Maria Atanassova

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with its progression driven by both genetic mutations and reversible epi-genetic modifications. This review highlights the potential of phytochemicals to modulate epigenetic mechanisms for cancer prevention and treatment. Natural compounds such as quercetin, EGCG, genistein, and β-elemene intera...

Abstract (1) Background: The return of fashion for the use of natural raw materials in cosmetics has led to an increase in interest in semi-solid vegetable oils. However, there are more and more new types of semi-solid vegetable oils obtained from exotic tropical plants in the cosmetic raw material market (2) The aim of this study is to examine sem...

The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using natural extracts offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. In this study, we synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using propolis extract as a natural reducing agent, resulting in two variants: CuO A and CuO B (calcined). UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful synthesis,...

Turgenia latifolia is a medicinal plant that has not been studied previously. This study explores the first determination of its chemical profile and biological activities. LC-ESI-MS/MS identified trans-ferulic acid as the main compound in the Et₂O extract (10.012 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid in the EtOAc and BuOH extracts (1.944 mg/g and 3.539 mg/g,...

The current work is devoted to using essential oils isolated from two wild-growing plants of Matricaria chamomilla and Teucrium polium in resistance to food spoilage, considering their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Hydro-distillation extraction (HD) method was used to obtain essential oils and gas chromatography–flame ionization detecti...

The escalating utilization of drugs across pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics underscores the need for efficient extraction and analysis methods. Traditional techniques like solid–liquid and Soxhlet extraction are time-consuming and prone to compound degradation. In response, recent years have shifted toward green extraction me...

This study represents the first investigation into the ultrasonic and microwave extraction of bioactive metabolites from Jania rubens (J. rubens) (red seaweed) and Sargassum. muticum (S. muticum) (brown seaweed), with a focus on their biological activities. The research compares ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with microwave-assisted extractio...

The chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and α-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity of Algerian Juniperus phoenicea L berries were quantitatively and qualitatively determined in this study. Essential oil (EO) and non-polar crude extracts from cyclohexane and ethyl acetate were prepared, and the chemical profile was determined using GC-MS tec...

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activities of leaf and seed extracts of Brassica oleracea var. elongata. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and reducing sugars in both methanolic and aqueous extracts. Quantitative analysis show...

This study was conducted to identify and characterize the Bacillus strain from Goat’s milk in Algeria and to evaluate the prebiotic effect of H. scoparia aqueous extract and ZnO-NPs on the isolated Bacillus strain. Potentially probiotic bacteria were isolated and identified based on phenotypic characteristics, including the morphological, physiolog...

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, ka...

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, ka...

Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is well recognized for its exceptional nutritional composition and potential benefits for human health. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of nutraceutical properties and biologcal activities of seven different quinoa cultivars, namely, red, white, Amarilla marangani, ka...

The current study focuses on the effect of Juniperus communis extract on the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria). Chromatographic analysis by HPLC was carried out to detect the most important compounds extracted from the plant. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determ...

The main goal of this study was to assess the bioactive and polysaccharide compositions, along with the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials, of five seaweeds collected from the northeastern coast of Algeria. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the study investigated the elemental compos...

Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Bioactive compounds, Elementary analysis, Nutritional and phytochemical composition, Seaweed.

The utilization of natural preservatives and active packaging in extending the shelf life of food products during storage is vital to meet consumer demand for minimally processed food under sustainable systems. Fiber and nanofiber, isolated from cells of different biologically active plants, possess antimicrobial activity and can be used as packagi...

Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, mainly flavonoids, which correlate with several health benefits mediated by their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Cocoa and chocolate consumption have been reported to impact the regulation of the immune system, both in preclinical studies and in human trials. The mechanisms for immunomo...

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs: Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts from Halocnemum str...

This study reports the biochemical profile and in vitro biological activities of the aerial part of two shrubs:Halocnemum strobilaceumandSuaeda fruticosa, a halophytes species native to saline habitats. The biomass was evaluated by determining its physiological properties and approximate composition. Hydro-methanolic extracts fromHalocnemum strobil...

Carbamate pesticides are a risk to human well-being, and pirimicarb is the most widely employed carbamate insecticide. This ongoing investigation aimed to reveal its toxicity on neurobehavioral and reproductive function. The study was carried out on male Wistar rats by assessment of behavioral changes via experiments, such as the forced swim test a...

Due to their robust antioxidant capabilities, potential health benefits, wide variety of biological activities, and strong antioxidant qualities, phenolic compounds are substances that have drawn considerable attention in recent years. The main goal of the review is to draw attention to saharian Algerian medicinal plants and the determination of th...

