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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.) and dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris Moench) are herbaceous perennials employed in folk medicine for their antirheumatic, antipyretic and anti-ulcer properties., Aim of the Study: To assess ethnomedicinal claims through investigation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects of F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris lyophilized flower infusions (LFIs) as well as the F. vulgaris isolated flavonoids spiraeoside, kaempferol 4'-O-glucoside, astragalin 2'-O-gallate, mixture of hyperoside 2'-O-gallate and isoquercitrin 2'-O-gallate, and a tannin tellimagrandin II., Materials and Methods: Free radical scavenging activity of the tested samples was determined by examining their ability to neutralize DPPH and OH radicals in vitro, whereas reducing properties were assessed in Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied ex vivo in human platelets by monitoring the effect on eicosanoid biosynthesis. Gastroprotective action was estimated in animal model of acute gastric injury induced by ethanol., Results: LFIs and spiraeoside exerted activities comparable to those of positive control in DPPH-radical scavenging and FRAP antioxidant assays, whereas notable hydroxyl radical scavenging ability was demonstrated only for spiraeoside (IC 50 = 5.1μg/mL). Among tested samples, astragalin 2″-O-gallate (IC 50 = 141.1μg/mL) and spiraeoside (IC 50 = 4.69μg/mL) the most markedly inhibited production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E 2 and 12(S)-hydroxy-(5Z,8Z,10E,14Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid in human platelets, respectively. Examination of LFIs (100-300mg/kg, p.o.) gastroprotective action in rats revealed their capacity to preserve mucosal integrity. In addition, spiraeoside (50mg/kg, p.o.) and tellimagrandin II (40mg/kg, p.o.) showed ulcer preventive ability., Conclusion: Current study supports documented traditional use of investigated herbs and indicates that flavonoid and tannin components are partially responsible for the demonstrated pharmacological activities., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A water-soluble antioxidant (ascorbic acid, vitamin C) was encapsulated together with poly(l-glutamic acid)-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNpPGA) within a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymeric matrix and their synergistic effects were studied. The PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid particles synthesized by a physicochemical method with solvent/non-solvent systems are spherical, have a mean diameter of 775 nm and a narrow size distribution with a polydispersity index of 0.158. The encapsulation efficiency of AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid within PLGA was determined to be >90%. The entire amount of encapsulated ascorbic acid was released in 68 days, and the entire amount of AgNpPGAs was released in 87 days of degradation. The influence of PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid on cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells, as well as antimicrobial activity against seven different pathogens was investigated. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated good biocompatibility of these PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid particles. We measured the kinetics of ROS formation in HepG2 cells by a DCFH-DA assay, and found that PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid caused a significant decrease in DCF fluorescence intensity, which was 2-fold lower than that in control cells after a 5h exposure. This indicates that the PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid microspheres either act as scavengers of intracellular ROS and/or reduce their formation. Also, the results of antimicrobial activity of PLGA/AgNpPGA/ascorbic acid obtained by the broth microdilution method showed superior and extended activity of these particles. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and particle size analysis. This paper presents a new approach to the treatment of infection that at the same time offers a very pronounced antioxidant effect., (Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the young shoots of the smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria Scop., Anacardiaceae. The acetone extract and the derived ethyl acetate fraction effectively inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC 25-200 µg/ml), while the chloroform fraction showed pronounced activity against the yeast Candida albicans (MIC 3.12 µg/ml). The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a significant ferric-reducing ability (10.7 mmol Fe(2+) /g extract), a very high DPPH radical scavenging activity (SC50  = 1.7 µg/ml) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC50  = 41.8 µg/ml). High amounts of total phenolics (929.8 mg/g), tannins (833.8 mg/g) and flavonoids (35.5 mg/g) were determined in the ethyl acetate fraction, which also exerted significant anti-inflammatory (76.7%) and cytotoxic effects (IC50  = 15.6 µg/ml)., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The effects of essential oils isolated from mature fruits of Athamanta turbith ssp. hungarica (Borbás) Tutin and A. turbith ssp. haynaldii (Borbás & Uechtr.) Tutin (Umbelliferae) on some liver biochemical parameters in mice intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride were investigated. Pretreatment with both essential oils extenuated the effects caused by carbon tetrachloride. In order to investigate in vitro antioxidant properties of the oils, three methods were applied: scavenging of both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and OH radicals, as well as a test of inhibition of Fe(2+)/ascorbic-induced lipid peroxidation. Investigated essential oils exhibited modest antioxidant capacity. Therefore, their