Search

Stress that can occur at different levels of a person’s life can cause and exacerbate various diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation underlie this process at the cellular level. There is an urgent need to identify new and more effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-induced behavioral disorders and specific drugs that affect these targets. Isatis tinctoria L. is a herbaceous species in the Brassicaceae family. Due to its potential antioxidant, nitric oxide- (NO-) inhibiting, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, I. tinctoria could be used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress resistance. Hence, the present study is aimed at delineating whether administration of I. tinctoria leaf extract may improve stress-induced disorders in mice. A set of four behavioral tests was selected that together are suitable for phenotyping acute restraint stress-associated behaviors in mice, namely locomotor activity, social integration, dark/light box, and splash tests. The plasma and brains were collected. A brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, corticosterone, NO, reactive oxygen species levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power were measured. In mice stressed by immobilization, decreased locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, and contact with other individuals were observed, as well as increased oxidative stress and increased levels of nitric oxide in the brain and plasma C-reactive protein. A single administration of I. tinctoria leaf extract was able to reverse the behavioral response to restraint by a mechanism partially dependent on the modulation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and NO reduction. In conclusion, Isatis tinctoria hydroalcoholic leaf extract can reduce stress-induced behavioral disturbances by regulating neurooxidative, neuronitrosative, and neuroimmune pathways. Therefore, it could be recommended for further research on clinical efficacy in depression and anxiety disorder treatment.

Stress that can occur at different levels of a person's life can cause and exacerbate various diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation underlie this process at the cellular level. There is an urgent need to identify new and more effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-induced behavioral disorders and specific drugs that affect these targets.

Euphorbia dendroides L. is a rounded shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area well-known, since ancient times, for its traditional use. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flower (FE), leaf (LE), fruit (FrE), and branch (BE) hydroalcoholic extracts. For this purpose, a preliminary phytochemical screening followed by RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, as well as several in vitro cell-free colorimetric assays, were carried out. Moreover, the toxicity of the extracts was investigated by the brine shrimp lethality assay. All extracts showed a high content of polyphenols, in particular phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid 0.74–13.80 g/100 g) and flavonoids (rutin 0.05–2.76 g/100 g and isovitexin 8.02 in BE). All the extracts showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with, on average, the following order of potency: FE, LE, FrE, and BE. Interestingly, all the extracts investigated did not show any toxicity on Artemia salina. Moreover, the only LD50 found (BE, 8.82 mg/mL) is well above the concentration range, which has been shown the biological properties. Considering this, this study offers the first evidence of the possible use of the polyphenol extracts from the aerial parts of E. dendroides as promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

As part of a project aimed at investigating the Matthiola taxa endemic to Sicily (Italy), this study focused on Matthiola incana, an edible species used in the traditional medicine of various countries. Herein, the characterization of phenolic and volatile compounds, the antioxidant capacity in vitro (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), reducing power and Fe2+ chelating activity assays) and the toxicity test (Artemia salina lethality bioassay) of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of M. incana subsp. rupestris from Mt. Pellegrino (Palermo) and Mt. Erice (Trapani), and of M. incana subsp. pulchella are reported. The results are compared with those previously shown for M. incana subsp. incana, to achieve a comprehensive overview of the three subspecies. The HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS and SPME-GC/MS analyses led to the identification of 13 phenolics and 54 volatile compounds. Differences in the qualitative-quantitative profile of these phytochemicals have been highlighted between the M. incana subspecies. The antioxidant tests showed different activity for the extracts, which were found to possess better chelating properties. At last, none of the tested extracts displayed toxicity against brine shrimp larvae. These findings enrich the knowledge on the Matthiola taxa growing wild in Sicily, both from the strictly systematic point of view and for the possible applications as sources bioactive compounds that can be used in the nutraceutical field.

