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The genus Scorzonera is one of the most important genera in the Asteraceae family, and members of the genus have great potential in traditional medicine systems. In this article we aimed to determine skin protective and antimicrobial effects of different extracts from the roots and aerial parts of three Scorzonera species (S. hieraciifolia, S. hispanica, S. tomentosa). Antimicrobial properties were evaluated against different pathogen bacterial and fungal strains, whereas protective effects were studied in isolated mouse skin specimens exposed to hydrogen peroxide. In this biological model, the levels of l-dopa and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were evaluated, as markers of tyrosinase activity and inflammation, respectively. All extracts were effective in blunting the increased hydrogen peroxide-induced l-dopa turnover and PGE2 level; thus, suggesting skin protection that could be partly related to the content of flavonoids, among which rutin, in the tested extracts. Additionally, all extracts were effective as antibacterial and antifungal agents; intriguing results were observed against Trichoderma viride, which was particularly sensitive to S. tomentosa root extracts. Therefore, the present study strengthens the importance of investigating herbal preparations obtained from plants belonging to the genus Scorzonera, for the management and prevention of inflammatory and infectious skin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the methanol and water extracts of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. leaves and stem bark parts were considered as the source of bioactive constituents; thus, chemical analysis and bioactivity assays were performed. UPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS analysis allowed the identification of phytoconstituents in the various extracts, including 19 phenolic acids, 27 flavonoids, 20 tannins and 4 iridoids. The methanol extract of stem bark presented a higher antioxidant activity (DPPH: 3.04 mmol TE g−1; ABTS: 4.72 mmol TE g−1; CUPRAC: 3.61 mmol TE g−1 and FRAP: 1.64 mmol TE g−1) compared with other extracts. The highest inhibitory effects (AChE: 2.56 mg GALAE g−1; tyrosinase: 76.25 mg KAE g−1; amylase: 0.71 mmol ACAE g−1; glucosidase: 0.98 mmol ACAE g−1 and elastase: 2.64 mg CE g−1) were also recorded by the methanol extract of stem bark. The bacteriostatic (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) effects of the extracts obtained from different plant parts and using different solvents were evaluated using clinically relevant microorganisms and the measured values were in the range of the activity measured for the reference compounds streptomycin and ampicillin. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the potential toxicity of the identified compounds as well as potential targets of bioactivity. Five of the major compounds, erythrin, gardenoside, phlorizin, sesamoside and veracylglucan B, were identified as possible modulators of necroptosis pathways. Besides, particular attention must be paid to some identified compounds (i.e. icariin, isomyricitrin, methylmyricetin rhamnoside-gallate, rhapontin, silybin, xyloccensin R, vanilloylajugol) because of their probable immunotoxicity predicted properties. Our results could provide a great scientific starting point on the way from the bench to functional applications through the use of P. reticulatus, namely novel nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although all ground beetles have pygidial glands homologous in structure and function, there are many differences among species, often significant, in terms of chemical composition of the secretion and morphology of the gland components. In this paper, two predatory ground beetle species of the genusCarabus, namelyC. (Tomocarabus)convexusandC. (Procrustes)coriaceus, were subjected to chemical, morphological and histological study of their pygidial glands and the glands’ secretions. Altogether, three carboxylic acids were isolated, and the pygidial gland reservoir and other glandular parts are morphologically described in the study. We also tested whether there exist differences in chemical content of the secretion obtained by upsetting the beetles in a traditional way and that obtained directly from intact reservoirs. Detailed data on morphology of the pygidial glands of both species are presented, as well as updated information about the chemical components of the glandular secretions. Apart from tiglic and methacrylic acids, which are typical forCarabuspygidial secretions, we also found benzoic acid as a minor component of the secretion in both species. In addition, a chemotaxonomic overview ofCarabustaxa is given in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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The antimicrobial properties of the pygidial gland secretions released by the adults of the three ground beetle species, Carabus ullrichii, C. coriaceus, and Abax parallelepipedus, have been tested. Microdilution method was applied for detection of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs). Additionally, morpho-histology of the pygidial glands is investigated. We have tested 16 laboratory and clinical strains of human pathogens--eight bacterial both gram-positive and gram-negative species and eight fungal species. The pygidial secretion samples of C. ullrichii have showed the strongest antimicrobial effect against all strains of treated bacteria and fungi. Staphylococcus aureus, Lysteria monocytogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium proved to be the most sensitive bacterial strains. Penicillium funiculosum proved to be the most sensitive micromycete, while P. ochrochloron and P. verrucosum var. cyclopium the most resistant micromycetes. The pygidial secretion of C. coriaceus has showed antibacterial potential solely against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. ochraceus, and P. ochrochloron. Antibacterial properties of pygidial gland secretion of A. parallelepipedus were achieved against P. aeruginosa, while antifungal activity was detected against five of the eight tested micromycetes (A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. ochraceus, Trichoderma viride, and P. verrucosum var. cyclopium). Commercial antibiotics Streptomycin and Ampicillin and mycotics Ketoconazole and Bifonazole, applied as the positive controls, showed higher antibacterial/antifungal properties for all bacterial and fungal strains. The results of this observation might have a significant impact on the environmental aspects and possible medical purpose in the future.