Search

Background/aim: Rosmarinus officinalis L. ( R. officinalis ) is an aromatic medicinal species with important nutraceutical potential, having rosmarinic acid (RA) as one of its main metabolites. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an extract obtained from the leaves of this species and of its main metabolite in improving the streptozotocin-induced damage of hearts and aorta of diabetic rats., Methods: The leaves of the species were used to obtain a hydroethanolic extract, which was analyzed using the LC/MS method. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal streptozotocin administration in rats. After two weeks, oxidative stress parameters were evaluated from the heart and aorta homogenates. NOS3, AMPK, and adiponectin levels were quantified using ELISA tests, and thoracic aorta rings were isolated for contractility evaluation in the organ bath. Phospho-NF-κB, NRF2, HIF1 alfa, iNOS, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) quantification were performed using the Western blot technique., Results: Carnosic acid, together with rosmarinic acid, were proven to be the main metabolites identified in the composition of the tested extract. Administration of the extract and of RA improved the relaxation response to acetylcholine and the redox status, with the reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS 3), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), adiponectin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. RA significantly enhanced the expression of HIF 1α, NRF2, and pNFkB in the heart., Conclusions: Administration of the R. officinalis extract and of RA-alleviated oxidative stress, proving vascular and cardiac antioxidant properties in the hearts and aorta of diabetic rats.

Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental species, but also a promising not comprehensively studied source of bioactive compounds with important therapeutic potential. Our study was designed to characterize the chemical composition and to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of ethanolic extracts obtained from S. vulgaris L. flowers, leaves, bark, and fruit. The chemical profile of the ethanolic extracts was investigated using chromatographic (HPLC-DAD-ESI + , GC-MS) and spectral (UV-Vis, FT-IR) methods, while the protective effect against free radicals was evaluated in vitro by different chemical assays (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC). The cytotoxic activity was tested on two tumoral cell lines, HeLa, B16F10, using the MTT assay. Significant amounts of free or glycosylated chemical components belonging to various therapeutically important structural classes, such as phenyl-propanoids (syringin, acteoside, echinacoside), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol derivatives) and secoiridoids (secologanoside, oleuropein, 10 -hydroxy oleuropein, demethyloleuropein, syringalactone A, nuzhenide, lingstroside) were obtained for the flowers, leaves and bark extracts, respectively. Furthermore, MTT tests pointed out a significant cytotoxic potential expressed in a non-dose-dependent manner toward the tumoral lines. The performed methods underlined that S. vulgaris extracts, in particular belonging to flowers and leaves, represent valuable sources of compounds with antioxidant and antitumoral potential.

The Ranunculus species are poorly known as medicinal plants. They have potential toxicity given by the ranunculin and its enzymatic degradation compounds: protoanemonin and anemonin. This paper aims to evaluate the anemonin content of four species: R. bulbosus, R. ficaria, R. sardous and R. sceleratus. The evaluation was performed by TLC and HPLC. There were evaluated two types of extracts hydroalcoholic (HA) and glycerol-ethanol (GE). The most concentrated extract in anemonin was found to be the R. sardous aerial part HA extract: 2.66 mg/ml. The lowest anemonin content is in R. sceleratus: 0.13-0.19 mg/ml. In R. bulbosus aerial part the anemonin content is less than the used HPLC method detection limits (7.68 mg/ml). In all cases the GE extracts are less concentrated in anemonin, being more safely for human administration.

The biological properties and main phenolic compounds of the O. vulgare L. ssp. vulgare extract are described in the present paper. The polyphenolic compounds were analyzed by chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using several methods: CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma), inhibition of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c, and superoxide (SO) scavenging assays. The antimicrobial activity of the oregano extract was evaluated by means of agar-well diffusion assay. The hepatoprotective effect of the O. vulgare extract on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Liver injury was estimated by determination of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT, total protein and albumin concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). These values were improved by the administration of oregano extract. A specific phenolic profile was evidenced by these data, with large amounts of rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids. The oregano extract showed very strong antioxidant activity in good agreement with the phenolic content. Antimicrobial activity was good, especially against Salmonella enteritidis and Aspergillus niger strains. The high hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, along with polyphenol-rich content, can support the use of O. vulgare in therapy. We also expect our results to open new research directions for designing important new drug products, using indigenous plant material.

The Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), a well-known medicinal and culinary herb, was studied to compare the terpenic profile of different extracts obtained from dry and fresh herb. There were studied the volatile oil extracted by hydro distillation from dry plant, the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from fresh respectively dry plant and the glycerol macerate obtained from fresh plant, by GC-MS using headspace injection. The separated compounds were identified using a MS spectra library. The quantitative determination was performed by normalization respectively by calibration curve method for 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene and D-limonene. The main separated compounds were alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineol, camphene, camphor, D-limonene and cymene. A significant difference was observed between the 4 samples volatile profiles. 1,8-cineole was found major component of the essential oil (VO-21.39%) and glycerol macerate (GM-35.60%), while and α-pinene was detected as the main constituent of the two tinctures (T-46.05%; MT-31.93%). The highest 1,8-cineol content, determined by calibration curve method, was found in the volatile oil, while the fresh plant hydroalcoholic extract was richer in α-pinene and D-limonene.

The purpose of this study was to compare the polyphenol profile of different Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts obtained from dry and fresh herb and the evaluation of their antioxidant effect. There were studied the polyphenols from hydroalcoholic extracts (1:5- dry plant:solvent) obtained from fresh respectively dry plant and the gemmotherapic extract obtained from fresh plant (1:20- dry plant: solvent). The polyphenol profile was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, TLC and HPLC. The total polyphenol respectively flavonoids content were determined by UV-V is spectrophotometry. The antioxidant effect was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and silver nanoparticle (SNP) methods. The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from fresh plant contains the highest concentration of total polyphenols, (0.601mg/ml rosmarinic acid), total flavonoids, (0.270mg/ml luteoline) and rosmarinic acid (0.350 mg/ml). The less concentrated is the gemmotherapic extract, but also the extraction ratio is higher than the hydroalcoholic extracts. The high content in polyphenols of the mentioned hydroalcoholic extract was confirmed by highest values of antioxidant activity: 39.1ml (DPPH), 7.7 ml (ABTS), 698mM ET/100 ml (FRAP), 1947 mM ET/100 ml (CUPRAC), 4570mM ET/100 ml (SNP). These differences in the polyphenols profiles show the importance of use the fresh plants for obtaining the good quality extracts.

The purpose of our study was to identify the phenolic substances of two varieties of Chrysanthemum balsamita (balsamita and tanacetoides) and to measure the overall antioxidant activity. The phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC. The evaluation of the polyphenolic content was performed by colorimetric analysis. The antioxidant activity was measured by three in vitro assay models: the DPPH, the silver nanoparticles antioxidant capacity (SNPAC) and EPR radical detection. Using HPLC-MS analysis, phenolic acids, flavonoids and flavonoid aglycone were detected. The highest antioxidant activity was showed by Chrysanthemum balsamita var. balsamita, while the lowest for the Chrysanthemum balsamita var. tanacetoides extract, in accord with the polyphenolic content. The results show that Chrysanthemum balsamita var. balsamita might be a source of antioxidant flavonoids, especially rutin and isoquercitrin.

This study was performed to evaluate the phenolic profile, antioxidant and diuretic effects of black cumin and lady-in-a-mist seeds. In the phenolic profile, differences between the two species are significant. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phenolic compounds were performed using a HPLC-UV/MS method. Hyperoside was the only identified flavonoid glycoside (1.08 ± 0.01 μg∙g-1 dw plant material), in the N. damascena extract. Regarding the flavonol profile, kaempferol was identified before the hydrolysis, only in the N. sativa extract (6.06 ± 0.02 μg∙g-1 dw plant material) and quercetin only in N. damascena seeds (14.35 ± 0.02 μg∙g-1 dw plant material). The antioxidant potential of the two species was tested through several electron transfer assays, which indicated, excepting for the FRAP assay, N. damascena as exhibiting a higher free radical scavenging activity. The diuretic activity of the two extracts was tested using a rat-experimental model on acute diuresis. Administration of the ethanolic extract of N. sativa (100 mg∙kg-1) resulted in a significant increase in urine volume, although less than found with the reference drug; in addition N. damascena extract did not present a diuretic effect. In reference to the elimination of Na+, K+ and uric acid, the black cumin extract exhibited a higher natriuretic than kaluretic effect and a similar uricosuric effect with control and N. damascena. For N. damascena, the Na+/K+ ratio was sub unitary, but not due to an increasing of the kaluretic effect, but mostly to a decrease of Na+ excretion.