Gli acari fitoseiidi sono divenuti interesse di studio in Sicilia a partire dai primi anni '70. Ricerche costanti nel tempo hanno arricchito le conoscenze sulla fauna siciliana con la segnalazione di 48 specie valide, cinque delle quali nuove per la Scienza. Nel presente lavoro riassumiamo i dati raccolti in circa cinquant'anni, con l’aggiunta di 12 nuove segnalazioni per la fauna isolana. Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) cryptus Athias-Henriot stata confermata la specie pi frequente (39,4%), seguita da Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) exhilaratus Ragusa (32,6%), Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) (22,9%), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) rhenanoides Athias-Henriot (19,4%) (18,9%). Alcune specie hanno mostrato una forte presenza in localit dal clima pi mite (zone costiere o di pianura) o zone pi fresche (localit di alta collina o montagna), mentre altre hanno mostrato una distribuzione pi ampia. Gli indici Sorensen-Dice hanno mostrato valori pi alti tra localit contigue per altitudine (0,65 e 0,60 rispettivamente per i siti di collina-montagna e di pianura-collina), mentre la somiglianza tra la fauna di fitoseidi presente sulle piante in aree distanti tra loro (pianura-montagna) era inferiore (0,53). L’analisi cladistica della composizione specifica dei fitoseidi su piante coltivate e spontanee nei tre piani altitudinali ha mostrato un netto distacco tra i due gruppi di piante con un gradiente progressivo che segue l’aumento altitudinale. Phytoseiid mites became an interesting issue in Sicily in the early 70’s. Constant surveys enriched the knowledge on Sicilian fauna with 48 valid species, five of them new to Science. In the present paper we summarise data collected in about 50 years of surveys, adding 12 records new for the Sicily fauna. Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) cryptus Athias-Henriot has been confirmed as the most frequent species (39.4%), followed by Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) exhilaratus Ragusa (32.6%), Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) (22.9%), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) rhenanoides Athias-Henriot (19.4%) (19.6%) and Euseius stipulatus (Athias-Henriot) (18.9%). Some species showed a strict association with warmer or cooler sites, while others showed a wider distribution. Sorensen-Dice indices showed higher values between contiguous localities for altitude (0.65 and 0.60 for hill-mountain and plainhill sites respectively), while the similarity among Phytoseiidae fauna present on plants in areas far from each other (plain-mountain) was lower (0.53).

Orobanche crenata Forssk. (Orobanchaceae) is a holoparasitic plant noxious to legumes. Orobanchaceae are well known in traditional medicine for their hypotensive, antihyperglycemic, antispasmodic, analgesic and antimicrobial effects. In this work, the biological activities of the acetonic leaves extract were evaluated. Qualitative chemical analysis was determined through thin layer chromatography. Total phenols and flavonoids content was obtained by the Folin-Ciocalteu and the Aluminium chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was performed by the broth microdilution method. The extract showed antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive strains, with MIC ranging from 376.00 to 3011.00 µg/ml. Besides, it exhibited antifungal effects on Candida spp. with MIC ranging from 94.10 to 3011.00 µg/ml. In addition, O. crenata inhibited superoxide anion formation and showed a DPPH quenching capacity, particularly at 80 µg/ml. Interestingly, our results are promising thus indicating the importance of O. crenata as a significant source of biologically active natural compounds.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties and phytochemical constituents of the latex from Euphorbia dendroides L. (Euphorbiaceae) growing wild ...

The genus Teucrium (Lamiaceae) includes 300 species widespread all around the world, which are perennial herbs or shrubs commonly, named germanders. In Italy, Teucrium flavum L., Teucrium fruticans L., and Teucrium siculum Rafin are mostly present in Liguria, Sicily, and Sardegna. Teucrium species are characterized by mono and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, flavonoids, fatty acid esters, and essential oils. Many species of this genus show antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities, rendering them useful as natural preservative ingredients. In view of the interesting biological properties reported for Teucrium spp., in this study we determined the total phenol and flavonoid content of inflorescence extracts of T. flavum L., T. fruticans L., and T. siculum Rafin. In addition, we investigated the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of inflorescence extracts against pathogenic bacteria. Obtained results demonstrated that extracts had in vitro antioxidant activity and showed antim...

