Medicinal herbs for the treatment of rheumatic disorders--a survey of European herbals from the 16th and 17th century

Efficacy of soothing cream gel in the range of motion and chronic pain at the shoulder and elbow: protocol of a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Upper limb problems have a significant impact on the global population leading to pain and restricted joint mobility, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Traditional treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, often come with undesirable side effects, prompting patients to seek alternative therapies. In this trial, we hypothesise that soothing cream gel (SCG) will improve range of motion and chronic pain in the shoulder and elbow. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of SCG in improving the range of motion and chronic pain in the shoulder and elbow.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial is conducted to compare the effects of SCG and placebo gel. SCG contains Vitis vinifera essence, Melaleuca viridiflora essential oil, etc, and is manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice standards. The placebo gel will be processed with similar appearance, texture and scent but will lack active ingredients. 70 participants with upper limb problems will be recruited from four study sites, including clinical centres and a sport department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Participants will be randomly assigned to either treatment group or placebo group for 2 weeks. Primary outcome will be the range of motion in the upper limb, assessed by a goniometer, to measure active flexion and abduction for the shoulder, and active flexion and extension for the elbow. The primary efficacy analyses will be based on the full analysis set following the intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has obtained approval from the joint CUHK-New Territories East Cluster (CRE-2023.142), and the patient enrolment commenced in July 2023. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to participation. Study results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05799391.

Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata Exhibit Antioxidant and Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibiting Activities

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection, is the most widespread vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, using targeted antibiotic therapy is often an ineffective cure. The antibiotic resistance and recurring symptoms of Lyme disease are associated with the formation of biofilm-like aggregates of B. burgdorferi. Plant extracts could provide an effective alternative solution as many of them exhibit antibacterial or biofilm inhibiting activities. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata as B. burgdorferi inhibitors. Hydroalcoholic extracts from three different samples of each plant were first characterised based on their total concentrations of polyphenolics, flavonoids, iridoids, and antioxidant capacity. Both plants contained substantial amounts of named phytochemicals and showed considerable antioxidant properties. The major non-volatile constituents were then quantified using HPLC-DAD-MS analyses, and volatile constituents were quantified using HS-SPME-GC-MS. The most prevalent non-volatiles were found to be plantamajoside and acteoside, and the most prevalent volatiles were β-caryophyllene, D-limonene, and α-caryophyllene. The B. burgdorferi inhibiting activity of the extracts was tested on stationary-phase B. burgdorferi culture and its biofilm fraction. All extracts showed antibacterial activity, with the most effective lowering the residual bacterial viability down to 15%. Moreover, the extracts prepared from the leaves of each plant additionally demonstrated biofilm inhibiting properties, reducing its formation by 30%.

Characterization of Secondary Metabolites of Leaf Buds from Some Species and Hybrids of Populus by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Detection and Two-Dimensional High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Methods with Assessment of Their Antioxidant Activity

Poplars provide medicinal raw plant materials used in pharmacy. Leaf buds are one of the herbal medicinal products collected from poplars, having anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, but there are no quality standards for their production and there is a need to determine their botanical sources. Therefore, the chemical compositions of the leaf buds from four species and varieties of poplars, Populus balsamifera, P. × berolinensis, P. × canadensis 'Marilandica', and P. wilsonii were investigated and compared using gas chromatography coupled with mass detection (GC-MS) and two-dimensional high-performance thin-layer chromatography (2D-HPTLC) in order to search for taxa characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds and with a diverse chemical composition that determines their therapeutic effects. The presence of 163 compounds belonging to the groups of flavonoids, phenolic acids derivatives, glycerides, and sesquiterpenes was revealed. Moreover, the conditions for the separation and identification of biologically active compounds occurring in analyzed leaf buds using 2D-HPTLC were optimized and used for metabolomic profiling of the studied poplars, enabling their fast and simple botanical identification. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of examined extracts were determined and their antioxidant capacities were estimated by spectrophotometric DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Based on the analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity, P. × berolinensis buds were selected as the raw plant material for medicinal purposes with the highest content of active compounds and the strongest antioxidant activity.

A systematic methodology to assess the identity of plants in historical texts: A case study based on the Byzantine pharmacy text John the Physician's Therapeutics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In recent decades, the study of historical texts has attracted research interest, particularly in ethnopharmacology. All studies of the materia medica cited in ancient and medieval texts share a concern, however, as to the reliability of modern identifications of these substances. Previous studies of European or Mediterranean texts relied mostly on authoritative dictionaries or glossaries providing botanical identities for the historical plant names in question. Several identities they suggest, however, are questionable and real possibility of error exists.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to develop and document a novel and interdisciplinary methodology providing more objective assessment of the identity of the plants (and minerals) described in these resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed an iterative experimental approach, using the 13th century Byzantine recipe text John the Physician's Therapeutics in its Commentary version (JC) as a case study. The methodology has six stages and relies on comparative analyses including statistical evaluation of botanical descriptions and information about medicinal uses drawn from both historical and modern sources. Stages 1-4 create the dataset, stage 5 derives the primary outcomes to be reviewed by experts in stage 6.

