Zygophyllum Album Research Articles

Apoptosis and genotoxicity effects of Zygophyllum album and Suaeda palaestina extracts on Ehrlich solid carcinoma in mice

BackgroundVarious medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds exhibited promising anticancer activities by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modulating several signaling pathways in cancer cells. This study aims to assess whether two medicinal plant extracts have anticancer properties, Suaeda Palaestina and Zygophyllum album.MethodsThis study used Ehrlich solid tumor mice as its in vivo model. We divided male mice into five groups (n = 5 per group). Group I was used as a control for Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Groups 2 and 3 were given Z. album extract 180 mg/kg and 360 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 were given the same dose of S. palaestina and treated three times a week for 2 weeks, starting on day 10 after EAC implantation. After 3 weeks, we collected blood samples and thigh skeletal muscle, homogenized them, and processed them for analysis. The results showed that Ehrlich solid rats (EST) treated with low-dose dichloromethane extracts from Z. album and S. palaestina had significantly smaller tumor sizes than the control group. Protein expression levels of p53, caspase 3, and Bcl-2 were quantified by western blotting.ResultsThe extracts from both plants induced the hunger mechanism, leading to increased expression of p53 and caspase 3 and decreased expression of Bcl-2 at the protein level in EST mice treated with Z. album and S. palaestina. In addition, the comet assay indicated that these plants have a genotoxic potential for solid tumor cells. The T3 and T4 levels in EST blood samples revealed that both plants had significantly reduced the concentration of T3 and significantly increased T4 compared to the EST mice untreated group. Furthermore, these results showed that Z. album and S. palaestina had antiproliferative effects in EST mice through apoptosis-mediated genotoxicity.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that S. palaestina and Z. album could be considered potential natural sources of anticancer agents.

Metabolomic Profiling and In Vivo Antiepileptic Effect of Zygophyllum album Aerial Parts and Roots Crude Extracts against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling in Mice.

The chemical profiles of both Zygophyllum album (Z. album) aerial parts and roots extracts were evaluated with LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Twenty-four compounds were detected. Among them, some are detected in both the aerial parts and the roots extracts, and others were detected in the aerial parts only. The detected compounds were mainly flavonoids, phenolic compounds, triterpenes and other miscellaneous compounds. Such compounds contribute to the diverse pharmacological activities elicited by the Z. album species. This study aimed to elucidate the antiepileptic effect of Z. album aerial parts and roots crude extracts against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling in mice. Male albino mice were divided into four groups, eight animals each. All groups, except the control group, were kindled with PTZ (35 mg/kg i.p.), once every alternate day for a total of 15 injections. One group was left untreated (PTZ group). The remaining two groups were treated prior to PTZ injection with either Z. album aerial parts or roots crude extract (400 mg/kg, orally). Pretreatment with either extract significantly reduced the seizure scores, partially reversed the histological changes in the cerebral cortex and exerted antioxidant/anti-inflammatory efficacy evinced by elevated hippocampal total antioxidant capacity and SOD and catalase activities, parallel to the decrement in MDA content, iNOS activity and the TXNIB/NLRP3 axis with a subsequent decrease in caspase 1 activation and a release of IL-1β and IL-18. Moreover, both Z. album extracts suppressed neuronal apoptosis via upregulating Bcl-2 expression and downregulating that of Bax, indicating their neuroprotective and antiepileptic potential. Importantly, the aerial parts extract elicited much more antiepileptic potential than the roots extract did.

Exploring antifungal activities of Tamarix aphylla and Zygophyllum album extracts against human mucormycosis

Exploring antifungal activities of Tamarix aphylla and Zygophyllum album extracts against human mucormycosis

Antimicrobial Potential of Different Isolates of Chaetomium globosum Combined with Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Chemical Profiling.

The antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic microorganisms against commercial drugs has become a major problem worldwide. This study is the first of its kind to be carried out in Egypt to produce antimicrobial pharmaceuticals from isolated native taxa of the fungal Chaetomium, followed by a chemical investigation of the existing bioactive metabolites. Here, of the 155 clinical specimens in total, 100 pathogenic microbial isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The Chaetomium isolates were recovered from different soil samples, and wild host plants collected from Egypt showed strong inhibitory activity against MDR isolates. Chaetomium isolates displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacteria, with inhibition zones of 11.3 to 25.6 mm, 10.4 to 26.0 mm, and 10.5 to 26.5 mm, respectively. As a consecutive result, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Chaetomium isolates ranged from 3.9 to 62.5 µg/mL. Liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was performed for selected Chaetomium isolates with the most promising antimicrobial potential against MDR bacteria. The LC-MS/MS analysis of Chaetomium species isolated from cultivated soil at Assuit Governate, Upper Egypt (3), and the host plant Zygophyllum album grown in Wadi El-Arbaein, Saint Katherine, South Sinai (5), revealed the presence of alkaloids as the predominant bioactive metabolites. Most detected bioactive metabolites previously displayed antimicrobial activity, confirming the antibacterial potential of selected isolates. Therefore, the Chaetomium isolates recovered from harsh habitats in Egypt are rich sources of antimicrobial metabolites, which will be a possible solution to the multi-drug resistant bacteria tragedy.

Effects of salinity and UV-B on seed germination behaviour of the halophyte Zygophyllum album L.: Enforced dormancy and trade-off strategy

Understanding the behavior of halophyte seed germination under multiple abiotic stressors is crucial for restoring salt-affected lands. Zygophyllum album L. (syn. Tetraena alba (L.f.) Beier & Thulin) is a perennial halophytic species that spreads in the coastal ecosystems of Mediterranean areas. Halophytes' seed germination indices concerning the influence of UV-B remain unexplored in scientific investigations. We provide here data on the effects of salinity (0, 100, 200, and 400 mM NaCl) and light (total darkness, 12 h dark/12 h light, and 12 h dark + 9 h light + 3 h UV-B) on seed germination, seedling growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, histochemical localization of O2−, and anatomical parameters of Z. album. The germination percentage was not significantly decreased under low and medium salinities (100 and 200 mM NaCl), but germination was entirely inhibited at 400 mM NaCl. Also, seed germination was reduced significantly under the combined treatment of 200 mM NaCl and UV-B light. The germination rate was significantly decreased at low salinity in darkness and under moderate salinity with all light treatments. However, the highest germination recovery was recorded under combined salinity and UV-B treatments. At the seedling stage, salinity reduced biomass and seedling length under all light treatments. Additionally, combined UV-B with salinity treatments had a negative synergistic influence on all growth parameters. On the other hand, the increase of catalase and peroxidase activities, as well as the accumulation of druses and idioblasts under combined treatment, suggest a trade-off between the growth of this species and its defense mechanisms. These results indicate that Z. album has a moderate tolerance to both salinity and UV-B stresses during germination, highlighting its significance as a potential source for reclaiming salt-affected lands and cultivating crops under future climate changes.

Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles green biosynthesis from the extract of Zygophyllum album (L.f.) on Fusarium wilt

Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles green biosynthesis from the extract of Zygophyllum album (L.f.) on Fusarium wilt

ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS ACCUMULATION IN SOIL AND ZYGOPHYLLUM ALBUM ALBUM: A CASE STUDY OF INDUSTRIAL PHOSPHATE VICINITY, TUNISIA

Contents and spatial distribution of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, As, Pb, Al and Ba) in the fine fraction of surface sediments and in Zygophyllum album shrub of zones influenced by phosphate industry in the region of Gabès, as well as in a control site (Sidi Ejjehmi) were determined. For the assessment of the level of sediment pollution, several parameters were calculated, including enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), Pollutant Load Index (PLI), Risk factor (Er), potential ecological Risk Index (Ri), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Electrical Conductivity (Ec), Organic Matter (OM) and pH.Whereas, Bio-Concentration Factors (BCF) and Translocation Factors (TF) are calculated for the evaluation of pollution degree in Zygophyllum album. The soils of Gabès are characterized by a high average relative concentration of As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Al and Zn in all the study sites, indicating contributions from anthropogenic sources. The Igeo and the PLI of heavy metals show that all study sites are heavily polluted. All the EF values of all trace metals from Gabes sites (above 10), indicate a very significant enrichment in soils. The PCA, AC and correlation matrix suggest that soils are mainly polluted by As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Al and Zn. For all studied metals, the values of TF in Z. album from Gabes sites are greater than 1 except for Al at S2. All metals studied, except Cd, are more accumulated in shoots than in roots. Values of BAF are greater than 1, as well as TF values are greater than 1, so Z. album of Gabes can be considered as phytoremediator in the case of those studied metals. For Cd, TF is greater than 1 and BCF is less than 1, Z. album can be considered as a phytostabiliser for this metal.

