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Marine compounds represent a varied source of new drugs with potential anticancer effects. Among these, sponges, including those belonging to the Irciniidae family, have been demonstrated to exert cytotoxic effects on different human cancer cells. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the therapeutic effect of an extract (referred as iSP) from the sponge, Ircinia ramosa (Porifera, Dictyoceratida, and Irciniidae), on A375 human melanoma cells. We found that iSP impaired A375 melanoma cells proliferation, induced cell death through caspase-dependent apoptosis and arrested cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, as demonstrated via both flow cytometry and qPCR analysis. The proapoptotic effect of iSP is associated with increased ROS production and mitochondrial modulation, as observed by using DCF-DHA and mitochondrial probes. In addition, we performed wound healing, invasion and clonogenic assays and found that iSP was able to restrain A375 migration, invasion and clonogenicity. Importantly, we observed that an iSP treatment modulated the expression of the EMT-associated epithelial markers, E-CAD and N-CAD, unveiling the mechanism underlying the effect of iSP in modulating A375 migration and invasion. Collectively, this study provides the first evidence to support the role of Ircinia ramosa sponge extracts as a potential therapeutic resource for the treatment of human melanoma.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Chamomile (M. chamomilla L.) is an herbaceous plant from family Astereaceae, that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been used as herbal remedies for thousands of years to treat several diseases, including infections, neuropsychiatric, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and liver disorders. Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of most infectious and non-infectious diseases and macrophages are considered the major cellular players that drive disease initiation and maintenance. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in the chemical profile of the essential oil of M. chamomilla plants collected in three experimental field sites in the Molise region. Additionally, we evaluated the pharmacological mechanism behind the anti-inflammatory effect of M. chamomilla essential oils. Material and methods: Three essential oils (called GC1, GC2 and GC3) were extracted from aerial parts of M. chamomilla by hydrodistillation and chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils were tested for their ability to modulate pro-inflammatory murine macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) functions. Results: The chemical analysis of the samples revealed the presence of a high content of the oxygenated sesquiterpenes that represented more than the half of the entire oils. GC1, GC2 and GC3 essential oils significantly attenuated LPS/IFN-γ-induced inflammation by reducing M1 polarization. In details, they showed significant anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting NO, TNF-α and IL-6 production. These effects were correlated to a suppression of LPS-mediated p65 activation, the critical transactivation subunit for NF-κB transcription factor. Oxidative stress may trigger macrophages activation and elicit strong immune responses. Our study demonstrated that GC1, GC2 and GC3 were highly effective at increasing GCL and HMOX-1 anti-oxidant enzymes expression leading to the rapid scavenging of ROS. The antioxidant activity of these oils was explained throughout the activation of NRF2 signaling pathway. Next, we demonstrated that essential oils were able to reduce CD4+ T cell activation which are also involved in inflammatory processes. Conclusions: Our data describe for the first time that chamomile essential oils exerted their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity by modulating macrophages and CD4+ T cells-mediate immune response.

Objective: To assess the effects of prasterone compared with hyaluronic acid on symptoms of mild to moderate urinary urgency in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Methods: This is an observational prospective cohort study. A total of 58 postmenopausal women were enrolled (from December 2019 to May 2021). Overactive Bladder Screener questionnaire, Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and International Quality of Life questionnaire were used. Results: Fifty-eight women, 29 (50%) and 29 (50%), were treated with prasterone and hyaluronic acid for 12 weeks, respectively. At the end of the study, 26 (89.7%) versus 3 (10.3%) women reported an improvement (Patient Global Impression of Improvement score ≤3) of the symptoms in the prasterone versus hyaluronic acid group. According to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, no statistically significant difference was recorded before treatment between the prasterone and hyaluronic acid groups (median, 12 [6-12] vs 11 [8-12]; P = 0.8). Conversely, a statistically significant difference was recorded after treatment between the two groups (median, 8 [5-11] vs 10 [8-11]; P = 0.03). According to the International Quality of Life, a statistically significantly lower median score was recorded in the prasterone compared with the hyaluronic acid group, before (73 [interquartile range {IQR}, 55-81] vs 89 [IQR, 67-94]; P < 0.01) and after (78 [IQR, 65-86] vs 87 [IQR, 72-99]; P = 0.04) treatment. Conclusions: The current observational study supports the hypothesis that prasterone might improve the severity of urinary urge incontinence in this set of women. However, these results need to be confirmed in further studies with a controlled design and a larger population.

