Omar M. Noman’s research while affiliated with King Saud University and other places

Introduction Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum L.) is a wild plant commonly employed in traditional medicine, particularly for its recognized applications in treating liver diseases. However, there are limited data available on the phytochemical analysis and biological activity of the different parts of milk thistle cultivated in Morocco. Material and methods This study aims to examine and compare the phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of seeds, leaves and stems of milk thistle. The antioxidant activity has been carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power (RP) assays. The antibacterial activity was tested against seven bacteria, furthermore, we assessed the synergistic effects by evaluating the combination of these plant parts. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection and Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-UV-MS) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) have been used to identify particular phytoconstituents in each component. Results and discussion Seeds and leaves showed comparable phenolic content However, leaves showed the highest flavonoid content with the highest antioxidant activity in both tests and no DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power activity detected in stems. Seeds showed the highest inhibition zone against S. aureus with an inhibition zone of 8 mm. The stems did not exhibit any inhibition zones against the tested bacteria except for K. pneumoniae where the inhibition zone was 6.60 mm. The combination of different parts did not show an increase in antibacterial activity. The extracts revealing a diverse array of bioactive compounds that enhance the antioxidant potential of milk thistle, emphasizing the distinct properties of each plant part. The closeness in phenolic content between seeds and leaves suggests that both parts could be valuable sources of antioxidants. However, despite the abundant phenolic content, the limited antibacterial activity indicates that the milk thistle’s extracts may be more pronounced in its antioxidant properties rather than its antibacterial effects.

Introduction New alternate food and pharma sources, halophyte plants have long been displaying exceptional nutritional and functional qualities. Methods Present investigations were carried out to explore three important halophyte herbs; Anabasis articulata, Lycium shawii, and Zilla spinosa,harvested from deserts, for phytochemical composition and potential food application. Results and discussion Plant leaves, converted into powders showed significant amounts of ash, fiber, and important minerals as contents (%) of ash and fiber in Anabasis articulata, Lycium shawii, and Zilla spinosa were 6.39 and 6.79, 8.19 and 9.14, and 4.35 and 8.87, respectively, while Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn were significantly higher in Anabasis articulata, with values 52.40, 50.59, 16.33 and 48.25 mg/kg, respectively, whereas Zilla spinosa presented Fe as 120.95 mg/kg, highest from all. Total phenolic contents (45.92 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), total flavonoid contents (11.31 mg quercetin equivalent/g) and total antioxidant activity (22.85 mg Trolox/g) were found highest in ethanolic extract of Lycium shawii, while in remaining two plants these values were also prominent. Extracts of these three halophytes leaves exhibited prominent antimicrobial activities, as calculated zone of inhibitions (mm) were comparable to reference drugs. Incorporation of powders of all three halophytes resulted in significant increment in ash fiber and minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) content of biscuits but with slight decrement in moisture, fat and protein. Formulated biscuits were also found boosted in total phenolic and flavonoid contents with elevated antioxidant activity as a result of incorporation of halophytes powders. Assessment of biscuits revealed that 5% levels of all halophyte’s powders produced acceptable product in terms of color, taste, texture and overall acceptability. Thus, halophyte plant powders and extracts could be used as new and sustainable source for food and pharma products.

Introduction Morocco is renowned for its rich plant biodiversity, although many plants are underutilized. Consequently, the present study was conducted to assess the nutritional composition, bioactive constituents, antioxidant properties, and acute oral toxicity of Abies marocana's woody biomass. Methods The nutritional value of the twigs and cones was determined using the AOAC method, while mineral components were examined through ICP-OES. To search for phytochemicals in the methanolic extracts, a number of established techniques were applied, and evaluate their antioxidant activity, while the volatile content was determined using the GC-MS method. The acute oral toxicity test was carried out following the guidelines of OECD 423. Results and discussion Proximate analysis revealed a variety of components in different parts, including moisture, ash, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Cones and twigs were found to be rich in mineral elements, as well as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols. Chromatographic analysis identified linoleic acid as the main component in twig extract and 2-Bornanone as the primary constituent in cone extract. The methanolic extracts of A. marocana displayed strong antioxidant properties through notable DPPH scavenging activity, with no mortality observed in rats even at doses exceeding 1,000 mg.kg⁻¹, indicating potential for medicinal, cosmetic, or dietary uses. A molecular docking study of the five main compounds of both plants showed that they aligned and interacted with the binding sites of selected proteins, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity.

