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Aedes aegypti is a vector responsible for the transmission of various arboviruses and is considered by the World Health Organization to be one of the main public health problems in the world. This study evaluated the larvicidal and oviposition activity of essential oils from Abies sibirica , Pogostemon cablin and Juniperus communis and their formulations. Chromatographic analysis by GCMS identified a total of 28, 52 and 18 compounds for the oils of the species A. sibirica , J. communis and P. cablin , respectively. The larvicidal bioassays showed an LC 50 of 67.53 ppm, 92.45 ppm and 35.95 ppm, respectively, for A. sibirica (A), J. communis (J) and P. cablin (P) as well as their binary (J + P, 39.50 ppm; A + P, 51.64 ppm) and ternary (A + J + P, 66.99 ppm) formulations. These oils and formulations also showed deterrent activity at the larvicidal concentrations tested ( A. sibirica : OAI: -0.41; J. communis : OAI: -0.31; P. cablin : OAI: -0.62; A + J + P: -0.30; A + P: -0.68; A + J: -0.29; and J + P: -0.30). The oils and their formulations are a potential larvicidal source for mitigating the proliferation of diseases by this vector.

Four undescribed polyketides, beshanzones A (1) and B (2) as well as beshanhexanols A (3) and B (4), along with three known ones (5-7) were isolated from the rice fermentation of two endophytic fungi associated with the critically endangered Chinese endemic conifer Abies beshanzuensis. γ-Butyrolactone derivatives 1, 2, and 5 were isolated from Phomopsis sp. BSZ-AZ-2, an interesting strain that drawn our attention this time. The cyclohexanol derivatives 3, 4, 6, and 7 were obtained during a follow-up investigation on Penicillium commune BSZ-P-4-1. The chemical structures including absolute configurations of compounds 1-4 were determined by spectroscopic methods, Mo 2 (OAc) 4 induced electronic circular dichroism (IECD), GIAO NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analyses. In particular, compound 2 contains a novel 5/5 bicyclic ring system, which might be biogenetically derived from the known compound 5 through hydrolysis followed by an Aldol reaction. All isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against a small panel of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Compounds 6 and 7 showed moderate inhibitory activities against Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 and 32 μg/mL, respectively., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The impact of air pollution on forests, especially in urban areas, has been increasingly discussed recently. Many pollutants, including heavy metals, are released into the atmosphere from various sources, such as mining, non-ferrous metal processing plants, and fossil fuel combustion. These pollutants can adversely affect not only tree growth but also other species, including humans. This study compared the concentrations of several elements in tree-ring wood from two conifer species (Silver fir, Abies alba; Norway spruce, Picea abies) growing in polluted and unpolluted areas. Two regions in northern Romania (Bicaz and Tarnița) that were subjected to historical pollution changes were selected. Two chemical analyses were used: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The silver fir trees from the intensively polluted area in the Tarnița region were negatively impacted by industrial pollution: the Mn concentrations were, on average, three times higher in polluted areas than in unpolluted areas (ca. 30 vs. 10 mg kg -1 ). This finding was consistent for both ICP-MS and XRF analyses. However, in Norway spruce, this difference was found only in the XRF data, which detected Mn concentrations seven times higher in trees from polluted areas than those from unpolluted areas (ca. 700 vs. 100 mg kg -1 ). In the Tarnița region, Norway spruce accumulated more heavy metals than silver fir, but the most pronounced differences between polluted and unpolluted areas were found in silver fir. The two analytical methods are commonly used to determine metal concentrations in wood, and they complement each other, with ICP-MS having a low detection limit for some elements and XRF having higher detection limits and better accuracy. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal method depends on many factors, such as the type of heavy metal analyzed, its concentration in wood, sample type, cost, analysis time, and sample preparation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The pine cones (PC), spruce cones (SC) and fir cones (FC) were used for biocarbons preparation. Chemical activation with sodium hydroxide was applied to prepare activated biocarbons. All the materials under investigation were characterized by the N 2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (CHNS), infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), and the Boehm's titration method. Moreover, pH pzc (the point of zero charge) was determined. It was shown that cones are a good, cheap precursor from which biocarbons with a developed porous structure, characterized by good adsorption properties, can be obtained. All the obtained adsorbents are characterized mainly by a microporous structure. Moreover, they contain both acidic and basic surface functional groups (acidic ones prevail over basic ones). The tested activated biocarbons have large specific surface area values ranging from 578 to 1182 m 2  g -1 . The efficacy of selected materials in the adsorption of an essential contaminant of increasing concern, tetracycline (TC), was investigated. The experimental data were described using the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of the tested biocarbons ranges from 200 to 392 mg g -1 . Thermodynamic studies proved that adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic process. In summary, economical and environmentally friendly adsorbents were obtained., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A preliminary phytochemical investigation on the 90% MeOH extract from the twigs and needles of the vulnerable conifer Keteleeria fortunei led to the isolation and characterization of 17 structurally diverse triterpen-26-oic acids, including nine previously undescribed ones (fortunefuroic acids A-I, 1 - 9 ) featuring a rare furoic acid moiety in the lateral chain. Among them, 1 - 5 are uncommon 9β H -lanostane-type triterpenoic acids. Friedo-rearranged triterpenoids 6 and 7 feature a unique 17,14-friedo-lanostane skeleton, whereas 9 possesses a rare 17,13-friedo-cycloartane-type framework. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (e.g., detailed 2D NMR) and computational (NMR/ECD) calculations and the modified Mosher's method. In addition, the absolute structure of compound 1 was ascertained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Fortunefuroic acids B ( 2 ), G ( 7 ), and I ( 9 ), along with isomangiferolic acid ( 12 ) and 3α,27-dihydroxycycloart-24 E -en-26-oic acid ( 14 ), exhibited dual inhibitory effects against the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-citrate lyase (ACL, IC 50s : 5.7-11.4 μM) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1, IC 50s : 7.5-10.5 μM), both of which are key enzymes for glycolipid metabolism. The interactions of the bioactive triterpenoids with both enzymes were examined by molecular docking studies. The above findings reveal the important role of protecting plant species diversity in support of chemical diversity and potential sources of new therapeutics for ACL-/ACC1-associated diseases.

