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Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which greatly reduce the quality of life of people. In addition to non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs used in treatment, molecules isolated from natural sources are also considered as new options in the treatment of these inflammatory diseases. In this review, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies on standardized rosehip (Rosa canina L.) fruits without seed used for joint health due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant effects and active compounds isolated from these fruits are presented. It is reported that the anti-inflammatory action mechanism of standardized rosehip powder is due to its antioxidant activity, inhibiting NF-B signaling and pro-inflammatory enzymes, decreasing inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, and lowering C reactive protein levels. The galactolipid (2S)-1,2-di-O-[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15- trienoyl]-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranosyl glycerol (GOPO), isolated from rosehip seeds and fruits, has been found to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, clinically reducing the complaints of patients with osteoarthritis and improving their quality of life. Additionally, triterpene acid mixture (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and betulinic acid), also isolated from rosehip, has been reported to reduce the production of interleukin-6 and Tumor necrosis factor-α. Studies on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of rosehip and its active ingredients and their effects on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have shown that more detailed clinical studies are required on standardized rosehip powders and preparations enriched in active compounds.

Amaç: Diyabet ve obezite günümüzün en yaygın sağlık problemleri arasında yer almaktadır. Bu problemlerin tedavisi için yeni ilaç kaynaklarına ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Toplumda geleneksel olarak kullanımı ile bilinen Hypericum scabrum bitkisi bu araştırmanın konusu olmuştur. Araştırma kapsamında H. scabrum bitkisinin toprak üstü kısımlarından hazırlanan etanol (%80) ekstresinin, antioksidan, antidiyabetik, anti-obezite, antikolesterol aktiviteleri ile fitokimyasal içeriğinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: H. scabrum bitkisinin toprak üstü kısımlarından hazırlanan etanol (%80) ekstresinin toplam fenol, toplam flavonoit miktar tayini yapılmış ve fitokimyasal içerik değerlendirilmiştir. Aynı zamanda ekstre içeriğinde bulunan fenolik ve flavonoit bileşenler ters faz YBSK ile araştırılarak miktar tayini gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ekstrenin antioksidan etkisi DPPH radikal süpürücü etki, metal bağlama kapasite, demir indirgeme gücü, ABTS radikal süpürücü etki, toplam antioksidan kapasite testleriyle değerlendirilmiştir. Ekstrenin antidiyabetik etkisinin araştırılmasında a-glukozidaz ve a-amilaz enzim inhibitör aktiviteleri incelenmiştir. Anti-obezite, lipit metobolizma üzerinde etkilerinin araştırılmasında sırasıyla pankreatik lipaz ve kolesterol esteraz enzim inhibitör aktiviteleri incelenmiştir. Sonuç ve Tartışma: Ekstre 2 mg/ml konsantasyonda %90.16 ± 0.13 DPPH radikal süpürücü etki ve %97.53 ± 0.22 ABTS radikal süpürücü etki göstermiştir. Ekstre 2 mg/ml konsantrasyonda a-glukozidaz enzimi üzerinde %98.80 ± 0.51 inhibitör etki göstermiş olup, bu değer standart madde olarak kullanılan akarboza (%99.13 ± 0.11) yakın bulunmuştur. Ekstre 2 mg/ml konsantrasyonda kolesterol esteraz enzimi üzerinde %68.63 ± 1.05 inhibitör etki göstermiştir. Ters faz YBSK analiz sonucuna göre ekstrenin 1.047 ± 0.000 g/100 g ekstre klorojenik asit içerdiği bulunmuştur. Bu bulgulara göre ekstrenin antidiyabetik etkili doğal bir kaynak olabileceği ve bu etkinin incelenmesi için daha ileri çalışmalara ihtiyaç duyulduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.

Salvia officinalis L., known as medicinal sage, and Salvia triloba L., known as Anatolian sage, belong to the Lamiaceae family and are species that usually grow in the Mediterranean region. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic, antiobesity and antioxidant potentials of the extracts prepared by infusion technique from S. officinalis and S. triloba grown by organic farming methods. In addition, the effects of the extracts on the pancreatic cholesterol esterase enzyme were also investigated. Reverse Phase-HPLC technique was used to analyze the phytochemical contents of the extracts. At a concentration of 2 mg/mL, S. officinalis inhibited 64.69% ± 0.23, S. triloba 47.78 ± 2.11% on the α-glucosidase enzyme. Only S. triloba had an inhibitory effect on α-amylase and pancreatic lipase enzyme. On the pancreatic cholesterol esterase enzyme, inhibition values of S. triloba extract at all tested concentrations were found to be higher than S. officinalis extract. When the antioxidant potentials of the extracts were evaluated, the reducing power absorbance values were found to be the highest of the S. officinalis extract. The metal chelating capacity of both extracts at a concentration of 2 mg/mL was calculated as 100%. It was concluded that the ABTS radical scavenging activity of the extracts increased in a dose-dependent manner. With the Reverse Phase-YPSK technique, rosmarinic acid and hesperidin were found to be higher in S. officinalis extract. The presence of hesperidin in S. triloba was detected for the first time in this study. Considering all these findings, it was concluded that activity-guided isolation and in vivo activity studies should be performed because these two species grown by organic farming method have strong α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant effects.

