Phytochemical study, antioxidant activity, and dermoprotective activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.)
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Soufiane Drioua
, Otman El-Guourrami , Amine Assouguem, Mouna Ameggouz
, Mohammed Kara , Riaz Ullah , Ahmed Bari , Ahmed Zahidi , Azra Skender , Hanane Benzeid and Anass Doukkali
Abstract
Chenopodium ambrosioides, a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, is renowned for its toxic properties. Despite its toxicity, it has been traditionally utilized in various communities, particularly in pediatric contexts, for its vermifuge, antispasmodic, and antipyretic attributes. This study aims to unravel the phytochemical composition present in organic fractions and aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial components of C. ambrosioides. Furthermore, our objective is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts and fractions, coupled with a comprehensive examination of their toxicological effects. Polyphenols were quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, flavonoids via the aluminum trichloride reagent AlCl3, and tannins using the vanillin method. Identification of bioactive compounds within the plant specimen was accomplished through GC-MS spectrophotometric analysis. The assessment of antioxidant activity employed DPPH, ferric (Fe3+) ion antioxidant reducing power (FRAP), ABTS, and TAC methods, with quercetin, catechin, and ascorbic acid serving as standards. Dermoprotective activity was studied using the ultraviolet absorption test. The GC-MS analysis conducted on the aqueous extracts (EAI and EAM) and assorted fractions (FCH, FE, FB, and FA) revealed the presence of diverse chemical families encompassing alcohols, acids, terpenes, steroids, and phenolic compounds. The components identified in the investigated samples, including trans-ascaridol glycol, palmitic acid, phenol, octadecadienoic acid, isoascaridol, eicosanoic acid, 2-methoxy-4-vinyl phenol, mexiletine, and thymol, are postulated as potential contributors to the observed antioxidant activity inherent in the plant extracts and fractions. Our findings highlight the remarkable antioxidant potential of Chenopodium ambrosioides, with the ethyl acetate fraction exhibiting the highest activity (IC50 = 0.54 mg/ml) in the DPPH test. In the FRAP and ABTS tests, the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions demonstrated superior activity (IC50 = 4.43 mg/ml, 12.9 mg/ml and IC50 = 1.6 mg/ml, 4.54 mg/ml, respectively). Conversely, the TAC test revealed that the macerated aqueous extract displayed the highest activity (316.33 mg Eq AG/g), followed closely by the n-butanolic fraction (250.67 mg Eq AG/g). These outcomes can be attributed to the abundant presence of phenolic compounds in the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions, as well as the macerated aqueous extract, playing a pivotal role in the observed antioxidant activity. Additionally, our investigation of the dermoprotective activity demonstrated robust efficacy in the ethyl acetate fraction (FE) and the n-butanolic fraction (FB) compared to the standard agents employed (ZnO and methyl salicylate). Overall, our comprehensive studies affirm that the extracts and fractions derived from C. ambrosioides manifest moderate antioxidant activities alongside significant dermoprotective potential, elucidated by the presence of phenolic compounds in moderate quantities within the plant.
1 Introduction
Herbal medicine has been gaining popularity in developed countries as a complementary therapy to conventional medical treatments. Many people are looking for more natural and holistic alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, and medicinal plants offer a unique way to achieve this. Herbal remedies have been found to be effective for treating a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and inflammation.
Moreover, numerous ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to assessing the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants, with a plethora of scientific publications reinforcing the utilization of traditional medicine. Beyond being an alternative approach to disease treatment, the use of medicinal plants presents a promising avenue for the discovery of novel drugs.
For centuries, medicinal plants have served as a cornerstone in the treatment of a diverse array of illnesses and conditions, maintaining a pivotal role in healthcare practices worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 80% of the population in Asian and African nations relies on traditional herbal medicine as their primary healthcare modality. This reliance stems not only from the accessibility and affordability of herbal remedies but also from the demonstrated effectiveness and safety associated with many plant-based therapeutic interventions.
There is a burgeoning interest in natural antioxidants, particularly in compounds such as flavonoids and other polyphenols, including tannins, abundantly present in plants. These bioactive constituents are being explored as promising reservoirs for natural skincare agents. Notably, these compounds exhibit robust antioxidant properties, offering a protective shield against skin damage induced by free radicals. Moreover, their association with a diminished risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, underscores their multifaceted potential beyond skincare applications [1,2].
The dermoprotective properties of Chenopodium ambrosioides have been the focus of recent research, revealing that extracts from the plant possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that are beneficial for the skin. A study by Ouadja et al. [3] found that the oil extract of the plant has anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes in skin cells. Santiago et al. [4] discovered that the essential oil of C. ambrosioides has antimicrobial properties, and Lahlou et al. [5] found that the methanolic leaf extract of C. ambrosioides demonstrated antioxidant activity. These findings indicate that C. ambrosioides may have potential benefits for the skin, and further research is needed to fully understand its dermoprotective properties and the active compounds responsible for its therapeutic benefits.
The botanical specimen, C. ambrosioides, colloquially referred to as “Mkhinza,” is a ubiquitous annual herb classified within the Amaranthaceae family. Indigenous to Central and South America, this plant has proliferated and can now be observed in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Throughout history, the leaves and stems of C. ambrosioides have been harnessed for medicinal applications, addressing conditions such as headaches, abdominal pain, joint pain, and respiratory ailments. Additionally, the leaves exhibit efficacy in the treatment of lice and warts.
Scientific investigations have unveiled the anti-inflammatory and analgesic attributes inherent in C. ambrosioides, attributable to the presence of phytochemical compounds like flavonoids and triterpenes. Furthermore, its pharmacological repertoire encompasses antiparasitic properties against lice and tapeworms, coupled with antioxidant capabilities. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological properties of C. ambrosioides, and the specific compounds responsible for its therapeutic benefits, necessitates further dedicated research efforts [6].
The objectives of our research are to contribute to a phytochemical and pharmacodynamic study of the plant C. ambrosioides by conducting phytochemical screening, dosage of some active families, antioxidant, and dermoprotective activity of this plant.
2 Results and discussion
2.1 Phytochemical screening
The outcomes of the phytochemical screening are delineated in Tables 1 and 2. The assessment of secondary metabolites within the aerial parts of C. ambrosioides reveals the presence of various families of these compounds. Concerning the aqueous extracts (EAI, EAM) and the remaining n-butanolic and aqueous fractions (EB, FA), alkaloids are present as indicated by the positive test using Dragendorff’s reagent (formation of a red precipitate), which is confirmed by Mayer’s reagent test (formation of a white precipitate). However, the test using Dragendorff’s and Mayer’s reagents are negative for the cyclohexane and ethyl acetate fractions.
Results of phytochemical screening of C. ambrosioides (Chenopodiaceae)
| Extract fractions metabolites secondary | BF | AF | IAE | MAE | CHF | EAF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols | ++ | + | +++ | +++ | − | +++ | |
| Flavonoids | ++ | + | ++ | ++ | − | +++ | |
| Tannins | + | + | +++ | ++ | − | ++ | |
| Alkaloids | Mayer | ++ | + | +++ | ++ | − | − |
| Dragendorff | ++ | + | +++ | +++ | − | − | |
| Terpenoids | + | + | ++ | +++ | − | − | |
| Saponosides | + | +++ | +++ | +++ | − | − | |
| Quinone | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | − | + | |
The presence of chemical compounds is: (+++) significant, (++) moderate, (+) slight, and (−) absent.
Quantification of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in extracts derived from the aerial parts of C. ambrosioides
| Plant extracts | TPC (mg EGA/g extract) | TFC-1 (mg EQ/g extract) | TTC (mg EC/g extract) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAE | 12.64 ± 0.46b | 7.58 ± 0.48b | 5.49 ± 0.26b | |
| MAE | 13.12 ± 0.1c | 7.00 ± 0.8a, b | 10.68 ± 0.15c | |
| CHF | 13.53 ± 0.24d, c | 28.68 ± 1.64d, e | 38.52 ± 1.36 f | |
| EAF | 94.62 ± 3.44e | 45.78 ± 0.07 f | 14.85 ± 0.22e | |
| BF | 119.68 ± 3.37 f | 28.72 ± 0.09e | 13.2 ± 0.029d,e | |
| AF | 5.58 ± 0.21a | 15.02 ± 0.05c | 3.87 ± 0.08a |
The data presented herein depict mean ± standard deviation of three distinct experiments. Significance among values in the same column is denoted by differing superscript letters, indicating statistical differences (p-value < 0.05). The abbreviations used are as follows: MAE, aqueous macerated extract; IAE, aqueous infused extract; CHF, cyclohexanoic fraction; EAF, ethyl acetate fraction; BF n-butanolic fraction; AF, remaining aqueous fraction; TPC, total phenolic content; TFC-1, total flavonoid content; and TTC, total tannin content.
Polyphenols are present in high quantities in the aqueous extracts (EAI, EAM) and in moderate to low quantities in the remaining n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions (EB, EAE, FA), respectively, as indicated by the test performed (formation of an intense black-green precipitate). However, they are absent in the cyclohexane fraction (ECH). The flavonoid detection test confirms the presence of polyphenols in the aqueous extracts (EAI, EAM) and fractions (EB, EAE, FA) (change in color to orange) and the total absence of flavonoids in the ECH fraction.
The tannin test confirms the presence of tannins (blue-black coloration) in the aqueous extracts (EAI, EAM) and the remaining n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions (EB, EAE, FA), and their absence in the cyclohexane fraction (ECH). The tests for triterpenes and free quinones are positive for the aqueous extracts (EAI, EAM) and the remaining n-butanolic and aqueous fractions (EB, FA). The ethyl acetate fraction (EAE) contains only free quinones, while the cyclohexane fraction contains only triterpenes. The aqueous extracts (EAI, EAM) and the remaining n-butanolic and aqueous fractions (EB, FA) have higher content of saponosides than the other fractions. The saponoside test for the cyclohexane and ethyl acetate fractions is negative.
2.2 Quantitative analysis
2.2.1 Total polyphenols
The findings depicted in Figure 1 indicate that the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions of the plant exhibit noteworthy polyphenol contents, measuring 119.68 ± 3.37 mg Eq GA/g and 94.62 ± 3.44 mg Eq GA/g, respectively. These values demonstrate a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared to the polyphenol yields of the cyclohexane fraction, as well as the macerated and infused aqueous extracts, and the remaining aqueous fraction (13.53 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g, 13.12 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g, 12.64 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g, and 5.58 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g, respectively).

Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin content.
