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Aims: Zoonotic arboviruses (arthropod‐borne) of the Orthoflavivirus genus, such as West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), are emerging in Northwestern Europe and pose a threat to both human and animal health. In the Netherlands, passive symptomatic surveillance (notification of clinical cases) in horses is one of the main pillars for the early detection of WNV. For such passive surveillance to work properly, horse owners and veterinarians need to recognize symptoms and report suspected cases to the authorities. Currently, little is known about the seroprevalence of orthoflaviviruses in domestic animals in the Netherlands. Therefore, this study aims at identifying the seroprevalence of WNV and USUV in horses and dogs in the Netherlands. Additionally, this study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch horse owners towards mosquito‐borne viruses. Methods and Results: A cross‐sectional serosurvey in horses and dogs was conducted between May 2021 and May 2022. Serum samples were screened using an ELISA and doubtful and positive samples were confirmed by Virus Neutralization Tests for WNV, USUV and TBEV. A validated questionnaire, the MosquitoWise survey, was used to assess the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch horse owners towards mosquito‐borne viruses between July and October 2022. The serosurvey revealed a low seroprevalence for WNV in horses and no WNV‐positive dogs were found. Similarly, a low USUV seroprevalence was found in dogs. The MosquitoWise survey revealed a high knowledge level for horse owners and high awareness of WNV vaccination but a more limited intent to vaccinate. Conclusions: The low seroprevalences of WNV and USUV indicate many dogs and horses remain susceptible, offering opportunities for trend analysis and surveillance. However, despite multiple recent detections of WNV, USUV, and TBEV in humans, the role of dogs and horses in early detection of human cases is debatable. High awareness among horse owners and the absence of detected equine WNV cases highlight this uncertainty. Continued surveillance is crucial for detecting increased virus circulation and protecting both animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, Europe has seen an emergence of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs). Understanding citizens' perceptions of and behaviours towards mosquitoes and MBVs is crucial to reduce disease risk. We investigated and compared perceptions, knowledge, and determinants of citizens' behavioural intentions related to mosquitoes and MBVs in the Netherlands and Spain, to help improve public health interventions. Methods: Using the validated MosquitoWise survey, data was collected through participant panels in Spain (N = 475) and the Netherlands (N = 438). Health Belief Model scores measuring behavioural intent, knowledge, and information scores were calculated. Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance was used, together with potential for change indexes, to identify promising determinants for improving prevention measure use. Results: Spanish participants' responses showed slightly higher intent to use prevention measures compared to those of Dutch participants (29.1 and 28.2, respectively, p 0.03). Most participants in Spain (92.2%) and the Netherlands (91.8%) indicated they used at least one prevention measure, but differences were observed in which types they used. More Spanish participants indicated to have received information on mosquitoes and MBVs compared to Dutch participants. Spanish participants preferred health professional information sources, while Dutch participants favoured government websites. Determinants for intent to use prevention measures included "Knowledge", "Reminders to Use Prevention Measures", and "Information" in the Netherlands and Spain. Determinants for repellent use included "Perceived Benefits" and "Cues to Action", with "Perceived Benefits" having a high potential for behavioural change in both countries. "Self-Efficacy" and "Knowledge" were determinants in both countries for breeding site removal. Conclusion: This study found differences in knowledge between the Netherlands and Spain but similarities in determinants for intent to use prevention measures, intent to use repellents and intent to remove mosquito breeding sites. Identified determinants can be the focus for future public health interventions to reduce MBV risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change and the expanding geographical ranges of key mosquito species, several mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) have recently emerged in Europe. Understanding people's perceptions and behaviours towards these viruses and the mosquitoes capable of transmitting them is crucial for implementing effective prevention measures and targeted communication campaigns. However, there is currently no appropriate validated survey for European populations to assess this. This study developed and validated a standardized survey, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), to assess perceptions of mosquitoes and MBVs among Europe's residents. The survey was distributed online to United Kingdom (UK), Dutch and Spanish participants through panel providers. Survey validity and reliability were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach's alpha. The optimised survey was completed by 336 UK, 438 Dutch and 475 Spanish residents, respectively, and the HBM items passed our validity and reliability testing in all three countries. The final survey has 57 questions, including 19 validated HBM items, and questions to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, prevention measures and behavioural determinants. Our