Matthiola incana (L.) R. Br. (Brassicaceae) is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes and utilized as a medicinal plant. In the present work, the hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of this species has been evaluated in different bioassays in order to detect potential pharmacological applications. The cytotoxic capacity against the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (CaCo-2) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines was tested using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The extract was investigated as a neuroprotective inhibitor of central nervous system (CNS) enzymes such as monoamine oxidase A, tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase, and as a natural enzyme inhibitor of &alpha, glucosidase and lipase involved in some metabolic disorders such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. The antioxidant ability was also evaluated in an enzymatic system (xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay). Results showed that the M. incana extract displayed moderate to low cytotoxicity vs. CaCo-2 cells. The extract acted as a superoxide radical scavenger and enzymatic inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A, tyrosinase, &alpha, glucosidase, and lipase. The best results were found in the &alpha, glucosidase assay, as M. incana hydroalcoholic extract was able to inhibit the enzyme &alpha, glucosidase up to 100% without significant differences, compared to the antidiabetic drug acarbose. Matthiola incana has been demonstrated to exert different biological properties. These are important in order to consider this species as a source of bioactive compounds.

Considering the growing interest that wild brassicas have as sources of bioactive molecules as well as a genetic resource, the authors review and update the taxonomy of Brassica sect. Brassica, limited to the native flora of Sicily, an island considered to be an active diversification center for the group of species of the aforementioned section. Regarding the taxonomic aspects, Brassica tardarae is here considered a subspecies of B. rupestris; the distinction at the subspe- cific level of B. raimondoi, a critical taxon included in B. incana, is also confirmed. In addition, two new subspecies are proposed, respectively in B. incana and B. rupestris. The taxonomic information relating to the taxa reported is enriched by synthetic chorological data. A thorough examination of the literature concerning the chemical aspects and biological activity of some Sicilian taxa referred to Brassica sect. Brassica, allowed to highlight not only important bioac- tive molecules such as glucosinolates, but also the demonstrated biological activities. From these studies, therefore, the enormous potential of Sicilian wild cabbages emerges, not only as a recognized genetic resource, but also as a biological and nutraceutical one. This would demonstrate the considerable economic importance of these plants which can have positive effects on the innovation of agricultural production.

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), which is commonly known as woad, is a species with an ancient and well-documented history as an indigo dye and medicinal plant. Currently, I. tinctoria is utilized more often as medicinal remedy and also as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2011, I. tinctoria root was accepted in the offcial European phytotherapy by introducing its monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia. The biological properties of raw material have been known from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over recent decades, I. tinctoria has been investigated both from a phytochemical and a biological point of view. The modern in vitro and in vivo scientific studies proved anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical composition of I. tinctoria has been thoroughly investigated and the plant was proven to contain many valuable biologically active compounds, including several alkaloids, among which tryptanthrin, indirubin, indolinone, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides as well as glucosinolates, carotenoids, volatile constituents, and fatty acids. This article provides a general botanical and ethnobotanical overview that summarizes the up-to-date knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this valuable plant in order to support its therapeutic potential. Moreover, the biotechnological studies on I. tinctoria, which mainly focused on hairy root cultures for the enhanced production of flavonoids and alkaloids as well as on the establishment of shoot cultures and micropropagation protocols, were reviewed. They provide input for future research prospects. Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), which is commonly known as woad, is a species with an ancient and well-documented history as an indigo dye and medicinal plant. Currently, I. tinctoria is utilized more often as medicinal remedy and also as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2011, I. tinctoria root was accepted in the offcial European phytotherapy by introducing its monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia. The biological properties of raw material have been known from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Over recent decades, I. tinctoria has been investigated both from a phytochemical and a biological point of view. The modern in vitro and in vivo scientific studies proved anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. The phytochemical composition of I. tinctoria has been thoroughly investigated and the plant was proven to contain many valuable biologically active compounds, including several alkaloids, among which tryptanthrin, indirubin, indolinone, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides as well as glucosinolates, carotenoids, volatile constituents, and fatty acids. This article provides a general botanical and ethnobotanical overview that summarizes the up-to-date knowledge on the phytochemistry and biological properties of this valuable plant in order to support its therapeutic potential. Moreover, the biotechnological studies on I. tinctoria, which mainly focused on hairy root cultures for the enhanced production of flavonoids and alkaloids as well as on the establishment of shoot cultures and micropropagation protocols, were reviewed. They provide input for future research prospects.

