Terfezia Claveryi Research Articles

Develop Of Solid Soap Using Terfezia Claveryi Extract And Evaluation Of Its Antioxidant Activity

Recently, studies have become increasingly interested in natural antioxidants extracted from Terfezia claveryi due to their ability to enhance body health and prevent common modern diseases. They meet most of the body's needs for prevention, treatment, tissue and cell restoration, and treatment of oxidative stress, which is a common use in the current time. T. claveryi has been identified as a potential fresh cosmetic source due to its biologically active compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, beta-carotene, and tannin. The aim of the current study was to develop solid soap using T.claveryi extract and evaluate its antioxidant activity. The solid soap was manufactured using the traditional cold method. The results showed the effect of T. claveryi extract in modifying the acidity (pH) of the soap, which reached 7.83. It indicates that the ability of T. claveryi extract to reduce the pH value of the soap compared to soap that does not contain extracts. T. claveryi soap has a foam stability of 47.29% and the control soap has a foam stability of 45.16% and after one hour the stability rate was 95%, so the T. claveryi extract soap has better foam stability compared to the control soap. It enhances the possibility of using T.claveryi extracts to improve the foam properties of transparent solid soap. The antioxidant activity test showed that T.claveryi soap has an antioxidant activity at the highest concentration of 500 mg/ml and a rate of 25.39% compared to the control soap 0.508%. It supports the effectiveness of using T.claveryi extract soap in skin care products such as whitening, moisturizing and anti-aging, while the control soap does not have any antioxidant activity.

Complete Genome Analyses of a Novel Flexivirus with Unique Genome Organization and Three Endornaviruses Hosted by the Mycorrhizal Fungus Terfezia claveryi.

The extensive use of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has significantly advanced and transformed our comprehension of virus diversity, especially in intricate settings like soil and biological specimens. In this study, we delved into mycovirus sequence surveys within mycorrhizal fungus species Terfezia claveryi, through employing HTS with total double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) extracts. Our findings revealed the presence of four distinct members from the Alsuviricetes class, one flexivirus designated as Terfezia claveryi flexivirus 1 (TcFV1) and three endornaviruses (TcEV1, TcEV2, and TcEV3) in two different T. claveryi isolates. TcFV1, a member of the order Tymovirales, exhibits a unique genome structure and sequence features. Through in-depth analyses, we found that it shares sequence similarities with other deltaflexiviruses and challenges existing Deltaflexiviridae classification. The discovery of TcFV1 adds to the genomic plasticity of mycoviruses within the Tymovirales order, shedding light on their evolutionary adaptations. Additionally, the three newly discovered endornaviruses (TcEV1, TcEV2, and TcEV3) in T. claveryi exhibited limited sequence similarities with other endornaviruses and distinctive features, including conserved domains like DEAD-like helicase, ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities (AAA ATPase), and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), indicating their classification as members of new species within the Alphaendornavirus genus. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of exploring viral diversity in uncultivated fungi, bridging knowledge gaps in mycovirus ecology. The discoveries of a novel flexivirus with unique genome organization and endornaviruses in T. claveryi broaden our comprehension of mycovirus diversity and evolution, highlighting the need for continued investigations into viral populations in wild fungi.

The beneficial effects of the Algerian desert truffle Terfezia claveryi Chatin: Chemical profiling and evaluation of the biological properties

The beneficial effects of the Algerian desert truffle Terfezia claveryi Chatin: Chemical profiling and evaluation of the biological properties

Mineral contents, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Algerian Terfezia claveryi extracts

Terfezia species are known for their high nutritional value and diverse biological activities due to their unique chemical composition. The current study aims to evaluate the different extracts of Terfezia claveryi Chatin for their in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and mineral content. The antioxidant activity was evaluated via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS and phosphomolybdenum assays. While the in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated via disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureusas a Gram-positive bacteria as well as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram-negative bacteria. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were evaluated via Folin-Ciocalteu's and AlCl3 assays, respectively. The mineral content was evaluated via using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the antioxidant assays, the aqueous extract showed the most potent activity IC50/DPPH equal to 0.09mg/mL, IC50/ABTS equal to 0.24mg/mL and total antioxidant capacity equal to 0.10. Among all the tested extracts, the aqueous extract showed the highest TPC (176.67 mg GAE / g DW) and the highest TFC (14.53 mg ER / g DW). Obviously, the antioxidant activities are exist in a positive correlation with the TPC and TFC. On the other side, the tested extracts exhibited strong to moderate antibacterial activity against tested pathogenic microbial strains. The methanolic and aqueous extracts showed the most potent antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with inhibition zones 21.91 and 15.79 mm, respectively. The extracts contain macroelements like Na (3293.01 mg‧kg-1dw) and K (21092.19 mg‧kg-1dw). Additionally, they contain micro-elements like Fe (16.45 mg‧kg-1dw), Cu (22.80 mg‧kg-1dw) and Ni (27.88 mg‧kg-1dw). In conclusion, T. claveryi extracts are considered as promising sources of naturally occurring antioxidant and antimicrobial agents as well as their high nutritional values.