RESULTS

Using Disocorides' De Materia Medica (DMM) (1st century CE) as the culturally related reference text for the botanical descriptions of the plants cited in JC, allowed us to link the 194 plants used medicinally in JC with 252 plants cited in DMM. Our test sample for subsequent analyses consisted of the 50 JC plant names (corresponding to 61 DMM plants) for which DMM holds rich morphological information, and the 130 candidate species which have been suggested in the literature as potential botanical identities of those 50 JC plant names. Statistical evaluation of the comparative analyses revealed that in the majority of the cases, our method detected the candidate species having a higher likelihood of being the correct attribution from among the pool of suggested candidates. Final assessment and revision provided a list of the challenges associated with applying our methodology more widely and recommendations on how to address these issues.

CONCLUSIONS

We offer this multidisciplinary approach to more evidence-based assessment of the identity of plants in historical texts providing a measure of confidence for each suggested identity. Despite the experimental nature of our methodology and its limitations, its application allowed us to draw conclusions about the validity of suggested candidate plants as well as to distinguish between alternative candidates of the same historical plant name. Fully documenting the methodology facilitates its application to historical texts of any kind of cultural or linguistic background.

Seseli tortuosum L. subsp. tortuosum Essential Oils and Their Principal Constituents as Anticancer Agents

Seseli tortuosum L. subsp. tortuosum, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is a species that grows in Europe, mainly in the Mediterranean regions. The history of its application in traditional medicine highlights its various biological properties. Trying to explore the phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of this species, the essential oils (EOs) extracted from flowers, stems, and roots of a locally wild accession, never previously investigated, growing in Sicily, Italy, were investigated. The chemical composition of all EOs, obtained by the hydrodistillation method, was evaluated by GC-MS. The most abundant class of all investigated samples was that of monoterpene hydrocarbons (79.98-91.21%) with p-cymene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and β-ocimene as major compounds. These EOs, and their main components, were tested for their possible anticancer activity. Obtained data provided evidence that among the different EOs tested, at the dose of 100 μg/mL, those extracted from stems and roots were particularly effective, already at 24 h of treatment, in reducing the cell viability of 42% and 95%, respectively, in HCT116 colon cancer cell line. These EOs also exerted a remarkable cytotoxic effect that was accompanied by morphological changes represented by cell shrinkage as well as a reduction in residual cell population. Differently, modest effects were found when EOs extracted from flowers were tested in the same experimental conditions. The evaluation of the phytocompounds mainly represented in the EOs extracted from different parts of the plant and tested in a range of concentrations between 20 and 200 μg/mL, revealed that α-pinene, β-pinene, and p-cymene exerted only modest effects on cell viability. Differently, a remarkable effect was found when β-ocimene, the most abundant phytocomponent in EOs from roots, was tested on colon cancer cells. This phytocompound, among those identified in EOs from Seseli tortuosum L. subsp. tortuosum, was found to be the most effective in reducing colon cancer cell viability with IC50 = 64.52 μg/mL at 24 h of treatment. All together, these data suggest that β-ocimene could be responsible for the effects observed in colon cancer cells.

Skin microbiota metabolism of natural products from comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L.)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L., Boraginaceae) has been used in folk medicine for a long time to treat different diseases. It is recommended for swellings, phlebitis, contusions, gastro-duodenal ulcers, respiratory diseases, and metrorrhagia. Currently, preparations from S. officinale are only topically used due to its wound-healing effects, and for reducing inflammation and the treatment of broken bones, tendon damage, painful joints and muscles. Although it is a widespread plant material, little is known about the interaction of externally applied preparations of comfrey with the human skin microbiome.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to determine the interaction between human skin microbiota and the comfrey root extracts, by monitoring the biotransformation of the constituents present in the extract and evaluating changes in the population of the skin microbiota in an ex vivo setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The comfrey root extract was incubated with the human skin microbiota from ten healthy donors. The UHPLC-DAD-MSn analysis determined the composition of the raw extract and the microbial metabolites. Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted and examined by amplification sequencing of the 16S rDNA to determine changes in the bacterial composition.

RESULTS

The hydroethanolic extract of comfrey root primarily consists of phenolic acids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and their derivatives, and lignans. The natural products present in the extract underwent biodegradation by the skin microbiota, leading to the formation of smaller molecules. It was observed that the skin microbial metabolism primarily focused on modifying the derivatives of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It resulted in the production of deacetylated and deesterificated compounds. However, it did not lead to the conversion of these compounds into free alkaloids.

CONCLUSIONS

The microbiota-triggered biotransformation of the comfrey root extract was observed. A few N-oxides were metabolized to deacetylated and deesterificated forms in ex vivo conditions. It suggests that the intermittent external applications of comfrey preparations perchance are unlikely to pose a substantial risk. While it even may serve as a potential factor influencing the extract activity in treating skin diseases.

