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The rising trend of plastic production in last years and the inadequate disposal of related waste has raised concerns regarding microplastic-related environmental issues. Microplastic particles disperse by means of transport and deposition processes to different ecosystems and enter food chains. In this paper, atmospheric deposition and foliage samples of two species (i.e., Hedera helix and Photinia glabra) were collected and analysed for the quantity and identity of microplastics (MPs). A preliminary methodology to treat foliage samples and subsequently identify MPs using a quantum cascade laser IR spectrophotometer is presented. The treatment of airborne samples involved filtration, mild digestion, concentration, and transfer onto reflective slides whereas that for foliage involved washing, concentration, and transference of putative MPs onto reflective slides. Fibers and fragments were differentiated according to their physical features (size, width, height, etc.) and calculating derived characteristics (namely, circularity and solidity). The preliminary results obtained suggest a good agreement between atmospheric-deposited and foliage-retained MPs, showing the capability of leaves to act as passive samplers for environmental monitoring., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: English ivy (Hedera helix) is commonly used to reduce productive cough symptoms by acting as expectorant therapy. The safety of Hedera helix extract during pregnancy was not established yet. This study aims to determine the safety of English ivy leaf extract on newborns., Objectives: To determine the weight, APGAR (Activity-Pulse-Grimace-Appearance-Respiration) score, and health status of the newborns among the studied groups., Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2020 on 245 pregnant women and their newborns in two hospitals located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The women were divided into an exposed group (N = 165) who used English ivy leaf extract syrup during pregnancy, and a control group (N = 80) who were not using any natural-pharmaceutical product for cough., Results: The mean weight of the newborns in the exposed group was 3 kg compared to 2.8 kg in the control group (p-value < 0.05). The median APGAR score of the newborns in the exposed group was 8.5/10 compared to 8.0/10 in the control group (p-value > 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding the percentages of full-term and preterm newborns in the exposed and control groups (78.8% vs. 76.3%, and 21.0% vs. 24.0%, respectively, odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45-1.63, p-value > 0.05). Regarding the newborns' health complications reported, there was no statistical difference in the percentages of full-term newborns diagnosed with at least one health complication between the exposed and control groups (0.6 vs. 3.8, OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.01-1.47, p-value > 0.05)., Conclusion: Hedera helix (English ivy) leaf extract syrup was safe to be used in short term during pregnancy for the fetus., (© 2021. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Candida is an opportunistic pathogen and a common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Anti-fungal use against Candida infections has resulted in the appearance of resistant strains. The limited choice of anti-fungal therapy means alternative strategies are needed to control fungal infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of Candida biofilm formation by Hedera rhombea (Korean name: songak) extract. Biofilm formation was assessed using the crystal violet assay which showed a dose dependent reduction in the presence of extract with the biofilm formation inhibitory concentration of C. albicans (IC50 = 12.5μg/ml), C. tropicalis var. tropicalis (IC50 = 25μg/ml), C. parapsilosis var. parapsilosis (IC50 = 6.25μg/ml), C. glabrata (IC50 = 6.25μg/ml), C. tropicalis (IC50 = 12.5μg/ml), and C. parapsilosis (IC50 = 12.5μg/ml) without directly reducing Candida growth. Treatment with 6.25μg/mL of extract increased the antifungal susceptibility to miconazole from 32% decreasing of fungal growth to 98.8% of that based on the fungal growth assay. Treatment of extract dose-dependently reduced the dimorphic transition of Candida based on the dimorphic transition assay and treatment of 3.125μg/mL of extract completely blocked the adherence of Candida to the HaCaT cells. To know the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation inhibition by extract, qRT-PCR analysis was done, and the extract was found to dose dependently reduce the expression of hyphal-associated genes (ALS3, ECE1, HWP1, PGA50, and PBR1), extracellular matrix genes (GSC1, ZAP1, ADH5, and CSH1), Ras1-cAMP-PKA pathway genes (CYR1, EFG1, and RAS1), Cph2-Tec1 pathway gene (TEC1) and MAP kinases pathway gene (HST7). In this study, Hedera rhombea extract showed inhibition of fungal biofilm formation, activation of antifungal susceptibility, and reduction of infection. These results suggest that fungal biofilm formation is good screen for developing the antifungal adjuvant and Hedera rhombea extract should be a good candidate against biofilm-related fungal infection., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Hedera helix (ivy) belongs to the genus Hedera of the Araliaceae family. The leaf of this plant has several active ingredients with medicinal uses. The active constituents of H. helix include monodesmoside α-hederin, hederacoside B, hederacoside C, and hederacoside D.H. helix leave have been used for the treatment of cough and respiratory problems, and now, other uses have emerged. As a medicinal plant, H. helix has been approved by the German Commission E due to its antispasmodic, spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antioxidative, antitumor, and antileishmanial activities. It comes with several formulations, including tablets, liquids, and topical ointments. In this review, we focus on the respiratory effects of tablet and liquid forms of H. helix., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background and Objective: Hedera helix L. (Ivy) has been utilized as an alternative medicine for cough however, through extensive literature search; we found no reported activity of ivy on α-glucosidase inhibition, HbA1c levels and its protective effect on vital organs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and protective effect of ivy in alloxan induced rat model., Materials and Methods: The hypoglycemic activity of ivy was examined in normoglycemic, glucose overloaded and alloxan-induced rats. The antidiabetic potential was also confirmed by estimation of HbA1c and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity., Results: Results of acute and chronic study revealed that ivy produced highly significant decline (p<0.01) in fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels as compared to diabetic control and standard group respectively. Furthermore, highly significant decline (p<0.01) in HbA1c levels were seen after chronic administration of ivy indicating its therapeutic effect in lowering HbA1c levels during long term use. It was found that ivy produced stronger and highly significant (p<0.05) inhibition of α-glucosidase activity than the standard agent acarbose at 500 μg mL-1., Conclusion: The histopathological studies of vital organs revealed protective effect of ivy via maintaining the normal architecture as compared to alloxan model. Hence, our findings support the potential use of ivy for diabetes management.