A New Saponin (Zygo-albuside D) from Zygophyllum album Roots Triggers Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (A549 Cells) through CDK-2 Inhibition.

Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate root extract of Zygophyllum album has resulted in the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside D (1), along with two known compounds; (3-O-[β-D-quinovopyranosyl]-quinovic acid) (2), which is first reported in the root, and catechin (3), first reported in the genus. Their chemical structures were established by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The new saponin (1) exhibited promising cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 3.5 and 5.52 μM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively, compared to doxorubicin with IC50 values of 9.44 and 11.39 μM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively. While it had an IC50 value of 46.8 μM against WISH cells. Investigating apoptosis-induction, compound 1 induced total apoptotic cell death in A549 lung cancer cells by 32-fold; 21.53% compared to 0.67% in the untreated control cells. Finally, it upregulated the pro-apoptotic genes and downregulated the antiapoptotic gene using gene expression levels. Compound 1 exhibited remarkable CDK-2 target inhibition by 96.2% with an IC50 value of 117.6 nM compared to Roscovitine. The molecular docking study further confirmed the binding affinity of compound 1 as CDK2 and Bcl2 inhibitors that led to apoptosis induction in A549 cancer cells. Hence, this study highlights the importance of compound 1 in the design of a new anticancer agent with specific mechanisms.

Streptomyces biostimulants: An effective sustainable approach to reduce inorganic N input and maintain high yield of wheat crop in different soil types.

This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic plant growth-promoting (PGP) actinomycetes from the wild medicinal plant Zygophyllum album. Eight actinomycetes were isolated, identified, and screened for their PGP activities to improve the growth and production of wheat plants under low N-inputs. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, the isolated actinobacteria showed high diversity and had multiple in-vitro PGP attributes. In pot experiments, Streptomyces sp. NGB-Act4 and NGB-Act6 demonstrated the highest significant PGP activities to enhance the growth of wheat plants under reduced N-inputs. Under various field conditions (high-fertility clay soils and low-fertility sandy soils), in combination with 50% N-dose, the two streptomycetes showed significant increases in grain N% and grain yield of the wheat crop compared with the 50% N-fertilized treatment. Irrespective of soil type, wheat plants inoculated with strain NGB-Act4 produced grain yield and grain N% significantly greater than, or comparable to the full N-dose treatment. This is the first field report on the successful use of endophytic streptomycetes as an effective strategy to improve wheat yield and reduce the use of synthetic N fertilizers.

Floristic Diversity of Zygophyllum album Communities Associated with Water Towers in the Algerian Sahara

Abstract Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a species of arid and hyperarid zones that has been the subject of many biochemical, pharmaceutical, and medicinal studies, but this species is largely unknown ecologically. This work aims to study the diversity and describe the characteristics of the functional traits of plant species of Zygophyllum album communities associated with water towers in the Algerian Sahara. Based on subjective sampling, 17 phytoecological relevés were carried out at six sites in the Algerian Sahara. Zygophyllum album plant communities were analyzed using diversity parameters (species richness, Shannon-Weaver index, Pielou equitability) and plant functional traits (life forms, dispersal types, morphological and phytogeographic types). The results revealed the presence of 30 plant species belonging to 16 families and 28 genera. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae and Apocynaceae were the most species-rich families, accounting for 60% of the total species studied. The plant communities studied were characterized by a high presence of hemicryptophytes (58.84%), anemochores (78.53%), perennial species (86.07%) and cosmopolitan species (41.55%) which witness the anthropogenic impact. Based on ordinary species values, three plant communities were individualized according to the hierarchical ascending classification. The species that dominate these communities are Phragmites communis (82.9%), Imperata cylindrica (35.2%) and Calotropis procera (28%) for community 1, Zygophyllum album (15.1%), Cistanche phelypaea (10%) and Launaea glomerata (5.1%) for community 2, Launaea resedifolia (10.2%), Hyoscyamus muticus (5.3%) and Cistanche Phelypaea (5.1%) for community 3. Community 1 is the most diverse (H’= 2.88; E= 0.88), while community 3 is the least diverse (H’=2.32; E= 0.93). This study provides baseline data for managing and conserving Zygophyllum album plant communities in arid areas.