Yield and Composition of the Essential Oil of Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri as Affected by Harvest Season and Cultivation Method, i.e., Outdoor, Greenhouse and In Vitro Culture

Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri is an aromatic herb with a mint-oregano flavor, used in Mediterranean regions in traditional medicine. The aerial parts of the plant are rich in essential oil that has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as insecticidal activity. The aim of our work was to determine the yield and composition of the essential oil of the plant, in relation to the harvest season and cultivation method, i.e., outdoor, greenhouse and in vitro culture, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as an analytical tool. Essential oil yield fluctuated similarly in outdoor and greenhouse plants during the year (0.9-2.6%), with higher percentages (2.1-2.6%) in the hottest periods June-October (flowering stage) and April (vegetative stage), and was similar to the yield in in vitro plants (1.7%). More compounds were identified in the oil of outdoor and greenhouse plants (35) compared to that of in vitro plants (21), while the main compounds were the same, i.e., pulegone (13.0-32.0%, highest in February-April, 15.0% in vitro), piperitenone oxide (3.8-31.8%, lowest in February, 34.2% in vitro), piperitone epoxide (4.6-16.4%, highest in February, 15.5% in vitro), D-limonene (2.1-8.8%, lowest in February, 10.0% in vitro), isomenthone (2.3-23.0%, highest in February, 4.6% in vitro), germacrene D (1.9-6.5% highest in December-April, 2.9% in vitro) and dicyclogermacrene (2.1-5.3%, highest in December-April, 5.2% in vitro). Therefore, greenhouse and in vitro cultures were equally efficient in yielding essential oil and its constituents as outdoor cultivation, while in outdoor and greenhouse cultivations, the harvest season, mainly due to the prevailing ambient temperatures, affected the essential oil yield and its percentage composition.

Protective Effect of Urtica dioica Extract against Oxidative Stress in Human Skin Fibroblasts

Urtica dioica is a species with well-established significance in folk medicine in many countries. It was utilized to support the treatment of arthritis, allergies, and urinary tract disorders; however, the substantial presence of antioxidants suggests that nettle extract could also have a positive impact on the skin. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of nettle extract on human skin fibroblasts subjected to oxidative stress. Various solvents were tested to prepare an extract rich in polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant potential. The chemical composition was determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS). H2O2 treatment was used to induce oxidative stress and cell viability, and the metabolism was evaluated through NR and MTT assays. Our study demonstrated that extraction with 80% ethanol, followed by the drying and re-dissolving of the extract in pure water, was more efficient than direct extraction with water. This yielded an extract rich in polyphenolic compounds, with chlorogenic acid and caffeoylmalic acid as the predominant compounds, averaging 64.9 and 114.4 µg/mL, respectively. The extract exhibited antioxidant properties in the DPPH and ABTS assays. Furthermore, it did not exhibit cytotoxicity and did not negatively affect cell metabolism. In addition, it effectively reduced ROS in the H2O2-stimulated cells, and at the highest concentration tested, the ROS levels returned to those of the untreated control. The extract also protected against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. The cell viability was maintained at the level of the untreated control when the cells were pretreated with the extract before H2O2 exposure. These findings indicate that U. dioica extract is a valuable and safe additive in skincare products.

Criteria for the selection, evaluation and application of traditional knowledge in contemporary health practice, education, research and policy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is highly utilised and draws on traditional knowledge (TK) as evidence, raising a need to explore how TK is currently used.

OBJECTIVES

Examine criteria used to select, evaluate and apply TK in contemporary health contexts.

METHODS

Systematic search utilising academic databases (AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SSCI, ProQuest Dissertations Theses Global), Trip clinical database and Google search engine. Citations and reference lists of included articles were searched. Reported use of TK in contemporary settings was mapped against a modified 'Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment' (EPIS) implementation framework.

RESULTS

From the 54 included articles, EPIS mapping found TK is primarily used in the Exploration phase of implementation (n = 54), with little reporting on Preparation (n = 16), Implementation process (n = 6) or Sustainment (n = 4) of TK implementation. Criteria used in selection, evaluation and application of TK commonly involved validation with other scientific/traditional evidence sources, or assessment of factors influencing knowledge translation.

DISCUSSION

One of the difficulties in validation of TK (as a co-opted treatment) against other evidence sources is comparing like with like as TK often takes a holistic approach. This complicates further planning and evaluation of implementation.

CONCLUSION

This review identifies important criteria for evaluating current and potential contemporary use of TK, identifying gaps in research and practice for finding, appraising and applying relevant TK studies for clinical care.

Phytochemistry, Biological, and Pharmacological Properties of Abies alba Mill

Abies alba Mill. (Pinaceae), silver fir, is a widespread gymnosperm species in Europe, important for its ecological, economic, social, and cultural significance, as well as for its use for food and bioremediation purposes. The various parts of the plant (leaves, branches, cones, wood, bark) are also of pharmaceutical interest due to their composition of active compounds. In the last three decades, an impressive amount of research has been dedicated to this species. The variability of the chemical composition of essential oils (whether they come from leaves, oleoresin from branches, or other parts of the plant) is impressive, even in the case of specimens collected from the same geographical area. For essential oils prepared from needles or twigs and branches, limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, camphene, β-phellandrene, and bornyl acetate are the leading compounds, although their wide variations seem to correspond to multiple chemotypes. Both bark and wood are rich in lignans and phenolic compounds. Matairesinol is apparently the dominant lignan in bark, and secoisolariciresinol and lariciresinol are the dominant ones in wood samples. Pharmacological studies with promising results have evaluated the antioxidant effect (mainly due to essential oils), but also the antimicrobial, antitumor, probiotic, antidiabetic, anti-steatosis, and anti-psoriatic activities.