MosquitoWise survey bridges researchers' understandings of European residents' perceptions and knowledge as a first step to improve preventive behaviour towards mosquitoes and MBVs and guide prevention and communication initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study shows the first attempts to clarify the gross, ultrastructure, and histological properties of the pecten oculi of the diurnal, visually active glossy ibis, as well as scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM–EDX) image analysis (Plegadis falcinellus). The pecten oculi was found on the eyeball's posteroinferior wall, adjacent to the optic nerve in both the craniocaudal and posterio‐anterior directions. The plicated quadrilateral black pigmented pecten oculi consisted of a base, 10–12 pleats, and an apex. The base was joined by an elevated ridge and derived from the non‐vascular retina, while the apex was not a fused part and was found neighboring the gelatinous vitreous body. The limited interpleat spaces were somewhat wider at the base of the pecten oculi. The outer surface of each highly vascular pecten pleat revealed a tortious coiled formation due to the existence of a considerable number of capillary vessels. The outer pleat surfaces had a vitreopecteneal limiting membrane that segregated the pecten pleats from the vitreous body. The high SEM magnification revealed that there are considerable plentiful hyalocyte cells on the outer surface of the pleats. The SEM–EDX analysis of the elementary formatting of the pecten oculi (at apex, middle, and base) clarified that the carbon represents the highest and a half percent. Furthermore, oxygen represents one‐third of all elemental composition in the three regions, while the lowest percentage is calcium. Finally, the pecten oculi characterizations of this migratory bird on the Northern Egyptian shore were associated with their adaptive dietary strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation described the ultrastructural and histological features of the lingual papillary system in 14 adult Rhinopoma hardwickii using scanning electron and light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining of keratin. Three types of lingual papillae were recognized; one filiform mechanical and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) of three directions: posterior, posteromedian, and median. Five filiform papillae subtypes were observed in four regions. The lingual tip had numerous giant filiform papillae. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary and a posterior non‐papillary region that had only three circumvallate papillae in a triangular pattern. Histologically, the papillae exhibited detached thick keratin that spread over the dorsal epithelial surface. The dorsal surface of the root had stratified keratinized circumvallate papillae. Concerning the pan‐cytokeratin (CK) antibody staining, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the apical lingual mucosa. While the superficial corneal cell layer in both body and root exhibited increasing of CK antibody. Morphometrically, there was a significantly increased, region‐specific number of triangular, pointed filiform papillae, which were relatively increased in length and width. However, the round conical blunt filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were sparse. We concluded that our results showed distinguished adaptations in the lingual structure and its different papillae established on the nutritional and energetic demand of this bat species. This lingual adaptation is summarized in number, position, taste buds, direction, ultrastructural features, and histological that concerned with its ability in eating during the night flight. Research highlights: Three types of lingual papillae; one mechanical (filiform) and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) in which there were three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part of the lingual root in a triangular arrangement with an irregular surface, but the filiform papillae had five subtypes arranged in four regions.The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary region and a posterior non‐papillary region that only had three circumvallate papillae.Concerning staining with a pan‐cytokeratin (CK) antibody, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the lingual mucosa of the tongue apex while the superficial corneal cell layer of the body and root exhibited increased expression of the CK antibody compared to the lingual apex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many governments to impose social distancing measures upon its citizens, including in the Netherlands. Motivating adolescents to adhere to measures such as social distancing can be challenging, since adolescents are relatively more affected by them, while experiencing virtually no personal health benefit. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to impact the social environment of adolescents in schools, as some media sources have reported bullying and stigmatisation of students with an Asian appearance. This study aims to explore the experiences of adolescents regarding their Health-Protective Behaviour (HPB), as well as the prevalence and expression of stigma towards ethnic minorities within the context of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a cross-sectional mixed-methods study, including two independent online questionnaires. An adapted version of the "HPB" questionnaire (n = 528) and the "Measure of Disease-Related Stigma (MDRS)" questionnaire (n = 380), were administered to Dutch adolescents of 10–16 years old, attending primary or secondary school. Furthermore, 15 interviews were held with eight male and seven female adolescents. All data collection took