Seven undescribed triterpenoids, abikoranes A-G, along with three known triterpenoids were isolated from the leaves of Abies koreana E. H. Wilson. The structures of compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, ECD, specific rotation, and DP4+ analysis. Abikorane A represents the second example of nor-3,4-seco-17,14-friedo-lanostane triterpenoid. Among the isolates, some compounds showed strong cytotoxic activities against some of four tested cancer cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-116) with the values of IC 50 0.89-9.62 μM, inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production with IC 50 values of 11.57-15.16 μM, and exhibited significant nerve growth factor release effect (192.54 ± 12.33%) from C6 glioma cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

One new ( 1 ) and six known cycloartane triterpenoids ( 2-7 ), along with seven reported abietane diterpenoids ( 8-14 ), were isolated from the bark of the branches of Abies chensiensis , of which compounds 2-14 were also received for the first time from the genus of Abies . Structural elucidation of all the compounds was carried out by extensive spectroscopic analyses. Additionally, the antifungal activity of isolated compounds 2 - 13 was evaluated by inhibiting the growth of fungal mycelium. Among them, compounds 8 and 10 demonstrated obvious inhibitory activity against plant pathogens Fusarium avenaceum and Bipolaris sorokiniana .

The main objective of our study was to investigate the possible differences in the chemical composition of extractives from the bark of silver fir ( Abies alba ) with respect to the location of the bark sample on the tree, viz. differences in extract composition between stem bark and branch bark samples. Extractives in the bark samples from branches, depending on the distance of the sample from the trunk, were also analysed, and the stem bark samples were analysed with respect to their inner and outer parts. The results of the chemical analysis of extractives were supported by information about their antifungal and antioxidant effects. After felling and sampling silver fir trees, the collected bark samples were ground and freeze-dried. Extraction of bark samples was followed by a system of accelerated extraction using only water as a solvent. The extracts were analysed chemically using gravimetry, spectrophotometry and chromatography. Free-radical-scavenging activity was measured using the DPPH method, and the antifungal effect towards three moulds and three wood-decaying fungi was investigated with antifungal assay using the agar well diffusion method. It was found that the moisture content in bark samples decreased intensively just after the bark samples were peeled off the stem. Detailed chromatographic analysis showed that the bark extracts contained 14 compounds, among which phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans were found to be the characteristic ones. The content of hydrophilic extractives in the branch bark samples decreased with increasing distance of the sample location from the tree stem. The largest amounts of phenolic extractives were measured in stem bark, followed by branch bark sampled at the point at which the branch entered the tree. Analysis of the separated parts of the bark showed that the outer layers of stem bark contained larger amounts of phenolic extractives, as well catechin and epicatechin, compared to the inner layers. Concentrated extracts of branch bark showed the largest free-radical-scavenging activity among the investigated samples, while strong antifungal effects of the bark extract were not found.

Three new lanostane derivatives (1-3) and twelve known triterpenoids (4-15) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Abies nukiangensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated mainly by detailed analysis of their NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data. Evaluation of the anti-HCV effects of all isolates showed that 3 exhibited moderate effect with the EC 50 value of 11.09 μM., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

House dust mite (HDM) is a globally ubiquitous domestic cause of allergic diseases. There is a pressing demand to discover efficient, harmless, and eco-friendly natural extracts to inhibit HDM allergens that are more likely to trigger allergies and challenging to be prevented entirely. This study, therefore, is aimed at assessing the inhibition of the allergenicity of major HDM allergen Der f 2 by todomatsu oil extracted from residues of Abies Sachalinensis . The inhibition was investigated experimentally (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)) and in silico using molecular docking. The results showed that todomatsu oil inhibits the allergenicity of Der f 2 by reducing its amount instead of the IgG binding capacity of a single protein. Moreover, the compounds in todomatsu oil bind to Der f 2 via alkyl hydrophobic interactions. Notably, most compounds interact with the hydrophobic amino acids of Der f 2, and seven substances interact with CYS27. Contrarily, the principal compounds fail to attach to the amino acids forming the IgG epitope in Der f 2. Interestingly, chemical components with the lowest relative percentages in todomatsu oil show high-affinity values on Der f 2, especially β-maaliene (-8.0 kcal/mol). In conclusion, todomatsu oil has been proven in vitro as a potential effective public health strategy to inhibit the allergenicity of Der f 2.

Two unprecedented ent-18,19-dinoricetexane diterpenoid glycosides, named abieshanesides A (1) and B (2), together with seven known compounds, have been isolated from the dead trunks and branches of Abies beshanzuensis M.H. Wu. To our knowledge, abieshanesides A and B represent the first ent-18,19-dinoricetexane diterpenoid glycosides found in natural sources. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by using a combination of spectroscopic techniques and comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The MTT experiments showed that (E)-resveratrol (7) could inhibit viability of MH7A cells with the IC 50 value of 12.5 μM. Compound 7 was able to block MH7A cell proliferation and was associated with G 0 /G 1 -phase cell cycle arrest. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the treatment by 7 significantly induced the proliferation of MH7A cells in a dose-dependent manner., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Water extract from silver fir ( Abies alba ) wood represents a rich source of lignans and other phenols that are effective in different pathological conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and psoriasis. Its interaction with the gastrointestinal environment is crucial when the extract is orally administered. In this study we tested the in-vitro interaction between water extract of silver fir wood and ten different Lactobacillus species that are found in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina or are used in food industry. We tested both ways of interaction: 1) the bacterial influence on the chemical composition of the extract and 2) influence of the extract on the bacterial growth. We demonstrated that the extract is compatible with all of the bacteria and does not impair their growth. Furthermore the extract acted as a prebiotic for some bacteria including: L. paracasei , L. acidophilus , L. rhamnosus , L. gasseri , L. crispatus and L. bulgaricus , suggesting that the compounds in the extract can stimulate their growth. However, the ten lactobacilli did not show any chemical changes in lignan metabolism and the production of enterodiol and enterolactone, which are considered the final metabolic products of lignans and are produced by different gut bacteria. This study indicates that the silver fir wood extract is nutritious for some Lactobacillus bacteria and can be used as a prebiotic.

