A. Shiravi, A. Akbari, Z. Mohammadi, M. Khalilian, Alireza Zeinalian, M. Zeinalian
{"title":"Rosemary and its protective potencies against COVID-19 and other cytokine storm associated infections: A molecular review","authors":"A. Shiravi, A. Akbari, Z. Mohammadi, M. Khalilian, Alireza Zeinalian, M. Zeinalian","doi":"10.3233/mnm-210013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/mnm-210013","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Nowadays, medicinal plants have attracted great interest in treatment of human diseases. Rosemary is a well-known medicinal plant which has been widely used for different therapeutic purposes. METHODS: This is a narrative review using databases including PubMed, ISI, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and google scholar, the most authoritative articles were searched, screened, and analyzed. RESULTS: Rosemary is a natural antioxidant which removes reactive oxygen species from tissues and increases expression on Nrf2 gene. Rosemary and its metabolites reduce inflammation by inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreasing expression of NF-κB, inhibiting infiltration of immune cells to inflamed sites, and affecting gut microbiome. Besides, rosmarinic acid in rosemary extract has positive effects on renin-angiotensin-system. Rosemary affects respiratory system by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle spasm, and also through anti-fibrotic properties. Carnosic acid is able to penetrate blood-brain-barrier and act against free radicals, ischemia and neurodegeneration in brain. Cardioprotective effects include correcting lipid profile, controlling blood pressure by inhibition of ACE, prevention of atherosclerosis, and reduction of cardiac muscle hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Accordingly, rosemary supplementation has potential protective effects against COVID-19 and other cytokine storm associated infections, a conclusion that needs more evaluations in the next clinical trials.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47130649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antihyperglycemic and cholesterol-lowering potential of dietary fibre from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.)","authors":"M. C. Villalobos, M. Nicolas, T. Trinidad","doi":"10.3233/mnm-210568","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/mnm-210568","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: The major component of lemongrass by weight is dietary fibre (DF), but no literature has been reported on its DF components and fermentation products when ingested. OBJECTIVE: This study analysed DF components of lemongrass, investigated the potential of the major product from total DF (TDF) fermentation to inhibit α-amylase and HMG-CoA reductase, key enzymes of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, respectively, and determined the serum glucose- and cholesterol-lowering potential of TDF in an animal model. METHODS: Lemongrass DF components were analysed, TDF was fermented in vitro; the major fermentation product was isolated for enzyme inhibitory assays; and postprandial blood glucose- and cholesterol-lowering potential of TDF was determined in Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS: TDF in lemongrass was 65.7 g/100g and soluble DF, 2.8 g/100 g. Significant amount of propionate (10.9 mM/g TDF) was produced after TDF fermentation; propionate inhibited 20.4% α-amylase activity, and 13.1 % HMG-CoA reductase activity in vitro. TDF further exhibited antihyperglycemic and cholesterol-lowering potential in an animal model. CONCLUSIONS: DF from lemongrass was shown to reduce hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in an animal model, through mild inhibition of α-amylase and HMG-CoA reductase. Thus, lemongrass DF may have a significant role in mitigating the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/mnm-210568","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48225979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Amessis-Ouchemoukh, Nacera Maouche, A. Otmani, A. Terrab, K. Madani, S. Ouchemoukh
{"title":"Evaluation of Algerian’s honey in terms of quality and authenticity based on the melissopalynology and physicochemical analysis and their antioxidant powers","authors":"N. Amessis-Ouchemoukh, Nacera Maouche, A. Otmani, A. Terrab, K. Madani, S. Ouchemoukh","doi":"10.3233/MNM-210561","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-210561","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Honey is a vegetable and animal product which comes from nectar and / or honeydew. It is used in different nutritional and therapeutic fields. OBJECTIVE: Melissopalynology and physicochemical analysis of Algerian honeys, determination of their phenolic compounds and authenticity parameters and the evaluation of their antioxidant properties. METHODS: Twenty Algerians honey were studied for their physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, proteins, proline, hydroxymethylfurfural, ash, color, electrical conductivity, and optical rotation), floral origin and phenolic compounds contents. Antioxidant activities were tested too. RESULTS: Melissopalynologycal analyses revealed that the studied honeys were twelve multifloral, seven Fabaceae, and one Myrtaceae. All honeys were acidic (3.65≤pH≤4.35) and most of them were low in moisture content. The electrical conductivity varied between 0.29 mS/cm and 1.78 mS/cm. Ash, protein and proline contents results showed that the majority of honeys were in agreement