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Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima), a desert plant, is used internally in Arabian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory, spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, and hepatobiliary diseases. The study focuses on the environmentally friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the water-based aerial parts of the A. fragrantissima plant and their ability to kill bacteria and cells. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the AgNPs. They were then tested for their ability to fight cancer and bacteria. A change in colour from yellow to brown and a surface plasmon resonance peak at 440 nm, seen with UV-Vis spectroscopy, showed that AgNPs had formed. In a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) test of the aerial parts of A. fragrantissima, twenty bioactive components were found. These included isolongifolol and 3E,10Z-Oxacyclotrideca-3,10-diene-2,7-dione, methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)-7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0] heptan-3-ol. The extract exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid content (77.52 ± 1.46 mg GAE/g dry weight and 59 ± 2.17 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively). According to the IC 50 values of 17.2 ± 1.18 and 14 ± 2.43 µg/mL, the AgNPs had a lot of power to kill cancer cells from the MCF-7 and HepG2 lines. Some genes that cause cell death (caspase-3, 8, 9, and Bax) were turned on more in the treated cells compared to the control cells that had not been treated. These genes were Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. Additionally, substantial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria was found by antibacterial screening. Overall, this study underscores A. fragrantissima's diverse biological activity and its potential in drug discovery and nanomedicine, promoting the development of natural antibacterial and anticancer therapies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Achillea wilhelmsii K.Koch (Asteraceae) is traditionally used in Kashan (Iran) to control diabetes, headaches, kidney stones and heartburn. Due to its beneficial properties, the aerial parts of the plant were collected from the area of Maragheh (Kashan, Isfahan, Iran), in June 2022, during its full flowering, and the essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation (Clevenger). The yield, composition and antimicrobial activity of the extractive solution were measured. Qualitative evaluation was performed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy method, and antimicrobial activity was determined against 12 strains of microorganisms by measuring inhibition halo, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The yield of essential oil was ~ 0.1071% (w/w) and it mainly contained oxygenated monoterpenes (47.87%), being for the first time fragranol (33.22%), fragranyl acetate (16.18%) and oleic acid (6.33%) the most abundant. The highest inhibitory halo was found against Candida albicans and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (~ 10 mm). The essential oil was also effective against gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Shigella dysenteriae, as the inhibition halo was ~ 9 mm and similar to that of rifampin, used as a reference. Therefore, it seems that this essential oil from and endemic species has a unique chemotype with potential antimicrobial activity, which may be a possible option for fragranol isolation and the production of natural antibiotics effective against various microorganisms., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The present investigation was performed to figure out the chemical constituents and biological potential of polar extracts (AcOEt and BuOH) from Achillea ligustica , a medicinal species of the Asteraceae family. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) was utilized to conduct a preliminary analysis of the phytochemical profiles of the AcOEt and BuOH extracts. The analysis revealed the existence of twenty compounds in the AcOEt extract and twenty-two in the BuOH extract, classified into various types of secondary metabolites. Subsequently, the exudate from the plant yielded five flavonoids, including two 6-methoxyflavonols identified for the first time in this genus. The isolation of compounds from AcOEt and BuOH extracts was achieved through the combined use of column chromatography (silica gel and Sephadex LH-20) and preparative TLC chromatography. The structures have been elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, alongside comparisons with research data. Our study measured the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and carried out a comprehensive range of antioxidant tests using DPPH, GOR, CUPRAC, reducing power, and O -phenanthroline assays. Both extracts exhibited considerable antioxidant potential and contained high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The photoprotective effect of the AcOEt and BuOH extracts was evaluated in vitro by measuring the sun protection factor. Both extracts exhibited a high capacity for UV radiation absorption. Consequently, this plant presents an intriguing prospect for future research focused on incorporating it into photoprotective cosmetic products and pharmaceutical formulations.

A new monoterpene, (-)-10-hydroxydihydroactinidiolide (1), along with two known monoterpenes, loliolide (2) and (+)-isololiolide (3), three known megastigmanes, 3α-hydroxy-5β,6β-epoxy-β-ionone (4), 3α-hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxy-β-ionone (5), and (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (6), a eudesmane-type sesquiterpene, 4α-hydroxy-4β-methyldihydrocostol (7), a monoterpene, 8-hydroxycarvotanacetone (8), two flavonoids, chrysoeriol (9) and apigenin (10), and a phenylpropanoid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol (11), were isolated from the whole plant of Achillea millefolium. The structure of compound 1 was identified according to spectroscopic data of HRMS and NMR, and its absolute configuration was assigned by 13 C NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analyses and ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of compound 6 was determined by ECD calculations. Compounds 3, 6, 9 and 10 could dose-dependently inhibit the NO release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

In this study, chitosan low molecular weight (LCH) and chitosan medium molecular weight (MCH) were employed to encapsulate a yarrow extract rich in chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQAs) that showed antiproliferative activity against colon adenocarcinoma cells. The design of CH micro/nanoparticles to increase the extract colon delivery was carried out by using two different techniques: ionic gelation and spray drying. Ionic gelation nanoparticles obtained were smaller and presented higher yields values than spray-drying microparticles, but spray-drying microparticles showed the best performance in terms of encapsulation efficiency (EE) (> 94%), also allowing the inclusion of a higher quantity of extract. Spray-drying microparticles designed using LCH with an LCH:extract ratio of 6:1 (1.25 mg/mL) showed a mean diameter of 1.31 ± 0.21 µm and EE values > 93%, for all phenolic compounds studied. The release profile of phenolic compounds included in this formulation, at gastrointestinal pHs (2 and 7.4), showed for most of them a small initial release, followed by an increase at 1 h, with a constant release up to 3 h. Chlorogenic acid presented the higher release values at 3 h (56.91% at pH 2; 44.45% at pH 7.4). DCQAs release at 3 h ranged between 9.01- 40.73%, being higher for 1,5- and 3,4-DCQAs. After gastrointestinal digestion, 67.65% of chlorogenic and most DCQAs remained encapsulated. Therefore, spray-drying microparticles can be proposed as a promising vehicle to increase the colon delivery of yarrow phenolics compounds (mainly chlorogenic acid and DCQAs) previously described as potential agents against colorectal cancer.

Biopolymer-based electrospun mats, mimicking the extracellular matrix, have been extensively explored in biomedical applications. This study compares Achillea millefolium (AM) and Viola (V) extracts for developing a biocompatible wound dressing. The extracts were incorporated into a Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) matrix via electrospinning. Crosslinking with Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) improved chemical stability, water resistance, and biodegradability. The resulting mats exhibited flawless interconnected nanofibers, confirming the presence of AM and Viola extracts as analyzed via FTIR. Significant differences were observed between these two herbal extracts, particularly in mechanical properties, with tensile strengths of 6.9 MPa for AM and 17.2 MPa for Viola. Viola extract demonstrated robust antibacterial properties, producing an 8.2 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus, compared to AM's 30 %. The release of therapeutic agents indicated an initial rapid phase, followed by a controlled 72 h release at a consistent rate. Notably, Viola extract led to 80.9 % wound closure on the 10th day, surpassing AM extract at 63.7 %. In contrast, the control group achieved only 32.1 % closure. This comparative study underscores the distinct advantages of AM and Viola extracts in wound dressing applications. While AM presents specific strengths, Viola extract exhibits superior mechanical properties, antibacterial efficacy, and accelerated wound closure, suggesting its potential with significant clinical implications., 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 Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Chamazulene (CA) is an intensely blue molecule with a wealth of biological properties. In cosmetics, chamazulene is exploited as a natural coloring and soothing agent. CA is unstable and tends to spontaneously degrade, accelerated by light. We studied the photodegradation of CA upon controlled exposure to UVB-UVA irradiation by multiple techniques, including GC-MS, UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS and by direct infusion in ESI-MS n , which were matched to in silico mass spectral simulations to identify degradation products. Seven byproducts formed upon UVA exposure for 3 h at 70 mW/cm 2 (blue-to-green color change) were identified, including CA dimers and CA benzenoid, which were not found on extended 6 h irradiation (green-to-yellow fading). Photostability tests with reduced irradiance conducted in various solvents in the presence/absence of air indicated highest degradation in acetonitrile in the presence of oxygen, suggesting a photo-oxidative mechanism. Testing in the presence of antioxidants (tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, hydroxytyrosol, bakuchiol, γ-terpinene, TEMPO and their combinations) indicated the highest protection by tocopherol and TEMPO. Sunscreens ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and particularly Tinosorb ® S (but not octocrylene) showed good CA photoprotection. Thermal stability tests indicated no degradation of CA in acetonitrile at 50 °C in the dark for 50 days; however, accelerated degradation occurred in the presence of ascorbyl palmitate.