2.2.2 Flavonoids
From Figure 1, it can be seen that the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant contained the highest amount of flavonoids, with a concentration of 45.78 ± 0.07 mg EQ/g. These concentrations are significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the n-butanolic and cyclohexanolic fractions, which also contain significant quantities of flavonoids, with concentrations of 28.72 ± 0.09 mg EEQ/g and 28.68 ± 1.64 mg EEQ/g, respectively. The remaining aqueous fraction has a moderate content of flavonoids compared to the ethyl acetate fraction, with a concentration of 15.02 ± 0.05 mg QE/g. However, the infused and macerated aqueous extracts have the lowest flavonoid content compared to the other fractions and extracts, with concentrations of 7.58 ± 0.48 mg QE/g and 7.00 ± 0.8 mg QE/g, respectively. These results confirm the findings of the phytochemical screening.
2.2.3 Determination of tannins
The outcomes from the tannin content analysis reveal that the cyclohexane fraction registers the highest values, measuring 38.52 ± 1.36 mg EC/g. These values are significantly elevated (p < 0.05) when compared to the tannin content in the ethyl acetate fraction, the butanolic extract, and the macerated aqueous extract, which present the next highest concentrations at 14.85 ± 0.22, 13.2 ± 0.029, and 10.68 ± 0.15 mg EC/g, respectively. Conversely, the infused aqueous extract and the remaining aqueous fraction exhibit the lowest tannin contents, quantified at 5.49 ± 0.26 and 3.87 ± 0.08 mg CE/g, respectively. These results are supported by previous studies [3,7], which found that the hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts of C. ambrosioides leaves contain high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The divergence in polarities among the extraction solvents serves as a plausible explanation for the observed fluctuations in the phenolic content within the plant extracts and fractions. Furthermore, the insolubility of numerous phenolic compounds in water is a pertinent factor influenced by parameters, such as the molecular weight, the abundance of hydroxyl groups, and chain length. The introduction of water into organic solvents has been shown to enhance the solubility of polyphenols, as illustrated by Sripad et al. [8].
2.3 GC-MS analysis
The analysis of plant extracts using GC-MS is a pivotal method employed in identifying and quantifying compounds present in natural sources. In this investigation, various extracts and fractions of C. ambrosioides were subjected to this analytical approach, revealing a rich diversity of compounds across different samples.
Starting with the aqueous extract (IAE), the chromatographic analysis showed an intriguing array of compounds. Notably, compounds like 2,2-dichloroethyl propyl carbonate, benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-, trans-ascaridol glycol, and others were prominently identified. Each compound carries its distinct chemical signature, potentially contributing to the plant’s pharmacological properties or biological activities.
Moving on to the aqueous extract MAE, a different spectrum of compounds emerged. Phenol, acetyl chloride, dichloro-, 1H-pyrazol-3-amine, and more were among the identified compounds. This variation in chemical composition among extracts underscores the complexity and diversity of the plant’s constituents, likely influenced by the extraction methods or specific components of the plant material.
Further analysis of the CHF fraction revealed a unique set of compounds, showcasing a distinctive chemical profile. Isoascaridol, thymol, neophytadiene, and several fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and others were prominent among the identified compounds. The presence of fatty acids, alongside other bioactive molecules, suggests potential implications for the plant’s use in traditional medicine or as a source of natural compounds for pharmaceutical purposes.
The EAF fraction exhibited its own set of compounds, including hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, (E)-palmitoleic acid, and more. The identification of these compounds points to the diversity and complexity of lipid-derived molecules present in this fraction, potentially contributing to the plant’s biological activities and therapeutic potential.
Finally, the AF fraction showcased compounds like 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, benzene, 1-chloro-2-diethoxymethyl, phenol, 2,6-dichloro-4-(1-methylpropyl)-, among others. The presence of such compounds with varying chemical structures and properties hints at the multifaceted nature of C. ambrosioides and its potential applications in diverse fields, such as medicine, agriculture, or even in the synthesis of novel compounds.
This comprehensive analysis demonstrates the diverse chemical composition present in different extracts and fractions of C. ambrosioides. The plant exhibits a rich repertoire of compounds spanning various chemical families and structures, from simple phenols to complex fatty acids and nitrogenous compounds. Such diversity within the plant’s chemical makeup suggests a reservoir of bioactive molecules, offering potential avenues for further exploration and application in pharmaceutical or medicinal realms.
The significance of these findings lies not only in understanding the chemical composition of C. ambrosioides but also in exploring its potential therapeutic or industrial applications. Further research could focus on isolating and characterizing specific compounds, investigating their individual biological activities, and exploring synergistic effects within the plant’s chemical milieu. This in-depth understanding of the plant’s chemistry can pave the way for the development of novel drugs, nutraceuticals, or agricultural products, harnessing the diverse array of compounds present in C. ambrosioides for the benefit of human health and well-being.
2.4 Evaluation of antioxidant activity
To demonstrate the impact of concentration on inhibition rates, we determined the IC50 values of the different extracts and fractions of the plant in the four antioxidant activity tests performed (DPPH, ferric (Fe3+) ion antioxidant reducing power [FRAP], ABTS, and TAC).
2.4.1 Determination of antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging
The IC50 value, which represents the concentration of the sample required to inhibit the DPPH radical by 50%, was determined for different extracts and fractions of the aerial parts of the plant to compare their free radical scavenging capacity. The antioxidant activity of the tested fractions was evaluated by determining the IC50 values, with a smaller IC50 value indicating higher antioxidant activity.
It is a well-established method to evaluate antioxidant activity of different compounds. DPPH is a synthetic stable free radical and the reduction of its color from purple to yellow indicates the scavenging of the radical by the antioxidant compound; the lower the IC50 value, the higher the antioxidant activity.
Based on the IC50 values obtained, it can be concluded that the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant exhibits the highest antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its lowest IC50 value of 25.17 μg/ml ± 0.18/ml. These are significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the n-butanolic fraction, the cyclohexane fraction, the aqueous fraction, and the macerated and infused aqueous extracts, which have lower antioxidant activity than the ethyl acetate fraction, as evidenced by their higher IC50 values of 522.92 ± 0.44, 604.06 ± 0.006, 641.20 ± 0.23, 705.24 ± 0.32, and 826.91 ± 0.028 μg/ml, respectively.
The variations observed in the antioxidant activity across diverse extracts and fractions derived from the aerial components of the plant can be ascribed to the distinct concentrations of phenolic compounds within each fraction. Phenolic compounds, extensively studied for their antioxidant attributes, constitute the primary entities responsible for antiradical activity. Consequently, the increased antioxidant efficacy exhibited by the ethyl acetate and n-butanolic fractions can be elucidated by their pronounced richness in phenolic compounds relative to the other fractions.
The scientific literature firmly establishes that phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and tannins, possess inherent antioxidant properties, enabling them to effectively scavenge free radicals. Notably, these compounds tend to exhibit a more polar nature, and their extraction is often facilitated using polar solvents such as ethyl acetate and n-butanol.
2.4.2 FRAP test
The outcomes derived from the FRAP assay reveal that the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions of the plant showcase the most pronounced antiradical activity, demonstrated by their low IC50 values of 234.58 ± 0.01 and 577.9 ± 0.03 μg/ml, respectively. These findings align consistently with the results obtained from the DPPH assay, further indicating that the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions manifest the highest levels of antioxidant activity.
2.4.3 ABTS free radical scavenging
The outcomes from the ABTS assay reveal that the n-butanolic fraction of the plant demonstrates the highest antioxidant activity, evident by its low IC50 value of 28.19 ± 0.006 μg/ml. Notably, these values are markedly superior (p < 0.05) to those of the ethyl acetate fraction, which also displays substantial antioxidant efficacy with an IC50 value of 64.41 ± 0.04 μg/ml. This aligns consistently with the results obtained from the DPPH assay. In contrast, the cyclohexanolic fraction, the aqueous fraction, and the macerated and infused aqueous extracts exhibit comparatively lower antioxidant activity when juxtaposed with the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions.
It is pertinent to underscore that the ABTS assay gauges antioxidant activity through the reduction of ABTS radical cations by the antioxidant compound. Consequently, a lower IC50 value is indicative of increased antioxidant activity, as elucidated by these results.
2.4.4 Total antioxidant capacity
The results obtained from the TAC assay indicate that the macerated aqueous extract and the n-butanolic fraction exhibit the highest antioxidant activity, as indicated by their values of 478.46 ± 1.69 and 246.78 ± 1.10 mg Eq AG/g, respectively. These results are higher than those obtained for the other fractions (EAF, CHF, and AF), and the infused aqueous extract, which have values of 87.64 ± 0.58 mg, 56.85 ± 0.02, 46.13 ± 1,12B, and 64.59 ± 1.10 mg Eq AG/g, respectively. This finding confirms the high antioxidant activity of the n-butanolic fraction, as determined by the other antioxidant activity assays (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS).
It is well established that TAC assay measures the total antioxidant capacity of the sample by the reduction of the ferric ion to ferrous ion, thus higher TAC value indicates higher antioxidant activity. It is important to note that the values obtained from TAC assay should be compared with the values obtained from other assays, as well as with reference standards, to confirm the antioxidant activity of the different extracts and fractions of the plant.
Additionally, the values obtained from the TAC test should be compared with the values obtained from other antioxidant assays, such as DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, in order to confirm the antioxidant activity of the different extracts and fractions of the plant and to get a more comprehensive understanding of their antioxidant properties.
The results of the antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and TAC) indicate that the n-butanolic fraction and the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant exhibit the highest antioxidant activity compared to the other fractions and extracts studied. Comparing the IC50 values of the plant extracts and fractions tested with those of the standards (quercetin, catechin and ascorbic acid) (4.18, 7.03 μg/ml) for the four tests performed under the same conditions, it can be seen that the IC50 values of the plant extracts and fractions tested are relatively high, indicating moderate antioxidant capacity.
These results can be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds, which are known to exhibit antioxidant properties, in moderate quantities in the plant. These compounds are considered to be the primary agents responsible for the antioxidant activity of the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions.
Previous studies have also reported that the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions of C. ambrosioides exhibit potent antioxidant activity. For example, Ghareeb et al. [9] found that the n-butanol and ethyl acetate extract of C. ambrosioides grown in Egypt had IC50 values of 2.98 and 16.48 mg/ml, respectively, for the DPPH assay. In addition, in the TAC assay, these extracts were also found to be the most potent with TAC values of 554.54 ± 2.27 and 418.93 ± 2.62 AA Eq/g, respectively. Skender et al. [10] also reported that the hexane fraction of C. ambrosioides grown in Nigeria had the most potent antioxidant activity, as determined by the DPPH assay, with an IC50 value of 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/ml, compared to the n-butanol fraction, which had an IC50 value of 1.74 ± 0.26 mg/ml.
