Allium ursinum: botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological overview

Drying enhances the antioxidant activity of Allium mongolicum Regel through the phenylpropane and AA-MA pathway as shown by metabolomics

Fresh Allium mongolicum Regel (FA) and dried A. mongolicum Regel (DA) are significantly different in antioxidant activity. However, the relevant mechanisms have not yet been explored. We evaluated the antioxidant activities of two varieties of FA and DA and characterized their metabolites using targeted metabolomics. The effect of different metabolites on the antioxidant activity of A. mongolicum Regel was investigated by multivariate analysis. A total of 713 metabolites were detected in all samples. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that the key primary metabolites were directly and significantly correlated with the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), while the secondary metabolites were directly correlated with antioxidant activity. The higher antioxidant activity of DA may be mainly attributed to the higher TPC and TFC. This study revealed the potential mechanism by which drying enhances the antioxidant activity of A. mongolicum Regel.

A detailed survey of agroecological status of Allium ursinum across the republic of Serbia: Mineral composition and bioaccumulation potential

The purpose of this study was to determine the content of twenty-two biogenic elements (BEs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soil and fresh Allium ursinum leaves from 43 different locations, in order to examine their bioaccumulation potential. Analyses of soil and plant material were carried out by using Inductively Coupled Plasma coupled with Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), a mercury analyzer (Hg), liquid chromatography (Cr), and AAS hybrid technique (As). The obtained results of the investigated elements were compared with the proposed limit values. The soil contamination factor (CF) as well as plant bioaccumulation factor (BAF) were calculated and the correlation analysis was performed. The results showed that the content of some BEs/PTEs in the soil were above the limit values, with two locations highly contaminated (CF > 6) with five (Cr(VI), Cu, Mn, Ni, V) and four (As, Co, Pb, V) elements. The content of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in the leaves was higher than the permitted levels at some locations. The BAF was high (K, Ca, Zn, As), medium (Mg, Cu, B, Ni, Na, Pb), and low (Fe, Mn, Cr). The correlation between BEs/PTEs content in the leaves and soil was not significant, except for the following elements: Cd (0.37), Ca (0.34), As (0.36), Pb (0.30), and Na (0.25). The observed medium correlation suggested that the detected elements originated both from the atmosphere and the soil. Although A. ursinum at examined locations seemed to be mostly safe for consumption, a selective mechanism of adoption of certain BEs/PTEs requires continuous monitoring of their content in the future, to avoid quantities that can jeopardize human health through its consumption.

Phenolic Content, Amino Acids, Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Their Relationship in Wild Garlic (A. ursinum L.)

Allium ursinum L. is a wild relative of garlic, and it is abundant in many antioxidant compounds. Sulfur compounds, primarily cysteine sulfoxides (CSOs), are converted through several reactions into various volatile molecules, which are considered the principal flavor compounds of Alliums. In addition to secondary metabolites, wild garlic is abundant in primary compounds, such as amino acids, which serve not only as building blocks for the health-promoting sulfur compounds but also as antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between individual amino acid contents, the total phenolic content, and the profile of volatile compounds as well as their influence on the antioxidant capacity of both the leaves and bulbs of wild garlic populations in Croatia. Both univariate and multivariate methods were used to study the differences in the phytochemical compositions among the wild garlic plant organs and the link between individual compounds and antioxidant capacity. Both the plant organ and location, as well as their interaction, have a significant impact on the content of total phenolic content, amino acids, volatile organic compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of wild garlic.

Techno-Functional Properties of Burgers Fortified by Wild Garlic Extract: A Reconsideration

The aim of this research was to examine the chemical properties of freshly squeezed wild garlic extract (FSWGE) and its use as an additive in burgers (BU). Technological and sensory properties of such fortified burgers (BU) were determined. LC-MS/MS analyses identified thirty-eight volatile BAC. Allicin prevalence (11.375 mg/mL) is the key parameter determining the amount of FSWGE added in raw BU (PS-I 1.32 mL/kg, PS-II 4.40 mL/kg, and PS-III 8.79 mL/kg). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the FSWGE and evaporated FSWGE (EWGE) were determined against the six microorganisms using a microdilution method. The data indicated that using FSWGE can result in a reduced risk of Serratia marcescens (MIC = 50 mg/mL; MBC = 60 mg/mL), Listeria monocytogenes (MIC = MBC = 90 mg/mL), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 90 mg/mL; MBC ≥ 100 mg/mL), and Salmonella enteritidis and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 100 mg/mL; MBC > 100 mg/mL) in BU. Changes in antioxidant (AOX) capacity were followed during cold storage (up to 10 days) and freezing (90 days). It was shown that PS-III had the highest level of AOX capacity during the entire period of cold storage, revealing 8.79 mL FSWGE/kg BU as the most suitable effective concentration. Adding FSWGE did not negatively affect the technological and physico-chemical properties during both cold and freeze storage. Regarding sensory evaluation, modified BU received mostly higher scores compared to control. The results of this study have demonstrated the great potential of wild garlic extract usage in the creation of safe products with prolonged shelf life.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Several Allium Extracts

Microbial infections affect both the human population and animals. The appearance of more and more microbial strains resistant to classical treatments led to the need to develop new treatments. Allium plants are known for their antimicrobial properties due to their high content of thiosulfinates, especially allicin, polyphenols or flavonoids. The hydroalcoholic extracts of six Allium species obtained by cold percolation were analyzed regarding their phytochemical compounds and antimicrobial activity. Among the six extracts, Allium sativum L. and Allium ursinum L. have similar contents of thiosulfinates (approx. 300 μg allicin equivalents/g), and the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were different between the tested species. The HPLC-DAD method was used to detail the phytochemical composition of species rich in thiosulfinates. A. sativum is richer in allicin (280 μg/g) than A. ursinum (130 μg/g). The antimicrobial activity of A. sativum and A. ursinum extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis can be correlated with the presence of large amounts of thiosulfinates. Both extracts have shown results against Candida species (inhibition zones of 20-35 mm) and against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zones of 15-25 mm). These results demonstrate the antimicrobial effect of the extracts and suggest their use as an adjuvant treatment for microbial infections.