A Pragmatic Historical Assessment Tool: A New Systematic Framework for the Collation and Evaluation of Documented Empirical Effectiveness and Safety of Traditional Plant Medicines in the European Materia Medica

INTRODUCTION

Traditional plant medicines (TPMs) are plant-derived therapeutic products prepared and applied according to longstanding medical customs. Around the world they are widely used in primary and preventative health care. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls in its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 for Member States to provide a regulatory framework so that the formal contribution of traditional therapeutics can be advanced in national systems of health care. Evidence of effectiveness and safety is paramount for the regulatory integration of TPMs; however, a presumed lack of such "evidence" is one obstacle for full integration. The consequential health policy question is how to systematically evaluate therapeutic claims relating to herbal remedies when the extant evidence is predominantly based on historical and contemporary clinical usage, i.e., is empiricist in nature. This paper introduces a new method along with several illustrative examples.

METHOD

Our research design employs a longitudinal, comparative textual analysis of standard textbooks of the professional European medical literature from the early modern period (1588/1664) onwards to today. It then triangulated these intergenerationally documented clinical observations on two exemplars (Arnica and St. John's Wort) with corresponding listings in multiple qualitative and quantitative sources. A Pragmatic Historical Assessment (PHA) tool was developed and tested as a method to systematically collate the large amount of pharmacological data recorded in these judiciously selected sources. The evidential validity of longstanding professional clinical knowledge could thus be compared with therapeutic indications approved in official and authoritative sources (pharmacopoeias, monographs) and with those supported by contemporary scientific research (randomised-controlled trials [RCTs], experimental research).

RESULTS

There was high congruency between therapeutic indications that are based on repeated empirical observations from professional patient care (empirical evidence), those approved in pharmacopoeias and monographs, and modern scientific evidence based on RCTs. The extensive herbal triangulation confirmed parallel records of all main therapeutic indications of the exemplars across all qualitative and quantitative sources over the past 400 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Historical clinical medical textbooks and contemporary phytotherapeutic equivalents are the key repository of repeatedly evaluated therapeutic plant knowledge. The professional clinical literature proved to be a reliable and verifiable body of empirical evidence that harmonised with contemporary scientific assessments. The newly developed PHA tool provides a coding framework for the systematic collation and evaluation of empirical data on the effectiveness and safety of TPMs. It is suggested as a feasible and efficient tool to extend evidence typologies that substantiate therapeutic claims for TPMs as part of an evidence-based regulatory framework that formally integrates these medically and culturally important therapeutics.

Einleitung

Traditionelle pflanzliche Arzneimittel sind aus Pflanzen gewonnene Heilmittel, die gemäß langjähriger medizinischer Praxis zubereitet und angewendet werden. Weltweit sind sie in der primären und präventiven Gesundheitsversorgung weit verbreitet. Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) ruft in ihrer Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023 die Mitgliedstaaten dazu auf, regulatorische Rahmenbedingungen zu schaffen, welche den formellen Beitrag traditioneller Therapeutika in den nationalen Gesundheitssystemen fördern. Der Nachweis von Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit ist von zentraler Bedeutung für die regulatorische Integration traditioneller pflanzlicher Arzneimittel, doch das angebliche Fehlen solcher “Nachweise“ ist eine der Hürden für die vollständige Integration. Daraus ergibt sich die gesundheitspolitische Frage, wie man therapeutische Anwendungsgebiete pflanzlicher Heilmittel systematisch evaluieren kann, wenn die vorliegende Evidenz überwiegend auf deren historischer und aktueller klinischen Verwendung beruht, also empirischer Natur ist. In dieser Arbeit wird eine neue Methode mitsamt veranschaulichenden Beispielen vorgestellt.

Methoden

Unser Forschungsansatz beruhte auf einer longitudinalen, vergleichenden Textanalyse von Standard-Lehrwerken der europäischen medizinischen Fachliteratur ausgehend von der frühen Neuzeit (1588/1664) bis heute. Die über Generationen dokumentierten klinischen Beobachtungen wurden anhand von zwei Beispielen (Arnika and Johanniskraut) mit den diesbezüglichen Angaben in unterschiedlichen qualitativen und quantitativen Quellen trianguliert. Ein Pragmatisch‐Historisches Auswertungstool (PHA) wurde als Methode entwickelt und getestet, um die großen Mengen der in diesen kritisch ausgewählten Quellen enthaltenen pharmakologischen Daten systematisch zu erfassen. Die Evidenzvalidität des langjährigen klinischen Fachwissens konnte so mit den therapeutischen Anwendungsgebieten verglichen werden, die in offiziellen und autoritativen Quellen (Pharmakopöen, Monografien) zugelassen sind, sowie mit denjenigen, die durch zeitgenössische wissenschaftliche Forschung gestützt werden (randomisierte kontrollierte Studien [RCTs], experimentelle Forschung).

Ergebnisse

Es bestand ein hohes Maß an Kongruenz zwischen den therapeutischen Anwendungsgebieten, welche auf wiederholte empirische Beobachtung aus der professionellen Patientenversorgung beruhen (empirische Evidenz), den zugelassenen Indikationen in Pharmakopöen und Monographien sowie der aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Evidenz basierend auf klinischen Studien. Die umfassende pflanzenbezogene Triangulation bestätigte parallele Aufzeichnungen aller wesentlichen Anwendungsgebiete der untersuchten Beispiele in allen qualitativen und quantitativen Quellen über die letzten 400 Jahre hinweg.

