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Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of (Pistacia khinjuk) hull essential oil (EO) were evaluated in this study. The EO was isolated and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using 6 strains of Gram-positive and negative bacteria. DPPH radical scavenging (DPPH) and β-Caroten Bleaching (BCB) assays were used to measure antioxidant activity of the EO. In vitro cytotoxic activity was measured using MTT assay. Fifty-six compounds representing 99.5% of the total oil composition were identified. In the antibacterial results, Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible strain (MIC and MBC = 16 μg/ml). Antioxidant IC 50 values were respectively 19.03 ± 0.001 and 49.22 ± 0.005 μg/mL. The IC 50 indexes of cytotoxic tests were 29.6, 37.3 and 41.1 μg/mL for MCF-7, PC3 and DU-145 cell lines, respectively., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aerial parts of Equisetum telmateia have been used as a source of biologically active compounds to treat inflammatory, diarrhea, stomach-ache, eczema and mouth infections in traditional medicine. The aim of this work is to evaluate the extraction yield, chemical compositions, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of E. telmateia extracts on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Chemical compositions E. telmateia was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a C18 column. Analysis of E. telmateia extract by HPLC allowed the identification of Kaempferol 3-O-(6″-O-acetylglucoside) as major compound. The antioxidant activity of extracts was examined by measuring their ability to sequestrate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The results showed that the DPPH (IC 50  = 70.83 ± 0.2 μg/ml) were obtained in the case of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) extract. MIC microdilution assay were used to determine the antimicrobial activities. Contrary to lower extraction yield (9.6 ± 0.5), the SFE extract exhibited the highest antimicrobial potency with MIC and MBC values of 32 mg/ml against S. aureus compared to the other extracts. The results suggest that SFE method is more appropriate for extraction of E. telmateia biologically active substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity than conventional solvent extraction methods., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Context: Scutellaria lindbergii Rech. f. (Lamiaceae) is an Iranian species of Scutellaria which has been shown to exert antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects., Objective: The protective properties of total methanol extract (TME) of S. lindbergii and its fractions (defatted and CH2Cl2) were investigated against cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of H2O2 in NIH 3T3 cell line as non-malignant cells., Materials and Methods: The cells were incubated with different concentrations of S. lindbergii root extracts [TME (15-250 μg ml(-)(1)), defatted fraction (15-500 μg ml(-)(1)) and CH2Cl2 fraction (5-40 μg ml(-)(1))] and toxic concentration of H2O2 (200 µM) at 37 °C for 2 h concurrently and Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. The antigenotoxic effect of extracts was investigated using comet assay. The cells were incubated with extracts [TME (25-250 μg ml(-)(1)), defatted fraction (25-500 μg ml(-)(1)) and CH2Cl2 fraction (5-40 μg ml(-)(1))] and H2O2 (25 µM) at 4 °C for 20 min, then the comet assay was performed. DNA damage was expressed as percentage tail DNA., Results: Total methanol extract of S. lindbergii and its fractions had a significant inhibitory effect on DNA damage. The IC50 values of TME, defatted fraction and CH2Cl2 fraction against DNA damage were determined as 48, 138 and 8 μg ml(-)(1), respectively., Conclusion: S. lindbergii extracts can prevent oxidative DNA damage, which is likely due to its flavonoids and phenolic compounds as antioxidant constituents.

Echinodermata use saponins in chemical defense against pathogens and predators. The molecular mechanisms of antimetastatic effects of brittle star saponins are still unknown. The present study examined antioxidant capacity and invasive ability in HeLa carcinoma cells exposed to brittle star crude saponins. Discolorating methods with DPPH and ABTS and expression of SOD-2 with RT-PCR were used to estimate the antioxidant activity. The anti-invasive activity of extracted saponins was examined through adhesion of HeLa cells to extracellular matrix, wound healing and evaluation of the mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by real time-PCR. The results showed that extracted saponins had cytotoxicity against cervical cancer cells and ABTS and DPPH scavenging properties with IC50 values of 604.5, 1012 μg/ml, respectively. Further, we found that, in wound healing assay, brittle star saponins could prevent invasion of HeLa cells in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, cell adhesion assay demonstrated blockage of cell attachment to extracellular matrix with an IC50 concentration of 16.1μg/ml. The significant dose dependent down regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in treated cells demonstrated that isolated saponins can decline tumor metastasis in vitro. The brittle star saponins remarkably prevented cervical cancer invasion and migration associated with down regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression. Therefore, saponins could be suggested as an anti-invasive candidate against cervical cancer and an antioxidant as well.