Effect of Bear Garlic Addition on the Chemical Composition, Microbiological Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Degree of Proteolysis in Soft Rennet Cheeses Produced from Milk of Polish Red and Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows

This study aimed to assess the effect of milk source and bear garlic addition on the selected properties of soft rennet cheese. Cheeses were produced from cow milk derived from two sources: Polish Red cows (PR) and Polish Holstein-Friesian cows (PHF) with a 0.5% (w/w) addition of bear garlic (Allium ursinum L.) dried leaves. Chemical composition and fatty acid profiles (GC) were determined in fresh cheeses. Fresh and stored for two weeks cheeses were subjected to microbiological studies, i.e., total aerobic bacteria count (TABC); count of Lactococcus sp., yeast and molds; coliforms; analysis of the proteolysis extension by means of o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) assay and free amino acids content (HPLC); antioxidant capacity as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); as well as pH and water activity. Cheeses with bear garlic herbs were more prone to proteolysis but this was not accompanied by any effect on the microbial counts, water activity or pH. Cheeses produced from PR milk contained less monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) but were richer in n-3 PUFA and had a lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio than cheeses from PHF milk. Bear garlic addition increased DPPH anti-radical power but had less of an effect on the FRAP values.

The Effect of Cow Breed and Wild Garlic Leaves (Allium ursinum L.) on the Sensory Quality, Volatile Compounds, and Physical Properties of Unripened Soft Rennet-Curd Cheese

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cow breed and the addition of wild garlic on the sensory quality, volatile compounds, and physical properties of soft rennet-curd cheese. Cheese was produced from the milk of the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed Black-and-White type and the Polish Red breed, with or without the addition of wild garlic leaves. The samples were analyzed for their sensory quality, volatile compounds (using an electronic nose and GC/MS), color, and texture. The intensity of taste and smell characteristics depended only on the addition of wild garlic. PCA showed that the differences in volatile profiles resulted both from the milk cow breed and the use of wild garlic. Breed influenced almost all color parameters, while the addition of wild garlic affected all of them. The milk source, wild garlic addition, and storage duration influenced the majority of the textural parameters of the cheeses. The research conducted indicates that the addition of wild garlic leaves results in the enrichment of the volatile compound profile of cheese, making its taste and smell less milky and sour (p ≤ 0.001), while modifying its color and some textural properties (p ≤ 0.001); while, at the same time, not adversely affecting the sensory assessment of the color, appearance, texture, smell, or taste of the cheese (p > 0.05).

Effect of the Production Parameters and In Vitro Digestion on the Content of Polyphenolic Compounds, Phenolic Acids, and Antiradical Properties of Innovative Snacks Enriched with Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.) Leaves

A new type of corn snack has been created containing additions of wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.). This medicinal and dietary plant has a long tradition of use in folk medicine. However, studies on wild garlic composition and activity are fairly recent and scarce. This research aimed to investigate the influence of the screw speed and A. ursinum amounts on the antiradical properties as well as the content of polyphenolic compounds and individual phenolic acids of innovative snacks enriched with wild garlic leaves. The highest radical scavenging activity and content of polyphenols and phenolic acids were found in the snacks enriched with 4% wild garlic produced using screw speed 120 rpm. The obtained findings demonstrated that snacks enriched with wild garlic are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. Since the concentration of such compounds is affected by many factors, e.g., plant material, presence of other compounds, and digestion, the second aim of this study was to determine radical scavenging activity, the content of polyphenols, and individual phenolic acids of snacks after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Using an in vitro two-stage model, authors noted a significant difference between the concentration of polyphenolic compounds and the polyphenol content of the plant material before digestion.

Joint Cultivation of Allium ursinum and Armoracia rusticana under Foliar Sodium Selenate Supply

Despite the high value of ramson (Allium ursinum) in medicine and nutrition, it is not cultivated in open fields due to the need for shading as well as weeding during the early crop stages. Research was carried out in an open field with the aim to improve A. ursinum growth, through its intercropping with Armoracia rusticana (horseradish). In the latter context, with and without sodium selenate application, ramson and horseradish showed reciprocal growth stimulation, as ramson biomass increased by 1.28 times and horseradish root biomass by 1.7 times. The biofortification level of horseradish roots increased from 5.9 to 9.6 times due to joint plant growth under selenium (Se) supply. The opposite phenomenon was recorded for ramson leaves, as the biofortification level decreased from 11.7 in the case of Se supplementation to 6.7 in plants supplied with sodium selenate when jointly cultivated with horseradish. Among the tested antioxidants, the highest increase due to joint cultivation and/or Se supply was recorded for ascorbic acid by 1.69 times in ramson leaves and 1.48 and 1.37 times in horseradish roots and leaves, respectively. All treatments significantly increased the total antioxidant activity (AOA) of horseradish leaves (by 1.33-1.49 times) but not roots. Comparison of the results obtained in field conditions with those obtained earlier for the Se biofortification of ramson in the natural habitat (forest) revealed significantly higher levels of the plant's antioxidant status under environmental stress (field) and a decrease in the correspondent differences as a consequence of Se biofortification. The estimation of allelopathic beneficial interaction between ramson and horseradish implies the efficiency of ramson growth and production of functional food with high levels of Se (Se-ramson leaves and Se-horseradish roots).

Plant Metabolomics as a Tool for Detecting Adulterants in Edible Plant: A Case Study of Allium ursinum

Allium ursinum and poisonous adulterants Convallaria majalis and Arum maculatum were used as a model for detection of adulterants in edible plant. A. ursinum samples were spiked with C. majalis and A. maculatum to mimic adulteration. Metabolomic fingerprinting of all samples was performed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and the resulting data sets were subjected to multivariate data analysis. As a result of this analysis, signals of adulterants were extracted from the data, and the structures of biomarkers of adulteration from partially purified samples were elucidated using 2D NMR and LC-MS techniques. Thus, isovitexin and vicenin II, azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, and trigonelline indicated adulteration of A. ursinum samples with C. majalis. Isovitexin was also recognized to be an indicator of adulteration of A. ursinum with A. maculatum. In conclusion, the case study of A. ursinum suggested that plant metabolomics approach could be utilized for identification of low molecular weight biomarkers of adulteration in edible plants.