Amaç: Kişniş (Coriandrum sativum L.) meyveleri gıda olarak ve tıbbi amaçlarla kullanılmaktadır. Piyasada satılan ve tıbbi amaçlarla kullanılan kişniş meyvelerinin kalite kriterleri hakkında bir bilgi mevcut değildir. Bu sebeple, özellikle karminatif, antispazmotik ve iştah arttırıcı özellikleri sebebiyle sıklıkla kullanılan ve 12 farklı aktardan satın alınan kişniş örneklerinin kalite kontrolleri Avrupa Farmakopesi 8.0 standartlarına göre araştırılmıştır.Yöntem: Kişniş numunelerinin standartlara uygunluğunu belirlemek için Avrupa Farmakopesi 8.0’da yer alan “Coriandri fructus’’ monografı kullanılmıştır. Örnekler, monografta belirlenen tüm analizler (morfolojik, mikroskobik, ince tabaka kromatografisi, yabancı madde, total kül, kurutmada kayıp ve uçucu yağ miktar tayini analizleri) için değerlendirilmiştir.Bulgular: Bütün numunelerin morfolojik, mikroskobik, kurutmada kayıp, ince tabaka kromatografisi ve total kül miktarı analiz sonuçlarının Farmakopeye uygunluk gösterdiği, bir kısım numunenin yabancı madde ve uçucu yağ miktar tayini sonuçlarının Farmakope standartlarına uygunluk göstermediği tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç: Analiz sonuçlarına göre incelenen 12 numunenin Avrupa Farmakopesi 8.0 standartlarına uygun olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma ile bu tip bitkisel ürünlerin tıbbi amaçlarla ve fitoterapide kullanılmasının halk sağlığı açısından uygun olmadığı ve bu ürünlerin kalite kontrol analizleri yapıldıktan sonra eczanelerde satılmasının önemi bir kez daha ortaya çıkmıştır.

Objectives In Turkey, the genus Moltkia Lehm. is represented by two species, namely Moltkia aurea Boiss. and M. coerulea (Willd.) Lehm., which are used as both food and for medicinal purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential and phytochemical profiles of leaf, flower, and root extracts of Moltkia species. Materials and methods α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities, antioxidant effects, and total phenol and flavonoid contents of Moltkia extracts were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography was performed for identifying and quantifying phenolic compounds, which are responsible for various activities of these extracts. Results Among the investigated phenolic compounds, caffeic and rosmarinic acids and rutin were determined and quantified in methanol extracts. Rutin was the major compound in the flower extract of M. aurea. Rutin and rosmarinic acid were the major compounds in the leaf extract of M. aurea. The flowers, leaves and roots of M. coerulea were also rich in rosmarinic acid. The antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of these extracts may be attributable to their rutin and rosmarinic acid content. Conclusion Moltkia species can be used as natural sources of antioxidants. Notably, M. aurea extracts can be used for the development of herbal products with antidiabetic potential.

OBJECTIVES: Safflower oils, which are sold commercially, are in demand with food, cosmetics, and health-promoting claims. In this study, safflower oil samples belonging to 11 different brands were evaluated in terms of European Pharmacopoeia Criteria 7.0. Additionally, in vitro weight control potential of all samples was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples to be analyzed were purchased from pharmacies, herbal, online, and cosmetics stores. Acid and peroxide values of 11 safflower samples and analysis of their fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out according to the “Carthami oleum raffinatum” monograph registered in the European Pharmacopeia 7.0. To test the effects of all samples on weight control, their inhibitory effects on carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: Out of 11 oil samples, only two of them had acid and peroxide values below the reference value. According to GC analysis, safflower oil samples are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid) (67.10-99.53%) of total fatty acids in its content are oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Saturated fatty acids were 0.58 to 12.18% of the total fatty acid methyl esters in oils. When evaluated in terms of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes that hydrolyze carbohydrates, the results showed that safflower oil samples had no inhibitory activity on these enzymes. CONCLUSION: It has been determined in this report that many safflower oil samples on the market do not meet the quality criteria recommended in European Pharmacopoeia 7.0. It was observed that safflower oil did not show any inhibitory effect on these two enzymes, which is considered a rational approach for weight control.

