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Introduction: Species of the Salvia genus are aromatic herbs and traditionally used for many medicinal purposes in Anatolia. The genus has produced an extraordinarily large number of beneficial secondary metabolites belonging to numerous chemical groups. Salvia pisidica is an endemic plant of southwest Anatolia, the dried parts of which are used as herbal tea and local materia medica. Methods: The composition of endemic S. pisidica essential oil was determined through GC-MS studies. In vitro cytotoxicity activity and apoptosis analysis were investigated by MTT assay, q-PCR and Annexin V staining experiments. Results: Our results showed that 1,8 cineole (19.15 %) camphor (18.12 %) and γ-gurjunene (8.58 %) were the major constituents of the essential oil. It showed cytotoxic effects on the human breast cancer MCF-7, colon carcinoma Caco-2, hepatocyte carcinoma HepG2, and prostate carcinoma LnCap. The results of q-PCR and image-cytometer analysis showed that the essential oil caused induction of apoptosis by intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in all cancer cell lines. Conclusion: S. pisidica essential oil demonstrates considerable cytotoxic activity due to an apoptosis-related mechanism, suggesting that their bioactive components could be used as natural anticancer substances. © 2023 Elsevier GmbH

Essential oils from the leaves of Piper japurense (Miq.) C. DC., P. coariense Yunk., P. auriculifolium Yunk., P. curtistilum C.DC., P. alatipetiolatum Yunk. and P. brevesanum Yunk. from the Amazon Forest (Brazil) were obtained through hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the oils was determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, which revealed the presence of 108 compounds representing 95.14%, 95.64%, 95.57%, 92.05%, 96.24% and 91.316% of the oils, respectively. All oils had an abundance of sesquiterpenes, except the oil from P. alatipetiolatum, which had a higher percentage of monoterpenes. The major components were α-eudesmol in the P. japurense (22.05%) and P. coariense (27.33%) oils, premnaspirodiene (32.26%) in the P. auriculifolium oil, caryophyllene oxide (28.69%) in the P. curtistilum oil, linalool (43.88%) in the P. alatipetiolatum oil and β-elemene (12.75%) in the P. brevesanum oil. Although the oils were composed of terpenes, the chemical analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative differences. This is the first report of the chemical composition of these six species of Piper that occur in the Amazonia biome in Brazil. © 2019 ACG Publications. All rights reserved.

The plant Lilium monadelphum M. Bieb. var. armenum (Mıscz. Ex Grossh) Davis et Henderson recognized as the caucasian lily grows in the Eastern Black Sea Region and is a perennial bulbous species belonging to the Liliaceae family. Its flowers, bulbs, and volatile oils are used in the perfume industry, as a folk medicine to treat eczema and abscess therapy, and as a tranquilizer among regional people respectively. Hence, it is commonly collected from the wild and could become endangered. In this study, we explored the optimal hormone treatment for efficient and rapid induction and production of this species in tissue culture. Explants taken from bulbs were cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS medium, 1962) and modified with TDZ (thidiazuran) (0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 5.0 mg/L), after which adventitious buds used for explants during the second stage were subcultured 4 different media supplemented with different concentrations of PAC (paclobutrazol) (0.1; 0.5; 1.0; 2.0 mg/L) to induce microbulbs formation. Microbulbs were cultured in a rooting medium containing IBA (0.5;1.0 mg/L). The highest bud regeneration was observed in medium containing 3.0 mg/L TDZ, 0.25 mg/L NAA and 0.1 mg/L GA3; the highest microbulb formation was observed in medium containing 2.0 mg/L PAC, 0.2 mg/L NAA, and 0.1 mg/L GA3. Besides, plant development from the microbulb was successful for roots in a medium containing 0.5 mg/I IBA and all of the plantlets obtained in tissue culture survived when transferred to the soil. © 2021

