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Benigna hiperplazija prostate (BHP) je funkcionalni poremećaj urogenitalnog trakta koji zahvata veliki deo muške populacije starije od 45 godina. Hirurška intervencija predstavlja 'zlatni standard' u lečenju ovog funkcionalnog poremećaja. Međutim, troškovi hirurškog lečenja su visoki i u velikoj meri opterećuju zdravstvene fondove. Zbog toga se poklanja izuzetna pažnja istraživanjima mogućnosti lečenja BHP i određenim vidovima zdravstvene edukacije muške populacije, u čemu farmaceuti imaju veoma važnu ulogu. Time se doprinosi pravovremenom otkrivanju ovog funkcionalnog poremećaja, što ostavlja prostor za primenu lekova i omogućava da se hirurška intervencija odloži. Racionalna fitoterapija pruža značajne mogućnosti u lečenju BHP, pogotovo ukoliko se ona na vreme dijagnostikuje. U praksi se najčešće koriste različiti dozirani oblici lipofilnog ekstrakta, masnog ulja i granulata semena bundeve (Cucurbitae peponis semen), lipofilnog ekstrakta ploda testeraste palme (Serenoae repentis fructus, syn. Sabalis fructus), totalnog ekstrakta korena koprive (Urticae radix), lipofilnog ekstrakta kore afričke šljive (Pygei africani cortex), i totalnog ekstrakta polena nekih biljaka iz familije Poaceae (Pollinis extractum siccum).

U ovom radu razmatrana su dva uopštenja NP-teškog problema maksimalne bisekcije, gde se umesto težina grana kao realnih brojeva uvodi r-torka pozitivnih realnih brijeva.Prvo uopštenje koje se razmatra je višedimenzionalni problem maksimalne bisekcije na povezane podgrafove gde, pored zahteva prvog uopštenja, postoji zahtev da podgrafovi indukovani particijama skupa čvorova budu povezani. Pored navedenih uopštenja, u radu je razmatran i problem određivanja povezanog podgrafa najveće težine sa čvorovima ograničenog stepena., In this dissertation two generalizations of NP-hard maximum bisection problem, where wights on edges are r-tuples of positive real numbers instead of real numbers, are considered. The rst generalization is the multidimensional maximum bisection problem, where weight on edges are r-tuples of non-negative real numbers. The second generalization is the connected multidimensional maximum bisection problem, with additional condition that subgraphs induced by partitions of vertex set are connected. Beside aforementioned generalizations, in this dissertation is considered the maximum degree bounded connected subgraph problem. Multidimensional maximum bisection problem can be applied in human resource management. One of the most important aspects is compatibility/incompatibility between employees that is, by its nature, multidimensional. Each criteria of compatibility is represented by one coordinate of a vector. The connectedness of subgraphs (teams) plays important role, because teams should be formed by employees that had been working together before as much as possible. Another application is in electronic circuits design. There are certain aspects that can be considered important such as: interference, current, heat dissipation, etc. For both proposed generalizations of the maximum bisection problem mixed integer linear programming formulations are given with proofs of its correctness. For the maximum degree bounded connected subgraph problem a new mixed integer linear programming formulation with polynomial number of constraints is given. Using standard solvers CPLEX and Gurobi, optimal solutions are obtained for all small-size instances and some medium size instances.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.), and dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris Moench) flowers are traditionally used to treat various ailments, including inflammatory conditions. The aim of the present study was to validate the aforementioned ethnomedicinal claim by assessing antihyperalgesic and antiedematous activities and toxicity of orally administered lyophilized flower infusions (LFIs) of F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris in experimental animals. Materials and methods: The phytochemical analysis of LFIs was performed by HPLC-DAD. Antihyperalgesic and antiedematous activities were estimated in a rat model of inflammation induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan using Von Frey anesthesiometer and plethysmometer, respectively. Moreover, acute oral toxicity of LFIs in mice was evaluated by observing changes in animal behavior and mortality for a period of 14 days following the treatment. Results: HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in LFIs, among which spiraeoside was identified as the principal component (56.27 +/- 1.03 and 55.67 +/- 1.82 mg/g of LFI in F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris, respectively). The LFIs of F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris (100-300 mg/kg; p.o.) produced significant and dose-dependent antihyperalgesic effects: ED50 +/- SEM values were 164.8 +/- 15.4 mg/kg (110.3-246.3 mg/kg) and 172.2 +/- 6.2 mg/kg (147.4-201.3 mg/kg) for F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris, respectively. On the other hand, LFIs of both species (100-300 mg/kg; p.o.) did not significantly reduce edema. Good safety profiles were evidenced in the toxicological study. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the tested extracts is likely to be greater than 2000 mg/kg. Conclusion: The results of the present study support the use of F. ulmaria and F. vulgaris flowers in folk medicine for relieving pain in diseases with an inflammatory component.