Effects of Mild Thermal Processing and Storage Conditions on the Quality Attributes and Shelf Life of Truffles (Terfezia claveryi).

This study investigated the effects of two mild thermal processing (MTP) (63 °C, 40 °C, 3 min) methods, in a brine storage medium (7-16% (w/v) NaCl) and a vinegar solution (5% vinegar, 1% salt, and 0.5% sugar), on some physicochemical properties of truffles (Terfezia claveryi). Weight loss, phenolic compounds, firmness, ascorbic acid and microbial loads were evaluated during 160 days of storage. It was demonstrated that a 5% vinegar treatment with 63 °C MTP was effective to reduce the weight loss, microbial spoilage and increased firmness and of truffles during storage. However, phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid content were decreased by heating. Both MTPs inhibited the microbial load, but the 63 °C, 3 min MTP was most effective and resulted in an immediate (3.05-3.2 log CFU/g) reduction in the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and remained at an acceptable level during storage, while the 40 °C, 3 min MTP reduced (1.12-2 log CFU/g) of the TAB. The results of this study suggest that the 63 °C MTP and immersion in 5% vinegar increased the shelf life of the truffles without perceptible losses in quality attributes.

Identification and complete genome sequencing of a novel betapartitivirus naturally infecting the mycorrhizal desert truffle Terfezia claveryi.

Viruses that naturally infect fungal species and capable of establishing mycorrhizae are largely unknown. In this study, we identified and characterized a new partitivirus inhabiting the ascomycete, mycorrhizal desert truffle species Terfezia claveryi, and named it "Terfezia claveryi partitivirus 1" (TcPV1). The entire genome of TcPV1, sequenced by both high throughput sequencing of the total dsRNA extracts and by Sanger sequencing of the RLM-RACE PCR products comprised two dsRNA segments of 2404bp and 2374bp, respectively. Both dsRNA genome segments harbored a single open reading frame (ORF), encoding a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and a capsid protein (CP), respectively. The BLASTp search of the RdRp and CP sequences revealed the highest sequence identities (41.92% and 24.13% identity, respectively) to those of Bipolaris maydis partitivirus 2 and Plasmopara viticola lesion associated partitivirus 5. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the RdRp sequence showed that TcPV1 fall within a clade composed entirely of members of the genus Betapartitivirus, belonging to the family Partitiviridae. In light of this molecular evidence, TcPV1 is a new member of the genus Betapartitivirus. This is the first report of a new partitivirus hosted by the ascomycete, mycorrhizal fungus T. claveryi.

A mycorrhizal helper bacterium alleviates drought stress in mycorrhizal Helianthemum almeriense plants by regulating water relations and plant hormones

Complex interactions between mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHBs) and mycorrhizal fungi have rarely been studied in the context of drought. Separately, both MHB inoculation and moderate drought stress have previously shown to enhance desert truffle mycorrhization in Helianthemum almeriense plants, but the combined effect of both of them has not been evaluated yet. The goal of this study is to determine whether mycorrhization between Helianthemum almeriense and the desert truffle Terfezia claveryi can be triggered by applying Pseudomonas mandelii #29 under drought stress and whether this could improve plant water-relations. To investigate this, we evaluated the effect of the combination of MHB inoculation with two different water regimes (well-watered and water-deficit) over the mycorrhizal development, root hydraulic properties, gene expression of AQPs and plant hormones. The results showed that presence of P. mandelii under drought stress caused a synergistic increase of fungal colonization and a higher nutrient uptake. Although drought stress decreased root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) regardless of whether plants were MHB-inoculated or not, this decrease was buffered in MHB-inoculated plants, concomintantly with regulation of plant hormones, such as abscisic acid, and aquaporin gene expression. Our results indicate that drought-mediated tripartite interactions (P. mandelii #29 x T. claveryi x H. almeriense) are beneficial for the plant to cope with water stress.

