Idir Moualek

Dr. Idir Moualek

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
17 March 2025 in Processes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YBYousra BELOUNIS
Yousra BELOUNIS
IMIdir Moualek
Idir Moualek
SHSebbane Hillal
Sebbane Hillal
HIHakima AIT ISSAD
Hakima AIT ISSAD
SSSarah SACI
Sarah SACI
Cristina CruzCristina Cruz
Cristina Cruz
Carthamus caeruleus L. is traditionally used in Algerian medicine, particularly for burn treatment, but its therapeutic potential remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the root aqueous extract, and to perform phytochemical characterization to identify its bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using spectrophotometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The antioxidant potential was assessed through various assays, including ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelation, and hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using membrane stabilization, protein denaturation, and membrane peroxidation assays. The extract exhibited moderate levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, quantified as 21.19 ± 0.37 mg GAE/g, 0.72 ± 0.013 mg QE/g, and 27.28 ± 1.04 mg TAE/g of dry extract, respectively. RP-HPLC analysis identified 22 phytochemical compounds, primarily phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, with orientin and vanillin as the major constituents. The extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with moderate efficacy in TAC and FRAP assays (IC50 values of 5405.1 ± 4.42 and 1132.35 ± 4.97 µg/mL, respectively). Notable activities included DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging (34.43 ± 4.83 and 512.81 ± 9.46 µg/mL, respectively), ferrous ion chelation (2462.76 ± 1.38 µg/mL), lipid peroxidation inhibition (22.32 ± 3.31%), and hydrogen peroxide decomposition (263.93 ± 7.87 µg/mL). Additionally, the extract stabilized erythrocyte membranes under osmotic, thermal, and oxidative stress conditions (98.13 ± 0.15%, 70 ± 1.27%, and 89 ± 0.87%, respectively), inhibited ovalbumin denaturation (81.05 ± 2.2%), and protected against lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates (69.25 ± 0.89%). These findings support the traditional therapeutic applications of C. caeruleus and highlight its potential as a source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IMIdir Moualek
Idir Moualek
Hamdi BendifHamdi Bendif
Hamdi Bendif
DADekir Ali
Dekir Ali
KBKarima Benarab
Karima Benarab
YBYousra BELOUNIS
Yousra BELOUNIS
Gregorio PeronGregorio Peron
Gregorio Peron
This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Carthamus caeruleus L. root juice (CRJ), which is used in the traditional medicine of Algeria. The product was characterized by colorimetric assays (total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins) and by RP-HPLC-DAD analysis. Experiments were conducted in vitro to assess the ability of CRJ to stabilize human erythrocyte membranes under various stress conditions and inhibit albumin denaturation, a process linked to inflammation. An in silico study was also performed to investigate the inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and assess the phenolic constituents with the highest activity. Moderate levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins were assessed; among these, 22 compounds were identified via chromatographic analysis. While present at low concentrations, some of these compounds, including myricetin, luteolin, and quercetin, are known to exhibit bioactivity at micromolar levels. CRJ provided erythrocyte membranes with notable protection against disruption caused by hypotonic NaCl solutions (protection levels of 90.51%, 87.46%, and 76.87% at NaCl concentrations of 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.3%, respectively), heat stress (81.54%), and oxidative damage from HClO (75.43%). Additionally, a protection of 61.5% was observed against albumin denaturation. Docking analysis indicated favorable COX-2 binding for myricetin, luteolin, and quercetin. In conclusion, the root juice derived from C. caeruleus demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in silico. However, further studies, including in vivo investigations, are necessary to confirm efficacy and fully elucidate the mechanisms of action.

7 April 2025 in Processes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SLSouad LAHCENE
Souad LAHCENE
IMIdir Moualek
Idir Moualek
KBKarim Bariz
Karim Bariz
Elias BenramdaneElias Benramdane
Elias Benramdane
RARawaf Alenazy
Rawaf Alenazy
KHKarim Houali
Karim Houali
Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei, endemic to the central Sahara in Algeria, Niger, and Sudan, is recognized for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits, notably its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and biological activities of its leaf extracts obtained via aqueous and ethanolic extraction. Total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins were quantified by UV–visible spectrophotometry, while individual phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-UV. Antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide neutralization, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against nine bacterial strains. The ethanolic extract exhibited higher total phenol (134.72 ± 9.25 mg GAE/g VP) and flavonoid (26.08 ± 1.57 mg QE/g VP) contents, while tannin levels were similar in both extracts. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds, including oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, rutin, and quercetin, were identified. The ethanolic extract showed superior antioxidant capacity, with an EC50 of 7.48 ± 0.39 µg/mL (DPPH) and IC50 values of 214.04 ± 2.89 µg/mL (H2O2) and 185.63 ± 3.84 µg/mL (β-carotene). Both extracts exhibited antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones up to 23.33 ± 0.76 mm and MIC values as low as 0.78 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of Laperrine olive leaves as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

