@article {1744, title = {FTICR/MS Analysis of Micromeria Fruticosa and Teucrium Polium Growing in Lebanon}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {February 2022}, pages = {112-127}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {112}, abstract = {

Micomeria fruticosa and Teucrium polium are Lamiaceae plants found throughout the Mediterranean, including Lebanon. Aerial parts of both plants were taken from a rocky mountain in Lebanon{\textquoteright}s Bekaa region and alcoholic extraction and chromatographic separation were performed. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) was used to examine crude extracts of both plants A and B, as well as their fractions. The mass spectra of both plants revealed great chemical complexity with a total of 6352 ions (peaks) for crude extract of plant A and 5147 ions (peaks) for extract B. The majority of chemicals found in both plants are condensed aromatics, particularly polyphenols which could explain the previously documented anticancer effects of both plants.

Key words: Micromeria, Teucrium chromatographic analysis, FTICR-MS.

}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.16}, author = {Mohamad Al- Hamwi and MahaAboul Ela and Abdalla El-Lakany and Youssef BAKKOUR and Ziad Mahmoud} } @article {1338, title = {Anticancer Activity of Micromeria fruticosa and Teucrium polium Growing in Lebanon}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {13}, year = {2021}, month = {January 2021}, pages = {103-109}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {103}, abstract = {

The anticancer activities of two Lebanese plant extract Micromeria fruticose (A) and Teucrium polium (B) and their fractions were tested against MCF7 and A549 cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Separation was carried out through column chromatography and TLC analysis. Results showed that both plants possess a promising and dose dependent inhibitory activity with IC50of extract A 28.52 and 26.47 μg/ml on MCF7 and A549 cells respectively, and that of extract B was 41 and 27.9 μg/ml on MCF7 and A549 cell lines, respectively. More interestingly, combination treatment with either extracts A or B and cisplatin, significantly boosted the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin against the two cancer cell lines. Further studies are recommended to determine the active components in both plants responsible for these activities and explore their interactions at molecular level.

}, keywords = {Nil}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2021.13.15}, author = {Mohammad Al-Hamwi and Maha Aboul-Ela and Abdalla El-Lakany and Salam Nasreddine} } @article {822, title = {Phytochemical Compounds Of Cichorium intybus by Exploring its Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {February 2019}, pages = {248-257}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {248}, abstract = {

Introduction: The current study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Cichorium intybus n-hexane extract on diabetes mellitus and its antioxidant effect in vivo in alloxinated animals. Diabetic neuropathy improvement was also tested as well as insulin levels and histology of the pancreas were performed. Methods: The chromatographic standardization of C. intybus extract was performed using isocratic HPLC, which indicated the presence of numerous phyto-constituents. The hexane extract was studied for its effect on blood glucose levels and painful diabetic neuropathy (DN) in diabetic mice. Hyperalgesia and mechanical-allodynia were evaluated using thermal stimuli, pain response to radiant energy experiments and a mechanical sensitivity test respectively. Subsequently, after eight weeks of being alloxinated, BGL, body weight, antioxidant activity, insulin levels and glycated hemoglobin were recorded to evaluate antidiabetic potential and the DN. Results: The administration of Cichorium intybus extract (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) and a combination of Cichorium intybus extract and Camellia sinensis (50 + 200 mg/kg, respectively) have revealed an acute hypoglycemic effect ranging from 14.15\% and 42.4\%. The sub-chronic anti-diabetic effect ranged from 23.41\% and 44.8\%. They diminished hyperalgesia and tangible allodynia significantly (p\<0.05), (n=7 per group). The powerful neuroprotective properties might serve as potential lead-compounds for further analysis. Conclusion: The histological study and the potent antioxidant effect showed that they could assist in the management of diabetes mellitus and DN by amelioration of insulin levels and regeneration of pancreatic beta cells.

}, keywords = {Antidiabetic effects, Antioxidant, Cichorium Intybus, Phytochemical analysis, Serum insulin}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.11.39}, author = {Dina Kanj and Karim Raafat and Abdalla El-Lakany and Safaa Baydoun and Maha Aboul-Ela} } @article {958, title = {Review on Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Genus Anthemis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {1155-1166}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {1155}, abstract = {

Genus Anthemis of Family Asteraceae contains mainly flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones belonging to germacranolides, eudesmanolides, guaianolides, sterols and essential oils. The Plants of genus Anthemis have been known to have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities due to their rich contents of important physiological and biological compounds. They are referred to as nature{\textquoteright}s biological response modifier{\textquoteright}s and are involved in energy transfer, photosensitization and morphogenesis. Several clinical studies have shown that people who take diets rich in flavonoids and sesquiterpenes have reduced risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This article covers most of constituents of plants of genus Anthemis reported from 2002 up to 2018. Furthermore, the biological activities of plants of genus Anthemis will be presented.