with the legislation and were authentic. The color varied from mimosa yellow to dark brown. The specific rotation was levorotatory in most honey samples and the hydroxymethylfurfural values (from 1.5 mg/kg to 34.73 mg/kg) agreed with the international requirements. Honeys were rich in total phenolic compounds, 22.41 (Honey11) to 96.16 (Honey15) mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g, and flavonoids, 8.90 (Honey11) to 80.02 (Honey 02) mg quercetin equivalents/100 g. Honey samples 15,03, 05, 01, and 06 exerted more than 50% reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radicals and were able to reduce iron while honey samples 12, 18, 19, 14, and 11chelate efficiently iron. High significant correlations between physicochemical parameters and antioxidant activities were found. CONCLUSION: The Algerian honeys analyzed were authentic and variations in their quality parameters and phenolics composition were directly associated with their demonstrated antioxidant properties.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-210561","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49300487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Borassus aethiopum (Mart.) ethanol fruit extract reverses alloxan-treatment alterations in experimental animals","authors":"M. Adams, E. Eze","doi":"10.3233/mnm-211589","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/mnm-211589","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Borassus aethiopum fruit is claimed to be used for the management of diabetes without scientific validation. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to evaluate the antihyperglycaemic activity of ethanol fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: 36 rats were placed in six groups (i-vi) (n = 6). Animals in group i (standard) were given 0.4 mls of distilled water (d.w) whereas the ones assigned to group ii, iii, iv, v and vi which were induced into diabetes (by intake of 140 mg/kg body weight [b.w] of alloxan) were also respectively given d.w, 50 mg/kg b.w of metformin, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of ethanol fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum, once daily for 14 days. RESULTS: Flavonoid found in the extract (24.04 mg/ml) occurred the most with phenolic (0.35 mg/ml) being the least. While alloxan substantially (p < 0.05) increased the levels of some biological molecules and enzyme activity, it lowered those of others. The extract however significantly (p < 0.05) reversed all the alloxan-induced alterations, with the extract at 100 mg/kg b.w producing figures that compared (p > 0.05) well with those of the d.w treated non-diabetic animals and metformin-treated diabetic animals. The extract also renewed the wholeness of histological damage in the pancreas. CONCLUSION: The bioactive agents of B. aethiopum presented antihyperglycaemic property by preventing diabetes via reversal of alloxan-treatment alterations in the animals.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43535266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Moussaoui, K. Kaoutar, A. Chetoui, A. E. Kardoudi, F. Chigr, Mounir Borrous, M. Najimi
{"title":"Prevalence and determinant factors of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers in Marrakesh province, Morocco: A cross- sectional survey","authors":"S. Moussaoui, K. Kaoutar, A. Chetoui, A. E. Kardoudi, F. Chigr, Mounir Borrous, M. Najimi","doi":"10.3233/MNM-200517","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-200517","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants during the first 6 months of life. Nevertheless, the practice of breastfeeding is currently declining throughout the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice and its associated factors among mothers living in Marrakesh province, Morocco. METHODS: The data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. RESULTS: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 50.2%. Mothers with age more than 30 years, residing in rural area, receiving counseling related breastfeeding during antenatal follow up and having knowledge about duration of breastfeeding were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of breastfeeding in Marrakesh was higher than the last national survey report but it is still insufficient. These findings have to stress authorities and deciders to sensitize mothers and future mothers to increase exclusive breastfeeding practice notably through the involvement of health professionals.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-200517","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43671267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Kaoutar, A. Chetoui, A. E. Kardoudi, K. Boutahar, S. Moussaoui, F. Chigr, M. Najimi