Pistacia Atlantica in folk medicine is used by Algerian traditional healers for treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions including dyspepsia, digestive problems, peptic ulcers, and, in particular, inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity (using 2,2-diphenyl-1-pic...

Plants are reservoirs of naturally occurring chemical constituents with a wide range of structural diversity. These biological compounds can be derived from different parts of plants such as leaves, barks, seeds, seed coats, flowers, and roots. A broad array of secondary metabolic compounds is present in the plants such as antibiotics, alkaloids, a...

Since ancient times, herbal medicines (HM) have played a vital role in worldwide healthcare systems. It is therefore critical that a thorough evaluation of the quality and control of its complicated chemical makeup be conducted, in order to ensure its efficacy and safety. The notion of HM chemical prints, which aim to acquire a full characterizatio...

Lobularia libyca (L. libyca) is a traditional plant that is popular for its richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the phytochemical profile by liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), the mineral contents and the biological properties o...

The prevalence of viral infections, cancer, and diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate around the world, and these diseases are now considered to be the most serious risks to human well-being in the modern period. There is a widespread practice in Asian countries of using papaya leaves (C. papaya L.) as herbal medicine, either alone or in combi...

In recent years, scientists' interest in agricultural waste has increased, and the waste has become attractive to explore and bene t from, rather than being neglected waste. Banana peels have attracted the attention of researchers due to their bioactive chemical components, so we focused on this review article on the antioxidant and antimicrobial a...

Agricultural waste has always been a global problem that causes environmental pollution, and thanks to the efforts of scientists, this agricultural waste has become not a neglected product, but rather a source of many effective chemical compounds that have industrial, pharmaceutical and food applications. Viral disease therapy has attracted a great...

Our study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antifungal activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs), total phenol, and total flavonoid of wild Mentha pulegium L. This study also determined the mineral (nutritional and toxic) elements in the plant. The EOs were extracte...

: Our study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties, antibacterial and antifungal ac�tivities, anti-inflammatory properties, and chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs), total phenol, and total flavonoid of wild Mentha pulegium L. This study also determined the mineral (nutritional and toxic) elements in the plant. The EOs were extra...

Cocoa is derived from the seeds of Theobroma cacao L., an evergreen tree typical of tropical regions. It contains numerous phytochemicals, with polyphenols representing the largest groups of compounds inside the seed, and has been implicated in numerous biological properties, such as antioxidant, antiproliferative, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory,...

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different p...

Medicinal plants and their derived compounds have drawn the attention of researchers due to their considerable impact on human health. Among medicinal plants, mint (Mentha species) exhibits multiple health beneficial properties, such as prevention from cancer development and anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardiop...

Rosmarinus species are aromatic plants that mainly grow in the Mediterranean region. They are widely used in folk medicine, food, and flavor industries and represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds (e.g., terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids). The extraction of rosemary essential oil is being done using three main methods:...

Apium plants belong to the Apiaceae family and are included among plants that have been in use in traditional medicine for thousands of years worldwide, including in the Mediterranean, as well as the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Some highlighted medical benefits include prevention of coronary and vascular diseases. Their phy...

Artemisia L. is a genus of small herbs and shrubs found in northern temperate regions. It belongs to the important family Asteraceae, one of the most numerous plant groupings, which comprises about 1000 genera and over 20000 species. Artemisia has a broad spectrum of bioactivity, owing to the presence of several active ingredients or secondary meta...

Herbs are ancient medicines rich in various phenolic and aromatic compounds, although used only in culinary applications. The influence of regular consumption of spring herbs from plant foods rich in naturally occurring antioxidants from plant foods, oxidative stress, cardiovascular risk and gaining in health effect was studied. The dietary fibers...

Chemical compounds of the hydrophobic extracts (n-hexane-ether extract) of the aerial parts of Scrophularia amplexicaulis and Scrophularia oxysepala were analyzed for the first time by the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). Total 36 compounds were identified which were 84.7% and...

The artificial neural networking (ANNs) is a system based on the function of biological neural networks. Although, at present computing is quite advanced, but there are certain tasks that a program made for a common microprocessor is unable to perform; even so a software implementation of a neural network can be made with their advantages and disad...

Pumpkin is an important, nutrient rich vegetable grown around the world. In this work, pumpkin, pomegranate and wild apricot were blended to make a pumpkin based wine. The pulps of different fruits were blended at 60:20:20 and the must was prepared using different concentrations of sugars (22°Bx, 24°Bx and 26°Bx), with diammonium hydrogen phosphate...