Bioassay-guided investigation of the Saudi medicinal and edible plant Cissus rotundifolia yielded seven metabolites, including the new sucrose diester cissuxinoside (1) and the unprecedented cissoic acid (2), belonging to unusual classes of secondary metabolites. Their chemical structures were elucidated through a combination of HR-MS and NMR data. The absolute configuration of cissoic acid was assigned by comparison of experimental and TDDFT-calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. In addition, three rare C-glycosyl flavones (3-5) were fully characterized and for 3 and 4 NMR data are reported here for the first time. This study identified 1-O-(4-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranose (7) as the main compound responsible for the glucose uptake stimulation effect exerted by the extract.

Introduction: The prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in women increases with age and is present in approximately 30 % of women over the age of 65 years. A high percentage of patients undergoing pharmacological therapy discontinue treatment for side effects and costs. Using an oral supplement (Kubiker®), consisting of vitamins, cucurbita maxima, capsicum annum, polygonum cuspidatum and L-Glutammin, for the control of urinary symptoms, could be a valid alternative. Objective: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of this oral supplement in women affected by OAB. Methods: We performed a retrospective, longitudinal, observational, cohort study of 84 patients affected by OAB, who received a prescription of Kubiker® for 12 weeks (2 tablets a day for the first month, then 1 tablet a day for 2 months). Primary outcome was to check the efficacy of therapy through questionnaire Patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) after 12 weeks of therapy. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the difference in the answers of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-Q) before and after therapy. Adherence to therapy was also evaluated. Results: Data showed a positive effect of Kubiker® in the control of urinary symptoms after 12 weeks of therapy. Paired t-test used for the evaluation of OBS before and after the treatment showed a p-value < 0.001. The analysis of this questionnaire especially showed an improvement in the responses concerning the symptoms of urination urgency and urge incontinence. Conclusion: Therapy with oral supplement based on vitamins (C and D), cucurbita maxima, capsicum annum, polygonum cuspidatum and L-Glutammin is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for overactive bladder.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts obtained from the Turkish plant Centaurea kotschyi subsp. persica led to the isolation of nine sesquiterpene lactones belonging to the guaiane class, including the undescribed kotschyols A and B, a monoterpene lactone (daphnauranin E), four known lignans (matairesinol, matairesinoside, arctiin and arctigenin) and an undescribed dihydrobenzofuran neolignan (4-O-glucosylcrataegifin A). The structures of these compounds were defined by spectroscopic analysis, including ECD and 1D/2D NMR, and chemical conversion. Spurred from the traditional use of C. kotschyi subsp. persica and previous reports on the activity of its extracts, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their hypoglycaemic activity disclosing the bioactive components.

Introduction.HPV infection is a highly infectious disease; about 65% of partners of individuals with genital warts will develop genital condylomatosis. Only in 20-30% it regresses spontaneously and relapse rates range deeply (9-80%). Echinacea extracts possess antiviral and immunomodulator activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy, using a formulation based on HPVADL18® (on dry extracts of 200 mg Echinacea Purpurea (EP) roots plus E. Angustifolia (EA)), on the posttreatment relapse incidence of genital condylomatosis.Materials and Methods.It is a prospective single-arm study. Patients with a satisfactory and positive vulvoscopy, colposcopy, or peniscopy for genital condylomatosis were divided into two random groups and subjected to destructive therapy with Co2 Laser. Group A (N=64) immediately after the laser therapy started a 4-month treatment with oral HPVADL18®; Group B (N=61) did not undergo any additional therapy. Patients were subjected to a follow-up after 1, 6, and 12 months. Differences in relapse incidence between the two groups during follow-up controls were evaluated byχ2-test; the groups were stratified by age, gender, and condylomatosis extension degree.Results and Discussion.Gender, age, and condyloma lesions’ extension degree showed no statistically significant differences between the two trial groups. The relapse incidence differs statistically between the two studied groups and progressively decreases during the 12 months after treatment in both groups. Statistically significant reduction of relapse rates has been shown in Group A in patients over 25 years old. This difference is significant for both men and women. The relapse incidence is superior in case of extended condylomatosis.Conclusions.In conclusion, the presence of a latent infection causes condylomatosis relapse; in order to reduce the relapse risk an induction of a protective immune response seems to be essential to allow rapid viral clearance from genital areas surrounding lesion and treatment zones. Echinacea promotes this process. EP and EA dry root extracts seem to be a valid adjuvant therapy in reducing relapse incidence of lesions in patients treated for genital condylomatosis.