Krill yağı, okyanuslarda yaşayan “Euphausia superba” isimli deniz canlısından elde edilen bir maddedir. Krill yağında yüksek oranda Omega 3 yağ asitleri bulunur ve bu yağ asitleri fosfolipitler şeklindedir. Ayrıca, astaksantin, A vitamini ve E vitamini içeren bir besin takviyesidir. Astaksantin kuvvetli antioksidan özelliğe sahip bir maddedir. Omega 3 yağ asit takviyelerinin; zihinsel gelişimde, hiperlipidemide, premenstrual sendromlarda, enflamatuvar ve kardiyolojik hastalıklarda önemli olduğu bilinmektedir. Son yıllarda Krill yağı balık yağından daha fazla önem kazanmıştır. Ayrıca, okyanuslarda yüzeyde yaşadıkları için toksin ve çevresel kirlilik içerme riski de daha azdır. Çalışmalarda genellikle terapötik etki için günlük doz 1-3 g olarak belirlenmiştir. Takviye edici olarak kullanıldığında ise 500 mg dozda alınması önerilmektedir. Hamilelerde de kullanımı güvenlidir. Dokosaheksanoik asit ve Eikosapentaenoik asit içeriğinin yüksek olması Krill yağının önem kazanmasına sebep olmuştur. Ayrıca bu yağın emiliminin fazla olmasından dolayı araştırmacıların yeni odak noktası Krill yağı olmuştur. Bu makalede, Krill yağının içeriği, biyoyararlanımı, in vivo ve klinik aktivite çalışmaları, yan etkileri ile ilgili yayınlanmış olan bilimsel çalışmalar derlenmiştir.

Since the leaves of some

Juniperus species growing in Turkey are used for various medicinal purposes in traditional folk medicine. We aimed to evaluate in-vitro antidiabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays), antiobesity (pancreatic lipase inhibition assay), and antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing activity, metal chelating activity, and phosphomolybdenum assay) activities of the extracts obtained from branches, leaves, and fruits of Juniperus macrocarpa and Juniperus excelsa. The branch (IC50 = 67.1 ± 1.7 µg/mL) and leaf ethyl acetate extracts (IC50 = 83.4 ± 0.8 µg/mL) of J. macrocarpa exhibited the strongest activity on the α-glucosidase enzyme. Besides that, J. excelsa leaf methanol extract exerted remarkable α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 950.1 ± 3.5 µg/mL). Only J. macrocarpa branch and J. excelsa leaf ethyl acetate extract slightly inhibited pancreatic lipase enzyme with 2963.3 ± 736.4 and 2343 ± 557.8 µg/mL IC50 values, respectively. The RP-HPLC-DAD analysis results demonstrated that the more active J. macrocarpa extracts are richer in agathisflavone, amentoflavone, and umbelliferone than J. excelsa extracts. With this study, it is concluded that J. macrocarpa branch and leaf ethyl acetate extracts may be a new source of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity and agathisflavone, amentoflavone can be used in the standardization of the extracts.

In this study, the antidiabetic, antiobesity, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic effects potential of

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, herbal products have been used by patients for many purposes. In this study, the frequency of use of herbal products during the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. This research is a cross-sectional study. Patients who admitted to an academic hospital (Gazi University Faculty of Medicine) Chest Diseases Clinic between November 2020-January 2021 were included in the study. It was concluded that approximately 32% of the patients used herbal products during the pandemic period and that the purpose of most of the participants was to strengthen the immune system. It was observed that the participants first consulted the spice sellers about the medicinal plants used against COVID-19. As a result, it has been determined that patients from many segments of society use herbal products against COVID-19 and they generally learn about the use of these products from nonmedical sources. In this work, as it is always emphasized in terms of human health, the importance of being the first address where physicians and pharmacists should provide consultancy services on herbal products during the COVID19 pandemic has been demonstrated once again.

Probiotics are useful microorganisms that can colonize the host and have a positive effect on the health of the host. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, Bacillus, and Escherichia coli are probiotic microorganisms with known health benefits. Compounds such as amino acids, vitamins, bacteriocins, enzymes, immunomodulatory compounds, and short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotics help one to digest foods and inhibit pathogenic bacteria, thereby preserving the natural microflora in the intestines. Bacteriocins, one of these compounds, are primary or modified extracellular active proteins that are ribosomally synthesized by microorganisms, having bactericidal properties in a partially narrow spectrum. Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are considered as natural preservatives or biopreservatives. Unlike conventional antibiotics, they can be degraded by proteases in the gastrointestinal tract. In this chapter, bacteriocins produced by probiotic Lactobacilli and other probiotic microorganisms, their structural properties and their effects will be discussed.