Rationale: The polyprenols are involved in some essential biosynthetic pathways and serve as ubiquitous components of cellular membranes, so their fingerprinting in natural samples is of great interest. Previous studies indicate that due to the high hydrophobicity of polyprenols their direct analysis by mass spectrometry with soft ionization techniques may be difficult and require preliminary off-line derivatization. Hence, a method for rapid and sensitive screening of polyprenols is required., Methods: A combination of thin-film chemical deposition and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was used for analysis of the polyprenol profile of Abies sibirica L. extract. Polyprenol-based monolayers were formed at the interphase of aqueous barium acetate solution, supplemented with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and an n-hexane solution of polyprenols directly on a MALDI target plate., Results: Peaks corresponding to [M - H + Ba] + ions were observed in the MALDI-TOF mass spectra of polyprenols. A total of nine polyprenol homologues were identified with a polyprenol of 16 isoprene units dominating. The limit of detection was established at the level of 6 pg. Possible mechanisms of formation of [M - H + Ba] + ions of polyprenols were discussed., Conclusions: The proposed approach can be suitable for high-throughput screening of polyprenols in biological samples of different origin due to easy sample preparation and high sensitivity., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Abisil is an extract of Siberian fir terpenes with antimicrobial and wound healing activities. Previous studies revealed that Abisil has geroprotective, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-angiogenic effects. Abisil decreased the expression of cyclin D1, E1, A2, and increased the phosphorylation rate of AMPK., Objective: In the present study, we analyzed the effect of Abisil on autophagy, the mitochondrial potential of embryonic human lung fibroblasts. We evaluated its antioxidant activity and analyzed the transcriptomic and proteomic effects of Abisil treatment., Results: Abisil treatment resulted in activation of autophagy, reversal of rotenone-induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and several-fold decrease of mitochondrial potential. Lower doses of Abisil (25 μg/ml) showed a better oxidative effect than high doses (50 or 125 μg/ml). Estimation of metabolic changes after treatment with 50 μg/ml has not shown any changes in oxygen consumption rate, but extracellular acidification rate decreased significantly. Abisil treatment (5 and 50 μg/ml) of MRC5-SV40 cells induced a strong transcriptomic shift spanning several thousand genes (predominantly, expression decrease). Among down-regulated genes, we noticed an over-representation of genes involved in cell cycle progression, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Additionally, we observed predominant downregulation of genes encoding for kinases. Proteome profiling also revealed that the content of hundreds of proteins is altered after Abisil treatment (mainly, decreased). These proteins were involved in cell cycle regulation, intracellular transport, RNA processing, translation, mitochondrial organization., Conclusions: Abisil demonstrated antioxidant and autophagy stimulating activity. Treatment with Abisil results in the predominant downregulation of genes involved in the cell cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Transparent-wood (TW) is an emerging research topic that can be applied to biobased products. However, it is necessary to fill pores in TW with natural substances to prepare all-biobased TW. This paper reports an all-biobased TW by infiltrating cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and chitosan (CTS) suspensions into the bleached wood. CNF was isolated by combining the chemical and physical methods, and CTS was dissolved in acetic acid, and they were infiltrated into the pores of the bleached Fir veneer wood using a vacuum jar. The CNF and chitosan effects on the mechanical properties of the TW were studied, and the morphologies, crystallinity index, water contact angle, antioxidant, thermal degradation, and UV-shielding properties were investigated. The prepared TW showed 80 % total transmittance and 30-60 % haze, suitable for solar cell application. The all-biobased TW showed good thermal stability up to 315 °C and excellent UV shielding property for UV-B and UV-C. The antioxidant property of the CTS-TW significantly increased as compared to the original wood. The CNF-TW showed considerable tensile strength and yield strength of more than 200 % improved from the original wood. The potential for environment-friendly packaging applications was demonstrated by making a bag, medicine packaging, and straw for a drink., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Honeydew honey, due to its higher antibacterial and antioxidant activity in comparison to blossom honeys, is in high demand and of interest to consumers. Although a differentiation of blossom honeys from honeydew honeys by way of electrical conductivity is given in many cases, criteria for a differentiation of individual honeydew honeys, such as spruce, fir, and pine, however did not exist. For this reason, 93 authentic honeydew honeys and 63 non-honeydew honeys [35 blossom and 28 nectar-honeydew (mixed)] from 13 different botanical origins were collected within the framework of the current study, and their electrical conductivity and phenolic and sugar profiles were investigated. Results showed that the higher electrical conductivity (≥0.80 mS/cm), the higher protocatechuic acid content (≥3.5 mg/kg), and the higher percentage of the oligosaccharide content (≥120 mg/g) were suitable parameters for the differentiation of authentic coniferous honeydew honeys from non-honeydew honeys; a differentiation. A differentiation of the spruce, fir, and pine honeydew honeys however could not be reached. Through the analysis of 32 carbohydrates (2 mono-, 7 di-, 10 tri-, and 13 higher oligosaccharides) in only one run by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with an evaporative light scattering detector, marker substances can now be utilized for the classification of individual honeydew honeys. Sugar marker compounds such as α,α-trehalose, melezitose, theanderose, nystose, or maltotetraose in honeydew honeys in combination with chemometrics highlighted the good capability of sugar profiles to discriminate the honeydew honeys both from the non-honeydew honeys and from each other. All in all, a 96.75% correct classification of all studied 156 honey samples was achieved by sugar marker compounds.

We have previously reported that phytochemicals from Abies holophylla exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects by decreasing nitrite production and increasing nerve growth factor production. However, the exact mechanism underscoring these effects has not been revealed. In the present study, we aimed to explore the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A. holophylla and its phytochemicals. We studied various solvent fractions of A. holophylla and found the chloroform and hexane sub-fractions showed the most significant anti-neuroinflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine microglia. Concomitantly, the terpenoids isolated from chloroform and hexane fractions showed similar anti-neuroinflammatory effects with significant inhibition of NO and reactive oxygen species production, and decreased protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase. Interestingly, these terpenoids inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N -terminal kinase (JNK), which further inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), with a potency greater than that of the well-known iNOS inhibitor NG-mono-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). These results suggest that the chloroform- and hexane-soluble fraction mediated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition, in particular the JNK pathway, thereby lowering the inflammatory cascades in LPS-activated murine microglia. Thus, our study suggests that the chloroform and hexane fractions of A. holophylla and their terpenoids may be potential drug candidates for drug discovery against LPS-induced neuroinflammation and neuroinflammatory-related neurodegeneration.

Several plant polyphenols have been shown to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We investigated the effects of two different polyphenolic extracts (Belinal, Pycnogenol) and two different polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin) on the chondrogenic potential of bone-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) from healthy donors and patients with osteoarthritis. Our main aim was to determine whether Belinal, a commercially available polyphenolic extract from silver fir ( Abies alba L.) branches, has comparable chondrogenic potential with the other tested extract and the polyphenols under inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions. In our study, Belinal promoted significantly greater chondrogenesis compared to the untreated ( p = 0.0289) and resveratrol-treated ( p = 0.0468) MSCs from patients with hip osteoarthritis under non-inflammatory conditions. Under inflammatory conditions, chondrogenesis was significantly enhanced for MSCs treated with Belinal compared to the control ( p = 0.0483). The other extract and the polyphenols did not show any significant effects on chondrogenesis under non-inflammatory or inflammatory conditions. None of the tested extracts and polyphenols showed significant effects on chondrogenesis in healthy donors, under either non-inflammatory or inflammatory conditions. Our data show that Belinal can boost the chondrogenesis of MSCs derived from patients with osteoarthritis, under both non-inflammatory and inflammatory conditions.

