Green extraction and RSM optimization of Peganum harmala shoots for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines

  • Int J Environ Health Res. 2026 Feb 17:1-12. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2026.2632921.
Amani Kochbati  1  2  3  4 ,  Dhouha Krichène  4 ,  Majdi Hammami  1 ,  Aziz Hichami  2 ,  Amira Sayed Khan  2 ,  Kamel Msaada  1 ,  Naim Akhtar Khan  2 ,  Riadh Ksouri  1
Affiliations
  • 1. Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia.
  • 2. Physiologie de la Nutrition & Toxicologie, UMR INSERM U1231 Center for Translational & Molecular Medicine (CTM), Université Bourgogne Europe, Dijon, France.
  • 3. Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis EL Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
  • 4. Laboratory of Olive Biotechnology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia.
PMID: 41700732 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2026.2632921
Abstract

This study was aimed at optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from Peganum harmala 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• (61.44%) and ABTS•+ (81.91%) radical scavenging capacities. In-vitro 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 P. harmala for combating inflammation and oxidative stress, offering potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Keywords
Natural anti-inflammatory agents; Peganum harmala; RSM; oxidative stress modulation; ultrasound-assisted extraction.
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