Unlabelled: The immunomodulatory effect of polysaccharides from Chenopodium bonus-henricus herba was tested on adult hens., Material and Method: Blood samples were harvested aseptically by punction of brachial vein; ability of circulating phagocytes was assessed by the carbon particles phagocytosis test in vitro; while reactivity of peripheral lymphocytes was evaluated by lymphocytes transformation assay in vitro. Polysaharides were dissolved in saline solution and filtered throughout Millipore., Results: Phagocytic indexes (at 15 and 39 minutes) are variable according to polysaharides concentration; phagocytosis increased at 15 minutes for 40 microg/mL and 60 microg/mL, while for 30 minutes the phagocytic index decreased. In lymphocytes transformation assay, Chenopodium bonus-henricus polysaharides, alone, shown no stimulatory effect, and together to the classic mitogen, their influence was variable, but not statistical significant results were seen., Conclusion: Polysaccharides have inconstant effect on phagocytosis, and mainly inhibitory role on lymphocytes proliferation.

Background: The use of natural hepatoprotective remedies represents an important path in modern phytotherapy. Objectives: In this context, our research aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the hepatoprotective and oxidative stress reduction potential of an Arctium tomentosum Mill. root extract. Methods: The phenolic profile of the tested extract, prepared by the subcritical fluid-assisted method were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by spectrophotometrical and HPLC/DAD/ESI methods. In vitro antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Hepatoprotective activity of the extract was assessed on a model of CCl4 experimentally induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Results: Phytochemical assays revealed the presence of important polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid (17.20 ± 0.65 μg/mL) and acacetin 7-O-glucoside (56.80 ± 1.66 μg/mL). In vitro, the tested extract exhibited a significant oxidative stress reduction capacity, while in vivo it showed a dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect indicated by an improvement in plasma proteins profile and down-regulation of plasma transaminase activity (ALAT, ASAT, GGT). In liver tissue, the extract partially restored the activity of GPx, CAT, and SOD and attenuated lipid peroxidation. The protective effect of the A. tomentosum root extract was supported by the alleviation of histological injuries of the liver (centrilobular necrosis, granulocytic infiltrate, and fibrosis). Conclusions: The A. tomentosum subcritical fluid-assisted root extract proved to be able to provide a significant hepatoprotective effect mainly through an antioxidant mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third type of cancer in incidence and second in mortality worldwide, with the newly diagnosed case number on the rise. Among the diagnosed patients, approximately 70% have no hereditary germ-line mutations or family history of pathology, thus being termed sporadic CRC. Diet and environmental factors are to date considered solely responsible for the development of sporadic CRC; therefore; attention should be directed towards the discovery of preventative actions to combat the CRC initiation, promotion, and progression. Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid plant secondary metabolite with a well-characterized antioxidant activity. It has been extensively reported as an anti-carcinogenic agent in the scientific literature, and the modulated targets of quercetin have been also characterized in the context of CRC, mainly in original research publications. In this fairly comprehensive review, we summarize the molecular targets of quercetin reported to date in in vivo and in vitro CRC models, while also giving background information about the signal transduction pathways that it up- and downregulates. Among the most relevant modulated pathways, the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, MAPK/Erk, JNK, or p38, p53, and NF-κB have been described. With this work, we hope to encourage further quests in the elucidation of quercetin anti-carcinogenic activity as single agent, as dietary component, or as pharmaconutrient delivered in the form of plant extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is a great concern worldwide. New drugs are continuously being developed and combined in order to manage the symptoms and treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Moreover, studies show a new approach on plant derived extracts to be used in the treatment of IBD, being less invasive and having less secondary effects. Our aim was to investigate the COX-2 activity level in colonic tissue, through the immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique, and thus prove the anti-inflammatory effect of Thuja occidentalis mother tincture (MT) in oral administration in corresponding doses (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg of body weight). The intra-rectal administration of TNBS resulted in an increase in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in comparison to control. The IHC results showed that the expression of COX-2 inflammatory marker decreased significantly following the oral administration of three doses of T. occidentalis MT (5, 25, and 50 mg/kg of body weight), in dose dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Datura stramonium is an annual plant which belongs to the Solanaceae family. Datura stramonium is also a toxic plant, with toxicity given by the presence of alkaloids hyoscyamine, atropine and scopolamine. This study performs phytochemical and antibacterial analysis of ethanolic extracts from Datura stramonium. Fresh plants have been used in order to obtain Datura stramonium tincture. The quality index was 1:5, the concentration of ethanol being 90%. Based on this tincture a qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed through thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. By thin-layer chromatography the qualitative alkaloids, such as atropine and scopolamine from Datura stramonium extract, have been identified. By high performance liquid chromatography with reversed phase the alkaloids quantity from Datura stramonium herbs was assessed and that is 1.7 mg/mL. The plant extracts were tested on Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and on Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Both tested strains showed resistance but for E. coli a higher inhibition was observed at all samples containing Datura extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TLC is a powerful method used for separation of complex mixtures such as plant extracts. Employing different TLC techniques the separations can be improved. This paper presents a study of the Orthosiphon stamineus Benth extracts using isocratic reversed-phase thin layer chromatography (RP-TLC) and reversed-phase automated multiple development technique (RP-AMD). Methanol (SI) and a mixture of methanol-water-methyl acetate (SII) were used as extraction agents. Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Its leaves contain rosmarinic acid, sinesetine and eupatorine as main compounds. After TLC separation the bioactive compounds from plant extracts were identified by comparison of the Rf values and in situ UV-Vis spectra with those of the standards and quantified using the calibration method. The rosmarinic acid was better extracted in the solvent mixture methanol-water-methyl acetate (10:10:80, v/v), while the sinesetine and eupatorine, which are more lipophilic, were better extracted in methanol. The study revealed the AMD technique superiority in comparison with the isocratic one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency of conventional solvent extraction (maceration and normal refluxing) and novel extraction techniques (ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE and microwave-assisted extraction-MAE) were compared in order to obtain an enhanced content of total flavonoid, total phenolic compounds and rosmarinic acid from the Satureja hortensis L. (Summer savory) herb. Different mixtures of ethanol-water ratio were used for extraction of these compounds from dry plant material. High level of total flavonoid content was determined for a solvent system consisted of 40% respectively 50% ethanol (extraction systems ES6 and ES5) while the most efficient techniques were normal refluxing (R) and ultrasound-assisted extraction when sweep mode (UAE1) was selected. For the same solvent systems (ES6 and ES5), a high content of total phenolic compounds was determined when the normal refluxing (R) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE1, with a duty coefficient of 40% and microwave action time1 min) were used for the extraction procedure. For the rosmarinic acid extraction, the maceration technique (M) combined with an ethanol-water system consisted of 60% ethanol (ES4) was found as the most efficient procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main differences between the glycerol macerates and mother tinctures are regarded the solvent used for extraction respectively the development stage of the used vegetal raw material, both extracts being mainly obtained from fresh plants. Due by the fact that the development stage of the used part ofplant is different the chemical composition profile of these extracts could be very different. In this paper have made a comparison, by TLC, of the phytochemical profile of the Aesculus hippocastanum L. mother tincture respectively glycerol macerate and based on the scientific data from literature correlates these profiles with the active compounds pharmacological effects respectively with the observed clinical efficacy. It was observed that the Aesculus mother tinctures contains mainly the saponoside escin, while the glycerol macerates is more concentrated in esculetine, a coumarin. These compounds sustains the indication of these extracts in venous circulatory disturbances. At athletes, the risk of venous problems ' occuring is high, the glycerol macerates of Aesculus could be potential food supplements for sustaining the healthy venous circulation in a mild and natural way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo biloba belongs to the Ginkgoaceae family and contains a large variety of compounds. The genetic diversity, tree age and soil type influences the yield of chemical compounds found in different parts of the plant. This study performs phytochemical and antibacterial analysis of ethanolic extracts from Ginkgo biloba. The leaves have been used in order to obtain Ginkgo biloba tincture. They were dryed in the shadow. The quality index was 1:5, the concentration of ethanol being 70 %. Based on this tincture a qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed through thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. By thin-layer chromatography the qualitative flavonoids, such as quercetin and rutin from Ginkgo biloba extract, have been identified. By high performance liquid chromatography with reversed phase the quercetin quantity from Ginkgo biloba leaves was assessed and that is 1.34 mg/mL. The plant extracts were tested on Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and on Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts presented an inhibition about 17.5 mm on S. aureus and about 10.5 mm on E. coli. The ethanolic extracts exhibited a stronger activity versus S. aureus strain, which demonstrates that the quercetin extracts can be used in treatment of different infections caused by these bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoestrogens are natural compounds synthesized almost exclusively by plants of the Fabaceae family. To find new sources of phytoestrogens, we analyzed the isoflavons from different extracts obtained from plants of the Romanian spontaneous flora belonging to the Fabaceae family: Genistella sagittalis, Genista tinctoria, Cytisus albus, Coronilla varia, Lotus cornyculatus and Dorycnium herbaceum. The qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained by sonication for 10 minutes at 60°C. They were analyzed before and after hydrolysis. Some of the studied extracts presented a decreased level of isoflavons: Cytisus albus, Coronilla varia, Lotus cornyculatus and Dorycnium herbaceum. Other extracts were found to be rich in isoflavons. The high quantities of heterosides (daidzin, genistin, ononin) and aglycons (daidzein, genistein and formononetin) were found in Genistella sagittalis and Genista tinctoria. The results obtained for hydrolyzed extracts are inconclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]