Evaluation of the Effects of a Pinus Brutia Bark Extract on Biochemical Parameters and Blood Pressure in an Experimental Arterial Hypertension

The new hypertension therapies which are thought to improve the mechanisms impairing the target organs in arterial hypertension (AHT) would have great practical value. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Pinus brutia bark extract (EPb) on serum lipid profiles and oxidative stress in N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension. The experiment demonstrated that PbE improved lipid profile and reduced pro-oxidative effects of L-NAME, thus suggesting a possible role of the extract in the management of AHT. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease was significant in the group undergoing simultaneous EPb extract and L-NAME therapy, as compared to the group that was administered only L-NAME. Due to its effects, the Pinus brutia bark extract may be used for the prophylaxis and as adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular conditions.

Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B virus + hepatitis C virus-co-infected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis treated with ombitasvir, paritaprevir/r + dasabuvir + ribavirin

Hepatitis B virus may reactivate in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antivirals. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HBV + hepatitis C virus (HCV)-co-infected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis treated with paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir, dasabuvir with ribavirin. We reviewed prospectively gathered data from a national cohort of 2070 hepatitis C virus patients with compensated liver cirrhosis who received reimbursed paritaprevir/ombitasvir/r, dasabuvir with ribavirin for 12 weeks from the Romanian National Health Agency during 2015-2016. Twenty-five patients in this cohort were HBs antigen positive (1.2%); 15 untreated with nucleotide analogues agreed to enter the study. These patients were followed up: ALT monthly, serology for HBV and DNA viral load at baseline, EOT and SVR at 12 weeks. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-co-infected patients were all genotype 1b and 52% females, with a median age of 60 years (51 ÷ 74); 76% were pretreated with peginterferon + ribavirin; 72% were with severe necroinflammatory activity on FibroMax assessment; 40% presented comorbidities; and all were HBe antigen negative. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) SVR response rate was 100%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA viral load was undetectable in 7/15 (47%) before therapy, and for the other 8 patients, it varied between below 20 and 867 IU/mL. Five patients (33%) presented virological reactivation (>2 log increase in HBV-DNA levels) during therapy. One patient presented with hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation, and two started anti-HBV therapy with entecavir. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) virological reactivation was present in 33% in our patients. Generally, HBV-DNA elevations were mild (<20 000 IU/mL); however, we report one case of hepatitis associated with HBV reactivation.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY, A NONINVASIVE MARKER OF STEATOHEPATITIS IN PATIENTS WITH OBESITY AND BIOPSY PROVEN NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

CONTEXT

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes simple steatosis, steatohepatitis (NASH) which can evolve with progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As liver biopsy cannot be used as a screening method, noninvasive markers are needed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to test if there is a significant association between vitamin D deficit and the severity of NAFLD.

DESIGN

The patients were divided into two groups (vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency) and statistical analyses were performed on the correlation of clinical and biochemical characteristics with histopathological hepatic changes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 64 obese patients referred for bariatric surgery between 2014 and 2016 to our Surgical Unit. Anthropometric, clinical measurements, general and specific biological balance were noted. NAFLD diagnosis and activity score (NAS) were evaluated on liver biopsies.

RESULTS

Increased serum fibrinogen was correlated with NASH (p=0.005) and higher NAS grade. T2DM was positively correlated with liver fibrosis (p=0.002). 84.37% of the patients had vitamin D deficit and 15.62% were vitamin D insufficient. Lobular inflammation correlated with vitamin D deficit (p=0.040). Fibrosis (p=0.050) and steatohepatitis (p=0.032) were independent predictors of low vitamin D concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D status in conjunction with other parameters - such as T2DM - or serum biomarkers - namely fibrinogen level and PCR level - may point out the aggressive forms of NAFLD and the need for liver biopsy for appropriate management.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic potential of Ramaria largentii Marr & D. E. Stuntz, a wild edible mushroom collected from Northeast Romania