Juniperus drupacea Labill. is used for medicinal purposes and to obtain a traditional food product "pekmez" for centuries. We aimed to evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the extracts prepared from J. drupacea fruits, leaves and branches. Therefore, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effects and antioxidant activities of the water, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were evaluated. Additionally, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extracts were investigated. Standardization of the methanol extracts on amentoflavone and umbelliferone was performed using a RP-HPLC-DAD method. All extracts showed excellent and dose dependent inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase enzyme. Moreover, fruit methanol extract (99.92 +/- 0.30%) and leaf methanol extract (99.44 +/- 1.78%) were more effective than reference drug Acarbose (98.88 +/- 0.07%) at 1 mg/ml concentration. On the other hand, the extracts rich in flavonoids and phenolics showed remarkable antioxidant activity. Results of HPLC analysis revealed that amentoflavone was detected in serious amount especially in the leaves as 0.148 +/- 0.001 g/100 g dry weight. Umbelliferone was determined in minor amount in both leaves and branches.

In today’s world, the interest in traditional fermented foods and beverages is on the rise, especially after the recognition of health benefits of probiotics in recent years. Traditional fermented foods are consumed as healthy foods all over the world because of their biological activities, including anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic activities. One such fermented food is kefir, which is a fermented beverage obtained from the milk of cow, sheep, and goat. Kefir is a complex mixture containing many useful bacteria and yeasts, proteins, sugars, fats, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. In this chapter, the scientific data published about the history, production, health benefits, nutritional values, and microbiological and chemical properties of kefir will be discussed.

Several studies in the last 10 years have indicated that disruption of the gut microbiota can be a cause of the occurrence of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. For this reason, the consumption of probiotic and prebiotic foods and beverages to regulate the intestinal flora has become extremely popular. Kvass is one of the traditional fermented beverages that is native to Russia and is made from rye bread, blackraspberry, mint, sea-buckthorn, and several vegetables such as beetroot. Kvass as a probiotic source is one of the beverages that should be consumed in order to survive a healthy life due to its rich nutritional (copper, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron, fluorine, and B vitamins) and probiotic content. To date, although there is very little study on the biological activity of kvass, it is reported that kvass is effective in digestive system disorders and reduces cancer risk. In this chapter, the scientific data published about history, production, health benefits, nutritional value, microbiological, and chemical properties of kvass will be discussed.

The present study was designed to assess the phytochemical content of Ferulago angulata (FA) and possible in vivo nephroprotective effect of FA administration on trace elements, minerals, MDA and GSH in kidney and liver tissue samples, serum vitamin (alpha-tocopherol, retinol, cholecalciferol, phylloquinone), TSA, and LSA in a rat model of DMN-induced nephrotoxicity. In the study, Wistar albino rats were assigned to six groups: Control (0.9% NaCl), (DMN 10 mg/kg), (FA 150 mg/kg), (DMN + FA 150 mg/kg), (FA 300 mg/kg), and (DMN + FA 300 mg/kg). Rats were intraperitoneally given DMN for the first 7 days. Renal injury caused by DMN was proved by the histopathological alterations. The FA (300 mg/kg) treatment significantly normalized Se, Cr, Ca levels in liver and Co level in kidney tissue samples. These observed positive effects are due to the phytochemical content of the plant. The flower extract of FA (300 mg/kg) can be used for the prevention of kidney damage. Practical applications Ferulago angulata flowers are used in traditional medicine for treat kidney and liver digestive system diseases. This species is endemic taxa of the family Apiaceae, which has been used both as food and therapeutics because of their phytochemical composition. In this study, the phenolic characterization of FA flower was used to a new RP-HPLC method, as well as the biological activity of FA flower and possible in vivo nephroprotective effect of FA flowers on trace elements, minerals, MDA and GSH in kidney and liver tissue samples and vitamins, TSA, and LSA in serum samples a rat model of DMN-induced nephrotoxicity. It was found that high level of phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid) present in the flower extract of F. angulata has positive effects and antioxidant properties. Due to its phenolic content, FA flower extract could protect for kidney damage and can be used as antioxidants in the food additive and pharmaceutical industry.

In-vivo antidiabetic activity of Cydonia oblonga Mill. (quince) leaves, Helianthus tuberosus L.(Jerusalem artichoke) tubers, and Allium porrum L. (leek) bulb and leaves was determined in our previous studies. These plants are tradi-tionally used to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. Therefore, inhibitory activities of quince leaves, Jerusalem artichoke tubers, leek bulbs and leaves on carbohydrate digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) were investigated to enlighten the mechanism of action. On the other hand, their antioxidant activities, total phenol and flavonoid contents were investigated. The highest ABTS radical scavenging, total antioxidant activity and reducing power were found in C. oblonga leaf ethanol extract. Nevertheless, tested plant extracts did not inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase significantly. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were found in the range of 7.91-163.33 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 27.26-29.60 mg quercetin/g, respectively. Consequently, it is clearly seen that the mechanism of action of these three plants was not determined to be related to the inhibition of α- amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes

In this report, the botanical properties and chemical contents of the genus Achillea belonging to the Asteraceae family, which are very common in the world, are given. The plant is extremely rich in terms of sesquiterpen lactone and volatile oil content. Despite the fact that many activity studies (antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiprotozoal, antiulcer, insecticidal, wound healing, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, anxiolitic, anticancer, antispasmodic, hepatoprotective, estrogenic, cytotoxic, and choleretic) have been conducted on the genus Achillea, in particular in this chapter, detailed informations about antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity studies of this species have been presented. In the light of literature data, it can be said that the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity studies on the genus Achillea are very limited. Therefore, more detailed experiments should be designed on promising species (Achillea biebersteinii, Achillea millefolium, and Achillea santolina).