The results obtained from the antioxidant assays indicate that the n-butanolic and ethyl acetate fractions of the plant exhibit potent antioxidant activity. These results serve as an important indicator of the antioxidant potential of these fractions and justify further chromatographic isolation to identify the specific compounds responsible for their biological and pharmacological activities.
The observed antioxidant activity can be attributed to the various mechanisms exhibited by the different polyphenols, such as flavonoids, as well as to the synergistic effects of different chemical compounds known as secondary metabolites, which are responsible for maintaining cell integrity and fluidity [11]. The increasing knowledge in the field of biology about free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) has led to a significant advancement in the medical field. Oxygen, which is essential for life, can under certain conditions lead to the formation of ROS, which can cause damage to nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids of cell membranes, as well as plasma lipoproteins, and can contribute to certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, age-related degenerative diseases, and accelerate aging. The importance of consuming fruits and vegetables as a part of a healthy diet is well-established, and it is believed that one of the potential reasons for their health benefits is the presence of antioxidants such as vitamins C and D, carotene, selenium, and phenolic compounds, including flavonoids [12].
It is important to note that the antioxidant activity of a plant extract or fraction is influenced by various factors, such as the type and concentration of the antioxidant compounds present, the method of extraction, and the conditions of the assay. Additionally, it is important to note that the antioxidant activity of a plant extract or fraction can be influenced by other factors such as pH.
2.5 Dermoprotective activity
The relationship between sunlight and health has been recognized by ancient civilizations and is still an important topic in modern times. A tanned complexion is often viewed as a sign of good health; however, recent research has shown that excessive exposure to the sun can be harmful and can increase the risk of skin cancer. In order to evaluate the potential protective properties of extracts and fractions of the C. ambrosioides plant against UV radiation, UV absorption was analyzed using a spectrophotometer. Methyl salicylate (100 μg/ml) was used as a positive control for UVB absorption, and ZnO (5%) was used as a positive control for UVA absorption.
The results of the UV absorption analysis of different extracts and fractions of the C. ambrosioides plant revealed that the FB fraction and the EAM and EAI extracts dissolved in distilled water exhibited strong UVA and UVB absorption properties, comparable to those of a chemical sunscreen (as can be seen in Table 3). The UVA absorption values of FB, EAM, and EAI were greater than 0.8, with a value of 2.33 for EAM, and the UVB absorption values were greater than 0.79, with a value of 2.2 for EAM. Among the extracts and fractions of the C. ambrosioides plant tested, EAM, FB, and EAI were found to have the highest UVA and UVB absorption properties.
Compounds identified in extracts and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides by GC-MS
| No. Library/ID | RT/min | Area | Pct.% | Molecular weight | Molecular formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compounds identified in the aqueous extract IAE of the C. ambrosioides plant | |||||
| 1 | 2,2-Dichloroethyl propyl carbonate | 13.053 | 4.30 | 166.60 | C6H11ClO3 |
| 2 | Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro- | 13.110 | 10.39 | 120.15 | C8H8O |
| 3 | trans-Ascaridol glycol | 13.988 | 6.26 | 170.24 | C10H18O2 |
| 4 | 1,4-Dihydroxy-p-menth-2-ene | 14.259 | 11.91 | 170.25 | C10H18O2 |
| 5 | Indolizine | 14.360 | 1.67 | 117.15 | C8H7N |
| 6 | Guanidineacetic acid | 15.521 | 4.36 | 117.11 | C3H7N3O2 |
| 7 | 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol | 14.687 | 1.96 | 150.17 | C9H10O2 |
| 8 | E-9-Methyl-8-tridecen-2-ol, acetate | 16.231 | 8.16 | 254.40 | C16H30O2 |
| 9 | Benzene, 1-chloro-2-diethoxymethyl | 15.870 | 8.74 | 214.69 | C11H15ClO2 |
| 10 | Phenol, 2,6-dichloro-4-(1-methylpropyl)- | 16.772 | 27.17 | 219.108 | C10H12Cl2O |
| Compounds identified in the aqueous extract MAE of the C. ambrosioides plant | |||||
| 1 | Phenol | 12.884 | 4.77 | 94.11 | C6H6O |
| 2 | Acetyl chloride, dichloro- | 13.109 | 1.12 | 147.38 | Cl2CHCOCl |
| 3 | 1H-Pyrazol-3-amine | 13.402 | 1.11 | 83.09 | C3H5N3 |
| 4 | Propanoic acid, 2-chloro-, ethyl ester | 13.729 | 0.13 | 136.577 | C5H9ClO2 |
| 5 | Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro- | 14.304 | 0.99 | 120.15 | C8H8O |
| 6 | 1H-Pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid, 3-amino- | 14.958 | 0.72 | 127.10 | C4H5N3O2 |
| 7 | 3-Hexyne-2,5-diol, 2,5-dimethyl- | 15.149 | 0.99 | 142.20 | C8H14O2 |
| 8 | Indole | 15.239 | 0.31 | 117.15 | C8H7N |
| 9 | 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol | 15.465 | 0.19 | 150.17 | C9H10O2 |
| 10 | Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy- | 15.949 | 0.13 | 154.16 | C8H10O3 |
| 11 | Ethylam | 16.073 | 0.22 | 45.08 | C2H5NH2 |
| 12 | Propanoic acid, 2-chloro-, ethyl ester | 15.758 | 0.14 | 136.57 | C5H9ClO2 |
| 13 | Ethanol, 2-bromo-1-(5-tetrazolyl)- | 16.129 | 0.28 | 192.96 | C3H6BrON4 |
| 14 | 2,4-Pentanedione, 3-(2-propenyl)- | 16.682 | 1.30 | 140.18 | C8H12O2 |
| 15 | Azetidin-2-one 3,3-dimethyl-4-(1-aminoethyl)- | 17.493 | 0.22 | 142.20 | C7H14N2O |
| Compounds identified in the CHF fraction of the C. ambrosioides plant | |||||
| 1 | Isoascaridol | 6.206 | 11.49 | 168.23 | C10H16O2 |
| 2 | trans-Ascaridol glycol | 6.510 | 2.32 | 170.24 | C10H18O2 |
| 3 | Thymol | 6.792 | 4.27 | 150.22 | C10H14O |
| 4 | 1H-Pyrazole-1-carboxaldehyde, 4-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-5-propyl | 9.169 | 1.55 | 168.24 | C9H16N2O |
| 5 | E-15-Heptadecenal | 20.731 | 0.66 | 252.4 | C17H32O |
| 6 | Neophytadiene | 17.790 | 1.42 | 278.5 | C20H38 |
| 7 | Palmitic acid | 21.610 | 14.40 | 256.42 | C16H32O2 |
| 8 | Phytol | 22.872 | 0.53 | 296.5 | C20H40O |
| 9 | 3,4-Dihydroxymandelic acid | 23.559 | 0.46 | 184.15 | C8H8O5 |
| 10 | 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- | 24.337 | 16.64 | 280.4 | C18H32O2 |
| 11 | Stearic acid | 24.664 | 2.03 | 284.5 | C18H36O2 |
| 12 | Eicosanoic acid | 27.503 | 2.33 | 312.5 | C20H40O2 |
| 13 | Octadecane | 28.980 | 0.31 | 254.5 | C18H38 |
| 14 | Docosanoic acid | 30.309 | 0.65 | 340.6 | C22H44O2 |
| 15 | 17-Pentatriacontene | 31.673 | 0.26 | 490.9 | C35H70 |
| 16 | Tetrapentacontane, 1,54-dibromo | 31.797 | 0.47 | 917.2 | C54H108Br2 |
| 17 | Acide lignocérique | 33.081 | 1.22 | 368.63 | C24H48O2 |
| 18 | 1H-Indene, 1-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl | 33.228 | 0.37 | 160.2554 | C12H16 |
| 19 | Vitamin E | 36.834 | 0.27 | 430.70 | C29H50O2 |
| 20 | Ethyl iso-allocholate | 38.085 | 0.12 | 436.6 | C26H44O5 |
| 21 | 25,26-Dihydroelasterol | 38.321 | 5.33 | 412.7 | C29H48O |
| 22 | Scottenol | 38.941 | 2.18 | 414.7 | C29H50O |
| 23 | 9,19-Cyclo-9β-lanostan-3β-ol | 39.617 | 0.41 | 438.74 | C31H50 |
| 24 | Phytyl palmitate | 42.040 | 0.63 | 534.93 | C36H70O2 |
| 25 | Hexadecanoic acid, octadecyl ester | 42.209 | 0.47 | 508.90 | C34H68O2 |
| 26 | Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate | 42.468 | 1.60 | 662.9 | C42H63O4P |
| 27 | Pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione, 2.alpha. 17-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, diacetate, | 43.865 | 1.06 | 358.5 | C22H30O4 |
| 28 | Eicosanoic acid, octadecyl ester | 46.243 | 1.10 | 565 | C38H76O2 |
| 29 | 6-Octadecenoic acid | 47.967 | 0.45 | 282.5 | C18H34O2 |
| 30 | 3-(2-Naphthyl)-5-(1-naphthyloxymethyl)-2-oxazolidone | 49.928 | 0.54 | 369.4 | C24H19NO3 |
| 31 | Fumaric acid, pent-4-en-2-yl tridecyl ester | 51.652 | 0.33 | 366.5 | C22H38O4 |
| 32 | Benz[c]acridine, 5,10-dimethyl | 53.320 | 0.41 | 257.3 | C19H15N |
| Compounds identified in the EAF fraction of the C. ambrosioides plant | |||||
| 1 | Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester | 20.889 | 18.85 | 284.5 | C18H36O2 |
| 2 | 9,17-Octadecadienal, (Z)- | 23.605 | 9.09 | 264.4 | C18H32O |
| 3 | (R)-(−)-14-Methyl-8-hexadecyn-1-ol | 23.729 | 8.27 | 252.4 | C17H32O |
| 4 | (E)-Palmitoleic acid | 23.898 | 30.59 | 254.41 | C16H30O2 |
| 5 | 4-Cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide, N-butyl-, cis | 54.774 | 11.15 | 207.27 | C12H17NO2 |
| Compounds identified in the BF fraction of the C. ambrosioides plant | |||||
| 1 | N,N-Dimethylaminoethanol | 2.366 | 0.69 | 89.13 | C4H11NO |
| 2 | Ethyl oxamate | 3.335 | 0.70 | 117.10 | C4H7NO3 |
| 3 | Cyclopropyl carbinol | 3.527 | 0.60 | 72.10 | C4H8O |
| 4 | 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 2-hydroxy- | 4.406 | 1.54 | 98.09 | C5H6O2 |
| 5 | Imidazole, 2-amino-5-[(2-carboxy)vinyl]-4.901 | 0.26 | 153.14 | C6H7N3O2 | |
| 6 | Cyclobutanol | 5.285 | 0.24 | 72.11 | C4H8O |
| 7 | Phenol | 5.442 | 1.93 | 94.11 | C6H6O |
| 8 | 2(3H)-Furanone, dihydro-4-hydroxy- | 6.163 | 0.89 | 102.09 | C4H6O3 |
| 9 | 3-Methylcyclopentane-1,2-dione | 6.456 | 2.65 | 112.13 | C6H8O2 |
| 10 | 1-[alpha-(1-Adamantyl)benzylidene | 6.569 | 1.27 | 222.36 | C17H18 |
| 11 | 3-Chloro-1,2-propanediol | 7.313 | 2.37 | 110.54 | C3H7ClO2 |