Ramaria largentii Marr & D. E. Stuntz (orange coral mushroom) is a wild edible mushroom whose chemical composition and bioactivity have not been investigated. Herein, we present a study on the phenolic constituents, antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of a hydromethanolic extract of the fruiting bodies. Total phenolic content, estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, was found to be 42.33 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g. Protocatechuic and vanillic acids were detected by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. The extract showed good free radical scavenging and reducing capacities (EC₅₀ = 64.3 ± 0.2 and 61.54 ± 0.46 μg/mL, respectively). In normal Vero cells, the extract (100, 200 and 300 μg/mL) showed no genotoxic potential and moreover, almost completely protected DNA against H₂O₂-induced damage (2.09-7.91% tail DNA) (24 and 48 h pre-treatment). Taken together, the results of our study show that Ramaria largentii extract is devoid of genotoxicity and has a remarkable DNA protective activity against H₂O₂-induced damage.

The Cardiovascular Effects of Cocoa Polyphenols-An Overview

Cocoa is a rich source of high-quality antioxidant polyphenols. They comprise mainly catechins (29%-38% of total polyphenols), anthocyanins (4% of total polyphenols) and proanthocyanidins (58%-65% of total polyphenols). A growing body of experimental and epidemiological evidence highlights that the intake of cocoa polyphenols may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Beyond antioxidant properties, cocoa polyphenols exert blood pressure lowering activity, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, metabolic and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and also improve endothelial function. This paper reviews the role of cocoa polyphenols in cardiovascular protection, with a special focus on mechanisms of action, clinical relevance and correlation between antioxidant activity and cardiovascular health.

Essential Oils and Their Components as Modulators of Antibiotic Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria

Gram-negative bacteria cause infections that are difficult to treat due to the emergence of multidrug resistance. This review summarizes the current status of the studies investigating the capacity of essential oils and their components to modulate antibiotic activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Synergistic interactions are particularly discussed with reference to possible mechanisms by which essential oil constituents interact with antibiotics. Special emphasis is given to essential oils and volatile compounds that inhibit efflux pumps, thus reversing drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, indifference and antagonism between essential oils/volatile compounds and conventional antibiotics have also been reported. Overall, this literature review reveals that essential oils and their purified components enhance the efficacy of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, being promising candidates for the development of new effective formulations against Gram-negative bacteria.

ASSESSMENT OF ADRENOCORTICAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH STABLE LIVER CIRRHOSIS

INTRODUCTION

Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) is common in the setting of critical illness as well as in hemodynamically instable cirrhotic patients with sepsis. Several studies have also shown that RAI is frequent in patients with stable cirrhosis without sepsis. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the incidence of RAI in patients with stable cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-seven patients with hemodynamically stable liver cirrhosis without sepsis were prospectively included. RAI, assessed by using low dose-short Synacthen test (LD-SST), was defined as either a basal total cortisol concentration below 3.6 µg/dL or a peak total serum cortisol ≤ 16 µg/dL at 30 min after stimulation.

RESULTS

RAI was present in 10 (21.3%) of 47 cirrhotic patients. Peak cortisol level was negatively correlated with the severity of cirrhosis evaluated by Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) (r=-0.46; P=0.001) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) (r=-0.51; P=0.001) scores. The frequency of RAI increased from CTP-A (10%) to CTP-B (30%) to CTP-C (60%).

CONCLUSION

RAI diagnosed by LD-SST is frequent in patients with stable cirrhosis and is related to the severity of liver disease. Further studies are needed to define clinical importance of RAI in stable cirrhotic patients.

Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil From Carum Carvi L. Cultivated in North-Eastern Romania

Essential oils have significant antioxidant activity, being used frequently as preservatives in the food and cosmetic industries. Aim: To assess the in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil from Carum carvi L. (caraway) cultivated in northeastern Romania. Materials and Methods: The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation from dried caraway fruits. The chemical composition was investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by three different in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH∙ and ABTS•+ scavenging and reducing power assays). Butylhydroxyanisole was used as reference standard. Results and Discussion: Carvone was the major compound of essential oil of caraway fruits (48.53%), followed by limonene (44.42%). Evaluation of the antioxidant activity (DPPH∙and ABTS•+ scavenging activity and reducing power) revealed significant effects, with IC50 values of 46.51 ± 1.61 µg/mL, 5.34 ± 0.07 µg/mL and 7.64 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively, as compared to those of the reference standard, butylhydroxyanisole (6.09 ± 0.27 µg/mL, 1.49 ± 0.00 µg/mL and 3.39 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively). Conclusions: Essential oil of Carum carvi cultivated in northeastern Romania belongs to carvone chemotype. Due to its high antioxidant activity it might be a potential alternative to conventional preservatives in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Adalimumab and Infliximab in Crohn's disease - real life data from a national retrospective cohort study