Schlussfolgerungen

Historische Lehrbücher für klinische Medizin und zeitgenössische phytotherapeutische Äquivalente sind die wichtigsten Quellen von wiederholt evaluiertem therapeutischem Wissen zu Heilpflanzen. Die klinische Fachliteratur erwies sich als zuverlässiger und verifizierbarer Korpus empirischer Evidenz, der mit aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Untersuchungen übereinstimmte. Das neu entwickelte PHA-Verfahren bietet ein Kodierungs‐Instrument für das systematische Erfassen und Auswerten empirischer Daten zur Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von traditionellen pflanzlichen Arzneimitteln. Das PHA‐Verfahren wird als praktikables und effizientes Instrument zur Erweiterung der Evidenz‐Typologien empfohlen, indem es therapeutische Indikationen für traditionelle pflanzliche Arzneimittel untermauern kann, so dass diese medizinisch und kulturell wichtigen Therapeutika in einen evidenz-basierten regulatorischen Rahmen integriert werden können.

Trends of Medicinal Plant Use over the Last 2000 Years in Central Europe

Medicinal plant knowledge in Central Europe can be traced back from the present to antiquity, through written sources. Approximately 100 medicinal plant taxa have a history of continuous use. In this paper, we focus on use patterns over time and the link between historical and traditional uses with the current scientific evidence. We discuss our findings against the backdrop of changing eras and medicinal concepts. Based on use-records from totally 16 historical, popular and scientific herbals, we analyze how use categories of 102 medicinal plant taxa developed over time. Overall, 56 of the 102 taxa maintained continuous use throughout all time periods. For approximately 30% of the continuous uses, scientific evidence supporting their use exists, compared to 11% for recently added uses and 6% for discontinuous uses. Dermatology and gastroenterology are use categories that are relevant across all time periods. They are associated with a high diversity of medicinal taxa and continuously used medicinal species with scientific evidence. Antidotes, apotropaic (protective) magic, and humoral detoxification were important use categories in the past. New applications reflecting biomedical progress and epidemiological challenges are cardiovascular and tonic uses. Changes in medicinal concepts are mirrored in plant use and specifically in changes in the importance of use categories. Our finding supports the concept of social validation of plant uses, i.e., the assumption that longstanding use practice and tradition may suggest efficacy and safety.

Effect of Populus nigra spring and autumn leaves extract on Capsicum annuum infected with pepper mild mottle virus

Capsicum annuum is one of the main vegetable crops for the local market and exportation in Egypt. In this concern, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) infection caused a significant decrease in Capsicum sp. leading to large economic losses. An isolate of PMMoV was obtained from naturally infected pepper plants, exhibiting different patterns of mottling, leaf distortion, yellowing, and stunting of leaves. The virus was identified. The molecular detection of PMMoV was done using RT-PCR with specific primers designed for coat protein genes. An RT-PCR product (474) bp of the coat protein gene of (PMMoV) was cloned. The target of the investigation was the effect of spring and autumn ethanol extracts of Populus nigra leaves on C. annuum seedling growth and infected C. annuum with (PMMoV) under greenhouse conditions. The experimental data showed that treated spring leaf extract of P. nigra enhanced infected C. annuum seedling growth parameters and fruit quality compared to uninfected seedlings. P. nigra spring leaf extract containing some allo-chemicals had a negative effect on uninfected seedlings. P. nigra autumn leaf extract significantly improved the growth and fruit quality of infected C. annuum seedlings compared to the control.

A comprehensive review of Rubia cordifolia L.: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and clinical applications

Rubia cordifolia (family: Rubiaceae) L (R. cordifolia) is a perennial botanical drug climbing vine. As the main part of the traditional Chinese medicine, the rhizome has a long history. A great number of literary studies have reported that it can be used for the improvement of blood circulation, hemostasis, activation of collaterals, etc. When it comes to the wide application of R. cordifolia in traditional medicine, we systematically review its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. Literatures were systematically searched using several scientific databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Baidu Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and other professional websites. Kew Botanical Garden and the iPlant were used for obtaining the scientific names and plant images of R. cordifolia. In addition, other information was also gathered from books including traditional Chinese herbal medicine, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Chinese Materia Medica. So far, many prescriptions containing R. cordifolia have been widely used in the clinical treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, primary dysmenorrhea and other gynecological diseases, allergic purpura, renal hemorrhage and other diseases. The phytochemistry studies have reported that more than 100 compounds are found in R. cordifolia, such as bicyclic peptides, terpenes, polysaccharides, trace elements, flavonoids, and quinones. Among them, quinones and peptides are the types of components with the highest contents in R. cordifolia. The modern pharmacological studies have revealed that R. cordifolia and its derived components have anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-platelet aggregation, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, most studies are preclinical. The pharmacological mechanism of R. cordifolia has not been thoroughly studied. In addition, there are few pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies of R. cordifolia, therefore the clinical safety data for R. cordifolia is lacking. To sum up, this review for the first time summarizes a systemic and integrated traditional uses, chemical compositions, pharmacological actions and clinical applications of R. cordifolia, which provides the novel and full-scale insight for the drug development, medicinal value, and application of R. cordifolia in the future.