The in vitro antioxidant potential assay between ethanolic extracts of two species from the genus Vitex (Vitex negundo L. and Vitex trifolia L.) belonging to the Lamiaceae family were evaluated. The antioxidant properties of different extracts prepared from both plant species were evaluated by different methods. DPPH scavenging, nitric oxide scaven...

Background: Extraction method in medicinal plants is one of major issue in isolation of bioactive compounds. Mechanochemical-assisted extraction method (MCAE) is one of useful method of extraction. Objective: This paper will review the use of MCAE in medicinal plants, method of preparation of sample, experimental design for optimization procedure....

The object of our current study is to study the phytochemicalc contents in solid-liquid extraction of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) dry leaves grown in Bulgaria. Cichorium intybus, commonly known as chicory, is well known as a coffee substitute but is also discretely used as the natural product in food industry and medicine throughout its long his...

Centella asiatica is described as a potential cure-all because of its wide usage. The accessions in Centella asiatica make standardisation important before using it. In Malaysia alone, there are more than 15 accessions of Centella asiatica with each having variation in their secondary metabolites. There are several reports from India to Korea, from...

Centella asiatica is described as a potential cure-all because of its wide usage. The accessions in Centella asiatica make standardisation important before using it. In Malaysia alone, there are more than 15 accessions of Centella asiatica with each having variation in their secondary metabolites. There are several reports from India to Korea, from...

Commercial corn and wheat products were obtained and investigated for, proximate composition, mineral composition and tocopherol content. Proximate composition shows moisture content in the range of 28.75-2.75%, ash (2.70-0.32%), fats (21.52 -0.75%), protein (11.54-0.940%), crude fiber (4.06-0.250%) and carbohydrates (85.80-55.96%). The data indica...

Packaging is a cover which protects its contained good from production to consumption and ensures its hygiene through creating a physical barrier between foodstuffs and environment. Studies revealed that adding of synthetic polar polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol to starch leads to enhance physical and mechanical properties of produce films. Addit...

The use of a natural product with therapeutical properties has a long history. Ethanolic extract of Cotinus coggygria were analyzed for its phytoconstituents show that the dry leaves of Cotinus coggygria are rich in total phenols, total flavonoids, rutin and tannins. Solid–liquid extraction was carried out by 50% aqueous ethanol for 120 min, which...

The herb and seed spices were analysed for their tannins content by titrimetric method; rutin was determined spectrophotometrically by using ammonium molybdate; the total phenolic contents were determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay; the total flavonoids were measured spectrophotometrically using the colorimetric reaction with aluminum (III) chl...

"Pharmadent-Bio" Ltd. manufactures and markets cosmetic products and cosmetics food supplements containing extracts from Propolis, Echinacea and other herbal drugs. These products include the BIODENT series with Propolis - mouthwash, toothpaste, massage gel for gums, mouth spray and the series Dr. Bee – Tincture Propolis and Tablets with Propolis +...

Objective: Pesticides are used worldwide. They are applied during the growing season and part of the amount may remain in or on treated crop. Pesticides can drift to nearby areas and contaminate crops that were not treated. The MRLs are the maximum amount of a pesticide permitted in or on food (& feed), expressed in mg/kg or ppm and always defined...

The mycotoxins are fungal metabolites, found in most foods offered in the world. They represent a potential threat to food safety. Chronic toxic effects are possible at low levels of mycotoxins and are more serious problem than acute toxic effects, due to carcinogenic properties and prevalence of mycotoxins in such levels. Since complete removal of...

Recently, the interest in nutritional supplements plant based has increased. Plant extracts of the leaves of white birch (Betula Pendula) have shown the health-promoting properties. Leaves of birch (Betula Pendula) were collected during the period 2005-2008, with a view to their use as food additives and in pharmacy. The total phenolic and total fl...

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare total phenolics and total flavonoides, and antioxidant capacity of propolis and Echinacea purpurea ethanol extracts. Methods: Propolis and dried Echinacea purpurea extracts were obtained by extraction methods. The extracts were tested for total phenol and total flavonoid contents and anti...

Objective: Comparative evaluations of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity to various seeds from the Apiaceae family to which belong: Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Anethum graveolens (Dill), Pimpinella anisum (Anise), Carum carvi (Caraway) and Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) were carried out. Methods: The seeds were analysed for their tann...

