Septentrional Sahara Research Articles

Contribution to the valorization of Herniaria fontanesii J. Gay (Caryophyllaceae) grown in Septentrional Sahara and its antioxidant activity

This study aims to study a wild plant Herniaria fontanesii J. Gay which grows in Septentrional Sahara in El Oued Algeria. The evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoids content has been estimated in both aqueous and butanolic fractions of 80% methanolic extracts obtained from the plant's aerial part. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using scavenging assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and 2,2′-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, ferric reducing power FRAP and molybdenum reducing power methods. The extracts showed that the plant has a good antioxidant activity reaching to 1.525± 0.010 mg/ml for IC50 in DPPH assay and 0.011± 2.16610-5 mg/ml for IC50 in ABTS assay. A comparison has been done between these results and other results for the same plant harvested in Morocco, Tunisia and Laghouat, Algeria.

The Mio-pliocene aquifer system of the South Auresian Trough, Low Septentrional Sahara, Algeria: aquifer geometry and groundwater characterization

In the South auresian trough, Low Septentrional Sahara, Algeria, the sands aquifer is contained in the Mio-pliocene deposits in which several sedimentary sets have identified and contain two independent aquifer levels. Their relationship is determined by data correlation of several cross-sections surveyed on outcrops and boreholes that permit us a 2D construction of the multi-layer aquifer formations and to specify its geometry. The latter shows an asymmetrical synclinal structure with greater depth to the south and an unconformity of the upper unit (upper aquifer) on the base unit (lower aquifer) with a reduction in thickness from south to north. The upper aquifer, commonly designated “undifferentiated Mio-pliocene aquifer” is the most exploited. Its water is moderate to strongly charged and presents two families at evolutional hydrochemical facies. Their spatial distribution is strongly influenced by the natural context and the aquifer geometry. The hydrochemical analysis reveals that the dissolution of carbonate (CaCO3 or CaMgCO3), sulfate (CaSO4) and salt (NaCl) were the major sources of ions in the studied groundwaters. In this region deprived of treatment means and softening of water, the exploitation of the study results can help the decision makers, preferentially, to choose the captive fields principally destined for potable water supply in sectors containing the water less charged.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used for scorpion sting envenoming treatments in Algerian Septentrional Sahara

ABSTRACT Injury by scorpion sting envenoming is a serious health problem, especially in rural areas. This paper offers an inventory of the plants used for treating scorpion sting in Algerian Septentrional Sahara. An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in El Oued, Ghardaïa and Ouargla. The interviews, using semi-structured interviews with 360 people of different ethnic groups, were analysed with quantitative tools: Relative frequency of citation (RFC), Use value (UV), Informant consensus factor (Fic), Jaccard index (JI) and Chi2 test. Results show that the local populations use 53 plants belonging to 34 families for the scorpion sting treatment; Asteraceae and Lamiaceae are dominant. The most used part of the plants was leaves (23 species) and the most used method of preparation was the paste (23.26%). The highest RFC and Fic were recorded for Retama raetam (RFC = 0.46; Fic = 0.69). Among 101 remedy recipes, 69.31% of recipes were used externally in the scorpion envenomation treatment.

Beneficial Health Potential of Algerian Polysaccharides Extracted from Plantago ciliata Desf. (Septentrional Sahara) Leaves and Seeds

Today, an ethnobotanical approach makes sense for identifying new active bioactive chemicals from uses of indigenous plants. Two water-soluble enriched polysaccharide fractions (L-PSPN and S-PSPN) were extracted by hot water extraction from the leaves and seeds of Plantago ciliata Desf. (1798), a Mzab indigenous herb currently used in Algeria by traditional healers. Primary investigation was performed for describing the main structural features of these polysaccharides (pectin- and heteroxylan-like compositions) by using colorimetric assays, FTIR spectroscopy, HPAEC/PAD and GC/MS-EI analyses. Some biological activities were also monitored, such as anticomplement, anti-inflammatory (phagocytic ability, NOX2 and MPO inhibitions) and anti-diabetic (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitions). L-PSPC seems able to moderately modulate innate immune system (IC50 around 100 µg/mL) and contribute to wound-healing processes (IC50 close to 217 vs. 443 µg/mL for sodium heparin). S-PSPC shows some potential as an anti-hyperglycemic (IC50 around 4.7 mg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 ranging from 111 to 203 µg/mL) agent, as well as other (fiber) psyllium-like polysaccharides extracted from Plantago species.