Achillea fragrantissima is a shrub plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family in Arabia and Egypt. It is used as folk medicine and is a good source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and some active compounds. To investigate the anti-cancer effect of A.fragrantissima on breast cancer MCF-7 cells and find the critical mechanism involved in apoptosis. The toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies of ethanolic extract of A.fragrantissima was examined for anti-breast cancer properties. In turn, cytotoxicity and cell viability were achieved by the MTT method. Furthermore, the trypan blue exclusion and microscopy examination proved the presence of apoptotic cells. Again, fluorescent staining such as AO/EtBr, DCFH-DA, Rho-123, and Hoechst-33342 reveals the cellular cytoplasmic disciplines upon A. fragrantissima effect. Moreover, cellular functioning tests like wound healing, colony formation, and Transwell invasion assay were demonstrated. In addition, the qRT-PCR technique authenticates the A. fragrantissima -induced apoptotic network genes (Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Cytochrome c, BCL-2, BID, BAX, PARP, PTEN, PI3K, and Akt) expression were evaluated. Mainly, the Immunoblot technique proved the expressed level of apoptotic proteins such as cleaved PARP, CYCS, and FADD. This study confirmed that the A. fragrantissima exerts cytotoxicity at 20 μg/mL for 24 hrs in MCF-7 cells. Also, decreases cellular viability, producing apoptotic cells and damaged cellular surfaces with dead matter. Consequently, it creates ROS species accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and fragmentation of DNA in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, it arrests cell migration, induces colony-forming ability loss, and suppresses cell invasion. In addition, A. fragrantissima significantly upregulates genes such as caspase-3, 9, cytochrome c, BID, BAX, and PTEN while downregulating the Pi3K/ Akt signaling. Nonetheless, A.fragrantissima induced cleaved PARP, CYCS, and FADD proteins in MCF-7 cells to avail apoptosis., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Abdulrahman Alasmari. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

This study explored the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and total phenol content of aerial parts from 25 accessions of three Achillea species (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Achillea vermicularis Trin., and Achillea tenuifolia Lam.). The plants were collected from various natural habitats across Iran, encompassing regions such as Central, Western, Southern, Northern, Western, and Northwestern parts of the country. Subsequently, they were grown together under field conditions. The study revealed significant variation in essential oil yields among accessions of A. wilhelmsii, ranging from 0.01 to 0.107%, A. vermicularis with a range of 0.075 to 1.5%, and A. tenuifolia showing a variation of 0.1 to 2%. The study utilized Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, revealing 75, 49, and 75 compounds in the essential oils of A. wilhelmsii, A. tenuifolia, and A. vermicularis, respectively. Major components included camphor, 1,8-cineole, anethole, α-pinene, and phytol in A. wilhelmsii, 1,8-cineole, camphor, levo-carvone, and δ-terpinene in A. vermicularis, and β-cubebene, elixene, β-sesquiphellandrene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, and δ-terpinene in A. tenuifolia. The essential oil compositions of A. wilhelmsii and A. vermicularis were predominantly characterized by oxygenated monoterpenes, whereas that of A. tenuifolia was characterized by sesquiterpenes. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into three clusters, with A. tenuifolia forming a distinct group. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) triplot (62.21% of total variance) confirmed these results and provided insights into compound contributions. Furthermore, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the accessions of three species were assessed over 2 years. A. tenuifolia exhibited the highest levels in both categories, with statistically significant linear regression between antioxidant activity and total phenol content for A. tenuifolia and A. wilhelmsii. These findings emphasize significant phytochemical diversity within Achillea species, positioning them as promising natural sources of antioxidants. Further exploration and selection of specific accessions within each species are crucial for unlocking their medicinal potential and supporting cultivation and conservation efforts., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Achillea cretica (L.) (Asteraceae) is a suffruticosa camefite plant, mainly distributed in Crete, Aegean Islands, and eastern Mediterranean area. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of a not previously investigated accession of Achillea cretica, collected in Crete, was analysed by GC-MS. The results showed the presence of large quantity of α-bisabolol (53.88%) followed by the related compound α-bisabolol-oxide (2.76%), and spathulenol (5.94%). Based on the composition of the essential oils of all the other Achillea taxa, several consideration have been carried out.

