selective activity against cancer cells, highlighting that the Xiphion xiphium (L.) M.B. Crespo, Mart.-Azorín & Mavrodiev flower extract was more selective against lung cancer cells than the standard anticancer drugs, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. This extract also showed modest selective cytotoxicity against bladder carcinoma cells (T24). The number of cells in the G1 phase increased after treatment with the extract from Xiphion xiphium. Our research indicates that various plants are potential sources for the isolation and development of new anticancer drugs.

Phytochemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxic, haemolytic and antibacterial activities of aerial parts of Rhamnus alaternus

Introduction: Rhamnus alaternus L. belongs to the genus Rhamnus (Rhamnaceae). It is a medicinal plantgrowing in Algeria. This plant is used worldwide as effective pharmacological remedy. Objective: This study describes in detail the phytochemical composition and the in vitro biological activitiesof R. alaternus L. aerial parts extracts. Methods: Total contents of bioactive components were estimated and the antioxidant potential was assessedby DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing antioxidant activity and total antioxidantcapacity. Additionally, the haemolytic activity was evaluated towards human red blood cells and thecytotoxicity was performed using Brine shrimp lethality test. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity wasestimated in vitro against five bacteria. Seven known secondary metabolites have been established usingdifferent spectroscopic techniques such as 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and ESI mass spectrometry andby comparison to data reported in the literature. Results: The chemical investigation of the aerial portions’ ethyl acetate extract of R. alaternus allowed thecharacterization of three triterpenoids, two phytosterols and two flavonoids. High levels of phenols andflavonoids were estimated in both ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts. These extractsexhibit strong ferric reducing antioxidant activity and significant hydroxyl and DPPH radicals scavengingeffects. Moreover, the petroleum ether (PE) extract shows a very strong hemolytic effect with 94.03 0.21% at 50 μg/mL and induces the mortality of 78.57 0.17% of Brine Shrimp nauplii at 20 μg/mL. Furthermore,the tested crude extracts (PE, EtOAc and n-BuOH) inhibit the growth of all the bacterial strains.Conclusion: R. alaternus constitutes a natural resource of bioactive substances with potential cytotoxic,antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

Assessing the limiting factors of natural regeneration in Mediterranean planted hedgerows

Conservation and restoration of hedgerows promote biodiversity and multi-functionality in agricultural landscapes. However, in Mediterranean environments, natural regeneration of hedgerows is often poor, and factors hindering the establishment and growth of hedgerow woody species remain unclear. This study aimed to address this gap by (1) quantifying natural regeneration, including seedling establishment and resprouting of planted hedgerow species and the establishment of woody species coming from outside the hedgerows; and (2) experimentally assessing the impact of drought, herbivory, and herb competition on seedling establishment. We selected 12 planted, 11–13-year-old hedgerows in four sites in Central Spain to sample their natural regeneration. In addition, we transplanted 1,356 seedlings of Colutea arborescens L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Rhamnus alaternus L. to two field sites under three treatments that were applied factorially for two years: irrigation to alleviate summer drought, protection against herbivory, and herb clipping to reduce competition with transplanted seedlings. We found that only 66 juveniles of woody species, including 29 of species that were not planted in the hedgerows, developed from seed germination, and 316 sprouts recruited spontaneously along 10 years (14 individuals ha−1 year−1). Of the transplanted seedlings, only 22% survived after two years with protection against herbivory strongly enhancing seedling survival. To a lesser extent, irrigation and herb competition affected survival through interactions with herbivory and species identity. Irrigation and protection against herbivores accelerated seedling growth. Survival and growth of C. arborescens (14%; seedling height = 12 ± 9 cm) were lower than those of C. monogyna (41%; 21 ± 11 cm) and R. alaternus (17%; 13 ± 8 cm). We conclude that natural regeneration in Mediterranean planted hedgerows is low, herbivory is the main limiting factor for seedling survival, especially for deciduous species, and summer drought and herb competition mostly limit growth. These findings have important implications for the conservation and restoration of hedgerows in Mediterranean environments.

Green and innovative extraction of polyphenols from Rhamnus alaternus using natural deep eutectic solvents and evaluation of their bioactivities

Green and innovative extraction of polyphenols from Rhamnus alaternus using natural deep eutectic solvents and evaluation of their bioactivities

Comparison between the anatomical structures of inhabited and uninhabited domatium in two species of genus Rhamnus L. (Rhamnaceae)

Comparison between the anatomical structures of inhabited and uninhabited domatium in two species of genus Rhamnus L. (Rhamnaceae)

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants used in treating some liver diseases in the Al-Haouz Rehamna region (Morocco)