First report on phytochemical investigation, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Helianthemum getulum

A new flavonoid, 5,7,2′,4′,5′-pentahydroxyflavone 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (12) and twelve known derivatives: an aryltetralin-lignan (3), seven flavonoids (4-5, 7-10, 13) and four phenolic acids (1-2, 6, 11) have been isolated from the aerial parts of Helianthemum getulum Pomel. (Cistaceae family) an endemic species to the septentrional Sahara that is being studied for the first time. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was established by means of spectroscopic methods especially NMR and Mass Spectrometry. In vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, GOR and CUPRAC assays) and antidiabetic (micro-dilution method) activities of the crude extract, fractions and isolated compounds were performed. The new flavonol (12) and Compounds (2, 3, 7, 9) were found to be the most active, some of them exhibiting better activity than the antioxidant standards. Compounds 7, 9 and 3 showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to standard acarbose (IC50= 2.70 ± 0.03 µM, 3.09 ± 0.03 µM, 37.28 ± 1.20 µM and 275.43 ± 1.59 µM, respectively).

Diet Selection of Heteracris littoralis in a Cultivated Environment, Mzab Valley, Septentrional Sahara, Algeria

This paper presents the results of a study on the diet of Heteracris littoralis in an agro-ecosystem at Mzab valley, Ghardaïa Province, Northern Sahara, Algeria. The diet was determined by the analysis of plant fragments in the feces of H. littoralis sampled in the field. The studied grasshopper consumed 12 of the 30 plant species found in the cultivated environment. The results showed that the locust predominantly fed on a few plants, such as Lagenaria siceraria and Solanum lycopersicum, although their diet includes over 12 plant species. Its food niche breadth was narrow (0.51), with a selectivity index of 0.61 for females, 0.52 for males and 0.42 for larvae. The plants consumed by the two sexes and larvae were not significantly different. This study suggests that Eyprepocnemidinae is a polyphagous grasshopper species, in spite of pronounced preference towards Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae. This property results in a low Berger-Parker index value (0.24). Results are of great significance, increasing the understanding of insect herbivore feeding behavior and how to control the damage caused by this Orthoptera.

Forecasting the upwelling phenomenon using an artificial neural network

In this paper, we investigate the upwelling phenomenon using data of 97 monitoring stations in Ouargla and El Oued valleys located in the Low Septentrional Sahara south of Algeria. This research paper constitutes a contribution to the morphological, hydrological, hydrogeological study of the water table in order to understand the processes of upwelling groundwater. By using ArcGIS as a mapping tool, we worked on real UTM coordinates in X and Y for real data overlay drawn maps in clear and usable way of this phenomenon. On the other hand, we propose a new method based on neural network to model the level flctuation of the groundwater as well as to predict the evolution of the water table level. The obtained model allows us to warm this harmful phenomenon and plan sustainable solutions to protect the environment. The finding shows that the obtained model provides more significant accuracy rate and it drives more robustness in very challenging situation such as the heterogeneity of the data and sudden climate change comparing to the related research.

<p><strong>Acridid (Orthoptera: Caelifera) diversity in agriculture ecosystems at three </strong><strong>locations in the Mzab valley, Septentrional Sahara, Algeria</strong></p>

Caelifera is one of the largest and most diverse group of insects, and they are the dominant Orthoptera in agriculture ecosystems. We present here an inventory of Acridid fauna of the agricultural ecosystems in the Mzab valley (Septentrional Sahara, Algeria). Grasshoppers were sampled with quadrats in Béni Isguen, Ghardaïa and El-Atteuf, and we have expressed the species richness, sampling effort and relative abundance. The method used is that of quadrats sampling. The results revealed the presence of 27 species, divided into three families, Acrididae, Pyrgomorphidae and Tetrigidae. Among these families, we found that Acrididae are most diverse with six subfamilies. The subfamily Oedipodinae with 10 species was the most abundant, while the subfamily Tetriginae was the least abundant (represented by a one species). The value of the diversity index showed that the cultivated area of Béni Isguen is the most favorable for the development of many Caelifera. The abundance of grasses and low intensity of agricultural activity in this environment favors the presence of Acridid. We found that the Acridid community depends mainly on the nature and richness of vegetation cover, the intensity of agricultural activity and the type of irrigation. Keywords: Grasshopper, agricultural ecosystem, biodiversity, North Africa, Sahara

A New Δ-2-Carene-β-D-Glucopyranoside from Fagonia Longispina

One new monoterpene Δ-2-carene-6-ol-6- O-(2’,6'-diacetyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside together with fifteen known compounds among which seven flavonoids, four terpene glucosides and four phenolic derivatives, were isolated from the leaves of Fagonia longispina Batt., an endemic species of the septentrional Sahara. Their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analysis.