Background: Methanolic and chloroformic extract of Achillea millefolium and Chaerophyllum villosum were evaluated for HPLC analysis, genotoxic and antioxidant potential., Materials and Methods: Genotoxic activity was carried out on human blood lymphocytes via comet assay and antioxidant activity was studied through DPPH method., Results: The genotoxic potential of A. millefolium and C. villosum's methanolic and chloroformic extract was analysed using comet assay technique. Comet shaped human lymphocytes cells were observed when treated with different concentrations (50 mg/mL, 75 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL) of methanolic and chloroformic extract of both plants. Reading was taken on the basis of damaged DNA head and tail length. Greater the length of tail as compared to head, greater will be the damage and vice versa. Total comet score was obtained from A. millefolium subjected to different concentrations. After a time interval of 24 h both the extract showed dose dependant genoprotection with maximum genoprotectivity at 98.7 ± 12.7 and 116 ± 5.3 at 50 mg/100 mL for methanolic and chloroformic extract respectively. Similarly Total Comet score was obtained from C. villosum subjected to different concentrations of methanolic and chloroformic extract. After 24 h exhibited dose dependent genoprotection with maximum protectivity at 85.7 ± 22.0 and 101.7 ± 8.6 at 50 mg/100 mL for methanolic and chloroformic extract were determined. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of A. millefolium showed highest antioxidant activity (84.21%) at 300 mg/ml after 90 min while the chloroformic extract of C. villosum exhibited highest (68.46%) antioxidant activity (59.69%) at 300 µg/ml after 90 min but less than the standard drug ascorbic acid (88.72%). Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed high percentage of alkaloids (27.4%), Phenols (34.5%), Flavonoids (32.4%) as compared to Tannins (12%) in methanolic extract of A.millefolium. While high percentage of alkaloids (31.4), Phenols (19.3%), Flavonoids (35.5%) as compared to Tannins (16.6%) in chloroformic extract of C. villosum., Conclusion: The present results showed that A. millefolium and C. villosum possess a number of important compounds and revealed genoprotective property which may be used to treat several genetic disorders such as alzeimer's disease in future (Grodzicki W, Dziendzikowska K, Antioxidants 9(3):229, 2020)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-acquired infections. The dramatic increase in antimicrobial resistance of C. difficile isolates has led to growing demand to seek new alternative medicines against CDI. Achillea millefolium L. extracts exhibit strong biological activity to be considered as potential therapeutic agents. In this work, the inhibitory effects of A. millefolium, its decoction (DEC) and ethanol (ETOH) extracts, were investigated on the growth of C. difficile RT001 and its toxigenic cell-free supernatant (Tox-S) induced inflammation and apoptosis., Methods: Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed by HPLC and GC analysis. The antimicrobial properties of extracts were evaluated against C. difficile RT001. Cell viability and cytotoxicity of Caco-2 and Vero cells treated with various concentrations of extracts and Tox-S were examined by MTT assay and microscopy, respectively. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of extracts were assessed in Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells by RT-qPCR., Results: Analysis of the phytochemical profile of extracts revealed that the main component identified in both extracts was chlorogenic acid. Both extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against C. difficile RT001. Moreover, both extracts at concentration 50 µg/mL had no significant effect on cell viability compared to untreated cells. Pre-treatment of cells with extracts (50 µg/mL) significantly reduced the percentage of Vero cells rounding induced by Tox-S. Also, both pre-treatment and co-treatment of Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells with extracts significantly downregulated the gene expression level of IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β, iNOS, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 and upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2., Conclusion: The results of the present study for the first time demonstrate the antimicrobial activity and protective effects of A. millefolium extracts on inflammatory response and apoptosis induced by Tox-S from C. difficile RT001 clinical strain in vitro. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential application of A. millefolium extracts as supplementary medicine for CDI prevention and treatment in clinical setting., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Achillea millefolium L. herb and flowers have high biological activity; hence, they are used in medicine and cosmetics. The aim of this study was to perform morpho-anatomical analyses of the raw material, including secretory tissues, histochemical assays of the location of lipophilic compounds, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of essential oil (EO). Light and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to analyse plant structures. The qualitative analyses of EO were carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results of this study showed the presence of exogenous secretory structures in the raw material, i.e., conical cells (papillae) on the adaxial surface of petal teeth and biseriate glandular trichomes on the surface flowers, bracts, stems, and leaves. Canal-shaped endogenous secretory tissue was observed in the stems and leaves. The histochemical assays revealed the presence of total, acidic, and neutral lipids as well as EO in the glandular trichome cells. Additionally, papillae located at the petal teeth contained neutral lipids. Sesquiterpenes were detected in the glandular trichomes and petal epidermis cells. The secretory canals in the stems were found to contain total and neutral lipids. The phytochemical assays demonstrated that the A. millefolium subsp. millefolium flowers contained over 2.5-fold higher amounts of EO (6.1 mL/kg) than the herb (2.4 mL/kg). The EO extracted from the flowers and herb had a similar dominant compounds: β-pinene, bornyl acetate, (E)-nerolidol, 1,8-cineole, borneol, sabinene, camphor, and α-pinene. Both EO samples had greater amounts of monoterpenes than sesquiterpenes. Higher amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenoids were detected in the EO from the herb than from the flowers.

Background: Although the mechanism of action of nanoemulsion is still unclear, the modern use of nanoemulsions made from natural extracts as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents represents a potential food preservation and a safety target., Methods: Two natural nanoemulsion extracts of Crocus sativus (the saffron flower) and Achillea millefolium (the yarrow flower) were produced in the current study using a low-energy method that included carboxymethylcellulose and Arabic gum. The synthesized nanoemulsion was fully identified by different analytical methods. Detection of the volatile content was completed using GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant potential, and phenolic compounds content were analyzed in the extractions. The synthesized nanoemulsions were screened for their antimicrobial potential in addition to their anti-aflatoxigenic activity., Results: The droplet size of Saffron flowers was finer (121.64 ± 2.18 nm) than yarrow flowers (151.21 ± 1.12 nm). The Zeta potential measurements of the yarrow flower (-16.31 ± 2.54 mV) and the saffron flower (-18.55 ± 2.31 mV) both showed high stability, along with low PDI values (0.34-0.41). The nanoemulsion of yarrow flower revealed 51 compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), with hexanal (16.25%), β-Pinene (7.41%), β-Myrcene (5.24%), D-Limonene (5.58%) and Caryophyllene (4.38%) being the most prevalent. Additionally, 31 compounds were detected in the saffron nanoemulsion, with D-limonene (4.89%), isophorone (12.29%), 4-oxy isophorone (8.19%), and safranal (44.84%) being the most abundant. Compared to the nanoemulsion of the yarrow flower, the saffron nanoemulsion had good antibacterial and antifungal activity. Saffron nanoemulsion inhibited total fungal growth by 69.64-71.90% in a simulated liquid medium and demonstrated the most significant decrease in aflatoxin production. Infected strawberry fruits coated with nanoemulsion extracts exhibited high antimicrobial activity in the form of saffron flower and yarrow flower extract nanoemulsions, which inhibited and/or controlled the growth of Aspergillus fungi. Due to this inhibition, the lag phase was noticeably prolonged, the cell load decreased, and the stability time increased., Conclusion: This study will contribute to expanding the theoretical research and utilization of nanoemulsions as green protective agents in agricultural and food industries for a promising protection from the invasion of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a herbaceous plant of Greek origin noted to treat pneumonia, common cold, cough, and other respiratory disorders. The flowers and leaves are the core part used to prepare herbal tea that gains the world's recognition as medicinal tea. Coronavirus disease is spreading across the globe, and numerous approaches are lodged to treat virus-induced lung inflammation. Here, we used the network pharmacology, metabolite analysis, docking and molecular simulation and MM-PBSA analysis to comprehend the biochemical basis of the health-boosting impact of Yarrow tea. Next, we performed the microscopic and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of yarrow-treated ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 to evaluate the virucidal activity of the Yarrow. The present study investigates the druggability, metabolites and potential interaction of the title tea with genes associated with Covid-19-induced pathogenesis. Towards this, 1022 gene hits were obtained, 30 are mutually shared. Network Pharmacology and microarray gene expression analysis find the connection of PTGS2 in relieving the virus-induced inflammation. Yarrow constituents Luteolin may inhibit or down-regulate the Cyclooxygenase II (PTGS2), a plausible mechanism underlying the Yarrow's anti-inflammatory actions. Further, the Yarrow's virucidal activity was assessed towards Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM). The Yarrow treated SARS-nCoV-2 cell exhibits the disintegration of the virus membrane. This work provides a scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism underlying Achillea millefolium 's antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Achillea millefolium L. is one of the most known medicinal plants with a broad spectrum of applications in the treatment of inflammation, pain, microbial infections and gastrointestinal disorders. In recent years, the extracts from A. millefolium have also been applied in cosmetics with cleansing, moisturizing, shooting, conditioning and skin-lightening properties. The growing demand for naturally derived active substances, worsening environmental pollution and excessive use of natural resources are causing increased interest in the development of alternative methods for the production of plant-based ingredients. In vitro plant cultures are an eco-friendly tool for continuous production of desired plant metabolites, with increasing applicability in cosmetics and dietary supplements. The purpose of the study was to compare phytochemical composition and antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory properties of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from A. millefolium obtained from field conditions (AmL and AmH extracts) and in vitro cultures (AmIV extracts). In vitro microshoot cultures of A. millefolium were obtained directly from seeds and harvested following 3 weeks of culture. Extracts prepared in water, 50% ethanol and 96% ethanol were compared for the total polyphenolic content, phytochemical content using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-hr-qTOF/MS), antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging assay and the influence on the activity of mushroom and murine tyrosinases. The phytochemical content of AmIV extracts was significantly different from AmL and AmH extracts. Most of the polyphenolic compounds identified in AmL and AmH extracts were present in AmIV extracts only in trace amounts and the major constituents presented in AmIV extracts were fatty acids. The total content of polyphenols in AmIV exceeded 0.25 mg GAE/g of dried extract, whereas AmL and AmH extracts contained from 0.46 ± 0.01 to 2.63 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g of dried extract, depending on the solvent used. The low content of polyphenols was most likely responsible for the low antioxidant activity of AmIV extracts (IC 50 values in DPPH scavenging assay >400 µg/mL) and the lack of tyrosinase inhibitory properties. AmIV extracts increased the activity of mushroom tyrosinase and tyrosinase present in B16F10 murine melanoma cells, whereas AmL and AmH extracts showed significant inhibitory potential. The presented data indicated that microshoot cultures of A. millefolium require further experimental research before they can be implemented as a valuable raw material for the cosmetics industry.