Background: Medicinal plants have always been important in therapeutic and preventive folk medical remedies for humans and cattle. Plants are also quite important in today's global economy. Objectives: This study is part of the development of plant resources in the Al-Haouz Rehamna region. Its general objective was to inventory the medicinal plants used in traditional pharmacopeia against certain liver diseases. Methods: Ethnobotanical field surveys were conducted using 1700 questionnaire forms. Ethnobotanical indices such as the informant agreement ratio (IAR), the family use value (FUV), the use-value (UV), and the Plant Part Value (PPV) were employed in the data analysis rate. Results: The findings enabled us to classify 86 medicinal plants into 79 genera and 37 families, among which four predominate: Asteraceae (17), Lamiaceae (9), and Fabaceae (8 species), and Apiaceae (7). Among the reported species, 21 are toxic, and the population of the said region widely uses ten: Ridolfia segetum (Guss.) Moris, Curcuma longa L., Ononis natrix L., Rhamnus alaternus L., Cladanthus arabicus (L.) Cass, Rhaponcticum acaule (L.) DC, Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr, Cynara cardunculus L., Cicer arietinum L. and Aframomum melegueta K. Schum. The main parts used are leaves (PPV=0.183) and seeds (PPV= 0.165). A decoction is the most used method (34.88%). The recipes are mainly administered orally and rarely by the cutaneous route as a poultice on the abdomen. The diversity of therapies identified in the study area is a cultural richness. Conclusion: Thus, the data reported by this study could be a precious reference of data for this region and could be a basis for further study in the field of phytochemistry to produce and identify new natural drugs that could be endowed with interesting hepatoprotective properties in the treatment or prevention of certain liver diseases. Keywords: Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, traditional medicine, liver disease, hepatoprotective, toxicity, Al-Haouz Rehamna, Morocco.

Triterpenoid and Steroid Content of Lipophilic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Mediterranean Region.

The available phytochemical characteristics of the medicinal plants and derived herbal material often lack data concerning the content of steroids (including phytosterols) and triterpenoids, that can be responsible for various beneficial properties and therapeutic effects, either directly, or as a result of synergistic action with other bioactive constituents. The aim of the present work was the analysis of the content of these compounds in herbal material (leaves, aerial parts) derived from selected medicinal plants (Cistus ladanifer, Cistus monspeliensis, Erica arborea, Globularia alypum, Pistacia lentiscus, Rhamnus alaternus), widely used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean region. Results obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-targeted profiling revealed the diversity in the profiles and contents of steroids and triterpenoids in the analyzed plant material, ranging from 5.7% d.w. in E. arborea to 0.1% in G. alypum. The obtained results supplement the existing phytochemical data of the investigated medicinal plants, pointing to the E. arborea aerial parts and P. lentiscus leaves as valuable resources of phytosterols and bioactive triterpenoids.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Rhamnus alaternus L. Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

Traditionally, the aerial parts of Rhamnus alaternus L. have been widely used in Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, to cure diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats. This work aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract (RAAE) in normal and diabetic rats. Then the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and potential toxicity of RAAE were also assessed. The effects of acute (6 h) and subchronic (7 days) oral administration of RAAE (20 mg/kg) on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles were evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. Besides, a preliminary phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents as well as the antioxidant activity, using the DPPH method, were evaluated. Additionally, the toxicity of the aqueous extract (5 mg/kg) was also studied and the LD50 value was determined. RAAE (20 mg/kg) over 7 days of oral administration significantly decreased the blood glucose levels both in normal and diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, this extract also improved oral glucose tolerance. In addition, RAAE possessed significant antioxidant activity. According to preliminary phytochemical research, RAAE contains several chemical compounds, including alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, cyanidins, anthraquinones, and sterols. On the other hand, the quantitative phytochemical study of the aqueous extract revealed a considerable amount of total phenolic compounds (497.93 ± 3.38 mg GAE/1g of RAAE), flavonoids (100.42 ± 0.32 mg RE/ g of RAAE), and tannins (14.32 ± 0.37 mg CE/1g of RAAE). We conclude that RAAE exerts a significant antihyperglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats at a low dose. Indeed, more research is still required to support the use of this plant in the Moroccan population's diabetes care.

Ameliorating effects of Rhamnus alaternus L. aqueous extract on aluminum chloride-induced nephrotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Ameliorating effects of Rhamnus alaternus L. aqueous extract on aluminum chloride-induced nephrotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Genoprotective, antimutagenic, and antioxidant effects of methanolic leaf extract of Rhamnus alaternus L. from the Bissa mountains in Algeria

Rhamnus alaternus L. is a Rhamnaceae shrub and a popular traditional medicine in Algeria. The present research objective was to investigate the antioxidant, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic properties of R. alaternus methanolic leaf extract. 
 Antiradical scavenging activity was tested by α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching method. DNA damage and repair were measured by the Allium cepa test with sodium azide as a mutagenic agent. Mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations were calculated by microscopy of meristem roots stained with 2% carmine acetic. 
 The methanolic extract of R. alaternus leaves inhibited the free radical DPPH (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.30 mg/mL) and prevented the oxidation of β-carotene (50.71 ± 4.17%). The root phenotyping showed that sodium azide changed their color and shape, decreased their stiffness, and significantly reduced their length. The roots treated with both R. alaternus leaf extract and sodium azide demonstrated a better root growth. The roots treated with the methanolic extract were much longer than the control roots (P < 0.001). The microscopy images of root meristem treated with the sodium azide mitodepressant agent showed significant chromosomal aberrations, which indicated a disruption of the cell cycle. 
 The R. alaternus leaf extract appeared to have a beneficial effect on cytotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of R. alaternus L. makes this plant an excellent genoportector.

Consumption of nephrotoxic plants among chronic hemodialysis patients in the Eastern region of Morocco: A multicentric cross-sectional study

Consumption of nephrotoxic plants among chronic hemodialysis patients in the Eastern region of Morocco: A multicentric cross-sectional study