| 12 | Phenol, 2-methoxy- | 7.876 | 1.34 | 124.13 | C7H8O2 |
| 13 | Mexiletine | 8.485 | 0.86 | 179.26 | C11H17NO |
| 14 | 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 3-ethyl-2-hyd | 8.676 | 1.62 | 126.15 | C7H10O2 |
| 15 | Cycloserine | 9.634 | 0.41 | 102.09 | C3H6N2O2 |
| 16 | Benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro- | 11.257 | 4.16 | 120.15 | C8H8O |
| 17 | 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol | 13.668 | 2.97 | 150.17 | C9H10O2 |
| 18 | Norpseudoephedrine | 16.812 | 0.31 | 151.21 | C9H13NO |
| 19 | Tetraacetyl-d-xylonic nitrile | 17.387 | 0.32 | 343.29 | C14H17NO9 |
| 20 | Hexanohydroxamic acid | 19.032 | 0.70 | 131.17 | C6H13NO2 |
| 21 | 1H-[1,2,3]Triazole-4-carboxylic ac | 21.489 | 0.32 | 113.08 | C3H3N3O2 |
| 22 | N-methyl-N-nitrosourée | 21.827 | 1.12 | 103.08 | C2H5N3O2 |
| 23 | 2H-Azepin-2-one, hexahydro-1-methyl | 22.086 | 1.02 | 127.18 | C7H13NO |
| 24 | 2-Methylaminomethyl-1,3-dioxolane | 22.266 | 0.93 | 117.15 | C5H11NO2 |
| 25 | N,N′-Diacetylethylenediamine | 22.526 | 2.49 | 144.17 | C6H12N2O2 |
| 26 | (E)-2,6-Dimethoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl) phenol | 22.909 | 0.39 | 194.22 | C11H14O3 |
| 27 | n-Hexadecanoic acid | 28.227 | 0.37 | 256.42 | C16H32O2 |
| 28 | β-Carboline | 28.374 | 0.49 | 168.19 | C11H8N2 |
| 29 | trans-Sinapyl alcohol | 28.825 | 0.78 | 210.23 | C11H14O4 |
| 30 | 3-(Ethyl-hydrazono)-butan-2-one | 7.786 | 4.12 | 128.17 | C6H12N2O |
| 31 | Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy- | 14.649 | 2.89 | 154.16 | C8H10O3 |
| Compounds identified in the AF fraction of the C. ambrosioides plant | |||||
| 1 | 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran | 13.357 | 7.95 | 120.15 | C8H8O |
| 2 | 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol | 14.856 | 2.67 | 150.17 | C9H10O2 |
| 3 | (4-Carbamoyl-2-nitrophenyl)acetic acid | 15.487 | 2.79 | 254.20 | C10H10N2O6 |
| 4 | Benzene, 1-chloro-2-diethoxymethyl | 15.972 | 13.28 | 214.69 | C11H15ClO2 |
| 5 | Phenol, 2,6-dichloro-4-(1-methylpropyl)- | 16.839 | 36.42 | 219.10 | C10H12Cl2O |
It is important to note that the protective effects of plant extracts and fractions against UV radiation may vary depending on the method of extraction, the conditions of the assay, and the presence of other compounds in the samples (Table 4).
Assessment of antioxidant activity in aqueous extracts, organic fractions, and standards of C. ambrosioides (aerial parts) through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and TAC assays
| Plant extracts | DPPH IC50 (μg/ml) | ABTS IC50 (μg/ml) | FRAP EC50 (μg/ml) | TAC mg EAA/g of extract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAE | 705.24 ± 0.32 f | 409.59 ± 0.006e | 2,412 ± 0.03 g | 64.59 ± 1.10 |
| MAE | 641.20 ± 0.23d | 533.74 ± 0.003 g | 1,761 ± 0.03 f | 478.46 ± 1.69 |
| CHF | 604.06 ± 0.006c | 396.18 ± 0.01d | 1,025 ± 0.05d | 56.85 ± 0.02 |
| EAF | 25.17 ± 0.18b | 64.41 ± 0.04c | 577.9 ± 0.03c | 87.64 ± 0.58 |
| BF | 666.32 ± 0.44e | 28.19 ± 0.006b | 234.58 ± 0.01b | 246.78 ± 1.10 |
| AF | 826.91 ± 0.028 g | 492.8 ± 0.0002 f | 1,671 ± 0.06e | , 46.13 ± b |
| Quercetin | 5.49 ±0.02a | — | — | — |
| Ascorbic acid | — | 2.52 ± 0.02a | — | — |
| Catechin | — | — | 13.90 ± 0.03a | — |
The presented data depict mean ± standard deviation of three independent experiments. Significant differences among values in the same column are denoted by distinct superscript letters (a to h), indicating the significance at the 5% level (p-value < 0.05).
MAE: aqueous macerated extract; IAE: aqueous infused extract; CHF: cyclohexanoic fraction; EAF: ethyl acetate fraction BF: n-butanolic fraction AF: remaining aqueous fraction; IC50: 50 % inhibitory concentration; EC50: effective concentration that transforms 50% of Fe3+ into Fe2+.
3 Materials and methods
3.1 Plant materials
The entire C. ambrosioides plant, belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, was systematically collected during the period spanning May to July 2021 from the Rabat region, Morocco (Geographical coordinates: 33° 58′ 06″; N6° 49′ 04″W). Botanical authentication was conducted by the floristics team at the Rabat Scientific Institute, and the identified species was cataloged in the herbarium of the Scientific Institute in Rabat, under the specimen number RAB113708. Subsequent to collection, the samples were subjected to drying at room temperature within the laboratory before undergoing the extraction process. The dried plant material was further pulverized using a Binatone Moulinex blender.
3.2 Preparation of plant extracts
We macerated and infused 50 g of the aerial part of C. ambrosioides in 500 ml of distilled water. The macerate (EM) and infusion (EI) were filtered using Watmann paper No.1, and then the solvent of the filtrates was evaporated at 45°C under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator.
For the preparation of the fractions, the dried aerial part (50 g) of C. ambrosioides was subjected to Soxhlet extraction with cyclohexane, and after dry evaporation, the cyclohexane fraction (FCH) was obtained. The pomace obtained was dried in the oven for 24 h and subjected to hydroalcoholic maceration (ethanol/water: 50/50). After filtration of the mixture and evaporation of ethanol, successive liquid–liquid separations were carried out on the aqueous phase by solvents of increasing polarity (ethyl acetate and n-butanol), in three replicates for each solvent (100 ml). After dry evaporation, ethyl acetate (FAE), n-butanol fractions (FB), and the remaining aqueous fraction (FA) were obtained.
The extraction rate was calculated by the following formula:
where Mi is the mass of the extract, and M is the mass of the starting plant material.
3.3 Phytochemical screening
The aqueous extracts and fractions obtained were used for a preliminary phytochemical screening, which is a set of methods and techniques used to detect secondary metabolites present in a plant. This is a qualitative analysis based on color and/or precipitation reactions to identify the main chemical groups. For this purpose, several types of reagents were used, and the analytical techniques described in the studies of Gul et al. [13] and Deyab et al. [14] and Pandey and Tripathi [15] were utilized.
3.4 Quantitative analysis
3.4.1 Total polyphenols
The quantification of total phenolic content in various extracts and fractions utilized the spectrophotometric approach delineated by Poh-Hwa et al. [16], employing the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. This method relies on the reduction of a mixture of phosphotungstic acid (H3P(W3O10)4) and phosphomolybdic acid (H3PMo12O4) in a basic medium through the oxidizable groups present in the phenolic compounds within the sample. The resultant reduction products, tungsten metal oxide (W8O23) and molybdenum metal oxide (Mo8O3), exhibit a characteristic blue color with maximum absorption at approximately 750 nm. The intensity of this absorption is directly proportional to the concentration of phenolic compounds in the sample (Table 5).
Absorbance of different extracts and fractions of the C. ambrosioides plant for UVA and UVB absorption
| Extracts and fractions | Absorption | |
|---|---|---|
| UVA | UVB | |
| EAM | 0.797 | 0.711 |
| EAI | 0.538 | 0.543 |
| FCH | 0.326 | 0.302 |
| FE | 2.22 | 2.337 |
| FB | 1.483 | 1.200 |
| FA | 0.647 | 0.893 |
| Methyl salicylate | 0.40 | 3.05 |
| ZnO | 2.55 | 3.59 |
In the experimental procedure, a 200 µl aliquot of the extract, fraction, or standard was combined with 1,000 µl of 10% Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Subsequently, 800 µl of a 7.5% sodium carbonate solution (Na2CO3) was introduced to the reaction medium. Following a 30-min incubation in darkness, absorbance was measured at 765 nm using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer (Lambda 35 UV-Visible spectrophotometer with a 1 cm-thick quartz cell). The spectrophotometer was equipped with a deuterium discharge lamp for UV measurements and a tungsten–halogen lamp for visible measurements. Measurements were made against a blank containing the solvent in which the extract was solubilized, with each sample undergoing three repetitions (Table 6).
Colorimetric reactions for phytochemical screening
| Chemical families | Reagents (compositions) | Positive results | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphenols | FeCl3 2% | Blackish blue or green coloration, more or less dark | |
| Flavonoids | Concentrated HCl and magnesium chips | An orange to red coloration | |
| Tanins | FeCl3 (10%) | Blue-black or blue-green color | |
| Alkaloids | Mayer | Mayer (potassium iodide + mercury chloride) | A yellowish-white precipitate |
| Dragendorff | Dragendorff (iodobismuthate reagent) | An orange precipitate | |
| Terpenoids | Chloroform and concentrated H2SO4 | A brownish-red or purple color at the contact area | |
| Saponosides | Distilled water | The formation of a stable foam (height greater than 1 cm), persistent for 15 minutes | |
| Quinone | NaOH (10 %) | The color turns yellow, red, or purple | |
Quantification of the phenolic compound content was achieved by applying the regression equation derived from the calibration range, established using gallic acid under identical assay conditions. The final results are expressed as milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram of extract (mg GAE/g extract).