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, due to its propensity to metastasize. MAPKs and NF-κB pathways are constitutively activated in melanoma and promote cell proliferation, cell invasion, metastasis formation, and resistance to therapeutic regimens. Thus, they represent potential targets for melanoma prevention and treatment. Phytochemicals are gaining considerable attention for the management of melanoma because of their several cellular and molecular targets. A screening of a small library of sesquiterpenes lactones selected cynaropicrin, isolated from the aerial parts of Centaurea drabifolia subsp. detonsa, for its potential anticancer effect against melanoma cells. Treatment of human melanoma cells A375 with cynaropicrin resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Furthermore, cynaropicrin reduced several cellular malignant features such migration, invasion, and colonies formation through the inhibition of ERK1/2 and NF-κB activity. Cynaropicrin was able to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, which are involved in all the stages of carcinogenesis. Indeed, cynaropicrin increased the expression of several antioxidant genes, such as glutamate-cysteine ligase and heme oxygenase-1, by promoting the activation of the transcription factor Nrf-2. In conclusion, our results individuate cynaropicrin as a potential adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent for melanoma by targeting several protumorigenic signaling pathways.

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Parentucellia latifolia (L.) Caruel collected in Central Sicily was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with germacrene D and germacrene B accounting, respectively, for 59.2% and 24.3% of the total oil. Different colonies of bacteria and fungi frequently affect cellulosic objects such as books stored in libraries and museums. The antibacterial and antifungal activity against some microorganisms infesting historical-artistic craftsmanship was determined, demonstrating that the essential oil was particularly active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus vulgaris.

Bioassay-guided investigation of the Saudi medicinal and edible plant

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oils from aerial parts of Ballota nigra subsp. uncinata (Bég.) Patzak collected in Sicily was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. The main components of the oil were ( E)-phytol (20.0%), α-pinene (9.0%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (5.7%), and α-selinene (5.1%). Cluster analysis of the essential oil compositions of all the taxa belonging to B. nigra s.l. group was performed.

Chemical analysis of the dichloromethane fraction obtained from aerial parts of the Northern African endemic plant Daucus virgatus led to the isolation of three previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids, namely the daucane vaginatin B, a eudesmane and the elemane elemavirgolide, along with five known metabolites. The structures of these compounds were determined by a detailed MS and NMR analysis and they were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against three human cell lines, A375 (melanoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), and HACAT (keratinocyte). The phytoalexin 6-methoxymellein revealed a previously unreported antiproliferative activity, while the eudesmane and the elemane derivatives exhibited a selective activity (SI = 11.1 and 3.3, respectively) against melanoma tumor cell lines.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of the Tunisian plant Daucus virgatus led to the isolation of eight new germacranolides named daucovirgolides A-H (1-8). The stereostructures of these sesquiterpene lactones, decorated by either one or two angeloyl groups, have been determined by a combination of MS, NMR spectroscopy, chemical derivatization, and comparison of experimental electronic circular dichroism curves with TDDFT-predicted data. Daucovirgolide G (7) proved to be the single member of this family to possess a marked inhibitory activity (92% at 50 μg/mL) on the development of Plasmodium early sporogonic stages, the nonpathogenic transmissible stages of malaria parasites, devoid of general cytotoxicity. The selective activity of daucovirgolide G points to the existence of strict structural requirements for this transmission-blocking activity and therefore of a well-defined, although yet unidentified, biological target.

The apolar organic extract obtained from aerial parts of Centaurea drabifolia Sibth. & Sm. subsp. detonsa (Bornm.) Wagenitz, growing wild in Turkey, was investigated for the first time for its secondary metabolite composition. Seven sesquiterpene lactones belonging to the guaiane class (1-7), including the new compound 4, along with a fatty acid lactone derivative (8), were isolated. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques, with the stereostructure of the new guaiane 4 determined with the help of MTPA derivatization. Cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-7 were evaluated against two cancer cell lines, namely acute lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF-CEM) and its multidrug-resistant subline CEM/ADR5000. Results showed that aguerin B (1) and cynaropicrin (2) showed a potent activity on both cell lines revealing interesting details about the structure-activity relationships in the class of acylated guaiane sesquiterpenes.