Background/Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and liver steatosis. In this work, we explored the effect of an herbal formula (CBF) containing immature Ceratonia siliqua pods and Ocimum basilicum extracts on lipid metabolism disorders and lipoprotein-rich plasma (LRP) oxidation in mice. Methods: The phenolic composition was determined using HPLC-DAD analysis. The antioxidant activity was studied using various in vitro methods. Acute toxicity was evaluated in mice. Importantly, the effect of the CBF on lipid metabolism disorders was investigated in a high-fat diet (HFD) hyperlipidemia mouse model. An in silico study was carried out to predict underlying mechanisms. Results: The HPLC analysis revealed gallic acid, cinnamic acid, and naringenin as major phenolics of the carob pod aqueous extract. Concerning the basil hydro-ethanolic extract, rosmarinic, chicoric, caftaric, and caffeic acids were the main phenolics. Accordingly, the CBF prevented LRP oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. This formula is not toxic in mice (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg body weight). Moreover, animals administered the CBF at 200 mg/kg/day presented a significant decline in their body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, and glycaemia after 10 weeks’ treatment. Accordingly, the CBF decreased the plasma atherogenic index and the LDL-C to HDL-C ratio and reduced the level of fats accumulated in the liver. The molecular docking study revealed that chicoric, rosmarinic, and caftaric acids, and naringenin bound particularly strongly to many proteins involved in the regulation of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. This includes the HMG-CoA reductase, PPARα/γ, PCSK9, Cyp7a1, and ATP-citrate lyase. Conclusions: The CBF could be a good source of natural supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals effective in managing hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress and preventing their related cardiovascular disorders.

The phytochemical, nutritional, and biological features of wild carob pulp from Tanzight (TN), Ait-Waada (AW), and Tizi-ghnayn (TG) in Azilal were studied. The results of the study reveal that the carob pulp examined has a low-fat level. AW had the most total sugar (78.34 ± 3.00%), total reducing sugar (27.20 ± 2.89%), crude fiber (14.21 ± 1.23%), sucrose (24.303 ± 0.038%), sodium (153.7 ± 18.52 mg/kg), pH (5.599 ± 0.05), and total polyphenol content (4134.50 ± 17.91 mg GAE/100 g DW). TG has higher amounts of potassium (11373 ± 153.7 mg/kg), calcium (4345 ± 7.211 mg/kg), phosphorus (3551 ± 175.1 mg/kg), magnesium (1347 ± 52.43 mg/kg), fructose (7.635 ± 0.012%), and total flavonoids (1678.08 ± 24.05 mg RE/100 g DW). TN has the highest levels of crude protein (5.607 ± 0.047%), moisture (9.33 ± 0.57%), ash (4.16 ± 0.02%), glucose (2.956 ± 0.047%), and total condensed tannins (529.61 ± 6.76 mg CE/100 g DW). The ethanol extract derived from AW exhibited noteworthy antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 1245.83 ± 26.33 µg ascorbic acid equivalent /mg extract and IC50 values of 18.45 ± 1.41 µg/mL, 124.98 ± 5.21 µg/mL, and 24.87 ± 1.30 µmol/mL for 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), beta carotene (β-Carotene), and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-éthylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), respectively. Furthermore, AW has demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against a variety of bacterial and fungal strains using disc diffusion and broth dilution techniques. The analysed samples also demonstrated encouraging anti-cancer effects on MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. The biological activities were confirmed through molecular docking analysis, identifying naringin and quercetin 3-O-β-glucoside as related compounds. Additionally, ADME analyses have revealed that all the synthetic compounds examined in this study demonstrate high intestinal absorption, meet Lipinski’s criteria, indicating their potential suitability for oral drug development. Based on these findings, wild carob pulp from Azilal province may contain bioactive compounds and nutrients.