Knowledge about the defensive chemistry of coniferous trees has increased in recent years regarding a number of alkaloid compounds; in addition to phenolics and terpenes. Here, we show that Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), an important boreal zone tree species; accumulates 1,6-dehydropinidine (2-methyl-6-(2-propenyl)-1,6-piperideine) in its needles and bark. We reanalyzed previously published GC-MS data to obtain a full picture of 1,6-dehydropinidine in P. abies . 1,6-dehydropinidine appeared to especially accumulate in developing spring shoots. We used solid-phase partitioning to collect the alkaloid fraction of the sprouts and thin-layer chromatography to purify 1,6-dehydropinidine. The antibacterial properties of the 1,6-dehydropinidine fraction were tested using a broth microdilution method; with Streptococcus equi subsp. equi as a model organism. Based on our results 1,6-dehydropinidine is common in alkaloid extractions from P. abies (0.4 ± 0.03 mg g -1 dw in mature needles) and it is especially abundant in young spruce shoots (2.7 ± 0.5 mg g -1 dw). Moreover; 1,6-dehydropinidine extracted from P. abies sprouts showed mild antibacterial potential against Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (MIC 55 µg mL -1 ). The antibacterial activity of a plant compound thought of as an intermediate rather than an end-product of biosynthesis calls for more detailed studies regarding the biological function of these coniferous alkaloids.

The effects of sulfated organosolv lignins derived from fir (Abies sibirica) and larch (Larix sibirica) (SLf and SLl; 4-3-7.5% sulfur, median-weight molecular mass 2960-4888 Da), on human blood/plasma clotting, platelet aggregation, and erythrocyte hemolysis were studied in vitro. Antithrombin activities of the samples were below 2 U/mg. Specimens of SLf (sulfur content 6.5, 6.6, and 7.5%, molecular weights 3503, 3487, and 3580 Da, respectively) and SLl (4.3 and 6.3%, 2960 and 3497 Da) in a concentration of 0.01 mg/ml did not prolong the blood clotting time, did not provoke human platelet aggregation, did not destroy erythrocyte membranes, and could be used for construction of drug delivery systems. The SLf sample (6.5%, sulfur, 3503 Da) in concentrations from 0.09 to 1.82 mg/ml did not stimulate platelet aggregation, reduced ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and 2-fold prolonged the blood/plasma clotting time 2-fold in comparison with control and could be used for creation of biomaterial with clot-resistant surface.

Introduction: The catalytic behavior of metal oxide nanomaterials for removal of organic pollutants under dark ambient conditions, without any additional stimulant, is of great interest among the scientific community., Methods: In this account, a nanomaterial of ternary metal oxides (MoO 3 -NiO-PdO-Pd) was synthesized via greener approach and was explored for degradation of methyl orange in water environment in dark ambient conditions in comparison with light conditions. The biochemical species of Abies pindrow were treated with aqueous solution of precursor's salt following sol gel synthesis strategy. We further attuned morphology and chemistry of MoO 3 -NiO-PdO-Pd by incorporating bioactive compounds of A. pindrow ., Result and Discussion: The bio-fabricated MoO 3 -NiO-PdO-Pd revealed outstanding catalytic behavior with 92% degradation of methyl orange within 15 min in the dark at ambient temperature and pressure. Whereas, in the presence of visible light irritation, the catalyst degraded 97% of methyl orange in 15 min. According to the reaction kinetics of degradation, the catalysts illustrated good stability in light (R 2 =0.93) as well as in dark conditions (R 2 =0.98). Furthermore, the outstanding reusability and recyclability of the synthesized nanomaterial was observed for four runs of the experiment under dark and light conditions., Conclusion: Therefore, A. pindrow -synthesized MoO 3 -NiO-PdO-Pd nanocatalyst demonstrated significant potential for detoxification of organic pollutants for water remediation., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2020 Shaheen et al.)

Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Pinaceae) is a species living in a very small population only in a confined area of Sicily. In this study, the dichloromethane extract of the leaves was analyzed. Apart from three already known metabolites namely dehydroabietic acid; maltol; and rheosmin, previously detected in other species of Abies , a lanostane derivative was isolated. Its chemical structure was elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic methods.

The needles of conifer trees are one of the richest sources of natural polyprenols. Polyprenol homologs from Abies sibirica L. lipophilic 80% purified extract were analyzed and quantified. In total, 10 peaks (Prenol-11 to Prenol-20) were observed in the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) chromatogram of Siberian fir with the most abundant compound being Prenol-15 (relative amount 37.23 + 0.56% of the total polyprenol yield). Abies sibirica L. polyprenol solubility and incorporation efficiency into liposomes were studied in various commercially available lecithin mixtures (Phosal IP40, Phosal 75SA, and Lipoid P45). The resulting multilamellar polyprenol liposomes were morphologically characterized by Light and Transmission Electron Microscopy, and the liposome size was discovered to be polymodal with the main peak at 1360 nm (90% of the volume). As polyprenols are fully soluble only in lipids, a liposomal formulation based upon co-solubilization and a modified ethanol injection method of polyprenols into the ethanol-phospholipid system was developed for the entrapment and delivery of polyprenols for potential commercial applications in food supplement and cosmetic industries.

Extraction behaviors of the 3 flavonoids taxifolin, diosmin, and quercetin have been investigated in Abies nephrolepis leaves and bark. The following operation parameters-ethanol volume fraction, liquid-solid ratio, temperature, ultrasound irradiation power and time, and ultrasound frequency-were varied to study their effect on the yield of the 3 flavonoids during extraction. The results showed that a low extraction efficiency occurred at 293.15 K due to slow kinetics, while the situation was significantly improved at 333.15 K. The kinetic data for the extraction yields of the 3 flavonoids achieved good fits by the first-order kinetic model. From the thermodynamic analysis results, we realized that the ultrasound-assisted extraction of taxifolin, diosmin, and quercetin from the leaves and bark of A. nephrolepis was a spontaneous and endothermic process in which the disorder increased (Δ G 0 < 0, Δ H 0 > 0, and Δ S 0 > 0). According to the response surface methodology (RSM) analysis, under the optimal operation conditions (ethanol concentration of 50%, liquid-solid ratio of 20 mL/g, frequency of 45 kHz, extraction time of 39.25 min, ultrasound irradiation power of 160 W and temperature of 332.19 K), the total yield of the 3 flavonoids were 100.93 ± 4.01 mg/g from the leaves of A. nephrolepis (with 31.03 ± 1.51 mg/g, 0.31 ± 0.01 mg/g, 69.59 ± 2.57 mg/g for taxifolin, diosmin, and quercetin, respectively), and under the optimal operation conditions (ethanol concentration of 50%, liquid-solid ratio of 20 mL/g, frequency of 45 kHz, extraction time of 36.80 min, ultrasound irradiation power of 150 W and temperature of 328.78 K), 16.05 mg/g ± 0.38 mg/g were obtained from the bark of A. nephrolepis (with 1.44 ± 0.05 mg/g, 0.47 ± 0.01 mg/g, 14.14 ± 0.38 mg/g for taxifolin, diosmin, and quercetin, respectively), which were close to the prediction values.

