Anti-Aging Potential of Extracts from Washingtonia filifera Seeds

The aim of this study was to test the inhibitory effect of fruit extracts from Washingtonia filifera on skin aging-related enzymes. The pulp extracts did not exert a significant enzyme inhibition while seed extracts from W. filifera exhibit anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. Tyrosinase was mildly inhibited while a stronger effect was observed with respect to elastase and collagenase inhibition. Alcoholic extracts provided better results than aqueous extracts. Among them, methanol extracts showed the prominent enzyme inhibitory activities being IC50 value for elastase and collagenase comparable and even better than the reference compound. The inhibition mode of the most active extracts was investigated by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis. Seed extracts from W. filifera were also investigated for their photo-protective effect by Mansur equation and the antioxidant activity of W. filifera extract was evaluated in oxidative-stressed cells. To evaluate the safety of the extract, the effect on cell viability of human keratinocytes cells was analyzed. Methanol extract presented the best photo-protective effect and exerted an antioxidant activity in a cellular system with no cytotoxic effect. The overall results demonstrate that W. filifera extracts are promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparation.

Multi-objective optimization of extraction of Tunisian Washingtonia filifera fibers for technical textile applications

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of extraction treatment method on the properties of WPF (Washingtonia palm fibres). The employed treatment is a combined mechanical and chemical sodium hydroxide. The treatment processes was described and evaluated. The physical properties (linear density, diameter and extraction yield), and the mechanical properties (tenacity) of WPF were measured. The optimum extraction condition has been determined by a statistical study using desirability function. Obtained fibres under optimal conditions were characterized with morphological test (SEM), chemical tests (FT-IR spectra, X ray diffraction) and thermal test (TGA). Fibre obtained can be employed on technical textile applications and in particular drylaid nonwoven.

Multi-objective optimization of extraction of Tunisian Washingtonia filifera fibers for technical textile applications

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of extraction treatment method on the properties of WPF (Washingtonia palm fibres). The employed treatment is a combined mechanical and chemical sodium hydroxide. The treatment processes was described and evaluated. The physical properties (linear density, diameter and extraction yield), and the mechanical properties (tenacity) of WPF were measured. The optimum extraction condition has been determined by a statistical study using desirability function. Obtained fibres under optimal conditions were characterized with morphological test (SEM), chemical tests (FT-IR spectra, X ray diffraction) and thermal test (TGA). Fibre obtained can be employed on technical textile applications and in particular drylaid nonwoven.

Morphological Responses in Two Palm Species Against the Elevation of Ultra Violet Radiation Under Ambient Conditions

Present study was investigate the effect of different UV-doses on morphological defending system features of two palm species Phoenix dactylifera L. and Washingtonia filifera (Lindl.) H. Wendl. The results showed that the morphological and biomass traits of both palm species grown for 30 days under UV-B with a rate of 2 hrs.day-1 were almost improved. Where, the highest leaf width was recorded (1.1 and 0.7 cm) respectively. Conversely, UV-treatment (4-10 hrs.day-1) has adversely affected on almost morphological and biomass features of both species. Where, the less leaf widths were recorded 0.95, 0.8, 0.73, 0.45, 0.43 and 0.40 cm in both palm species. Besides, results also spotted changes in leaf’s surface appearances. However, present investigation concluded that morphological features and biomass of both species were unaffected with low dose of UV-radiation (2 hrs.day-1). But, date palm (P. dactylifera L.) was capable to survive at high dose of radiation conditions reaches 8 hrs.day-1 for 30 days.

Three New Alien Taxa for Europe and a Chorological Update on the Alien Vascular Flora of Calabria (Southern Italy)

Knowledge on alien species is needed nowadays to protect natural habitats and prevent ecological damage. The presence of new alien plant species in Italy is increasing every day. Calabria, its southernmost region, is not yet well known with regard to this aspect. Thanks to fieldwork, sampling, and observing many exotic plants in Calabria, here, we report new data on 34 alien taxa. In particular, we found three new taxa for Europe (Cascabela thevetia, Ipomoea setosa subsp. pavonii, and Tecoma stans), three new for Italy (Brugmansia aurea, Narcissus ‘Cotinga’, and Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’), one new one for the Italian Peninsula (Luffa aegyptiaca), and 21 new taxa for Calabria (Allium cepa, Asparagus setaceus, Bassia scoparia, Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris, Bidens formosa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cedrus atlantica, Chlorophytum comosum, Cucurbita maxima subsp. maxima, Dolichandra unguis-cati, Fagopyrum esculentum, Freesia alba, Juglans regia, Kalanchoë delagoënsis, Passiflora caerulea, Portulaca grandiflora, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus dulcis, Solanum tuberosum, Tradescantia sillamontana, and Washingtonia filifera). Furthermore, we provide the first geolocalized record of Araujia sericifera, the confirmation of Oxalis stricta, and propose a change of status for four taxa (Cenchrus setaceus, Salpichroa origanifolia, Sesbania punicea, and Nothoscordum gracile) for Calabria. The updated knowledge on the presence of new alien species in Calabria, in Italy and in Europe could allow for the prevention of other new entries and to eliminate this potential ecological threat to natural habitats.