Comparative Cytotoxic Evaluation of Zygophyllum album Root and Aerial Parts of Different Extracts and Their Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Lung A549 and Prostate PC-3 Cancer Cell Lines.

The current work demonstrates a comparative study between aerial and root parts of Zygophyllum album L. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), in addition to the antioxidant activity, of the crude extracts were investigated, where the aerial parts revealed a higher value overall. By means of UV-VIS and HPLC, rutin and caffeic acid were detected and then quantified as 5.91 and 0.97 mg/g of the plant extract, respectively. Moreover, the biosynthesis of AgNPs utilizing the crude extract of the arial parts and root of Z. album L. and the phenolic extracts was achieved in an attempt to enhance the cytotoxicity of the different plant extracts. The prepared AgNPs formulations were characterized by TEM and zeta potential measurements, which revealed that all of the formulated AgNPs were of a small particle diameter and were highly stable. The mean hydrodynamic particle size ranged from 67.11 to 80.04 nm, while the zeta potential ranged from 29.1 to 38.6 mV. Upon biosynthesis of the AgNPs using the extracts, the cytotoxicity of the tested samples was improved, so the polyphenolics AgNPs of the aerial parts exhibited a potent cytotoxicity against lung A549 and prostate PC-3 cancer cells with IC50 values of 6.1 and 4.36 µg/mL, respectively, compared with Doxorubicin (IC50 values of 6.19 and 5.13 µg/mL, respectively). Regarding the apoptotic activity, polyphenolics AgNPs of the aerial parts induced apoptotic cell death by 4.2-fold in PC-3 and 4.7-fold in A549 cells compared with the untreated control. The mechanism of apoptosis in both cancerous cells appeared to be via the upregulation proapoptotic genes; p53, Bax, caspase 3, 8, and 9, and the downregulation of antiapoptotic gene, Bcl-2. Hence, this formula may serve as a good source for anticancer agents against PC-3 and A549 cells.

Zygo-Albuside A: New Saponin from Zygophyllum album L. with Significant Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage.

Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the aerial part of Zygophyllum album L. (Z. album) led to the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside A (7), together with seven known compounds, one of them (caffeic acid, compound 4) is reported in the genus for the first time. NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometric analysis, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were utilized to set up the chemical structures of these compounds. The present biological study aimed to investigate the protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the crude extract from the aerial part of Z. album and two of its isolated compounds, rutin and the new saponin zygo-albuside A, against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury, considering the role of miRNA-29a. In all groups except for the normal control group, which received a mixture of distilled water and DMSO (2:1) as vehicle orally every day for ten days, testicular damage was induced on the fifth day by intraperitoneal administration of MTX at a single dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that pre-treatment with the crude extract of Z. album, zygo-albuside A, or rutin reversed the testicular damage induced by MTX. In addition, biochemical analysis in the protected groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, Bcl-2-associated-protein (Bax), and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis, along with an increase in serum testosterone levels compared with the unprotected (positive control) group. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, and miRNA-29a were downregulated in the testicular tissues of the protected groups compared with the unprotected group. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient evidence that Z. album extract, and its isolated compounds, zygo-albuside A and rutin, could alleviate testicular damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent MTX.