Lamiaceae is one of the most widespread families in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine antialzheimer, antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiobesity activities of ethanol extracts of Larnium purpureurm var. purpureum, Origanum onites, Salvia sclarea, S. virgata and Thymus zygioides var. hicaonius. Acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities were tested for the determination of the activity of these extracts. Furthermore, total antioxidant, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, metal-chelating and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine radical scavenging assays were utilized to screen antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content of the extracts were also calculated. Among the tested extracts, T. zygioides var. lycaonius aerial part extract (85.28 +/- 0.89 %) showed the highest inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase. The inhibitory activities of all extracts against alpha-amylase were lower than 50 %. S. sclarea leaf extract indicated remarkable butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (51.76 +/- 1.04 %), but all of the plant extracts were inactive against acetylcholinesterase. The Salvia species showed the highest total antioxidant activity. S. sclarea flower (1.34 +/- 0.08) and leaf (1.34 +/- 0.08) extracts showed the highest ferric-reducing antioxidant power activities. Our findings indicated that O. onites, S. sclarea, S. virgata, and T. zygioides var. lycaotrius extracts showed valuable inhibitory activity and emerged as the sources of possible alpha-glucosidase inhibitors for future studies.

Fruit and leaves of junipers are commonly used internally as tea and pounded fruits are eaten to lower blood glucose levels in Anatolia. Thus, we aimed to evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant potential and the chemical profile of Juniperus foetidissima Willd. and J. sabina L. in this study. In-vitro antidiabetic activities of leaf and fruit extracts were examined by their inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. Then, in-vivo antidiabetic activities of leaf and fruit extracts of Juniperus species were investigated on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, antioxidant activities (phosphomolybdenum, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays), phytochemical screening tests and high performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) were done. In-vitro enzyme inhibitory effects of the extracts were supported by the results of in-vivo antidiabetic activity studies. Phytochemical screening tests indicated presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and carbohydrates in the extracts. Amentoflavone was identified as the major compound in the extracts and content of amentoflavone was determined. As a result, Juniperus extracts and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

In-vivo antidiabetic activity of Cydonia oblonga Mill. (quince) leaves, Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke) tubers, and Allium porrum L. (leek) bulb and leaves was determined in our previous studies. These plants are traditionally used to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. Therefore, inhibitory activities of quince leaves, Jerusalem artichoke tubers, leek bulbs and leaves on carbohydrate digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) were investigated to enlighten the mechanism of action. On the other hand, their antioxidant activities, total phenol and flavonoid contents were investigated. The highest ABTS radical scavenging, total antioxidant activity and reducing power were found in C. oblonga leaf ethanol extract. Nevertheless, tested plant extracts did not inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase significantly. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were found in the range of 7.91-163.33 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 27.26-29.60 mg quercetin/g, respectively. Consequently, it is clearly seen that the mechanism of action of these three plants was not determined to be related to the inhibition of αamylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.

In this study, the hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extracts of Fumaria vaillantii Lois. was investigated against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. F. vaillantii (500 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in the plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and tissue malondialdehyde levels, and a significant increase in the reduced glutathione and catalase levels, compared with the CCl4 group. These findings were approved by histopathological observations. Additionally, a significant decrease was found in liver Cu levels (18.5%) of the extract-treated group (500 mg/kg), while an increase in liver Zn (16.2%) levels was observed compared with the CCl4 group. These changes in liver Zn and Cu levels caused by F. vaillantii extract may contribute to its positive effects on liver toxicity. Phenolic acids and flavonoids in the extract were examined and the extract was standardized by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection on the basis of rutin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids as markers. Practical Applications Fumaria species have been used both as food and traditional medicine. In some Mediterranean countries, the leaves of the plant are cooked or eaten as salad. In Turkey, they are also being drunk as herbal tea, eaten as salad and roasted. The results suggested that F. vaillantii ethanol extract standardized by rutin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids had a significant protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, F. vaillantii can be consumed safely and because of its beneficial effect on liver toxicity, its standardized ethanol extract can be used in the preparation of herbal medicines or food supplements in pharmaceutical and food industry.