Bergamot flavonoids counteract dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia but fail to induce a significant weight loss. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of bergamot polyphenol extract complex (BPE-C), a novel bergamot juice-derived formulation enriched with flavonoids and pectins, on several metabolic syndrome parameters. Obese patients with atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) over 0.34 and mild hyperglycemia were recruited to a double-blind randomized trial comparing two doses of BPE-C (650 and 1300 mg daily) with placebo. Fifty-two subjects met the inclusion criteria and were assigned to three experimental groups. Fifteen subjects per group completed 90 days-trial. BPE-C reduced significantly fasting glucose by 18.1%, triglycerides by 32% and cholesterol parameters by up to 41.4%, leading to a powerful reduction of AIP (below 0.2) in the high dose group. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin levels were also reduced. Moreover, BPE-C decreased body weight by 14.8% and body mass index by 15.9% in BPE-C high group. This correlated with a significant reduction of circulating hormones balancing caloric intake, including leptin, ghrelin and upregulation of adiponectin. All effects showed a dose-dependent tendency. This study suggests that food supplements, containing full spectrum of bergamot juice components, such as BPE-C efficiently induce a combination of weight loss and insulin sensitivity effects together with a robust reduction of atherosclerosis risk.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau) juice has a particularly high content and a unique composition of flavonoids. Neoeriocitrin, neohesperidin, naringin, melitidin and brutieridin represent more than 95% of Bergamot Polyphenol Fraction (BPF), while rhoifolin, diosmin, poncirin and others can be found in the remaining 5%. The brilliant performance of BPF in clinical practice against as a treatment for hyperlipidemia and moderate hyperglycemia in metabolic syndrome, awaits a plausible mechanistic explanation. Considering the overwhelming scientific evidence, it is likely that flavonoid components of BPF are responsible for majority of pharmacological effects. Here, we will review the scientific evidence showing that flavonoids, in particular citrus flavonoids present in bergamot fruits, influence lipid and sugar metabolism at the molecular level. Anti-diabetic and dyslipidemia-correcting effects of bergamot polyphenols may be explained by their ability to activate AMP kinase (AMPK), which is a central regulator of glucose and fatty acids metabolism and inhibit cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDE), involved in regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes and liver. Importantly, certain polyphenols can act as 3-hydroxy-3-methlglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, thereby mimicking statins action. In addition, flavonoids bind and act as natural inhibitors of quinone oxidoreductase 2 (QR2/NQO2) and other enzymes with potential roles in metabolic regulation. Finally, pleiotropic and possible synergistic effects may account for enhanced nutraceutical effects of natural flavonoid mixtures, such as BPF as compared to purified flavonoids.

Rural landscapes have been dramatically simplified and reduced. Large mechanical machinery was adopted and most of the natural helps such as living tutors in the vineyards disappeared or were replaced by cement or steel pillars. In the same way, field margins and hedgerows have also become restricted and simplified. The vegetation in the rural landscape mosaic provides alternative food and overwintering places, maintaining the inestimable importance of biodiversity in providing unexpected ecological services in agroecosystems. An important example could be predatory mites both as species and population density, providing ecological service for biological control such as the two-spotted spider mite attacks. Maple and grape leaf domatia can be hosted by a large number of small invertebrates, including predatory mites such as Phytoseiidae, Laelapidae, and Stigmaeidae. The present study would document the ecological service offered by the presence of predatory mites, especially Phytoseiidae, on wild herbal vegetation and tree species associated with hedgerows in agricultural sites across the Veneto Region (Italy). 25 confirmed species of phytoseiids were revealed. Neoseiulus barkeri results the common species in all plant species habitats studied and with Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius rademacheri, Euseius finlandicus, Neoseiulella tiliarum is recorded in most of the study sites. Other species are notable for the preferences of plant species: Neoseiulus cucumeris and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) verrucosus results associated for elm, meanwhile Neoseiulus aurescens, Paraseiulus soleiger and Phytoseiulus persimilis for maple tree. A positive relationship between the increasing leaf hairiness and the mean number of Phytoseiidae is revealed. The movement of predatory mites from one plant to another could be a necessary condition to support an effective biological control. The reintroduction of the living tutor for vine such as maple and elm and increasing the field margins diversity could improve and maintain the inestimable importance of biodiversity in providing unexpected ecological services in agroecosystems.