Achillea (Asteraceae) species have been traditionally used for their different therapeutical properties. In this study, phytochemical composition of aerial parts of A. sintenisii which is endemic in Turkey was determined with Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). To evaluate the wound healing potential, the cream formulation prepared from A. sintenisii was tested on the linear incision wound model in mice. In vitro enzyme inhibitory activity tests were performed on elastase, hyaluronidase, and collagenase. In the histopathological examination, angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation were significantly increased in A. sintenisii treatment groups compared to the negative control group. As a result of this study, it is thought that the enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activity of the plant may contribute to the wound healing process. According to LC/MS/MS analysis result, quinic acid (24.261 μg/mg extract) and chlorogenic acid (14.97 μg/mg extract) were identified as main constituents of the extract., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Achillea wilhelmsii (A. wilhelmsii) contains several therapeutic phytochemicals, proposing a protective effect on inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its activities against UC encounter multiple obstacles. The current study aimed to formulate a colon-specific delivery of A. wilhelmsii for treating UC using chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) and Eudragit S100 as a mucoadhesive and pH-sensitive polymer, respectively. Core chitosan NP was loaded with A. wilhelmsii extract, followed by coating with Eudragit S100. Then, physicochemical characterizations of prepared NPs were conducted, and the anti-UC activity in the rat model was evaluated. The relevant physicochemical characterizations indicated the spherical NPs with an average particle size of 305 ± 34 nm and high encapsulation efficiency (88.6 ± ‏7.3%). The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis revealed the Eudragit coating and the extract loading, as well as the high radical scavenging ability of A. wilhelmsii was confirmed. The loaded NPs prevented the extract release in an acidic pH-mimicking medium and presented a complete release thereafter at a colonic pH. The loaded NPs markedly mitigated the induced UC lesions in rats, reflected by reducing inflammation, ulcer severity, and UC-related symptoms. Further, histopathological analysis exhibited reducing the extent of the inflammation and damage to colon tissue, and the determination of the involved pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum showed a significant reduction relative to free extract. The present results show that chitosan NPs containing A. wilhelmsii extract coated with Eudragit having proper physicochemical properties and substantial anti-inflammatory activity can significantly improve colonic lesions caused by UC., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.)

Six undescribed germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones, millefoliumons A-F, and two known analogs were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the whole plant of Achillea millefolium L. growing in Xinjiang, China. The structures of these compounds were fully elucidated by their 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high resolution mass (HR-ESI-MS) spectral data, and comparison with literatures. The absolute configurations of millefoliumons A-F were confirmed by experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data (ECD), and 13 C-NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. All compounds displayed the approximate tendency to inhibit the nitric oxide (NO) release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Three new monomeric (1-3) and two newdimeric guaianolides (4 and 5), along with three known analogues (6-8) were isolated from the aerial part of Achillea alpina L. Compounds 1-3 were three novel 1,10-seco-guaianolides, while 4 and 5 were two novel 1,10-seco-guaianolides involved heterodimeric [4 + 2] adducts. The new structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. All isolates were evaluated for their hypoglycemic activity with a glucose consumption model in palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2-insulin resistance (IR) cells, and compound 1 showed the most promising activity. A mechanistic study revealed that compound 1 appeared to mediate hypoglycemic activity via inhibition of the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this study., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This research work aimed to investigate the properties of freeze-dried extracts from Matricaria chamomilla L. and Achillea millefolium L. and to perform a characterization of their impact on the natural rubber-based vulcanizates. First, extracts were prepared in three different solvents at selected volume ratios: water (100), water-methanol (50/50), and water-ethanol (50/50). Next, the freeze-drying of extracts was established and then obtained bio-additives were introduced to the rubber mixtures. Freeze-dried extracts were investigated by UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) were also defined. Rubber mixtures were examined in a rheometer and after vulcanization they were subjected to accelerated simulated aging by UV radiation and thermo-oxidative aging. To determine the resistance of vulcanizates to the degradation processes, the study of cross-linking density (equilibrium swelling method), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) and color change were conducted. Performed studies proved the antioxidant activity of freeze-dried extracts caused by the high content of polyphenols and their beneficial influence on the properties of elastomer vulcanizates.