Several hemipteran species feed on the phloem sap of plants and produce large amounts of honeydew that is collected by bees to produce honeydew honey. Therefore, it is important to know whether it is predominantly the hemipteran species or the host plant to influence the honeydew composition. This is particularly relevant for those botanical and zoological species from which the majority of honeydew honey originates. To investigate this issue, honeydew from two Cinara species located on Abies alba as well as from two Cinara and two Physokermes species located on Picea abies were collected. Phloem exudates of the host plants were also analyzed. Honeydew of all species contained different proportions of hexoses, sucrose, melezitose, erlose, and further di- and trisaccharides, whereas the phloem exudates of the host trees contained no trisaccharides. Moreover, the proportions of sugars differed significantly between hemipteran species feeding on the same tree species. Sucrose hydrolysis and oligosaccharide formation was shown in whole-body homogenates of aphids. The type of the produced oligosaccharides in the aphid-extracts correlated with the oligosaccharide composition in the honeydew of the different aphid species. The total contents of amino acids and inorganic ions in the honeydew were much lower than the sugar content. Glutamine and glutamate were predominant amino acids in the honeydew of all six hemipteran species and also in the phloem exudates of both tree species. Potassium was the dominant inorganic ion in all honeydew samples and also in the phloem exudate. Statistical analyses reveal that the sugar composition of honeydew is determined more by the hemipteran species than by the host plant. Consequently, it can be assumed that the sugar composition of honeydew honey is also more influenced by the hemipteran species than by the host tree., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

In recent times, Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized from plant extracts and their anticancer activity have attracted significant attention. We report the green approach for the synthesis of AuNPs using extract from Abies spectabilis plant. In this study, the reaction parameters were optimized to control the size of the nanoparticle, which was confirmed by Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). Various characterization technique such as SAED pattern, UV visible spectroscopy, EDX, FTIR, and AFM were employed to analyze the synthesized AuNPs obtained from A. spectabilis plant extract. Furthermore, we investigated the anticancer activities using T24 cell lines. Interestingly, the results of extensive screening on the applications of newly synthesized AuNPs were tested for their cytotoxicity effects on anticancer activity against T24 cells by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was studied using TUNEL, DAPI, caspase activity, cell invasion and migration. Nanoparticles at different concentrations ranging from 1 to 25 μg/ml exhibited a dose dependent cytotoxicity for 24 h. Condensation and DNA fragmentation are characteristic of apoptosis by DAPI, TUNEL staining, and the significant up regulations of Beclin-1, Bax and caspase 3, whereas the expressions of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bid were down regulated. However, this study, therefore attempts to report the synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of gold nanoparticles of A. spectabilis plant extract beneficial for cancer therapeutics.

This study aims to investigate the effect of essential oils extracted from wood residues of Picea abies on the growth of Escherichia coli . The essential oils were extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide, leading to a yield of 3.4 ± 0.5% ( w / w ) in 120 min. The antimicrobial effect was tested at 37 °C by isothermal calorimetry. The heat-flow (dq/dt vs. time) was integrated to give a fractional reaction curve (α vs. time). Such curves were fitted by a modified Gompertz function to give the lag-time (λ) and the maximum growth rate (µmax) parameters. The results showed that λ was linearly correlated with E. coli concentration (λ = 1.4 h/log (CFU/mL), R 2 = 0.997), whereas µmax was invariant. Moreover, the overall heat was nearly constant to all the dilutions of E. coli . Instead, when the essential oil was added (with concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 mg/L) to a culture of E. coli (10 4 CFU/mL), the lag-time increased from 14.1 to 33.7 h, and the overall heat decreased from 2120 to 2.37 J. The results obtained by the plate count technique were linear with the lag-time (λ), where (λ = -7.3 × log (CFU/mL) + 38.3, R 2 = 0.9878). This suggested a lower capacity of E. coli to metabolize the substrate in the presence of the essential oils. The results obtained in this study promote the use of essential oils from wood residues and their use as antimicrobial products.

Nine new cycloartane triterpenoids ( 1 , 2 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 12 , 15 , 17 , and 18 ) and two new rare tetraterpenoids ( 24 and 25 ) formed via a [4 + 2] Diels-Alder cycloaddition between a lanostane triterpenoid and a monoterpenoid, along with 14 previously known triterpenoids, were isolated from the bark of the branches of Abies chensiensis . The structures and absolute configurations of new compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electronic circular dichroism. Some of the isolates were evaluated for their antibacterial activity by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations and growth inhibition curves and examining for morphological alterations. Among the compounds tested, the new cycloartane triterpenoid 8 was the most active against Bacillus subtilis . Thus, morphological alterations of B. subtilis on treatment with 8 were observed by scanning electron microscopy, showing that the cells were irregular, wrinkled, and disrupted.

Resveratrol exists widely in plant species and has a variety of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, there have been few reports regarding its anti-food allergic activity. In this study, we demonstrated that resveratrol (isolated from Abies georgei) could decrease the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells. Resveratrol was not only found to suppress the development of diarrhea, up-regulate the rectal temperature of ovalbumin-allergic mice, and decrease the serum level of specific immunoglobulin E, mouse mast cell protease-1 and histamine, but also found to decrease the population of dendritic cells, B cells and mast cells of ovalbumin -allergic mice in the spleen or mesenteric lymph node. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in bone marrow-derived cells and alleviated mast cell-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reactions. These findings indicated that resveratrol isolated from Abies georgei might have the potential to alleviate food hypersensitivity or allergic disease.

The diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes development by various mechanisms of action, mainly due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds. Extracts from different conifer species are known to be a rich source of various polyphenols. In the present study we elucidated the in vitro mechanism of anti-diabetic activity of silver fir (Abies alba) wood and bark extracts and compared their activity to non-coniferous sweet chestnut wood extract and standardized maritime pine bark extract. Extracts and lignans were tested for their inhibitory activity of enzymes involved in the regulation of blood glucose in vitro. The ability of extracts to protect against oxidative stress in high glucose environment was tested on mouse myoblast cell line. Silver fir wood and bark extracts were shown to be effective inhibitors of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and dipeptidyl peptidase 4, three enzymes involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels. Coniferous extracts also showed protection against oxidative stress generated in high glucose environment. Lignans, particularly pinoresinol diglucoside, isolariciresinol and secolariciresinol were shown to be important contributors of antihyperglycemic activity through inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4. This corroborates previously published in vivo results on blood glucose level obtained with silver fir wood extract and supports the use of silver fir wood and bark extracts as food supplements or functional foods in borderline diabetes.