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF FERMENTED GOAT’S MILK COMBINED WITH DESERT TRUFFLE AND BAOBAB AQUEOUS EXTRACT IN CCL4 INDUCED LIVER LESION IN RATS

The aim of the present work was to investigate the synergistic hepatoprotective effect of fermented goat milk (FGM) combined with aqueous extracts of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) (BE) and desert truffle (Terfezia claveryi) (DTE). Chemical analysis indicated that BE is rich in ascorbic acid (67.3 mg/100 g dry weight). Both extracts reduced the stable free radical DPPH (96.4 and for BE versus 70.2 % for BE and DTE, respectively). For examining the hepatoprotective effect of these treatments in vivo, thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6 per group). Group 1 served as the normal control (NC). Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats of the other five groups using CCl4. Group 2 served as the positive control (PC), while the remaining 4 groups received orally FGM, DTE, BE and their mixture (1:1:1) for 28 days. Hepatotoxicity was characterized by high liver weight as well as an elevation in serum levels of liver enzymes in the PC group. All treatments restored weight of liver to that of the NC group (P>0.05). Highest positive effect was recorded for DTE which lowered liver weight by 33.9% compared with PC group (P<0.05). Concentrations of liver enzymes were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to PC group. Moreover, the protective effect was further confirmed by histopathological as a considerable reduction in necrosis and fatty changes were noticed. In sum, FGM, Desert Truffle and Baobab could be potentially used as functional food to protect against liver lesion.

Sustainable production of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the Mediterranean region to support the European Green Deal

Societal Impact StatementThe planet faces a climate crisis with severe health, economic and environmental consequences. Political actions such as the European Green Deal aim to mitigate climate change by shifting production and consumption patterns, and the production of mycorrhizal sporocarps—the fruiting body of fungi—is no exception. The production of mycorrhizal sporocarps has a high economic, cultural and environmental impact in the Mediterranean region. With a key role in forest ecosystems, ectomycorrhizal fungi provide services and goods essential to maintain soil quality, ecosystem functions and food, contributing to the achievement of sustainable production and the European Green Deal goals—a climate‐neutral Europe.SummaryEctomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) cultivation is an important economic activity in the Mediterranean region. Sporocarps from ECMF species such as Terfezia claveryi, Tuber melanosporum, Tuber aestivum and Lactarius delicious have been successfully cultivated. Due to biotechnological advances, a considerable evolution in ECMF cultivation techniques was observed in the last decade. New technologies and intensified Research and Development allow for a better understanding of the physiology of the plant‐fungi symbioses and how climate change affects them. Studying forest management practices is also essential to optimise the natural production of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps and help develop sustainable production practices. This knowledge revealed the importance of ECMF and their role in the rural bioeconomy and highlighted the need to establish sustainable cultivation practices. A successful example of ECMF cultivation is the production of Terfezia species, namely, Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia boudieri. Terfezia truffles are traditional delicacies with high socioeconomic relevance and numerous biotechnological applications. Furthermore, these Mediterranean native species are an important tool to develop the bioeconomy in rural areas by creating new production strategies. Furthermore, exploiting these and other native Mediterranean species can promote sustainable practices in line with new European Green Deal strategies, such as the Farm to Fork strategy, the EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030 and the Climate Law. This work reviews ECMF cultivation practices and forest management studies, presenting the case of Terfezia cultivation and how the sustainable production of wild and planted ECMF may contribute to achieving the European Green Deal objectives and to a more resilient Europe.

Design and Validation of qPCR-Specific Primers for Quantification of the Marketed Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia crassiverrucosa in Soil.

Desert truffle crop is a pioneer in southeastern Spain, a region where native edible hypogeous fungi are adapted to the semiarid areas with low annual rainfall. Terfezia claveryi Chatin was the first species of desert truffle to be cultivated, and has been increasing in recent years as an alternative rainfed crop in the Iberian Peninsula. However, its behaviour in the field has yet not been investigated. For this purpose, specific primers were designed for the soil DNA quantification of both T. claveryi and Terfezia crassiverrucosa and a real-time qPCR protocol was developed, using the ITS rDNA region as a target. Moreover, a young desert truffle orchard was sampled for environmental validation. The results showed the highest efficiency for the TerclaF3/TerclaR1 primers pair, 89%, and the minimal fungal biomass that could be reliable detected was set at 4.23 µg mycelium/g soil. The spatial distribution of fungal biomass was heterogeneous, and there was not a direct relationship between the quantity of winter soil mycelium and the location/productivity of desert truffles. This protocol could be applied to tracking these species in soil and understand their mycelial dynamics in plantations and wild areas.