Structural characterization and rheological properties of a galactomannan from Astragalus gombo Bunge seeds harvested in Algerian Sahara

A water soluble polysaccharide (WSP) was extracted and purified from Astragalus gombo seeds (Fabaceae) harvested in Septentrional Sahara (Ouargla, Algeria) with a yield of 6.8% (w/w of the dry seed ground). It was characterized by gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometry (GC–MS), size exclusion chromatography with Multi-Angle Light Scattering analysis (SEC-MALLS), high–resolution 1H and 13C NMR, and rheological measurements. The structural characterization indicated that this WSP fraction is a galactomannan with a mannose/galactose ratio of 1.7 formed by a backbone of β-(1,4)-d-mannopyranosyl residues (63%) substituted at O-6 position by a single α-galactopyranose residue (37%). SEC-MALLS analysis revealed that this galactomannan has an average molecular mass (Mw) of 1.1×106g/mol, an intrinsic viscosity of 860mL/g and, a random coil conformation structure. Rheological analysis in semi diluted regimes shown pseudo-plastic and viscoelastic behaviour.

A Statistical Summary of ground water mineralization in the Aquifer of Intercalary Continental (Algerian Septentrional Sahara)

This study deals with the mineralization in the Intercalary Continental aquifer (CI) located at the Algerian Septentrional Sahara. Statistical analysis was performed on summarized data from different studies in order to identify the origin of that mineralization in a regional scale. Therefore, multivariate statistical analysis were applied on 488 representative wells such as: (1) Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and (2) Ascending Hierarchical Classification (CAH). Obtained results highlight the chemical typology of ground water. The multivariate statistics indicate a significant influence of evaporates on water mineralization as well as the dominance of chloride-sodium facies. However, the high water temperatures recorded in the eastern part of the basin suggest hydrolysis of silicates that contributes also in that mineralization. This study confirms rather the lithological host of aquifer as a main source of water mineralization.

On-Line Screening, Isolation and Identification of Antioxidant Compounds of Helianthemum ruficomum.

Many Helianthemum species (Cistaceae) are recognized for their various medicinal virtues. Helianthemum ruficomum is an endemic species to the septentrional Sahara on which no report is available so far. The purpose of this work was to investigate the chemical composition and the radical scavenging capacity of this species and its isolated components. Collected from Mougheul (south-west of Algeria), the aerial parts were macerated with 80% EtOH/H2O, after evaporation, the remaining extract was diluted with H2O and extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts were evaluated for their free radical scavenging capacity by on-line HPLC-ABTS•+ assay. The obtained data which were confirmed by TEAC and ORAC assays, allowed guiding the fractionation of these extracts by CC, TLC and reverse phase HPLC. Among the components, 14 were isolated and identified by spectroscopic analyses: protocatechuic acid (1), trans-tiliroside (2), cis-tiliroside (3), astragalin (4), picein (7), vanillic acid 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (8), lavandoside (9), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10), nicotiflorin (11), rutin (12), vicenin-2 (13), narcissin (14) and stigmasterol (5) and β-sitosterol (6) as a mixture (71% and 29%, respectively). Compounds 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 14 were new for the genus Helianthemum. The antioxidant power of all the isolated compounds was also evaluated by HPLC-ABTS•+, TEAC and ORAC assays. The results clearly indicated high antioxidant potential of the extracts and tested compounds of this species especially, compounds 1, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 12.

Rhizobial diversity associated with the spontaneous legume Genista saharae in the northeastern Algerian Sahara

Genista saharae is an indigenous shrub legume that spontaneously grows in the northeastern Algerian Sahara. It is known for efficient dune fixation and soil preservation against desertification, due to its drought tolerance and its contribution to sustainable nitrogen resources implemented by biological N2-fixation. In this study, the root nodule bacteria of G. saharae were investigated using phenotypic and phylogenetic characterization. A total of 57 rhizobial strains were isolated from nodules from several sites in the hyper-arid region of Metlili and Taibet (east Septentrional Sahara). They all nodulate G. saharae species but they differed in their symbiotic efficiency and effectiveness. The genetic diversity was assessed by sequencing three housekeeping genes (atpD, recA and 16S rRNA). The majority of isolates (81 %) belonged to the genus Ensifer (previously Sinorhizobium), represented mainly by the species Ensifer meliloti. The next most abundant genera were Neorhizobium (17 %) with 3 different species: N. alkalisoli, N. galegae and N. huautlense and Mesorhizobium (1.75 %) represented by the species M. camelthorni. Most of the isolated strains tolerated up to 4 % (w/v) NaCl and grew at 45 °C. This study is the first report on the characterization of G. saharae microsymbionts in the Algerian Sahara.

