Aromatherapy is a complementary medicine modality that involves the utilization of plant-derived essential oils for therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of aromatherapy use among the general population and health professionals in Algeria through two surveys. The first survey was conducted over a 30-day period in 20 department and included 237 individuals, while the second survey was conducted over a six-day period in Algiers and included 61 health professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and herbalists. Both surveys were self-administered and conducted through online platforms and various institutes, companies, shops, and stores. Our findings revealed a notable level of confusion among both the general population and health professionals between essential oils and vegetable oils. In addition, essential oils were not commonly prescribed or recommended by physicians and pharmacists, whereas herbalists were found to be more likely to suggest their use. Considering the abundant flora in Algeria and the public's interest in natural medicine, aromatherapy could potentially serve as a valuable healthcare modality by establishing scientific and therapeutic foundations, promoting the production of high-quality essential oils, and training qualified professionals. However, it is important to exercise caution when utilizing these products due to their potential toxicity, and their use should be guided by specialists in the field.
The Myrtus nivellei Batt. and Trab. is an endemic shrub of the central Sahara, known for its respiratory anti-infective and hypoglycemic properties. This work consists of a physicochemical, chromatographic and spectral analysis of essential oils extracted from leaves harvested in the region of Tamanrasset in southern Algeria. The extractive yield is 1.6 ± 0.05 (ml/100g of dry plant), the refractive index is 1.4700 ± 0.0005 and the relative density is 0.9052 (g/ml). GC-MS made it possible to inventory thirty-six (36) compounds: 78.55% of monoterpenes, essentially oxygenated, including 1,8-Cineole which represents the majority compound at 33.95%; which could partly explain the anti-infectious properties of Hoggar Myrtle essential oil.
Spirulina or Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium known for its nutritional properties. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the consumption and artisanal production of this microalgae in Tamanrasset in southern Algeria. The study demonstrates that there are three determining factors: temperature, light, and pH of the environment. The field survey provided information on the profile of consumers, mode, reason, and frequency of use. It also allowed for the identification of a profile of consumers who believe in the therapeutic virtues of spirulina, although it is only a dietary supplement, making chemical and pharmacological screening more than essential.
The management of beta thalassemia may require periodic blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. This study is a descriptive retrospective analysis of clinical, biological, and therapeutic parameters to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of chelation therapy in managing post-transfusional hemochromatosis in 26 β-thalassemia patients treated at the Hussein Dey University Hospital Center in Algiers, Algeria. The results of this study show a certain correlation between the doses of iron chelators taken and the improvement in ferritin levels and creatinine clearance, which is indicative of a reduction in renal function impairment. Five profiles were identified based on this relationship. The study also found that all patients had normal kidney function, but there was a tendency towards a decrease in creatinine clearance, necessitating continuous monitoring. It is important to note that even with careful monitoring, complications of thalassemia may occur gradually and at a late onset. This study highlights the need to integrate pharmaceutical practices and introduce the concept of clinical pharmacy to improve adherence to long-term chelation therapy and ultimately enhance survival in children with major thalassemia.
This work focuses on the phytochemical study and biological activity (antimicrobial) of the aerial parts of the Artemisia campestris collected from the Ahaggar National Park in southern Algeria. After extraction of the essential oil, chromatographic and biological analyzes were carried out on this species. The results show an average essential oil yield of 0.6±0.02 ml per 100 g of dry plant. Chromatographic analysis of the essential oil of Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa is rich in monoterpene compounds (50.47%), particularly in hydrogenated forms (40.24% of α and β-pinene) and sesquiterpenes (35.75% of Spathulenol (8.47%), β-Eudesmol (4.67%), and Carvomenthene (3.37% )... The study of antimicrobial activity revealed a remarkable antifungal activity for Candida albicans that could be exploited therapeutically.
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