AIM

to compare the efficacy and safety of Adalimumab(ADA) and Infliximab(IFX), in a large Romanian population and to identify predictors of response. Methods We performed a national retrospective cohort study including 265 patients (136 ADA, 129 IFX) between 2008-2014. Binary logistic regression was performed with the statistical program Minitab.

RESULTS

Patients were half women, with a median age of 36, a median disease duration of 2.5 years, 80% received Azathioprine. Mean therapy duration was 20 months in ADA group and 36 months in IFX group. Complete response to Adalimumab respectively Infliximab was recorded in 77%vs.65%, secondary loss of response in 18%vs.28%, statistically comparable. We failed to identify predictors of response. In 79.2%of patients with secondary loss of response to ADA, the dose was escalated, 12.5% were switched to Infliximab. In 70%of patients that lost response to IFX, the dose was increased, 30% were switched to Adalimumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Adalimumab and Infliximab have similar efficacy, with a complete response rate of~70%. In case of secondary loss of response to IFX, the best solution is to switch to ADA, with 83% response rate, while in case of secondary loss of response to ADA, increasing the dose leads to 84 % response rate.

CATECHINS PROFILE, CAFFEINE CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF CAMELLIA SINENSIS TEAS COMMERCIALIZED IN ROMANIA

AIM

Catechins profile, caffeine content and antioxidant activity of different green tea and white tea samples commercialized on the Romanian market were investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five green tea samples and five white tea samples commonly available on the Romanian market were processed by infusion and the lyophilisates of infusions were analyzed. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Catechins and caffeine profile was analyzed by RP-HPLC-DAD (Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column, binary mobile phase (A) 3% acetic acid and (B) methanol). In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by free radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating assays.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Total phenolic content ranged between 44.73 +/- 0.63 and 63.57 +/- 0.45 GAE% in green tea samples and between 9.69 +/- 0.90 and 52.99 +/- 0.45 GAE% in white tea samples. RP-HPLC-DAD analysis allowed the identification of epigallocatechin gallate (45.18-118.58 mg/g lyophilisate) and caffeine (47.79-108.07 mg/g lyophilisate) in all tea samples; epicatechin was detected in all samples (5.04-31.04 mg/g lyophilisate) except for two white teas infusions. Green tea samples scavenged DPPH radical and chelated ferrous ion with EC50=9.68 +/- 0.02-16.11 +/- 0.02 microg/mL and 10.91 +/- 0.04-18.65 +/- 0.03 microg/mL, respectively. For white teas, EC50 values varied between 9.50 +/- 0.02-20.95 +/- 0.02 microg/mL in DPPH assay and 12.49 +/- 0.03-20.32 +/- 0.07 microg/mL in ferrous ion chelating assay.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a large variability in the content of catechins and caffeine and in the antioxidant capacity of both green and white tea samples.

Clostridium difficile infection in patients with liver disease: a review

Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic worldwide increase in both the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Paralleling the increased incidence of CDI in the general population, there has been increased interest in CDI among patients with liver disease, particularly in those with liver cirrhosis and post liver transplantation. MEDLINE and several other electronic databases from January 1995 to December 2014 were searched in order to identify potentially relevant literature. Patients with cirrhosis and liver transplant recipients are at high risk for the development CDI because of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors use, frequent and prolonged hospitalization, immunosuppressant therapy, and multiple comorbidities. Enzyme immunoassay to detect C. difficile toxins A and B in stool remains the most widely used test for CDI diagnosis, although, more recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays have become the preferred diagnostic test in many laboratories. Metronidazole and vancomycin, given orally, have proved to be effective in the treatment of CDI. Both cirrhotic patients and liver transplant recipients with CDI have longer length of hospital stay, increased mortality, and higher healthcare costs than those without CDI. A rapid diagnosis and adequate therapy of CDI are of paramount importance to improve liver disease patients' outcome. The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, treatment, and outcomes in liver disease patients with CDI.

