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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.

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.

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-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

Juniperus species commonly known as juniper are members of Cupressaceae family and widely grown throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are consumed as spice, medicinal herb, used in the medicine, cosmetic, and wood industry. They have many biological activities such as abortifacient, antifertility, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumoral, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic related to their traditional uses. Coumarins, fatty acids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, sterols, tannins, and terpenoids are the main secondary metabolites of the genus. Many in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted on the antidiabetic activity of junipers. These studies revealed that berry, heartwood, leaf extracts, and essential oils of different species are found to have significant hypoglycemic activity besides their antioxidant activity. Further studies are necessary to determine the effects of juniper extracts on diabetic patients, to obtain toxicological data, and to observe their long-term effects clinically.

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.

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.

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.

Aim of this study is to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant profile of standardized ethanol extracts of Bidens cernua L. var. radiata and B. frondosa L. Acute hypoglycemic activity of extracts were investigated on normoglycemic, glucose loaded and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Sub‐acute antidiabetic effect was investigated during the 8 days experiment. Both the extracts exhibited promising and significant hypoglycaemic effect in all tested in vivo models. Acute antidiabetic effect of B. cernua and B. frondosa were found as 40% and 42% at 500 mg/kg dose, respectively. α‐Glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activity of the extracts were also determined and both of the extracts inhibited α‐glucosidase enzyme strongly (64.29–75.22% at 2 mg/mL). Conversely, in vitro antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content of extracts were measured. The extracts were standardized by RP‐HPLC‐DAD on the basis of cynaroside and chlorogenic acid as markers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bidens species have been used both as food and traditional medicine. In some countries, young leaves of Bidens species are added to salads, soups, and young shoot tips are used to make a tea. Our results revealed that Bidens species standardized by cynaroside and chlorogenic acid had a significant effect on regulation of blood glucose levels. It can be concluded that the tested Bidens species, that were found to be rich in flavonoid and phenolic compounds, might be beneficial for diabetic patients.

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.

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

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.

Ethnopharmacological relevance In Turkish folk medicine, various parts of Cistus laurifolius L. are used to treat gastric ulcer and various types of pains. Additionally the tea prepared from the leaves is used to decrease symptoms of diabetes. Materials and methods In the present study, the hypoglycemic effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Cistus laurifolius were investigated in normal, glucose loaded hyperglycemic and streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. α -Glucosidase and α -amylase enzyme inhibitory effects were determined to evaluate the mechanism of action. Total phenolic content of the extracts were determined by using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (UPLC–TOF-MS) was used to detect the major phenolic compounds in the extract. Results Results indicated that blood glucose levels of the STZ-induced diabetic rats were decreased by ethanol extract at of 250 and 500 mg/kg doses as compared to control group (16%–34%). In glucose loaded animals, extracts have shown a weak hypoglycemic effect (11%–20%). Additionally, the ethanol extract of Cistus laurifolius is found to be a potent inhibitor of α -glucosidase and α -amylase, possibly due to several polyphenolic compounds present within the extract. Twelve major flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, quercitrin and their derivatives), gallic, ellagic and chlorogenic acid in chromatographic fingerprint were analyzed by the on-line UPLC–TOF-MS system. Conclusions Due to having inhibitory effect on blood glucose level and carbohydrate digesting enzymes ( α -glucosidase and α -amylase), Cistus laurifolius leaves might be beneficial for diabetic patients.

Different parts and products of Juniperus species have been used as folk medicine for various infectious diseases, rheumatism, and wounds in Turkey. In order to evaluate this traditional usage, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of leaf and berry extracts of 3 Juniperus species (J. excelsa, J. foetidissima, and J. sabina) were investigated. Additionally, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of subextracts of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berries and leaves were evaluated. The p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test for antinociceptive activity and the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model for antiinflammatory activity in mice were employed. Ethanol extract prepared from berries of J. foetidissima provided a significant antiinflammatory effect (26.9%) at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Moreover, the n-butanol subextract of Joso berry ethanol extract exhibited a promising antiinflammatory effect at 100 mg/kg. The same subextract displayed significant antinociceptive activity without inducing any gastric damage or apparent acute toxicity. Results demonstrated that the n-butanol subextract of Joso berries and the ethanol extract of J. foetidissima berries displayed remarkable antiinflammatory activity, and the n-butanol subextract of Joso also showed promising antinociceptive activity. Further studies are warranted to define and isolate the active compounds from these species to be used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders.