TRP channels and monoterpenes: Past and current leads on analgesic properties

The activation of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels expressed by sensory neurons is essential to the transduction of thermal and mechanical sensory information. In the setting of chronic inflammatory conditions, the activation of the melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8), the TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and the TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is correlated with pain hypersensitivity reactions. Monoterpenes, among which pulegone and menthol, a major class of phytocompounds present in essential oils of medicinal plants, are known modulators of those TRP channels activity. In the present review, we correlate the monoterpene content of plants with their historical therapeutic properties. We then describe how monoterpenes exert their anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesia effects through modulation of TRP channels activity. Finally, we discuss the importance and the potential of characterizing new plant extracts and reassessing studied plant extracts for the development of ethnopharmacology-based innovative treatments for chronic pain. This review suggests that monoterpene solutions, based on composition from traditional healing herbs, offer an interesting avenue for the development of new phytotherapeutic treatments to alleviate chronic inflammatory pain conditions.

Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Leaf and Rhizome Extracts from the Medicinal Plant Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a worldwide perennial herb native to the mountains of central Southern Europe. The rhizome has a long tradition in popular medicine, while ethnobotanical surveys have revealed local uses of leaves for superficial injuries. To experimentally validate these uses, plant material was collected in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley, Italy, and the rhizome and leaves were micromorphologically and phytochemically characterized. Polyphenol-enriched hydroalcoholic rhizome and leaf extracts, used in cell-free assays, showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro tests revealed cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition by the leaf extract, while the rhizome extract induced only lipoxygenase inhibition. MTT assays on HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts showed low cytotoxicity of extracts. In vitro scratch wound test on HaCaT resulted in a strong induction of wound closure with the leaf extract, while the effect of the rhizome extract was lower. The same test on L929 cells showed similar wound closure induction with both extracts. The results confirmed the traditional medicinal uses of the rhizome as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing remedy for superficial injuries but also highlighted that the leaves can be exploited for these purposes with equal or superior effectiveness.

The chemical composition of essential oil from Seseli bocconei (Apiaceae) aerial parts growing in Sicily (Italy)

Seseli is a large genus of aromatic and economically important herbs of the Apiaceae family that includes eighty-seven taxa, mainly distributed in Europe and Asia. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various popular medicines and based on their traditional uses, much research concerning biological activities have been carried out. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from aerial parts of Seseli bocconei Guss., a rare plant endemic of Sicily, was analysed by GC-MS. No one report has been previously published on the essential oil of this species. The result showed the presence of large quantity of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons whereas it was practically devoid of oxygenated terpenes. Main metabolites of the oil were germacrene D (18.48%) and sabinene (17.46%). Chemotaxonomic considerations with respect to other oils of Seseli taxa were carried out.

The Decline and Fall of Materia Medica and the Rise of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Veterinary Medicine

Materia Medica is a Latin term, relating to the history of pharmacy. It describes the sources (vegetable, animal and mineral), nature, preparation, and properties of substances or mixtures of substances, which were used as remedies for the treatment of diseases. Bourgelat authored the first veterinary Materia Medica book. This review describes the evolution and ultimate downfall of Materia Medica concepts and practices. Its survival for more than two millennia reflected the impact of religion and dogmas on therapy. The consignment of Materia Medica to history was signified by publication of the first modern book of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics by Meyer Jones in 1953. Previously, the dominance of Materia Medica was linked to an hippiatry culture, which was shared with farriers and quacks. The Pasteurian and pharmacological revolutions of the second half of the nineteenth century led to its gradual abandonment. This review explains why the existence of authentically active substances, such as opioid analgesics, cardiotonics and general anesthetics either were not used for those actions or were badly prescribed, in part because of historical precedence and in part from lack of pathophysiological knowledge to justify rational use. The modern concept of dosage, in particular inter-species differences, was not understood. There were also major dogmas, supporting false indications, such as failure to recognize pain as a symptom to be treated, whereas inflammation was only a disease symptom involving excess of activity of the blood system, which had to be vigorously addressed by bleeding and purging. This review covers a well-defined period, ranging from Bourgelat, who wrote the first book of Materia Medica for veterinary studies to the first edition of Meyer Jones textbook in 1953, which marked the end of Materia Medica and the beginning of pharmacology in veterinary medicine.

Biomedical applications of tannic acid

Tannic Acid (TA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant polyphenol that has gained popularity over the past decade in the field of biomedical research for its unique biochemical properties. Tannic acid, typically extracted from oak tree galls, has been used in many important historical applications. TA is a key component in vegetable tanning of leather, iron gall ink, red wines, and as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of maladies. The basis of TA utility is derived from its many hydroxyl groups and its affinity for forming hydrogen bonds with proteins and other biomolecules. Today, the study of TA has led to the development of many new pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. TA has been shown to reduce inflammation as an antioxidant, act as an antibiotic in common pathogenic bacterium, and induce apoptosis in several cancer types. TA has also displayed antiviral and antifungal activity. At certain concentrations, TA can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as hemorrhoids and diarrhea, severe burns, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases. TA has also been utilized in biomaterials research as a natural crosslinking agent to improve mechanical properties of natural and synthetic hydrogels and polymers, while also imparting anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activity to the materials. TA has also been used to develop thin film coatings and nanoparticles for drug delivery. In all, TA is fascinating molecule with a wide variety of potential uses in pharmaceuticals, biomaterials applications, and drug delivery strategies.