This research present the content of lead and nickel in the soil and plants from the area of Protected natural resource "Veliko ratno ostrvo". The concentration of heavy metals Pb and Ni was investigated in the vegetative parts European white elm - Ulmus laevis Pall.. The research objective of this paper is focused on the evaluation of the potential of different European white elm genotypes to the uptake of heavy metals and their accumulation in the leaves of plants, also as determine potential ability of European white elm for phytoextraction. The concentration of heavy metals in leaves of European white elm shows a statistically significant difference between the trees, and different genotypes, having as good batteries are specifically allocated tree 19, 21 and 35.

This study compares the relation of initial height and root collar diameter of bareroot hardwoods seedlings to survival and growth in first year after planting. A total of six species used in Serbian reforestation programs were tested (four native: Fagus sylvatica, Ulmus laevis, Fraxinus excelsior, and Acer pseudoplatanus and two exotic: Robinia pseudoacacia, and Quercus rubra), at 6 sites with a wide range of environmental conditions. Initial seedling height and diameter were equally related to field performance and better in forecasting growth than survival. The relation between seedlings initial morphological attributes and survival was species specific, while for all tested species growth was positively correlated to seedling size at planting. Although large seedlings kept their advantage in size, smaller seedlings grew at a higher rate. Both initial H and D should be considered as equally important in operational programs for hardwoods seedling quality testing.

The conducted research that involved the assessment of the census size of the black poplar population on The Great War Island, its viability and health status, levels of genetic diversity and recent changes in population served as the basis for defining the measures of in situ conservation of the available gene pool. A network of in situ conservation habitats, labeled A, B and C, were formed. The area of conservation habitat A is 27.90 ha and includes 455 individual trees of black poplar. Conservation habitat B spreads over an area of 7.84 ha and includes 192 individual trees of black poplar. Conservation site C spreads over an area of 21.25 ha and includes 260 individual trees of black poplar. Potential new areas suitable for natural regeneration have been identified in the vicinity of the conservation habitats. Their total area amounts to 16.50 ha and they are surrounded by reproductively mature black poplar trees and thus, seeds can easily be transferred to these areas. The suggested measures of in situ conservation are aimed at the maintenance and conservation of existing black poplar population in the area of Great War Island.

The antioxidant activity in 70% aqueous acetone extracts of the herb of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Asteraceae was evaluated with regards to total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Antioxidant activity has been assessed by two commonly used in vitro tests, based on determination of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assay) and DPPH free radical scavenging ability (DPPH assay), against butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbic acid and quercetin, which were used as positive control substances. The results of both antioxidant tests showed that the plant material expressed a considerable activity (DPPH IC50 = 27.6 mu g/ml; FRAP value = 2.37 mmol Fe2+/g), attributed to both flavonoid aglyca and resembling glycosides, as verified by dot-blot TLC analysis.

This paper presents the results of a study on chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Thymus pannonicus All. ( Lamiaceae) essential oil from Vojvodina province ( north of Serbia). The investigated oil was hydrodistilled from a flowering plant and analysed by GC and GC- MS. Fifty- three constituents were identified (> 97% of total oil), with geranial ( 41.42%, w/ w) and neral ( 29.61%, w/ w) as the most prominent. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated using agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, two strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and two strains of Candida albicans. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity to varying degrees against all tested strains. The maximum activity of T. pannonicus oil was observed against E. coli, S. aureus and both tested strains of C. albicans ( MIC = 50 mu l/ ml, each). Moderate activity was observed against P. aeruginosa and one of the tested strains of K. pneumoniae ( MIC = 200 mu l/ ml), while E. faecalis and the other strain of K. pneumoniae expressed a higher degree of resistance ( MIC > 200 mu l/ ml). This study confirms that essential oil of T. pannonicus possesses remarkable in vitro antimicrobial activity against several medicinally important pathogens. This is attributable to lemon- scented citral, a mixture of geranial and neral, which has well- documented antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the chemical and therapeutic properties of Thymus glabrescens Willd. (Lamiaceae) is scarce and inconsistent. Therefore the main objectives of this study were to determine the yield and chemical composition of essential oils from wild-growing T. glabrescens populations, to assess their radical scavenging activity and to correlate the results with published data in order to deduce which components are responsible for the activity. RESULTS: The plant material yielded between 4.0 and 8.0 mL kg(-1) of essential oil. All samples contained considerable but variable concentrations of thymol (22.3-55.1%), depending on the source. Radical-scavenging activities of the oils were estimated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) assay against butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and thymol as positive controls. The observed activities (IC50 values ranged from 94 to 230 mu gmL(-1)) were strongly influenced by thymol concentration, as verified by rapid screening for DPPH radical-scavenging activity on thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates and regression analysis. CONCLUSION: These results represent the first report on the free radical-scavenging activity of T. glabrescens essential oil and one of the first comprehensive reports on its composition. Thymus glabrescens could be used in the food industry for seasoning purposes or for preserving processed foods from oxidative degradation.