Kilincarslan Aksoy, Ozge/0000-0003-4944-1029 WOS: 000573399400001 PubMed ID: 32986201 Plant derived products are widely used in cancer treatment. Gall species has been preferred for treatment various diseases in folk medicine, but there are few studies on the anticancer effects of gall species. The present study reports the antioxidant activity and total secondary metabolites of extracts ofA. tomentosusgalls. The antioxidant potency of galls was carried out using differentin-vitromodel systems. Their cytotoxic efficacy on Mia-Paca cell line was also explored. Gall extract was found to contain a large amount of phenolic acids. The extract potently scavenged free radicals including DPPH (IC(50)9.56 +/- 1.08 mu g/mL), ABTS (IC(50)18.51 +/- 0.25 mu g/mL). It can be seen as a potential source of antioxidants according to beta-carotene/linoleic acid method (%92.58 +/- 0.92) and Phosphomolybdenum assays (104.36 +/- 4.95 mgAE/g). Gall extract also posses ability of metal chelating (%40.07 +/- 2.30) and Fe3+(184.01 +/- 2.83 mgTE/g) and Cu2+(89.81 +/- 0.96 mgTE/g) reducing activity. According to total secondary metabolites tests, gall extract showed high total phenolic, total flavonoid and total tannin amount. HPLC analysis of the extract suggested it to contain caffeic acid (424.068.479 mu g/g), ellagic acid (187.696.132 mu g/g). XTT assay revealed gall extract to enhance percent survival of Mia-Paca2 cell line exposedA. tomentosusextracts. The best cytotoxic effect was determined in acetone extracts (IC50: 124.7 mu M). Expression of some genes (Bax, Bcl-2, FAS, BID, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-10, FADD, TRADD) in the apoptosis pathway was determined to invastigate apoptosis inducing activity. These results indicate thatA. tomentosusgalls possess potent antioxidant activity, when tested both in chemical as well as biological models. Pamukkale University Scientific Research Projects Coordination UnitPamukkale University [2018FEBE062] The authors are grateful for the financial support from the Pamukkale University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (Project No: 2018FEBE062).

In the current work we performed a review of the Araceae family species traditionally used to treat malaria and its symptoms. The aim is to reveal the large number of antimalarial Araceae species used worldwide and their great unexplored potential as sources of antimalarial natural products. The SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google books search engines were consulted. Forty-three records of 36 species and 23 genera of Araceae used for malaria and symptoms treatment were found. The neotropical genera Philodendron Schott and Anthurium Schott were the best represented for the use in the treatment of malaria, fevers, liver problems and headaches. Leaves and tubers were the most used parts and decoction was the most common preparation method. The extracts of Araceae species inhibit the in vitro growth of the human malaria parasite, the Plasmodium falciparum Welch, and significant median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for extracts of guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifolia N.E. Br. and forest anchomanes (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.) have been reported demonstrating the antimalarial and cytotoxicity potential of the extracts and sub-fractions. In the only report about the antimalarial components of this family, the neolignan polysyphorin and the benzoperoxide rhaphidecurperoxin presented strong in vitro inhibition of the D6 and W2 strains of Plasmodiumfalciparum (IC50 = 368-540 ng/mL). No live study about antimalarial activity in animal models has been conducted on a species of Araceae. More bioguided chemical composition studies about the in vitro and also thein vivo antimalarial activity of the Araceae are needed in order to enhance the knowledge about the antimalarial potential of this family. RESUMONo presente trabalho realizamos uma revisão das espécies da família Araceae usadas para tratar malária e seus sintomas. O objetivo foi revelar o grande número de espécies da família usadas no mundo, assim como seu potencial como fontes de produtos naturais antimaláricos. Foram consultadas as plataformas de busca SciFinder Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, ScienceDirect e Google books. Encontramos quarenta e três registros de 36 espécies e 23 generos de Aráceas usadas para tratar malária e seus sintomas. Os generos neotropicais Philodendron Schott e Anthurium Schott foram os melhor representados, úteis para o tratamento da malária, febres, problemas hepáticos e dores de cabeça. Folhas e tubérculos foram as partes mais utilizadas, enquanto a decocção foi o método de preparo mais comum. Os extratos de espécies de Araceae inibem o crescimento in vitro do parasito da malária humana, Plasmodium falciparum Welch, e concentrações inibitórias medianas (CI50) significativas foram relatadas para extratos de guaimbê-sulcado (Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott), aninga (Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott), Culcasia lancifoliaN.E. Br. e anchomanes do mato (Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl.), demonstrando o potencial antimalárico e citotóxico de extratos e subfrações. No único relato sobre os componentes antimaláricos dessa família, a neolignana polisiforina e o benzoperóxido rafidecurperoxina apresentaram forte inibição das cepas D6 e W2 de Plasmodiumfalciparum in vitro (CI50 = 368-540 ng/mL). Nenhum estudo sobre a atividade antimalárica in vivo em modelo animal foi realizado com espécies da família Araceae. Mais trabalhos biomonitorados pela composição química sobre a atividade antimalárica in vitro, assim como estudos in vivo, são necessários para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre potencial antimalárico da familia.