Pheochromocytoma (PH) is a tumor that arises from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Though being this benign neoplasm very rare in pregnancies, lack of treatment nevertheless causes high mortality rates for both the mother and the fetus. Classic symptoms related to PH are hypertension, abdominal pain, diaphoresis, and headache; but it can be easily misdiagnosed as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Its appearance is sporadic, but there are some genetic disorders that favor its onset (e.g. MEN 2A and 2B). Individual management is needed, because no single protocol is suitable in such a complex and rare condition. In this paper we describe our experience in the clinical and surgical management of a young pregnant patient affected by PH, and in particular the specific and unique pharmacological treatment with doxazosin, the use of corticosteroids and a close monitoring of fetal well-being, which proved being an effective approach.摘要 嗜铬细胞瘤（PH）是由肾上腺髓质的嗜铬细胞产生的肿瘤。虽然这种良性肿瘤在怀孕期间非常罕见, 但治疗不合适会导致母亲和胎儿的高死亡率。与PH相关的典型症状是高血压、腹痛、发汗和头痛, 但它很容易被误诊为妊娠期高血压或先兆子痫。表面上看, 该病是散发的, 但有一些遗传性疾病易发此病（例如多发性内分泌腺瘤病2A型和2B型）。该病需要进行个体管理, 因为没有一种方案适合这种复杂和罕见的情况。本文描述了我们在一位合并PH的年轻妊娠患者身上的临床和外科方面的治疗经验, 事实证明用具有特异性和唯一性药物疗效的多沙唑嗪、用皮质类固醇和密切监测胎儿健康是有效的治疗方法。.

The aerial parts of rock hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman), well-known for bearing essential oil-producing glands, are also rich in phenol and polyphenol compounds. These latter, still rarely studied in rock hyssop and other hyssop species, markedly differ based on the plant collection site. In fact, their biosynthesis, maximized in the wild, is finely regulated by multiple abiotic and biotic factors. In this context, to reach an accurate and deep understanding of the polyphenol constitution of a homemade-like preparation (HOEE) from rock hyssop growing wild in Southern Italy, analyses, based on ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC HRMS), were carried out. HOEE mainly consisted of hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives (57.2%), among which some different and never reported coumarin and lignan compounds. Dicaffeoyl quinic acids were the main chlorogenic compounds, whereas flavonoid glycosides and methoxyflavonoids were the less abundant compounds. The preliminary assessment of HOEE antiradical properties through differen t-test tube assays provided a solid basis for originally exploring its antioxidant activity towards differentiated Caco-2 cells. Experimental evidence on genoprotective activity of hyssop aerial parts, herein testified for the first time, raised the potential of their using as a functional food for oxidative stress-induced diseases prevention.

During our search for potential templates of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) dual inhibitors, the methanolic extract obtained from aerial parts of

During our search for potential templates of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) dual inhibitors, the methanolic extract obtained from aerial parts of Limonium morisianum was investigated. Repeated bioassay-guided chromatographic purifications led to the isolation of the following secondary metabolites: myricetin, myricetin 3-O-rutinoside, myricetin-3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside, (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate, tryptamine, ferulic and phloretic acids. The isolated compounds were tested on both HIV-1 RT-associated RNase H and IN activities. Interestingly, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and myricetin-3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside potently inhibited both enzyme activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.21 to 10.9 μM. Differently, tryptamine and ferulic acid exhibited a significant inhibition only on the IN strand transfer reaction, showing a selectivity for this viral enzyme. Taken together these results strongly support the potential of this plant as a valuable anti HIV-1 drugs source worthy of further investigations.

Electrophilic attack to a double bond, the classic trigger of intramolecular isoprenoid cyclizations, is apparently silent in Cannabis and the diversity of the cannabinome can be ultimately traced to the oxidative cyclization of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA, 1a), a process triggered by the generation of an aromatic electrophilic species. To expand the chemical space of the cannabinoid chemotype, we have investigated an oxidative trigger based on the addition of iodine to the terminal isoprenyl double bond of cannabigerol (CBG, 1b), the decarboxylated and thermally stable version of CBGA (1a). Apart from the predictable product of an iodine-induced cascade cyclization (3), also a pair of unprecedented spiranes named spirocannabigerols (4a,b), derived from the formation of an edge-protonated cyclopropyl cation was also formed, along with a product (5) resulting from the incorporation, in a Friedel-Craft fashion, of the reaction solvent (toluene). Biological evaluation of these compounds on six thermo-transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) showed a remodeling of bioactivity compared to GBC, with emphasis on TRPA1 rather than TRPM8.