The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Filipendula hexapetala flowers was assessed by the assay for ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the assay for DPPH free radical scavenging ability (DPPH) and the assay for the influence of lipid peroxidation in liposomes, induced by Fe2+/ascorbate system and measured by the TBA test (LP). The activity of the investigated extract in all test-systems was found to be significant. The principal constituent responsible for the observed effects was isolated and identified as spiraeoside.

Essential oil, isolated by hydrodistillation from Chenopodium botrys aerial parts, expressed significant bactericidal and fungicidal activity against selected strains of microorganisms.

In this paper, the results of the chemical composition investigations of light- petroleum extract of crude herbal drug Maydis stigma by means of GC-MS. were presented. Analysis of saponifiables resulted in identification of 15 fatty acids, with octadecanoic acid as the most prominent one (17,3 %). Eicosanoic and octadecadienoic acids (16,0 and 10,7 %, respectively) were also present in significant concentration Analysis of non-saponifiables resulted in identification of 20 compounds. Non-saponifiable matter of Maydis stigma light-petroleum extract is characterized by high percentage of n-alkanes (53,0 %) and phytosterols (37,4 %), while the rest is composed mainly of triterpenes (a-amyrine and friedelin), as well as the carotenoids. The principal constituents of non-saponifiable matter fraction were identified as p-sitosterol (23 %) and alkane C29H60 (15,1 %)., U ovom radu, prikazani su rezultati ispitivanja hemijskog sastava petroletarskog ekstrakta droge Maydis stigma primenom GC-MS. Analizom frakcije saponifikovanih materija, identifikovano je 15 masnih kiselina. Glavni sastojak je oktadekanska kiselina, koja čini 17,3 % ispitivane smese. Značajno su zastupljene eikozanska i oktadekadienska kiselina, koje čine 16,0 odnosno 10,7 % ispitivane frakcije. Analizom nesaponifikovanih materija, identifikovano je 20 komponenata. Nesaponifikovane materije petroletarskog ekstrakta droge Maydis stigma karakteriše visok sadržaj n-alkana (53,0 %) i fitosterola (37,4 %), dok ostatak čine triterpeni (a-amirin i fridelin) i karotenoidi. Glavni sastojak frakcije fitosterola je p-sitosterol (23 %), dok je među ugljovodonicima dominantan alkan C29H60 (15,1 %).

A RP-HPLC method for quantification of allantoin in silk of fifteen maize hybrids (Zea mays L., Poaceae) was described. Following extraction of the plant material with an acetone-water (7:3, V/V) mixture, filtration and dilution, the extracts were analyzed without previous chemical derivatization. Separation and quantification were achieved using an Alltech Econosil C18 column under isocratic conditions at 40 degreesC. The mobile phase flow (20% methanol -80% water with 5 mM sodium laurylsulfate added at pH 2.5, adjusted with 85% orthophosphoric acid; pH of water phase was finally adjusted at 6.0 by addition of triethylamine) was maintained at 1.0 mL/min. Column effluent was monitored at 235 nm. This simple procedure afforded efficient separation and quantification of allantoin in plant material, without interference of polyphenols or other plant constituents of medium to high polarity, or similar UV absorption. Our study revealed that the silk of all investigated maize hybrids could be considered relatively rich in allantoin, covering the concentration range between 215 and 289 mg per 100 g of dry plant material.

Maydis stigma (corn silk) is a herbal drug reputed for the treatment of urinary ailments in various traditional medicine systems. To determine its influence on urinary volume and the excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride, 5% and 10% decoctions were administered daily to adult male Wistar rats for eight days. The concentration of electrolytes and urea in plasma, the influence of treatment on urinary pH value as well as creatinine clearance were also investigated. Daily oral administration of 5% decoction at the dose of 10 ml/kg led to a significant and acute diuresis in rats, reaching the peak value in the first 24 h of treatment. Over a similar period, application of 10% decoction did not affect urinary excretion of water, but significantly increased the pH value of excreted urine. A significant decrease in sodium and chloride plasma levels was observed in both treated groups. The creatinine clearance was markedly increased after the treatment with both extracts. Our findings indicate that the diuretic effect of 5% aqueous Maydis stigma extract is in accordance with the increase in glomerular filtration rate and inhibition of sodium and chloride tubular reabsorption, caused a by still unidentified intrinsic factor, but not the salt-loading effect.