WOS: 000302437200026, PubMed ID: 22326357, Ethnopharmacological relevance: Juniperus (Cupressaceae) species are widely used as folk medicine in spreading countries. Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L leaves is used internally to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. Aim of the study: To determine hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus leaves and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique. Materials and methods: Ethanol and water extracts of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso), leaves on oral administration were studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, a non-polar fraction was separated from the n-hexane subextract by silica gel column chromatography as the main active fraction. Subfractions of this fraction was found to possess antidiabetic activity and their chemical composition was investigated by GC-FID and GC-MS, simultaneously. Results: This is the first report on the antidiabetic constituents of Joso leaves. Fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid were found as the major compounds in subfractions. Conclusion: Results indicated that Joso leaf extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes mellitus, Gazi University [02/2007-07], This study was a part of Nilufer Orhan's PhD thesis called "Pharmacognosic Inverstigations on the Juniperus Species Used for Diabetes Mellitus in Folk Medicine" and financially supported by the Research Fund of Gazi University (02/2007-07).

Ethnopharmacological relevance Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. Aim of the study To evaluate hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique. Material and methods Hypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions, subfractions and shikimic acid (SA). Results Through in vivo bioactivity-guided fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-β- d -glucopyranosyl ferulic acid and oleuropeic acid-8-O-β- d -glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues (63–64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats were decreased. Conclusion Results indicated that Joso berry extract and its active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaves, ripe fruits, and unripe fruits of Juniperus communis ssp. nana, Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus,Juniperus sabina, juniperus foetidissima, and Juniperus excelsa were investigated in the present study. Cholinesterase inhibition of the extracts was screened using ELISA microplate reader. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The extracts had low or no inhibition towards AChE, whereas the leaf aqueous extract of J. foetidissima showed the highest BChE inhibition (93.94 +/- 0.01%). The leaf extracts usually exerted higher antioxidant activity. We herein describe the first study on anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity by the methods of ferrous ion-chelating, superoxide radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays of the mentioned Juniperus species. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) fruits and leaves are used internally and pounded fruits are eaten for diabetes in Turkey. Aim of the study To evaluate the interrelationships between the levels of chosen trace elements (copper, iron, and zinc) and hepatic, renal lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (J.o.s.o.) leaf and fruit extracts for 10 days. Materials and methods J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts were administered in STZ-induced diabetic rats, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. The blood glucose levels were measured in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th day of experiment. Fe, Cu, and Zn contents and lipid peroxidation levels of liver and kidney tissues were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, respectively. Results Treatment of diabetic rats with the J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts decreased the blood glucose levels and both the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. J.o.s.o. extracts have augmented Zn concentrations in liver of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Conclusions Results indicated that J.o.s.o. fruit and leaf extracts might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

Rosa canina L. fruits (Rosaceae) are used to treat diabetes in Anatolia traditionally. In this study, the ethanol extract of R. canina fruits and its fractions were screened for their antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities. The ethanol extract that was administered for 7 days possessed a remarkable hypoglycemic effect at 250 mg/kg dose in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Then it was fractionated through successive solvent extractions to yield CHCl 3 Fr., EtOAc Fr., n -BuOH Fr. and R-H 2 O Fr. respectively. These fractions were administrated to normal plus glucose hyperglycemic rats. Additionally the subacute antidiabetic activities of the fractions were studied in diabetic rats for 7 days. The experimental data indicated that R-H 2 O Fr. Possessed significant antidiabetic activity (50-62%) in diabetic rats. Also, a minor hypoglycemic effect was observed in normoglycemic plus glucose-hyperglycemic animals treated with R-H 2 O Fr. (15%). In vitro antioxidant experiments revealed that EtOAc Fr. Showed the highest radical scavenging activity on DPPH (79.5±0.4%), whereas CHCl 3 Fr. exhibited the maximum reducing power. The highest total phenolic content was observed in CHCl 3 Fr. (18.5±0.6% gallic acid equivalent g/g fraction) but no correlation was observed between the antidiabetic activity of fractions and their phenolic contents. Our findings support the traditional usage of R. canina fruits as a folk remedy in the treatment of diabetes in Turkey.

