The current study first describes the extraction of phytoantioxidant polyphenols from Carob byproducts (pods) using maceration and heating-assisted extraction as traditional methods and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) as an innovative method to determine the most efficient extraction process in terms of four targeted responses: total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activities (TAC and DPPH), and photoprotective properties as measured by the sun protection factor (SPF). Second, we used response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite rotatable design (CCDR) approach to investigate the influence of process variables (extraction time, extraction temperature, and solvent concentration) on UAE, which was found to be the most effective extraction technique in our study. Carob byproduct extracts had a TPC ranging from 6.21 to 21.92 mg GAE/g dw, a TAC ranging from 22.00 to 49.30 mg AAE/g dw, DPPH scavenging activity ranging from 56.35 to 90.50%, and SPF values ranging from 8.62 to 22.37. The optimal UAE conditions for maximum TPC, TAC, DPPH, and SPF responses were determined to be 38.90% ethanol, 53.90 °C, and 50.92 min. Using Carob as a source for sustainable and bioactive products in conjunction with optimized UAE is a promising contribution to the cosmetic industry that will help to strengthen the concept of environmentally-friendly “green chemistry”. Given that Carob pulp or seeds are considered food byproducts, the research presented here encourages the use of these agri-food waste materials in cosmetics.

Hypochaeris laevigata var. hipponensis (Asteraceae) is an endemic plant from Algeria. In the current study, we analyzed for the first time its chemical composition, especially phenolic constituents of dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and n-butanol (BuOH) fractionsof the aerial parts of Hypochaeris laevigata var. hipponensis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The number of phenolic compounds detected in DCM, EA, and BuOH fractions were found to be 9, 20, and 15, respectively. More specifically, 12 phenolic acids were detected. Among them, quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were the most abundant ones. Meanwhile, only seven flavonoids were detected. Among them, rutin, apigetrin, and isoquercitrin were the major ones. We also determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and fraction EA showed the highest values, followed by BuOH, and DCM fractions. Furthermore, the antioxidant action was dictated by five methods and the tested plant fractions demonstrated a noteworthy antioxidant action.

Background: Oenanthe fistulosa L. (Apiaceae) is often associated with damp soils. Its underground parts and the young leaves are mainly cooked with other vegetables. Objective: The aim of the current work was to investigate the chemical profile of dichloromethane (DCM), Ethyl Acetate (EA) and n-butanol (BuOH) fractions of O. fistulosa through analysis of 37 phytochemicals by LC-MS/MS and to evaluate their biological activities such as antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antityrosinase for the first time. Methods: Analysis of 37 phytochemicals was performed by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using five in vitro assays, while anticholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities were performed using Ellman and Dopachrome methods, respectively. Results: The number of phenolic compounds detected in DCM, EA and BuOH fractions was found to be 9, 15, and 12; respectively. More specifically, 9 phenolic acids were detected and among them, chlorogenic, tr-ferulic and p-coumaric acids were the most abundant. While 8 flavonoids were detected and apigetrin, rutin, and quercitrin were the most abundant. In addition, 3 non-phenolic organic acids (quinic, malic and fumaric acids) were detected in large quantities. Furthermore, the tested plant fractions demonstrated a noteworthy and strong antioxidant action. The plant displayed very strong action against Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes; and BuOH fraction was the most potent one. Finally, BuOH and DCM fractions showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, O. fistulosa might be a promising candidate for the alleviation of oxidative stress, neurodegenerative (such as Alzheimer's disease) and hyperpigmentation disorders.

Recently, plants have been considered as a valuable natural source of cosmetic active ingredientsowing to their sustainability and weak toxicity. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the cosmetic efficacy of Centaurea dimorpha Viv (Asteraceae), an endemic species of North Africa, as a promising natural cosmetic active ingredient. In the present study, Ethyl acetate and Butanolic extracts obtained from powdered Centaurea dimorpha aerial parts were investigated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were evaluatedvia Folin-ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride methods, the in vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging,phosphomolybdenum and phenanthroline assays, the UVB and broad spectrum protective efficacy was spectrophotometrically assessed by measuring SPF, UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength (CW) indices. The highest levels of TPC and TFCwere recorded by the ethyl-acetate extract (119.20 ± 0.32 µg GAE mg-1, 50.65 ± 0.43 µg QEmg-1, respectively). Similarly, this extract displayed a significant antioxidant effect, particularly in the phenanthroline assay (152.63 ± 0.49 µg AAEmg-1). Ethyl acetate extract also showed UVB and broad-spectrum (UVB-UVA) protective efficacy (SPF=12.30 ± 0.001, UVA/UVB ratio=0.63 ± 0.001, λc= 371). The results obtained show the possibility to use Ethyl acetate extract as a promising active ingredient for sunscreen formulations.