Immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties of a traditional Algerian plant combination: Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) and Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Houssem Eddine Kehili; Sakina Zerizer

doi:10.51745/najfnr.8.18.253-261

Immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties of a traditional Algerian plant combination: Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) and Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

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Food Chemistry, Engineering, Processing and Packaging Nutritional Immunology and Reproduction

DOI https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.8.18.253-261

Issue Vol. 8 No. 18 (2024): July - December, 2024

Submitted 2024-07-08

Accepted 2024-12-06

Published 2024-12-05

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Background: Combinatory therapy involving medicinal plants utilizes blends of different species to enhance therapeutic efficacy, increase potency, and minimize adverse effects. This approach leverages the synergistic interactions of plant-derived bioactive compounds, offering a natural and holistic strategy for addressing various health conditions.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a traditional Algerian combination of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) and fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on phagocytic activity and hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels.

Materials and Methods: Phagocytic activity was measured using the carbon clearance rate test, while hepatic glutathione levels were determined spectrophotometrically from the liver homogenates.

Results: The results demonstrated that both phagocytic activity and GSH levels were significantly enhanced in animals treated with the plant combination (p < 0.001). The carbon clearance rate was significantly faster in mice receiving the combined treatment (FG “Fenugreek” / PD “Phoenix dactylifera”: 14.66 ± 4.143) compared to NaCl control group (49.77 ± 16.98). Additionally, the phagocytic index was significantly higher in the FG / PD group (7.128 ± 0.823) compared to groups treated with either fenugreek alone (FG: 4.082 ± 0.306) or date fruit alone (PD: 4.87 ± 0.608). Hepatic GSH levels were also significantly elevated in the FG / PD group compared to the other groups (p = 0.040).

Conclusions: The combination of date fruit and fenugreek seeds exhibits a synergic effect, enhancing immune system activity and antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest its potential for the development of novel, naturally derived therapeutic agents.

Keywords

Phagocytic activity Date fruit Fenugreek seeds GSH Combination therapy

Houssem Eddine Kehili

University Center Abdlahfid Boussof, Institute of Life and Nature Sciences, Department of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mila
Sakina Zerizer

University of Constantine 1, Algeria, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Department of Animal Biology, Laboratory of Immunology and Biological Activities of Natural Substances, Constantine

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Immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties of a traditional Algerian plant combination: Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) and Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) . (2024). The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 8(18), 253-261. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.8.18.253-261

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Immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties of a traditional Algerian plant combination: Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) and Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

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