place between March 17 and April 20, 2020. Results show that adolescents perceive COVID-19 as a threat to other peoples' health, rather than their own, and report adherence to public health measures in the interest of older and more vulnerable members of their community. We found no convincing evidence for widespread misinformation or stigmatising of certain ethnic groups among adolescents related to COVID-19 during this study. Participants acknowledged such behaviour happened in the early stages of the pandemic, before this study was initiated. Adolescents are a vital group for public health researchers to engage with during a pandemic, even when reaching them can be challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Ambrisentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist FDA-approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in adult patients, lacks an acceptable pediatric dosage form. The objective of this investigation was to determine the stability of an extemporaneously compounded ambrisentan suspension. METHODS Ambrisentan suspension was compounded to a concentration of 1 mg/mL using commercially available suspending agents. The suspension was then evenly split into 2 plastic amber prescription bottles. One bottle was stored at room temperature and under continuous fluorescent light while the other bottle was stored under refrigeration and protection from light. A fast and selective reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the analysis of ambrisentan. HPLC analysis was performed on samples withdrawn from the stock bottles at predetermined time intervals, up to 90 days. RESULTS The developed HPLC method enabled the elution and detection of ambrisentan peak at 4.4 minutes. HPLC analysis revealed that all samples from both storage conditions retained >90% potency throughout the study timeframe. There were no signs of any ambrisentan breakdown products on HPLC analysis. Color and odor of the final product was also consistent throughout the 90-day storage period. CONCLUSION Ambrisentan suspension, compounded to 1 mg/mL, is stable at room temperature or under refrigeration for up to 90 days. ABBREVIATIONS FDA, US Food and Drug Administration; HPLC, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography; PAH, pulmonary arterial hypertension; SA, ambrisentan bottle A; SB, ambrisentan bottle B [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to identify nutmeg compounds that indirectly interact with the endocannabinoid system through inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enzymes. Methods: Thirteen compounds were screened for FAAH and MAGL inhibition. Compounds demonstrating significant FAAH inhibition were evaluated to determine the halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The most potent compound was investigated in the elevated plus maze (EPM) rodent anxiety model. Key findings: Three compounds, licarin A (9), 5′‐methoxylicarin A (8) and malabaricone C (6) were most active in inhibiting FAAH with IC50 of 7.02 μm ± 2.02, 4.57 μm ± 0.66 and 38.29 μm ± 6.18, respectively. None of the purified compounds showed significant MAGL inhibition. Because of its relative high potency and selectivity, compound 8 was further evaluated in the EPM animal model of anxiety. The compound showed significant increase in number of open arm entries (P < 0.05) when administered at 120 mg/kg dose. No effect was observed on the locomotor activity. Conclusions: Results collected introduce active nutmeg compounds as potential leads for further development. Of the three compounds, 8 possesses highest potency and FAAH selectivity as well as anxiolytic activity. Furthermore, in vivo testing in appropriate behavioural animal paradigms is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borututu (Cochlospermum angolensis) is an African tree whose bark has recently emerged as a herbal dietary supplement with claims for antioxidant activity. In order to substantiate the claimed activity of borututu supplements, we performed an activity-guided fractionation of the total extract utilizing a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Subsequent flash and centrifugal chromatography resulted in the isolation of gallic acid (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) as the main antioxidant constituents. Two apocarotenoids and one flavonoid were also isolated from the chloroform fraction and were identified as cochloxanthin (3), dihydrocochloxanthin (4), and 7,4'-dimethyltaxifolin (5), respectively. A High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was also developed for fingerprinting borututu samples, with Compounds 1-4 suggested as chemical markers for quality control purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutmeg is a valued kitchen spice that has been used for centuries all over the world. In addition to its use in flavoring foods and beverages, nutmeg has been used in traditional remedies for stomach and kidney disorders. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and central nervous system effects of nutmeg have also been reported in literature. Nutmeg is a rich source of fixed and essential oil, triterpenes, and various types of phenolic compounds. Many of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg exhibit biological activities that may support its use in traditional medicine. This article provides an overview of the chemistry of secondary metabolites isolated from nutmeg kernel and mace including common methods for analysis of extracts and pure compounds as well as recent approaches towards total synthesis of some of the major constituents. A summary of the most significant pharmacological investigations of potential drug leads isolated from nutmeg and reported in the last decade is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Nutmeg [Myristica fragransHoutt. (Myristicaceae)] has a long-standing reputation of psychoactivity. Anecdotal reports of nutmeg use as a cheap marijuana substitute, coupled to previous studies reporting a cannabimimetic-like action, suggest that nutmeg may interact with the endocannabinoid system. Objective:The study evaluates nutmeg fractions for binding capacity with various CNS receptors and their potential interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Materials and methods:Dichloromethane (DF) and ethyl acetate (EF) fractions were prepared from the methanol extract of powdered whole nutmeg. The HPLC-profiled fractions were assayed by the NIMH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP) in a panel of CNS targets at a 10 μg/mL concentration. The fractions were also screened for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibition, initially at a concentration of 500 μg/mL, then by concentration-dependent inhibition studies. Results:None of the tested fractions showed significant binding to CNS receptors included in the PDSP panel. However, both fractions exerted significant inhibition of the FAAH and MAGL enzymes. The DF fraction inhibited FAAH and MAGL enzymes at IC50values of 21.06 ± 3.16 and 15.34 ± 1.61 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the EF fraction demonstrated FAAH and MAGL inhibition with IC50values of 15.42 ± 3.09 and 11.37 ± 6.15 μg/mL, respectively. Discussion and conclusion:The study provides the first piece of evidence that nutmeg interacts with the endocannabinoid system via inhibition of the endocannabinoid catabolizing enzymes. This mechanism provides insight into reported cannabis-like action as well as expands the potential therapeutic utility of nutmeg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) preparations are among the top selling products in the United States dietary supplements market. Numerous manufacturers claim different levels of specific catechin markers in their products while many others use total phenolic concentration instead, or not at all. Limited quality control results have been published for green tea dietary supplements over the past seven years. Thus, the goal of this work was to correlate determined levels of phenolics, catechins, and caffeine with manufacturer label claims for selected dietary supplement products (26 total) purchased in the United States. The Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) method was used to determine the total phenolic content while reversed-phase (RP) HPLC was used to quantify the major catechins: epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The developed HPLC method was validated for accuracy and precision. It utilized a C8 column with gradient elution of acetonitrile in 0.1% aqueous formic acid over 11 min total run time. Peak detection was performed at 280 nm. Caffeine was also included in the HPLC method as another non-phenolic alkaloid marker commonly found in green tea. Both methods showed a good correlation between the content of catechins and polyphenolic compounds in the selected products. The ranges of total catechins and polyphenol concentrations were 3.8–70.2% and 3.6–95.8%, respectively, while that of caffeine was 0.8–11.2%. The selected products displayed a wide range of marker levels. A lack of conformity in disclosing the actual levels of marker compounds was also noticed in the labeling of many products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferutinin ( 1), the major constituent of Ferula hermonis and other Ferula species, is a sesquiterpene ester with remarkable estrogenic activity, beside other valuable medicinal properties. To investigate the influence of chemical modification of the ferutinin structure on its estrogenic effect and binding affinity toward the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, twelve derivatives of 1 were prepared and evaluated in vitro, together with the parent compound, for the respective bioactivities, based on the recent evidence for estrogen-endocannabinoid interaction. Nine of the prepared derivatives ( 3- 11) are new semisynthetic esters of 1. The parent compound ferutinin ( 1) exhibited the highest level of estrogenic activity (EC 0.3 μM and a percent maximal 17β-estradiol response of 90 % at 1 µM). Compound 6 was found to be a selective agonist for CB2 receptor (EC 0.051 μM, Ki 0.025 μM), with much less affinity for CB1 receptor (EC 97 μM, Ki 48.5 μM). Compound 8 was a selective agonist for CB1 (EC 62, Ki 0.031 μM) with no affinity toward CB2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimycobacterial activity of the major daucane constituent, ferutinin (jaeschkeandiol p-hydroxybenzoate, 1), four of its natural analogues, its hydrolysis products, as well as methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben) against Mycobacterium smegmatis, a rapidly growing surrogate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The agar dilution assay was utilised for an antimycobacterial evaluation of single compounds. A modified agar dilution assay, the checkerboard method, was utilised for evaluating the potentiating effect of 1 on different antitubercular drugs, namely isoniazid, ethionamide, rifampin and streptomycin. In the agar dilution assay, 1 exhibited higher potency (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 10 µg mL-1) than streptomycin and rifampin (MIC 20 µg mL-1 for each). Of the natural analogues, 8,9-epoxyjaeschkeandiol p-hydroxybenzoate and 8,9-epoxyjaeschkeandiol benzoate exhibited marginal activity (MIC ≥ 40 and 80 µg mL-1, respectively). The checkerboard method showed that the combination of 1 with each antitubercular drug led to mutual enhancement of the antimycobacterial activity with isoniazid and