This study presents a heterogeneous advanced oxidation process (AOP) for antibiotic removal using fibrous cellulose beads (CB) as sustainable catalyst supports. The CB were fabricated from biomass through a green, mechanical approach that avoids cellulose dissolution, preserving their native fibrous structure. Two catalysts, CoFe2O4@CB and Ag-CoFe2O4@CB, were synthesized via co-precipitation and in situ silver doping. Structural analyses confirmed the spinel CoFe2O4 phase, successful Ag incorporation, uniform nanoparticle dispersion, and strong interfacial coupling involving mixed-valence Co/Fe species, Ag-related surface species, and multiple oxygen environments. Under identical optimal conditions identified by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) (0.40 g L-1 catalyst, 0.50 g L-1 peroxymonosulfate (PMS), 20 mg L-1 tetracycline (TC), 50 min), Ag-CoFe2O4@CB achieved 96.18% TC degradation with a higher apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant (k = 0.0690 min(-1)) than CoFe2O4@CB (93.35%, k = 0.0568 min(-1)), corresponding to similar to 43% lower residual TC after 50 min. The enhancement is attributed to Ag-mediated promotion of ROS generation and interfacial electron-transfer processes, while also imparting rapid antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The fibrous CB architecture further improved catalyst stability, reusability, and mass transfer. The dissolution-free fibrous CB platform enables a scalable, bio-based, and multifunctional catalyst architecture for PMS-driven antibiotic abatement and microbial control in water treatment.

Cannabis sativa L., an ancient plant with a rich history of medicinal and industrial uses, continues to garner significant interest. This study systematically compared four extraction methods: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and decoction, to isolate bioactive compounds from the flowering tops of C. sativa L. using a 50% (v/v) water/ethanol solvent system. Comprehensive assessments were conducted on extraction yields, phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial properties, and chemical composition via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among the methods, UAE demonstrated superior performance, yielding the highest concentrations of phenolics (84.05 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (19.26 mg QE/g), flavonols (15.53 mg QE/g), and tannins (32.52 mg CE/g). It also exhibited optimal antioxidant activities in DPPH (IC₅₀: 63.56 ± 0.02 µg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀: 57.64 ± 0.06 µg/mL), and FRAP (EC₅₀: 250.63 ± 0.12 µg/mL) assays, along with a high total antioxidant capacity (200.91 ± 0.07 mg AAE/g extract). The extracts showed potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, with UAE and maceration displaying superior effectiveness (MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 50 mg/mL). Significant antifungal activity was also observed against Fusarium proliferatum, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans, with UAE achieving the lowest MIC values (6.25 to 25 mg/mL). GC-MS analysis revealed distinct chemical profiles for each extraction method, notably significant quantities of phenols, terpenes, and fatty acid derivatives. This study identifies UAE as the most effective method for extracting bioactive compounds from C. sativa L., offering high yields and superior preservation of therapeutic properties. These findings provide valuable insights for developing optimized, environmentally sustainable extraction protocols in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic applications.

Retama monosperma is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine across the Mediterranean region to treat various conditions, including diabetes, rheumatism, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The present study aimed to investigate the enzyme (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase) inhibitory activity as well as the photoprotective effect of the extracts of R. monosperma stem. Organic solvent (hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) extracts of R. monosperma stem were obtained by Soxhlet extraction, while aqueous extract was obtained by maceration. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the extracts were investigated in vitro using the spectrophotometric method. Furthermore, the efficacy of the extracts as dermo-protective and photoprotective agents were evaluated by tyrosinase inhibitory activity and by ultraviolet absorbance test. The results showed that the hexane extract exhibited the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 273.91 ± 0.61 µg/mL), for the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, the aqueous extract demonstrated the highest potency (IC50 = 2331.12 ± 2.69 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity (313.68 ± 0.88 µg QE/mg extract). Additionally, the 10 mg/mL aqueous extract displayed significant photoprotective activity, with high UVA (1.810 ± 0.031) and UVB (2.112 ± 0.008) absorbance values. The results of this study have highlighted the therapeutic potential of R. monosperma, and established a solid foundation for future research on natural therapies and the development of innovative drugs for the treatment of hyperglycemia and pigmentation disorders.

In this study, a novel mechanical process was used to produce cellulose beads (CB). These beads were then doped with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) to serve as catalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) through peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The physical and chemical properties of CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4@CB catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To optimize RhB degradation efficiency, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed, utilizing the Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under the optimized conditions of a catalyst dosage of 0.40 g/L, PMS dosage of 0.98 mM, RhB concentration of 40 mg/L, pH of 5.27, and reaction time of 60 min, a remarkable degradation efficiency of 98.51 % was achieved at a temperature of 25 degrees C. In quenching experiments, O-1(2), SO4 center dot-, and HO center dot species are produced in the CoFe2O4@CB/PMS system, with O-1(2), and SO4 center dot- species dominating RhB degradation. Remarkably, the new CoFe2O4@CB catalyst has demonstrated exceptional stability and reusability, validated by recycling tests (up to 78 % of RhB degradation efficiency after a 5-cycle experiment) and subsequent characterizations (FTIR, SEM, and EDX) emphasizing unchanged bands, uniform distribution, and consistent composition after reuse cycles. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of mechanically produced CoFe2O4@CB catalysts for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), with promising applications in wastewater treatment.

Dittrichia viscosa is a perennial herb that has been used for generations in traditional medicine to address a variety of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, microbial disorders, inflammatory conditions, and wound healing. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of existing knowledge on D. viscosa with regards to its botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties. Databases such as Scopus, Wiley-Online, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were used to select relevant articles based on their title and abstract.The reviewed studies found a strong correlation between D. viscosa's traditional uses and its observed biological effects. Pharmacological research has shown that the essential oils and extracts from D. viscosa possess a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. The chemical compounds found in D. viscosa include sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids; some of these compounds, such as tometosin and inuviscolide, have been isolated and displayed promising cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity.The present review suggests that the pharmacological properties of D. viscosa align well with its ethnomedicinal uses. These findings support the traditional use of D. viscosa in treating various illnesses. Additionally, toxicological examinations of D. viscosa extracts and essential oil have demonstrated the plant's safety, which supports the need for comprehensive pharmacological studies, in vivo studies, and clinical trials to evaluate the best doses for optimal medicinal effects. This work underscores the medicinal value of D. viscosa and its potential in developing new pharmacological agents to address major health challenges like antibiotic resistance and cancers.

This study explores the use of biochar derived from Argan Nutshells as a core component in alginate beads for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The characterization of BC/Alg composite was conducted using techniques like Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and size distribution to assess its structural properties and confirm the strong interaction between both components. The adsorbent exhibited surface functional groups characteristic of both biochar and alginate, and SEM confirmed the spherical morphology of the beads. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the adsorption process by evaluating the effects of key parameters including pH, temperature, adsorbent mass, and dye concentration. The results showed that the BC/Alg effectively removed 96.4 % of MB. The pseudo-second order (PSO) kinetic model best described the MB removal process (R2 = 0.9990), while the Langmuir isotherm model accurately represented the adsorption equilibrium (R2 = 0.96879). After four cycles of regeneration trials, BC/Alg retained 82 % MB removal efficiency, indicating high reusability and stability. The remarkable adsorption capability of BC/Alg showed that it may be employed as an economical and environmentally friendly adsorbent in aqueous solutions, strengthening the case for employing Argan nutshells for water treatment.

Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as Henna, is a plant that has been extensively utilized throughout the ages for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. This plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds and has attracted significant interest due to its potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The aim of our study is to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of Lawsonia inermis seeds. L. inermis seed powder was extracted using hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol and water. The 4 fractions were quantified for polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins contents. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using 4 methods: 2,2?-Diphenyl- picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) , 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) (ABTS), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Phosphomolybdate assay (PMA). Antimicrobial activity was determined by agar diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The liquid dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration. The highest content of polyphenols and tannins was obtained in the ethanolic fraction, with values of 594.01±6.07 mg GAE/g dw and 242.4±1.6 mg CE/g dw respectively. The ethanolic fraction exhibited significant scavenging of free radicals (DPPH) with an IC50 of 3.06±0.01 µg/mL, lower than the IC50 of the standard quercetin (5.30±0.02 µg/mL). Moreover, the ethanolic fraction showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus and E. faecalis strains, with zone of inhibition values of 15.5±0.7, 14.0±0.0 and 14.5±0.7 mm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the ethanolic fraction was found to be 1.563 mg/mL against both S. aureus and B. cereus strains, while the minimum bactericidal concentration was 3.125 mg/mL against B. cereus and 6.25 mg/mL against E. faecalis strains. L. inermis seeds exhibit significant antioxidant capacity and demonstrate antimicrobial activity. These findings indicate the potential of L. inermis seeds as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

This research is dedicated to investigating the antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of three distinct extracts derived from Vitex agnus-castus L. These extracts, prepared through aqueous (EXA), ethanolic (EXE), and methanolic (EXM) maceration, were chosen based on prior assessments of total polyphenol content in extracts obtained from five solvents with differing polarities: water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and butanol. The study initiated with a comprehensive phytochemical analysis focusing on the determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids. The quantification of total polyphenols was carried out using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while the AlCl3 method was employed to assess flavonoids. In evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity, we employed two well-established methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The preliminary tests, gauging the efficacy of solvents, demonstrated that the order of optimal solvent selection was as follows: aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, butanolic, and acetone. Consequently, the first three solvents were chosen for the preparation of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis unveiled that EXA exhibited the highest total polyphenol content, with an impressive value of 126.84 ± 1.24 mg EAG/g extract, whereas EXE exhibited the lowest concentration of total polyphenols, measuring at 117.26 ± 0.18 mg EAG/g extract. In contrast, EXM showcased a notably high flavonoid content, registering at 33.65 ± 1.04 mg EQ/g extract, while EXA displayed a comparatively lower flavonoid content at 14.93 ± 0.14 mg EQ/g extract. When assessing antioxidant properties, EXA emerged as the most potent against both DPPH and FRAP, recording values of 78.94 ± 1.84 and 203.27 ± 0.17 μg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the ethanolic extract exhibited relatively lower antioxidant activity, with values of 204.16 ± 1.87 μg/ml for DPPH and 307.10 ± 1.15 μg/ml for FRAP.

Chenopodium ambrosioides aerial parts have been historically employed in traditional medicine for addressing various ailments such as headaches, abdominal discomfort, joint issues, and respiratory disorders, alongside treatments for lice and warts. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of C. ambrosioides and assess the acute and subacute toxicity of oral treatments using fractions in preclinical trials. Spectrophotometric analysis via LC–MS/MS was used to characterize the plant’s chemical composition. Acute toxicity evaluation followed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development code 42 guidelines, conducted on adult male and female Wistar strain mice. Subsequently, Swiss mice were divided into six groups for the subacute toxicity study, receiving oral doses of 200 mg/kg extracts and fractions for 28 days. Daily observations and biochemical analyses were performed, with LC–MS/MS revealing a diverse array of compounds including organic acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, rutin, hesperidin, nicotiflorine, and fumaric acid. Results indicated no lethality or alterations in body weight in treated groups, though some organ weight changes were noted. Biochemical analyses demonstrated values within the normal range for all groups, suggesting that the treatments did not induce adverse effects. Acute and subacute treatments with fractions did not result in lethality or toxic alterations at therapeutic doses, implying the safety of the product at appropriate levels. This study underscores the potential of C. ambrosioides as a safe therapeutic option warranting further exploration.