Antioxidative effects of Maydis stigma methanolic extracts were studied on the level of lipid peroxidation in liposomes, induced by Fe2+/ascorbate system and measured spectrophotometrically by the TBA-test. The most significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation was observed when methanolic extracts of fully developed, mature corn silk were applied. The same test, performed after fractionation of the most active extract, showed that most of the activity was concentrated in fractions with moderate lipophilicity, containing phenolic acids, flavonoid aglyca and resembling monosides.

Осврнувши се око себе, одговоран човек, се све више осећа обесхрабрен чињеницом да многе врсте полако нестају а станишта се уништавају. У том процесу шумско дрвеће неминовно страда, губе се не само појединачни гени или генски комплекси него и читаве врсте. Могуће је и неопходно осетити изазов у тражењу начина да се заустави уништавање! Спроведена истраживања обављена су у заштићеном подручју „Велико ратно острво“ у циљу конзервације и усмереног коришћења преосталог генофонда црне тополе која овде спада у групу ретких и угрожених врста, са учешћем у запремини од 5,4% и запреминском прирасту од 7,0%. Јавља се фрагментарно, са свега 907 евидентираних стабала, без могућности природног обнављања и тенденцијом ишчезавања са овог простора. Као основа за дефинисање мера конзервације обављена је процена генетичке варијабилности на нивоу тест стабала репрезената популације. Анализа морфолошких карактеристика листова показује да унутар истраживане популације постоји значајна варијабилност, за свих седам анализираних својстава. Анализом 11 микросателитских локуса укупно је утврђено 110 алела, просечно 10 алела по сваком локусу. Просечан број ефективних алела (Ne) по сваком локусу био је 6,506. Утврђена хетерозиготност (Ho = 0,702; He = 0,822) у истраживаној популацији указује на велику унутарпопулациону варијабилност. У циљу in situ конзервације дефинисана су три конзервациона станишта укупне површине 56 ha и 99 ar (конзервационо станиште А површине 27 ha и 90 ar; конзервационо станиште B површине 7 ha и 84 ar и конзервационо станиште C површине 21 ha 25 ar) и идентификоване нове потенцијалне површине погодне за природно подмлађивање укупне површине 16 ha и 50 ar. Ex situ конзервација црне тополе спроведена је оснивањем: клонског архива у расаднику Мишљеновац, чиме је постављена основа за очување дела генофонда и контролисану производњу квалификованог репродуктивног материјала; теста потомства у расаднику у коме је тестиран генетски потенцијал материнских стабала и пољске банке, Looking around, a responsible man feels increasingly discouraged by the fact that many species are disappearing and habitats are being destroyed. In this process, forest trees will inevitably suffer as not only are individual genes or gene complexes lost but also entire species. It is possible and necessary to feel the challenge of searching for ways to stop that destruction! This study was conducted in the protected area „Great War Island“ in the aim of conservation and sustainable utilization of the remaining gene pool of black poplar which here falls into the category of rare and endangered species, with a 5.4% share in the volume and 7.0 % share in the volume increment. It appears in fragments with only 907 registered trees without the possibility of natural regeneration and the tendency of disappearing from this area. An assessment of genetic variability was carried out at the level of test trees as population representatives serving as the basis for defining conservation measures. An analysis of the morphological characteristics of leaves shows that there is significant variability within the studied population, for all seven analyzed characteristics. An analysis of 11 microsatellite loci revealed a total of 110 alleles, i.e. on average 10 alleles at each locus. The average number of effective alleles (Ne) at each locus was 6,506. The established heterozygosity (Ho = 0.702; He = 0.822) in the studied population indicates a large interpopulation variability. In the aim of in situ conservation, three conservation sites were defined with a total area of 56 ha and 99 ar (conservation site A with an area of 27 ha and 90 ar; conservation site B with an area of 7 ha and 84 ar and conservation site C with an area of 21 ha 25 ar) and new potential areas suitable for natural regeneration with a total area of 16 ha and 50 ar were identified. The ex situ conservation of black poplar was conducted by establishing: a clonal archive in the Mišljenovac nursery, thus setting t