A multidisciplinary investigation on Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is outlined herein. This work, part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, originated from an ethnobotanical survey performed in Chiesa in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Lombardy, Northern Italy) in 2019-2021 which highlighted this species' relevance of use in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, this contribution included analyses of the: (a) phytochemical profile of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried flower heads using LC-MS/MS; (b) morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative and reproductive organs through Light, Fluorescence, and Scanning Electron Microscopy; (c) biological activity of the aqueous extract concerning the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through cell-based in vitro models. A total of 31 compounds (5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonols, and 13 flavones) were detected, 28 of which included in both extracts. Covering and secreting trichomes were observed: the biseriate 10-celled glandular trichomes prevailing on the inflorescences represented the main sites of synthesis of the polyphenols and flavonoids detected in the extracts, along with volatile terpenoids. Finally, significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract were documented, even at very low concentrations; for the first time, the in vitro tests allowed us to formulate hypotheses about the mechanism of action. This work brings an element of novelty due to the faithful reproduction of the traditional aqueous preparation and the combination of phytochemical and micromorphological research approaches.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (syn. A. moschata Wulfen) (Asteraceae) is an alpine endemic plant whose aerial parts are harvested by the locals mainly for the digestive properties. Despite its widespread use, few studies have been conducted to date to verify its bioactivity., Aim of the Study: The purpose of the work was to meet the tradition confirming with experimental data the popular belief that the consumption of this species offers beneficial effects to the gastrointestinal system., Materials and Methods: Using Soxhlet apparatus, the dried aerial parts of A. erba-rotta subsp. moschata were successively extracted with petroleum ether (PET), dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH). The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus while infusion (AE) was prepared following the traditional local recipe. Their chemical characterization was performed by various techniques including SPME-GC/MS, GC/MS and HPLC/MS-MS. An in vitro biological screening was carried out. The influence of AE on lipid digestion was monitored by titration of free fatty acids (FFA) during pancreatic lipase activity with the pH-stat method. For all extracts and EO, the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was assessed by the broth microdilution method, the influence on cell viability was evaluated against NCI-N87, OE21 and Caco-2 cell lines and a preliminary toxicity evaluation was done using Brine Shrimp lethality (BSL) assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was evidenced by interleukin IL-1- induced IL8 expression on Caco-2 cells., Results: AE increased by 15% the FFA releasing compared to the pancreatic lipase alone. PET, DCM and MeOH extracts as well as AE and EO were considered active against the growth of both antimicrobial susceptible and resistant strains of H. pylori with MIC values starting from 16 μg/mL. PET and DCM (IC 50  = 89 μg/mL and 96 μg/mL, respectively, against Caco-2 cell line) extracts showed the high effect on cell viability while the EO reduced in 50% of cell viability at 1.48 μL/mL (NCI-N87 cells), 1.42 μL/mL (OE21 cells), and 3.44 μL/mL (Caco-2 cells) corroborating the BSL results. In different degrees, all extracts and EO inhibited the IL-1β-stimulated IL-8 production in Caco-2 cells., Conclusions: The obtained data are encouraging and provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of A. erba-rotta subsp. moschata as a digestive agent although they need to be further corroborated by studies involving the investigation of both the in vivo activities and the role of the compounds detected in the extracts., Competing Interests: Declaration of 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 © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Essential oils obtained from different parts of Achillea coarctata species (inflorescences, stem and leaves and the whole aerial part) collected on four different locations in Serbia have been investigated to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of isolated oils. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from different plant parts and how different type of substrate as well as different climate conditions affect the chemical composition of essential oils. Oxigenated terpenes were reported to be the major constituents in almost all examinated samples with 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene oxide and cis-cadin-4-en-7-ol identified as dominant compounds. Disk diffusion assay was used to determine antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii ATCC 6633 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Salmonella abony ATCC 6017). The obtained results showed that essential oils obtained from A. coarctata exhibit significant antibacterial activity against tested bacteria strains. The best inhibitory effect was observed against S. aureus, while on the other hand P. aeruginosa showed high level of resistance to almost all examined essential oils., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Nanoparticles (NPs) are an emerging tool for mitigating environmental stresses. Although beneficial roles of NPs have been reported in some plants, there is little data on magnesium (Mg)-NPs in alleviating drought stress. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted to study changes in biochemical attributes and essential oil (EO) compositions of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) plants under drought stress and Mg-NPs in 2016 and 2017. Irrigation regimes were used in two levels as well-watered (irrigation intervals of 7 days) and drought stress (irrigation intervals of 14 days) conditions, and Mg-NPs were sprayed on leaves in four levels (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 g L -1 ). The results showed drought stress led to increased electrolyte leakage (EL), proline, carotenoid, anthocyanin, and total flavonoid content (TFC). However, flowers yield and EO yield were lower in plants exposed to drought stress as compared to well-watered conditions. The 0.3 and 0.5 g L -1  Mg-NPs were more effective in alleviating drought stress by enhancing these traits. Heat map results showed that EL and TSS represented the high variability upon different treatments. The GC and GC/MS results represented that α-pinene (8.60-12.20%), 1,8-cineol (9.03-14.02%), camphor (6.84-9.80%), α-bisabolol (8.54-18.81%), chamazulene (14.23-22.50%), and caryophyllene oxide (7.20-9.80%) were the min EO constitutes of yarrow plants. Totally, drought decreased monopertens but increased sesquiterpenes of EO. To sum up, foliar applied Mg-NPs in a range of 0.3-0.5 g L -1 can be recommended as effective tool to improve plant yield through changes in biochemical attributes of yarrow plants., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Three new alkamides, achilleamide B-D (1-3) along with five known alkamides (4-8) were isolated from the aerial parts of Achillea alpina L. Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations were introduced for the absolute configuration of 3. The neuroprotective effects of all the compounds were evaluated by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, with concentration for 50 % of maximal effect (EC 50 ) values of 3.16-24.75 μM, and the structure-activity relationship was conducted., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The potential applications of Achillea species in various industries have encouraged the examination of their phytochemical components along with their biological potential. In the present study, phenolic contents and essential oil compositions together with the in vitro biological activities of the aerial parts from Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. collected from Turkey were evaluated. Different solvent extracts ( n -hexane, chloroform, methanol, water) were prepared and their antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities were studied. The LC-MS/MS results revealed the presence of 16 different phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, and luteolin glycosides, in methanolic extracts. According to GC-FID and GC/MS results, the primary components of the oils were identified as 1,8-cineole (32.5%), piperitone (14.4%), and camphor (13.7%) in A. biebersteinii and 1,8-cineole (12.3%) and β-eudesmol (8.9%) in A. millefolium subsp. millefolium . The infusion and methanolic extracts of both species were found to be rich in their total phenolic content as well as their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity. In contrast, the n -hexane and chloroform extracts of both species showed strong antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 15 to 2000 μg/mL. Our findings suggest that the investigated Achillea species could be evaluated as potent natural agents, and further studies into the promising extracts are needed.

This is the first comparative study on antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) of six Achillea species (A. crithmifolia, A. distans, A. grandifolia, A. millefolium, A. nobilis, and A. lingulata) against ATCC and clinical microbial strains isolated from human swabs and on their toxicological potential on crustaceans. Oxygenated monoterpenes represented the major compound class in all six EOs, ranging from around 50 % (A. millefolium, A. nobilis, and A. lingulata) up to over 80 % (A. crithmifolia and A. grandifolia). Specific phytochemical profiles of the major volatiles were determined for each species. Still, borneol was the dominant compound in EOs of three yarrow species: A. distans, A. lingulata, and A. millefolium. Other major compounds were 1,8-cineole in A. crithmifolia, camphor in A. grandifolia, and artemisia ketone in A. nobilis EO. Antimicrobial activities of EOs were examined by a microdilution method revealing inhibitory action against all 15 studied strains in the range of 0.07-20.00 mg/mL (MICs). High toxicity (LC 50 <100 μg/mL) in Artemia salina acute toxicity bioassay was a shared characteristic, appearing in five out of six tested EOs, i. e., those isolated from A. lingulata, A. millefolium, A. distans, A. nobilis, and A. grandifolia. In both types of biological tests, A. lingulata EO has shown the highest and A. crithmifolia EO the lowest potential. The strongest activities, recorded for EO of A. lingulata, which was the only studied species from the section Anthemoideae, may be explained by its somewhat unusual chemical composition. According to the obtained results, the second dominant compound of this EO is γ-palmitolactone, which may be a significant agent regarding the antimicrobial activity and toxicity to crustaceans, either on its own or in union with other components, and it may be a suitable topic for further research., (© 2022 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Discovery of potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) can offer appropriate approach in cancer treatment owing to it's over expression in various human tumors compared to normal healthy tissues. Thymidine phosphorylase alongside 2-deoxy-D-ribose are reported as promoters of unwanted angiogenesis in cancerous cells. In this study, three new acrylic acid derivatives ( 1-3 ) have been isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Achillea mellifolium . The characterization of these compounds ( 1-3 ) was done using UV, IR, 1 D and 2 D-NMR spectroscopy ( 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, HMBC, NOESY) and mass spectrometry. The structure of these acrylic acid derivatives were ethyl (E)-3-((1S,5R)-5-methoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxocyclohex-2-en-1-yl)acrylate (1) , methyl (E)-3-((1S,5R)-5-methoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxocyclohex-2-en-1-yl)acrylate (2) and (4S,6R)-6-methoxy-3,5,5-trimethyl-4-((E)-3-oxobut-1-en-1-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (3) . Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) inhibition studies showed compound 3 as most active inhibitor of TP with IC 50 value 57.81 ± 3.41 while compound 1 and 2 showed IC 50 value as 158.9 ± 0.97 and 89.92 ± 0.37, respectively. In addition, molecular docking studies of compound ( 1-3 ) were performed to shed light on their binding interaction patterns for binding into active pocket of TP. Similarly, all compounds ( 1-3 ) were evaluated for their anti-oxidant potential showing anti-oxidant activities with IC 50 value ranging from 49.73 ± 0.41 to 79.81 ± 0.39. Later, these compound-protein ( 1-3 ) complexes were further subjected to MD simulations studies (50 ns) involving root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, and secondary structure analysis to explore their binding mode stability inside active pocket. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Introduction: Achillea tenuifolia Lam ( AT ) has several biological activities and medicinal properties. In this study, we elucidated the impact of the AT on anxiety-related behaviors, reproductive parameters, antioxidant capacity in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS)., Methods: 35 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, CRS-control (received normal saline) and three CRS-treated groups received AT extract (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 consequences days. To induce CRS rats, the rats were immobilized for 21 days and received the extract orally. On the last day of treatment, anxiety-related behaviors were assessed through the sucrose preference test (SPT) as well as elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Corticosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone levels were evaluated to determine reproductive capacity. Sperm parameters including the total count, motility, and viability were also analyzed. Weight of body, testis and seminal vesicles was measured as well., Results: The findings revealed that 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of AT extract had anxiolytic effects in CRS rats, as confirmed by the EPM test and SPT. In addition, AT extract could improve fertile capacity and sperm quality to varying degrees. The level of corticosterone had decreased, whereas the level of LH, FSH and testosterone had increased in CRS-treated rats. Moreover, the reduced level of MDA coincided with an increased rate of antioxidant capacity. Our findings suggest that AT extract could alleviate stress-induced dysfunctions., Conclusion: Overall, these observations would infer that AT extract could improve fertility capacity and behavioral impairment in the stress conditions., Graphical Abstract: Assumption pathway describing the probability underlying mechanism of CRS-induced anxiety and reproductive toxicity and protective effect of AT.