Herein, we present a novel and straightforward process for fabricating highly porous three-dimensional cellulose microspheres. This technique relies on the mechanical agitation of bleached natural fibers in a rotating vessel at low speed, without the need for additional chemicals. The notable advantage of this process is its ease of implementation, allowing for control of various operating conditions such as the shape of the rotator, rotation speed, fiber/reagent ratio, and reaction time. As a result, the process enables the production of cellulose microspheres with high porosity, sphericity, and narrow size distribution. To enhance the durability and stability of the cellulosic beads, and to expand their potential for large-scale applications, the cellulose microspheres were encapsulated with sodium alginate, serving as a core structure. We successfully developed five different kinds of microspheres with diverse appearances by varying the drying conditions. We thoroughly investigated the effects of the operating and drying conditions on various aspects; morphology, stability, and physicochemical characteristics of the resulting microspheres. The results demonstrated that all beads exhibited fascinating characteristics with high porosity. Furthermore, the encapsulation of the cellulose beads had advantageous effects on their thermal, mechanical, and adsorption performances for methylene blue adsorption as an initial gauge of the adsorption capacity for molecules/dyes of interest.

Retama monosperma is an endemic plant of the Mediterranean region that has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. It contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals and exhibited several biological activities. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical screening, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total tannin compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical screening involved color reactions, characteristic reagents, and precipitation methods. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds were quantified using colorimetric methods across four fractions. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, and phosphomolebdenum assay. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through disc diffusion method and the microdilution assay. Qualitative phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sterols. Quantification of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds confirmed the richness of polyphenolic compounds in all fractions. The antioxidant capacity measurements revealed that the ethanol fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and phosphomolebdenum assay. Conversely, the aqueous fraction showed highest activity in the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated superior efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. These findings suggest that R. monosperma could serve as a valuable source of antioxidant and anti-infective phytocompounds.

Two new Schiff base compounds, namely N-(2-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)phenyl)-2-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)acetamide (DBPA) and N-(2-((4-methoxybenzylidene)amino)phenyl)-2-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)acetamide (MBPA), have been synthesized through the condensation of N-(2-aminophenyl)-2-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)acetamide (A) with aromatic aldehydes. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis on spectral data (1H NMR, 13C NMR ESI-MS) and confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Thus, the crystallographic studies showed that the analysis of the crystal packing of DBPA and MBPA revealed 1D and 2D supramolecular architectures, respectively, via various hydrogen bonding interactions. Moreover, the evaluation of compounds A, DBPA and MBPA for their antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay, and reduction potency assay has been undertaken. using quercetin, Trolox and catechin as standard references respectively. The results obtained showed that DBPA appeared more hydrogen radical donor while MBPA appeared more electron donor. The comparison of the activities of the studied three molecules was carried out using both DFT and molecular docking calculations. Furthermore, ADME/T calculations have been made in order to show that these compounds can be used as potent drugs.

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.

Introduction: Albuca amoena Batt. is an endemic plant from Morocco used for treating melanoma or leishmaniasis. The aim of this study is to test the antioxidant, photoprotective, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial properties of this plant. Methods: The extracts of the aerial and bulbous parts were obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of the plant. Their antioxidant potentials were evaluated in vitro using four methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazil (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC). The photoprotective properties were evaluated through the study of UVA and UVB absorbance and antityrosinase activity. The cytotoxic activity was determined against two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and one human colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29) using the 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. In addition, the antimicrobial activity was tested on six pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans by using the disc diffusion method. Results: The results showed that the UVA and UVB absorptive proprieties of the extracts were similar to those used as positive controls: Methyl salicylate and zinc oxide. Moreover, the antioxidant and antityrosinase properties of the studied extracts were found to be weakly active. The extracts had strong cytotoxicity activities, especially against HT-29 cell line. However, the extracts did not show any antibacterial activity. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the extracts can be used as a sunscreen to avoid dermal anomalies and as a new source of cytotoxic bioactive compound.