}, keywords = {Anthemis, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, Flavonoids, Sesquiterpenes}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.11.180}, author = {Rima Boukhary and Maha Aboul-Ela and Abdalla El-Lakany} } @article {468, title = {Chemical Constituents from Salvia fruticosa libanotica}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {December 2017}, pages = {45-48}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {45}, abstract = {

Objective: Plants of genus Salvia are used in traditional folk medicine for their antidiabetic, anti-oxidant effects and for gastric disorders. The oil has an antiseptic property and it is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes. An infusion of the leaves is widely used as a mouthwash or gargle and for the treatment of inflammation of the mouth and throat. It is used as carminative, antiinflammatory, astringent, cytotoxic and antispasmodic. Materials and Methods: Air-dried powdered aerial parts and roots of Salvia fruticosa libanotica were extracted separately with ethanol and acetone then their residues were separately extracted with different solvents on silica gel columns. Results: From Salvia fruticosa libanotica, eight phenolic compounds were isolated from methylene chloride, ethyl acetate and butanol extracts of the chosen plant. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined by NMR, MS, IR and UV spectroscopic methods. Conclusion: Among these compounds three Flavonoids named apigenin, luteolin and rutin were identified in addition to three phenolic acids which are ferulic acid, gallic acid and rosemarinic acid from aerial parts. Moreover, carnosol and dehydro-abietic acid were also isolated from Salvia fruticosa\ libanotica \ root extract. All the isolated compounds were obtained for the first time from Salvia fruticosa libanotica .

}, keywords = {Anti-oxidant, Antidiabetic, Dehydroabietic acid, Rutin; Carnosol, Salvia fruticosa libanotica}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2018.1.9}, url = {http://fulltxt.org/article/364}, author = {Rima Boukhary and Maha Aboul-Ela and Othman Al-Hanbali and Abdalla El-Lakany} } @article {697, title = {Phytochemical Investigation of Psoralea bituminosa L. and its Anti-Diabetic Potentials}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {August 2018}, pages = {841-853}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {841}, abstract = {

Introduction: Psoralea bituminosa L. (Fabaceae), is a very important medicinal plant, used in traditional medicine in Europe, Asia, and America, and in Africa for, its antiseptic, antihyperglycemic and anti-oxidative potentials. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of Psoralea bituminosa (Pbt.) in the management of diabetes and diabetic \– induced thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, this study aimed also to investigate the volatile oil constituents of Pbt. growing in Lebanon utilizing GC-MS method. Methods: Blood glucose level (BGL) was measured using gluco-meter while diabetic-induced thermal hyperplasia of Pbt. growing in Lebanon was measured using tail flick and hot plate methods. Antioxidant was measured using DPPH free radicals method. Volatile oil of fresh and dried aerial parts of Pbt. was analyzed using GC-MS. Results: The result of study conducted on Lebanese Pbt. revealed that acute anti-diabetic activity of Pbt. in the 3 extracts subjected a decrease in BGL ranging between 34\% to 38.5\%. In subchronic anti-diabetic activity of Pbt. BGL dropped in range 19\% to 44\%. Moreover, Pbt. extract showed 1.7\% to 13.6\%increase in body weight at all doses with respect to 8th day. On the other hand, alloxan diabetic induced mice reported melioration by 63.8\% to 86.3\% on the 8th week alloxan after injection in diabetic \– induced thermal hyperalgesia hotplate latency method. Nevertheless, a marked improvement in tail flick latency on the 8th week after alloxan injection by 22.7 \% to 48.6 \%. Pbt. extract revealed DPPH radical decreases at 82.6\% at concentration of 100 mg/mL, respectively. Total flavonoid content measured of Pbt. was 135.83 mg/g while total phenolic content showed 217.48 mg/g. Conclusion:Psoralea bituminosa\  showed a significant effect in the management of diabetes and neuropathic pain conditions and limiting expected side-effects, which might be used as a future antidiabetic therapy.