3.4.2 Flavonoids
The quantification of flavonoids followed the procedure outlined by Ordonez et al. [17] utilizing the aluminum trichloride reagent AlCl3. A yellow complex is formed between aluminum trichloride and flavonoids, with absorption occurring in the visible spectrum at 420 nm. For each extract and fraction, 0.5 ml was combined with 0.5 ml of 2% aluminum chloride (AlCl3). The resulting mixture was incubated at room temperature, and shielded from light for 1 h. Absorbance was promptly measured at 420 nm against a control. The total flavonoid content in each extract was determined by referencing a calibration curve derived from a quercetin calibration range, previously established under identical conditions. The calculation involved the regression equation of the calibration curve and was expressed in milligrams of quercetin equivalents per gram of extract (mg QE/g extract).
3.4.3 Determination of tannins
To determine tannins in the extracts and fractions, the method outlined by Price et al. [18] was employed, utilizing vanillin. Specifically, 50 µl of each extract and fraction were combined with 1.5 ml of a 4% methanolic solution of vanillin and 750 µl of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture underwent a 20 min incubation in darkness at room temperature, and absorbance was measured at 500 nm against a blank. The total tannin content was quantified as milligrams of catechin equivalents per gram of each extract (mg CE/g extract), determined based on the catechin calibration curve.
3.5 GC-MS analysis
The analysis of aqueous extracts and fractions obtained from C. ambrosioides, a medicinal plant, involved gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using the Agilent 7890A Series at the Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Research (MAScIR) Institute. Employing a GC-MS system equipped with a multi-mode injector and a 123-BD11 column (15 m × 320 µm × 0.1 µm), the extracts and fractions were introduced into the column through a split 1/4 mode, with helium as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 2 ml/min.
For compositional analysis, peak areas were meticulously examined and expressed as a percentage of the total compounds detected in the sample (XLXR electron multiplier detector). The analysis operated in full scan mode over a mass range of 30–1,000 m/z, utilizing a gain factor of 5 and electron impact ionization. Operational temperatures were configured at 230°C for the ion source and 150°C for the quadrupole, while the oven temperature program spanned from 30 to 360°C. Compound identification was achieved through consultation of the NIST 2017 MS Library [19].
3.6 Antioxidant activity
3.6.1 Determination of antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging
The capacity of the samples to neutralize DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals was assessed following the methodology detailed by Şahin et al. [20]. In this procedure, 50 μl of extracts at varying concentrations were blended with 2 ml of a methanolic solution containing DPPH (60 µM DPPH, dissolved in methanol). After a 20-min incubation in the dark at room temperature, the absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer.
This approach relies on the reduction in absorbance at 517 nm attributable to the stable DPPH free radical in the presence of a hydrogen radical (H˙) donor. For comparative purposes, a methanolic solution of quercetin was introduced to 2 ml of the DPPH solution as a positive control, while a negative control was established using the methanolic DPPH solution alone.
The attenuation in absorbance is converted into the percentage of free radical scavenging activity, calculated using the following equation:
where A control is the absorbance of the control and A sample is the absorbance of the tested samples.
The anti-free radical activity was evaluated as the percentage of free radical scavenging and µg of quercetin equivalents per ml (µg QE/ml).
3.6.2 FRAP test
The presence of reducing agents in the samples induces the reduction of iron Fe3+/ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form Fe2+ as a result of a single electron transfer [21].
Each extract (0.5 ml) at various concentrations was combined with 2.5 ml of a 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.6) and 2.5 ml of a 1% potassium ferricyanide (K3Fe(CN)6) solution. The mixture was thoroughly blended and then subjected to incubation in a water bath at 50°C for 20 min. Subsequently, 2.5 ml of 10% trichloroacetic acid was introduced to halt the reaction. Following centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 10 min, 2.5 ml of the supernatant from each concentration was combined with 2.5 ml of distilled water and 0.5 ml of a 0.1% FeCl3 aqueous solution. The resulting reaction medium was measured at 700 nm.
Catechin served as the reference compound in the assay, conducted in triplicate, with IC50 values reported as mean ± SD of the triplicates. An increase in the absorbance of the reaction mixture signifies an augmentation in the reduction capacity.
3.6.3 Free radical scavenging by ABTS
The ABTS test, following the methodology outlined by Pukalskas et al. [22], involved the generation of the ABTS˙ + radical by dissolving 37.7 mg of ABTS and 6.48 mg of potassium persulfate in 9.802 ml of water. After homogenization and a 16-h incubation in darkness, the solution was diluted with ethanol to achieve an absorbance of approximately 0.70 ± 0.02 at 734 nm. The absorbance demonstrated a linear relationship with the ABTS˙ + radical concentration up to an absorbance of 2 at this wavelength.
In the assay, 100 µl of each extract or fraction, along with methanol (used as a control blank), was added to 2 ml of the prepared ABTS solution. The mixture was incubated at room temperature for 1 min. The reduction in absorbance for both the controls and the extracts/fractions was then recorded at 734 nm. The quantity of trapped ABTS˙ + radicals was determined using the standard curve for ascorbic acid. The results were expressed as micrograms of ascorbic acid equivalents per milligram of extract (µg EAA/mg extract).
3.6.4 Total antioxidant capacity
The assessment of the total antioxidant capacity in our extracts and fractions followed the established protocol by Prieto et al. [23]. In this procedure, 0.2 ml of each extract and fraction was introduced into a mixture containing sulfuric acid (0.6 M), ammonium molybdate (4 mM), and sodium phosphate (28 mM) after 90 min of incubation in a water bath at 95°C. The absorbance of our extracts and fractions was then measured at 695 nm against a blank. The outcomes, derived from triplicate testing, were expressed in milligrams of ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of extract (mg EAA/g extract).
3.7 Dermoprotective activity
3.7.1 Ultraviolet absorption test
The assessment of dermoprotective activity in extracts and fractions derived from the C. ambrosioides plant was conducted through an ultraviolet absorption test, following the methodology outlined by Lee et al. [2]. These extracts and fractions were dissolved in either DMSO or distilled water, reaching a final concentration of 10 mg/ml. The absorbance of the test solution was measured at 365 nm (UVA) and 300 nm (UVB). The test, performed in triplicate, included 5% zinc oxide (OXZ) and 100 µg/ml methyl salicylate (SAM) as positive controls.
4 Conclusion
This investigation delved into the chemical constituents and functional attributes of C. ambrosioides extracts and fractions. Through phytochemical screening, diverse metabolites like polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids were identified, showcasing the rich chemical diversity of this plant species.
Quantitative analysis revealed distinct content variations among extracts, emphasizing their unique compositions and potential bioactivity. The GC-MS analysis uncovered several compounds, including trans-ascaridol glycol and phenol, contributing to the plant’s pharmacological potential.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity demonstrated varying effectiveness across different extracts and fractions, suggesting their suitability for diverse antioxidant applications. Notably, the dermoprotective assessment revealed promising UV absorption properties in specific extracts (EAM, FB, and EAI), hinting at their potential for natural sun-protection formulations.
The discoveries made in this study present promising avenues for further exploration. Future research could delve deeper into isolating and characterizing specific compounds responsible for the observed bioactivities. Furthermore, investigating the mechanisms underlying their antioxidant and dermoprotective properties would enhance our understanding and pave the way for potential therapeutic applications.
Innovations arising from this study lie in the exploration of C. ambrosioides as a potential source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and dermoprotective capabilities. The diverse chemical profile of its extracts opens doors for novel pharmaceutical or cosmetic developments harnessing its natural benefits.
In conclusion, this study not only sheds light on the diverse chemical makeup of C. ambrosioides but also lays the foundation for future research aiming to harness its bioactive compounds for therapeutic and skincare innovations.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2024R110) at King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia for financial support.
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Funding information: This research work is supported by researchers supporting project number (RSP2024R110) at King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia.
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Author contributions: Conceptualization: Soufiane Drioua, Otman El-Guourrami, formal analysis: Mohammed Kara, Amine Assouguem Writing—original draft preparation. Soufiane Drioua, Otman El-Guourrami, Mouna Ameggouz, writing—review and editing, Mohammed Kara, Amine Assouguem, Riaz Ullah, Ahmed Bari, Ahmed Zahidi, Azra Skender, Hanane Benzeid, Anass Doukkali, Funding acquisition; Riaz Ullah, Ahmed Bari. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Ethical approval: The conducted research is not related to either human or animal use.
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Data availability statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.