Salinity and type of salt effects on seed germination characteristics of medicinal plant Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae) native to the Algerian Sahara

Zygophyllum album L. known as "Agga" in vernacular Algerian dialect is one of great traditional remedies used by the native populations, as a treatment for skin diseases, indigestions and diabetes. This medicinal specie is drought resistant and salt tolerant, it plays an important role against desertification, reforestation of degraded lands and soil rehabilitation. Therefore, knowledge of environmental requirements for its seed germination is necessary for plant establishment in field conditions to colonize new territories. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the influence of salinity level and the type of salts on seed germination characteristics (germination percentage and salinity tolerance index) of this shrub found in the Sahara of Algeria. The test was conducted in a phytotron at a temperature of 25 °C and in the dark for 10 days. The seeds germinated in Petri dishes soaked with aqueous solutions of (NaCl, CaCl2 or Na2SO4) at the same concentrations of 0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 mM. Statistical analysis revealed that germination characteristics were significantly affected by salinity level and salt compositions. Seeds of Z. album were non dormant, exhibited highest germination percentage (100 %) under distilled water and were moderately salt tolerant. Both germination percentage and germination velocity gradually decreased with increasing salinity, irrespective of applied salt types. The salts that induced the inhibition of germination were salt specific and decreasing in following sequence: Na2SO4 > CaCl2 > NaCl. Our results support the statements that different salts exhibit both osmotic stress and ionic toxicity on seed germination.

Phytochemical Compositions of Some Red Sea Halophyte Plants with Antioxidant and Anticancer Potentials.

The aim of this study was to determine the compositions of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, fatty acids (FAs), and amino acids (AAs) of four Rea Sea halophytes: Anabasis ehrenbergii, Suaeda aegyptiaca, Suaeda monoica, and Zygophyllum album. The results showed that S. aegyptiaca and S. monoica were rich in gallic acid with 41.72 and 47.48 mg/g, respectively, while A. ehrenbergii was rich in naringenin with 11.88 mg/g. The polysaccharides of the four species were mainly composed of galactose (54.74%) in A. ehrenbergii, mannose (44.15%) in S. aegyptiaca, glucose and ribose (33 and 26%, respectively) in S. monoica, and arabinose and glucose (36.67 and 31.52%, respectively) in Z. album. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid were the major AAs in all halophyte species with 50–63% and 10–22% of the total AAs, respectively. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) of the four species was 42.18–55.33%, comprised mainly of linolenic acid (15.54–28.63%) and oleic acid (5.68–22.05%), while palmitic acid (23.94–49.49%) was the most abundant saturated fatty acid (SFA). Phytol and 9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3β–ol represented the major unsaponifiable matter (USM) constituents of S. monoica and A. ehrenbergii with proportions 42.44 and 44.11%, respectively. The phenolic fraction of S. aegyptiaca and S. monoica demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 9.0 and 8.0 μg/mL, respectively, while the FAs fraction of Z. album exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against Huh-7, A-549, and Caco-2 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 7.4, 10.8, and 11.8 μg/mL, respectively. Our results indicate that these plants may be considered a source of naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant and anticancer effects that could be suitable for future applications.

Antihemolytic and antioxidant activities of aerial parts extracts of Zygophyllum album L. and Globularia alypum L. from Algeria

The main intrest of this study was to evaluate the antihemolytic and the antioxidant activities of the aqueous extracts of Globularia alypum and Zygophyllum album prepared by three different methods: decoction, infusion and maceration. Phytochemical tests, total phenolic, flavonoid and tannins contents of the different aqueous extracts were determined. DPPH radical scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) were employed for the evaluation of the antioxidant activity. Whereas, the antihemolytic activity was carried out by the evaluation of the protective effect of the various prepared extracts on red blood cells against the radical attack induced by 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) di-hydrochloride (AAPH). The aqueous extract of Globularia alypum prepared by decoction showed the highest level of total phenolic contents (196.52± 10.76 µg GAE/mg Extract). These findings confirmed the remarkably antioxidant properties of this plant with DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP test. A concentration of 160 µg/ml of this extract showed a protective effect against hemolysis induced by AAPH radical. Hence, Zygophyllum album extracts demonstrated lower level of total phenolic contents (30.41 ± 2.01 µg GAE/mg Extract) and lower antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. Globularia alypum extracts presented a powerful antioxidant and antihemolytic activities especially for the decoction extract whereas Zygophyllum album revealed a weaker protective effect except its maceration extract.