Effects of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and Ramsons (Allium ursinum L.) on Lipid Oxidation and the Microbiological Quality, Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Attributes of Rabbit Meat Burgers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of rabbit meat burgers with the addition of garlic (Allium Sativum L.) powder (G), ramsons (Allium ursinum L.) powder (R) or their combination (GR). The effects of additives on lipid oxidation, color parameters, microbiological quality and organoleptic properties of raw and oven-baked burgers were analyzed before and after refrigerated storage. Four meat formulations were prepared: control (C)-without additives, with the addition of G (0.35 g/100 g of meat), R (0.35 g/100 g of meat) and GR (0.35 g/100 g of meat each). The addition of GR induced an increase in pH and TBARS values in raw and oven-baked burgers. The pH of raw and oven-baked burgers was also affected by storage time (ST), and it was lower after 7 days of storage (ST7) than before storage (ST0). TBARS values were higher at ST7 only in raw burgers. The addition of R and GR decreased the values of color parameter L* (lightness) relative to G and C in raw and oven-baked burgers. The greatest changes in parameter a* (redness) were observed after the addition of R and GR, both before and after heat treatment. The values of parameter b* (yellowness) increased after the addition of R, GR (raw and oven-baked burgers) and G (raw burgers). In raw burgers, color saturation (C*) was higher in groups R and GR than in groups C and G, and the value of hue angle (h°) was lower in burgers with GR than in those with G and R. In oven-baked burgers, the values of C* and h° were lower in group GR than in the remaining treatments (C, G and R). In raw burgers, ST had no effect on the values of L*, whereas the values of parameters a*, b*, C* and h° were lower at ST7 than at ST0. In oven-baked burgers, the values of L* were higher at ST0 than at ST7, and the values of a*, b*, C* and h° were higher at ST7 than at ST0. The tested additives had no influence on the presence of off-odors in raw burgers. This parameter was affected by ST, and its value was lower at ST0 than at ST7. The appearance and overall acceptability of burgers were affected only by additives, and raw burgers containing GR received the lowest scores. After heat treatment, control burgers scored lowest for all attributes, whereas burgers with the addition of R and GR received the highest scores. The analyzed additives had no effect on the growth of Enterobacteriacea, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria or total aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria. However, the counts of all identified bacteria increased at ST7. In conclusion, garlic powder and ramsons powder can be added to rabbit meat burgers to extend their shelf life and improve their eating quality.

The Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Tulbaghia, Allium, Crinum and Cyrtanthus: ‘Talented’ Taxa from the Amaryllidaceae

Amaryllidaceae is a significant source of bioactive phytochemicals with a strong propensity to develop new drugs. The genera Allium, Tulbaghia, Cyrtanthus and Crinum biosynthesize novel alkaloids and other phytochemicals with traditional and pharmacological uses. Amaryllidaceae biomolecules exhibit multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. Traditionally, natural products from Amaryllidaceae are utilized to treat non-communicable and infectious human diseases. Galanthamine, a drug from this family, is clinically relevant in treating the neurocognitive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, which underscores the importance of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Although Amaryllidaceae provide a plethora of biologically active compounds, there is tardiness in their development into clinically pliable medicines. Other genera, including Cyrtanthus and Tulbaghia, have received little attention as potential sources of promising drug candidates. Given the reciprocal relationship of the increasing burden of human diseases and limited availability of medicinal therapies, more rapid drug discovery and development are desirable. To expedite clinically relevant drug development, we present here evidence on bioactive compounds from the genera Allium, Tulgbaghia, Cyrtanthus and Crinum and describe their traditional and pharmacological applications.

Antibacterial Potential of Allium ursinum Extract Prepared by the Green Extraction Method

The antimicrobial activity of Allium ursinum aqueous extract prepared using high pressure extraction was evaluated. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of A. ursinum extract for six bacterial pathogens were determined using the broth macrodilution method. Although the A. ursinum extract was shown to be effective toward all investigated foodborne bacteria, its antimicrobial activity depended on its concentration and bacterial strain. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive to antimicrobial activity of A. ursinum extract among all tested pathogens. Accordingly, the lowest MIC and MBC of A. ursinum extract were determined for L. monocytogenes (28 and 29 mg/mL). The tested extract showed a similar antimicrobial potential to other examined bacterial strains (Salmonella Enteritidis, Proteus hauseri, Enterococcus faecalis and two strains of Escherichia coli) with MIC and MBC values at concentrations of 29 and 30 mg/mL, respectively. The dependence of the antimicrobial activity of the A. ursinum extract on the level of contamination of tested pathogens was also observed. The increase in the contamination level caused an intense reduction in antibacterial potential of the A. ursinum extract. The composition of the A. ursinum extract was analyzed and found to be a good source of polyphenols and sulfur compounds. However, considering the applied extraction method and the HPLC analysis of bioactive compounds, the antimicrobial potential may be attributed more to polyphenol content. The obtained results that the extracts have shown toward food pathogens open the possibility of using the tested extracts as natural additives in a variety of food products.

A comparison of herbarium and citizen science phenology datasets for detecting response of flowering time to climate change in Denmark

Phenology has emerged as a key metric to measure how species respond to changes in climate. Innovative means have been developed to extend the temporal and spatial range of phenological data by obtaining data from herbarium specimens, citizen science programs, and biodiversity data repositories. These different data types have seldom been compared for their effectiveness in detecting environmental impacts on phenology. To address this, we compare three separate phenology datasets from Denmark: (i) herbarium specimen data spanning 145 years, (ii) data collected from a citizen science phenology program over a single year observing first flowering, and (iii) data derived from incidental biodiversity observations in iNaturalist over a single year. Each dataset includes flowering day of year observed for three common spring-flowering plant species: Allium ursinum (ramsons), Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut), and Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). The incidental iNaturalist dataset provided the most extensive geographic coverage across Denmark and the largest sample size and recorded peak flowering in a way comparable to herbarium specimens. The directed citizen science dataset recorded much earlier flowering dates because the program objective was to report the first flowering, and so was less compared to the other two datasets. Herbarium data demonstrated the strongest effect of spring temperature on flowering in Denmark, possibly because it was the only dataset measuring temporal variation in phenology, while the other datasets measured spatial variation. Herbarium data predicted the mean flowering day of year recorded in our iNaturalist dataset for all three species. Combining herbarium data with iNaturalist data provides an even more effective method for detecting climatic effects on phenology. Phenology observations from directed and incidental citizen science initiatives will increase in value for climate change research in the coming years with the addition of data capturing the inter-annual variation in phenology.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Allium Ursinum