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- Biochar from de-oiled Chlorella vulgaris and its adsorption on antibiotics
- Phytochemicals profiling, in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity, and in silico studies on Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb.: A comprehensive approach
- Synthesis, characterization, in silico and in vitro studies of novel glycoconjugates as potential antibacterial, antifungal, and antileishmanial agents
- Sonochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles mediated by potato starch: Its performance in the treatment of esophageal cancer
- Computational study of ADME-Tox prediction of selected phytochemicals from Punica granatum peels
- Phytochemical analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antifungal activities of extracts and essential oil derived from Artemisia herba-alba Asso
- Two triazole-based coordination polymers: Synthesis and crystal structure characterization
- Phytochemical and physicochemical studies of different apple varieties grown in Morocco
- Synthesis of multi-template molecularly imprinted polymers (MT-MIPs) for isolating ethyl para-methoxycinnamate and ethyl cinnamate from Kaempferia galanga L., extract with methacrylic acid as functional monomer
- Nutraceutical potential of Mesembryanthemum forsskaolii Hochst. ex Bioss.: Insights into its nutritional composition, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activity
- Evaluation of influence of Butea monosperma floral extract on inflammatory biomarkers
- Cannabis sativa L. essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial properties, and acute toxicity: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico study
- The effect of gamma radiation on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural conversion in water and dimethyl sulfoxide
- Hollow mushroom nanomaterials for potentiometric sensing of Pb2+ ions in water via the intercalation of iodide ions into the polypyrrole matrix
- Determination of essential oil and chemical composition of St. John’s Wort
- Computational design and in vitro assay of lantadene-based novel inhibitors of NS3 protease of dengue virus
- Anti-parasitic activity and computational studies on a novel labdane diterpene from the roots of Vachellia nilotica
- Microbial dynamics and dehydrogenase activity in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) rhizospheres: Impacts on growth and soil health across different soil types
- Correlation between in vitro anti-urease activity and in silico molecular modeling approach of novel imidazopyridine–oxadiazole hybrids derivatives
- Spatial mapping of indoor air quality in a light metro system using the geographic information system method
- Iron indices and hemogram in renal anemia and the improvement with Tribulus terrestris green-formulated silver nanoparticles applied on rat model
- Integrated track of nano-informatics coupling with the enrichment concept in developing a novel nanoparticle targeting ERK protein in Naegleria fowleri
- Cytotoxic and phytochemical screening of Solanum lycopersicum–Daucus carota hydro-ethanolic extract and in silico evaluation of its lycopene content as anticancer agent
- Protective activities of silver nanoparticles containing Panax japonicus on apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative alterations in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity
- pH-based colorimetric detection of monofunctional aldehydes in liquid and gas phases
- Investigating the effect of resveratrol on apoptosis and regulation of gene expression of Caco-2 cells: Unravelling potential implications for colorectal cancer treatment
- Metformin inhibits knee osteoarthritis induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats: S100A8/9 and S100A12 as players and therapeutic targets
- Effect of silver nanoparticles formulated by Silybum marianum on menopausal urinary incontinence in ovariectomized rats
- Synthesis of new analogs of N-substituted(benzoylamino)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines
- Response of yield and quality of Japonica rice to different gradients of moisture deficit at grain-filling stage in cold regions
- Preparation of an inclusion complex of nickel-based β-cyclodextrin: Characterization and accelerating the osteoarthritis articular cartilage repair
- Empagliflozin-loaded nanomicelles responsive to reactive oxygen species for renal ischemia/reperfusion injury protection
- Preparation and pharmacodynamic evaluation of sodium aescinate solid lipid nanoparticles
- Assessment of potentially toxic elements and health risks of agricultural soil in Southwest Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Theoretical investigation of hydrogen-rich fuel production through ammonia decomposition
- Biosynthesis and screening of cobalt nanoparticles using citrus species for antimicrobial activity
- Investigating the interplay of genetic variations, MCP-1 polymorphism, and docking with phytochemical inhibitors for combatting dengue virus pathogenicity through in silico analysis
- Ultrasound induced biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded into chitosan polymers: Investigation of its anti-cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma effects
- Copper oxide nanoparticles-mediated Heliotropium bacciferum leaf extract: Antifungal activity and molecular docking assays against strawberry pathogens
- Sprouted wheat flour for improving physical, chemical, rheological, microbial load, and quality properties of fino bread
- Comparative toxicity assessment of fisetin-aided artificial intelligence-assisted drug design targeting epibulbar dermoid through phytochemicals
- Acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of bis-thiourea derivatives
- Anti-diabetic activity-guided isolation of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory terpenes from Capsella bursa-pastoris Linn.
- GC–MS analysis of Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 metabolites and its computational analysis on familial pulmonary fibrosis hub genes
- Green formulation of copper nanoparticles by Pistacia khinjuk leaf aqueous extract: Introducing a novel chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of prostate cancer
- Improved photocatalytic properties of WO3 nanoparticles for Malachite green dye degradation under visible light irradiation: An effect of La doping
- One-pot synthesis of a network of Mn2O3–MnO2–poly(m-methylaniline) composite nanorods on a polypyrrole film presents a promising and efficient optoelectronic and solar cell device
- Groundwater quality and health risk assessment of nitrate and fluoride in Al Qaseem area, Saudi Arabia
- A comparative study of the antifungal efficacy and phytochemical composition of date palm leaflet extracts
- Processing of alcohol pomelo beverage (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) using saccharomyces yeast: Optimization, physicochemical quality, and sensory characteristics
- Specialized compounds of four Cameroonian spices: Isolation, characterization, and in silico evaluation as prospective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors
- Identification of a novel drug target in Porphyromonas gingivalis by a computational genome analysis approach
- Physico-chemical properties and durability of a fly-ash-based geopolymer
- FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitory potentials of some phytochemicals from anti-leukemic plants using computational chemical methodologies
- Wild Thymus zygis L. ssp. gracilis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.: Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils
- 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, ADMET, simulation dynamic, and retrosynthesis studies on new styrylquinolines derivatives against breast cancer
- Deciphering the influenza neuraminidase inhibitory potential of naturally occurring biflavonoids: An in silico approach
- Determination of heavy elements in agricultural regions, Saudi Arabia
- Synthesis and characterization of antioxidant-enriched Moringa oil-based edible oleogel
- Ameliorative effects of thistle and thyme honeys on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in mice
- Study of phytochemical compound and antipyretic activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. fractions
- Investigating the adsorption mechanism of zinc chloride-modified porous carbon for sulfadiazine removal from water
- Performance repair of building materials using alumina and silica composite nanomaterials with electrodynamic properties
- Effects of nanoparticles on the activity and resistance genes of anaerobic digestion enzymes in livestock and poultry manure containing the antibiotic tetracycline
- Effect of copper nanoparticles green-synthesized using Ocimum basilicum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice lung infection model
- Cardioprotective effects of nanoparticles green formulated by Spinacia oleracea extract on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in mice by the determination of PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway
- Anti-OTC antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic/silica and fluorescent hybrid silica nanoparticles for oxytetracycline detection
- Curcumin conjugated zinc nanoparticles for the treatment of myocardial infarction
- Identification and in silico screening of natural phloroglucinols as potential PI3Kα inhibitors: A computational approach for drug discovery
- Exploring the phytochemical profile and antioxidant evaluation: Molecular docking and ADMET analysis of main compounds from three Solanum species in Saudi Arabia
- Unveiling the molecular composition and biological properties of essential oil derived from the leaves of wild Mentha aquatica L.: A comprehensive in vitro and in silico exploration
- Analysis of bioactive compounds present in Boerhavia elegans seeds by GC-MS
- Homology modeling and molecular docking study of corticotrophin-releasing hormone: An approach to treat stress-related diseases
- LncRNA MIR17HG alleviates heart failure via targeting MIR17HG/miR-153-3p/SIRT1 axis in in vitro model
- Development and validation of a stability indicating UPLC-DAD method coupled with MS-TQD for ramipril and thymoquinone in bioactive SNEDDS with in silico toxicity analysis of ramipril degradation products
- Biosynthesis of Ag/Cu nanocomposite mediated by Curcuma longa: Evaluation of its antibacterial properties against oral pathogens
- Development of AMBER-compliant transferable force field parameters for polytetrafluoroethylene
- Treatment of gestational diabetes by Acroptilon repens leaf aqueous extract green-formulated iron nanoparticles in rats
- Development and characterization of new ecological adsorbents based on cardoon wastes: Application to brilliant green adsorption
- A fast, sensitive, greener, and stability-indicating HPLC method for the standardization and quantitative determination of chlorhexidine acetate in commercial products
- Assessment of Se, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb content status in Ankang tea plantations of China
- Effect of transition metal chloride (ZnCl2) on low-temperature pyrolysis of high ash bituminous coal
- Evaluating polyphenol and ascorbic acid contents, tannin removal ability, and physical properties during hydrolysis and convective hot-air drying of cashew apple powder
- Development and characterization of functional low-fat frozen dairy dessert enhanced with dried lemongrass powder
- Scrutinizing the effect of additive and synergistic antibiotics against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Preparation, characterization, and determination of the therapeutic effects of copper nanoparticles green-formulated by Pistacia atlantica in diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in rat
- Antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of methoxy-substituted Schiff bases using in vitro, in vivo, and molecular simulation approaches
- Anti-melanoma cancer activity and chemical profile of the essential oil of Seseli yunnanense Franch
- Molecular docking analysis of subtilisin-like alkaline serine protease (SLASP) and laccase with natural biopolymers
- Overcoming methicillin resistance by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Computational evaluation of napthyridine and oxadiazoles compounds for potential dual inhibition of PBP-2a and FemA proteins
- Exploring novel antitubercular agents: Innovative design of 2,3-diaryl-quinoxalines targeting DprE1 for effective tuberculosis treatment
- Drimia maritima flowers as a source of biologically potent components: Optimization of bioactive compound extractions, isolation, UPLC–ESI–MS/MS, and pharmacological properties
- Estimating molecular properties, drug-likeness, cardiotoxic risk, liability profile, and molecular docking study to characterize binding process of key phyto-compounds against serotonin 5-HT2A receptor
- Fabrication of β-cyclodextrin-based microgels for enhancing solubility of Terbinafine: An in-vitro and in-vivo toxicological evaluation
- Phyto-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of cationic and anionic dyes
- Monosodium glutamate induces hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivation, glucocorticoid receptors down-regulation, and systemic inflammatory response in young male rats: Impact on miR-155 and miR-218
- Quality control analyses of selected honey samples from Serbia based on their mineral and flavonoid profiles, and the invertase activity
- Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract: Assessment of antimicrobial activity, effectiveness on tropical neglected mosquito vector control, and biocompatibility using a fibroblast cell line model
- Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles containing Cichorium intybus to treat the sepsis-induced DNA damage in the liver of Wistar albino rats
- Quality changes of durian pulp (Durio ziberhinus Murr.) in cold storage
- Study on recrystallization process of nitroguanidine by directly adding cold water to control temperature
- Determination of heavy metals and health risk assessment in drinking water in Bukayriyah City, Saudi Arabia
- Larvicidal properties of essential oils of three Artemisia species against the chemically insecticide-resistant Nile fever vector Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae): In vitro and in silico studies
- Design, synthesis, characterization, and theoretical calculations, along with in silico and in vitro antimicrobial proprieties of new isoxazole-amide conjugates
- The impact of drying and extraction methods on total lipid, fatty acid profile, and cytotoxicity of Tenebrio molitor larvae
- A zinc oxide–tin oxide–nerolidol hybrid nanomaterial: Efficacy against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
- Research on technological process for production of muskmelon juice (Cucumis melo L.)