Currently, many attempts have been made worldwide to isolate compounds from plants that could prevent transmission of HIV and offer new treatments. In this study, the methanolic extract of Onopordum illyricum aerial parts was evaluated for the inhibition of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) ribonuclease H (RNase H), an attractive target for the identification of new antiretroviral inhibitors. Using an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated RNase H inhibition assay, the bio-guided fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of seven compounds (luteolin, apigenin, hispidulin, arctiin, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and two germacranes, 8α-(5-hydroxy)-angeloylsalonitenolide and onopordopicrin). Among them, luteolin was the most effective on RNase H RT-associated function (IC50 of 12.8 μM), followed by 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and apigenin with IC50 values of 16.9 and 59.6 μM, respectively. Pure compounds were then assayed for their effects also on HIV-1 integrase (IN). 1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, arctiin, onopordopicrin, and luteolin exhibited the most potent inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 0.50 to 22.5 μM. 1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid was also able to inhibit the early stages of HIV-1 replication in cell-based assays.

Doxorubicin is a highly active antineoplastic agent, but its clinical use is limited because of its cardiotoxicity. Although nutraceuticals endowed with anti-inflammatory properties exert cardioprotective activity, their bioavailability and stability are inconsistent. In an attempt to address this issue, we evaluated whether bioavailable nanoemulsions loaded with nutraceuticals (curcumin and fresh and dry tomato extracts rich in lycopene) protect cardiomyoblasts (H9C2 cells) from doxorubicin-induced toxicity. Nanoemulsions were produced with a high-pressure homogenizer. H9C2 cells were incubated with nanoemulsions loaded with different nutraceuticals alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Cell viability was evaluated with a modified MTT method. The levels of the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxy-2-butanone (4-HNA), and of the cardiotoxic-related interleukins IL-6, IL-8, IL-1&beta, and IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-&alpha, ), and nitric oxide were analyzed in cardiomyoblasts. The hydrodynamic size of nanoemulsions was around 100 nm. Cell viability enhancement was 35&ndash, 40% higher in cardiomyoblasts treated with nanoemulsion + doxorubicin than in cardiomyoblasts treated with doxorubicin alone. Nanoemulsions also protected against oxidative stress as witnessed by a reduction of MDA and 4-HNA. Notably, nanoemulsions inhibited the release of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1&beta, TNF-&alpha, and nitric oxide by around 35&ndash, 40% and increased IL-10 production by 25&ndash, 27% versus cells not treated with emulsions. Of the nutraceuticals evaluated, lycopene-rich nanoemulsions had the best cardioprotective profile. In conclusion, nanoemulsions loaded with the nutraceuticals described herein protect against cardiotoxicity, by reducing inflammation and lipid oxidative stress. These results set the stage for studies in preclinical models.

Three Ballota species, Ballota undulata, Ballota saxatilis and Ballota nigra ssp. foetida, were investigated for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cells, hepatoma HepG2 cell line and breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, and for their antioxidant activity. The chemical composition of essential oils was studied by GC and GC–MS. Sesquiterpenes were the main constituents. The most antiproliferative essential oil against HepG2 cells was B. undulata with a percentage of inhibition of 81.36 ± 3.54 at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, while against MCF-7 cells essential oil from B. saxatilis was the most active with a percentage of inhibition of 24.18 ± 1.13 at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH test for all the oils. B. undulata showed the highest antiradical effect, with IC50 value of 529.7 ± 37.4 μg/mL.

Onopordum illyricum L. is a medicinal plant used in the Mediterranean area as antipyretic for the treatment of respiratory and urinary inflammations and to treat skin ulcers. Repeated chromatographic purification of O. illyricum aerial parts led to the isolation of six known sesquiterpenes, which were evaluated for the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3 and for the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2, which regulates the cellular antioxidant response. Structure–activity relationships were interpreted by the NMR-based cysteamine assay. The sesquiterpene lactone vernomelitensin significantly inhibited NF-κB and STAT3, showing also a significant Nrf2 activation. Accordingly, the cysteamine assay selected vernomelitensin as the most reactive of the isolated sesquiterpenes, identifying the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde moiety as responsible for the higher (re)activity.