31 March 2023 in Cellular and Molecular Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IMIdir Moualek
Idir Moualek
SLSouad Lahcene
Souad Lahcene
MSMounir M. Salem-Bekhit
Mounir M. Salem-Bekhit
Azmat Ali KhanAzmat Ali Khan
Azmat Ali Khan
AAAmer M. Alanazi
Amer M. Alanazi
KHKarim Houali
Karim Houali
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of an aqueous natural extract obtained from Rosa sempervirens leaves were assessed. The ability of the extract to scavenge DPPH, •OH, and H2O2 radicals, chelate ferrous ions, reduce ferric ions, and protect β-carotene-linoleic acid in emulsion from peroxidation was investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was evaluated by measuring the stability of the membrane of human red blood cells against different hypotonic concentrations of NaCl and heat, as well as by inhibiting the denaturation of albumin. A high total phenolic content (278.38± 11.07 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (34.22± 0.12 mg QE /g) were found in the extract. The extract exhibited significant scavenging activity of DPPH (IC50 6.201 ± 0.126 µg/ ml), •OH (IC50 = 894.57 ± 21.18 µg/ml), and H2O2 (IC50= 107±09.58 µg/ml) radicals, and good antioxidant activity by chelating ferrous ions (IC50 = 2499.086 ± 28.267µg/ml), reducing ferric ions (IC50=141.33±2.34 µg/ml), exhibiting total antioxidant capacity (IC50 465.65 ± 9.71 μg/ml), and protecting β-carotene-linoleic acid against peroxidation (I% = 90.05 ± 1.65% at 1000µg/ml). R. sempervirens displayed anti-inflammatory activity in aqueous extract by inhibiting heat-induced albumin denaturation and stabilizing the membrane of human red blood cells. It was suggested from the results that R. sempervirens aqueous extract could help prevent oxidative and inflammatory processes due to its good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

20 February 2025 in International Journal of Secondary Metabolite
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IMIdir Moualek
Idir Moualek
KBKarima Benarab
Karima Benarab
KHKarim Houalı
Karim Houalı
The primary aim of this research endeavor was to thoroughly evaluate and explore the potential anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by leaf extracts obtained from the Malva sylvestris plant species. In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory capabilities, a comprehensive set of in vitro experimental procedures was carried out to meticulously examine and gauge the extract's efficacy to stabilize human erythrocyte cell membranes under various stressful conditions, including exposure to varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), elevated temperatures, and oxidation induced by hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Additionally, the extract's potential to inhibit the denaturation of albumin, a process linked to inflammation, was evaluated. The findings revealed that the aqueous Malva sylvestris leaf extract exhibited notable anti-inflammatory properties by protecting red blood cell membranes from disruption caused by hypotonic NaCl solutions, heat stress, and oxidative damage from HOCl. These results suggest that the extract possesses significant anti-inflammatory potential and could be utilized as a natural remedy to mitigate inflammatory processes within the body. In summary, the aqueous extract derived from Malva sylvestris leaves demonstrated remarkable anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, making it a promising candidate for further exploration and potential therapeutic applications in the management of inflammatory conditions.

1 January 2025 in Journal of Food Biochemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
IMIdir Moualek
Idir Moualek
Hamdi BendifHamdi Bendif
Hamdi Bendif
KBKarima Benarab
Karima Benarab
FBFehmi Boufahja
Fehmi Boufahja
Natale BadalamentiNatale Badalamenti
Natale Badalamenti
KHKarim Houali
Karim Houali
This study explored the impact of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of Arbutus unedo leaf extract and its polyphenolic compounds. HPLC‐MS analysis identified compounds like quinic acid, arbutin, and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ferric reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, and DPPH assays, while anti‐inflammatory effects were assessed via red blood cell membrane stability. BSA enhanced hydroxyl radical scavenging but reduced ferric reducing power and total antioxidant capacity, with no significant anti‐inflammatory improvement. The findings reveal assay‐dependent effects of BSA due to protein–polyphenol interactions, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize therapeutic potential.