With everyday advances in the field of pharmaceuticals, medicinal plants have high priority regarding the introduction of novel synthetic compounds by the usage of environmentally friendly extraction technologies. Herein, a supercritical CO 2 extraction method was implemented in the analysis of four plants (chamomile, St. John's wort, yarrow, and curry plant) after which the non-targeted analysis of the chemical composition, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The extraction yield was the highest for the chamomile (5%), while moderate yields were obtained for the other three plants. The chemical composition analyzed by gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) demonstrated extraction of diverse compounds including terpenes and terpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids and coumarins, functionalized phytosterols, and polyphenols. Voltammetry of microfilm immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode using square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was applied in the analysis of extracts. It was found that antioxidant activity obtained by SWV correlates well to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazine (DPPH) radical assay (R 2 = 0.818) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (R 2 = 0.640), but not to the total phenolic content (R 2 = 0.092). Effective results were obtained in terms of activity showing the potential usage of supercritical CO2 extraction to acquire bioactive compounds of interest.

Aim: Cisplatin is a widely used and highly effective anti-cancer agent and one of the limiting side effects of cisplatin is ocular toxicity. Achillea millefolium , also known as yarrow, is a plant that has been used for many years to treat various health problems including chemotherapy-related toxicities. Methods: The present investigation was designed to evaluate the biochemical, molecular and histopathological effects of Achillea Millefolium on cisplatin-induced oxidative and inflammatory ocular damage in rats. Twenty-four adult male rats were assigned randomly to four groups ( n = 6 ) as (1) control, (2) cisplatin (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), (3) Cisplatin + Achillea millefolium (200 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days), (4) Cisplatin + Achillea millefolium (400 mg/kg, orally for 14 consecutive days). Levels of total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status, SOD, MDA, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured in ocular tissue. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B and Caspase-3 were evaluated. Also, ocular sections were evaluated histopathologically. Results: Achillea Millefolium upregulated ocular antioxidant enzymes and downregulated inflammation. The SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity increased whereas total oxidant status and MDA levels decreased significantly at high dose group. High dose Achillea millefolium treatment reduced the IL-1β concentrations, whereas IL-10 levels increased significantly in that group. Moreover, we observed that Achillea millefolium restored ocular histopathological structure and significantly suppressed apoptosis by reducing the expression of Caspase-3. Conclusion: Collectively, our results suggest that Achillea millefolium have protective effects against cisplatin-induced ocular toxicity and is a promising adjuvant therapy with the potential to prevent cisplatin related ocular toxicity.

In this study, peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.), German chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla L.) and yarrow ( Achillea millefolium L.) were applied as natural fibrous fillers to create biocomposites containing substances of plant origin. The purpose of the work was to investigate the activity and effectiveness of selected plants as a material for the modification of natural rubber composites. This research was the first approach to examine the usefulness of peppermint, German chamomile and yarrow in the field of polymer technology. Dried and ground plant particles were subjected to Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), goniometric measurements (contact angle) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization of natural rubber composites filled with bio-additives was performed including rheometric measurements, FTIR, TGA, cross-linking density, mechanical properties and colour change after simulated aging processes. Composites filled with natural fillers showed improved barrier properties and mechanical strength. Moreover, an increase in the cross-linking density of the materials before and after the simulated aging processes, compared to the reference sample, was observed.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), known as yarrow (milenrama), is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and related diseases., Aim: To determine the vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effect of A. millefollium and to isolate the main bioactive antihypertensive agents., Materials and Methods: Organic (hexane, dichloromethane and methanol) and hydro-alcohol (Ethanol-H 2 O: 70:30) extracts obtained from flowers, leaves and stems were evaluated on isolated aorta rat rings with and without endothelium to determine their vasorelaxant effect. Hexane extract from flowers (HEAmF) was studied to evaluate its antihypertensive effect on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). From HEAmF, bioactive compounds were obtained by bio-guided phytochemical separation through chromatography., Results: Organic extracts showed the best vasorelaxant activity. Hexane extract from flowers was the most potent and efficient ex vivo vasorelaxant agent, showing significant decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in SHR (p < 0.05). Phytochemical separation of HEAmF yielded two epimeric sesquiterpene lactones: leucodin (1) and achillin (2), the major components of the extract. Both 1 and 2 showed similar vasorelaxant action ex vivo (p < 0.05), and their effects where modified by L-NAME (10 μM, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), by ODQ (1 μM, soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), and also relaxed the contraction induced by KCl (80 mM). Finally, 1 and 2 intragastric administration (50 mg/kg) decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in SHR., Conclusions: Achillea millefolium showed antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects, due mainly to leucodin and achillin (epimers). Both compounds showed antihypertensive activity by vasorelaxation putatively by endothelium-dependent NO release and cGMP increase, as well as by calcium channels blockade., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Despite the limitations of current methods in cancer treatment, the use of bioactive peptides can be as an alternative to treat today. Therefore, isolation and relative purification of bioactive peptides was carried out form Achillea eriophora using a Sep-Pak C18 SPE cartridge and Amicon® Ultra Centrifugal Filters. The presence of desired peptides was checked using RP-HPLC and confirmed using LC-MS. The results of anticancer assay showed that the peptide mixture inhibits the growth of MCF-7 cancerous cell line with the values of IC 50 , GI 50 , and LC 50 equal to 18.73 ± 0.22, 7.52 ± 0.15, and 56.73 ± 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. It also showed DPPH radical scavenging activity and cupric-ion reducing power with the IC 50 value of 5.095 ± 0.23 and 63.3 ± 0.44 µg/mL, respectively. Although flavonoids were present in the sample along with the peptides, their amount was trivial (18.097 ± 1.36 μg/mL). Nevertheless, the results of the LC-MS showed mass-to-charge ratios of 301.17, 261.22, and 243.25, which was a dipeptide or tripeptide in compression to enzyme-digested BSA as a standard. In addition, SEM analysis of the purified peptide mixture showed that it kills the MCF-7 cancerous cell line by creating pores in the membrane. Therefore, it might be valuable to these peptides sequenced and be studied for physicochemical properties. Animal and clinical studies could help its application in drug development., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The present study was conducted to synthesise a carbon nanotube/layered double hydroxide nanocomposite by an in situ growth route via electrostatic force. The fabricated carbon nanotube/layered double hydroxide nanocomposite was successful in deposition on a stainless-steel wire for the preparation of the solid-phase microextraction fibre. The produced fibers are enduring with high suitability being chemically and thermally stable capable of coupling to GC and GC/MS. The important extraction parameters including extraction temperature, extraction time, sample mass and added water were simultaneously optimised using an optimisation approach. I comparison to hydrodistillation (HD), headspace single drop micro-extraction) HS-SPME (is advantageous regarding little sample level, time-efficiency, convenience and low cost.