{"title":"Eating habits, lifestyle factors and body weight status among Moroccan school adolescents (12–19 years): The case of Beni Mellal city","authors":"K. Kaoutar, A. Chetoui, A. E. Kardoudi, K. Boutahar, S. Moussaoui, F. Chigr, M. Najimi","doi":"10.3233/MNM-200506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-200506","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are serious public health issues worldwide. A better understanding of the relationships between obesity and lifestyle factors is necessary for effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity and associated factors among schoolchildren aged 12–19 years at Beni Mellal city, Morocco. METHODS: A school based cross sectional study was carried out. A total of 516 children were included in the study. The nutritional status was classified according to the reference curves of WHO (2007). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with overweight/obesity. The association between dependent and independent variables were assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 12.40% and that of obesity was 5.20%. Overweight and obesity were statistically associated with gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 10.15[95% CI 1.37–3.81], p = 0.001); skipping breakfast (OR = 9.19 [95% CI 1.42–5.17], p = 0.002) and eating cake, pastry and biscuit 1 to 3 times per week (OR = 4.14 [95% CI 1.02–3.25], p = 0.04) and 4 or more times a week (OR = 7.83 [95% CI 1.31–4.66], p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that prevalence of overweight/obesity among school-aged children in Beni Mellal city was high. Thus, promoting healthy dietary practices, particularly improving fruit and vegetable intake is essential to reduce the burden of overweight and obesity. Furthermore, it is important to strengthen nutrition education about avoiding junk food consumption and encouraging regular physical activity.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-200506","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47072554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatemeh Ghafouri Taleghani, A. Norouzy, F. Samini, M. Nematy, M. Safarian, Ashraf Rahbari, A. Amini, Zohreh Sadat Sangsefidi, Asghar Mafinezhad
{"title":"Effects of curd on diarrhea treatment in patients with head trauma receiving enteral feeding in intensive care units","authors":"Fatemeh Ghafouri Taleghani, A. Norouzy, F. Samini, M. Nematy, M. Safarian, Ashraf Rahbari, A. Amini, Zohreh Sadat Sangsefidi, Asghar Mafinezhad","doi":"10.3233/MNM-200443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-200443","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Diarrhea in patients on enteral feeding is a common complication with serious clinical outcomes. In Eastern and Southern Mediterranean regions, using curd as a food for the treatment of diarrhea is a common practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether curd could reduce the duration or severity of diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients with head trauma. METHODS: A total of 42 patients on enteral feeding who had diarrhea after starting enteral feeding, admitted to the intensive care unit, were randomly assigned to either to receiving curd and standard enteral formula or standard enteral formula only groups. The intervention period for each patient was three days. The primary outcome was the duration of diarrhea, while the secondary outcomes were the frequency and weight of stool per day in each patient. RESULTS: This study showed a significantly higher stool weight in patients receiving enteral curd (588.76±266.88 vs 390.60±171.82 gr/day). There was no significant difference between the groups in duration of diarrhea (9 v 8 days) and episodes of diarrhea per day (2.20±1.00 vs 2.00±0.70) in intervention and control groups. incidence of liquid or loose stools on days 1–4 of the intervention (P1 = 0.43, P2 = 0.16, P3 = 0.45, P4 = 0.62). Feeding with curd did not change the APACHE score in intervention and control groups. This study showed no significant difference in 28 days of mortality in intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that supplementary enteral feeding with curd did not improve diarrhea, the severity of the disease, or 28 days mortality in critically ill patients with diarrhea receiving enteral nutrition.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-200443","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70142343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Khatun, Mousumi Mitra, Koushika Das, Atiskumar Chattopadhyay, D. Nandi
{"title":"Reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in hyperlipidemic rats by composite oil (CO) of Sesamum indicum L. and Vicia faba L.","authors":"H. Khatun, Mousumi Mitra, Koushika Das, Atiskumar Chattopadhyay, D. Nandi","doi":"10.3233/MNM-200500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-200500","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is a global health issue that can be alleviated by functional foods. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of composite oil (CO) of sesame seed oil (SSiO) and Vicia faba seed oil (SVfO) on inflammatory factors, ROS generation level, and cell apoptosis level on high lipid diet (HLD) induced hyperlipidemic rat model. METHODS: Hyperlipidemic rat model was developed by feeding HLD to the experimental rats for eight weeks. Male albino rats weighing around 200–210 g were randomly divided into three equal groups: group I: control, received a normal diet; group II: received HLD for eight weeks, and group III: received the HLD with CO orally. After 60 days of treatment, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-10; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-18, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell apoptosis were serially assessed. RESULTS: After eight weeks of CO treatment, TNF- α, IL-18, CRP, and oxidative ROS generation significantly decreased in CO treated group (group III) compared to group II. On the other hand, IL-10 levels significantly increased in CO treated group compared to group II animals. It was also observed that the percentage of the late apoptotic cell reduced considerably in the CO treated group (group III) compared to HLD-fed animals (group II). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the CO could prevent CVDs via suppressing oxidative stress, and ameliorating inflammation and apoptosis in hyperlipidemic rats.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-200500","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70142531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aikaterini Kanellopoulou, Angeliki Katelari, V. Notara, G. Antonogeorgos, A. Rojas-Gil, Ekaterina N. Kornilaki, R. Kosti, A. Lagiou, D. Panagiotakos