ABSTRACT Objective: In the present study, a comparative evaluation of the phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity to several kinds of seeds from the Apiacea family, to which belong: Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), Anethum graveolens (Dill), Pimpinella anisum (Anise), Carum carvi (Caraway) and Coriandrum sativum (Coriander)...

Hexamethylenetetramine (urotropine) is a compound that is often used in foot care products. Urotropine (hexamethylenetetramine) has a broad antibacterial effect (due to release of formaldehyde), which ensures the elimination of already occurring microorganisms and prevent the recurrence of infections, so commonly is used in cosmetic products for sk...

Dans cet article on a appliqué la méthode sélective GC/NPD – une méthode d’analyse de sept pesticides organophosphorés – dimétoate, parathion méthyle, métalaxyle, fénitrothion, malathion et fenthion dans les feuilles de tabac. L’échantillon homogénéisé de tabac, après une extraction avec un solvant organique, est purifié par une extraction liquide-...

Herbs are an ancient source of flavouring, aromatic compounds and medicines, not only for culinary application. The increasing interest in the powerful biological activity of plant phenolics and flavonoids outlined the necessity of determining their content in medicinal herbs. In this present study, a comparative evaluation of the polyphenol compos...

The influence of regular daily consumption of natural juices and dry fruits, and vegetables on naturally occurring antioxidants from plant foods, oxidative stress, cardiovascular risk and gaining in health effect was studied. The dietary fibers play also an important role in preventive nutrition against several diseases. In the same time it is very...

Herbs are an ancient source of flavouring, aromatic compounds and medicines, not only for culinary application. The increasing interest in powerful biological activity of plant phenolics and flavonoids outlined the necessity of determining their contents in Bulgarian plants (dry herbs). In this precent study, a comparative evaluation of the polyphe...

The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of dry extract of Bulgarian white birch (Betula pendula) leaves was evaluated using the methods Folin-Ciocalteu and measured by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Recently, interest in plant-derived food additives has grown, mainly plant extracts of Bulgarian white birch (Betula pendula) leaves hav...

Flavonoids belong to the plant phenolics. The varied biological properties of flavonoids have stimulated an interest in these compounds. The rutin is one of flavonoids which is not sufficiently studied. The increasing interest in powerful biological activity of plant rutin outlined the necessity of determining content in fruits, vegetables and not...

Tannins represent a wide variety of compounds that can be found in fruits, vegetables, dry extract of red wine, dry extract of grape seeds, tea and dry not edible plants. Tannins are also known as proanthocyanidins possessing useful properties such as antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-athe...

Preschool nutrition education has a lasting effect on health considering the role of diet in some disease. Anemia, obesity, dental caries, prevention of heart disease and growth retardation are some of nutritional concerns of preschoolers to which society should attend. The article presents the results concerning the nutrition characteristics of ch...

collagen

Pentoxifylline is a pharmaceutical drug used to eliminate or to reduce disturbances in the peripheral blood circulation. Two methods with the same sampling and sample preparation for determination of pentoxifylline in workplace air are developed. Air sampling at workplace is made by means of perchlorovinyl filters (FPP). A twice methanol extraction...

Sodium azide (NaN3) is a colourness or a white crystalline powder, odorless, with hexagonal crystal structure. Sodium azide is used in detonators and other explosives in military industry, in agriculture (farming) for pest control, as a chemical preservative in hospitals and laboratories and as the chemical in automobile airbags. Sodium azide is a...

Dietary fibers play an important role in preventive nutrition against a number of diseases of our time. The knowledge of their contents in foods enables their more effective involvement in prevention. The aim of this study is to determine the fibers content in the most popular Bulgarian vegetables. The highest amounts of fibers are found in the red...

Irrespectively of the world’s prohibition of the organochlorine pesticides, for many years some residues can still be found in foods, especially in lipid-rich foods like fish. In the present study are compared different procedures for extraction of organochlorine pesticides in different fish species. All extracts are purified by column chromatograp...

On interacting 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) with tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (Bu4N*BF4) two novel compounds have been obtained. These are the 1:1 adduct (phen)*(Bu4N*BF4) and the complex Pb(phen)(Bu4N*BF4)3(NO3)2. The synthesized substances have been characterized by UV, IR and Raman spectroscopy as well as by 1H- and 19F-NMR spectroscopy.

The complex [Mg(1, 10-phenanthroline)3(NO3)2]·9H2O has been synthesized. It forms crystals having the shape of sheaves with very thin filaments. The compound has been characterized by UV, IR, NMR and mass spectra. The UV and mass spectra are indicative of an electron density transfer from NO3— to Mg2+. On the base of the spectroscopic studies a mod...