Achillea spp. is well known for its broad range of applications and long history of use in traditional medicine around the world. Health benefits of Achillea extracts result from the multitude of secondary metabolites identified in the plants from this genus that include flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, guaianolides, phytosterols, fatty acids, and organic acids. The properties of several Achillea extracts meet also the expectations of a vividly developing cosmetic market. An increasing number of studies on the dermatological properties of Achillea spp. are observed in the recent years, with Achillea millefolium L. being the most studied and used representative of the genus. There is strong scientific evidence showing that also other yarrow species might be rich sources of effective cosmetic ingredients, with skin calming and rejuvenating properties, wound healing activity, and anti-inflammatory potential. Several Achillea extracts and isolated compounds were also shown to display significant tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and thus are interesting candidates for active ingredients of medications and cosmetic products protecting the skin from the harmful impact of environmental stressors. The aim of this review is to collect the current information on the composition and cosmeceutical significance of different Achillea species., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Marcelina Strzępek-Gomółka et al.)

The phenolic composition, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of two poorly investigated Achillea species, Achillea lingulata Waldst. and the endemic Achillea abrotanoides Vis., were studied. To obtain a more detailed phytochemical profile, four solvents with different polarities were used for the preparation of the plant extracts whose phenolic composition was analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS (ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). The results indicate that both of the investigated Achillea species are very rich in both phenolic acids and flavonoids, but that their profiles differ significantly. Chloroform extracts from both species had the highest yields and were the most chemically versatile. The majority of the examined extracts showed antimicrobial activity, while ethanolic extracts from both species were potent against all tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated. It was found that the ethanolic extracts possessed the strongest antioxidant activities, although these extracts did not contain the highest amounts of detected phenolic compounds. In addition, several representatives of phenolic compounds were also assayed for these biological activities. Results suggest that ethanol is a sufficient solvent for the isolation of biologically active compounds from both Achillea species. Moreover, it was shown that the flavonoids naringenin and morin are mainly responsible for these antimicrobial activities, while caffeic, salicylic, chlorogenic, p -coumaric, p -hydroxybenzoic, and rosmarinic acid are responsible for the antioxidant activities of the Achillea extracts.

In the present study, Achillea atrata L. and A. millefolium L. were compared for the first time with regard to their phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity by applying the 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical assay. For this purpose, aerial plant parts were consecutively extracted with solvents of increasing polarity (dichloromethane, n -butanol, ethyl acetate), revealing that the A. atrata ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC 50 value of 12.2 ± 0.29 µg/mL compared to 17.0 ± 0.26 µg/mL for A. millefolium . Both species revealed the presence of luteolin, apigenin, centaureidin, and nevadensin exclusively in this most polar fraction, which are known as effective 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical scavengers. The antioxidant capacity of the aforementioned fractions strikingly correlated with their total phenolic contents, which was highest in the ethyl acetate fraction of A. atrata . Characterization of the metabolite profiles of both Achillea species showed only marginal differences in the presence of key compounds, whereas the concentrations of individual compounds appeared to be species-specific. Our results suggest that A. atrata , based on its compound pattern and bioactivity characteristics, has similar qualities for phytotherapy as A. millefolium .

Essential oils from plants used in traditional medicine are known as a rich source of chemically diverse compounds with specific biological activities. Achillea millefolium essential oil (AEO) was screened for in vitro activity against Babesia canis. The AEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS revealed the presence of 47 compounds in the essential oil. Those present in the highest concentrations were chamazulene (34.45%), β-caryophyllene (8.93%), (E)-germacrene D (7.55%), patchoulene (7.27%), β-guaiene (4.62%), α-humulene (4.59%), santolina epoxide (4.41%), ethyl iso-allocholate (2.97%), aromadendrene (2.62%), and neoclovenoxid-alkohol (2.46%). AEO was found to be active in vitro against B. canis, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.06 mg/mL, as compared to imidocarb, with IC50 = 0.007 mg/mL. The study confirms that essential oil from A. millefolium has anti-babesial properties in vitro., (Copyright© by the Polish Academy of Sciences.)

Growing scientific evidence indicates that Achillea biebersteinii is a valuable source of active ingredients with potential cosmetic applications. However, the data on its composition and pharmacological properties are still insufficient. This study aims to optimize the extraction procedure of the plant material, evaluate its phytochemical composition, and compare anti-tyrosinase potential of A. biebersteinii extracts obtained by various methods. In order to identify compounds responsible for the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of A. biebersteinii , the most active anti-tyrosinase extract was fractionated by column chromatography. The fractions were examined for their skin lightening potential by mushroom and murine tyrosinase inhibitory assays and melanin release assay. HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of the total extract revealed the presence of several phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid glucosides, and carboxylic acid. Among them, fraxetin-8- O -glucoside, quercetin- O -glucopyranose, schaftoside/isoschaftoside, gmelinin B, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,3-DCQA), and ferulic acid were found in the fractions with the highest skin lightening potential. Based on obtained qualitative and quantitative analysis of the fractions, it was assumed that the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives are more likely responsible for mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity of A. biebersteinii extracts and fractions. Ferulic acid was proposed as the most active murine tyrosinase inhibitor, responsible also for the reduced melanin release from B16F10 murine melanoma cells.

The present study was investigated to verify anti-inflammatory and immune regulation effect of Zaluzanin D on LPS-induced macrophages and acute lung injury. NR8383 macrophages were pre-treated with Zaluzanin D and stimulated by LPS. Zaluzanin D reduced the production of nitric oxide in NR8383 macrophages and decreased the secretions of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, intravenous of Zaluzanin D to LPS-induced rats reduced the infiltrations of macrophages into BALF and the histological inflammatory changes in lung tissues. Furthermore, Z.D inhibited lipid peroxidation and effectively recruit the anti-oxidative defense system, regulated the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 in the lungs by inhibitory expression of nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. These findings suggested that Zaluzanin D attenuated pulmonary inflammatory responses by inhibiting the expression of diverse inflammatory mediators in vitro and in vivo., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Achillea fragrantissima L. (Asteraceae) is a traditionally used medicinal herb in the rural communities of Jordan., Methods: The present study evaluated the efficacy of the ethanol extract of this species on angiogenesis in both, ex vivo using a rat aortic ring assay and in vivo using a rat excision wound model., Results: In concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/ml, the ethanol extract showed angiogenic stimulatory effect and significantly increased length of capillary protrusions around aorta rings of about 60% in comparison to those of untreated aorta rings. In MCF-7 cells, the ethanol extract of A. fragrantissima stimulated the production of VEGF in a dose-dependent manner. 1% and 5% of ethanol extract of A. fragrantissima containing vaseline based ointment was applied on rat excision wounds for six days and found to be effective in wound healing and maturation of the scar. Both preparations resulted in better wound healing when compared to the untreated control group and vaseline- treated group. This effect was comparable to that induced by MEBO, the positive control., Conclusion: The results indicate that A. fragrantissima has a pro-angiogenic effect, which may act through the VEGF signaling pathway., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Various Achillea species are rich in bioactive compounds and are important medicinal plants in phytotherapy. In the present study, Achillea millefolium L., Achillea moschata Wulfen, and Achillea atrata L. were compared with respect to their phenolic profile and antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria strains ( Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium ). Particular focus was given to A. atrata , which has hardly been studied so far. Based on the metabolite profile, A. atrata exhibited more similarities to A. moschata than to A. millefolium . The former two only differed in the occurrence of four compounds. The flavonols syringetin-3- O -glucoside and mearnsetin-hexoside, not reported for an Achillea species before, have been detected in A. atrata and A. moschata . All Achillea species reduced growth of the tested bacteria. A. atrata demonstrated highest activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis , both being involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Furthermore, A. atrata has a pronounced anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus potential. Bioassay-guided fractionation revealed that only the most polar fraction of A. moschata displayed antimicrobial activity, which was attributed to phenolics such as apigenin, centaureidin, and nevadensin, being present in high amounts in A. atrata . Thus, this alpine species shows promising antimicrobial activity and might be a potential source for developing novel dermal/topical drugs., (© 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Studies on hydroglycolic (HG) extracts of Achillea biebersteinii (AB)-a less investigated representative of the genus-were performed to determine their potential for cosmetic applications compared to the well-known Achillea millefolium (AM). Three types of water:polyethylene glycol extracts (1:1, 4:1, 6:1 v / v ) were obtained from both species and analyzed for their composition by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) and assayed for their biological activities. The study led to the identification of 11 metabolites from different natural product classes with the highest share corresponding to 5-caffeoylquinic acid, axillarin, coumaroylquinic acid isomers and 3-caffeoylquinic acid. The highest antiradical capacity in DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays was shown for HG 4:1 of AB and AM extracts. HG 1:1 extracts from both species inhibited monophenolase and diphenolase activity of tyrosinase, whereas AB HG 4:1 extract showed significant monophenolase inhibition. The highest sun protection factor (SPF) was determined for AM HG 4:1 extract, equal to 14.04 ± 0.17. The AB extracts were cytotoxic for both human keratinocytes HaCaT and A375 melanoma, however HG 1:1 and 4:1 extracts were more cytotoxic for cancer than for noncancerous cells. In conclusion, AB HG 1:1 and 4:1 extracts display significant potential as active cosmetic ingredients.