Vegetation Composition of the Halophytic Grass Aeluropus lagopoides Communities within Coastal and Inland Sabkhas of Saudi Arabia.

Sabkhas are unique, highly saline ecosystems, where specially adapted plants can grow. Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites is a halophytic forage plant growing in salt marsh habitats of inland and coastal sabkhas of Saudi Arabia. The present study provides an analysis of vegetation composition and distribution of the A. lagopoides community in five different regions within Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the environmental factors that affect species distribution. The floristic survey revealed the presence of 48 species, belonging to 26 families. Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Mimosaceae, Zygophyllaceae, and Asteraceae are the largest families (50% of total species). Phanerophyte, followed by chamaephytes, are the most frequent forms, indicating a typical saline desert life-form spectrum. The vegetation analysis revealed the dominance of A. lagopoides in all locations, where it was the most dominant species in Qareenah, Qaseem, and Salwa locations, and the second most dominant species in Jouf and Jizan locations. The flourishment of this halophytic grass within a wide soil range in sabkhas revealed its adaptability to the harsh environment, which could be ascribed to its structural adaptations and modifications, as well as the phenotypic plasticity. The Qareenah and Qaseem locations attained the highest species richness and evenness, while the Jizan location was the least diverse. Within the studied locations, other highly salt-tolerant species were determined with high abundances, such as Suaeda aegyptiaca (Hasselq.) Zohary, Zygophyllum album L.f., Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge, Cressa cretica L., and Salicornia europaea L. The soil analysis showed a significant variation for all parameters among the studied locations, except for pH, chloride, and clay content. The Qaseem location revealed the highest values of most soil parameters, while the Jizan location showed the lowest. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the community structure and diversity are mainly affected by the soil salinity and moisture. Due to the economic potentialities of A. lagopoides as a forage plant and sand stabilizer, the conservation of its habitats is of vital importance. In addition, this grass could be integrated as a promising forage candidate that can be planted in saline-affected areas, even in the summer dry season.

Extracellular Enzymes of Endophytic Fungi Hosted Salt Marsh Plants in the South Eastern, Algeria

Endophyte microorganisms have great biotechnological interest, with features applicable to different areas and are potentially useful in agriculture. In the current study, the most dominant and representative endophytic fungal species of seven halophytic plants prevalent in the southeastern Algeria, Touggourt, were screened for their ability to produce four extracellular enzymes namely: cellulase, amylase, laccase, and lipase. Zygophyllum album came first by hosting diverse endophytic species among all the tested plants with eight species followed by Tamarix boveana and Limoniastrum guyonianum (46.66%) as well as Phragmites communis with 40% and Haloxylon articulatum and Aeluropus littoralis with 33.33%. Unlike J. effusus, it was the less diverse plant where only three species (20%) were identified. In term of enzymatic activities of the selected fungi, the two species of Chaetomium presented cellulase, amylase and lipase activity. Unlike, Trichoderma harzianum involved in lipase, Ulocladium sp. in cellulase, Bipolaris sp. and Botryostimphylium sp. in Amylase. Unlike, the two species of Chaetomium involved in cellulase, amylase and lipase. On the other hand, no enzyme activity was recorded in the colonies of Fusarium sp.

New combination approaches to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The herbal products proved to be more promising antimicrobials even though their antimicrobial activity is milder than commercially available antibiotics. Moreover, herbal drugs may act synergistically with antibiotics to kill microbes. In this study, we aimed to enhance the activity of penicillin against MRSA through combination with the active saponin fraction isolated from the Zygophyllum album plant. Three different types of metabolites (saponins, sterols, and phenolics) have been extracted from Zygophyllum album with ethanol and purified using different chromatographic techniques. The antibacterial activity of crude extract and the separated metabolites were checked against MRSA isolates, Saponin fraction (ZA-S) was only the active one followed by the crude extract. Therefore, the compounds in this fraction were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography connected to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF-MS) operated in positive and negative ionization modes. UHPLC/QTOF-MS revealed the presence of major six ursane-type tritepenoidal saponins (Quinovic acid, Quinovic acid 3β-O-β-D-quinovopyranoside, Zygophylloside C, Zygophylloside G, Zygophylloside K and Ursolic acid), in addition to Oleanolic acid. Interaction studies between saponin fraction and penicillin against MRSA were performed through the checkerboard method and time-kill assay. According to checkerboard results, only three combinations showed a fractional inhibitory concentration index less than 0.5 at concentrations of (62.5 + 312.5, 62.5 + 156.25, and 62.5 + 78.125 of penicillin and ZA-S, respectively). Time kill assay results showed that the highest reduction in log10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml of initial inoculum of MRSA after 24 h occurred by 3.7 at concentrations of 62.5 + 312.5 (µg/µg)/ml of penicillin and ZA-S, respectively. Thus, the combination between saponin fraction of Zygophyllum album and penicillin with these concentrations could be a potential agent against MRSA that can serve as possible model for new antibacterial drug.