Assessment of the microbial load of some medicinal plants commonly used in Romania

AIM

This study aims to assess the microbial load of some medicinal plants (Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea millefolium, Ocimum basilicum, Calendula officinalis, Tilia cordata, Hypericum perforatum) commonly used as medicinal teas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 24 samples collected from the local market, as well as from the spontaneous flora of Galati County, were analyzed in terms of the total number of germs, the content of coliform bacteria, yeasts and molds, and the presence of specific pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Salmonella spp.).

RESULTS

The values obtained for total number of germs, yeasts and molds were in accordance with the limits set by the European Pharmacopoeia for plant products to which hot water is added before use. In the case of specific pathogenic bacteria, the presence of E. coli was confirmed in 41.66% of the samples, the presence of Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in 16.66% of the samples, and the presence of Bacillus cereus in 33.33% of the samples. Salmonella spp. was absent in all samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a certain microbial load of medicinal plants analyzed, emphasizing the importance of quality control in all stages of production.

Clostridium difficile infection and inflammatory bowel disease: what gastroenterologists and surgeons should know

Over the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase worldwide in both incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Paralleling the rising incidence of CDI in the general population, there has been an even higher increase in the incidence of CDI among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CDI may mimic a flare of IBD as symptoms and laboratory parameters are often similar, and therefore, screening for CDI is recommended at every flare in such patients. Enzyme immunoassay to detect Clostridium difficile toxin A and B in stool is still the most widely used test for CDI diagnosis despite its low sensitivity. Metronidazole for mild/moderate CDI,and vancomycin for severe CDI are the preferred agents for the treatment of infection. CDI has a negative impact both on short- and long- term IBD outcomes, increasing the need for surgery, as well as the mortality rate and healthcare costs. All gastroenterologists and surgeons should have a high index of suspicion for CDI when evaluating a patient with IBD flare, as prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment of infection improve outcomes. Measures must be taken to prevent spreading of infection in gastroenterology /surgery settings.

Screening of antibacterial effects of anise essential oil alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics against Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the effects of anise essential oil alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin) against Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates. MATERIAL AND METHODs: Anise essential oil (AEO) was isolated by hydrodistillation from dried powdered fruits. Its chemical composition was investigated by GC-MS and GC-FID. Broth dilution assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of anise essential oil. The interactions with antibiotics were studied by the checkerboard assay.

RESULTS

Trans-anethole (90.18%) was identified as major constituent in anise essential oil. Almost all combinations AEO-amoxicillin and AEO-ciprofloxacin showed indifferent interactions (1 < FIC index < or = 2). Positive interactions (addition and weak synergism) were found only for four combinations AEO-amoxicillin (FIC index = 1,0.62, 0.75 and 0.5) and one combination AEO-ciprofloxacin (FIC index = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Herbal products containing anise essential oil may be used as expectorants in combination with amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections without diminishing antibiotic efficacy.

Polyphenol-rich extract from Pinus sylvestris L. bark--chemical and antitumor studies

Pinus sylvestris L. is a very important timber tree in Romania, the bark being the main waste from the wood processing.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and antitumor effects against HeLa cells of a polyphenol-rich extract from Pinus sylvestris L. bark.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The polyphenolic content and profile were analyzed by means of spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC-UV/ESI-MS in the negative ion mode. The antitumor activity was investigated using two in vitro assays: MTT and flow cytometric apoptosis assays.