Mallow (Malva sylvestris L.) grows wild in many countries, and the amount of drug required as functional food or even pharmafood, due to its both medicinal and industrial importance, is produced almost entirely from wild harvest. We studied the effect of environment on crop yield, biological activity and chemical composition of the essential oils of different mallow samples, that were cultivated at sixteen experimental sites in South-central Italy (Molise) in different growing environments. GC–MS analysis of the essential oils revealed the presence of phenolics and fatty acids that were the main compounds in all the samples but their percentages in each plant were greatly different. Antioxidant activities of the essential oils were evaluated by DPPH radical-scavenging activity and FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity was determined by using the broth dilution method. Samples were also evaluated for their anti-inflammatory properties verifying their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. All essential oils inhibited NO production in cell supernatants in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, antiproliferative activity was assessed on three human cancer cell lines: breast cancer cells MCF-7 and SKBr3, and melanoma cells C32. Our study demonstrates that the crop performance was greatly influenced by the pedo-climatic conditions, and particularly fertility of the environment and the crop management (water supply) that increased also mallow crop yield. The results of this study provide new knowledge to produce adequate quality of mallow oil.

The hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Nepeta cilicica Boiss. ex Benth., collected in Lebanon in the Horsh Ehden reserve, yielded 0.13% (w/w) of essential oil. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectroscopy analysis enabled the identification of 75 compounds representing 96.8% of the total oil. The most abundant compounds were spathulenol (15.1%), hexadecanoic acid (14%), δ-cadinene (5.5%) and α-copaene (4.5%). On the whole, the oil was constituted mainly by sesquiterpenes (45.9%), among which sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (27.6%) slightly prevailed over oxygenated sesquiterpenes (18.3%).

Salvia officinalis L. can be found worldwide and its leaves are commonly used as ingredient in food industry. Sage essential oil is applied in the treatment of a range of diseases and has been shown to possess different biological activities. The objectives of our research were to study the effects of environment on crop, chemical composition and anticancer activity on S. officinalis essential oil. Sage was cultivated at eighteen experimental sites in south-central Italy (Molise) in different growing environments. The essential oils (S1-S18), extracted by hydrodistillation, were analyzed by GC and CG/MS. Results show that the main components were α-thujone, camphor, borneol, γ-muurolene and sclareol for all the samples, but the percentages of these compounds varied depending on environmental factors such as altitude, water availability and pedo-climatic conditions. The growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of the eighteen sage essential oils were evaluated in three human melanoma cell lines, A375, M14, and A2058.

The essential oils from Origanum dictamnus, Origanum libanoticum and Origanum microphyllum were analysed by GC-MS, finding carvacrol, p-cymene, linalool, γ-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol as major components. The antioxidant activity by the DPPH and FRAP tests and the antiproliferative activity against two human cancer cell lines, LoVo and HepG2, were investigated, showing that the essential oil of O. dictamnus was statistically the most inhibitory on both the cell lines, while all the oils exerted a weak antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the samples were tested against 10 Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria; all the oils were active on Gram-positive bacteria but O. dictamnus essential oil was the most effective (MIC = 25–50 μg/mL), showing also a good activity against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli (MIC = 50 μg/mL). Data suggest that these essential oils and particularly O. dictamnus oil could be used as valuable new flavours with functional properties for food or nutraceutical products.

TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) channels and CB (cannabinoid) receptors are deputed to the regulation of sensory, homeostatic, and inflammatory events in human organism. Therefore, their modulation promises to have relevant applications in important therapeutic areas as inflammation, pain, and cancer. This review summarizes the contribution of marine research in this relatively young field, highlighting the potential of the chemodiversity carried by marine natural products in the discovery of new ligands.

