International Journal of Nutrition and Biotechnology Advancements

Assessment of the iodine content of salt consumed in the town of Bechar

Idris Hannous — 2025-05-04

Introduction: Evaluating the iodine content in household salt is crucial for public health, particularly in regions
where legislation mandates iodization. In Bechar, Algeria, thirty years after the government established regulations for salt iodization at 30-50 ppm, it is essential to assess compliance and effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the iodine content in salt consumed by households in Bechar and its alignment with national standards.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 509 households in Bechar. Schoolchildren were randomly selected from a comprehensive list and asked to provide a 50g sample of salt consumed by their families. The iodine content of these samples was then measured and analyzed against national recommendations.
Results: The median iodine content in the salt samples was 17.50 mg/kg, below the recommended 30-50 ppm. Over 80% of households used either inadequately or excessively iodized salt. Specifically, 73.67% of the samples had iodine levels below 30 ppm, while 7.07% exceeded 50 ppm. Only 19.25% of the samples met the recommended standards. The most commonly consumed salt brands in this study are private label brands. The majority of the samples analyzed show iodine levels below 30 ppm, which is below the recommended level.
Conclusion: This study reveals a significant shortfall in the adequate iodization of household salt in Bechar compared to Algerian standards. Identifying and addressing the causes of this deficiency is critical to ensuring consumer protection and improving public health outcomes.

Theoretical study of chlorpromazine Drug and its metabolites: DFT calculation and QSAR toolbox investigation

Hadjar LEMGHITI — 2025-05-04

Introduction: Pharmaceutical compounds are among the most important products for the treatment and prevention of various problems. However, their excess or incompatibility with other compounds can harm human health. These compounds include, in particular, psychological and neurological effects, which have recently become widely used to treat schizophrenia and behavioraldisorders.
Methods: This work aims to study chlorpromazine, a pharmaceutical compound used as an antipsychotic in psychological and neurological conditions, as well as its characteristics, chemical and biological properties, and interactions with other compounds. The drug and its metabolites induce the human body to avoid them, as well as the resulting hot flashes. This theoretical study was carried out using molecular modelling with Gaussian program. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to identify the geometric, energetic, and reactivity properties of the systems studied. To study the biological activity and toxicity of our compounds, we used the QSAR-Toxtree program.
Results: Our results allowed us to determine the most biologically active compound and conclude that the resulting compounds are likely to produce more or less toxic compounds. In light of these results, it can be stated that: the compound chlorpromazine is more biologically stable compared to its metabolites, which confirms that it is an active substance in medical applications. In general, we found that all the compounds studied have chemical and biological activity and are combined with each other in the resulting potential toxicity.

Kinetic study of major components of leaves’ essential oil from Dettrichia viscosa (L.)

Nafila Zouaghi — 2024-05-04

Introduction: The Algerian Dettrichia viscosa essential oil yield evolution during water distillation has been investigated as a function of grinding leaves.
Methods: GC/MS analysis helped to determine the extraction kinetics of the major components of this essential oil.
Results: The results show that there are two kinetic types. We have tried to correlate this kinetic type with the essential oil location in the vegetable material and chemical composition. The microscopic observations show that most of the essential oil is localized in parenchyma but there are some in glandular hairs.
Conclusion: The water distillation of grinding leaves offers important advantages over the whole leaves: shorter isolation times (50 min) each type of kinetics corresponds to the compound considered localized in endogenous or exogenous deposits.

Ciguatera on the Tlemcen Coast (Algeria): Survey and Preliminary Data

Wacila Benguedda-Rahal — 2024-05-04

Introduction: Oceans are a major source of food, but pollution and coral reef degradation encourage the proliferation of toxic microalgae such as Gambierdiscus spp., which are responsible for the production of ciguatoxins. These toxins accumulate along the food chain, causing food poisoning in humans known as ciguatera, mainly after consuming predatory fish(e.g.,grouper,barracuda). Although traditionally tropical, this illness poses an increasing threat in the Mediterranean due to climate change.
Methods: The Eurocigua project (2016–2021) confirmed the presence of these microalgae in certain Mediterranean regions, but no cases have been reported in Algeria.
Results: A local study conducted in the Tlemcen province revealed an almost complete lack of knowledge about the disease and no reported cases. However, rising temperatures and the importation of fish from high-risk areas could promote the future emergence of ciguatera in Algeria.
Conclusion: The absence of a standardized method for detecting ciguatoxins complicates monitoring. International examples (e.g. Canary Islands) demonstrate the effectiveness of systems combining chemical analyses with epidemiological surveillance.

The Effects of Weight Control Management on Metabolic Health: A Mini Review

Onur ORAL — 2024-05-04

Introduction: This study aims to synthesize findings from research studies and review articles in this field to provide an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted effects of weight control management on metabolic processes by synthesizing evidence from nutritional research, physiology studies, and clinical research.
Methods: In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic, a literature search was conducted using various databases and keywords related to physical exercise, metabolic health, quality of life, weight control management, obesity. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1998 and 2024. Animal model studies were excluded to focus on human research. The criteria for inclusion in this review were that studies examined the relationship between weight control management and metabolic health, were published in a peer-reviewed journal, and were written in English. After careful consideration, a total of 24 studies were selected for inclusion.
Results: It has been suggested that a combination of a nutritionally balanced diet and regular physical activity may have a synergistic effect and lead to more successful results in weight management. This integrated approach holds promise in achieving a desired weight and promoting a sustainable lifestyle, which has been shown to contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It should be emphasized that individuals can develop a balanced and healthy lifestyle by prioritizing these two pillars - nutrition and exercise.
Conclusion: The path to effective weight control is paved with consistent healthy eating and regular physical activity. Adopting this comprehensive strategy may facilitate the attainment of weight objectives, enhance overall health and well-being, and promote a sense of vitality. A comprehensive diet and exercise program has been demonstrated to be a strategy for achieving and maintaining an ideal weight, ensuring long-term health benefits and enhancing quality of life.

From Traditional Use to Toxicology: Ethnobotanical Analysis and Acute Toxicity Assessment of Berberis sp in Algeria

Sihem KARICHE — 2024-05-04

Introduction: This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and toxicological assessment, focusing on species of the Berberis genus used in Algerian folk remedies.
Materials and Methods: An ethnobotanical study was conducted based on a bibliographic analysis and field surveys. At the same time, experimental test was conducted to verify the immediate harmful effects on BALB/c mice using an aqueous extract obtained by boiling 10% of the root bark of wich has being identified as Berberi shispanica (later known as Berberis vulgaris ssp. australis), collected in Tikejda forest arean (Djurdura national park). Experimental test has being conducted in accordance with OECD 423 guidelines.
Results: The ethnobotanical survey revealed frequent confusions between Berberis vulgaris and Berberis hispanica, we fund a marked lack of awarness ignorance among 93% of the herbalists interviewed about the availability and existence of Berberis taxa in Algeria, as well as the origin of plant material sold. This ignorance increases the risk of misidentification. The LD50 was estimated at 3162.27 mg/k, while the total lethal dose was 5000 mg/kg in males and 6000 mg/kg in females, indicating a higher toxicological sensitivity in males.