}, keywords = {Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Diabetic neuropathy, Essential oil, Psoralea bituminosa}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2018.5.143}, author = {Sara Al Ayoubi, Karim Raafat and Abdalla El-Lakany and Maha Aboul-Ela} } @article {652, title = {Phytochemical Investigation of Psoralea bituminosa L. and its Anti-Diabetic Potentials}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {July/2018}, pages = {73-85}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {73}, abstract = {

Introduction:Psoralea bituminosaL. (Fabaceae), is a very important medicinal plant, used in traditional medicine in Europe, Asia, and America, and in Africa for, its antiseptic, antihyperglycemic and anti-oxidative potentials. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of Psoralea bituminosa (Pbt.) in the management of diabetes and diabetic \– induced thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, this study aimed also to investigate the volatile oil constituents of Pbt. growing in Lebanon utilizing GC-MS method. Methods:Blood glucose level (BGL) was measured using gluco-meter while diabetic-induced thermal hyperplasia of Pbt. growing in Lebanon was measured using tail flick and hot plate methods. Antioxidant was measured using DPPH free radicals method. Volatile oil of fresh and dried aerial parts of Pbt. was analyzed using GC-MS. Results: The result of study conducted on Lebanese Pbt. revealed that acute anti-diabetic activity of Pbt. in the 3 extracts subjected a decrease in BGL ranging between 34\% to 38.5\%. In subchronic anti-diabetic activity of Pbt. BGL dropped in range 19\% to 44\%. Moreover, Pbt. extract showed 1.7\% to 13.6\%increase in body weight at all doses with respect to 8th day. On the other hand, alloxan diabetic induced mice reported melioration by 63.8\% to 86.3\% on the 8th week alloxan after injection in diabetic \– induced thermal hyperalgesia hotplate latency method. Nevertheless, a marked improvement in tail flick latency on the 8th week after alloxan injection by 22.7 \% to 48.6 \%. Pbt. extract revealed DPPH radical decreases at 82.6\% at concentration of 100 mg/mL, respectively. Total flavonoid content measured of Pbt. was 135.83 mg/g while total phenolic content showed 217.48 mg/g. Conclusion:Psoralea bituminosa showed a significant effect in the management of diabetes and neuropathic pain conditions and limiting expected side-effects, which might be used as a future antidiabetic therapy.

Keywords:Psoralea bituminosa,Antidiabetic,Antioxidant,Essential oil,Diabetic neuropathy.

}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2017.3.14}, author = {Sara Al Ayoubi and Karim Raafat and Abdalla El-Lakany and Maha Aboul-Ela} } @article {344, title = {Designing monographs for Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia L.: Two Lebanese species with significant medicinal potentials}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {May 2017}, pages = {452-474}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {452}, abstract = {

Introduction: The world health organization recommends validating medicinal plants to ensure safety and efficacy. Lavandula is valued for the production of essential oil used in aromatherapy. Rosmarinus is known for its folk use as anti-oxidant and antidiabetic. This study aims to design monographs for Rosmarinus officinalis (Linn.) and Lavandula angustifolia (Linn.) cultivated, in conditions similar to their natural habitat, at Beirut Arab University botanical garden. Also screening the antioxidant activity of both plants, and assessing the antidiabetic effect of R. officinalis (Linn.). Methods: macroscopic and microscopic examination, hydrodistillation to obtain essential oils (EOs), thin layer chromatography, Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry, and physiochemical properties of the EOs were determined. The antioxidant effect of the EOs is determined by DPPH assay. The antidiabetic effect of Rosemary EO is investigated using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Results: the qualities of studied species are in agreement with the standards described in WHO monographs and in the British pharmacopeia. Composition of the EO produced from either Rosemary (REO) or Lavender (LEO) collected at different months showed differences. The EO of both showed significant antioxidant effects in DPPH assay (p\<0.05). In vivo investigation of the antidiabetic effect of REO showed a significant antidiabetic effect in diabetic mouse model (p\<0.05). Conclusion: both plant species and their EOs fulfilled most of standards specified by the British Pharmacopeia 2013. Rosemary collected in April (Spring) showed the best antioxidant activity. Lavender collected in September (Early Fall) showed the best antioxidant activity. REO revealed significant lowering in blood glucose level at the dose of 110 mg/kg.

}, keywords = {Glandular trichome, Optical rotation, Prismatic crystals of Calcium oxalate, Refractive index, Rosmarinic acid}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2017.4.75}, url = {/files/PJ-9-4/10.5530pj.2017.4.75}, author = {Mariam Koleilat and Karim Raafat and Abdalla El-Lakany and Maha Aboul-Ela} }