Allium ursinum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Alliaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds have been isolated from A. ursinum so far, among them sulfur and phenolic compounds as quantitatively the most distributed constituents, responsible for pharmaceutical eff ects of the plant. Small amounts of steroidal glucosides, lecitins, fatty acids and several amino acids, as well as the essential oil are also present in A. ursinum. This plant species is characterized by a long history of use in traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, as digestive stimulant, antimicrobial agent, as a remedy in respiratory problems, insomnia and fainting. Despite its widespread use for medicinal purposes since the ancient time, studies referring to its pharmacological activity are still lacking. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge related to the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Allium ursinum. This study may be a starting point for future researches in this field, which would fully clarify therapeutic potential of A. ursinum and make it a possible candidate for medicinal product.

Impacts of Commonly Used Edible Plants on the Modulation of Platelet Function

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a primary cause of deaths worldwide. Thrombotic diseases, specifically stroke and coronary heart diseases, account for around 85% of CVDs-induced deaths. Platelets (small circulating blood cells) are responsible for the prevention of excessive bleeding upon vascular injury, through blood clotting (haemostasis). However, unnecessary activation of platelets under pathological conditions, such as upon the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, results in thrombus formation (thrombosis), which can cause life threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, antiplatelet medications are usually prescribed for people who are at a high risk of thrombotic diseases. The currently used antiplatelet drugs are associated with major side effects such as excessive bleeding, and some patients are resistant to these drugs. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to develop new antiplatelet agents and notably, to establish the relationship between edible plants, specifically fruits, vegetables and spices, and cardiovascular health. Indeed, healthy and balanced diets have proven to be effective for the prevention of CVDs in diverse settings. A high intake of fruits and vegetables in regular diet is associated with lower risks for stroke and coronary heart diseases because of their plethora of phytochemical constituents. In this review, we discuss the impacts of commonly used selected edible plants (specifically vegetables, fruits and spices) and/or their isolated compounds on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis.

Neglected Potential of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.)—Specialized Metabolites Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Populations in Relation to Location and Plant Phenophase

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is one of the species widely distributed in Europe and Asia and is often nutritionally neglected, characterized by a high content of various phytochemicals with high therapeutic potential and a range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds in the leaves of wild garlic populations collected from different micro-locations, and to determine the differences in the content of phytochemicals in the vegetative and generative phases. A significant content of different specialized metabolites was detected in all analyzed leaves of wild garlic populations regardless of the different factors (location and phenophase): vitamin C content with the highest determined value of 63.31 mg/100 g fw; total phenolic content with the highest determined value of 186.18 mg GAE/100 g fw (according to gallic acid in fresh sample); and antioxidant capacity with the highest determined value of 2230.66 µmol TE/L (according to Trolox). Significant differences in all the phytochemicals analyzed were observed depending on both the location and phenophase of the plants, with the most pronounced differences depending on the phenophase. Thus, lower levels of polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C were generally observed before the flowering phase, while the trend toward higher levels of pigment compounds was observed during the flowering phase of the plants. The results suggest that the leaves of wild garlic can be considered a valuable source of a variety of specialized metabolites with high antioxidant capacity, and thus have high production potential for various functional products and food supplements of natural origin, which are important for the promotion of human health.

Towards Advances in Medicinal Plant Antimicrobial Activity: A Review Study on Challenges and Future Perspectives

The increasing incidence of drug- resistant pathogens raises an urgent need to identify and isolate new bioactive compounds from medicinal plants using standardized modern analytical procedures. Medicinal plant-derived compounds could provide novel straightforward approaches against pathogenic bacteria. This review explores the antimicrobial activity of plant-derived components, their possible mechanisms of action, as well as their chemical potential. The focus is put on the current challenges and future perspectives surrounding medicinal plants antimicrobial activity. There are some inherent challenges regarding medicinal plant extracts and their antimicrobial efficacy. Appropriate and optimized extraction methodology plant species dependent leads to upgraded and selective extracted compounds. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests for the determination of the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts may show variations in obtained results. Moreover, there are several difficulties and problems that need to be overcome for the development of new antimicrobials from plant extracts, while efforts have been made to enhance the antimicrobial activity of chemical compounds. Research on the mechanisms of action, interplay with other substances, and the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profile of the medicinal plant extracts should be given high priority to characterize them as potential antimicrobial agents.

New Insight Into the Cardioprotective Effects of Allium ursinum L. Extract Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

This study aimed to estimate the effects of increasing doses of Allium ursinum methanol extract on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) with a special emphasis on the role of oxidative stress. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups (10 animals per group) depending on the applied treatment as follows: sham, rats who drank only tap water for 28 days and hearts were retrogradely perfused for 80 min without I/R injury, I/R, rats who drank only tap water for 28 days and hearts were exposed to ex vivo I/R injury and rats who consumed increasing doses of A. ursinum 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg for 28 days before I/R injury. Hearts from all rats were isolated and retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique. Parameters of oxidative stress were spectrophotometrically measured in blood, coronary venous effluent, and heart tissue samples. Intake of wild garlic extract for 28 days significantly contributed to the recovery of cardiac function, which was reflected through preserved cardiac contractility, systolic function, and coronary vasodilatory response after ischemia. Also, wild garlic extract showed the potential to modulate the systemic redox balance and stood out as a powerful antioxidant. The highest dose led to the most efficient decrease in cardiac oxidative stress and improve recovery of myocardial function after I/R injury. We might conclude that wild garlic possesses a significant role in cardioprotection and strong antioxidant activity, which implicates the possibility of its use alone in the prevention or as adjuvant antioxidant therapy in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Wild garlic extract reduces lipid peroxidation in terbuthylazine-treated human erythrocytes