Candida spp. is associated with almost 80% of all nosocomial fungal infections and is considered a major cause of blood stream infections. In humans, Cryptococcosis is a disease of the lungs caused by the fungi Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans. It can be potentially fatal, especially in immune-compromised patients. In a search for antifungal drugs, Deguelia duckeana extracts were assayed against these two fungi and also against Candida albicans, which causes candidiasis. Hexane branches and CH2Cl2 root extracts as well as the substances 4-hydroxylonchocarpine, 3,5,4′-trimethoxy-4-prenylstilbene and 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-7-methoxyflavone were assayed to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration. Phytochemical study of CH2Cl2 root and hexane branch extracts from D. duckeana A.M.G. Azevedo, Fabaceae, resulted in the isolation and characterization of nine phenolic compounds: 4-hydroxyderricine, 4-hydroxylonchocarpine, 3′,4′,7-trimethoxy-flavonol, 5,4′-dihydroxy-isolonchocarpine, 4-hydroxyderricidine, derricidine, 3,5,4′-trimethoxy-stilbene, 3′,4′,7-trimethoxyflavone and yangambin. The only active extract was a CH2Cl2 root showing minimal inhibitory concentration 800 μg/ml against C. gattii, and the investigation of compounds obtained from this extract showed that 4-hydroxylonchocarpine was active against all three fungi (C. neoformans, C. gattii and C. albicans). These results suggest that D. duckeana extracts have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of pathogenic fungi. Keywords: Amazonian plant, Chalcone, Flavonoid, Lignan, Stilbene, Timbó

A marine strain ofProteus vulgariscapable of activating multiple acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-based reporter cultures was isolated. The cognate signal molecule was characterized as octanoyl homoserine lactone (OHL) and its production was observed to be growth dependent, with maximum production (5.675 µg l−1) at 24 h growth. The strain exhibited swarming, but its motility was not affected upon addition of pure OHL or culture supernatant. Phytochemicals such as quercitin and berberine chloride inhibited OHL production and reduced swarming. FliA, the predominantly upregulated protein during swarming, was considered as a possible target for these inhibitors, and docking of the two most active and two least active inhibitors to this protein suggested preferential binding of the former set of compounds. Apart from adding new evidence to AHL production inProteus vulgaris, active inhibitors shortlisted from this study could help in identifying lead compounds to act against this opportunistic pathogen of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.

The members of Scutellaria L. (Lamiaceae) is known to be rich particularly in flavonoids and among them, S. baicalensis has been recorded to be used for memory-enhancing purpose. Therefore, we initiated a study to screen the methanol extracts prepared from the aerial parts of 33 Turkish Scutellaria species for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities, which are the key enzymes taking place in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Besides, the methanol extracts were tested in vitro against another enzyme, tyrosinase, which is associated with melanin hyperpigmentation. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenger effect, ferrous ion-chelating ability, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were also determined. AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase inhibition of the extracts were performed on ELISA microplate reader by spectrophotometric method. The extracts showed weak inhibition against AChE and BChE, while the best tyrosinase inhibition was caused by the methanol extract of S. brevibracteata subsp. subvelutina. The extracts had a very high DDPH radical scavenging effect and moderate antioxidant activity in ferrous ion-chelating and FRAP tests. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Scutellaria agrestis is used by Amazonas riverine communities, especially for otitis externa topical treatment, by using the crude extract obtained by maceration. This study aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemical profile, the safety/toxicity and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activities of the aqueous extract of the S. agrestis leaves. Eighty individuals were collected at the Nilton Lins University medicinal garden, Manaus, Brazil. The phytochemical profile was obtained through a plant drug survey for cyanogenic heterosides, terpenes, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. The extract safety was evaluated by acute toxicity test. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were accessed using formalin test in mice and the antiedematogenic activity, using paw edema test in mice. We detected phenolic (hydrolysable tannins, coumarins and several classes of flavonoids) and terpenoid (free steroids, saponins) metabolites. We could not establish LD50because no animals died during the acute toxicity test, probably because of the absence of cyanogenic glycosides on the composition of the extract. However, we found that the extract is slightly toxic as animal spasms were observed in the first hour of the test. The extract showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity on the formalin test (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.), and the highest dose result was equivalent to the standard drug (Fentanyl). However, no significant antiedematogenic effect was observed during the paw edema test. The results obtained in this study provide preliminary scientific basis about the safety and analgesic/anti-inflammatory actions of the aqueous extract of S. agrestis, which indicates that this species is a promising option for further in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies.

The chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, total phenol content, total antioxidant activity, and total oxidant status of the essential oil from Micromeria congesta Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss. were investigated. Steam distillation was used to obtain the essential oil, and the chemical analyses were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity was tested by an agar disc diffusion method against the tested microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-744, Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12598, S. aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus ATCC 25933, Escherichia coli 0157H7, E. coli ATCC25922, Micrococcus luteus NRLL B-4375, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433, Proteus vulgaris RSKK 96026, and Yersinia enterecolitica RSKK 1501. The major compounds found in volatiles of M. congesta were piperitone oxide, linalool oxide, veratrole, pulegone, dihydro carvone, naphthalene, iso-menthone, para-menthone, and cyclohexanone. Compared to that of reference antibiotics, the antibacterial activity of the essential oil is considered as significant. Results showed that M. congesta has the potential for being used in food and medicine depending on its antioxidant and antibacterial activity. © Copyright 2012, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2012.

Two Rokumi-jio-gan-containing prescriptions (Hachimi-jio-gan and Bakumi-jio-gan) were selected to examine their actions in nephrectomized rats. Each prescription was given orally to rats for 10 weeks after the excision of five-sixths of their kidney volumes, and its effect was compared with non-nephrectomized and normal rats. Rats given Hachimi-jio-gan and Bakumi-jio-gan showed an improvement of renal functional parameters such as serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatinine clearance, and urinary protein. The nephrectomized rats exhibited the up-regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunits, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphor-JNK, c-Jun, transforming growth factor-β nuclear factor-kappa B, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3, and down-regulation of NF-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and survivin; however, Bakumi-jio-gan administration acts as a regulator in inflammatory reactions caused by oxidative stress in renal failure. Moreover, the JNK pathway and apoptosis-related protein expressions, Bax, caspase-3, and survivin, were ameliorated to the normal levels by Hachimi-jio-gan administration. The development of renal lesions, glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial damage, and arteriolar sclerotic lesions, estimated by histopathological evaluation and scoring, was strong in the groups administered Hachimi-jio-gan rather than Bakumi-jio-gan. This study suggests that Rokumi-jio-gan-containing prescriptions play a protective role in the progression of renal failure., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 587902; 2012

Piperazine and pyrrolidine derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their capacity to inhibit the growth of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistant (FCR-3) strain in culture. The combined presence of a hydroxyl group, a propane chain and a fluor were shown to be crucial for the antiplasmodial activity. Five compounds of the aryl-alcohol series inhibited 50% of parasite growth at doses

Research on the bone effects of natural phyto-oestrogens after menopause is at a relatively early stage. Published studies are few, difficult to compare and often inconclusive, due in part to design weaknesses. Currently, many questions remain to be answered including to what extent a safe daily intake may prevent postmenopausal bone loss. These questions can only be addressed by conducting well-planned, randomised clinical trials that take into consideration present knowledge in the oestrogen, phyto-oestrogen and bone fields. This review is intended to provide hints for critical decision-making about the selection of subjects, type of intervention, suitable outcome measures and variables that need to be controlled.