influence on biochemical parameters in intoxicated animals might be linked to the inhibition of enzymes (cytochrome P450 2E1) involved in metabolic activation of halomethanes., (Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Purpose: Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in rats is an animal model of human giant cell myocarditis and post-myocarditis dilated cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of EAM has not been elucidated, but there is accumulating evidence that cytokines secreted from monocytes/macrophages and T cells play a crucial role in the induction and progression of disease. Flavonoids are a large group of polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in the human diet, which scavenge oxygen radicals and have anti-inflammatory activities. Having in mind in vivo beneficial effects of flavonoid quercetin in different animal models of immunoinflammatory diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and adjuvant arthritis, on the one side, and its in vitro suppressive effect on production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on the other side, we investigated the effects of quercetin on EAM in rats., Methods: Myocarditis was induced in Dark Agouti (DA) rats by injection of porcine cardiac myosin and quercetin at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg was orally administered from days 0 to 21 after induction of disease. The severity of myocarditis was evaluated by determination of heart weight/body weight ratio (Hw/Bw) and histopathological examination of hearts. The levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-10) in serum and lymph node cells (LNC) culture supernatants were measured by ELISA., Results: The rats treated with 20 mg/kg of quercetin had significantly decreased incidence of EAM, Hw/Bw, macroscopic and microscopic scores of hearts. Further, in EAM rats treated with quercetin levels of TNF-α and IL-17 were significantly lower, while the level of IL-10 was significantly higher both in serum and culture supernatants of LNC stimulated with concanavalin A compared with vehicle-treated animals., Conclusions: The present study suggests that quercetin ameliorates EAM, at least in part, by interfering production of proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-17) and/or anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.

The root of Carlina acanthifolia All. (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used in the treatment of various disorders including stomach and skin diseases. We studied antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities of Carlina acanthifolia root essential oil, in order to validate some of the ethnopharmacological claims. Antimicrobial activity was tested on 15 bacteria and three strains of fungi using the agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods. In assessing anti-inflammatory activity the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test was used, while ethanol-induced stress gastric ulcer test in rats was used in testing anti-ulcer activity. Antioxidant properties were evaluated trough the effect of the essential oil on lipid peroxidation (TBA assay) and its capability of quenching 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and OH radicals. The oil expressed significant antimicrobial activity, being the most active against Gram (+) bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and against Candida albicans. In all applied concentrations, Carlina acanthifolia root essential oil reduced carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema in dose-dependent manner, achieving high degree of anti-inflammatory activity. The effect was comparable with that of indomethacin used as a reference drug. In the ethanol-induced stress gastric ulcer test in rats, it was shown that the tested essential oil produced significant dose-dependent gastroprotective activity. The results also pointed out substantial and dose-dependent antioxidant activity of the investigated essential oil, with carlina oxide as the main antioxidant component.

Purpose: Many chemical compounds and infectious agents such as viruses induce liver damage like necrosis or fulminant hepatic failure which is sometimes difficult to manage by medical therapies. The induced liver necrosis by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TAA) are exemplary models for experimental liver necrosis caused by oxygen free radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) and sodium tungstate (ST) on liver injury induced by CCl4 or TAA., Methods: Hepatoprotective effects of TPA and ST on acute liver necrosis, chemically induced, were evaluated by the activity of serum enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), oxidative stress parameters (activity of xanthine oxidase, concentrations of malondialdehyde and production of superoxide anion), antioxidative defence markers (concentration of reduced glutathione), and histopathology in Wistar rats. Liver necrosis was induced by administering a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of CCl4 (1.0 ml/kg b.wt. of 80% CCl4 in corn oil) or a single i.p. injection of TAA (400 mg/kg b.w. dissolved in normal saline). TPA and ST were administrated to rats orally for 7 weeks (50 mg/kg b.wt.) prior to induction of liver necrosis., Results: Induced liver necrosis caused significant elevation of activity of liver enzymes, parameters of oxidative stress and marked changes in histopathology, like necrosis of hepatocytes, hepatocyte degeneration and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In TPA and ST pretreated rats histopathological changes were almost absent, serum enzymes and oxidative stress parameters were decreased, while at the same time the concentration of reduced gluthathione was increased., Conclusion: The present findings suggest that treatment with TPA and ST for 7 weeks could be useful for the prevention of hepatic injury in rats.