Background: Among other negative effects, herbicides induce oxidative stress, leading to lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Therefore, there is a growing need to identify natural compounds with sufficient antioxidant capacity and mitigate the negative effects of herbicides without side effects.Objective: Our study aimed to examine the protective effect of the phenolic extract of wild garlic (WG) leaves on terbuthylazine-treated erythrocytes.Material and methods: In human erythrocytes treated with the herbicide terbuthylazine (4.5 mg/L) alone and a combination of terbuthylazine and WG extract, we measured malondialdehyde (MDA) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and the antioxidant activities of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD1; EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) in vitro.Results: In comparison with terbuthylazine, WG extract reduced the concentrations of MDA and Hb from 59.69 to 43.45 nmol/gHb (27%, p < 0.001) and 165.08 to 128.64 g/L (22%, p < 0.05), respectively. Catalase activity was induced for samples treated with both WG extract and terbuthylazine compared with terbuthylazine alone (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The results demonstrated that WG may reduce the toxicity of terbuthylazine, and the erythrocyte membrane may be the primary site of phenolic action. Therefore, the lipid peroxidation intensity could be a biomarker of oxidative damage caused by terbuthylazine and the protective effect of WG.

Sensory Profile, Shelf Life, and Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds during Cold Storage of 17 Edible Flowers

In this study, 17 edible flowers (Allium ursinum L., Borago officinalis L., Calendula officinalis L., Centaurea cyanus L., Cichorium intybus L., Dianthus carthusianorum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Leucanthemum vulgare (Vaill.) Lam., Paeonia officinalis L., Primula veris L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Rosa canina L., Rosa pendulina L., Salvia pratensis L., Sambucus nigra L., Taraxacum officinale Weber, and Tropaeolum majus L.) were investigated to assess their sensory profile at harvest and their shelf life and bioactive compounds dynamics during cold storage. The emerging market of edible flowers lacks this information; thus, the characteristics and requirements of different flower species were provided. In detail, a quantitative descriptive analysis was performed by trained panelists at flower harvest, evaluating 10 sensory descriptors (intensity of sweet, sour, bitter, salt, smell, specific flower aroma, and herbaceous aroma; spiciness, chewiness, and astringency). Flower visual quality, biologically active compounds content (total polyphenols and anthocyanins), and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) were evaluated both at harvest and during storage at 4 °C for 14 days to assess their shelf life. Generally, species had a wide range of peculiar sensory and phytochemical characteristics at harvest, as well as shelf life and bioactive compounds dynamics during postharvest. A strong aroma was indicated for A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, and L. vulgare, while B. officinalis and C. officinalis had very low values for all aroma and taste descriptors, resulting in poor sensory profiles. At harvest, P. officinalis, R. canina, and R. pendulina exhibited the highest values of polyphenols (884–1271 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g) and antioxidant activity (204–274 mmol Fe2+/kg for FRAP, 132–232 and 43–58 µmol of Trolox equivalent per g for DPPH and ABTS). The species with the longest shelf life in terms of acceptable visual quality was R. pendulina (14 days), followed by R. canina (10 days). All the other species lasted seven days, except for C. intybus and T. officinale that did not reach day 3. During cold storage, the content of bioactive compounds differed, as total phenolics followed a different trend according to the species and anthocyanins remained almost unaltered for 14 days. Considering antioxidant activity, ABTS values were the least variable, varying in only four species (A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, and P. officinalis), while both DPPH and FRAP values varied in eight species. Taken together, the knowledge of sensory profiles, phytochemical characteristics and shelf life can provide information to select suitable species for the emerging edible flower market.

Soil Humus, Iron, Sulphate and Magnesium Content Affect Nectar Traits of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.)

Recent studies revealed that from various ecological factors influencing nectar yield and quality of a plant, soil properties can be as important as microclimatic features. To date, few studies have investigated the relationship of soil characters to nectar traits of bee pollinated plants growing in natural associations. Our study intended to reveal which soil properties had the most powerful impact on nectar variables of wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.). Specimens were collected from fourteen habitats in two different years, and were potted in their original soil under the same climatic conditions. Nectar volumes and sugar concentrations were measured and soil samples were analysed for fourteen parameters. Statistical analyses revealed that the number of nectar producing Allium flowers, as well as the nectar volume and sugar content of nectar in individual flowers were influenced by both year and habitat. The humus, iron and sulphate content of soil showed negative correlation with the number of flowers producing nectar; total nectar volumes were negatively correlated with humus and iron content, but positively affected by magnesium content of the soil. Our results suggest that in addition to the effect of microclimatic factors, certain soil properties can have significant impact on nectar traits.

Natural Antioxidants, Health Effects and Bioactive Properties of Wild Allium Species

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical and food industry in natural antioxidant and bioactive compounds derived from plants as substitutes for synthetic compounds. The genus Allium is one of the largest genera, with more than 900 species, including important cultivated and wild species, having beneficial health effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to unravel the chemical composition of wild Allium species and their healthrelated effects, focusing on the main antioxidant compounds. For this purpose, a thorough study of the literature was carried out to compile reports related to health effects and the principal bioactive compounds. Considering the vast number of species, this review is divided into subsections where the most studied species are presented, namely Allium ampeloprasum, A. flavum, A. hookeri, A. jesdianum, A. neapolitanum, A. roseum, A. stipitatum, A. tricoccum, and A. ursinum, with an additional composite section for less studied species.

METHODS

The information presented in this review was obtained from worldwide accepted databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Researchgate, using as keywords the respective names of the studied species (both common and Latin names) and the additional terms of"antioxidants" "health effects" and "bioactive properties".