Background: Despite the wide range of investigations on the therapeutic potentials of herbal extracts in cancer cell lines, there is not usually enough data on their probable effects on normal cells. Recently, both anti-tumoral and anti-oxidant properties of Scutellaria litwinowii extracts have been reported on different cancer cell lines. In the present study, the possible protective effects of S. litwinowii root extracts against cytotoxicity and DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on normal cells were investigated using MTT and Comet assays, respectively., Methods: A method of sequential extraction with solvents of different polarities was used to generate methanolic, de-fatted, and dichloromethane fractions. Both MTT and Comet assays were performed here to assess, respectively, changes in cell viability and levels of DNA damage from H2O2. In a pre-treatment regimen, test materials were applied to the cells prior to H2O2 treatment, while in a co-treatment protocol, cells were treated simultaneously with H2O2 and extracts., Results: In the co-treatment studies, only methanolic extract at 1,000 μg/mL (p<0.001) imparted a significant protective effect as shown in the MTT assay. Pre-treatment of cells for 24 h with different concentrations of the test materials did not lead to any significant protection. Results from the Comet assays in the co-treatment studies suggested a significant (p<0.01) protective effect of the test materials against DNA damage caused by H2O2. However, in the pre-treatment studies, only methanolic extract at ≥500 μg/mL showed a protective effect (p<0.01)., Conclusions: Considering the probable high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the methanolic extract, these compounds may impart the noted protective effects of the S. litwinowii root through the scavenging of free radicals.

Naturopathy or herbal medicine has been widely used as an alternative treatment for several illnesses, such as cancer, as they are generally acknowledged as a treatment with lesser side effects. This research evaluated the bioactive compounds profiling, antioxidant, and anticancer potential in Mentha longifolia L. (essential oil and extract), using different solvent polarities (hexane, methanol, and diethyl ether). Meanwhile, the caspase 3 gene expression and cell cycle status of methanolic extract were determined in colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2 and SW48). The overall findings showed that methanolic extraction exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid with respective values of 59.25 mg GAE (Gallic acid) eq./g DW (dry weight) and 20.02 mg RE (Rutin) eq./g DW, respectively, compared to hexane and diethyl ether. Furthermore, piperitenone oxid and piperitonone were found to be the dominant volatile compounds in methanolic extracts and essential oils. Additionally, the methanolic extract possesses higher antioxidant and anticancer activities. The molecular analysis indicated that methanolic extract up-regulated the expression of caspase 3 and increased the SubG1 (method to detecting cell death) peaks in treated Caco-2 and SW48 cell lines. To conclude, M. longifolia L. could serve as an effective therapeutic agent and a remedy for several illnesses, such as cancer caused by oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Rosa damascena Herrm. belonging to the Rosaceae family has demonstrated antiinflammatory and anti-oxidant effects previously. Excessive production of free radicals and activation of tyrosinase enzyme caused by UV induces excessive concentration of melanin pigment and skin spots in the long term. Therefore, finding natural sources with anti-oxidant and antityrosinase effects helps to regulate the melanogenesis process. In the current research, we investigated the antimelanogenic, anti-oxidant, and anti-tyrosinase effects of its essential oil, methanol extract (MeOH), and different fractions including n-hexane, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), n-butanol (BuOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and H2O of R. damascena in B16F10 cell line. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, impacts of extracts and essential oil of R. damascena were investigated on cell viability, cellular tyrosinase, melanin content, mushroom tyrosinase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the amount of tyrosinase protein in the B16F10 murine melanoma cell line. Results: Essential oil, MeOH, and different fractions of R. damascena were not cytotoxic on B16F10 cells. However, they had significant reducing effects on mushroom tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and ROS production. Also, there is a significant decrease in tyrosinase protein levels at 200 µg/ml but not at other concentrations. Conclusion: Therefore, the essential oil, MeOH, and different fractions of R. damascena had promising antimelanogenic activity via repression of mushroom tyrosinase activity and ROS production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): The purpose of this study was to evaluate variations in yields, volatile composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) obtained from the aerial parts of Zhumeria majdae collected from five localities of the south of Iran. Materials and Methods: The EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was tested using DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. In vitro cytotoxicity was tested against two cancer cell lines (A375 and MCF7) using MTT assay. Results: The oils yield varied from 6.3% (S2) to 10.2% (V/W) (S4). All of five investigated EOs samples presented three major compounds: linalool (24.4-34.6%), camphor (26.1-34.7%) and translinalool