Antimicrobial efficacy of extracts of Saudi Arabian desert Terfezia claveryi truffles

BackgroundTerfezia claveryi truffles are known for their nutritional value and have been considered among traditional treatments for ophthalmic infections and ailments. ObjectivesWe sought to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of several T. claveryi extracts from Saudi Arabia. Certain pathogenic fungi and gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria were included. MethodsDry extracts were prepared using methanol, ethyl acetate, and distilled water, while the latter was used for preparing fresh extracts. The extracts were microbiologically evaluated through the disc-diffusion agar method; the zones of inhibition of microbial growth were measured post-incubation. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were determined in Müller-Hinton Broth through the microdilution susceptibility method. anti-biofilm activity was assessed for potent extracts. ResultsDry extracts showed potent activity (>16-mm inhibition zones) against gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis IFO3007 and Staphylococcus aureus IFO3060) and gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa IFO3448 and Escherichia coli IFO3301) bacteria. The activity against fungi was moderate (12–16-mm inhibition zones) for both Aspergillus oryzae IFO4177 and Candida albicans IFO0583; there was no activity against Aspergillus niger IFO4414 growth. Methanolic extract had the lowest MIC and MBC, exhibiting remarkable activity against B. subtilis growth. Fresh extract showed moderate activity against bacterial growth and inactivity against fungal growth. Methanolic extract showed potent anti-biofilm activity (IC50, 2.0 ± 0.18 mg/mL) against S. aureus. ConclusionsT. claveryi extracts showed antibacterial effects potentially suitable for clinical application, which warrants further in-depth analysis of their individual isolated compounds.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity, Phenolic Content and Microscopical Characterization of Terfezia claveryi.

Terfezia claveryi (T. claveryi) is used by traditional healers in the Middle East region to treat several diseases, including diabetes. The present study evaluated the total phenolic and investigated the blood-glucose-lowering potential of different aqueous extracts of this selected truffle using in vitro and in vivo models. The phytochemical profile was examined using UPLC-MS. The macerate and the microwave-assisted extract were the richest in phenolic compounds. All T. claveryi extracts exhibited a remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory effect in vitro, with an IC50 of 2.43, 3.26, 5.18 and 3.31 mg/mL for the aqueous microwave-assisted extract macerate, infusion and decoction, respectively. On the other hand, in the high-fat diet alloxan-induced diabetic mice model, all tested crude aqueous extracts exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic activity (p < 0.05). Four hours after the administration of the 250 mg/kg dose, the macerate was able to induce a 29.4% blood-glucose-lowering effect compared to a 24.8% reduction induced by the infusion, which was sustained for a further two hours. The hypoglycemic effect (29.3% and 32.4%) was also recorded six hours after the administration of the single dose 500 mg/kg of the macerate and the infusion, respectively. Truffle extracts exhibited antidiabetic activity both in vitro and in vivo, providing a rationale for the traditional use as a natural hypoglycemic.

Antibacterial and anti-parasitic activities of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against some common pathogenic agents of infectious diarrhea

Objective: To assess the antidiarrheal effects of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Giardia lamblia. Methods: Antibacterial effects of the Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract were carried out by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration through micro broth dilution technique. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species production and protein leakage were evaluated. To evaluate the in vitro anti-giardial effects of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract, Giardia lamblia WB (ATCC® 30957) trophozoites were treated with various concentrations of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract for 10-360 min. In addition, the plasma membrane permeability of trophozoites treated with Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract was determined. The cytotoxicity effects of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against normal (HEK293T) and cancer (MCF-7) cells were also assessed using the MTT assay. Results: The MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration of Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract against bacterial strains were in the range of 0.52-1.04 and 1.04-2.08 mg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that reactive oxygen species production and protein leakage were significantly increased after the bacteria were treated with the Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract, especially at 1/3 and 1/2 MICs (P&lt;0.001). Furthermore, Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract decreased the viability of Giardia lamblia trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner. Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract at 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL resulted in 100% mortality in Giardia lamblia trophozoites after 360, 240, and 120 min, respectively. Moreover, Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract altered the permeability of plasma membrane of Giardia lamblia trophozoites by increasing the concentration. MTT assay revealed that the 50% cytotoxic concentrations values for HEK293T and MCF-7 cells were 4.32 mg/mL and 6.40 mg/mL, respectively, indicating that Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract had greater cytotoxicity against cancer cells than normal cells. Conclusions: Terfezia claveryi methanolic extract had potent in vitro antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Giardia lamblia by affecting cell membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species generation with no significant cytotoxicity on normal cells.