Structure and composition of the wax of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., from the septentrional Sahara

The date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. is an important economic species in arid regions of the septentrional Sahara. As this species survives under drastic conditions, the waxes of the leaf, as a strategy in response to stress, were the focus of these studies. From a structural point of view, the cuticle is overlaid with crystalloid waxes corresponding to epicuticular wax. The majority of these waxes were polygonal rodlets forming rings around the stomata, corresponding to the ‘Strelitzia Type’. The effects of intense erosion were observed on the oldest leaves. From a chemical aspect, the wax primarily comprised n-alkanes (65.0% of the total wax), the most abundant of which is n-hentriacontane (24.3% of the n-alkanes). In the polar fraction, the triterpenoids represented the highest percent (19.6% of the total wax). The widely distributed ursolic acid and betulin were the most important triterpenoids identified, and the two other compounds were sterols. Betulin is an uncommon triterpenoid. According to previous studies, we hypothesized that the two main classes, n-alkanes and triterpenoids, are involved in formation of the rodlet wax structure. Fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols and ketones were also identified. A homologous series of aliphatics were described.

Diversity of Trophic Diet of Mantises and their Impact on the Equilibrium Ecology in Gharda�a Region (Algerian Sahara)

Abstract - In order to identify the diversity and the characterization of a group of predatory insects which is Mantodea, a special study of this group took place in a dryland habitat which is Ghardaia (Algerian septentrional Sahara). Catches come from several sampling sites corresponding to several habitats (Reg, Wadi and palm grove). Twelve species belonging to five families are inventoried of which 2 species are endemic; Eremiaphila mzabi and Eremiaphila moreti not yet reported in Algeria.The palm grove accommodate the largest species richness (S = 9 species). Mantidae is the richest family (S = 4). The palm grove has a diversity index H' going from 1.42 bit to 1.66 bit and equitability E varies between 0.73 and 0.75. A gradient of vegetation cover reveals stratification in three habitats: palm grove, river and Reg. This heterogeneity of landscapes seems to influence Mantids diversity which is proportional to the vegetation cover, except for the genre Eremiaphila. Mantids identified in these habitats can be classified in three groups, a first group strictly related to palm grove, a second subservient to the natural habitat Reg and a third group with no net belonging, being simultaneously present in both habitats. An inter-habitat variability is emphasized and strata preferences can be distinguished for each species of. The feeding activity of Mantodea is estimated by analyzing their faeces. The diet of mantis confirms their strong entomophagy. For Sphodromantis viridis, the diet is composed of 42.7% of Hymenoptera followed by 19.7% of Aranea (H = 1.68 bit, L = 0.22; E = 0.38). For Amblythespis granulata, analysis of the content of feces reveals 37.7% of Orthoptera (H = 1.58 bits, Simpson’ index = 0.20 and equitability = 0.42). This potentially gives them an impact on populations of prey species.

An ethnopharmacological survey of plants used in traditional diabetes treatment in south-eastern Algeria (Ouargla province)

An ethnopharmacological survey was performed in the Ouargla region (northeast of Algerian Sahara) to document ethnomedicinal knowledge and to catalogue the medicinal plants used to treat diabetes mellitus. We conducted in-person interviews of 289 diabetic patients, 25 herbalists and 10 healers in eight different areas of the Ouargla region. The results indicate that phytotherapy was always practiced to treat disease (60.90%), especially diabetes. Among the type 2 diabetes interviewees, 58 patients (44.27%) used only medicinal plants. Seventy-nine percent of plant users (176) were satisfied with herbal medicine i.e. 74% of the men and only 45.90% of the women. This could be explained by a high education level for the women. A total of 67 plant species that belong to 32 families were mentioned and were used to prepare 130 different formulations for treating diabetes and foot ulcers. Among the 13 most frequently cited species, only 3 were cultivated. More than 34 of the species are wild septentrional Sahara species. Thirteen species (19.40%) are endemic; three of them are reported for the first time as hypoglycaemic plants: Matricaria pubescens, Oudneya africana and Rhanterium adpressum. For nine species, we could not locate experimental data on anti-diabetic activity. Sixty six species are used to treat diabetes, while fifty one are used to treat symptoms that might be related to diabetes (especially foot ulcers). Anvillea radiata, Ammodaucus leucotrichus, Artemisia herba-alba and Citrullus colocynthis have the highest values of relative frequency citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (Fic) and use value (UV). They are the most used plant to decrease level of blood glucose and to treat foot ulcer. The new endemic plant species highlighted in the study could reveal an interest for further phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Diversity and antagonistic properties of culturable halophilic actinobacteria in soils of two arid regions of septentrional Sahara: M’zab and Zibans

The diversity of culturable halophilic actinobacteria in two Algerian arid ecosystems (M’zab and Zibans) of septentrional Sahara was investigated. A total of 69 halophilic strains were isolated from 19 soil samples. Taxonomy was determined using a polyphasic approach based on morphological, physiological (with the application of numerical taxonomy), chemotaxonomic and molecular investigations. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the strains belonged to six clusters corresponding to six genera: Actinopolyspora, Nocardiopsis, Prauserella, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora and Streptomonospora. Some strains were found to represent known species, but others formed distinct phyletic lines. Interestingly, cluster VII, which contained four strains, represents an unknown actinobacterial genus. An assessment of the biological properties of the actinobacterial strains showed moderate to strong antimicrobial activities against fungi and bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The bioactive potential of strains which did not show any antimicrobial activity on yeast extract-malt extract agar was analyzed based on the genetic background of these strains using polyketide synthase (type I, II and PKSE) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene sequences. Most of the strains harbored NRPS and PKS-II genes, indicating that they might have a great potential to produce bioactive compounds if the laboratory culture conditions were changed.

The Manufacture of Raw Brick from the Saharan Sand-Based Mortar of Ouargla (Located in the Septentrional Sahara, Algeria) for use in Arid Regions

In Algeria, the sand dunes of the Sahara represent approximately 2/3 of the national territory. While sand is therefore abundant, by contrast, the aggregate resources are scarce in the majority of areas. The surplus of sand in Algeria, readily available at minimal cost, presents a unique opportunity for those prepared to utilize the material, particularly in the field of construction. The construction industry currently uses sand for a variety of different purposes, it being not only an essential ingredient of concrete, but also frequently employed in the creation of roads and bricks. This paper addresses one particular use of sand in an Algerian context. Its findings are drawn from research carried out at the Department of Civil Engineering at the University Kassedi Merbah in Ouargla, Algeria. The research has focused its attention on the development and production of bricks of sand dune (BRSD)-based concrete. The research has demonstrated that this specific type of brick could prove to be economically advantageous, particularly for the southern region of the country where Saharan sand is especially plentiful. The experimental mortar formulation of the BRSD is largely based on the optimization (qualitative and quantitative) of the materials used (binder, sand and water). This has resulted in an optimal brick with the desired characteristics of mechanical resistance, heat insulation and soundproofing. In order to attain this optimum outcome, 750 tests were carried out. It was observed that windblown sand should be used extensively and in its natural, rough state without requiring treatment.

GC/MS Analysis and Analgesic Effect of the Essential Oil of Matricaria pubescens from Algeria

The essential oil of Matricaria pubescens (Asteraceae) collected at Ghardaia (Algerian Septentrional Sahara) was studied by GC and GC-MS. Isochrysanthemic acid ethyl ester (26.5%), spathulenol (19.4%), alpha-cadinol (12.9%) and geranylisovalerate (8.2%), were identified as the major components of the essential oil, which was investigated for its analgesic effect.

Crop drying by indirect active hybrid solar – Electrical dryer in the eastern Algerian Septentrional Sahara

In the present work, a new specific prototype of an indirect active hybrid solar–electrical dryer for agricultural products was constructed and investigated at LENREZA Laboratory, University of Ouargla (Algerian Sahara). In the new configuration of air drying passage; the study was done in a somewhat high range of mass flow rate between 0.04 and 0.08 kg/m 2 s a range not properly investigated by most researchers. Experimental tests with and without load were performed in winter season in order to study the thermal behavior of the dryer and the effect of high air masse flow on the collector and system drying efficiency. The fraction of electrical and solar energy contribution versus air mass flow rate was investigated. Slice tomato was studied with different temperatures and velocities of drying air in order to study the influence of these parameters on the removal moisture content from the product and on the kinetics drying and also to determine their suitable values. Many different thin layer mathematical drying models were compared according to their coefficient of determination ( R 2) and reduced chi square ( χ 2) to estimate experimental drying curves. The Middli model in this condition proved to be the best for predicting drying behavior of tomato slice with ( R 2 = 0.9995, χ 2 = 0.0001). Finally an economic evaluation was calculated using the criterion of payback period which is found very small 1.27 years compared to the life of the dryer 15 years.