Background Experimental and epidemiological studies show that bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) ameliorates the serum lipemic profile, normalizes blood pressure and improves non alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. Despite this evidence, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects remain unclear. The aim of our study is to clarify the effects of BPF on the lipoprotein assembly and to identify oxidative stress biomarkers correlating hyperlipidaemia and BPF-induced metabolic changes. Methods Male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were randomly assigned to receive a standard diet, a hypercholesterolemic diet or a hypercholesterolemic diet+BPF (20 mg/Kg/rat daily, gavage), respectively, for 90 days. Total cholesterol (tChol), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and fasting plasma glucose were evaluated at the baseline as well as at the end of the treatment. To assess the effect of BPF on the Lipid Transfer Protein System, detection of ACAT, LCAT, CETP, PON1, Apo A1 and Apo B have also been carried out. Finally, the lipid peroxidation biomarker (TBARS) and oxyLDL were also measured. Results BPF prevented tChol, LDL-C, TG and fasting plasma glucose enhancement and improved HDL-C. Treatment of hyperlipæmic rats with BPF significantly restored altered the serum concentration of lipemic biomarkers and the activity of ACAT, LCAT, CETP and PON1, an effect accompanied by the concomitant normalization of Apo A1 and APO B levels. In addition, TBARS levels were reduced significantly by the treatment with BPF. Conclusions BPF prevents diet-induced alteration of the lipid profile in rats, counteracting oxidative stress and improving the dysregulation of the Lipid Transfer Protein System. These data add new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial role of BPF in the therapy of hyperlipidaemia, thus suggesting a novel approach in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

This study aimed to characterize the phenolic and the volatile constituents and to establish the antioxidant potential and the toxicity of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves and flower buds of Matthiola incana (L.) R.Br. subsp. incana growing wild in Sicily (Italy). By HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis, 12 phenolics (two phenolic acid derivatives and ten flavonoids) were identified, and eight of them were reported for the first time; luteolin-glucoside was the main component (57.07 mg/g±0.87 % RSD). By SPME-GC/MS, 47 volatile constituents were fully characterized, and dimethyl trisulfide turned out to be the most abundant one (33.24 %). The extract showed moderate activity both in the DPPH and in the reducing power assays (IC50 =2.32±0.24 mg/mL; ASE/mL=12.29±0.42); it did not inhibit the lipid peroxidation, whereas it was found to possess good chelating properties reaching approximately 90 % activity at the highest tested dose. Moreover, the extract protected growth and survival from H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress in Escherichia coli. Finally, the extract was non-toxic against Artemia salina (LC50 >1000 μg/mL). These findings increase the knowledge of M. incana subsp. incana and they could be helpful to a chemosystematic distinguishing of this subspecies also demonstrating that the aerial parts represent a safe source of antioxidants.

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil. subsp. italicum oils, coming from Sicily and Corsica and growing up, at equal geographical area, at the same edaphic and climatic conditions, were investigated by GC-MS, GC-FID and gas chromatography carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). GC-MS and GC-FID analyses on the oils terpene fraction have evidenced two different compositional finger prints (chemotypes). Investigating the carbon isotope ratio of the main and common terpene compounds, were also highlighted different plants’ genetic behaviors. The i-stds elaboration has permitted to investigate on the plants’ genetic changes, taking into account only the secondary biogenetic pathways, in which the terpenes formation occurs.