- Physicochemical components, antioxidant activity, and predictive models for quality of soursop tea (Annona muricata L.) during heat pump drying
- Characterization and application of Fe1−xCoxFe2O4 nanoparticles in Direct Red 79 adsorption
- Torilis arvensis ethanolic extract: Phytochemical analysis, antifungal efficacy, and cytotoxicity properties
- Magnetite–poly-1H pyrrole dendritic nanocomposite seeded on poly-1H pyrrole: A promising photocathode for green hydrogen generation from sanitation water without using external sacrificing agent
- HPLC and GC–MS analyses of phytochemical compounds in Haloxylon salicornicum extract: Antibacterial and antifungal activity assessment of phytopathogens
- Efficient and stable to coking catalysts of ethanol steam reforming comprised of Ni + Ru loaded on MgAl2O4 + LnFe0.7Ni0.3O3 (Ln = La, Pr) nanocomposites prepared via cost-effective procedure with Pluronic P123 copolymer
- Nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon dots probe for selectively detecting Hg2+ in water samples and the detection mechanism
- Heavy metals in road dust from typical old industrial areas of Wuhan: Seasonal distribution and bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment
- Phytochemical profiling and bioactivity evaluation of CBD- and THC-enriched Cannabis sativa extracts: In vitro and in silico investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Investigating dye adsorption: The role of surface-modified montmorillonite nanoclay in kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics
- Antimicrobial activity, induction of ROS generation in HepG2 liver cancer cells, and chemical composition of Pterospermum heterophyllum
- Study on the performance of nanoparticle-modified PVDF membrane in delaying membrane aging
- Impact of cholesterol in encapsulated vitamin E acetate within cocoliposomes
- Review Articles
- Structural aspects of Pt(η3-X1N1X2)(PL) (X1,2 = O, C, or Se) and Pt(η3-N1N2X1)(PL) (X1 = C, S, or Se) derivatives
- Biosurfactants in biocorrosion and corrosion mitigation of metals: An overview
- Stimulus-responsive MOF–hydrogel composites: Classification, preparation, characterization, and their advancement in medical treatments
- Electrochemical dissolution of titanium under alternating current polarization to obtain its dioxide
- Special Issue on Recent Trends in Green Chemistry
- Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Vitex agnus-castus L.
- Phytochemical study, antioxidant activity, and dermoprotective activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.)
- Exploitation of mangliculous marine fungi, Amarenographium solium, for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their activity against multiple drug-resistant bacteria
- Study of the phytotoxicity of margines on Pistia stratiotes L.
- Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy, Environmental and Biological Applications - Part III
- Impact of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth, development, and antioxidant system of high protein content crop (Lablab purpureus L.) sweet
- Green synthesis, characterization, and application of iron and molybdenum nanoparticles and their composites for enhancing the growth of Solanum lycopersicum
- Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Olea europaea L. extracted polysaccharides, characterization, and its assessment as an antimicrobial agent against multiple pathogenic microbes
- Photocatalytic treatment of organic dyes using metal oxides and nanocomposites: A quantitative study
- Antifungal, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activities of greenly synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles
- Special Issue on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Scrutinization of Medicinal Plants
- Hepatoprotective effects of safranal on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
- Chemical composition and biological properties of Thymus capitatus plants from Algerian high plains: A comparative and analytical study
- Chemical composition and bioactivities of the methanol root extracts of Saussurea costus
- In vivo protective effects of vitamin C against cyto-genotoxicity induced by Dysphania ambrosioides aqueous extract
- Insights about the deleterious impact of a carbamate pesticide on some metabolic immune and antioxidant functions and a focus on the protective ability of a Saharan shrub and its anti-edematous property
- A comprehensive review uncovering the anticancerous potential of genkwanin (plant-derived compound) in several human carcinomas
- A study to investigate the anticancer potential of carvacrol via targeting Notch signaling in breast cancer
- Assessment of anti-diabetic properties of Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) wild edible fruit extract: In vitro and in silico investigations through molecular docking analysis
- Optimization of polyphenol extraction, phenolic profile by LC-ESI-MS/MS, antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, and cytotoxic activities of Physalis acutifolia
- Phytochemical screening, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activities of Salvia balansae de Noé ex Coss
- Antihyperglycemic, antiglycation, anti-hypercholesteremic, and toxicity evaluation with gas chromatography mass spectrometry profiling for Aloe armatissima leaves
- Phyto-fabrication and characterization of gold nanoparticles by using Timur (Zanthoxylum armatum DC) and their effect on wound healing
- Does Erodium trifolium (Cav.) Guitt exhibit medicinal properties? Response elements from phytochemical profiling, enzyme-inhibiting, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
- Integrative in silico evaluation of the antiviral potential of terpenoids and its metal complexes derived from Homalomena aromatica based on main protease of SARS-CoV-2
- 6-Methoxyflavone improves anxiety, depression, and memory by increasing monoamines in mice brain: HPLC analysis and in silico studies
- Simultaneous extraction and quantification of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants in Solanum lycopersicum L. varieties marketed in Saudi Arabia
- Biological evaluation of CH3OH and C2H5OH of Berberis vulgaris for in vivo antileishmanial potential against Leishmania tropica in murine models
Articles in the same Issue
- Regular Articles
- Porous silicon nanostructures: Synthesis, characterization, and their antifungal activity
- Biochar from de-oiled Chlorella vulgaris and its adsorption on antibiotics
- Phytochemicals profiling, in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity, and in silico studies on Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb.: A comprehensive approach
- Synthesis, characterization, in silico and in vitro studies of novel glycoconjugates as potential antibacterial, antifungal, and antileishmanial agents
- Sonochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles mediated by potato starch: Its performance in the treatment of esophageal cancer
- Computational study of ADME-Tox prediction of selected phytochemicals from Punica granatum peels
- Phytochemical analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antifungal activities of extracts and essential oil derived from Artemisia herba-alba Asso
- Two triazole-based coordination polymers: Synthesis and crystal structure characterization
- Phytochemical and physicochemical studies of different apple varieties grown in Morocco
- Synthesis of multi-template molecularly imprinted polymers (MT-MIPs) for isolating ethyl para-methoxycinnamate and ethyl cinnamate from Kaempferia galanga L., extract with methacrylic acid as functional monomer
- Nutraceutical potential of Mesembryanthemum forsskaolii Hochst. ex Bioss.: Insights into its nutritional composition, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activity
- Evaluation of influence of Butea monosperma floral extract on inflammatory biomarkers
- Cannabis sativa L. essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial properties, and acute toxicity: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico study
- The effect of gamma radiation on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural conversion in water and dimethyl sulfoxide
- Hollow mushroom nanomaterials for potentiometric sensing of Pb2+ ions in water via the intercalation of iodide ions into the polypyrrole matrix
- Determination of essential oil and chemical composition of St. John’s Wort
- Computational design and in vitro assay of lantadene-based novel inhibitors of NS3 protease of dengue virus
- Anti-parasitic activity and computational studies on a novel labdane diterpene from the roots of Vachellia nilotica
- Microbial dynamics and dehydrogenase activity in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) rhizospheres: Impacts on growth and soil health across different soil types
- Correlation between in vitro anti-urease activity and in silico molecular modeling approach of novel imidazopyridine–oxadiazole hybrids derivatives
- Spatial mapping of indoor air quality in a light metro system using the geographic information system method
- Iron indices and hemogram in renal anemia and the improvement with Tribulus terrestris green-formulated silver nanoparticles applied on rat model
- Integrated track of nano-informatics coupling with the enrichment concept in developing a novel nanoparticle targeting ERK protein in Naegleria fowleri
- Cytotoxic and phytochemical screening of Solanum lycopersicum–Daucus carota hydro-ethanolic extract and in silico evaluation of its lycopene content as anticancer agent
- Protective activities of silver nanoparticles containing Panax japonicus on apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative alterations in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity
- pH-based colorimetric detection of monofunctional aldehydes in liquid and gas phases
- Investigating the effect of resveratrol on apoptosis and regulation of gene expression of Caco-2 cells: Unravelling potential implications for colorectal cancer treatment
- Metformin inhibits knee osteoarthritis induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats: S100A8/9 and S100A12 as players and therapeutic targets
- Effect of silver nanoparticles formulated by Silybum marianum on menopausal urinary incontinence in ovariectomized rats
- Synthesis of new analogs of N-substituted(benzoylamino)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines
- Response of yield and quality of Japonica rice to different gradients of moisture deficit at grain-filling stage in cold regions
- Preparation of an inclusion complex of nickel-based β-cyclodextrin: Characterization and accelerating the osteoarthritis articular cartilage repair
- Empagliflozin-loaded nanomicelles responsive to reactive oxygen species for renal ischemia/reperfusion injury protection
- Preparation and pharmacodynamic evaluation of sodium aescinate solid lipid nanoparticles
- Assessment of potentially toxic elements and health risks of agricultural soil in Southwest Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Theoretical investigation of hydrogen-rich fuel production through ammonia decomposition
- Biosynthesis and screening of cobalt nanoparticles using citrus species for antimicrobial activity
- Investigating the interplay of genetic variations, MCP-1 polymorphism, and docking with phytochemical inhibitors for combatting dengue virus pathogenicity through in silico analysis
- Ultrasound induced biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded into chitosan polymers: Investigation of its anti-cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma effects
- Copper oxide nanoparticles-mediated Heliotropium bacciferum leaf extract: Antifungal activity and molecular docking assays against strawberry pathogens
- Sprouted wheat flour for improving physical, chemical, rheological, microbial load, and quality properties of fino bread
- Comparative toxicity assessment of fisetin-aided artificial intelligence-assisted drug design targeting epibulbar dermoid through phytochemicals
- Acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of bis-thiourea derivatives
- Anti-diabetic activity-guided isolation of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory terpenes from Capsella bursa-pastoris Linn.