RESULTS

Pine bark extract contained a high total phenolic content (48.16 +/- 0.29%). RP-HPLC-UV/ESI-MS analysis allowed the identification of taxifolin, a taxifolin-hexoside and several procyanidins (two monomers, three dimers and three trimers). At 200 microg/mL, pine bark extract exhibited a high cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (82.10 +/- 1.95%). Flow cytometry revealed the ability of pine bark extract to induce apoptosis: 71.97 +/- 0.96% apoptotic cells were determined in HeLa cells after a 48 h incubation with pine bark extract (200 microg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of pine bark extract to reduce viability and induce apoptosis in HeLa cells suggests the presence of compounds with antitumor properties and encourages further studies for their isolation and characterization.

In vitro screening of Crataegus succulenta extracts for free radical scavenging and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activities

Crataegus succulenta Schrad. ex Link is widely spread in North America. A literature survey revealed no studies on the chemical composition and biological effects of this species.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic content, free radical scavenging and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory effects of Crataegus succulenta leaf and flower extracts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents were quantified by spectrophotometric methods. Both extracts were evaluated for their ability to scavenge DPPH, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals and to inhibit 15-lipoxygenase activity.

RESULTS

There were noticed no striking differences in the total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents between leaf and flower extracts. Both extracts showed similar 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory effects. Flower extract scavenged more effectively DPPH and superoxide radicals while leave extract was more active against hydroxyl radical. In superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, both extracts were more active than (+)-catechin. In hydroxyl radical scavenging and 15-lipoxygenase inhibition assays, the extracts were only 4-5 times less active than (+)-catechin.

CONCLUSIONS

The high antioxidant potential of Crataegus succulenta extracts suggest a possible use as ingredients in functional foods for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

In vitro study on the antioxidant activity of a polyphenol-rich extract from Pinus brutia bark and its fractions

A crude hydromethanolic extract from Pinus brutia bark and its fractions (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions) were studied with regard to their phenolic content and antioxidant activities. The total phenolics and proanthocyanidins in each extract were quantified by spectrophotometric methods; the polyphenolic profile was analyzed by RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. All extracts were tested with regard to their ability to scavenge free radicals (ABTS radical cation, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals), reduce ferric ions, and inhibit 15-lipoxygenase. P. brutia bark extracts had high phenolic contents (303.79±7.34-448.90±1.39 mg/g). Except diethyl ether extract, all other extracts contained proanthocyanidins ranging from 225.79±3.94 to 250.40±1.44 mg/g. Several polyphenols were identified by RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS: taxifolin in diethyl ether extract, a taxifolin-O-hexoside, catechin, procyanidin dimers, and trimers in ethyl acetate extract. Except diethyl ether extract, all other extracts were effective scavengers of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals (EC₅₀=33.5±1.1-54.93±2.85 μg/mL and 0.47±0.06-0.6±0.0 mg/mL, respectively). All extracts had noticeable 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory effects (EC₅₀=22.47±0.75-34.43±2.25 μg/mL). We conclude that P. brutia bark is very promising for the dietary supplements industry due to its high free radical scavenging and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory effects.

The chemical composition of essential oils isolated from sweet fennel fruits available as herbal tea products

Sweet fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare var. dulce Mill.) are a spice with various uses in medicine, but also in food, pharmaceutic and cosmetic industries. Their biological activities as well as the flavoring properties are due to the essential oil.

AIM

In this paper, the essential oils obtained from seven Romanian fennel herbal tea products were comparatively characterized in terms of their chemical composition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The volatile oils obtained by hydrodistillation, according to the Ph. Eur. 6th edition, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS.

RESULTS

The volatile oil content of fennel herbal tea products varies widely (28.10-101.00 mL/kg dried fruits), but all the samples meet the requirements of the Ph Eur. 6th edition (min. 20 mL/kg dried fruits). Phenylpropanoid derivatives (52.12%-57.66%) and monoterpenes (39.25%-45.28%) represent the bulk of the fennel volatile oils. Trans-anethole, estragole, limonene, fenchone, a-pinene, y-terpinene and myrcene were the main compounds in all samples, but their levels vary greatly.

CONCLUSIONS

The Romanian fennel herbal tea products showed important differences in terms of volatile oil content. The qualitative and quantitative differences in the chemical composition of fennel volatile oils were also observed. The most striking variations concern trans-anethole and estragole phenylpropanoid derivatives. Furthermore, these variations could have a significant impact on the flavouring and biological effects of fennel volatile oils.