Helichrysum species (Asteraceae) are widely found in Anatolia. Decoction prepared from the capitulums of Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum is used to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes mellitus in folk medicine. In the present study, the hypoglycaemic and antioxidant potential of Helichrysum plicatum ssp. plicatum was evaluated by using in vivo methods in normal and streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats. After the oral administration of water and ethanolic extracts at doses of 500 mg/kg body weight prepared from the capitulums of plant, blood glucose levels were monitored at specific intervals. Tolbutamide was used as a reference drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The experimental data indicated that water and ethanol extracts of capitulums demonstrate significant antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced rats which confirmed the folkloric utilization. In order to assess the role of polyphenolic components in the relevant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of each extract were also determined in terms of total phenols: 113.5 ± 8.6 mg (gallic acid equivalent/1 g extract) and total flavanoids 50.5 ± 1.9 mg (quercetin equivalent/1 g extract) for ethanol extract, total phenols: 75.9 ± 3.7, flavonoids: 31.5 ± 2.3 for water extract using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. EF 02/2002-04 This study was financially supported by The Research Fund of Gazi University (EF 02/2002-04).

Helichrysum graveolens (Bieb.) Sweet (Asteraceae) grows widely in Turkey. Capitulums of H. graveolens are used in the treatment of many diseases such as jaundice and wound healing and as a diuretic in the rural areas of Anatolia. The decoction from the capitulums of the plant is consumed for the symptoms of diabetes mellitus in folk medicine. In the present study, the hypoglycemic, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant potentials of water and ethanol extracts of H. graveolens were evaluated by using in vivo methods in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels of animals were measured by the glucose oxidase method. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was also studied in liver, kidney, and heart tissues. In order to determine antioxidant activity, tissue malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels were measured by using spectrophotometric methods. The experimental data obtained from water and ethanol extracts of capitulums confirmed the folkloric utilization. In order to discuss the role of polyphenols components in the relevant activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents of each extract were also determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and a positive correlation was observed. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition.

The acute and the subacute (15 days) hypoglycaemic and antibyperglycaemic effect of the two different doses (250, 500 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Vitis vinifera L. were evaluated in this study. The aqueous extract was further fractionated through successive solvent extractions and the acute effect of different doses of its subfractions, 25 mg/kg for ethylacetate fraction, 80 mg/kg for n-butanol fraction and 375 mg/kg for remaining aqueous fraction were investigated using normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were measured according to the glucose oxidase method. Tolbutamide was used as a reference drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The antioxidant activity of the test samples was studied in the liver, kidney and heart tissues of diabetic rats by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathion (GSH) levels. All results were compared to the diabetic control groups. The results showed that EtOAc Fr. was rich in polyphenolics and possessed a significant antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity equipotent with the reference hypoglycaemic agent (tolbutamide), when evaluated in diabetic rats. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aim: Since ancient times, mint is used for nausea, respiratory and urinary tract infections, bronchitis, diarrhea, and jaundice in folk medicine. In addition, it is also an important plant as spice, medicine, food, perfumery and cosmetic industry. In this study, it is aimed to compare mint samples purchased from aktars of Ankara with the culture samples of Mentha x piperita L., M. spicata L. and M. rotundifolia as comparison materials, to determine which species they belong, and to conduct their pharmacopoeia analysis. Methods: Samples and comparison materials were investigated morphological, and anatomically; total ash, water, foreign matter percentage, and volatile oil content of the samples were calculated. Extracts and volatile oils obtained from samples and comparison materials were compared by thin layer chromatography. Menthae piperitae folium monograph in European Pharmacopoeia is used for the limit values and methods. Results: According to obtained data, most of the leaves sold as mint is identified as M. rotundifolia.

Background: Flowering herbs of Gentiana olivieri Griseb. (Gentianaceae) are widely used as bitter tonic, stomachic, stimulant of appetite, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and for mental problems in the different regions of Turkey. Objective: To establish the anticonvulsant activity potential of G. olivieri. Materials and Methods: In this work, the ethanol extract of G. olivieri was tested in three doses (200, 750 and 1000 mg/kg) for anticonvulsant activity against seizures produced in mice by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), picrotoxin (PIC) and maximal electroshock (MES). Neurotoxicity of the ethanol extract was also determined by the Rota rod test to evaluate the safety. Ethosuximide (150 mg/kg), diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) and carbamazepine (30 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs. Results: Intraperitonally, injection of the extract significantly prolonged the onset of seizures at doses of 200 and 750 mg/kg, but did not alter the incidence of PTZ-induced seizures. Onset of PIC-induced seizures was delayed by the injection of the extract (1000 mg/kg). Moreover, only 750 mg/kg of the extract protected 25% of the mice against PIC-induced seizures. On the other hand, G. olivieri extract (200, 750 and 1000 mg/kg) showed a significant protective effect against MES-induced seizures. In the Rota rod test, the ethanol extract (200 mg/kg, ip) induced disturbance in motor coordination. Conclusion: The results indicate that G. olivieri has possessed anticonvulsant activity against MES-induced seizures in mice.