CERATONIA SILIQUA L. A PROMISING FUNCTIONAL FOOD FOR CHRONICLE DISEASES RELATED TO GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: DIABETES, AND LACTOSE INTOLERANCE.

Introduction: The present study contributes to the promotion of a tree widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area, but not enough in our country Algeria; the carob tree "Ceratonia siliqua L."; by a mini bibliographic review which lists the agronomical, chemical, nutritional, biochemical, biological, and biotechnological properties of carob and its by-products.

Material and methods: A mini bibliographic review which lists environmental benefits, in addition to chemical, nutritional, biochemical, biological, and biotechnological properties of carob and its by-products expressed by the evaluation of its biological activities: antioxidant, anticancer, anti-hyper-lipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-reflux, anti- diarrheal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and enzymatic, noted in the literature for few years using a survey on several databases MDPI, Pubmed, Google scholar, Elsevier...

Results: the survey highlights environmental benefits on soil and biodiversity besides, the presence of the main primary and secondary metabolites: polyphenols, fibers and sugars; give these products very interesting properties and benefits for human health by making it dietetic product and a raw material of choice in food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in this perspective a Ceratonia siliqua L. fruit aqueous extract based vegetal milk was developed in our laboratory as a functional food for chronicle diseases related to digestive disorder: diabetes, lactose and gluten intolerance.

Conclusion: This mini revue, contributes to the revive of a forgotten and neglected tree in our country by the enhancement of its crucial role in the preservation of soil, biodiversity, environment, human health and security, and consequently attract local authorities on the importance of its culture.