oxide (7.6-28.6%). Although the main constituents were common, their percentages were different. Among samples, S1 had a better antioxidant activity in both DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods (IC50= 8.01 and 11.77 mg/ml, respectively). In vitro cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines of human melanoma cell line (A375) and breast cancer cell line (MCF7), showed a moderate cytotoxicity of S3 against A375 cells with IC50 value of 624 μg/ml. Conclusion: Tangezagh (S4) plant materials revealed the highest level of oil yield as the region is recommended for collecting the plant samples.Taken together, despite the weak antioxidant and moderate cytotoxic activities of tested EOs, this study suggested a proper potential for possible use of the EOs of Z. majdae for pharmaceutical and perfume industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, the levels and antioxidant activities of some secondary metabolites isolated from five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four different geographical regions of Iran, were studied. Materials and Methods: Total phenolic compounds levels were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined as AlCl3 complex and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and total proantocyanidins content was expressed as mg of catechin equivalents (CA)/g dry extract. In order to evaluated the antioxidant activity of the compounds, DPPH and FRAP assays were used. Results: The highest level of total phenols (156.42 mg GA/g DE), total flavonoids (130.94 mg QE/g DE) and total proantocyanidins (152.816 mg CA/g DE) were obtained in Akbari cultivar from Rafsanjan, followed by Badami-e-sefid and Ahmad aghaei. The lowest amount of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total proanthocyanidin content (TPrAC) were found in Badami-e-sefid from Feizabad (128.140 mg GA/g DE, 93.176 mg QE/g DE and 118.870 mg CA/g DE, respectively). Also, a positive correlation (r²=0.9834) was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Pistachio increased their phytochemical compounds to contrast with abiotic stress. Our data could be useful for introducing special characteristics to the plants, and can be considered when planning a new breeding program or choosing a specific cultivar for a particular use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Marine organisms are known as a potential source of natural products, which contain bioactive substances with therapeutic properties. Sea cucumbers are prominent among marine organisms because of their dietary and therapeutic applications. In addition, they have capacity of synthesizing saponins molecules and other metabolites with therapeutic properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and pro-apoptotic effects of sea cucumber saponins (SCS) isolated from Holothuria leucospilota species. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of antioxidant activity of SCS was carried out by DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), power reducing and total antioxidant assays. The anti-proliferative effect was studied by (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Mechanisms leading to apoptosis were also evaluated by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and real time PCR. Results: The results showed that the DPPH and ABTS activities increased in a dose dependent manner. The reducing capacity enhanced with increasing concentration of the saponin extract (0 to 2 mg/ml). The SCS exhibited moderate total antioxidant activity. Evaluation of anti-proliferative effect revealed that SCS with IC50 of about 6 μg/ml, can display a good cytotoxic activity in a dose dependent manner. Further apoptosis induction was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Sea cucumber saponin was also found to exert a pro-apoptotic effect by increasing the expression of Bax and decreasing the expression of Bcl2. Conclusion: These results indicate that the SCS may act as a natural antioxidant and antitumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate volatile composition of the essential oil (EO) of Nepeta sintenisii Bornm. ( N. sintenisiig ), and its antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The EO was obtained by means of hydrodistillation and its components were analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main constituents of the EO were found to be 4aα,7α,7aβ-Nepetalactone (51.74%), β-Farnesene (12.26%), 4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone (8.01%), Germacrene-D (5.01%), and 4aα,7β,7aα-Nepetalactone (3.71%); these together constituted 95.81% of the extracted oil. The antimicrobial activity of the EO against eleven bacterial strains and one fungus was studied. The EO showed potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and also possessed antifungal activity against Candida albicans . In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation against four cell lines of human ovarian carcinoma (A2780), cervical cancer (Hela), human colon adenocarcinoma (LS180), and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC (as a normal cell line), showed a potent anti-proliferative activity of the oil with the lowest IC 50 value (20.37 μg/mL) belonging to the Hela cells. The IC 50 value for normal human cell line (HUVEC) was 219 μg/mL. Also, antioxidant activity of the EO was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The oil exhibited weak antioxidant activity in DPPH test (IC 50: 7.16 mg/mL) and FRAP (IC 50: 0.82 mM Fe 2+ /mg EO) assay. The present results suggested promising cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties for the N. sintenisii EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]