Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Enzymes Effects of Terfezia Arenaria from Palestine
Date
2025-06-01
Authors
Ayat Abu Qaddum
Sawsan salameh
Mohand Qurie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Deanship of Research - Al-Quds University
Abstract
Background: Terfezia arenaria is a species of desert truffle belonging to the Terfeziaceae family. Desert truffles typically grow in dry and semi-arid regions, including Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, and Palestine, and are generally classified as Terfezia or Tirmania. Beyond their unique aromatic properties, desert truffles are recognized for their nutritional and medicinal value. They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, lipids, and amino acids (Wang and Marcone, 2011). Additionally, they contain bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, ergosterol, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and polysaccharides. Among these, flavonoids are particularly valuable due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anticancer properties. Unlike edible mushrooms, truffles can produce these metabolites naturally. Several studies have reported their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Regardless of species, desert truffles are highly valued both locally and internationally as luxury food items (Harir et al., 2019).