This work investigated the physicochemical properties of Chinese fir after ultrasound-assisted pretreatments with borax and sodium hydroxide additives in an aqueous solution. TGA, FTIR, and XRD were used to analyze the thermal degradation processes, changes in chemical structures, and crystallinity of the treated samples, respectively. Additionally, the release of volatiles from wood pyrolysis was measured on-line by the TG-FTIR apparatus. In thermal analysis, all samples showed main degradation stages at 220-500 °C, and alkaline compounds could efficiently shift the process to lower temperatures with lower maximum weight loss rate (MWLR) and more residues. From TG-FTIR, it was observed that CO 2 was the primary gas product from pyrolysis in the alkaline-treated samples, while there were more carbonyl compounds released in the control and deionized water groups. Due to the destruction and removal of hemicellulose and lignin after alkaline treatments, the related peaks changed greatly. Changes in the ester groups caused by saponification also accounted for one of the most significant differences between samples. Moreover, except for the deionized water group without sonication, the crystallinity of the samples increased from 6.34% to 11.29%. Overall, comparing the samples treated with or without ultrasound, the results showed that the ultrasound treatment did influence the samples' physicochemical properties, and its' effects varied by the basicity of the solution. This in-depth investigation offers a better understanding of ultrasound-assisted and alkaline pretreatments of wood materials., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Airborne bacteria and fungi are an ongoing problem in hospitals. Because of the antimicrobial activities of essential oils (EOs) dispersion of EOs into the air may help to reduce this contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the dispersion of selected EOs in reducing the microbial contamination in two hospital wards. The study was carried out at two wards of a 1,227-bed acute-care hospital in Austria. The concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi was measured in patient rooms before and after dispersion of a mixture of Citrus limon EO and Abies alba EO. Before dispersion of the EOs in both wards the mean concentration of bacteria was in a typical range (123 colony forming units (CFU) m -3 and 104 CFU m -3 ) while the mean concentration of fungi differed substantially (155 CFU m -3 and 28 CFU m -3 ). After dispersion of the EOs, a reduction in both bacterial and fungal contamination was observed. In the first two hours the mean concentration of airborne bacteria and fungi was reduced by approximately 40% and 30%-60% respectively. The selected EO mixture is effective in reducing the microbial contamination of the indoor air.

Objective: The potential anti-inflammatory efficacy of resin extract of Abies cilicica in glucose dependent inflammation and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) induced inflammation models was investigated. Its effects on monocyte adhesion, gene expression levels of P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM1 and transendothelial migration for the two in vitro models were measured. Also, total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of the extract were determined., Objective: Monocyte adhesion tests showed that the extract increased 100% inflammatory effect of TNF-a induced inflammation. On the other hand, it did not change number of adherent monocytes in glucose dependent inflammation model. Although the extract has trigger effect on monocyte adhesion, it did not change migration of leukocytes across ECV304 cells after administration of TNFa on ECV304 cells. The number of migrated monocytes was similar with only TNFa incubation experiment results. However, it significantly decreased monocyte migration in glucose dependent inflammation model. In our both experimental inflammation model, ICAM-1 expression significantly decreased. Although it is known that triggering effect of TNF-a on ICAM-1 expression, the content of of resin extract of A. cilicica prevented this effect. Phenolic antioxidant capacity of the extract are higher than its flavonoid contents.This study provides the first evidence that the extract inhibits glucose dependent inflammation. It may serve as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of chronic inflammation caused by diabetes., (© 2018 Old City Publishing, Inc.)

Abiespiroside A (1), beshanzuenone C (2), and beshanzuenone D (3) belong to the Abies sesquiterpenoid family. Beshanzuenones C (2) and D (3) are isolated from the critically endangered Chinese fir tree species Abies beshanzuensis and demonstrated weak inhibiting activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). We describe herein the first total syntheses of these Abies sesquiterpenoids relying on the sustainable and inexpensive chiral pool molecule (+)-carvone. The syntheses feature a palladium-catalyzed hydrocarbonylative lactonization to install the 6,6-fused bicyclic ring system and a Dreiding-Schmidt reaction to build the oxaspirolactone moiety of these target molecules. Our chemical total syntheses of these Abies sesquiterpenoids have enabled (i) the validation of beshanzuenone C's weak PTP1B inhibiting potency, (ii) identification of new synthetic analogs with promising and selective protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 inhibiting potency, and (iii) preparation of azide-tagged probe molecules for target identification via a chemoproteomic approach. The latter has resulted in the identification and evaluation of DNA polymerase epsilon subunit 3 (POLE3) as one of the novel cellular targets of these Abies sesquiterpenoids and their analogs. More importantly, via POLE3 inactivation by probe molecule 29 and knockdown experiment, we further demonstrated that targeting POLE3 with small molecules may be a novel strategy for chemosensitization to DNA damaging drugs such as etoposide in cancer.

Two economically and biomedically important platyhelminth species, Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) and Schistosoma mansoni (blood fluke), are responsible for the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) fasciolosis and schistosomiasis. Due to the absence of prophylactic vaccines, these NTDs are principally managed by the single class chemotherapies triclabendazole (F. hepatica) and praziquantel (S. mansoni). Unfortunately, liver fluke resistance to triclabendazole has been widely reported and blood fluke insensitivity/resistance to praziquantel has been observed in both laboratory settings as well as in endemic communities. Therefore, the identification of new anthelmintics is necessary for the sustainable control of these NTDs in both animal and human populations. Here, continuing our work with phytochemicals, we isolated ten triterpenoids from the mature bark of Abies species and assessed their anthelmintic activities against F. hepatica and S. mansoni larval and adult lifecycle stages. Full 1 H and 13 C NMR-mediated structural elucidation of the two most active triterpenoids revealed that a tetracyclic steroid-like nucleus core and a lactone side chain are associated with the observed anthelmintic effects. When compared to representative mammalian cell lines (MDBK and HepG2), the most potent triterpenoid (700015; anthelmintic EC 50 s range from 0.7 μM-15.6 μM) displayed anthelmintic selectivity (selectivity indices for F. hepatica: 13 for newly excysted juveniles, 46 for immature flukes, 2 for mature flukes; selectivity indices for S. mansoni: 14 for schistosomula, 9 for immature flukes, 4 for adult males and 3 for adult females) and induced severe disruption of surface membranes in both liver and blood flukes. S. mansoni egg production, a process responsible for pathology in schistosomiasis, was also severely inhibited by 700015. Together, our results describe the structural elucidation of a novel broad acting anthelmintic triterpenoid and support further investigations developing this compound into more potent analogues for the control of both fasciolosis and schistosomiasis., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