U okviru doktorske disertacije izvršeno je morfološko, hemijsko i farmakološko ispitivanje tri taksona roda Veronica L.: V. urticifolia Jacq., V. jacquinii Baumg. i V. teucrium L., široko rasprostranjenih na teritoriji Srbije. Odabrane vrste su do sada samo delimiţno hemijski ispitivane, dok nema podataka o njihovom farmakološkom delovanju. Sa ciljem utvrŤivanja mikromorfoloških obeleţja kao i anatomske graŤe, sprovedena je mikroskopska analiza sprašene herbe, i popreţnih preseka lista i stabla odabranih Veronica vrsta. Histohemijska analiza ukazala je na prisustvo lipida, alkaloida, skroba i fenolnih jedinjenja u ispitivanim vrstama, dok je primenom fluorescentne mikroskopije pokazano da su fenolna jedinjenja lokalizovana u kutikularnom sloju, trihomima i lignificiranim šelijskim zidovima ksilema listova i stabla. Analizom sadrţaja teških metala primenom plamene atomske apsopcione spektrometrije (FAAS) i atomske apsorpcione spektrometrije sa grafitnom kivetom (GF-AAS) u biljnim uzorcima nije pokazana znaţajna razlika izmeŤu testiranih Veronica vrsta sa istog lokaliteta, ukazujuši na to da obrazac preuzimanja teških metala nije karakteristika vrste. Na osnovu sadrţaja Cr u herbi vrsta V. jacquinii i V. urticifolia raslih na serpentinskom zemljištu, zakljuţeno je da one predstavljaju potencijalne hiperakumulatore ovog teškog metala. U okviru preliminarne hemijske analize, primenom kolorimetrijskih metoda, u metanolnim, vodenim i 70%-nim acetonskim ekstraktima nadzemnih delova ispitivanih biljaka u cvetu odreŤen je sadrţaj ukupnih polifenola, fenilpropanoida i iridoida. Obzirom da je spektrofotometrijska analiza izdvojila 70%-ne acetonske ekstrakte kao najbogatije pomenutim klasama sekundarnih metabolita, oni su odabrani za dalju hemijsku i farmakološku analizu. Tenikama visokoefikasne teţne hromatografije (HPLC) i visokoefikasne tankoslojne hromatografije (HPTLC), uz primenu standardnih supstanci, odreŤen je sadrţaj aukubina i akteozida u 70%-nim acetonskim ekstrakti, Morphological, chemical and pharmacological characterization of three taxa from genus Veronica L: V. urticifolia Jacq., V. jacquinii Baumg. i V. teucrium L., was performed. The selected species were only scarcely chemically investigated so far, while there is no information regarding their pharmacological effects. To determine micromorphological and anatomical characteristics, microscopic analysis of pulverized aerial parts was conducted together with cross-sections of leaf and stem of selected Veronica species. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of lipids, alkaloids, starch and phenolic compounds in selected species, while the application of fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that phenolic compounds are located in cuticle, tirchomes and lignified cell walls in xylem of leaves and stems of investigated species. Analysis of heavy metal contents by flame and electrothermal absortion spectroscopy techniques after microwave-assisted acid digestion of samples showed no significant differences in heavy metal concentrations between the tested plant species from the same location, indicating that their heavy metal uptake pattern was not species specific. The results of Cr content in aerial parts of V. jacquinii and V. urticifolia grown on serpentine soil confirmed that these species are promising Cr hyperaccumulator plants. In the preliminary chemical analysis of methanolic, 70% aqueous acetone and water extracts of flowering aerial parts of investigated plant species, total contents of phenolics, phenylethanoids and iridoids have been determined using colorimetric methods. Since the spectrophotometric analysis revealed that aqueous acetone extracts are the richest with abovementioned classes of secondary metabolites, they were selected for further chemical and pharmacological investigation. The content of aucubin and acteoside in aqueous acetone extracts of investigated taxa was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high performance

The phenolic profile and antibacterial, antimutagenic and antitumour activities of the methanolic extracts of Veronica urticifolia Jacq. were evaluated. HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and phenylethanoids, with acteoside as the main component (14.9 mg/g of extract). Antibacterial effect was determined using the microbroth dilution assay and Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain (MIC and MBC = 7.5 mg/mL). Antimutagenic activity was evaluated by Ames mutagenicity assay. At 1 mg/plate, the tested extract afforded high protection against the mutagenicity of nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO) to Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 (inhibition rate 48.3%). Antitumour activity was screened in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model. Pretreatment with 2 mg/kg body weight showed statistically significant decrease in tumour cell viability, while ascites volume and tumour cell count became slightly decreased, but not to a statistically significant extent. The results indicate that V. urticifolia deserves further research into its potential chemoprevention effects.