Acute lung inflammation is one among the top of infectious diseases. It is a pulmonary dysfunctional disease. It breaks the physiological coordination in the structures and functions of respiratory system. There are a few effective treatments to minimize the mortality of acute lung inflammation. It was induced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) via nasal instillation of mice. The common ivy (Hedera helix) is the most significant medicinal plant and considered as a traditional medicinal plant. The most active ingredient in the extract of ivy plant was Hederacoside-C (HDC). The purpose of this study was to investigate its anti-inflammatory effects on induced acute lung inflammation in vivo and (RAW 264.7 cells) in vitro and to elucidate its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. HDC was administered intraperitoneally 1 h after infection until 24 h. The dose was repeated every 8 h for three successful doses. Mice treated with HDC significantly reduced the pulmonary edema, white blood cells, wet-dry ratio (W/D) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. HDC attenuated protein expression levels of MAPKs including p38, ERK, JNK and NF-κB including p65 and IκB-α pathways analyzed by ELISA. HDC also suppressed the protein expressions of TLR2 & TLR4 detected by Western blot. HDC also downregulated the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, but upregulated the gene expression of an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 analyzed by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, our results stated that HDC could inhibit the S. aureus induced acute lung inflammation and it may be a potential therapeutic drug against acute lung inflammation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to prepare topical formulations of micro emulsion, gel and ointment containing the Hedera helix L. extracts against asthma and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics. A validated HPLC method was used for the analysis of blood plasma. In-vivo studies of the drugs were compared in rabbit plasma with oral dosing. Stability studies were performed for 3 months. The results showed that formulations were stable. No Skin irritation observed on rabbits. The optimized micro emulsion and gel showed fast absorption. Maximal plasma concentration (c max ) and the maximal time to reach cmax (tmax) were 70.226μg/mL, 75.26μg/mL and 2 hours for the micro emulsion and gel, 90.11μg/mL and 1 hour for the oral drug syrup respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as t max , c max and AUC of the selected formulations and oral dosing were significantly different (P < 0.01).

Introduction: After post-septoplasty nasal packing removal, a certain proportion of nasal secretion occurs, leading to local and sometimes systemic infections., Objective: The aim was to determine if standardized dry ivy leaf extract application after nasal packing removal influences the reduction of nasal secretion and diminish the occurrence of local infections., Methods: The study included 70 post-septoplasty patients (divided into two equal groups) whose nasal packing was removed on the third day after the procedure. Group I was treated with standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup along with regular nasal irrigation for the five days after the nasal packing removal whereas the Group II had only nasal lavage. On the sixth day after nasal packing removal, the quantity of nasal secretion was determined using a visual analog scale and nasal endoscopic examination., Results: The group treated with standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup had significantly lesser nasal secretion both by subjective patients' assessment (p<0.001) and by nasal endoscopic examination (p=0.003). The post-surgical follow up examination on the sixth day after nasal packing removal showed no development of local infection in the Group I, while in the Group II a local infection was evident in five patients (14.29%) and antibiotic therapy was required., Conclusion: The use of the standardized dry ivy leaf extract after nasal packing removal significantly lowers the proportion of nasal secretion., (Copyright © 2018 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Hedera nepalensis crude extract (HNC) and its isolated compound lupeol on antioxidant defence system, biochemical parameters and behavioural indices of Alzheimer disease generated in diabetic rats., Methods: To evaluate the effect of the plant extract and lupeol, symptoms of Alzheimer and diabetes were induced in rats by STZ + AlCl 3 treatment. Glucose level was measured with glucometer followed by antioxidant and biochemical assessment of the treated and untreated animals. Behavioural response of the rats was determined by Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test followed by determination of brain neurotransmitters by HPLC., Results: HNC significantly reduced blood glucose level in a time dependent manner and elevated liver function markers were significantly (P < 0.05) reinstated to normal levels. HNC showed increase in level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). HPLC quantification revealed that HNC treatment led to significant (p < 0.001) elevation in the level of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in the midbrain region as compared to Alzheimer control (AC) group. EPM and MWM test showed decrease in cognitive and memory impairment in a rat group treated with HNC as compared to AC group., Conclusion: Overall, results showed that H. nepalensis has therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer and diabetes. Graphical abstract Therapeutic effect of Hedera nepalensis K. Koch and lupeol against STZ + AICI 3 induced diabetic rats model.

The extract of Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae), a well-known folk medicine, has been popularly used to treat respiratory problems, worldwide. It is very likely that this herbal extract is taken in combination with conventional drugs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of H. helix extract on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme-mediated metabolism to predict the potential for herb-drug interactions. A cocktail probe assay was used to measure the inhibitory effect of CYP. H. helix extracts were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes or CYP isozymes with CYP-specific substrates, and the formation of specific metabolites was investigated to measure the inhibitory effects. H. helix showed significant inhibitory effects on CYP2C8, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in a concentration-dependent manner. In recombinant CYP2C8, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 isozymes, the IC 50 values of the extract were 0.08 ± 0.01, 0.58 ± 0.03 and 6.72 ± 0.22 mg/mL, respectively. Further investigation showed that H. helix extract has a positive time-dependent inhibition property on both CYP2C8 and CYP2C19 with IC 50 shift value of 2.77 ± 0.12 and 6.31 ± 0.25, respectively. Based on this in vitro investigation, consumption of herbal medicines or dietary supplements containing H. helix extracts requires careful attention to avoid any CYP-based interactions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The 50% ethanol extract obtained from Hedera helix leaves was investigated regarding the presence and quantity of polyphenols, sterols and in vitro antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of rutin, quercetin and kaempferol in the non-hydrolysed sample and quercetin and kaempferol in the hydrolysed sample and stigmasterol in the ivy leaf extract (nonhydrolysed sample). The antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, B. tulipae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Penicillium gladioli, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was assessed using an agar dilution assay. The results are expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 10-14%) and were compared to a synthetic antifungal drug - fluconazole (MIC = 8-30%). This report presents the first screening of the antifungal activity of the ivy leaf extract on these plant pathogenic fungi species, aiming to use the ivy leaf extract for controlling different diseases of vegetables and ornamental plants, in addition to human disorders.

Pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are closely related to the formation of protein aggregates and inclusion body. For instance, active autophagic components from Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are highlighted to modulate neurodegeneration via degradation of disease proteins. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of the purified Hedera helix (HH) fraction containing both hederagenin and α-hederin, is confirmed by the improvement of motor deficits in PD mice model. Furthermore, hederagenin and α-hederin derived from HH are confirmed as novel autophagic enhancers. Both compounds reduce the protein level of mutant huntingtin with 74 CAG repeats and A53T α-synuclein, and inhibit the oligomerization of α-synuclein and inclusion formation of huntingtin, via AMPK-mTOR dependent autophagy induction. Both hederagenin and α-hederin induce autophagy and promote the degradation of neurodegenerative mutant disease proteins in vitro, suggesting the therapeutic roles of HH in neurodegenerative disorders., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To examine the coordination between photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) in response to varying environmental conditions, both diurnal fluctuations and seasonal variability of photosynthetic electron transport activity in ivy (Hedera nepalensis, Araliaceae) were investigated: by measuring prompt fluorescence, delayed fluorescence (DF) and modulated reflection of 820 nm light (MR). During diurnal fluctuations, the PSII electron donor side was damaged, as evidenced by decreases of the fast amplitude of DF decay kinetics at I 1 , although there was no significant change in relative variable fluorescence at K-step to amplitude of F J  - F o . Decreases in the maximum photochemical efficiency (i.e., PSII photoinactivation) were accompanied by an increased maximum decrease in the slope of MR/MR o (i.e., PSI photoactivation). Subsequently, PSII recovery and PSI relaxation occurred in the afternoon. Throughout the season, alternations between PSII and PSI were also suggested by the down-regulation of PSII and the up-regulation of PSI from summer to winter. Significant negative linear correlations between the activity of PSII and PSI across both diurnal fluctuations and seasonal variability were verified by correlation analyses. In addition, PSI was active throughout the year, suggesting PSI is independent from high temperatures. High PSI activity may maintain the functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus in overwintering ivy. The alternation between PSII and PSI activity may regulate the distribution of excitation energy between the two photosystems and balance the redox state of the electron transport change, thereby enabling ivy to respond to varying environmental conditions., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of ivy leaves cough liquid in the treatment of acute cough. A total of 181 adult patients with acute cough were treated with either ivy leaves cough liquid containing EA 575® or with placebo three times a day for one week. The primary efficacy outcome was cough severity (CS) assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over the whole treatment period (area-under-the-curve (AUC0-168 h) over 7 days (visit (V)1, V2, V3, V4, and V5). The secondary endpoints were defined as the CS assessed by VAS over the whole observation period (V1 - V6) and by Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) and Verbal Category Descriptive (VCD) score. The evaluation of the VAS, BSS and VCD score revealed that subjects treated with ivy leaves cough liquid showed statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in CS, severity of symptoms associated with cough and bronchitis compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, a remarkable early onset of efficacy was observed as significant reductions of cough severity were detected within 48 hours after the first drug intake. At all following visits and even 7 days after the end of treatment (V6) this significant treatment advantage was detected in comparison to placebo. All adverse events (AEs) in this clinical trial were non-serious, mild or of moderate severity and not drug-related. This clinical trial proved consistent superiority of the ivy leaves cough liquid treatment versus placebo and confirmed the EA 575® preparation to be a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of acute cough.

Background: Eight natural products from animal, unicellular algae, brown seaweed and plant origins were chosen according to their theoretical antimicrobial activity: Diatomaceous earths (DE), insoluble chitosan (ICHI), soluble chitosan (CHI), seaweed meal (SWM), Ascophyllum nodosum (ASC), Laminaria digitata (LAM), neem oil (NOIL) and an ivy fruit extract rich in saponins (IVY). Dose-response incubations were conducted to determine their effect on rumen fermentation pattern and gas production, while their anti-protozoal activity was tested using (14) C-labelled bacteria., Results: DE, SWM, NOIL and ICHI had very small effects on rumen function when used at inclusion rate up to 2 g L(-1) . ASC had anti-protozoal effects (up to -23%) promoting a decrease in gas production and methanogenesis (-15%). LAM increased VFA production (+7%) and shifted from butyrate to acetate. CHI also shifted fermentation towards propionate production and lower methane (-23%) and protozoal activity (-56%). IVY decreased protozoal activity (-39%) and ammonia concentration (-56%), as well as increased feed fermentation (+11% VFA concentration) and shifted from acetate to propionate production., Conclusions: ASC, LAM, CHI and IVY showed promising potential in vitro as feed additives to improve rumen function, thus more research is needed to investigate their mode of action in the rumen microbial ecosystem. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Over 130 y have passed since Charles Darwin first discovered that the adventitious roots of English ivy (Hedera helix) exude a yellowish mucilage that promotes the capacity of this plant to climb vertical surfaces. Unfortunately, little progress has been made in elucidating the adhesion mechanisms underlying this high-strength adhesive. In the previous studies, spherical nanoparticles were observed in the viscous exudate. Here we show that these nanoparticles are predominantly composed of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), a superfamily of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins present in the extracellular spaces of plant cells. The spheroidal shape of the AGP-rich ivy nanoparticles results in a low viscosity of the ivy adhesive, and thus a favorable wetting behavior on the surface of substrates. Meanwhile, calcium-driven electrostatic interactions among carboxyl groups of the AGPs and the pectic acids give rise to the cross-linking of the exuded adhesive substances, favor subsequent curing (hardening) via formation of an adhesive film, and eventually promote the generation of mechanical interlocking between the adventitious roots of English ivy and the surface of substrates. Inspired by these molecular events, a reconstructed ivy-mimetic adhesive composite was developed by integrating purified AGP-rich ivy nanoparticles with pectic polysaccharides and calcium ions. Information gained from the subsequent tensile tests, in turn, substantiated the proposed adhesion mechanisms underlying the ivy-derived adhesive. Given that AGPs and pectic polysaccharides are also observed in bioadhesives exuded by other climbing plants, the adhesion mechanisms revealed by English ivy may forward the progress toward understanding the general principles underlying diverse botanic adhesives.

Traditional medicinal plants are often used for both the prevention and the treatment of local diseases. Taking into consideration the medicinal importance of Hedera nepalensis within local Pakistani traditions, the present study was undertaken to analyze the in vitro cancer chemopreventive and cytotoxic properties of the plant. The in vitro cancer chemopreventive testing was performed using nitrite assay, NFκB assay, aromatase assay, and quinone reductase 1 (QR1) assay. The cytotoxic potential was evaluated on three cancer-cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HeLa using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The results of cancer chemopreventive assays show that n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of tested plant have promising cancer chemopreventive potential. Lupeol isolated from n-hexane as well as ethyl acetate fraction showed lowest IC50 (0.20 ± 1.9 μM) in NFκB assay. Crude extract and its fractions inhibited the growth of three cancer cell lines by more than 60%, IC50 value of lupeol varied from 2.32 to 10.2 μM. HPLC-DAD-based quantification of lupeol in different plant tissues demonstrated that leaves of H. nepalensis are a rich source of lupeol (0.196 mg/100 mg dry weight). Our data have shown that H. nepalensis harbors cancer chemopreventive and cytotoxic agents., (Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

IL-6 plays a key role in the course of inflammatory processes as well as in the regulation of immune responses by the release of different cytokines. IL-6 is produced e.g. by macrophages recruited to the airways in response to a variety of inflammatory stimuli like allergens and respiratory viruses. Patients with inflammatory airway diseases therefore may benefit from therapies targeting the IL-6 pathway, e.g. reduction of the IL-6 release. Within this context, we tested the influence of the ivy leaves dry extract EA 575® on the LPS-induced release of IL-6 from murine macrophages (J774.2). One point seven µg/ml (5 µM) corticosterone served as positive control and was able to reduce LPS-induced IL-6 release by 46 ± 4%. EA 575® was tested in concentrations between 40 and 400 µg/ml. EA 575® decreased the LPS-induced IL-6 release in a dose-dependent manner and statistically significant by 25 ± 4%, 32 ± 4%, and 40 ± 7% in concentrations of 80, 160, and 400 µg/ml, respectively. The present data suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of EA 575® used in therapy of chronic- and acute inflammatory airway diseases accompanied with cough.

Background: Recently is has been shown that α- and β-hederin increase the β2-adrenergic responsiveness of alveolar type II cells (A549) and human airway smooth muscle cells (HASM), respectively, by inhibiting the internalization of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR) under stimulating conditions. Internalization of β2AR is initiated by phosphorylations of certain serines and threonines by cAMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK)., Purpose: To evaluate the effect of α-hederin on PKA and GRK2 mediated phosphorylation of GFP-tagged β2AR., Study Design: To study this process we performed In-Cell Western using isoprenaline stimulated HEK293 cells overexpressing β2AR as GFP fusion protein and specific antibodies against PKA (Ser345/346) and GRK2 (Ser355/356) phosphorylation sites., Results: There was no effect found on the PKA mediated phosphorylation (n = 14) but we could show that α-hederin (1 µM, 12 h) significantly inhibits GRK2 mediated phosphorylation at Ser355/356 by 11 ± 5% (n ≥ 29, p ≤ 0.01) under stimulating conditions compared to the positive control. In Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments using the isolated kinases in solution α-hederin did not show any influence neither to GRK2 nor to PKA., Conclusion: Taken together, these results indicate that α-hederin acts as an indirect GRK2 inhibitor leading to a reduced homologous desensitization of β2AR-GFP in HEK293 cells., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Arabinoglactan protein (AGP)-rich nanoparticles obtained from the sticky exudates of Hedera helix (English ivy), have shown promising potential to be used in nanomedicine owing to their excellent aqueous solubility, low intrinsic viscosity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, the feasibilities of utilizing ivy nanoparticles (INPs) as nano-carriers for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy and as nano-fillers to develop novel scaffolds for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine are evaluated. Via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, pH-responsive nanoconjugates are formed between the INPs and the doxorubicin (DOX) with an entrapment ratio of 77.9±3.9%. While the INPs show minimal cytotoxicity, the formed INP-DOX conjugates exhibit substantially stronger cytotoxic activity than free DOX against multiple cancer cell lines, suggesting a synergistic effect is established upon conjugation. The anti-cancer effects of the INP-DOX conjugates are further evaluated via in vivo xenograft assays by subcutaneously implanting DOX resistant cell line, SW620/Ad-300, into nude mice. The tumor volumes in mice treated with the INP-DOX conjugates are significantly less than those of the mice treated with free DOX. In addition, the INPs are further exploited as nano-fillers to develop fibrous scaffolds with collagen, via mimicking the porous matrix where the INPs are embedded under natural condition. Enhanced adhesion of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and accelerated proliferation of mouse aortic SMCs are observed in this newly constructed scaffold. Overall, the results obtained from the present study suggest great potential of the INPs to be used as biocompatible nanomaterials in nanomedicine. The AGP-rich INP renders a glycoprotein architecture that is amenable for modification according to the functional designs, capable of being developed as versatile nanomaterials for extensive biomedical applications., Statement of Significance: Naturally occurring organic nanomaterials have drawn increasing interest for their potential biomedical applications in recent years. In this study, a new type of naturally occurring nanoparticles obtained from the sticky exudates on the adventitious roots of English ivy (H. helix), was explored for its potential biomedical application. In particular, the feasibilities of utilizing ivy nanoparticles (INPs) as nano-carriers for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy and as nano-fillers to develop novel scaffolds for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the results obtained from the present study suggest the great potential of the INPs to be used as biocompatible nanomaterials in nanomedicine. This study may open a totally new frontier for exploring the biomedical application of naturally occurring nanomaterials., (Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Leaf extracts of Hedera helix L. are widely used in the treatment of upper respiratory diseases. The saponins a-hederin and hederacoside C are considered to be the main compounds responsible for the biological activity. a-Hederin and hederacoside C were determined in H. helix leaf extracts using a fast, simple and validated HPLC method. An XTerra MS C18 column and mobile phase composed of 10 mM ammonium acetate at pH 8.5 (adjusted with triethylamine) and acetonitrile were used for the chromatography at 1.2 mL min(-1). The column was kept at 30°C. Detection was performed at 220 nm. An approach utilizing a basic pH of the aqueous part of the mobile phase enabled analysis in 5 minutes in isocratic mode. The method was validated and used for the quality control of H. helix leaf ethanolic extracts.

Preparations from ivy leaves (Hederae helicis folium, Hedera helix) dry extracts are well established in the treatment of different respiratory diseases. Until today, the efficacy and safety of ivy leaf preparations has been demonstrated in a variety of controlled clinical studies and non-interventional studies. These results were nearly exclusively obtained using the commercial ivy leaves dry extract EA 575®. This paper will provide information on the clinical data obtained with this special extract, showing the importance of those preparations as a valuable therapeutic option for the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Overall, 18 publications covering clinical trials and non-interventional studies of, in total, 65 383 patients suffering from acute as well as chronic respiratory diseases were included., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the additive effect of the Hedera helix (HH) and Rhizoma coptidis (RC) extracts mixture on antitussive and expectorant activities in animals., Materials and Methods: The expectorant assay was performed with phenol red secretion in mice trachea. Mice or guinea pigs were randomly divided into groups of 8 each, including negative and positive control groups. After gastric administration of the test extracts in mice, 2.5% phenol red solution (0.2 mL) was intraperitoneally injected. Trachea was dissected and optical density of tracheal secretion was measured. After gastric administration of the test extracts in guinea pigs, the antitussive activities were assessed using a citric acid-induced cough measurement., Results: The extracts of HH and RC significantly increased tracheal secretion and inhibited cough. The mixture of HH and RC extracts in a 1:1 concentration at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed a more potent effect on phenol red secretion (25.25±3.14) and cough inhibition (61.25±5.36) than the individual use of each extracts [phenol red secretion; HH 13.39±4.22 (p=0.000), RC 20.78±2.50 (p=0.010), cough inhibition; HH 9.89±4.14 (p=0.010), RC 30.25±7.69 (p=0.000)]. A 3:1 ratio mixture of HH to RC demonstrated an optimal expectorant effect (p<0.001), and this mixture showed expectorant and antitussive effects in a dose-dependent manner., Conclusion: This study provides evidence for antitussive and expectorant effect of a 3:1 mixture of HH and RC, which may be a useful therapeutic option for respiratory diseases.

A new method for the determination of six compounds, chlorogenic acid, rutin, nicotiflorin, hederacoside C, hederasaponin B and α-hederin, in ivy leaf extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector was developed. The chromatographic separation was performed on a YMC Hydrosphere C18 analytical column using a gradient elution of 0.1% phosphoric acid and acetonitrile. The method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity (r(2) > 0.9999), precision [relative standard deviation (RSD) < 0.36%] and accuracy (97.4-103.8%). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were <20.32 and 61.56 ng for all analytes, respectively. The tested compounds were found to be stable in the ivy leaf extract from 0 to 48 h, and the RSD value for each compound was <0.90%. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify all six compounds in a 30% ethanol ivy leaf extract and 13 ivy leaf extract products. The results showed that all the tested products satisfied the minimum requirement for the content of hederacoside C. However, there were some differences between the contents of other constituents., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

This study was designed to examine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts from leaves, berries and stems of Hedera pastuchovii Woron. ex Grossh. The berry extract, which contained the highest phenolic and flavonoid compounds, showed an appreciable DPPH(·) scavenging ability in comparison with leaf and stem extracts. The various extracts exhibited moderate to good activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and the effectiveness of leaf extract was higher for all tested bacteria.

Background: Colorectal cancer has become one of the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality throughout world. Hederagenin, a derivative of oleanolic acid isolated from the leaves of ivy (Hedera helix L.), has been shown to have potential anti-tumor activity. The study was conducted to evaluate whether hederagenin could induce apoptosis of human colon cancer LoVo cells and explore the possible mechanism., Methods: MTT assay was used for evaluating cell viability while Annexin V-FITC/PI assay and Hoechst 33342 nuclear stainining were used for the determination of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. DCFH-DA fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to measure ROS generation. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed for apoptosis-related protein expressions., Results: MTT assay showed that hederagenin could significantly inhibit the viability of LoVo cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner by IC50 of 1.39 μM at 24 h and 1.17 μM at 48 h. The apoptosis ratio was significantly increased to 32.46% and 81.78% by the induction of hederagenin (1 and 2 μM) in Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Hederagenin could also induce the nuclear changes characteristic of apoptosis by Hoechst 33342 nuclear stainining under fluorescence microscopy. DCFH-DA fluorescence staining and flow cytometry showed that hederagenin could increase significantly ROS generation in LoVo cells. Real-time PCR showed that hederagenin induced the up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Survivin. Western blotting analysis showed that hederagenin decreased the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2, procaspase-9, procaspase-3, and polyADP- ribosepolymerase (PARP) were increased, while the expressions of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 were increased. However, there was no significant change on caspase-8., Conclusions: These results indicated that the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential might contribute to the apoptosis of hederagenin in LoVo cells. Our findings suggested that hederagenin might be a promising therapeutic candidate for human colon cancer.

Ivy leaves dry extract is registered as an expectorant in patients with respiratory diseases associated with productive cough. Next to its secretolytical properties, bronchospasmolytical effects are described. However only limited data exist about a possible therapeutical effect in asthmatic patients. In this double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study, 30 children (median age 9.07 years (min-max: 6-11)) suffering from partial or uncontrolled mild persistent allergic asthma despite long-term treatment with 400 μg budesonide equivalent were investigated. After a four week run-in period, patients either received ivy leaves dry extract for four weeks in addition to their inhaled corticosteroid therapy or placebo, followed by a wash-out phase before switching to the other treatment arm. Lung function, FeNO, exhaled breath condensate pH and life quality was analyzed after each treatment period. There was a significant improvement of MEF(75-25), MEF25 and VC after treatment with ivy leaves dry extract (MEF(75-25) change in the mean 0.115 l/s, p=0.044; MEF25 change in the mean 0.086 l/s, p=0.041; VC change in the mean 0.052 l, p=0.044), but not after treatment with placebo. For the primary outcome parameters (relative change of FEV1 and MEF(75-25) before bronchodilation) no treatment effect could be detected in the cross-over analysis (FEV1 p=0.6763 and MEF(75-25) p=0.6953). This proof-of-concept study indicates that children with mild uncontrolled asthma despite regular inhaled corticosteroid therapy might benefit from an additional therapy with ivy leaves dry extract. However, further studies are needed., (Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

The leaves of common ivy (Hedera helix) contain the cytotoxic saponin α-hederin, which is inhibitory to Candida albicans at low concentrations. To investigate the mode of action of α-hederin, a haploinsufficiency screen was carried out using a library of 1152 Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion strains. An ethanol ivy extract containing α-hederin was used in the initial screen to reduce the amount of compound required. Strains exhibiting disproportionately low growth were then examined in more detail by comparing growth curves in the presence and absence of α-hederin. This approach identified three hypersensitive strains carrying gene deletions for components of the transcription related proteins SWI/SNF, RNA polymerase II and the RSC complex. Saponin cytotoxicity is often attributed to membrane damage, however α-hederin did not induce hypersensitivity with an aminophospholipid translocase deletion strain that is frequently hypersensitive to membrane damaging agents. The haploinsufficiency profile of α-hederin is most similar to that reported for drugs such as caspofungin that inhibit synthesis of the fungal cell wall. Screening with plant extracts rather than isolated compounds, provides a valuable shortcut in haploinsufficiency screening provided hypersensitive strains are then confirmed as such using purified active principles., (Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Inspired by the strong adhesive produced by English ivy, this paper proposes an in situ synthesis approach for fabricating tunable nanoparticle enhanced adhesives. Special attention was given to tunable features of the adhesive produced by the biological process. Parameters that may be used to tune properties of the adhesive will be proposed. To illustrate and validate the proposed approach, an experimental platform was presented for fabricating tunable chitosan adhesive enhanced by Au nanoparticles synthesized in situ. This study contributes to a bio-inspired approach for in situ synthesis of tunable nanocomposite adhesives by mimicking the natural biological processes of ivy adhesive synthesis.

In folk medicine the ivies (Hedera L. Fam.Araliaceae) are known as plants possessing diverse curative properties. A comparative phytochemical study of the biologically active water extracts of H. colchica and H. helix and evaluation of their ulcer preventive efficacy in ethanol-induced ulcer model in rats was carried out. Water extracts of H. colchica and H. helix (300 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p<0.01) decrease the ulcer index (0.50 and 1.38 vs 3.17 in control) and rise macroscopic curative ratio (84.2% and 56.6%, respectively). The results clearly indicate that pretreatment with water extract of H. colchica is preferable and further experiments are required to isolate the active principals responsible for itsantiulcerogenic activity.

Bio-inspiration for novel adhesive development has drawn increasing interest in recent years with the discovery of the nanoscale morphology of the gecko footpad and mussel adhesive proteins. Similar to these animal systems, it was discovered that English ivy (Hedera helix L.) secretes a high strength adhesive containing uniform nanoparticles. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ivy nanoparticles not only contribute to the high strength of this adhesive, but also have ultraviolet (UV) protective abilities, making them ideal for sunscreen and cosmetic fillers, and may be used as nanocarriers for drug delivery. To make these applications a reality, the chemical nature of the ivy nanoparticles must be elucidated. In the current work, a method was developed to harvest bulk ivy nanoparticles from an adventitious root culture system, and the chemical composition of the nanoparticles was analysed. UV/visible spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electrophoresis were used in this study to identify the chemical nature of the ivy nanoparticles. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the ivy nanoparticles are proteinaceous.

Background: Naturally occurring nanoparticles isolated from English ivy (Hedera helix) have previously been proposed as an alternative to metallic nanoparticles as sunscreen fillers due to their effective UV extinction property, low toxicity and potential biodegradability., Methods: This study focused on analyzing the physicochemical properties of the ivy nanoparticles, specifically, those parameters which are crucial for use as sunscreen fillers, such as pH, temperature, and UV irradiation. The visual transparency and cytotoxicity of ivy nanoparticles were also investigated comparing them with other metal oxide nanoparticles., Results: Results from this study demonstrated that, after treatment at 100°C, there was a clear increase in the UV extinction spectra of the ivy nanoparticles caused by the partial decomposition. In addition, the UVA extinction spectra of the ivy nanoparticles gradually reduced slightly with the decrease of pH values in solvents. Prolonged UV irradiation indicated that the influence of UV light on the stability of the ivy nanoparticle was limited and time-independent. Compared to TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles, ivy nanoparticles showed better visual transparency. Methylthiazol tetrazolium assay demonstrated that ivy nanoparticles exhibited lower cytotoxicity than the other two types of nanoparticles. Results also suggested that protein played an important role in modulating the three-dimensional structure of the ivy nanoparticles., Conclusions: Based on the results from this study it can be concluded that the ivy nanoparticles are able to maintain their UV protective capability at wide range of temperature and pH values, further demonstrating their potential as an alternative to replace currently available metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen applications.

Two galenical formulations of an ivy herbal extract, syrup and cough drops, were tested for their efficacy and safety in the paediatric treatment of cough and bronchitis in two independent open, non-interventional studies with identical design. Two-hundred and sixty-eight children aged 0-12 yr were treated with one of the two preparations for up to 14 days. The effects on cough-related symptoms were addressed on a verbal rating scale. At the end of the study the major symptoms rhinitis, cough and viscous mucus, were found to be only mildly expressed or absent in 93, 94.2 and 97.7% of cases. The global effect was rated as 'good' or 'very good' in 96.5% of cases. Tolerability and compliance were found 'good' to 'very good' in 99% (syrup) and 100% (drops) of patients on completion of the study. A subgroup analysis according to four different age and dosing groups did not reveal differences in treatment response. Safety was confirmed and corresponded to literature findings. Five adverse events classified as mild and non-serious were reported (1.9%). In conclusion, ivy leaf extract in the form of syrup and of cough drops was confirmed as an effective and safe treatment of cough in children., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background: English ivy (Hedera helix) is well known for its adhesive properties and climbing ability. Essential to its ability to adhere to vertical surfaces is the secretion of a nanocomposite adhesive containing spherical nanoparticles, 60-85 nm in diameter, produced exclusively by root hairs present on adventitious roots. These organic nanoparticles have shown promise in biomedical and cosmetic applications, and represent a safer alternative to metal oxide nanoparticles currently available., Results: It was discovered that the maximum adventitious root production was achieved by a 4 h application of 1 mg/ml indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) to juvenile English ivy shoot segments cultured in custom vessels. After incubation of the shoots under continuous light at 83 μmol/m2 s at 20°C for 2 weeks, the adventitious roots were harvested from the culture system and it was possible to isolate 90 mg of dry weight nanoparticles per 12 g of roots. The nanoparticle morphology was characterized by atomic force microscopy, and found to be similar to previous studies., Conclusions: An enhanced system for the production of English ivy adventitious roots and their nanoparticles by modifying GA7 Magenta boxes and identifying the optimal concentration of IBA for adventitious root growth was developed. This system is the first such platform for growing and harvesting organic nanoparticles from plants, and represents an important step in the development of plant-based nanomanufacturing. It is a significant improvement on the exploitation of plant systems for the formation of metallic nanoparticles, and represents a pathway for the generation of bulk ivy nanoparticles for translation into biomedical applications.

Some plants are known as indoor air purifiers. A large number of studies report kinetic purification results for an extensive panel of plants, i.e. the pollutant concentration (volatile organic compounds, as known as VOC, most of the time) is continuously monitored by gas chromatography. However, only a few papers describe the mechanisms involved in such processes. This study deals with the use of secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging as an efficient tool to locate atmospheric pollutant as bromotoluene within the Hedera helix plant (leaf, roots) and the substrate on which it was previously grown. Hedera helix plants have been placed in a pollution chamber with control of the exposure parameters. Plant and soil samples excised were transferred into a fixative solution of glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde for a few days, were dehydrated using ethanol and were embedded with resin. Cross sections were made from the pale brown solids obtained. Then, a device using a cathodic pulverization device capable of depositing a few nanometers of gold atoms over the sample was used to make the surface electronically conductive for the NanoSIMS. Hence, polluted and unpolluted samples of Hedera helix and substrates were obtained following a careful procedure that allowed for the discrimination between polluted and nonpolluted ones. Nanoscale spatial resolution was an invaluable tool (NanoSIMS) to achieve this, and proved that VOCs, such as bromotoluene, were actually trapped by plants such as Hedera helix., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: The analysis of variability in mineral allocation to seeds has rarely been considered in relation to allometric patterns and deviations from the allometric trajectory. Here, I examine the scaling of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) with seed mass in field-collected seeds of Hedera helix, taking into account that brood size might influence the allocation patterns., Methods: C, N and S contents of 56 individual seeds of different sizes were analysed by combustion using a standard automated CNHS procedure. P content was determined for 200 individual seeds using spectrophotometry after acid digestion of ashed samples. This sample included seeds from different brood sizes., Key Results: C and N content both varied isometrically with seed mass and this variable explained most of the variation in their content in seeds. P and S, however, varied allometrically with seed mass. Additionally, seed mass only explained 37·3 % and 37·6 % of the total variance in P and S content, respectively. Seeds with higher mass contained proportionately more P and, furthermore, the seeds from small broods contained proportionally more P than those from large broods., Conclusions: Although seed mass in this species can be used as a surrogate of investment in C and N, it does not account for variability in allocation of nutrients such as P and S. The fact that larger seeds increased their P concentration when found in smaller broods might be a consequence of intense competition for this nutrient among developing seeds. Then, brood size may influence the mineral nutrient concentration of seeds.

Particulate matter (PM) is an air contaminant in urban and industrial areas that often exceeds limit values, creating serious problems due to its harmful effects on health. Planting trees and shrubs as air filters is a way to improve air quality in these areas. However,further knowledge on species effectiveness in air purification is essential This study compared four species of tree (Acer campestre L, Fraxinus excelsior L, Platanus x hispanica Mill. ex Muenchh. 'Acerifolia', Tilia cordata Mill.), three species of shrub (Forsythia x intermedia Zabel, Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim., Spiraea japonica L.), and one climber species (Hedera helix L) that are commonly cultivated along streets in Poland to capture fine, coarse and larger particles from air. Separate gravimetric analyses were performed to quantify PM deposited on surfaces and trapped in waxes. Significant differences were found between the plant species tested. The distribution of different particle size fractions differed between and within species and also between leaf surfaces and in waxes.

Ivy leaves extracts are authorised in medicinal products for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Different studies and the long experience on the market show safety and efficacy of this drug. A double-blind, randomised study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of ivy leaves soft extract with an other ivy leaves extract. 590 patients with acute bronchitis participated in this study. They were treated with test or comparator for 7 days (±1). The Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) decreased gradually and to a similar extent from Day 1 to Day 7 in both treatment groups. Starting from values of 6.2-6.3±1.2, the BSS decreased by approximately 4.7-4.9 points until Day 7, so that patients left the study with a mean BSS of 1.4-1.6. The BSS subscales cough, sputum, rhales/rhonchi, chest pain during coughing, and dyspnoea improved to a similar extent in both treatment groups. Overall, 2.7% of patients (per group and overall) experienced an adverse event, all of which were non-serious. Fewer patients younger than ten years had adverse events than would have been expected from their share of the study population (p=0.015; Fisher's exact test). As a conclusion, the test product with ivy leaves soft extract proved to be non-inferior to the comparator ivy leaves extract in improving symptoms of acute bronchitis., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The molecular complexation of adenine and guanine with hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (alpha-hederin) and its 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (hederasaponin C) was investigated for the first time using the method of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Guanine forms complexes more diverse in composition than adenine.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The long tradition of using the dry extract of Hedera helix (common ivy) leaves in traditional and contemporary alternative medicine caused that many biological and pharmacological studies have been aimed at evaluating the effects of ivy. Some of the results suggest that Hedera helix extract possesses bronchodilatatory and antispasmodic activity. On the other hand, the symptoms of ivy intoxication in human and animals, as well as adverse-reactions observed during the therapy with ivy-based pharmaceuticals, indicate rather stimulant effect of the plant on smooth muscle. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two main active substances extracted from the plant (α-hederin and hederacoside C) and the whole dry extract of Hedera helix on the gut motility., Materials and Methods: The experiments were carried out on isolated stomach corpus and fundus strips. The tissues were isolated from rats. The experiments were performed in isotonic conditions. The results are expressed as the percent of the reaction caused by a reference contractile substance, acetylcholine., Results and Conclusions: The obtained results revealed that α-hederin applied in the concentration ranged from 25 to 320μM significantly changed the spontaneous motoric activity of rat stomach smooth muscle. The observed reaction had always the same character, a contraction, and its force was concentration dependent. The second tested saponin, hederacoside C, did not alter the motility of rat isolated stomach corpus and fundus strips when administered in the concentration up to 100 μM, however, if applied in the concentration of 350 μM it induced a remarkable concentration of smooth muscle. Eventually, the whole extract of Hedera helix in a dose containing 60 μM of hederacoside C produced a strong contraction which strength was comparable with the reaction generated by acetylcholine. According to the results, it is very likely that α-hederin, but not hederacoside C contributes to the contractile response of isolated stomach corpus and fundus strips to the application of Hedera helix leaves' extract., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Preparations of ivy leaves dry extract with secretolytic and bronchiolytic efficacy are widely used for the treatment of acute and chronic obstructive airway diseases. The mechanism by which ivy preparations improve lung functions is not fully understood. Here, we tested the influence of the three main saponins of ivy, α-hederin, hederacoside C and hederagenin, on the contraction and relaxation behaviour of isolated bovine tracheal smooth muscle strips by isometric tension measurements. None of the tested compounds altered histamine or methacholine-induced contraction of the smooth muscle strips. In contrast, the isoprenaline-induced relaxation of 100μM methacholine precontracted muscle strips was significantly enhanced when pre-treated with 1μM of α-hederin for 18h. The pre-treatment with hederacoside C or hederagenin had no effect on isoprenaline-induced relaxation. For the first time the bronchiolytic effect of α-hederin was demonstrated by isometric tension measurements using bovine tracheal smooth muscle strips. α-Hederin increases isoprenaline-induced relaxation indirectly, probably by inhibiting heterologous desensitization induced by high concentrations of muscarinic ligands like methacholine., (2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The usefulness was tested of selected adjuvants: Vivapur 112, Carmellose calcium, Calcium carbonate CA 740, Calcium carbonate CA 800, Hypromellose as carriers of a dry extract of common ivy (Hedera helix L.) leaves in the process of direct tableting. The quality of the produced tablets was determined by examining their appearance, diameter, thickness, mass resistance to abrasion, crushing and disintegration time. Furthermore, the rate of release of biologically active components from the produced drug form to acceptor fluid was tested in accordance with the requirements of Polish Pharmacopoeia VII (PPVII). An attempt was made to estimate the effect of the used adjuvants on the course of this process. The applied adjuvants and acceptor fluid osmolarity decide significantly about the pharmaceutical availability of the therapeutic agents contained in the extract. The obtained model tablets are characterized by controlled release of biologically active substances, in majority of batches they fulfil the requirements as regards physicochemical properties. The formulation composition of the first batch (Extr. Hederae helices e fol.spir. sicc., Vivapur 112, Carmellose calcium, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate) appeared to be the most effective. The worked out method is optimal and provides technological reproducibility and high durability of the drug form.

The potential bio-protective role of urban greenery and how it interacts with airborne dust and pollutants has been the subject of much recent research. As particulate pollution has been implicated in both the deterioration of building materials and in damaging human health, understanding how it interacts with urban greenery is of great applied interest. Common or English Ivy (Hedera helix L) grows widely on urban walls in many parts of the world, and thus any bio-protective role it might play is of broad relevance. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy ivy leaves collected on roadways were examined to determine if ivy can absorb dust and pollutants that can instigate decay processes on stone walls and impact human health in urban environments. Results showed that ivy acts as a 'particle sink', absorbing particulate matter, particularly in high-traffic areas. It was effective in adhering fine (<2.5μm) and ultra-fine (<1μm) particles at densities of up to 2.9×10(10) per m(2). Our findings suggest that through absorbing pollutant particles ivy can retard bio-deteriorative processes on historic walls and reduce human exposure to respiratory problems caused by vehicle pollutants., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Adhesion mechanism of ivy has been of major research interest for its potential applications in high-strength materials. Recent experimental studies demonstrated that nanoparticles secreted from ivy tendrils play an important role in adhesion. In this work, we investigate how various factors such as van der Waals interaction, capillarity, and molecular cross-linking influence the adhesion mechanics of ivy nanoparticles. This paper provides guidelines in choosing different adhesive contact models. Understanding the mechanics of ivy adhesion could potentially inspire the design and fabrication of novel nano-bio-materials., (2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Indoleacetic acid falcarindiol ester (compound 1) has previously been isolated and purified using an SiO2 column and ODS HPLC from an acetone extract of Japanese ivy (Hedera rhombea). Here we investigate the differentiation-inducing activity of compound 1 using the human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line. The effect of compound 1 on HL-60 cell viability and proliferation was determined at different treatment times using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diohenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis. Also cell cycle kinetics were examined using propidium iodide staining of DNA. Cell differentiation was assessed by specific and non-specific esterase double staining assays, and by detection of the cell surface differentiation markers CD11b and CD14 using flow cytometry. The results showed HL-60 cell growth inhibition at 0.1 and 1.0 microg/mL compound 1, whereas 10 microg/mL was cytotoxic. The growth suppression induced by compound 1 was accompanied by G0/G1 phase arrest in the cell cycle at 1.0 microg/mL. Moreover, staining and immunochemical analysis indicated that compound 1 induced granulocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells. This is the first report describing granulocytic differentiation activity of a falcarindiol derived polyacetylenic compound on leukemia cells.

In this article, a method to reveal the presence of Mg content inside the different parts of leaves of Hedera helix is presented. In fact a sample of a Hedera helix's leaf, commonly characterized by a green and a white side, is analyzed under X-ray radiation. The presence of two zones with different colors in the Hedera helix's leaf has not been explained. In this connection, there are presently three hypotheses to explain the characteristic double-color appearance of the leaf. The first hypothesis suggests a different cytoplasmic inheritance of chloroplasts at the cell division, the second a different allelic composition, homozygote and heterozygote, between the two zones, and finally the third the action of a virus which changes the color properties in the Hedera's leaves. The resulting effect is a different content of "something" between the green and the white side. We utilized X-ray radiation, obtained from a plasma source with a Mg target, to image Hedera helix leaves and we found that the green side of the leaf is highlighted. We may suppose that the reason why the X-rays from a Mg plasma source, allow us to pick up the green side is probably due to the greater presence of the amount of Mg (from chlorophyll or other complexes and/or salts) in the two sides, green and white, of the leaf., ((c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Using atomic force microscopy, we observed ivy secretes nanoparticles through adhering disks of the ivy aerial rootlets which allow the plant to affix to a surface. We analyzed the organic composition of the secretions using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and were able to determine the formula of 19 compounds. This study suggests that the nanoparticles play a direct and important role for ivy surface "climbing". Weak adhesion and hydrogen bonding seem to be the forces for the climbing mechanism. This ivy secretion mechanism may inspire new methods for synthesizing nanoparticles biologically or new approaches to adhesion mechanisms for engineering applications.

Activity-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of Hedera canariensis (var. Gloire de Maringo) Wild leaves afforded five saponins 1-5. Chemical and spectral methods (MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR) showed that they are glycosides of hederagenin and oleanolic acid. The results showed that 4,5 exhibited molluscicidal properties, compound 1 was inactive. Mortality rate of exposed snails increased by increasing plant extract concentration. Lymnaea cailliaudi was more sensitive to plant extract than Biomphalaria alexandrina. The histopathological study revealed distinct damage in the structure of the stomach and ovotestis of treated L. cailliaudi snails. Saponin content was determined in term of haemolytic index.