A series of the bornyl ester/amide derivatives with N-containing heterocycles were designed and synthesized as vaccinia virus (VV) inhibitors. Bioassay results showed that among the designed compounds, derivatives 6, 13, 14, 34, 36 and 37 showed the best inhibitory activity against VV with the IC 50 values of 12.9, 17.9, 3.4, 2.5, 12.5 and 7.5 μm, respectively, and good cytotoxicity. The primary structure-activity relationship (SAR) study suggested that the combination of a saturated N-heterocycle, such as morpholine or 4-methylpiperidine, and a 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane scaffold was favorable for antiviral activity., (© 2018 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Three new diterpenoids (1-3) and three new triterpenoids (4-6) were isolated from the trunk of Abies holophylla together with 19 known terpenoids. The chemical structures of 1-6 were determined through NMR and MS data analyses. Also, the structural assignments of some of these compounds were verified and elucidated utilizing computational methods coupled with a statistical procedure (CP3, DP4, and DP4+). All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-15). In addition, the compounds were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine microglia BV2 cells by measuring nitric oxide levels, and for their neuroprotective activity in C6 cells through induction of nerve growth factor.

Silver fir (Abies alba) bark extract contains a mixture of bioactive polyphenols. We tested their effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis in order to further investigate the potential topical anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenols by means of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled add-on clinical trial, after having examined their ability to downregulate the expression of IL-1β cytokine in monocyte/macrophage primary cell culture. 61 patients with mild psoriasis met the inclusion criteria and were willing to comply with protocol requirements, were enrolled in the study. The severity of the disease was measured by psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Treatment efficacy was evaluated by assessing erythema (E, 0 to 4-point scale), desquamation (D, 0 to 4-point scale) and induration (I, 0 to 4-point scale) of lesions before and after the treatment. All patients enrolled in the study had symmetrical psoriasis plaques on the skin. All patients received O/V ointment with 2% of silver fir bark extract and/or placebo, respectively. We compared medications by right/left intra-patient comparison, so that the control group was always contralateral of the tested one. Location of the tested or control site was randomised, using a computer-generated randomisation schedule. Silver fir extract was well-tolerated. A superiority of active treatment above placebo, based on the clinical investigational PASI score system was observed by 15 % in all volunteers and in 40% regarding the improvement of psoriasis on elbows. However, statistical analysis showed no significant differences between placebo and active treatment with the extract from silver fir bark (p < 0.05).

The chemical composition, including the enantiomeric excess of the main terpenes, of essential oils from seeds and cones of Abies concolor was studied by chromatographic (GC) and spectroscopic methods (mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance), leading to the determination of 98 compounds. Essential oils were mainly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons. The dominant volatiles of seed essential oil were: limonene (47 g/100 g, almost pure levorotary form) and α-pinene (40 g/100 g), while α-pinene (58 g/100 g), sabinene (11 g/100 g), and β-pinene (4.5 g/100 g) were the predominant components of the cone oil. The seed and cone essential oils exhibited mild antibacterial activity, and the MIC ranged from 26 to 30 μL/mL against all of the tested bacterial standard strains: Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , Enterococcus faecium , Escherichia coli , and Klebsiella pneumoniae . The cytotoxic studies have demonstrated that tested essential oils were cytotoxic to human skin fibroblasts and human microvascular endothelial cells at concentrations much lower than the MIC. The essential oils from A. concolor seeds and cones had no toxic effect on human skin fibroblasts and human microvascular endothelial cells, when added to the cells at a low concentration (0-0.075 μL/mL) and (0-1.0 μL/mL), respectively, and cultured for 24 h., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

GC/MS of headspace solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) and solvent extractives along with targeted HPLC-DAD of Polish fir (Abies alba Mill.) honeydew honey (FHH), were used to determine the chemical profiles and potential markers of botanical origin. Additionally, typical physical-chemical parameters were also assigned. The values determined for FHH were: conductivity (1.2 mS/cm), water content (16.7 g/100 g), pH (4.5), and CIE chromaticity coordinates (L* = 48.4, a* = 20.6, b* = 69.7, C* = 72.9, and h° = 73.5). FHH contained moderate-high total phenolic content (533.2 mg GAE/kg) and antioxidant activity (1.1 mmol TEAC/kg) and (3.2 mmol Fe 2+ /kg) in DPPH and FRAP assays. The chemical profiles were dominated by source plant-originated benzene derivatives: 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (up to 8.7 mg/kg, HPLC/honey solution), methyl syringate (up to 14.5%, GC/solvent extracts) or benzaldehyde (up to 43.7%, GC/headspace). Other markers were terpenes including norisoprenoid (4-hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-4-(3-oxobut-1-enyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one, up to 20.3%, GC/solvent extracts) and monoterpenes, mainly linalool derivatives (up to 49%, GC/headspace) as well as borneol (up to 5.9%, GC/headspace). The application of various techniques allowed comprehensive characterisation of FHH. 4-Hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-4-(3-oxobut-1-enyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one, coniferyl alcohol, borneol, and benzaldehyde were first time proposed for FHH screening. Protocatechuic acid may be a potential marker of FFH regardless of the geographical origin., (© 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor in the digestive tract with limited therapeutic choices. Although sorafenib, an orally administered multikinase inhibitor, has produced survival benefits for patients with advanced HCC, favorable clinical outcomes are limited due to individual differences and resistance. The application of immunotherapy, a promising approach for HCC is urgently needed. Macrophage infiltration, mediated by the CCL2/CCR2 axis, is a potential immunotherapeutic target. Here, we report that a natural product from Abies georgei, named 747 and related in structure to kaempferol, exhibits sensitivity and selectivity as a CCR2 antagonist. The specificity of 747 on CCR2 was demonstrated via calcium flux, the binding domain of CCR2 was identified in an extracellular loop by chimera binding assay, and in vivo antagonistic activity of 747 was confirmed through a thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model. In animals, 747 elevated the number of CD8+ T cells in tumors via blocking tumor-infiltrating macrophage-mediated immunosuppression and inhibited orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor growth in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner. Further, 747 enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of low-dose sorafenib without obvious toxicity, through elevating the numbers of intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells and increasing death of tumor cells. Thus, we have discovered a natural CCR2 antagonist and have provided a new perspective on development of this antagonist for treatment of HCC. In mouse models of HCC, 747 enhanced the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and potentiated the therapeutic effect of sorafenib, indicating that the combination of an immunomodulator with a chemotherapeutic drug could be a new approach for treating HCC., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nine samples of essential oil from needles of three conifers of Pinacea family namely Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana and Cedrus deodara collected from three different locations of Himachal Pradesh (India) were evaluated using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 31, 17 and 13 compounds were identified from essential oil of A. pindrow, P. smithiana and C. deodara, respectively. Among the characterised components, monoterpenoid hydrocarbons were predominated. α-Pinene, β-pinene, β-merycene, limonene and camphene were characterised as major components. Oil of C. deodara has significant effect of location on its oil composition. Principle component analysis on gas chromatographic data reveals variation in chemical composition which may be attributed to altitude and environmental conditions.