Application of Pressurized Liquid Extractions to Obtain Bioactive Compounds from Tuber aestivum and Terfezia claveryi

A PLE (pressurized liquid extraction) method was adjusted following a full-factorial experimental design to obtain bioactive-enriched fractions from Tuber aestivum and Terfezia claveryi. Temperature, time and solvent (water, ethanol and ethanol–water 1:1) parameters were investigated. The response variables investigated were: obtained yield and the levels of total carbohydrate (compounds, β-glucans, chitin, proteins, phenolic compounds and sterols). Principal component analysis indicated water solvent and high temperatures as more adequate parameters to extract polysaccharide-rich fractions (up to 68% of content), whereas ethanol was more suitable to extract fungal sterols (up to 12.5% of content). The fractions obtained at optimal conditions (16.7 MPa, 180 °C, 30 min) were able to protect Caco2 cells from free radical exposure, acting as antioxidants, and were able to reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro: IL-6 (50%), and TNFα (80% only T. claveryi ethanol extract), as well as reduce high inhibitory activity (T. aestivum IC50: 9.44 mG/mL).

Total Phenolics, Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Edible Ascomycota Collected from Niğde

Mushrooms have been used as food and medicinal purposes for centuries. In this study, some edible Ascomycota were collected in 2018 and 2019 from Niğde, Turkey. Molecular identifications of the samples were performed afterward. PCR products were sent for sequence analysis after ITS fragments were amplified with suitable primers concerning DNA isolation of samples. The obtained data were compared with the Genbank database for samples’ determination. The mushroom samples were determined to be Terfezia claveryi Chatin and Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. Samples were extracted by ethanol and methanol to determine antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial zones against microorganisms were measured. Then DPPH radical scavenging effects and total phenolic content of T. claveryi and M. esculenta mushroom samples were studied. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in ethanol extracts of M. esculenta. When the DPPH radical scavenging activities are taken into account, the activity is increased depending on the concentration. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was found in the extract of M. esculenta with 40.86%. It was determined that the total phenolic substances in methanol extracts of mushroom samples varies between 533.28 ± 1,15-537.34 ±2.20 μg GAE / mg extract.

Nutritional and Chemical Compositions of The Desert Truffle (Terfezia Claveryi) in Samawa City of Iraq

The present study was conducted to investigate the nutritional and phytochemical composition (amino acids, phenolic compounds) of Terfezia claveryi collected from Samawa city. The macro-Kjeldahl technique was used to determine the crude protein content (N6.25) of the samples. A Soxhlet device was used to determine the crude fat content. The identification of free amino acids and individual phenolic compounds were performed by an amino acid analyzer and High-Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC). Terfezia claveryi rich in carbohydrates, proteins and low in fat. protein percentage was 17.64%. Terfezia claveryi contain twelve amino acids, nine phenolic compounds, Rutin, Gallic acid, Sinapic acids and Chlorogenic acid were 6479.035, 3737.48, 1263.303, 1151.521 μg/gm identified as the major phenolic compound respectively. The protein content is significantly higher than most vegetables, which can use as a well-balanced diet. Owing to rich amino acids and phenolic profile Terfezia claveryi can be considered as a source of therapeutic agents.

Different patterns in root and soil fungal diversity drive plant productivity of the desert truffle Terfezia claveryi in plantation.