Anti-Hyperalgesic Properties of Menthol and Pulegone

Context: Menthol, the main monoterpene found in Mentha piperita L. (M. piperita) is known to modulate nociceptive threshold and is present in different curative preparations that reduce sensory hypersensitivities in pain conditions. While for pulegone, a menthol-like monoterpene, only a limited number of studies focus on its putative analgesic effects, pulegone is the most abundant monoterpene present in Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi (C. nepeta), a plant of the Lamiaceae family used in traditional medicine to alleviate rheumatic disorders, which counts amongst chronic inflammatory diseases.

Objectives: Here, we analyzed the monoterpenes composition of C. nepeta and M. piperita. We then compared the putative anti-hyperalgesic effects of the main monoterpenes found, menthol and pulegone, in acute inflammatory pain conditions.

Methods:C. nepeta and M. piperita extracts were obtained through pressurized liquid extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of menthol or pulegone was evaluated by measuring the secretion of the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. The in vivo anti-hyperalgesic effects of menthol and pulegone were tested on a rat inflammatory pain model.

Results: Pulegone and menthol are the most abundant monoterpene found in C. nepeta (49.41%) and M. piperita (42.85%) extracts, respectively. In vitro, both pulegone and menthol act as strong anti-inflammatory molecules, with EC50 values of 1.2 ± 0.2 and 1.5 ± 0.1 mM, respectively, and exert cytotoxicity with EC50 values of 6.6 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.2 mM, respectively. In vivo, 100 mg/kg pulegone exerts a transient anti-hyperalgesic effect on both mechanical (pulegone: 274.25 ± 68.89 g, n = 8; vehicle: 160.88 ± 35.17 g, n = 8, p < 0.0001), thermal heat (pulegone: 4.09 ± 0.62 s, n = 8; vehicle: 2.25 ± 0.34 s, n = 8, p < 0.0001), and cold (pulegone: 2.25 ± 1.28 score, n = 8; vehicle: 4.75 ± 1.04 score, n = 8, p = 0.0003). In a similar way, 100 mg/kg menthol exerts a transient anti-hyperalgesic effect on both mechanical (mechanical: menthol: 281.63 ± 45.52 g, n = 8; vehicle: 166.25 ± 35.4 g, n = 8, p < 0.0001) and thermal heat (menthol: 3.65 ± 0.88 s, n = 8; vehicle: 2.19 ± 0.26 s, n = 8, <0.0001).

Conclusion: Here, we show that both pulegone and menthol are anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic monoterpenes. These results might open the path towards new compound mixes to alleviate the pain sensation.

Degradation and release of tannic acid from an injectable tissue regeneration bead matrix in vivo

The development of multifunctional biomaterials as both tissue regeneration and drug delivery devices is currently a major focus in biomedical research. Tannic Acid (TA), a naturally occurring plant polyphenol, displays unique medicinal abilities as an antioxidant, an antibiotic, and as an anticancer agent. TA has applications in biomaterials acting as a crosslinker in polymer hydrogels improving thermal stability and mechanical properties. We have developed injectable cell seeded collagen beads crosslinked with TA for breast reconstruction and anticancer activity following lumpectomy. This study determined the longevity of the bead implants by establishing a degradation time line and TA release profile in vivo. Beads crosslinked with 0.1% TA and 1% TA were compared to observe the differences in TA concentration on degradation and release. We found collagen/TA beads degrade at similar rates in vivo, yet are resistant to complete degradation after 16 weeks. TA is released over time in vivo through diffusion and cellular activity. Changes in mechanical properties in collagen/TA beads before implantation to after 8 weeks in vivo also indicate loss of TA over a longer period of time. Elastic moduli decreased uniformly in both 0.1% and 1% TA beads. This study establishes that collagen/TA materials can act as a drug delivery system, rapidly releasing TA within the first week following implantation. However, the beads retain TA long term allowing them to resist degradation and remain in situ acting as a cell scaffold and tissue filler. This confirms its potential use as an anticancer and minimally invasive breast reconstructive device following lumpectomy.

The genus Genista L.: A rich source of bioactive flavonoids

The genus Genista L. (family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae), with its cosmopolitan distribution, has attracted the human interest since ancient times, as it is used in folk medicine and mainly in the Mediterranean area for the treatment of respiratory diseases, rheumatic disorders, diabetes and ulcer, while it is also well known for its yellow pigment. The chemical composition of the Genista species revealed the presence of more than 108 flavonoids. Isoflavones, belonging to the group of phytoestrogens, are important secondary metabolites of the genus. The extracts of the Genista species may act as important source of bioactive phytochemicals for the treatment of many human ailments, mainly inflammation and pain, estrogen related pathology, hyperglycaemia, cancer and microbial infections. Therefore, the present review summarizes and discusses the flavonoid derivatives from the genus Genista, together with their structural features and pharmacological properties, aiming to highlight the recent advances in current knowledge on Genista species as a source of bioactive flavonoids.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Ukrainian Iris Species: A Fresh Look on Their Antioxidant Content and Biological Activities