During a further and comprehensive phytochemical investigation on the shed trunk barks of the critically endangered plant Abies beshanzuensis, one new (1) and ten known (2-11) lignans with diverse structures were isolated. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, the new structure was established to be (7S,8R,8'R)-4'-methoxyl-α-conidendrin (1). Among the isolated lignans, (-)-matairesinol (5) and (-)-arctigenin (6) showed significant anti-neuroinflammatory activities by inhibiting the overproduction of nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine BV-2 microglial cells, with IC 50 values of 11.5 and 19.0 μM, respectively.

Two previously unreported triterpenoids (1 and 2) and four known compounds were isolated from Abies faxoniana. Compound 1 has a α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactone ring conjugated with the C-22/23 olefin in the C-17 side chain. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. These compounds were tested for their cytotoxicities against six human tumour cell lines. Compound 1 showed cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 and A549 cells with IC 50 values of 7.5 and 8.7 μM, respectively.

Aim: The natural terpenoid compound was explored in vitro and in vivo to investigate the anti-HCC properties., Methods: For our study we used Abisilin ® - a novel natural pharmacological terpenoid compound extracted and purified from coniferous Pinaceae trees. Anti-tumorigenic properties of different concentrations of Abisilin ® were tested on murine hepatoma Hepa 1-6 cell lines. The analysis of proliferation and apoptosis was performed using immunofluorescence microscopy, FACS and qPCR. As an in vivo approach, we tested Abisilin ® (400mg/kg/day, 14 days, orally) in xenograft mouse models of liver cancer and investigated tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis by means of Western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy and qPCR., Results: Application of Abisilin ® for 24h at a dosage ranging from 0.03 to 0.045mg significantly reduced the number of viable Hepa 1-6 cells and induced apoptotic cell death with microscopic evidence of changes in cell morphology, and positive TUNEL, cleaved caspase 3 and Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) stainings. Furthermore, treatment with Abisilin ® strongly inhibited proliferation, impaired mitosis and prompted cell cycle arrest by down-regulation of the Cyclin D1, E1 and A2 expression levels. In Hepa 1-6 xenograft in vivo model, Abisilin ® considerably decreased the xenograft tumor size and tumor volume. Consistently with in vitro Abisilin ® administration elicited apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in the xenograft tumor. We also found that Abisilin ® remarkably decrease microvessel density, diminished tumor angiogenesis and reduced expression of ICAM-1. Moreover, the expression of pAMPK, a cellular energy sensor, was up-regulated after Abisilin ® application., Conclusions: Anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic activity and anti-angiogenic potential of natural conifer terpenoids might turn these compounds into an attractive drug candidate for combination therapy against liver cancer., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

We estimated the sample size (the number of samples) required to evaluate the concentration of radiocesium ( 137 Cs) in Japanese fir (Abies firma Sieb. & Zucc.), 5 years after the outbreak of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. We investigated the spatial structure of the contamination levels in this species growing in a mixed deciduous broadleaf and evergreen coniferous forest stand. We sampled 40 saplings with a tree height of 150 cm-250 cm in a Fukushima forest community. The results showed that: (1) there was no correlation between the 137 Cs concentration in needles and soil, and (2) the difference in the spatial distribution pattern of 137 Cs concentration between needles and soil suggest that the contribution of root uptake to 137 Cs in new needles of this species may be minor in the 5 years after the radionuclides were released into the atmosphere. The concentration of 137 Cs in needles showed a strong positive spatial autocorrelation in the distance class from 0 to 2.5 m, suggesting that the statistical analysis of data should consider spatial autocorrelation in the case of an assessment of the radioactive contamination of forest trees. According to our sample size analysis, a sample size of seven trees was required to determine the mean contamination level within an error in the means of no more than 10%. This required sample size may be feasible for most sites., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Two new abietane diterpenoids (1-2) and 13 known compounds (3-15) were characterized from the branches and leaves of Abies faxoniana. The chemical structures of the new diterpenoids (1-2) were determined through the analysis of various 1D/2D NMR techniques. Compound 3 is 151,617-trinor-abietane diterpenoid conjugated with a three-membered epoxide ring. The isolated diterpenoids were tested for their cytotoxicities. Among them, compound 3 exhibited the strongest antiproliferative effect against human hepatoma cell SMMC7721 with an IC 50 value of 12.5 μM. To elucidate the preliminary mechanism responsible for compound 3-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, we investigated the effects of compound 3 on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and reactive oxygen species generation in SMMC7721 cells. The results showed that compound 3 induced cell apoptosis and excessive ROS production, but did not change the cell cycle distribution in SMMC7721 cells.

A novel triterpenoid, holophyllane A (1), featuring a B-nor-3,4-seco-17,14-friedo-lanostane, along with its putative precursor, compound 2 were isolated from the methanol extract of the trunks of Abies holophylla. The 2D structure and relative configuration of 1 were initially determined via analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data and the assignment was confirmed by quantum mechanics-based NMR chemical shift calculations. The absolute configuration was established by comparison of the experimental and simulated ECD data generated at different theory levels. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate to weak cytotoxicity and significant inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production.

Eight known abietane diterpenes (1-8) were isolated for the first time from Abies numidica cones (Pinaceae). The structures of all compounds were established by means of 1D and 2D NMR, and UV spectral analyses. The hydromethanolic extract of A. numidica cones was tested for its antimicrobial activity against 17 gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and against five yeasts by the use of liquid and solid medium and bioautography methods. The best antimicrobial activity was found against gram-positive bacteria (MIC ≤ 0.3 mg/mL) Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 1034, Staphylococcus aureus 8325.4, S. aureus CIP 53.154, Micrococcus luteus and Listeria innocua and against Candida yeasts. The determination of MIC's of isolated products showed a high activity of compounds 4 and 6 against S. aureus, L. innocua (MIC = 62.5 μg/mL) and E. faecalis (MIC = 125 μg/mL).

Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei (Pinaceae) is a species occurring in a very small population only in a restricted area of Sicily. Its taxonomic classification as different species has been object of discussion. In this work the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves is presented for the first time and compared to the essential oils from other euroasiatic species reported in literature. Peculiar characteristics of the essential oil of A. nebrodensis are highlighted., (© 2017 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)