The corrosion of metals in acidic environments remains a significant challenge, driving the search for sustainable and eco-friendly inhibitors derived from natural sources. This study evaluates the corrosion inhibition potential of three extracts from Cannabis sativa L., namely ethanol extract (EET), hexane extract (EHX), and dichloromethane extract (EDM), for mild steel in a 1 M HCl acidic medium. The investigation employed weight loss (WL) measurements, electrochemical impedance spectro-scopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques. To understand their inhibitive performance, density functional theory (DFT) was used. For a more comprehensive theoretical analysis, Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the increase of EET, EHX, and EDM concentrations up to 91 %, 89 %, and 83 %, respectively, obtained at 308 K for a 0.8 g/L concentration. Polarization studies classify EET, EHX, and EDM as mixed-type inhibitors with a predominantly anodic effect, functioning through adsorption on the metal surface. The adsorption of these extracts on mild steel conforms to the Langmuir isotherm model, with adsorption equilibrium constants (K ads) of 3.0143 M, 5.1245 M, and 2.2009 M for EET, EHX, and EDM, respectively, highlighting their potential as effective corrosion inhibitors. The EET extract exhibits a high activation energy (E a) of 101.70 kJ/mol, while the EHX and EDM extracts show E a values of 79.05 kJ/mol and 82.93 kJ/mol, respectively, all significantly higher than the E a of blank, which is 30.23 kJ/mol, indicating that the extracts effectively inhibit corrosion by increasing the activation energy, with EET being the most potent inhibitor. Theoretical approaches based on DFT, MC, and MD simulations clearly explain the mode of adsorption of the majority of molecules on the metal surface. The inhibition process may result from a synergistic intermolecular effect of the major compounds in the extract, which interact at various active adsorption sites on the metal surface. Simulations indicate that catechin dihydrate in EET (52.42 %), linoleic acid in EHX (42.92 %), and naringenin in EDM (41.92 %) are close to the metal surface, suggesting strong interactions with the material. The results obtained from experimental measurements and theoretical calculations agree, highlighting the potential for developing more sustainable corrosion inhibitors based on plant-derived compounds.

Background/Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a major contributor to metabolic complications and tissue damage, leading to conditions such as liver steatosis, atherosclerosis, and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous artichoke bract extract (AE) on lipid metabolism, liver antioxidative defense, and liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet while elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Methods: An 8-week study used hyperlipidemic mice treated with AE at daily doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw, compared to fenofibrate. Plasma, liver, fecal, and biliary lipids, as well as blood glucose, were analyzed enzymatically. The liver antioxidative defense was assessed by measuring reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities, while liver steatosis was evaluated through transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities and histological monitoring of lipid droplets. Polyphenol profiling and quantification were performed using HPLC–DAD, and potential mechanisms were predicted by molecular docking and confirmed in HepG2 cells. Results: At 200 mg/kg, AE significantly improved plasma lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL–cholesterol while increasing HDL–cholesterol. It facilitated cholesterol reduction in the liver and its excretion, indicating activation of reverse cholesterol transport, which led to reduced body weight and liver steatosis. AE lowered MDA levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. AE was found to be safe (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg) and modulated gene expression in HepG2 cells. Conclusions: Based on our results, the artichoke bract extract could be considered a natural resource of bioactive compounds to treat hyperlipidemia and related cardiometabolic diseases.

Introduction In the global field of nanotechnology, the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an environmentally beneficial technique. To prevent the diseases caused by many commonly used pesticides, it is essential to synthesize safe alternatives from low-cost sources. Material and methods This study focuses on the eco-friendly extracellular production of AgNPs using an aqueous extract of Ulva lactuca as a reducing agent in a silver nitrate solution. The biosynthetic reaction was confirmed through various analytical techniques, including ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Moreover, antioxidant activity was confirmed. It has also been evaluated against a variety of bacteria and fungi that have an impact on humans, animals, and plants. Results and discussion The mean size of the nanoparticles (NPs) varied from 45–61 nm. The disk diffusion testing results show that, in comparison to the tested antibiotics, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were more responsive to U. lactuca-silver nanoparticles (U-AgNPs) extract. eldor 50% sc fungicide was used at the prescribed dose of 0.5 μL/mL, and the antifungal activity of aqueous and U-AgNPs extracts was examined at three concentrations of 0.62, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL. Through the suppression of spore germination, in vitro investigations demonstrated that U-AgNPs at varying doses greatly hindered the process of reproductive growth of Botrytis cinerea. Comparing U-AgNPs to the standard synthetic fungicide Teldor 50% sc, it is noteworthy to observe that a substantial control efficacy against tomato and strawberry gray mold was noticed, especially at concentrations of 2.5mg/mL on the entire tomato and strawberry plants and also on the detached leaves and fruits without causing any appearance damage. In summary, this study advances the field of agronanotechnology by demonstrating the potential application of a fungicide based on NPs to prevent gray mold on tomato and strawberry plants in greenhouse environments and throughout the postharvest phase.