CONCLUSION

The genus Allium includes several wild species, many of which are commonly used in traditional and folklore medicine while others are lesser known or are of regional interest. These species can be used as sources of natural bioactive compounds with remarkable health benefits. Several studies have reported these effects and confirmed the mechanisms of action in several cases, although more research is needed in this field. Moreover, considering that most of the studies refer to the results obtained from species collected in the wild under uncontrolled conditions, further research is needed to elucidate the effects of growing conditions on bioactive compounds and to promote the exploitation of this invaluable genetic material.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Nigella sativa L. and Allium ursinum Extracts in a Cellular Model of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Natural products black cumin—Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and wild garlic—Allium ursinum (AU) are known for their potential role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, including antracycline chemotherapy. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of N. sativa and AU water and methanolic extracts in a cellular model of doxorubicin (doxo)-induced cardiotoxicity. The extracts were characterized using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Antioxidant activity was evaluated on H9c2 cells. Cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) release was evaluated using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate (DHCF-DA) and mitochondria-targeted superoxide indicator (MitoSOX red), respectively. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was evaluated by flow cytometry. LC-MS analysis identified 12 and 10 phenolic compounds in NSS and AU extracts, respectively, with flavonols as predominant compounds. FT-IR analysis identified the presence of carbohydrates, amino acids and lipids in both plants. GC-MS identified the sulfur compounds in the AU water extract. N. sativa seeds (NSS) methanolic extract had the highest antioxidant activity reducing both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS release. All extracts (excepting AU methanolic extract) preserved H9c2 cells viability. None of the investigated plants affected the mitochondrial membrane depolarization. N. sativa and AU are important sources of bioactive compounds with increased antioxidant activities, requiring different extraction solvents to obtain the pharmacological effects.

Phytochemical profile and biological activity of selected kind of medicinal herbs

Medicinal herbs are used due to their health benefits, a special aroma, taste and are considered as one of the richest sources of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to determine antioxidant activity (DPPH and phosphomolybdenum method), a total polyphenol (using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent), flavonoid (aluminium chloride method), phenolic acid content (using Arnov reagent), antimicrobial activity (disc diffusion method) and chemical composition (ICP-OES instrument) of medicinal herbs (ginger, comfrey, valerian, chicory, horseradish, and ramsons) grown in Slovak republic. Antioxidant activity by DPPH method ranged from 0.61 (ramsons) to 3.62 (ginger) mg TEAC per g of dry matter (TEAC – Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity); by phosphomolybdenum method from 66.67 (valerian) to 204.14 (ginger) mg TEAC per g of dry matter. Total polyphenol content ranged from 4.37 (comfrey) to 13.19 (ramsons) GAE per g of dry matter (GAE – gallic acid equivalent); total flavonoid content from 1.07 (chicory) to 47.55 (ramsons) QE per g of dry matter (QE – quercetin equivalent) and total phenolic acid content from 0.99 (horseradish) to 9.77 (ginger) CAE per g of dry matter (CAE – caffeic acid equivalent). In a sample of ginger was detected the highest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus CCM 7934 (5 mm). Among the mineral compounds – in all observed samples were dominated (mg.100g-1) of potassium, phosphor, magnesium, and calcium. The amount of cadmium, chrome, and lead in observed samples was detected only in a trace amount, so our results reveal that the medicinal herbs do not represent in this study a potential health risk regarding the content of toxic elements. The consumption and using of medicinal plants as a part of the food mode of consumers due to health benefits is recommended.

Structure and function of a flavin-dependent S-monooxygenase from garlic (Allium sativum)

Allicin is a component of the characteristic smell and flavor of garlic (Allium sativum). A flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) produced by A. sativum (AsFMO) was previously proposed to oxidize S-allyl-l-cysteine (SAC) to alliin, an allicin precursor. Here, we present a kinetic and structural characterization of AsFMO that suggests a possible contradiction to this proposal. Results of steady-state kinetic analyses revealed that AsFMO exhibited negligible activity with SAC; however, the enzyme was highly active with l-cysteine, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, and allyl mercaptan. We found that allyl mercaptan with NADPH was the preferred substrate-cofactor combination. Rapid-reaction kinetic analyses showed that NADPH binds tightly (K_D of ∼2 μm) to AsFMO and that the hydride transfer occurs with pro-R stereospecificity. We detected the formation of a long-wavelength band when AsFMO was reduced by NADPH, probably representing the formation of a charge-transfer complex. In the absence of substrate, the reduced enzyme, in complex with NADP⁺, reacted with oxygen and formed an intermediate with a spectrum characteristic of C4a-hydroperoxyflavin, which decays several orders of magnitude more slowly than the k _cat The presence of substrate enhanced C4a-hydroperoxyflavin formation and, upon hydroxylation, oxidation occurred with a rate constant similar to the k _cat The structure of AsFMO complexed with FAD at 2.08-Å resolution features two domains for binding of FAD and NADPH, representative of class B flavin monooxygenases. These biochemical and structural results are consistent with AsFMO being an S-monooxygenase involved in allicin biosynthesis through direct formation of sulfenic acid and not SAC oxidation.

Wasef L, Elewa YHA, A. Al-Sagan A, Abd El-Hack ME, Taha AE, M. Abd-Elhakim Y, Prasad Devkota H. Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review

Medicinal plants have been used from ancient times for human healthcare as in the form of traditional medicines, spices, and other food components. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an aromatic herbaceous plant that is consumed worldwide as food and traditional remedy for various diseases. It has been reported to possess several biological properties including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, renoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antihypertensive activities in traditional medicines. A. sativum is rich in several sulfur-containing phytoconstituents such as alliin, allicin, ajoenes, vinyldithiins, and flavonoids such as quercetin. Extracts and isolated compounds of A. sativum have been evaluated for various biological activities including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities among others. This review examines the phytochemical composition, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological activities of A. sativum extracts as well as its main active constituent, allicin.

Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that is associated with pulmonary arteries remodeling, right ventricle hypertrophy, right ventricular failure and finally death. The present study aims to review the medicinal plants and phytochemicals used for PH treatment in the period of 1994 – 2019.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus were searched based on pulmonary hypertension, plant and phytochemical keywords from August 23, 2019. All articles that matched the study based on title and abstract were collected, non-English, repetitive and review studies were excluded.

Results

Finally 41 studies remained from a total of 1290. The results show that many chemical treatments considered to this disease are ineffective in the long period because they have a controlling role, not a therapeutic one. On the other hand, plants and phytochemicals could be more effective due to their action on many mechanisms that cause the progression of PH.