Research on longevity is important to both prolong lifespan and support healthy aging. Natural products are widely being utilized and used as new resources for drug molecules. Caenorhabditis elegans is an advantageous organism for longevity research and age-related diseases. In this study, we tested a number of plant extracts for their effects on C. elegans longevity. In lifespan assays, age-synchronized wild-type C. elegans specimens were treated with different concentrations of plant extracts. Plant extracts were prepared as either infusions or decoctions, similar to their traditional utilization. Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae) extended lifespan in worms in a concentration-dependent manner. the mean survival rates in the H. helix-treated groups were significantly higher, by 23.7% when applied at 1000 mu g/mL, 16% when applied at 500 mu g/mL, and 16% when applied at 250 mu g/mL, compared to the control group. HPLC analysis identified chlorogenic acid as the major component of H. helix. Salvia verticillata L. (Lamiaceae) and Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) treatments resulted in median lifespan extension. Maximum lifespan was extended in worms by Rubus sanctus Schreb. (Rosaceae) treatment. This study provided the first evidence demonstrating the possible lifespan-extending effects of a group of Turkish medicinal plants in an in vivo model, C. elegans.

The present study was designed to examine in-vitro antidiabetic activities of different extracts of flowers, leaves and roots of Inula helenium ssp. turcoracemosa, L montbretiana, I. peacockiana, I thapsoides ssp. thapsoides and I. viscosa extracts. I. viscosa and I. montbretiana flower, I. thapsoides and I. viscosa leaf and I. helenium root methanol extracts exhibited remarkable alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Additionally, alpha-amylase inhibitory activities of the extracts were moderate at only 3000 mu g/mL. Based on the results of in-vitro antidiabetic activity tests; antioxidant activities, total phenol and flavonoid contents of the most promising extracts were evaluated. To identify compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity, major compounds of Inula species were analyzed for their in-vitro enzyme inhibitory activity. Quercetin, luteolin and rutin exhibited a significant inhibition on alpha-glucosidase at 10 mM concentrations. Consequently, Inula species could potentially be used by diabetic patients for their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. (C) 2017 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In the current study, the aqueous, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts of 12 samples of Viscum album L. collected on different host plants as well as two isolated compounds [syringin (VA-1) and 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone-4 '-O-[5 '''-O-trans-cinnamoyl-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]-[beta-D-glucopyranoside (VA-2)] were tested against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tryosinase (TYRO) enzymes at 2000 mu g/mL by ELISA microtiter plate assays. Antioxidant activity of the extracts and compounds was evaluated by six in vitro methods [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD), and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays, metal-chelation capacity, ferric-(FRAP), and phosphomolibdenum-reducing antioxidant power (PRAP)]. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocaltaeu's and AlCl3 reagents, respectively. None of the extracts had any marked inhibition against tyrosinase, while they exerted a low inhibition against AChE and BChE at 200 mu g/mL. The aqueous and methanol extracts displayed a strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and DMPD radical quenching tests as well as FRAP and metal-chelation capacity assays. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solanum muricatum is an exotic plant from Solanaceae family that is cultivated in the south of Turkey. However, fruit of the plant is known as pepino melon and introduced in the market for its antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects; there is no sufficient scientific evidence for these activities. Therefore, tlıis study was aimed to evaluate whether pepino fmits lıave lowering effect on blood glucose level or not. Juice of fmits was obtained just before ripening and hypoglycaemic effect of juice was investigated on normoglycaemic and glucose loaded rats at two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg). Additionally acute antidiabetic activity was evaluated on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Tolbutamide was used as a reference drug at 100 mg/kg dose. Moreover, alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase inlıibitory effects of fruit juice were also investigated. Antioxidant activity was examined by using DPPH radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, total phenolic content of fmit juice was determined to enlighten the Chemical profile. Present study demonstrated that pepino juice was found to have a significant antidiabetic activity on diabetic animals at 500 mg/kg dose (27.1%). Pepino fruit should to be consumed by eating the whole fruit and it may be recoımnended to diabetic patients as a beneficial fruit with its low sugar content, lıigh dietary fibers and its lıigh antioxidant properties