ethionamide, while no such effect was observed with rifampin or streptomycin. Based on this study and earlier studies with Staphylococcus aureus, the major constituent 1 may be responsible for the major part of the antimicrobial activity of the root of Ferula hermonis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a fast, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of the new ultra-short hypnotic HIE-124 and its metabolite in mice serum. Each compound, together with carbamazepine (internal standard) was extracted from the serum matrix using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE). Chromatographic resolution of the analytes was performed on a Chromolith Speed Rod monolithic silica column (100 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.) under isocratic conditions using a mobile phase of 65 : 35 (v/v), 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0 adjusted with phosphoric acid)–acetonitrile. The elution of the analytes were monitored at 240 nm and conducted at ambient temperature. Because of high column efficiency the mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 2.5 mL min−1. The total run time of the assay was 2 min. The method was validated over the range of 60–2000 ng mL−1for HIE-124 and 200–1600 ng mL−1for the metabolite (r2= 0.99). The limit of detection (LOD) for HIE-124 and its metabolite were 20 ng mL−1and 65 ng mL−1, respectively. The proposed method was validated in compliance with ICH guidelines, in terms of accuracy, precision, limits of detection and quantitation and other aspects of analytical validation. The developed method could be used for the trace analyses of HIE-124 and its metabolite in serum and was finally used for the pharmacokinetic study investigation of HIE-124 in mice serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of three essential oil samples (stored aerial parts, fresh aerial parts, and fresh flowering tops) of Commiphora opobalsamum L., obtained by hydrodistillation, was determined using GC-MS analysis. The identified constituents represented 69.5 to 84.4 percent of the total chemical compounds of the three samples. The major components were [alpha]-cadinol in the stored aerial parts, [alpha]-calacorene in the fresh aerial parts, and terpinen-4-ol in the fresh flowering tops. The essential oil from the fresh aerial parts exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida glabrata, C. krusei, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Mycobacterium intracellulare. The same oil sample was non-selectively cytotoxic to four tumor cell lines: SK-MEL, KB, BT549 and SK-OV3. Weak antioxidant activity of the oil from the fresh aerial sample was demonstrated in a DPPH free-radical scavenging assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancing effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of eugenol and isoeugenol with isoniazid, 6-paradol and 6-shogaol was evaluated in two different strains, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Candida albicans, using the in vitro checkerboard method. With M. smegmatis, isoeugenol (at ½ MIC) was able to lower the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of isoniazid and 6-paradol by 800 percent (10-->1.25 [mu]g/mL) and 400 percent (30-->7.5 [mu]g/mL), respectively. Against C. albicans, Isoeugenol (at ½ MIC) was also able to lower the MIC of 6-paradol by 1600 percent (60-->3.75 [mu]g/mL). Similar synergistic effects were not observed between isoeugenol and 6-shogaol. Eugenol failed to exhibit any of the synergistic effects of isoeugenol under the same experimental conditions. Isoeugenol is a promising enhancing agent for compounds with weak antimycobacterial and anticandidal activities. 6-Paradol may be a potential candidate for further combination studies due to its broader antimicrobial effect against both M. smegmatis and C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of three essential oil samples (stored aerial parts, fresh aerial parts, and fresh flowering tops) of Commiphora opobalsamum L., obtained by hydrodistillation, was determined using GC-MS analysis. The identified constituents represented 69.5 to 84.4 percent of the total chemical compounds of the three samples. The major components were α-cadinol in the stored aerial parts, α-calacorene in the fresh aerial parts, and terpinen-4-ol in the fresh flowering tops. The essential oil from the fresh aerial parts exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida glabrata, C. krusei, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Mycobacterium intracellulare. The same oil sample was non-selectively cytotoxic to four tumor cell lines: SK-MEL, KB, BT549 and SK-OV3. Weak antioxidant activity of the oil from the fresh aerial sample was demonstrated in a DPPH free-radical scavenging assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancing effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of eugenol and isoeugenol with isoniazid, 6-paradol and 6-shogaol was evaluated in two different strains, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Candida albicans, using the in vitro checkerboard method. With M. smegmatis, isoeugenol (at ½ MIC) was able to lower the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of isoniazid and 6-paradol by 800 percent (10→1.25 μg/mL) and 400 percent (30→7.5 μg/mL), respectively. Against C. albicans, Isoeugenol (at ½ MIC) was also able to lower the MIC of 6-paradol by 1600 percent (60→3.75 μg/mL). Similar synergistic effects were not observed between isoeugenol and 6-shogaol. Eugenol failed to exhibit any of the synergistic effects of isoeugenol under the same experimental conditions. Isoeugenol is a promising enhancing agent for compounds with weak antimycobacterial and anticandidal activities. 