Background/Aim. Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of essential oils isolated from plant species of the genus Seseli have been intensified recently. These plant species have long-term use in nutrition and traditional medicine in the treatment of various disorders. Volatile secondary metabolites of Seseli gracile Waldst. & Kit (Apiaceae) have not been pharmacologically examined so far. The aim of the conducted research was to assess the antiradical, antimicrobial and spasmolytic activities of S. gracile essential oil isolated from the aerial parts of the plant. Methods. The antiradical activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test, antimicrobial activity using broth microdilution method with standard strains of Gram (+), Gram (-) bacteria and yeast, while spasmolytic activity was evaluated on isolated rat ileum, pre-contracted with a high concentration of potassium. Results. The results showed moderate antiradical (SC50 = 78.60 μg/mL) and good spasmolytic activity (IC50 = 271.4 nL/mL) of S. gracile essential oil. In the range of tested concentrations, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined only for the strain of Escherichia coli (500 μg/mL). Conclusion. Results obtained in this study justify the need for further studies to elucidate exact molecular mechanism underlay this spasmolytic effect of S. gracile herb essential oil.

The way of drying the fresh herbal material influences the chemical content and the biological activities of their essential oils. The influence of the different drying methods of the herb Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the extracted essential oils has been analyzed in this study. Drying has been carried out in three ways: in the natural way, in the laboratory oven (45°C) and in the absorptional low-temperature condensational drier (35°C). The antioxidant activity of the essential oil has been estimated by FRAP and DPPH assays, while the antimicrobial activity has been estimated by the diffusible and micro-delusional method, testing on the nine types of bacteria and two types of fungi. The essential oil obtained from the herb dried in the natural way has shown the highest antioxidant activity and the lowest from the herb dried in the laboratory oven. Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecalis have shown the highest sensitivity on the three samples. The oil obtained from the herb dried in the absorptional low-temperature drier has shown the strongest antimicrobial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a constant need for effective drugs, combinations of drugs and methods for the prevention of bacterial and viral infections, including coronavirus. It is known that the role of trace elements in strengthening the human immune system is significant. Vitamins, trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium and copper, and omega-3 fatty acids, play essential physiological roles in promoting the immune system. Zinc is a necessary microelement for basic enzymatic physiological processes; it plays an important role in cell division and is involved in the development of cells responsible for nonspecific immunity. Zinc deficiency is known to predispose patients to viral infection due to reduced antiviral immunity. In addition, flavonoids as plant metabolites play an important role in oxidative stress prevention. This manuscript aims to discuss the roles of zinc, flavonoids and their complexes in vitro, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The justification for the simultaneous use of zinc and flavonoids is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the essential oil and the ethanol extract of Artemisia alba Turra herb, in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in order to select the active pharmacological isolate for making phytopreparation from the group of bitter aromatics and/or bitter liqueurs. Chemical composition of the essential oils and volatile fractions of the extract was determined by GC-FID/GC-MS and non-volatile fractions of the extract by HPLC. The content of total phenolics and flavonoids in the extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride, respectively. The antioxidant activity of isolates was tested by FRAP and DPPH tests and the antimicrobial by microdilution method. Major constituents in the essential oil were camphor, artemisia ketone and 1,8-cineole (23.7%, 15.2% and 14.1%, respectively), and in the volatile fraction of the extract, scopoletin (14.0%) and corymbolone (10.3%). The main components in non-volatile fraction of the extract were kaempferol 3-O-(6"-Omalonylglucoside)- 7-O-rhamnoside, chlorogenic acid and rutin (16.1%, 11.4% and 9.5% respectively). The content of total phenolics in the extract, expressed as gallic acid was 77.18 mg/g and flavonoids, expressed as rutin 53.80 mg/g of dry extract. Extract exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than essential oil and better antimicrobial activity on a larger number of tested microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]