This study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Veronica montana L. water extract and its main phenolic compound, protocatechuic acid. The antibacterial activity was determined by microdilution assay against six strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive of the tested bacterial species. Antibacterial preserving properties of protocatechuic acid were also evaluated after its incorporation in cream cheese, using L. monocytogenes as commonly cheese contaminant. The compound successfully inhibited L monocytogenes development in cream cheese, at room temperature and in refrigerator (25 degrees C and 4 degrees C, respectively), after 3 days of inoculation. Sensory evaluation was carried out in order to validate the mentioned food system. A possible mode of action of the tested compound towards bacterial cells was assessed and appears to be direct lysis of pathogenic cytoplasmic membrane. Prediction of pharmacokinetic properties was also performed using computational analyzes. The obtained results can serve as an important platform for the development of effective natural preservatives.

This paper describes the relationships between the concentrations of selected trace elements in soil and their bioaccumulation in the aerial parts of three Veronica species (Plantaginaceae). Plant and soil samples were collected from three mountainous areas in Serbia, prepared by microwave-assisted acid digestion and analyzed by flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cr in the soil varied from 12.38 to 47.77, 62.78 to 138.00, 517.58 to 1675.78, 13574.22 to 35920.00 and 36.18 to 115.15 mg kg-1, respectively, while those in the plants ranged from 6.04 to 12.8, 27.66 to 58.01, 25.38 to 89.25, 35.53 to 563.26 and 0.44 to 18.96 mg kg-1, respectively. There were no significant differences in heavy metal concentrations between the tested Veronica species from the same location, indicating that their heavy metal uptake pattern was not species specific. In the case of Mn, despite its wide variation in the soil, the concentrations in the plant samples were uniform, which suggests the potential ability of the tested species to control Mn uptake and/or its translocation to the upper plant parts. Additionally, the lowest concentrations of Cu were obtained in plant samples collected from soil with the highest Fe concentrations, indicating that Cu availability to plants might be reduced due to high Fe contents in soil solution., U ovom radu prikazan je odnos sadržaja odabranih elemenata u tragovima u zemljištu i njihove bioakumulacije u nadzemnim delovima tri Veronica vrste (Plantaginaceae). Biljni i uzorci zemljišta sakupljeni su sa tri planinska lokaliteta u Srbiji, podvrgnuti su mikrotalasnoj digestiji u kiseloj sredini i analizirani primenom plamene i elektrotermalne atomske apsorpcione spektroskopije. Ukupna koncentracija Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe i Cr u uzorcima zemljišta varira od 12,38 do 47,77, 62,78 do 138,00, 517,58 do 1675,78, 13574,22 do 35920,00 i 36,18 do 115,15 mg kg-1, dok se u biljnim uzorcima kreće u opsegu od 6,04 do 12,8, 27,66 do 58,01, 25,38 do 89,25, 35,53 do 563,26 i 0,44 do 18,96 mg kg-1, redom. Nisu pokazane značajne razlike u koncentraciji teških metala između testiranih Veronica vrsta sa istih lokaliteta, što pokazuje da model usvajanja teških metala nije karakteristika vrste. Uprkos velikih variranja koncentracije Mn u zemljištu, koncentracija u biljnim uzorcima je uniformna, što ukazuje na potencijalnu mogućnost testiranih vrsta da kontrolišu preuzimanje Mn ili njegov transport do nadzemnih delova biljke. Najniža koncentracija Cu dobijena je u biljnim uzorcima sakupljenim na zemljištu sa najvećom Fe koncentracijom, sugerišući da je dostupnost Cu biljkama redukovana usled visokog sadržaja Fe u zemljišnom rastvoru.

The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant activity of three Veronica species (Plantaginaceae). The antioxidant potential of various extracts obtained from aerial flowering parts was evaluated by DPPH-free (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-free) radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. Considerable antioxidant activity was observed in the plant samples (FRAP values ranged from 0.97 to 4.85 mmol Fe2+/g, and DPPH IC50 values from 12.58 to 66.34 A mu g/ml); however, these levels were lower than the activity of the control compound butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (FRAP: 10.58 mmol Fe2+/g; DPPH IC50: 9.57 A mu g/ml). Also, the in vivo antioxidant effects were evaluated in several hepatic antioxidant systems in rats (activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, peroxidase, catalase, xanthine oxidase, glutathione content and level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) after treatment with different Veronica extracts, or in combination with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg b.w. of Veronica extracts inhibited CCl4-induced liver injury by decreasing TBA-RS level, increasing GSH content, and bringing the activities of CAT and Px to control levels. The present study suggests that the extracts analyzed could protect the liver cells from CCl4-induced liver damage by their antioxidative effect on hepatocytes.