Hieracium pannosum Boiss. (Asteraceae) was studied for its antidiabetic and antioxidant activities with the main focus on phenolic compound characterization. The methanol extracts of the flowers, leaves and roots of the plant were examined using in-vitro models for determining the enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities. While alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity of the extracts was not promising, a-amylase inhibitory activity of root extract was moderate at 3 mg/mL concentration. Various antioxidant assay techniques, including total antioxidant, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging, metal chelating activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power were used to present the antioxidant capacity. Root extract having the highest total phenolic content generally showed the highest antioxidant activity. To explain the significant antioxidant potential of the plant, phenolic compounds such as gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic acids, luteolin-7-glucoside, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin and kaempferol were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using RP-HPLC-DAD method. Results showed that while chlorogenic acid was the main component of the leaf and root extracts, the flower extract was found to be rich in luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside, apigenin and chlorogenic acid. The plant could be evaluated as a serious antioxidant source in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries. (C) 2016 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform quality control analysis of the plants sold as senna in the market.Methods: The samples obtained from akhtars were evaluated according to European Pharmacopoeia 7.0 standard. Macroscopic, microscopic, and quantitative microscopy (stomatal index) studies and total ash, loss on drying, ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid, and foreign matter analyses were performed in the samples. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of sennosides in the samples were performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV) spectroscopy methods.Results: According to the results of the analysis, the samples were not found to be suitable as per the officinal drug standards in European Pharmacopoeia 7.0.Conclusion: According to the results of the quality control analysis, senna samples sold by akhtars were observed to be unsafe for the treatment of constipation., Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, piyasada “sinameki” olarak satılan bitkilerin kalite kontrollerinin yapılmasıdır.Yöntemler: Aktarlardan alınan örnekler Avrupa Farmakopesi 7,0 standartlarına göre değerlendirilmiştir. Bu örneklerde makroskobik, mikroskobik ve kantitatif mikroskobi (stoma indisi) çalışmaları, yabancı madde tayini, kurutmada kayıp, bütün kül miktar tayini ve asitte çözünmeyen kül tayini yapılmıştır. Örneklerdeki sennozitlerin kalitatif ve kantitatif analizleri ince tabaka kromatografisi (İTK) ve ultraviyole spektroskobisi (UV) yöntemleri ile yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Tüm analiz sonuçlarına göre, örneklerin Avrupa Farmakopesi 7,0’da yer alan tıbbi drog standartlarına uygun olmadığı bulunmuştur.Sonuç: Kalite kontrol analiz sonuçlarına göre, aktarlarda sinameki olarak satılan örneklerin kabızlık tedavisi için çok güvenilir olmadığı gözlenmiştir.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Galium species have been reported to be used against epilepsy in traditional Turkish folk medicine. Aim of study The present work was undertaken to evaluate the in vivo anticonvulsant and in vitro neuroprotective effects of Galium spurium L. and to determine the major constituents by UPLC–TOF-MS. Materials and methods Anticonvulsant activity of the aerial parts of Galium spurium was investigated using pentylenetetrazole, picrotoxin, and maximal electroshock-induced seizure animal models. In order to evaluate the safety, neurotoxicity (Rota rod test) of the ethanol extract was also determined. In vitro neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Galium spurium was assessed by acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase inhibitions. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (UPLC–TOF-MS) was used to identify the major compounds in the extract. Results In pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, the ethanol extract at doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg prolonged the onset of seizures. Similarly, Galium spurium (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly delayed the onset of picrotoxin-induced seizures in mice and these doses also exhibited 12.5% and 17% protection, respectively, against picrotoxin-induced seizures. Furthermore, Galium spurium extract showed a significant protective effect against maximal electroshock-induced seizures at doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg (50% and 37.5%, respectively) and also all tested doses prolonged the onset of seizures. No motor co-ordination was observed with intraperitoneal injection of Galium spurium extract at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The extract exhibited 16.2% inhibition against butrylcholinesterase at 200 μg/mL concentration, whereas it did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Phytochemical analysis of the extract based on the MS data by UPLC–TOF-MS, ten major compounds (phenolic and triterpenic acids, flavonoids and iridoids) were determined. Conclusions The results indicate that Galium spurium may have anticonvulsant activity against picrotoxin and maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Phenolic acids, flavonoids and iridoids might be responsible for anticonvulsant activity. The results offer possible beneficial effects by the plant's aerial parts and may suggest a realistic explanation for its traditonal usage in epilepsy.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of six plant-derived flavonoids representing two different structural groups were evaluated against standard strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and their drug-resistant isolates, as well as fungi (Candida albicans, C. krusei) using the microdilution broth method. Herpes simplex virus Type-1 and Parainfluenza-3 virus were employed for antiviral assessment of the flavonoids using Madin-Darby bovine kidney and Vero cell lines. Ampicillin, gentamycin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, acyclovir, and oseltamivir were used as the control agents. All tested compounds (32-128 mu g/ml) showed strong antimicrobial and antifungal activities against isolated strains of P aeruginosa, A. baumanni, S. aureus, and C. krusei. Rutin, 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 5,7,3'-trihydroxy-flavanone-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (0.2-0.05 mu g/ml) were active against Pl-3, while 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone-4'-O-[2 ''-O-(5'''-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (0.16-0.2 mu g/ml) inhibited potently HSV-1. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae) leaves, Helianthus tuberostis L (Asteraceae) tubers, and Album porrum L (Liliaceae) bulbs are used as a folk remedy for the treatment of diabetes and they are also consumed as food in Turkey. In the present study, the anticliabenc and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extracts of these plants were studied in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 5 days All extracts were administrated orally to rats at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg Blood glucose level was measured according to glucose oxidase method In order to determine antioxidant activity, thlobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in liver, kidney, and heart tissues were measured by using spectrophotometric methods. Oral administration of Cydonia oblonga (500mg/kg) and Album pornim (500 mg/kg) extracts for 5 days in diabetic rats caused a decrease in blood glucose levels by 33.8% and 18 0%, respectively Moreover, Album porrum and Cydonia oblonga extracts induced significant alleviation on only heart tissue TBARS levels (44 6 and 45 7%), Helianthus tuberosus and Album porrum extracts showed an inhibitory effect on kidney tissue TBARS levels (24 5 and 14.8%) None of the extracts restored GSH levels in kidney, liver, and heart tissues of diabetic rats (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant capacity of the chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions of the aerial parts of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull (Ericaceae) has been assessed in this study. Antioxidant capacity of the plant was screened by assays of 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal-chelating activity and reducing power. Butylated hydroxyanisole was used as reference in all assays; ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid was also used as reference in the assay of metal-chelating activity. Total phenolic contents of the fractions were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. RESULTS: Liquid chromatography/diode array detection/mass spectrometry was used for phytochemical identification of the fractions. Kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside was found to be the major constituent in the ethyl acetate fraction (37.1 ± 0.9%), followed by the n-butanol fraction (4.6 ± 0.1%). High occurrence of antioxidant capacity, with the exception of metal-chelating activity, was observed in the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions as well as in kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside. CONCLUSION:Calluna vulgaris and its major flavonoid, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-galactoside, show high antioxidant capacity in various assays. As far as is known, this is the first report on antioxidant capacity of C. vulgaris and its major flavonoid. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

The hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract and its four different fractions (CHCl3, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and remaining water fraction) of Vitis vinifera L. leaves was investigated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. The ethanolic extract was found active at 125 mg/kg dose (per os). The ethanolic extract was fractionated through successive solvent-solvent extractions and the n-BuOH fraction in 83 mg/kg dose possessed remarkable antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Liver damage was assessed by using biochemical parameters (plasma and liver tissue MDA [malondialdehyde], transaminase enzyme levels in plasma [AST-aspartate transaminase, ALT-alanine transferase] and liver GSH [glutathione] levels). Additionally, the pathological changes in liver were evaluated by histopathological studies. Legalon 70 (R) Protect was used as standard natural originated drug. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The lipophylic extracts of three Viscum album subspecies growing on different host plants in Turkey were comparatively analyzed for derived methyl esters of their fatty acids by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The sample of V. album ssp. album growing on apricot trees was remarkably rich in palmitic acid (11.47%). Arachidic acid was found in only ssp. austriacum and ssp. abietis samples. The unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic and linoleic acids, were identified in nine lipophylic extracts obtained from V. album samples belonging to ssp. album. The amounts of linoleic and oleic acid were the highest in the sample of ssp. album growing on apricot trees (12.18 and 9.19%, respectively). © 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

In the present study the acute and subacute antidiabetic activities of the ethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera L. leaves were investigated. The acute effect was studied on the normoglycaemic, glucose hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced d iabetic rats; and the subacute effect was studied on same diabetic rats for 15 days. The blood glucose levels were measured by using blood glucose measuring strips based on glucose-oxidase method. After the subacute administration, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was investigated on the liver, kidney and the heart tissues of the experimental animals by measuring the tissue GSH and MDA levels. All of the antioxidant parameters were compared with the diabetic control group. According to the obtained data, the ethanolic extract of V. vinifera leaves at 250 mg/kg dose was found to possess a high antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. Mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids were suggested to contribute in the activities. Özet Bu çalismada Vitis vinifera L. yapraklarinin etanolik ekstresinin akut ve subakut aktivitesi incelenmistir. Akut etkinin degerlendirilebilmesi için normoglisemik, glukoz hiperglisemik ve streptozotosin ile diyabet olusturulmus siçanlar kullanilmistir. Subakut etki ise 15 gün boyunca streptozotosin ile diyabet olusturulmus siçanlar üzerinde incelenmistir. Kan glukoz seviyeleri kan glikoz test çubuklari kullanilarak glukoz oksidaz metodu ile ölçülmüstür. Subakut uygulama sonrasi ekstrelerin antioksidan aktiviteleri karaciger, böbrek ve kalp dokularinin GSH ve MDA seviyeleri ölçülerek degerlendirilmistir. Antioksidan parametrelerin hepsi diyabetik kontrol grubu ile karsilastirilmistir. V. vinifera yapraklarinin etanol ekstresi 250 mg/kg dozda antidiyabetik ve antioksidan aktivite göstermistir. Aktiviteden baslica kondanse tanenlerin ve flavonoitlerin sorumlu oldugu düsünülmektedir.