Objective To investigate if TVT-Abbrevo has similar outcomes in normal weight and overweight patients. Study design Retrospective evaluation of 205 (105 normal weight women and 100 overweight women with BMI≥25kg/m 2 ) undergone TVT-Abbrevo positioning with 12 month follow-up. Primary outcomes were objective cure rate (defined as no leakage during CST) and subjective cure rate ("very much improved"/"much improved" at PGI-I), secondary outcomes were intra-operative and post-operative complications. Results Objective cure rates in the normal and overweight groups were 96.2% and 94%, respectively ( p =.47). Subjective cure rates in the normal and overweight groups were 90.5% and 88%, respectively ( p =.57). ICIQ-SF, I-QoL and PGI-S scores significantly improved in both groups with no differences between the two groups. No serious intra- or post-operative complications were observed. No differences were observed in pain VAS scores and number of analgesic vials administered. Conclusions TVT-Abbrevo seems to have similar efficacy and safety in normal weight and overweight women. More studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this device in frankly obese women and long-term outcomes.

In the Lebanese folk medicine, Salvia species are used by many people in various villages and towns for the therapeutic value of their essential oils and water extracts. In this paper we report on the chemical composition and the potential anticancer effect of essential oils from three Salvia species well known in Lebanon as component in several multiherb products used for the treatment of cancer and other diseases: Salvia aurea L., Salvia judaica Boiss. and Salvia viscosa Jacq. The three essential oils, studied by GC and GC–MS, were all rich in sesquiterpenes, particularly oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with caryophyllene oxide as main compound for all three oils. The essential oils biological activity was evaluated in human melanoma cells testing cell vitality, cell membrane integrity, genomic DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. All the oils were able to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells examined inducing apoptotic cell death, thus providing an in vitro scientific support for the use of these plants in traditional herbal preparations.

The essential oil of different parts of Ferulago campestris (Bess.) collected in Sicily has been extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and by classic hydrodistillation (HD). A comparative qualitative-quantitative study on the composition of the oils was carried out. A total of 100 compounds were identified in the oils obtained by MAHD, whereas 88 compounds characterized the HD oils. The most prominent components were, in all different parts of F. campestris and in both extraction methods, 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde isomers; the latter was not previously found. The attempt to evaluate where the oil components are located in all parts of the plant was carried out by means of a kinetic study. Then, electron microscopy observation on the different parts before and after MAHD and HD was performed.

Teucrium divaricatum Sieb. ssp. villosum (Celak.) Rech. fil. is a medicinal plant used in Lebanon. The hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of T. divaricatum yielded 0.27% (wt/wt) of essential oil; gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis enabled the identification of 60 compounds representing 94.5% of the total oil. On the whole, the oil was constituted mainly by sesquiterpenes (64.6%), particularly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (50.0%). The most abundant compounds were (E)-caryophyllene (30.1%) and caryophyllene oxide (6.1%). The in vitro activity of the essential oil against some microorganisms in comparison with gentamicin by the broth dilution method was determined. The oil exhibited a good activity as an inhibitor of growth of Gram-positive bacteria.

To reduce complications of transobturator tension-free vaginal tape, single-incision devices were introduced in the last years. We here report a comparison between the tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) and the TVT-Secur techniques in terms of efficacy and safety.Eighty-four patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were scheduled to undergo TVT-O or TVT-Secur. Duration of the procedure, subjective estimate of blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative postvoidal residue (PVR), time to first voiding, and pain level were recorded. Urodynamic tests, PVR, Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), King's Health Questionnaire, and a urinary diary were performed before and 12 months after procedure.No differences in terms of cure rate were observed between the two groups (81.6% vs. 83.8%). Complication rate in the TVT-Secur group was lower (8.1%) than in the TVT-O group (15.8%), but not significant.Both techniques seem to be effective and safe, with a low incidence of complications in both groups.

The essential oil of the stems and fruits of Caralluma europaea (Guss.) N.E.Br. (Apocynaceae) from Lampedusa Island has been obtained by hydrodistillation and its composition analyzed. The analyses allowed the identification and quantification of 74 volatile compounds, of which 16 were aromatic and 58 non-aromatic. Stems and fruits contained 1.4% and 2.7% of aromatic compounds respectively, while non-aromatic were 88.3% and 88.8%. Non-aromatic hydrocarbons were the most abundant compounds in both organs, followed by fatty acids. Data showed differences in the profiles between stems and fruits which shared only eighteen compounds; stems accounted for 38 compounds while fruits for 53. Fruits showed a higher diversity especially in aromatic compounds with twelve versus four in stems. Among the volatiles identified in stems and fruits of C. europaea 26 are present in other taxa of Apocynaceae, 52 are semiochemicals for many insects, and 21 have antimicrobial activity. The possible ecological role of the volatiles found is briefly discussed.