This paper brings out the results of the study on the levels of selected trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cr) in aerial parts of Thymus pannonicus All. (Lamiaceae) and rhizosphere soil from twelve locations in Serbia. Prior to assays by flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry, samples were subjected to microwave-assisted acid digestion. Real and potential acidity of soil samples were also measured. Obtained results for soil samples, although slightly higher for some elements (Cu: 12.38-45.18 mg/kg; Fe: 22102-46193 mg/kg; Mn: 776.95-4901.27 mg/kg; Zn: 62.27-214.02 mg/kg; Cr: 48.86-69.13 mg/kg), were found to fit into biogeochemical background. Element contents in plant samples differed depending on collecting site (Cu: 5.26-14.07 mg/kg; Fe: 25.92-1454.07 mg/kg; Mn: 89.29-278.25 mg/kg; Zn: 1.81-10.64 mg/kg; Cr: 1.11-3.51 mg/kg), which can be partly explainable by different nutrient availability influenced by soil acidity. Zinc levels in T. pannonicus were below expected and seem to be strongly influenced by plant physiological properties.

This paper presents the results of investigations of parameter values of the red blood cell count in Wistar rats, after intramuscular application of rhizome and root extract of Helleborus odorus W. et K (HE). The trial was conducted in experimental conditions on 49 Wistar rats divided into 7 groups with 7 animals per unit (control and six experimental groups). The control group was treated by an intramuscular injection of sterile saline (0.25 ml/100 g BM). For the purpose of determing the duration of the HE effects, the animals were injected with a dose of 10 mg/100 g BMand blood was collected by cardial taps after 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Moreover, we investigated the influence of elevated temperatures on the noted HE extract effects, 24 hrs after the application of the inactivated (56oC 30 min) or denaturized (100oC 5 min) extract, as well as the influence of dialyzed HE. The obtained results of haematological analyses have pointed out the weak hemolyses activity of the extract. In all experimental groups, the erythrocyte count was decreased, but remained within reference values. Haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit values in the experimental and the control groups of rats were decreased in comparison to the physiological values, while the applied extract did not significantly affect the examined parameters. ., U ovom radu su prikazani rezultati ispitivanja vrednosti parametara crvene krvne slike pacova soja Wistar, nakon intramuskularne aplikacije ekstrakta rizoma i korena Helleborus odorus W. et K. Ogled je izveden u eksperimentalnim uslovima na 49 pacova soja Wistar, podeljenih u 7 grupa sa po 7 jedinki (jedna kontrolna i šest oglednih grupa). Kontrolnoj grupi pacova je intramuskularno aplikovan fiziološki rastvor (0,25 ml/100 g t.m.). U cilju određivanja dužine trajanja efekata ekstrakta, pacovima je aplikovan tečni ekstrakt podzemnih organa kukureka u koncentraciji od 10 mg/100 g t.m., a krv je uzorkovana kardijalnom punkcijom nakon 24h, 48h i 72h. Ispitivan je i uticaj ekstrakta izlaganog povišenoj temperaturi na uočene efekte, 24h posle aplikacije inaktivisanog (56oC 30 min) ili denaturisanog ekstrakta (100oC 5 min), kao i efekat dijalizata ekstrakta. Dobijeni rezultati hematoloških analiza su ukazali na slabu hemolitičku aktivnost ekstrakta. Kod svih oglednih grupa, prosečan broj eritrocita bio je smanjen, ali se održao u granicama referentnih vrednosti. Zabeležene koncentracije hemoglobina i hematokrita u krvi pacova kontrolne i oglednih grupa bile su niže u odnosu na fiziološke vrednosti, pri čemu korišćeni ekstrakt nije značajno uticao na ispitivane parametre.