{"title":"Parental health status in relation to the nutrition literacy level of their children: Results from an epidemiological study in 1728 Greek students","authors":"Aikaterini Kanellopoulou, Angeliki Katelari, V. Notara, G. Antonogeorgos, A. Rojas-Gil, Ekaterina N. Kornilaki, R. Kosti, A. Lagiou, D. Panagiotakos","doi":"10.3233/MNM-200470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-200470","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: Children’s dietary behaviors seem tract into adulthood and as a result preventing strategies to establish healthy behaviors from early stages of life are needed. Nutrition knowledge is essential for behavioral change. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the status of parental health related to their children’s nutrition literacy level through their perceptions mainly of healthy eating attitudes METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Greece among 1,728 schoolchildren aged 10–12 years old. The sample was collected in the school setting during the school years of 2014–2016. Children completed anonymously a self-administered questionnaire about their knowledge and perceptions of a healthy diet while their parents completed another suitable questionnaire about family health status. RESULTS: Paternal BMI status and hypertension were inversely associated with the level of nutrition literacy of their children by b = –0.043 (95%CI: (–0.082, –0.003; p = 0.036) and by b = –0.600 (95%CI: –1.181, –0.019; p = 0.043), respectively. Parental health status, specifically, paternal diabetes and maternal dyslipidemia were associated with children’s higher level of nutrition literacy by b = 0.729 (95%CI: 0.002, 1.456; p = 0.049) and by b = 0.730 (95%CI: 0.086, 1.374; p = 0.026), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parental health status partially affects, either negatively or positively, the level of nutrition literacy of their children. This impact depends on whether parents follow nutritional recommendations to improve their health.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-200470","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70142573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Madjda Benguechoua, Nadhir Gourine, Artur M. S. Silva, M. Saidi, M. Yousfi
{"title":"Harvest date and variability in lipid bioactive compounds in Pistacia atlantica","authors":"Mebarka Imane Benguechoua, Madjda Benguechoua, Nadhir Gourine, Artur M. S. Silva, M. Saidi, M. Yousfi","doi":"10.3233/MNM-200511","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3233/MNM-200511","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND: The present work stands as an endeavor to uncover the ideal harvesting time of leaves in which they exhibits the maximum contents of bioactive molecules such as essential fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids. METHODS: A large scale investigation was carried out for the leaves of Pistacia atlantica involving a large number of populations collected over a period of four months during the growing season. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using both DPPH and β-carotene assays. The chemical percentage variability of the fatty acids was investigated using statistical analysis methods (Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering “AHC”, also cited as CAH). OBJECTIVE: During the growth period, the effects of harvesting date on the total contents of lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids, fatty acids composition and also the antioxidant activities of the lipids were investigated. RESULTS: The content of myristic acid and other saturated fatty acids increased during leaf development, while linoleic, linolenic acids and unsaturated fatty acids decreased. The highest percentages of both linolenic C18:3 (27.25±5.92%) and linoleic acids C18:2 (17.68±3.80%) were obtained for the month of May at the first stage of leaves development (young leaves), but higher percentage levels of C18:1, were obtained for both consecutive months of August & September (28.83±6.50%; 27.79±8.63%, respectively) at intermediate developing stage. The lipids, tocopherols, carotenoids contents and the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were dependent on the harvest time. The antioxidant activity showed higher powers at the first developing stage (May). Two main clusters and two sub-clusters of the fatty acids were distinguished and were also depending clearly on the period of the collection. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the FA were dependent on the period of collection of the leaves. The main result of this study illustrate the nutritional potential (richness in MUFA such as C18:1, 2, 3) of the oil of P. atlantica leaves, which can provide opportunities for rational exploitation in the food industries or for medicinal purposes.","PeriodicalId":18424,"journal":{"name":"Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3233/MNM-200511","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70142896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}