- GC–MS analysis of Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 metabolites and its computational analysis on familial pulmonary fibrosis hub genes
- Green formulation of copper nanoparticles by Pistacia khinjuk leaf aqueous extract: Introducing a novel chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of prostate cancer
- Improved photocatalytic properties of WO3 nanoparticles for Malachite green dye degradation under visible light irradiation: An effect of La doping
- One-pot synthesis of a network of Mn2O3–MnO2–poly(m-methylaniline) composite nanorods on a polypyrrole film presents a promising and efficient optoelectronic and solar cell device
- Groundwater quality and health risk assessment of nitrate and fluoride in Al Qaseem area, Saudi Arabia
- A comparative study of the antifungal efficacy and phytochemical composition of date palm leaflet extracts
- Processing of alcohol pomelo beverage (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) using saccharomyces yeast: Optimization, physicochemical quality, and sensory characteristics
- Specialized compounds of four Cameroonian spices: Isolation, characterization, and in silico evaluation as prospective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors
- Identification of a novel drug target in Porphyromonas gingivalis by a computational genome analysis approach
- Physico-chemical properties and durability of a fly-ash-based geopolymer
- FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitory potentials of some phytochemicals from anti-leukemic plants using computational chemical methodologies
- Wild Thymus zygis L. ssp. gracilis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.: Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils
- 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, ADMET, simulation dynamic, and retrosynthesis studies on new styrylquinolines derivatives against breast cancer
- Deciphering the influenza neuraminidase inhibitory potential of naturally occurring biflavonoids: An in silico approach
- Determination of heavy elements in agricultural regions, Saudi Arabia
- Synthesis and characterization of antioxidant-enriched Moringa oil-based edible oleogel
- Ameliorative effects of thistle and thyme honeys on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in mice
- Study of phytochemical compound and antipyretic activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. fractions
- Investigating the adsorption mechanism of zinc chloride-modified porous carbon for sulfadiazine removal from water
- Performance repair of building materials using alumina and silica composite nanomaterials with electrodynamic properties
- Effects of nanoparticles on the activity and resistance genes of anaerobic digestion enzymes in livestock and poultry manure containing the antibiotic tetracycline
- Effect of copper nanoparticles green-synthesized using Ocimum basilicum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice lung infection model
- Cardioprotective effects of nanoparticles green formulated by Spinacia oleracea extract on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in mice by the determination of PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway
- Anti-OTC antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic/silica and fluorescent hybrid silica nanoparticles for oxytetracycline detection
- Curcumin conjugated zinc nanoparticles for the treatment of myocardial infarction
- Identification and in silico screening of natural phloroglucinols as potential PI3Kα inhibitors: A computational approach for drug discovery
- Exploring the phytochemical profile and antioxidant evaluation: Molecular docking and ADMET analysis of main compounds from three Solanum species in Saudi Arabia
- Unveiling the molecular composition and biological properties of essential oil derived from the leaves of wild Mentha aquatica L.: A comprehensive in vitro and in silico exploration
- Analysis of bioactive compounds present in Boerhavia elegans seeds by GC-MS
- Homology modeling and molecular docking study of corticotrophin-releasing hormone: An approach to treat stress-related diseases
- LncRNA MIR17HG alleviates heart failure via targeting MIR17HG/miR-153-3p/SIRT1 axis in in vitro model
- Development and validation of a stability indicating UPLC-DAD method coupled with MS-TQD for ramipril and thymoquinone in bioactive SNEDDS with in silico toxicity analysis of ramipril degradation products
- Biosynthesis of Ag/Cu nanocomposite mediated by Curcuma longa: Evaluation of its antibacterial properties against oral pathogens
- Development of AMBER-compliant transferable force field parameters for polytetrafluoroethylene
- Treatment of gestational diabetes by Acroptilon repens leaf aqueous extract green-formulated iron nanoparticles in rats
- Development and characterization of new ecological adsorbents based on cardoon wastes: Application to brilliant green adsorption
- A fast, sensitive, greener, and stability-indicating HPLC method for the standardization and quantitative determination of chlorhexidine acetate in commercial products
- Assessment of Se, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb content status in Ankang tea plantations of China
- Effect of transition metal chloride (ZnCl2) on low-temperature pyrolysis of high ash bituminous coal
- Evaluating polyphenol and ascorbic acid contents, tannin removal ability, and physical properties during hydrolysis and convective hot-air drying of cashew apple powder
- Development and characterization of functional low-fat frozen dairy dessert enhanced with dried lemongrass powder
- Scrutinizing the effect of additive and synergistic antibiotics against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Preparation, characterization, and determination of the therapeutic effects of copper nanoparticles green-formulated by Pistacia atlantica in diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in rat
- Antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of methoxy-substituted Schiff bases using in vitro, in vivo, and molecular simulation approaches
- Anti-melanoma cancer activity and chemical profile of the essential oil of Seseli yunnanense Franch
- Molecular docking analysis of subtilisin-like alkaline serine protease (SLASP) and laccase with natural biopolymers
- Overcoming methicillin resistance by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Computational evaluation of napthyridine and oxadiazoles compounds for potential dual inhibition of PBP-2a and FemA proteins
- Exploring novel antitubercular agents: Innovative design of 2,3-diaryl-quinoxalines targeting DprE1 for effective tuberculosis treatment
- Drimia maritima flowers as a source of biologically potent components: Optimization of bioactive compound extractions, isolation, UPLC–ESI–MS/MS, and pharmacological properties
- Estimating molecular properties, drug-likeness, cardiotoxic risk, liability profile, and molecular docking study to characterize binding process of key phyto-compounds against serotonin 5-HT2A receptor
- Fabrication of β-cyclodextrin-based microgels for enhancing solubility of Terbinafine: An in-vitro and in-vivo toxicological evaluation
- Phyto-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of cationic and anionic dyes
- Monosodium glutamate induces hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivation, glucocorticoid receptors down-regulation, and systemic inflammatory response in young male rats: Impact on miR-155 and miR-218
- Quality control analyses of selected honey samples from Serbia based on their mineral and flavonoid profiles, and the invertase activity
- Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract: Assessment of antimicrobial activity, effectiveness on tropical neglected mosquito vector control, and biocompatibility using a fibroblast cell line model
- Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles containing Cichorium intybus to treat the sepsis-induced DNA damage in the liver of Wistar albino rats
- Quality changes of durian pulp (Durio ziberhinus Murr.) in cold storage
- Study on recrystallization process of nitroguanidine by directly adding cold water to control temperature
- Determination of heavy metals and health risk assessment in drinking water in Bukayriyah City, Saudi Arabia
- Larvicidal properties of essential oils of three Artemisia species against the chemically insecticide-resistant Nile fever vector Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae): In vitro and in silico studies
- Design, synthesis, characterization, and theoretical calculations, along with in silico and in vitro antimicrobial proprieties of new isoxazole-amide conjugates
- The impact of drying and extraction methods on total lipid, fatty acid profile, and cytotoxicity of Tenebrio molitor larvae
- A zinc oxide–tin oxide–nerolidol hybrid nanomaterial: Efficacy against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
- Research on technological process for production of muskmelon juice (Cucumis melo L.)
- Physicochemical components, antioxidant activity, and predictive models for quality of soursop tea (Annona muricata L.) during heat pump drying
- Characterization and application of Fe1−xCoxFe2O4 nanoparticles in Direct Red 79 adsorption
- Torilis arvensis ethanolic extract: Phytochemical analysis, antifungal efficacy, and cytotoxicity properties
- Magnetite–poly-1H pyrrole dendritic nanocomposite seeded on poly-1H pyrrole: A promising photocathode for green hydrogen generation from sanitation water without using external sacrificing agent
- HPLC and GC–MS analyses of phytochemical compounds in Haloxylon salicornicum extract: Antibacterial and antifungal activity assessment of phytopathogens
- Efficient and stable to coking catalysts of ethanol steam reforming comprised of Ni + Ru loaded on MgAl2O4 + LnFe0.7Ni0.3O3 (Ln = La, Pr) nanocomposites prepared via cost-effective procedure with Pluronic P123 copolymer
- Nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon dots probe for selectively detecting Hg2+ in water samples and the detection mechanism
- Heavy metals in road dust from typical old industrial areas of Wuhan: Seasonal distribution and bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment
- Phytochemical profiling and bioactivity evaluation of CBD- and THC-enriched Cannabis sativa extracts: In vitro and in silico investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Investigating dye adsorption: The role of surface-modified montmorillonite nanoclay in kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics
- Antimicrobial activity, induction of ROS generation in HepG2 liver cancer cells, and chemical composition of Pterospermum heterophyllum
- Study on the performance of nanoparticle-modified PVDF membrane in delaying membrane aging
- Impact of cholesterol in encapsulated vitamin E acetate within cocoliposomes
- Review Articles
- Structural aspects of Pt(η3-X1N1X2)(PL) (X1,2 = O, C, or Se) and Pt(η3-N1N2X1)(PL) (X1 = C, S, or Se) derivatives
- Biosurfactants in biocorrosion and corrosion mitigation of metals: An overview
- Stimulus-responsive MOF–hydrogel composites: Classification, preparation, characterization, and their advancement in medical treatments
- Electrochemical dissolution of titanium under alternating current polarization to obtain its dioxide
- Special Issue on Recent Trends in Green Chemistry
- Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Vitex agnus-castus L.
- Phytochemical study, antioxidant activity, and dermoprotective activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides (L.)
- Exploitation of mangliculous marine fungi, Amarenographium solium, for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their activity against multiple drug-resistant bacteria
- Study of the phytotoxicity of margines on Pistia stratiotes L.
- Special Issue on Advanced Nanomaterials for Energy, Environmental and Biological Applications - Part III
- Impact of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth, development, and antioxidant system of high protein content crop (Lablab purpureus L.) sweet
- Green synthesis, characterization, and application of iron and molybdenum nanoparticles and their composites for enhancing the growth of Solanum lycopersicum
- Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Olea europaea L. extracted polysaccharides, characterization, and its assessment as an antimicrobial agent against multiple pathogenic microbes
- Photocatalytic treatment of organic dyes using metal oxides and nanocomposites: A quantitative study
- Antifungal, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activities of greenly synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles
- Special Issue on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Scrutinization of Medicinal Plants
- Hepatoprotective effects of safranal on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
- Chemical composition and biological properties of Thymus capitatus plants from Algerian high plains: A comparative and analytical study
- Chemical composition and bioactivities of the methanol root extracts of Saussurea costus
- In vivo protective effects of vitamin C against cyto-genotoxicity induced by Dysphania ambrosioides aqueous extract
- Insights about the deleterious impact of a carbamate pesticide on some metabolic immune and antioxidant functions and a focus on the protective ability of a Saharan shrub and its anti-edematous property
- A comprehensive review uncovering the anticancerous potential of genkwanin (plant-derived compound) in several human carcinomas
- A study to investigate the anticancer potential of carvacrol via targeting Notch signaling in breast cancer
- Assessment of anti-diabetic properties of Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) wild edible fruit extract: In vitro and in silico investigations through molecular docking analysis
- Optimization of polyphenol extraction, phenolic profile by LC-ESI-MS/MS, antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, and cytotoxic activities of Physalis acutifolia
- Phytochemical screening, antioxidant properties, and photo-protective activities of Salvia balansae de Noé ex Coss
- Antihyperglycemic, antiglycation, anti-hypercholesteremic, and toxicity evaluation with gas chromatography mass spectrometry profiling for Aloe armatissima leaves
- Phyto-fabrication and characterization of gold nanoparticles by using Timur (Zanthoxylum armatum DC) and their effect on wound healing
- Does Erodium trifolium (Cav.) Guitt exhibit medicinal properties? Response elements from phytochemical profiling, enzyme-inhibiting, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
- Integrative in silico evaluation of the antiviral potential of terpenoids and its metal complexes derived from Homalomena aromatica based on main protease of SARS-CoV-2
- 6-Methoxyflavone improves anxiety, depression, and memory by increasing monoamines in mice brain: HPLC analysis and in silico studies
- Simultaneous extraction and quantification of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants in Solanum lycopersicum L. varieties marketed in Saudi Arabia
- Biological evaluation of CH3OH and C2H5OH of Berberis vulgaris for in vivo antileishmanial potential against Leishmania tropica in murine models