Antimicrobial resistance is a complex global health challenge today. Discovery and development of new natural alternates with novel targets is utmost priority. In this experiment, alternative antibiotic agents in the form of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and Achillea millefolium L. extracts were evaluated for antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The SNPs were synthesized using aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of A. millefolium and were monitored by a color change and UV-vis spectroscopy. The size and shape of the nanoparticles were determined through scanning electron microscopy and phase was assessed through X-ray diffraction. The SNPs were shown to have an average diameter of 20.77, 18.53 and 14.27 nm with spherical, rectangular and cubical shapes, synthesized from aqueous, ethanol and methanol extract respectively. The response of biomolecules present in plant extract during the formation of SNPs was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, showing polyphenols, proteins, carboxylic acid and alcohol are involved in the formation of SNPs. The plant extracts and SNPs were then studied for their antibacterial potential against common human pathogens such as gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), displaying a very good activity against both types of bacteria. The Methanol-SNPs exhibit greater inhibition of DPPH radicals with IC 50 7.03 ± 0.31 μg/mL. This green method of synthesis of SNPs would support the production of SNPs with considerably boosted antibacterial and antioxidant properties and significantly enhanced therapeutic performance., 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 © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The genus Achillea genus houses more than 100 species, a number of them are popularly used in traditional medicine for spasmodic gastrointestinal, gynecological and hepatobiliary disorders, hemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pain, inflammation, wounds healing etc. Members of the genus contain a wide variety of volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites, including terpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids and others. Multiple studies have assessed the biological effects and other aspects of Achillea spp. In a number of preclinical studies, Achillea plants and their essential oils have demonstrated promising antibacterial properties against a number of human and plant pathogens. Besides, the plants have displayed strong antioxidative and potent anti-proliferative and anticancer properties in various cellular and animal models. Achillea plants have widely been used as food preservative in food industry. Clinical studies have indicated its potential against multiple sclerosis (MS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, episiotomy wound, primary dysmenorrhea, oral mucositis etc. The present work focuses to provide a brief overview on folk knowledge, phytochemistry, biological activity and applications of Achillea plants. There is a close relationship between the traditional ethnobotanical usage and pharmacological and clinical data from different Achillea spp. The application of Achillea plants and their extracts seems to be a promising alternative for antimicrobial and antioxidant purposes in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Introduction: In recent years, the use of cost-effective, multifunctional, environmentally friendly and simple prepared nanomaterials/nanoparticles have been emerged considerably. In this manner, different synthesizing methods were reported and optimized, but there is still lack of a comprehensive method with multifunctional properties., Materials and Methods: In this study, we aim to synthesis the copper oxide nanoparticles using Achillea millefolium leaf extracts for the first time. Catalytic activity was investigated by in situ azide alkyne cycloaddition click and also A 3 coupling reaction, and optimized in terms of temperature, solvent, and time of the reaction. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was screened in terms of degradation methylene blue dye. Biological activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated in terms of antibacterial and anti-fungal assessments against Staphylococcus aureus, M. tuberculosis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabili, C. diphtheriae and S. pyogenes bacteria's and G. albicans , A. flavus , M. canis and G. glabrata fungus. In the next step, the biosynthesized CuO-NPs were screened by MTT and NTU assays., Results: Based on our knowledge, this is a comprehensive study on the catalytic and biological activity of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesizing from Achillea millefolium , which presents great and significant results (in both catalytic and biological activities) based on a simple and green procedure., Conclusion: Comprehensive biomedical and catalytic investigation of the biosynthesized CuO-NPs showed the mentioned method leads to synthesis of more eco-friendly nanoparticles. The in vitro studies showed promising and considerable results, and due to the great stability of these nanoparticles in a green media, effective biological activity considered as an advantageous., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2020 Rabiee et al.)

Ethnopharmacological Importance: Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) is used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension., Aim: to explore its tracheal relaxant properties and clarify its functional mechanism of action on smooth muscle cells, which allow us to propose it as a potential anti-asthmatic drug., Material and Methods: organic and hydro-alcoholic extracts from A. millefolium were obtained by macerations, then their relaxing effect on ex vivo isolated rat trachea rings was determined. Most active extract (hexanic extract, EHAm) was studied to determine its functional mechanism of action using synergic, antagonist and inhibitor agents related with the contraction/relaxation process of the smooth muscle. Also, EHAm was subjected to bio-guided fractionation by open-column chromatography (on silica gel) using cyclohexane-EtOAc (80:20) in an isocratic way to isolate main bioactive compounds., Results: organic and hydro-alcoholic extracts showed relaxant effect in a concentration-response dependent manner, being EHAm the most active. The functional mechanism of action indicates that EHAm induced a non-competitive antagonism to the muscarinic receptors ; in addition, the NO/cGMP pathway is involved in the relaxation process of the tracheal smooth muscle. However, the most important mechanism of action showed by EHAm was related with the calcium channel blockade influx into the smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, epimeric sesquiterpene lactones leucodin (1) and achillin (2) were isolated and purified, which are responsible for the observed smooth muscle relaxant activity of the extract., Conclusion: hexanic extract of A. millefollium induced a significant relaxant effect on tracheal rat rings by calcium channel blockade and NO release., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. Author contributions to the paper were as follows: Extracts preparation, and leucodin and achillin isolation: L. A-D., M. H-M, F. Ch-S. Structural elucidation: G. N–V., I. L-R. Pharmacological evaluation: R. V-M., M. I–B., L. A-D., S. E-S. Identification and recollection of plant material: I. P-A. Study design: S. E-S. Manuscript preparation: all authors. Notes: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we extracted the essential oils of the stem, leaf, and flower of Achillea filipendulina, analyzed them, and studied their antibacterial properties. Of 16, 53, and 35 compounds identified in the stem, leaf, and flowers, respectively, only five are present in all three segments of the plant. The essential oil of the stem was mainly composed of neryl acetate, spathulenol, carvacrol, santolina alcohol, and trans-caryophyllene oxide. However, the main identified components of leaf were 1,8-cineole, camphor, ascaridole, trans-isoascaridole, and piperitone oxide and the main components of the flower oil were ascaridole, trans-isoascaridole, 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, and camphor. The extracted oil from different segments demonstrated varying antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrated by disk, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. These suggest that the application of all segments of aerial parts of A. filipendulina may have a better therapeutic effect in fighting pathogenic systems., (© 2020 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)