Zygophyllum album aqueous extract reduces oxidative damage in red blood cells and attenuates pro-inflammatory plasma markers in hypercholesterolemic-diabetic rats

Zygophyllum album ( Z. album ) is used in traditional medicine for a long time for its anti-diabetic activities. This study had to assess Z. album extract supplementation effects on redox and inflammatory statuses in hypercholesterolemic-diabetic rats. Male rats Wistar (n=36), weighing 200±10 g were divided into three groups (n=12). The first group was rendered hypercholesterolemic (HC) with a high cholesterol diet (1 %). The second group was rendered diabetic (D) by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg of body weight). The third group was rendered hypercholesterolemic-diabetic (HC-D); each group was divided into two groups (n=6), untreated groups (HC, D, HC-D) and treated groups with 1 % Z. album extract (HC- Za , D- Za and HC-D- Za ). After 28 days, Z. album treatment lead to a decrease in RBC’s TBARS contents in HC- Za (-44 %), D- Za (-66 %) and HC-D- Za (-23 %) groups. An increase in the antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase) was observed in HC- Za , D- Za and HC-D- Za (p <0.05). IL-1 β and IL-6 concentrations were reduced by -44, -50 and -33 % and -49, 38 and -41 %, respectively in treated groups. A decrease in TNF-α as well as homocysteine and CRP was observed in Z. album treated groups (p <0,05). In conclusion, Z. album reduces radical attack and improves the anti-inflammatory proprieties in hypercholesterolemic-diabetic rats.

Mapping heavy metal (Cu, Zn, and Pb) pollution and ecological risk assessment, in the surroundings of Gabes cement plant—Tunisia

The pollution and contamination assessment of three heavy metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the topsoil, and common plants (Olea europaea, Prunus persica vulgaris, Ficus carica, Medicago sativa, Zygophyllum album, and Helianthemum kahiricum) were carried out at different distances from a cement plant. This evaluation was based on four evaluation methods: Bioconcentration factor, Contamination factor, Geoaccumulation Index and Potential ecological risk factor. The chlorophylls a and b contents were also analyzed. The highest levels of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the topsoil were found close to the cement factory (cluster D), and the lowest values were observed in a distant oasis (cluster H). The lowest chlorophylls values were observed in perennial plants (O. europaea and F. carica) near the cement plant. Zygophyllum album and H. kahiricum showed capability to remove Cu an Zn in contaminated locations, depending on the soil type. The spatialization of the results was essential to the understanding of the potential contribution of different sources of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the topsoil and to distinguishing different behaviors of the same plant species. Concerning H. kahiricum, further research should be undertaken since it has a high livestock acceptability index and is used in traditional medicine. Novelty statement The impact of three heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) on the topsoil and six species of plants common in Tunisia (arid climate) will be assessed, and the potential contribution of different sources to the contamination. Few studies have addressed the impact of cement dust in the topsoil and common plant species in arid rangelands, and, as far as we know, none of them have considered the spatialization of the data and results, considering the prevailing wind, plant species location, soil type, and use. Moreover, the ability of steppic vegetation to remove these three heavy metals (phytoextraction) was evaluated using the bioconcentration factor (BCF), soil pollution indices, and ecological risk. Chlorophylls a and b contents were also evaluated to establish the effect of the cement plant on the health of plants located nearby.