This study was designed to define and compare the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of polar extracts obtained from basal leaves (It-BL), cauline leaves (It-CL) and flowers (It-F) of Isatis tinctoria L. growing wild around Acireale (Sicily, Italy). The phenolic profile was characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS analysis and the correlation between phenolic content and the observed biological effects was established. Further, LC/MS analysis showed that the extracts contain glucosinolates at very low concentrations. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested in vitro; It-F was the most effective in the DPPH test (IC50 = 0.437 ± 0.003 mg/mL), whilst It-CL showed the best reducing power (1.546 ± 0.006 ASE/mL) and ferrous ions chelating activity (IC50 = 0.564 ± 0.011 mg/mL). The extracts exhibited anti-proliferative effects against three different human thyroid carcinoma cell lines, and It-BL displayed the strongest activity; particularly, it markedly inhibited the growth of CAL-62 cells, causing...

Introduction Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) is widespread in the Mediterranean area. This plant has a solid tradition in ethnomedicine because of its various biological activities. Based on previous reports, the main volatile constituents of R. chalepensis are 2-undecanone and 2-nonanone, but most are still unknown, particularly fatty acid composition. Objective To exhaustively characterise the chemical composition of the aerial parts from R. chalepensis plants collected from the wild in Sicily, within a project aiming at the evaluation and characterisation of medicinal plants from the Mediterranean flora. The study was directed toward the determination of volatiles and fatty acids in samples of R. chalepensis obtained from different aerial plant parts and from plants harvested at different times. Methods GC with flame ionisation detection, GC–MS and two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) advanced techniques, with support of dedicated mass spectral databases provided with retention index (RI) information, were applied to determine both volatiles and fatty acids. Samples were extracted by hydrodistillation and underwent methylic transesterification in order to be transformed into the correspondent fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Results The monodimensional analysis by GC–MS with RI confirmed that 2-nonanone and 2-undecanone are the predominant components in all the plant parts, followed by esters and monoterpenes. A different distribution was observed of the main compounds in the various plant parts depending on the life cycle of the plant (vegetative or reproductive stage). The multidimensional GC × GC analysis allowed for a complete screening of the fatty acids. About 65% of the total were polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), followed by 30% of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Conclusion A detailed GC volatile fingerprint of R. chalepensis flowers, leaves, fruits and stems was established, highlighting the compositional differences depending on plant organs and life cycle. The results indicated R. chalepensis as a good source of fatty acids from the w3 and w6 series. In both essential oil and lipidic extract, many compounds were determined for the first time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) represents an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease states in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, both the size of LDL particles and liver dysfunction identified as non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represent important biomarkers for the development of cardiometabolic risk in patients with MS. Here we studied the effect of bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) in patients with MS and NAFLD. 107 patients were enrolled at the San Raffaele IRCCS (Rome). All of them showed ultrasonografic evidences of NAFLD and at least three out of five previous identified criteria for the diagnosis of MS. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving placebo and the second receiving BPF 650 mg twice a day for 120 consecutive days. In the group receiving BPF 650 mg twice a day, a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides alongside with an increase of HDL cholesterol was found. This effect was accompanied by significant reduction of both ultrasonographic and metabolic biomarkers of NAFLD. Moreover, a significant reduction of small dense LDL particles, as detected via proton NMR Spectroscopy, was found after BPF treatment. In conclusion, our data confirm the beneficial effect of bergamot-extract in patients with MS an effect highlighted by significant reduction of small dense LDL particles and by improvement of NAFLD biomarkers. This suggests a potential preventive role of bergamot derivatives in reducing cardiometabolic risk.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia, Risso et Poiteau) essential oil (BEO) is a widely used plant extract showing anxiolytic, analgesic and neuroprotective effects in rodents; also, BEO activates multiple death pathways in cancer cells. Despite detailed knowledge of its chemical composition, the constituent/s responsible for these pharmacological activities remain largely unknown. Aim of the present study was to identify the components of BEO implicated in cell death. To this end, limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, γ-terpinene, β-pinene and bergapten were individually tested in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cultures at concentrations comparable with those found in cytotoxic dilutions of BEO. None of the tested compounds elicited cell death. However, significant cytotoxicity was observed when cells were cotreated with limonene and linalyl acetate whereas no other associations were effective. Only cotreatment, but not the single exposure to limonene and linalyl acetate, replicated distinctive morphological and biochemical changes induced by BEO, including caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, cell shrinkage, cytoskeletal alterations, together with necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Collectively, our findings suggest a major role for a combined action of these monoterpenes in cancer cell death induced by BEO.