Conclusion

Studies have shown that herbs and phytochemicals used to treat PH do their effects from six mechanisms. These mechanisms include antiproliferative, antioxidant, antivascular remodeling, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory and apoptosis inducing actions. According to the present study, many of these medicinal plants and phytochemicals can have effects that are more therapeutic than chemical drugs if used appropriately.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Allium ursinum and Their Associated Microbiota During Simulated in vitro Digestion in the Presence of Food Matrix

In this study, for the first time, the comprehensive analysis of antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of ramson, followed by the analysis of its associated microbiota and health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), was performed. Ramson (Allium ursinum) is recognized as a medicinal plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. In this study the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the cytotoxic activity of A. ursinum extracts against human malignant cell lines was demonstrated. Seven sulfur compounds, the degradation products of thiosulfinates, including diallyl disulfide were shown to inhibit proliferation of malignant cells by inducing accumulation within G2/M phase as well as to induce apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 and mitochondrial signaling pathway. Further, the A. ursinum microbiota, particularly LAB with potential probiotic effects, was analyzed by culture-dependent method and culture-independent method [denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)]. The obtained results revealed that the most abundant genera were Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bacillus. The Lactobacillus genus was mainly represented by L. fermentum. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed the presence of two PFGE pulsotypes. The probiotic potential of the strain L. fermentum BGSR163 belonging to PFGE pulsotype 1 and the strain L. fermentum BGSR227 belonging to the PFGE pulsotype 2 was characterized. The results revealed that both strains are safe for human use, successfully survive the simulated gastrointestinal conditions, have potential to transiently colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and have a protective immunomodulatory effect, inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokine IL17 and regulatory cytokine IL10, while decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that consumption of A. ursinum might have health-promoting properties, including anticancer effects, while L. fermentum strains isolated from A. ursinum leaves could be used as probiotics for human consumption.

Review on plant antimicrobials: a mechanistic viewpoint

Microbial resistance to classical antibiotics and its rapid progression have raised serious concern in the treatment of infectious diseases. Recently, many studies have been directed towards finding promising solutions to overcome these problems. Phytochemicals have exerted potential antibacterial activities against sensitive and resistant pathogens via different mechanisms of action. In this review, we have summarized the main antibiotic resistance mechanisms of bacteria and also discussed how phytochemicals belonging to different chemical classes could reverse the antibiotic resistance. Next to containing direct antimicrobial activities, some of them have exerted in vitro synergistic effects when being combined with conventional antibiotics. Considering these facts, it could be stated that phytochemicals represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potent antimicrobial activities.

Widely targeted metabolome and transcriptome landscapes of Allium fistulosum-A. cepa chromosome addition lines revealed a flavonoid hot spot on chromosome 5A

Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of the widely targeted metabolome and transcriptome profiles of Allium fistulosum L. (FF) with the single extra chromosome of shallot [A. cepa L. Aggregatum group (AA)] to clarify the novel gene functions in flavonoid biosynthesis. An exhaustive metabolome analysis was performed using the selected reaction monitoring mode of liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry, revealing a specific accumulation of quercetin, anthocyanin and flavone glucosides in AA and FF5A. The addition of chromosome 5A from the shallot to A. fistulosum induced flavonoid accumulation in the recipient species, which was associated with the upregulation of several genes including the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, chalcone synthase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, UDP-glucose flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase, anthocyanin 5-aromatic acyltransferase-like, pleiotropic drug resistance-like ATP binding cassette transporter, and MYB14 transcriptional factor. Additionally, an open access Allium Transcript Database (Allium TDB, http://alliumtdb.kazusa.or.jp) was generated by using RNA-Seq data from different genetic stocks including the A. fistulosum–A. cepa monosomic addition lines. The functional genomic approach presented here provides an innovative means of targeting the gene responsible for flavonoid biosynthesis in A. cepa. The understanding of flavonoid compounds and biosynthesis-related genes would facilitate the development of noble Allium varieties with unique chemical constituents and, subsequently, improved plant stress tolerance and human health benefits.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Allium Ursinum

Allium ursinum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Alliaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds have been isolated from A. ursinum so far, among them sulfur and phenolic compounds as quantitatively the most distributed constituents, responsible for pharmaceutical effects of the plant. Small amounts of steroidal glucosides, lecitins, fatty acids and several amino acids, as well as the essential oil are also present in A. ursinum. Th is plant species is characterized by a long history of use in traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, as digestive stimulant, antimicrobial agent, as a remedy in respiratory problems, insomnia and fainting. Despite its widespread use for medicinal purposes since the ancient time, studies referring to its pharmacological activity are still lacking. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge related to the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Allium ursinum. Th is study may be a starting point for future researches in this field, which would fully clarify therapeutic potential of A. ursinum and make it a possible candidate for medicinal product.

Encapsulations of wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) extract using spray congealing technology

The objective of this study was to incorporate wild garlic (A. ursinum) extract into microparticles (MPs) in order to protect its valuable active compounds and improve its oral bioavailability. For this purpose, spray congealing technology was applied and Gelucire 50/13 (Stearoyl polyoxyl-32 glycerides) was selected as MPs carrier. MPs were characterized in terms of yield, encapsulation efficiency and particle size. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of MPs showed the absence of chemical interactions between carrier and extract and suggested that spray congealing process did not modify nor degrade the encapsulated extract. The encapsulation into MPs led to an improvement of the extract dissolution performance as well as an enhancement in solubility of >18 fold compared to the pure extract. Additionally, MPs were stable over three months showing only a minor decrease in the content of active compounds (allicin and S-methyl methanethiosulfonate) and maintaining a good antimicrobial activity. Therefore, obtained results suggested that the encapsulation of A. ursinum extract in MPs by spray congealing is a promising approach to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of the extract, without affecting its antibacterial activity.

