Potential bioactivity of Algerian olive pomace hydro-ethanolic extract: phytochemical investigation, antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity

• Published in: Toxicology and environmental health sciences 2024-03, Vol.16 (1), p.49-61
• Main Authors: Benmeliani, Fatiha, Guermouche, Baya, Chenini-Bendiab, Hadjer, Haddam, Nahida, Kherraf, Yamna, Benousser, Nesrine, Tahir, Fatima Zahra, Badi, Zouleykha, Merzouk, Hafida, Belyagoubi-Benhammou, Nabila
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute toxicity; Antioxidants; Biocompatibility; Biological activity; Biological properties; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Body weight; Cholesterol; Environmental Health; Females; Flavonoids; Kidney diseases; Liver diseases; Organs; Original Article; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Phenolic compounds; Phenols; Phytochemicals; Safety margins; Tannins; Toxicity; Toxicity testing; Triglycerides; Weight
• ISSN: 2005-9752; 2233-7784
• DOI: 10.1007/s13530-023-00197-2

Objective Several phytochemical studies have reported that olive pomace is a valuable source of bioactive molecules with various biological properties. In this context, our study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry and acute toxicity of the hydro-ethanolic extract from this by-product. Methods The phytochemical study investigates the total phenolic content, tannin and flavonoid levels, antioxidant capacity and acute toxicity of the hydro-ethanolic extract from olive pomace. Results The extract showed a yield of 8.66% and a high concentration of phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids, with antioxidant potential values of 90.139 ± 15.545 mg GAE/g DW, 7.307 ± 0.96 mg CE/g DW and 73.968 ± 1.081 mg QE/g DW, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was determined by the DPPH test, which showed an EC 50 value of 1.705 ± 0.023 mg GAE/mL, a FRAP value of 2.708 ± 0.226 mg/mL, and a TAC value of 45.41 ± 4.808 mg GAE/g DW. In the acute toxicity test, hydro-ethanolic extract was administered at different doses to male and female groups. Notably, no significant toxicities or deaths were observed during treatment. This shows that the oral LD 50 of the extract exceeds 5000 mg/kg body weight. At low doses, this extract displayed beneficial effects on blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and caused more marked weight gain in males compared to females, affecting the relative weight of specific organs and tissues. However, at doses above 500 mg/kg body weight, the extract led to liver and kidney dysfunction, resulting in changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Fortunately, histological examination of various organs revealed no tissue damage. Conclusion Our results showed that the hydro-ethanolic extract of olive pomace constitutes a potential source of pharmacological molecules that are effective in maintaining cellular function and have a wide safety margin for therapeutic use.