The polyphenolic content of common lamiaceae species available as herbal tea products in Romanian pharmacies

The plants belonging to Lamiaceae family are widely used in medicine, cosmetic and food industry. Besides volatile oils, the main constituents of these plants are polyphenols. These compounds are secondary metabolites with multiple biological activities useful in the prevention and treatment of many disorders.

AIM

To determine the flavonoids. hydroxycinnamic acids and total polyphenols content in several aromatic Lamiaceae plants available in Romanian pharmacies as herbal tea products: Melissa officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha piperita, Thymus vulgaris and Salvia pratensis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The quantitative determination of different types of polyphenols was performed in ethanolic extracts 70% and 50%, respectively, of each sample, using spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The total polyphenols levels in the investigated products ranged between 3.10% and 6.51% (expressed as g GAE/100 g dry weight), the largest amount being identified in Melissa officinalis (6.51%). The samples of Salvia pratensis and Mentha piperita were the richest in flavonoid derivatives expressed as g rutin/100 g dry weight (1.83% and 1.53%, respectively), the optimal extraction being with 70% ethanol. The highest content in hydroxycinnamic acids expressed as g rosmarinic acid/100 g dry weight was found in Melissa officinalis sample (4.15%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variability of polyphenolic content not only by species, but also depending on the polyphenols type or solvent used for extraction. The best extraction rate of total polyphenols in the investigated Lamiaceae species was obtained with 50% ethanol.

15-lipoxygenase inhibition, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities of Cedrus brevifolia bark extracts

Cedrus brevifolia (Hook. f.) Henry, a species endemic to Cyprus, has not been studied regarding its constituents and potential biological activities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A crude extract from Cedrus brevifolia bark and its four fractions (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) were investigated regarding their capacity to inhibit 15-lipoxygenase and scavenge reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals). Catechin was used as positive control in all antioxidant assays.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, the crude extract showed the highest activity (EC50 = 57.73 +/- 1.25 microg/mL) comparable to that of the positive control, catechin (EC50 = 52.60 +/- 1.65 microg/mL). All other fractions exhibited noticeable scavenging effects against superoxide radical, their EC50 values ranging from 76.33 +/- 3.50 to 91.06 +/- 4.45 microg/mL. The ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were the most active in the hydroxyl radical scavenging (EC50 = 580.20 +/- 18.72 and 792.10 +/- 15.36 microg/mL, respectively) and 15-lipoxygenase inhibition assays (EC50 = 34.0 +/- 0.9 and 40.96 +/- 0.45 microg/mL, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Cedrus brevifolia bark is a valuable source of compounds with reactive oxygen species and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activities. These results support further studies for the identification and isolation of the bioactive constituents.

Plant-derived anticancer agents - curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment

Nowadays cancer is still a major public health issue. Despite all the progresses made in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, mortality by cancer is on the second place after the one caused by cardiovascular diseases. The high mortality and the increasing incidence of certain cancers (lung, prostate, colorectal) justify a growing interest for the identification of new pharmacological agents efficient in cancer prevention and treatment. In the last fifty years many plant-derived agents (vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, topotecan, irinotecan, elliptinium) played a major role in cancer treatment. Other very promising plant-derived anticancer agents (combrestatins, betulinic acid, roscovitine, purvalanols, indirubins) are in clinical or preclinical trials. Curcumin, a liposoluble polyphenolic pigment isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), is another potential candidate for new anticancer drug development. Curcumin has been reported to influence many cell-signaling pathways involved in tumor initiation and proliferation. Curcumin inhibits COX-2 activity, cyclin D1 and MMPs overexpresion, NF-kB, STAT and TNF-alpha signaling pathways and regulates the expression of p53 tumor suppressing gene. Curcumin is well-tolerated but has a reduced systemic bioavailability. Polycurcumins (PCurc 8) and curcumin encapsulated in biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NanoCurc) showed higher bioavailability than curcumin together with a significant tumor growth inhibition in both in vitro and in vivo studies. BILITY.