Huperzine A (Hup-A), an alkaloid isolated from Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae), acts as a selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and shows memory-enhancing properties. Although Hup-A has shown promising expectation for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, controlled clinical trials supporting its use are limited. The aim of this work was to study in vivo, in an animal model of AD, the pharmacological activity of systemic administration of Hup-A on cortex- and hippocampus-dependent memory. With this purpose, a set of experiments was planned to evaluate attention, learning, working and spatial memory with respect to cortical and hippocampal electroencephalogram (EEG) theta rhythm during the object recognition test and Morris water maze in animals with lesion of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM). In NBM-lesioned animals, compared with control, an increased theta power in the cortex and a reduced theta rhythm oscillation in the hippocampus were found. These EEG changes were correlated with worse performance in learning and memory tasks. In rats with damaged NBM, Hup-A (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) was able to restore EEG architecture, producing cortical desynchronization and reduction in theta power, while in the hippocampus the drug increased theta oscillation and reduced the impairment in attention/working memory as well as spatial navigation performance in the behavioral tasks. Taken together, the present data suggest that Hup-A is able to restore cholinergic cortico-hippocampal functional connectivity. In conclusion, the present results are in agreement with other experimental evidence that promote the clinical use of this natural drug.

A new iridoid diglucoside has been isolated from an ethanolic extract of Antirrhinum siculum, together with five-known compounds. Its structure has been assigned as 5-O-glucopyranosyl-7α-hydroxyharpagide by spectroscopic means.

Systematic studies on the family Phytoseiidae were first conducted at the beginning of the 20th century but increased greatly after the Second World War. Various classifications have been proposed based on different characters such as: dorsal, ventral, and leg chaetotaxy; the shape of ventrianal and sternal shields; the shape of the insemination apparatus (spermatheca) and spermatodactylus; the number of teeth on the movable digit of chelicera; and dorsal and ventral adenotaxy. The genus concepts developed over the last five decades can be divided into two main categories or hypotheses. The first, supported mainly by Chant and McMurtry, focuses on dorsal and ventral chaetotaxy, and the genera so defined usually include a great number of species. The second category, proposed by Athias-Henriot, considers the shape of the insemination apparatus as the key character, and the genera so defined usually include a limited number of species. From a diagnostic point of view, both classifications have a valid structure, but the question investigated herein was: which of the two classifications or hypotheses fits phylogenetic evolution? To answer this, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses (using the genes ITS and 12S rRNA) on the genus Neoseiulus, which has been subjected to classification based on the two main genus concepts. The results showed that the first hypothesis (Chant and McMurtry) leads to polyphyly of the genus Neoseiulus, while the second (Athias-Henriot) leads to paraphyly of the genus. The results show that acarologists who first decided that the insemination apparatus was of evolutive importance could be correct as the shape of the insemination apparatus seems to better fit evolutive clades than dorsal and ventral chaetotaxy. The morphology of this organ, however, must be more accurately studied to better define homologies. The present paper investigates the two main hypotheses proposed until now for classification of Phytoseiidae and thereby opens the way for improved classification. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 165, 253–273.