Identification and Quantification of Volatile Ramson-Derived Metabolites in Humans

Ramson (Allium ursinum) is known for its typical garlic-like aroma. Both ramson and garlic belong to the genus allium which is characterized by a high content of sulfurous compounds. However, in contrast to garlic, ramson is in general not associated with an unpleasant breath following consumption. While there is data available regarding the metabolism of volatile garlic constituents in the human body, the metabolism of ramson was not yet addressed. To elucidate if ramson has an impact on the body odor, this study aimed at identifying volatile ramson-derived metabolites in human milk and urine. Therefore, milk and urine samples were gathered before and after ramson consumption, and were analyzed sensorially by a trained human sensory panel as well as chemo-analytically applying gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O). Sensory evaluation revealed a garlic-/cabbage like odor in milk samples obtained after ramson consumption, demonstrating that ramson consumption affected the milk aroma. Analyzes by means of GC-MS/O further confirmed excretion of three ramson-derived metabolites in milk and urine samples collected after ramson consumption, namely allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), allyl methyl sulfoxide (AMSO) and allyl methyl sulfone (AMSO₂). Of these metabolites only AMS had a garlic-/cabbage-like odor, while the other two were odorless. These metabolites were subsequently quantified using stable isotope dilution assays. Nine urine sets, each comprising eight urine samples, and nine milk sets, each comprising four samples, were analyzed. In case of the urine sets a time interval of about 24 h was monitored, in case of the milk sets a time interval of up to 9 h. Despite the fact that all samples contained the same metabolites there were relevant differences found between individual subjects, especially with regard to the temporal rate of metabolite excretion. Generally, the maxima of metabolite excretion were observed in milk sets within 3 h after ramson consumption. In urine the highest AMS and AMSO amounts were observed within 2 h whereas the maximum concentration of AMSO₂ was reached about 2 to 4 h after ramson ingestion. This study suggests that ramson constituents are heavily metabolized in the human body.

Tulbaghia violacea and Allium ursinum Extracts Exhibit Anti-Parasitic and Antimicrobial Activities

Garlic has played an important role in culinary arts and remedies in the traditional medicine throughout human history. Parasitic infections represent a burden in the society of especially poor countries, causing more than 1 billion infections every year and leading to around one million deaths. In this study, we investigated the mode of anti-parasitic activity of "wild garlics" Tulbaghia violacea and Allium ursinum dichloromethane extracts against parasites Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Leishmania tarentolae with regard to their already known antimicrobial activity. We also evaluated their cytotoxic potential against human cells. Both extracts showed a relevant trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity, although L. tarentolae was less sensitive. We determined that the probable mode of action of both extracts is the irreversible inhibition of the activity of Trypanosoma brucei trypanothione reductase enzyme. The extracts showed a mild cytotoxic activity against human keratinocytes. They also exhibited weak-in most cases comparable-antibacterial and antifungal activity. HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that both extracts are abundant in sulfur compounds. Thus, for the first time, the ability of Allium ursinum and Tulbaghia violacea to kill Trypanosoma sp. and Leishmania sp. parasites, probably by binding to and inactivating sulfur-containing compounds essential for the survival of the parasite, is shown.

Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Ultrasonic Extraction with the Solvent Sequences in Chemical Profiling of Allium ursinum L. Honey

A volatile profile of ramson (wild garlic, Allium ursinum L.) honey was investigated by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-FID/GC-MS) analyses. The headspace was dominated by linalool derivatives: cis- and trans-linalool oxides (25.3%; 9.2%), hotrienol (12.7%), and linalool (5.8%). Besides direct extraction with dichloromethane and pentane/diethyl ether mixture (1:2, v/v), two solvent sequences (I: pentane → diethyl ether; II: pentane → pentane/diethyl ether (1:2, v/v) → dichloromethane) were applied. Striking differences were noted among the obtained chemical profiles. The extracts with diethyl ether contained hydroquinone (25.8–36.8%) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (11.6–16.6%) as the major compounds, while (E)-4-(r-1′,t-2′,c-4′-trihydroxy-2′,6′,6′-trimethylcyclohexyl)but-3-en-2-one predominated in dichloromethane extracts (18.3–49.1%). Therefore, combination of different solvents was crucial for the comprehensive investigation of volatile organic compounds in this honey type. This particular magastigmane was previously reported only in thymus honey and hydroquinone in vipers bugloss honey, while a combination of the mentioned predominant compounds is unique for A. ursinum honey.

Influence of different wild-garlic (Allium ursinum) extracts on the gastrointestinal system: spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Objectives

As there are no previous studies of the European wild-garlic (Allium ursinum) effects on the gastrointestinal system, despite its traditional applications in gastrointestinal disorders' treatment and regular use in the human diet, we have quantified and compared spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of its different leaf extracts.

Methods

Wild-garlic extracts were tested for spasmolytic activity on isolated rat ileum, antimicrobial activity on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi by microdilution method and antioxidant capacity by DPPH radical-scavenging assay.

Key findings

Wild-garlic extracts were found to decrease ileal basal tone. As the relaxation of K+-induced contractions was similar to one caused by papaverin, the observed spasmolytic effect was most likely mediated through Ca2+-channel inhibition. Ethanolic extract (with the highest phenolic and high alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides’ levels) produced the strongest spasmolytic activity. In case of acetylcholine-induced contractions, only hydromethanolic extract showed no statistical difference in comparison with positive control. All samples exhibited certain antioxidant potential and strong antimicrobial activity against tested enteropathogenic strains (Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive, followed by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis).

Conclusion

Besides other already established health-promoting effects, wild garlic could be useful in treatment of mild gastrointestinal disturbances.

Medicinal Plants with Antiplatelet Activity

Blood platelets play an essential role in the hemostasis and wound-healing processes. However, platelet hyperactivity is associated to the development and the complications of several cardiovascular diseases. In this sense, the search for potent and safer antiplatelet agents is of great interest. This article provides an overview of experimental studies performed on medicinal plants with antiplatelet activity available through literature with particular emphasis on the bioactive constituents, the parts used, and the various platelet signaling pathways modulated by medicinal plants. From this review, it was suggested that medicinal plants with antiplatelet activity mainly belong to the family of Asteraceae, Rutaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Zygophyllaceae, Rhamnaceae, Liliaceae, and Zingiberaceae. The antiplatelet effect is attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and other substances which correct platelet abnormalities by interfering with different platelet signalization pathways including inhibition of the ADP pathway, suppression of TXA2 formation, reduction of intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, and phosphoinositide breakdown, among others. The identification and/or structure modification of the plant constituents and the understanding of their action mechanisms will be helpful in the development of new antiplatelet agents based on medicinal plants which could contribute to the prevention of thromboembolic-related disorders by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.