The objective of this research was to study the effects that the extract of rhizome and root of Helleborus odorus W. et K. (Ranunculaceae) can have on modifications in the parameter values of white blood cells count and degree of phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes in Wistar rats. The trial was conducted on 28 rats divided into 4 groups with 7 animals in each group. To the control group of rats sterile physiological solution in the quantity of 0.25 mL/100 g BW was applied intramuscularly. For the purpose of monitoring the effect of the extract of rhizome and root of hellebore (HE) during a time period, the HE was applied intramuscularly to rats in a dose of 10 mg/100 g BW, while the blood samples for analysis were taken after 24h, 48h and 72h. The consequence of intramuscular application of HE was an increased count of total leukocytes in all trial groups, the most expressed leukocytosis being registered 24h after application of HE. Statistically significant higher value in the count and percent of neutrophil granulocytes in the blood was recorded 24h after treatment in relation to the control and two other trial groups (p lt 0.001), among which a statistical significance was not established. The extract of hellebore rhizome and root has led to lymphopenia, resulting in the increase of the neutrophil/limphocyte index in the trial groups 24h and 48h after treatment. The application of HE had no significant effect on the count of monocytes in treated animals. The applied extract has caused a significant increase in the degree of phagocytosis by residing peritoneal macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes in blood., Cilj ovog rada je bio da se ispita uticaj ekstrakta rizoma i korena H. odorus W. et K. na promenu vrednosti parametara bele krvne slike i stepen fagocitoze od strane peritonealnih makrofaga i neutrofilnih granulocita kod pacova soja Wistar. Ogled je izveden na 28 pacova podeljenih u 4 grupe po 7 jedinki. Kontrolnoj grupi pacova je intramuskularno aplikovan sterilan fiziološki rastvor u količini od 0,25 ml/100 g TM. U cilju praćenja efekta ekstrakta rizoma i korena kukureka (EK) u toku vremena, pacovima je intramuskularno aplikovan EK u dozi od 10mg/100g TM, a krv za analizu je uzimana posle 24h, 48h i 72h. Intramuskularna aplikacija EK imala je za posledicu povećanje broja ukupnih leukocita u svim oglednim grupama, pri čemu je najizraženija leukocitoza registrovana 24h nakon aplikovanja EK. Statistički značajno veća vrednost broja i procenta neutrofilnih granulocita u krvi zabeležena je 24h posle tretmana u odnosu na kontrolnu i ostale dve ogledne grupe (p lt 0,001), između kojih nije utvrđena statistička značajnost. Ekstrakt rizoma i korena kukureka doveo je do nastanka limfopenije, što je imalo za posledicu povećanje neutrofilno/limfocitnog indeksa u oglednim grupama 24h i 48h nakon tretmana. Aplikacija EK nije značajno uticala na broj monocita kod tretiranih životinja. Upotrebljeni ekstrakt doveo je do značajnog povećanja stepena fagocitoze od strane rezidentnih peritonealnih makrofaga i neutrofilnih granulocita krvi.

The essential oil from the aerial parts of Marrubium incanum Desr. (Lamiaceae), obtained by hydrodistillation, was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty-six compounds were identified, representing 96.3% of the total oil. The main components of the oil were (E)-caryophyllene (27.0%), germacrene D (26.2%) and bicyclogermacrene (11.5%). The microbial growth inhibitory properties of the isolated essential oil were determined using the agar diffusion and broth microdilution method against seven bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, Micrococcus flavus ATCC 10240, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae NCIMB 9111, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853), and two strains of the yeast Candida albicans (ATCC 10259 and ATCC24433). The essential oil showed activity against all the microorganisms tested, but differences in microbial susceptibility were registered.

The results of the chemical investigations of the essential oils from the flowers, leaves, sterns and rhizome of Peucedanum officinale are presented. The essential oil contents were 1.21% (v/w) in flowers, 0.64% (v/w) in leaves, 0.08% (v/w) in stems and 0.24% (v/w) in rhizome. By CC and GC/MS analysis, in all four oils the total of 132 compounds; was identified: 53 constituents (93.4% of total amount) in the oil obtained from the flowers, 70 (94.3% of total amount) in the oil from the leaves, 78 (87.8% of total amount) in the oil from the sterns and 67 (95.9% of total amount) in the oil from rhizome. in all oils investigated, monoterpenes were the dominant class of constituents (73.9-83.7%), with hydrocarbons (65.6-81.6%) as the most abundant representatives. Limonene, alpha-pinene and sabinene were identified as the most important constituents in common for all flour oils. In the oil from the flowers, leaves and sterns, beta-pinene and myrcene were also abundant. However, the flower oil differed from the others by a significant quantity of alpha-phellandrene.

Chemical composition of the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial blooming parts of Bidens cernua was analyzed. By GC and GC/MS analysis, 16 components were identified (70.1% of the total oil). The plant material yielded 0.5% (v/w) of gold-yellowish liquid with intensive, unpleasant and heavy scent. The principal compound was identified 1-phenylhepta-1,3,5-triyne (57.1%), followed by sesquiterpenes caryophyllene oxide, humulene-1,2-epoxide and alpha-selinene (3.0%, 3.1%, and 1.1% respectively), as well as (E,E)-1,3,11-tridecatriene-5,7,9-triyne (1.8%).