The major groups of antioxidant compounds (isoflavonoids, xanthones, hydroxycinnamic acids) in the rhizome methanol extracts of four Ukrainian Iris sp. (Iris pallida, Iris hungarica, Iris sibirica, and Iris variegata) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS/MS. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, tectoridin, irigenin, iristectorigenin B, irisolidone, 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,3',5'-tetramethoxyisoflavone, irisolidone-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, germanaism B, and nigricin were recognized by comparing their UV/MS spectra, chromatographic retention time (tR) with those of standard reference compounds. I. hungarica and I. variegata showed the highest total amount of phenolic compounds. Germanaism B was the most abundant component in the rhizomes of I. variegata (7.089 ± 0.032 mg/g) and I. hungarica (6.285 ± 0.030 mg/g). The compound analyses showed good calibration curve linearity (r² > 0.999) and low detection and quantifications limit. These results validated the method for its use in the simultaneous quantitative evaluation of phenolic compounds in the studied Iris sp. I. hungarica and I. variegata rhizomes exhibited antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the HPLC-ABTS system and NRF2 expression assay and anti-inflammatory activity on respiratory burst in human neutrophils. Moreover, the extracts showed anti-allergic and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Anti-coronavirus 229E and lipid formation activities were also evaluated. In summary, potent antioxidant marker compounds were identified in the examined Iris sp.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Medicinal Plants used for Vitiligo in Traditional Persian Medicine

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disorder that affects 1% of the world's population. Vitiligo causes white spots on the skin, mucous membranes, or white hair by destroying skin melanocytes. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is unknown but autoimmune, autocytotoxic, and neural mechanisms are suggested. According to the autoimmune theory, in people with vitiligo, immune cells invade and damage melanocytes. T cells are more commonly present in vitiligo patients' skin and remain in the lesion site, which is composed of CD8 and CD4 T cells. Many studies have been conducted on the presence and role of cytokines such as interleukins and interferongamma (IFN-γ) in the vitiligo process.

AIM

This study aimed to introduce herbs effective against vitiligo from the perspective of Persian medicine and to investigate their possible therapeutic mechanisms with the possible effects of herbs on autoimmune mechanisms.

METHODS

For this purpose, keywords were used to extract data from Persian medicine textbooks, and then relevant scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were examined.

RESULTS

It was found that Persian medicine scholars used 50 different medicinal plants to treat and reduce the complications of vitiligo, and recent scientific studies have proven immune-regulating properties and reducing the effect of many of them on cytokines.

CONCLUSION

According to scientific evidence on immunomodulatory effects, new research into the effects of these plants on vitiligo can lead to the discovery of new drugs and approaches for treating this disease.

Chinese Herbal Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Text-Mining the Classical Literature for Potentially Effective Natural Products

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by multijoint swelling, pain, and destruction of the synovial joints. Treatments are available but new therapies are still required. One source of new therapies is natural products, including herbs used in traditional medicines. In China and neighbouring countries, natural products have been used throughout recorded history and are still in use for RA and its symptoms. This study used text-mining of a database of classical Chinese medical books to identify candidates for future clinical and experimental investigations of therapeutics for RA.

Methods

The database Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Hua Yi Dian) includes the full texts of over 1,150 classical books. Eight traditional terms were searched. All citations were assessed for relevance to RA. Results and Conclusions. After removal of duplications, 3,174 citations were considered. After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 548 citations of traditional formulas were included. These derived from 138 books written from 206 CE to 1948. These formulas included 5,018 ingredients (mean, 9 ingredients/formula) comprising 243 different natural products. When these text-mining results were compared to the 18 formulas recommended in a modern Chinese Medicine clinical practice guideline, 44% of the herbal formulas were the same. This suggests considerable continuity in the clinical application of these herbs between classical and modern Chinese medicine practice. Of the 15 herbs most frequently used as ingredients of the classical formulas, all have received research attention, and all have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Two of these 15 herbs have already been developed into new anti-RA therapeutics—sinomenine from Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. & Wils and total glucosides of peony from Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Nevertheless, there remains considerable scope for further research. This text-mining approach was effective in identifying multiple natural product candidates for future research.

Historical ethnobotanical review of medicinal plants used to treat children diseases in Romania (1860s-1970s)

BACKGROUND

Romanian ethnopediatrics has a long history of medicinal plant use. The main objective of the present review was to identify, collect, systematize, and prioritize the available bibliographical data related to medicinal plants traditionally used to treat various pediatric diseases in Romania during the 1860s-1970s.

METHODS

Information was mainly obtained by manual systematic search in various relevant historical works focused on the traditional use of medicinal plants in Romania (1860s-1970s), found in the Archives of Romanian Academy Library and National Romanian Library.

RESULTS

A total of 153 medicinal plants belonging to 52 families were identified as having ethnopediatric significance. The plant traditional indications, targeted body systems, parts used, and way of administration were provided. We have also proposed one index (expressed as percentage) in order to assess the ethnopediatric applicability area of species: ethnopediatric relative therapeutic versatility (ERTV), which was calculated on the basis of the number of distinct uses mentioned for a species. The species identified to have the highest ERTV scores were Dryopteris filix-mas (100%), Gratiola officinalis (85.71%), