Green extraction and RSM optimization of <i>Peganum harmala</i> shoots for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines
This study was aimed at optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from <i>Peganum harmala</i> shoots using response surface methodology (RSM). Ethanol concentration (73%), ultrasonic power (20%), and extraction time (12 min) were optimized to maximize antioxidant yield. The resulting fraction, enriched with β-sitosterol (19.08%) and phytol (16.51%) as determined by GC-MS, showed strong DPPH<sup>•</sup> (61.44%) and ABTS<sup>•+</sup> (81.91%) radical scavenging capacities. <i>In-vitro</i> tests with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages demonstrated significant suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) without any cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of <i>P. harmala</i> for combating inflammation and oxidative stress, offering potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Authors
- Dhouha Krichène
- Kamel Msaâda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4826-8041)
- Riadh Ksouri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6004-2585)
- Majdi Hammami (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4376-0638)
- Naim Akhtar Khan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8930-9332)
- Aziz Hichami (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4331-5152)
- Amira Sayed Khan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5467-6645)
- Amani Kochbati
Institutions
- Center of Biotechnogy of Borj Cédria (TN)
- Université Bourgogne Europe (FR)
- Tunis El Manar University (TN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Environmental Health Research
- Published
- 2026-02-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2026.2632921
- Primary Topic
- Synthesis and bioactivity of alkaloids
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00