The desert truffle Terfezia claveryi is one of the few mycorrhizal fungi currently in cultivation in semiarid and arid areas. Agroclimatic parameters seem to affect its annual yield, but there is no information on the influence of biotic factors. In this study, fungal diversity was analysed by high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA region from soil and root samples to compare productive and non-productive mycorrhizal plants in a 4-years old plantation (Murcia, Spain). The fungal metaprofile was dominated by Ascomycota phylum. Desert truffle productivity was driven by different patterns of fungal species composition in soil (species replacement) and root (species richness differences). Moreover, positive associations for ectomycorrhizal and negative for arbuscular mycorrhizal guilds were found in productive roots, and positive associations for fungal parasite-plant pathogen guild in non-productive ones. Soil samples were dominated by pathotroph and saprotroph trophic modes, showing positive associations for Aureobasidium pullulans and Alternaria sp. in productive areas, and positive associations for Fusarium sp. and Mortierella sp. were found in non-productive soils. Finally, some significant OTUs were identified and associated to ascocarp producing patches, which could serve as predictive and location markers of desert truffle production.

Differential anti-inflammatory biomarkers of the desert truffles Terfezia claveryi and Tirmania nivea revealed via UPLC-QqQ-MS-based metabolomics combined to chemometrics

Chemical profiling of white (Tirmania nivea) and black (Terfezia claveryi) desert truffles using UPLC-MS/MS analysis followed by their discrimination based on their anti-inflammatory biomarkers identified using chemometrics and network pharmacology-based analysis was attempted. 25 compounds were identified using UPLC/MS/MS analysis in the extracts of T. claveryi and T. nivea belonging to saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic acids, alkanes and carboxylic acids. Identified compounds were forwarded to network-pharmacology-based analysis which revealed that resveratrol, oleic acid, margaric acid, naringenin, behenic acid and lauric acid were the top hit compounds related to anti-inflammatory targets. In-vitro anti-inflammatory testing assessed on LPS-stimulated WBCs revealed that T. claveryi and T. nivea extracts reduced TNF-α to the levels of 32 pg/ml and 55 pg/ml, IL-1β level to 55 and 85 pg/ml, and IFN-γ level to 130 nmol/ml and 175 nmol/ml, respectively. Further, the constructed orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model coefficients indicated that T. claveryi exhibited its in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity through down regulation of TNF-α pro-inflammatory markers with margaric acid, oleic acid, naringenin and resveratrol being its biomarkers while T. nivea affected mainly IL-1β and IFN-γ pro-inflammatory markers levels with behenic acid, lauric acid, caffeic acid and docosatetraenoic acid being its chemical markers.

Comparative metabolome classification of desert truffles Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia boudieri via its aroma and nutrients profile

Desert truffles are popular ectomycorrhizal fungi valued worldwide for their nutritional and traditional health benefits. Herein, two chief desert truffles viz., Terfezia claveryi and T. boudieri were assessed for their metabolites heterogeneity in context of their volatile sensory and nutrients profile as analyzed via GC-MS. Primary metabolites accounting for nutritive indices in T. claveryi and T. boudieri were investigated with 61 peaks belonging to sugars, sugar alcohols and amino acids. After headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), a total of 106 volatiles were annotated belonging to alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers and furans. The abundance of oxygenated monoterpenes as antimicrobials rationalizes for the folk use of desert truffles against trachoma. Benzyl isothiocyanate was detected as the sulfur containing volatile component in desert truffle and absent from truffles. Multivariate data analyses (MVA) revealed that 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanone were the most significantly contributors in the discrimination of T. claveryi and T. boudieri specimens. Being more enriched in essential amino acids, T. claveryi provided a better sugar diet composition concurrent with lower sugars and higher sugar alcohols compared to T. boudieri. This study provides the first insight into desert truffles metabolites and sensory composition, and to account for its culinary and medicinal uses.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bioactive Compounds of Iraqi Truffle Terfezia claveryi (Ascomycetes), Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, and Appraisal of Its Biological Activities.

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is a highly selective method that reduces the time and number of solvents used, has high efficiency, and is environmentally friendly. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of Iraqi Terfezia claveryi desert truffle extract and silver nanoparticles by MAE using water and hexane as extraction solvents. Chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Antioxidant activity was assessed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against four types of pathogenic bacteria, and anticancer activity was also assessed. The T. claveryi hexane extract showed approximately 18 bioactive compounds, with an antioxidant half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 6.896 μg/mL. This extract also had significant antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A cytotoxicity test of the hexane extract showed moderate toxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma mouse (HCAM) liver cancer cells. Acridine orange/ ethidium bromide staining showed apoptosis and DNA damage in HCAM cells treated with the hexane extract. The results of this study suggest that components of the T. claveryi wild desert truffle could have important nutrition functions that might support the immune system in fighting liver diseases when taken in daily regular doses.