The economic importance of the Phytoseiidae motivated many scientists to work on the systematics of this family. One of them was the French acarologist Claire Athias-Henriot. In her first work, she tackled the question of supraspecific groupings within this family from an evolutionistic point of view, and suggested a system for numbering dorsal shield setae, that could be applied to both hypotrichous and holotrichous forms. She also looked for other characters, such as the ratios of the distance between the insertions of some setae on dorsal and sternal shields, the presence of macrosetae on legs, and the length/width ratio of the ventrianal shield. Following Dosse (1957; 1958) who used the shape of the insemination apparatus (spermatheca) for taxonomic purposes, she also adopted this character to define genera, initially without giving it a particular weight. Meanwhile, she also studied other gamasids, and in 1966 considered the insemination apparatus as the main character for distinguishing families of Gamasida. She distinguished the Phytoseiidae within the Laelapoidea (sic), by the type of insemination apparatus and the dorsal hypotrichy. In 1966, she adopted Lindquist and Evans (1965) chaetotactic nomenclature system in her "Contribution à l’étude des Amblyseius paléarctiques (Acariens anactinotriches, Phytoseiidae)". In 1967, she advanced the hypothesis that the insemination apparatus was best for defining phylogenetic relationships because it was less subject to hereditary modifications than external body parts that are in direct contact with the environment. One year later, Athias-Henriot published an exhaustive study on the insemination apparatus of Laelapoidea stating the taxonomic importance of this structure. She also studied adenotaxy and sigillotaxy in order to find characters to define natural lineages. In 1975, she studied the dorsal organotaxy of Amblyseiini in order to define species characters. Two years later she redefined the genus Cydnodromus emphasizing both the importance of the insemination apparatus and the evolution of solenostome gv3. In 1978 and 1981, while describing respectively the new genera Dictydionotus and Pegodromus, Athias-Henriot considered the insemination apparatus and the other characters as having the same weight. In 1983, Ragusa and Athias-Henriot redescribed the genus Neoseiulus; in this case the insemination apparatus was considered as the main character for the definition of the genus, with a series of other (related) characters.

Essential oils from the aerial parts of Sicilian Teucrium flavum L., isolated by using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MHD), were analyzed for the first time at various seasonal stages (vegetative and budding stage) by means of GC/MS and GC-FID; the flowers and fruits were also subjected to examination. More than 80 compounds were identified as oil components. The leaf, flower and fruit oils were characterized by a predominance of sesquiterpenes, such as β-ryophyllene (3–5 g/100 g), germacrene D (4–14 g/100 g), β-bisabolene (32–49 g/100 g); the total amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons contained in each oil was 56–70 g/100 g, the oxygenated derivatives were in the range of 9–20 g/100 g. The monoterpene hydrocarbons in all samples (leaves, flowers, fruits) were contained in very low amounts, from 0.2 to 1.6 g/100 g, and were the least representative fraction of the oils. Oxygenated aliphatic compounds, especially esters, were also detected. The results can be useful to support, by means of ...

In the present research, the chemical composition of the volatiles present in the fresh leaves and twigs of Pistacia lentiscus L. was determined by using GC–FID and GC–MS. In past years the oil was employed in the perfumery, food and pharmaceutical industries, while recently it has been re-evaluated as a flavouring in alcoholic beverages and chewing gums, due to the natural production of the exudate called ‘mastic gum’. The present study was carried out on Sicilian plants with the aim of integrating the already existing information on the chemical composition of the oil. The oil samples were obtained using traditional hydrodistillation (HD) and simultaneous distillation and extraction (SDE). For the first time, the enantiomeric distribution of 17 chiral couples by means of enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography (Es-MDGC), was determined. The results showed that more compounds were detected in the SDE extract (96 components) than in the HD extract (62 components). Several minor components contained in the HD product probably contribute significantly to its aromatic properties and could be useful for chemotaxonomic characterization. P. lentiscus L. leaf and twig oil, although not considered until now, could be employed as a flavour contributor or as food preservative. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) is a broadly commercialised phytoseiid mite used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes especially in northern and southern America. However, its taxonomic status was, until now, equivocal because no redescription based on type material had ever been made. The authors redescribe N. fallacis from type material in Garman’s collection, designating the lectotype and paralectotypes for the species. Moreover, a new species of the fallacis complex, discovered among the fallacis type material, is described and named N. garmani sp. nov. in honour of Philip Garman.