6-Paradol may be a potential candidate for further combination studies due to its broader antimicrobial effect against both M. smegmatis and C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerial part of Commiphora opobalsamum L. (Burseraceae) growing in Saudi Arabia was subjected to a phytopharmacological investigation in order to identify its major chemical constituents and to evaluate its extracts and isolated compounds in preliminary in vitro assays for antimicrobial, antimalarial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibition), antioxidant and estrogenic activity. Six compounds were isolated and identified as the triterpenes friedelin, canophyllal, and oleanonic acid; the flavonols mearnsetin and quercetin; and syringic acid. The ethyl acetate extract was moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Plasmodium falciparum; while the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts inhibited COX-2 at 5 and 10 µg mL-1, respectively. Of the isolated compounds, syringic acid showed moderate antimalarial, anticandidal, and antimycobacterial activity; while mearnsetin and quercetin exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to ascorbic acid and trolox. This is the first detailed phytochemical investigation of C. opobalsamum L. growing in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. The isolated compounds are reported from this plant for the first time and their full 1H and 13C NMR assignments are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the traditional use of Ephedra ‘ma huang’ has been established for thousands of years, its resurgencein the US as a herbal dietary supplement is currently a matter of national controversy. At the heart of the debate are three important questions: (1) the identity and composition of Ephedra products with regard to ephedrine and related alkaloids; (2) the potential therapeutic utility of Ephedra supplements for weight loss or performance enhancement; and (3) potential health risks associated with such uses of Ephedra, particularly in sensitive individuals or in cases of intentional abuse for its stimulant properties. This review surveys the literature on Ephedra with regard to traditional uses, botany, chemistry, analytics, pharmacological effects and health risks. A brief discussion of the central issues in the current debate on the regulation of Ephedra in the United States is included as this is where most of the problems have occurred to date. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clutia richardiana L. is a traditional medicinal herb with demonstrated hypoglycemic effects. An HPLC method (Luna® C18 column, gradient elution, UV detection at 220 nm) has been utilized to determine the levels of the major diterpenes of C. richardiana in extracts obtained by using three different solvents. Extraction with the organic solvents methanol and acetonitrile was more efficient than aqueous extraction with hot water, but nine markers could be detected equally in all extracts. The aqueous extract was non-toxic against a number of human cell lines, which is a promising indication for its use as a safe and effective antidiabetic herbal preparation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the presence of harman alkaloids in the genus Passiflora has been established in a few species, their presence in the medicinally significant P. incarnata (passion flower) is still debatable. Powdered samples from 91 Passiflora species were subjected to accelerated speed extraction and analyzed for their content of five harman alkaloids by reversed-phase HPLC with photodiode array detection. The utilized analytical method was capable of detecting harman alkaloids in more than 50% of the analyzed samples at ppm levels. A library of HPLC chromatograms has also bees generated as a tool for fingerprinting and authentication of the studied Passiflora species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to determine what products health food store employees recommend for depression, to analyze the content of these products based on label claims, and to evaluate employee statements or recommendations for accuracy and safety. Methods: Twelve health food stores were selected for the study. One investigator approached an employee in each store and asked what they recommended for depression plus five additional questions regarding product use. Thirteen products containing St. John's wort were purchased and analyzed for hypericin and pseudohypericin content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total hypericin content was calculated by adding the values for hypericin and pseudohypericin. Results: All 12 health food store employees recommended a St. John's wort supplement for treatment of depression. Furthermore, numerous comments made by employees regarding St. Johns wort and the treatment of depression were unsafe and inaccurate. The HPLC analysis revealed that no product contained ± 10% of the stated label claim for hypericin content, and two products contained 0% hypericin. The total hypericin content (hypericin plus pseudohypericin) of only two products was within ± 10% of tie label claim for hypericin. Conclusions: Health food store employees offer health care advice regarding treatment of depression with dietary supplements without proper scientific and medical training. Their comments could cause significant harm to customers. In addition, the inconsistencies of dietary supplement content continue to raise concern for individuals who use these agents as medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the high-speed extraction and HPLC fingerprinting of medicinal plants. Samples of different species of genus Passiflora; Availability of unique fingerprints; Generation of characteristics chromatographic profiles.