Browsing by Author "Mohsen, Engy"

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    Impact of different processing methods on the phenolics and neuroprotective activity of Fragaria ananassa Duch. extracts in a D-galactose and aluminum chloride-induced rat model of aging
    (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022-07) Ezzat, Marwa I; Issa, Marwa Y; Sallam, Ibrahim E; Zaafar, Dalia; Khalil, Heba M. A; Mousa, Mohamed R; Sabry, Dina; Gawish, Aya Y; Elghandour, Ahmed H; Mohsen, Engy
    Age-related diseases, including dementia, are a major health concern affecting daily human life. Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) is the most eaten fruit worldwide due to its exceptional aroma and flavor. However, it’s rapid softening and decay limit its shelf-life. Freezing and boiling represent the well- known conservation methods to extend its shelf-life. Therefore, we aimed to discover the phytochemical content differences of fresh and processed strawberries associated with investigating and comparing their neuroprotective effects in a rat model of aging. Female Wistar rats were orally pretreated with fresh, boiled, and frozen F. ananassa methanolic extracts (250 mg kg−1 ) for 2 weeks, and then these extracts were concomitantly exposed to D-galactose [65 mg kg−1 , subcutaneously (S/C)] and AlCl3 (200 mg kg−1 , orally) for 6 weeks to develop aging-like symptoms. The results of UPLC/ESI-MS phytochemical profiling revealed 36 secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, and their glycoside derivatives. Compared with boiled and frozen extracts, the fresh extract ameliorated the behavioral deficits including anxiety and cognitive dysfunction, upregulated brain HO-1 and Nrf2 levels, and markedly reduced caspase-3 and PPAR-γ levels. Moreover, LDH and miRNA-9, 124 and 132 protein expressions were reduced. The histological architecture of the brain hippocampus was restored and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoexpression was downregulated. In conclusion, the fresh extract has neuroprotec- tive activity that could have a promising role in ameliorating age-related neurodegeneration.
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    Persicaria species native to the North African region: A comprehensive review of its botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities
    (Elsevier B.V, 2024-08) Ayman, Omnia Mohamed; Mahrous, Engy Abdelhamid; Mohsen, Engy; Ezzat, Shahira Mohamed
    The genus Persicaria (Polygonaceae) comprises about 150 species found in temperate regions. and subtropical region of Africa, India, and South America This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of Persicaria species native to the North African region in terms of their ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and biological activity alongside the main botanical characteristics. This review includes comprehensive information that identified seven species from the genus Persicaria traditionally used to treat several ailments, namely P. amphibia, P. decipiens, P. hydropiper, P. lapathifolia, P. maculosa, P. lanigera, and P. senegalensis. A considerable number of secondary metabolites, such as phenolic glycosides and derivatives, flavonoids (aglycone and glycosides), terpenoids, and numerous fatty acids have been identified in this genus, which are responsible for their diverse pharmacological activities. Their extracts and pure compounds have been reported for their astringent, antipyretic, styptic, laxative, antibacterial, diuretic, and tonic properties. The information gathered in this review might be of help for future studies in terms of the current knowledge on the link between the phytochemical components and medicinal uses of Persicaria species native to North Africa. This could facilitate more discoveries on its potential particularly in the pharmacological characteristics and consequently be developed into modern medicines.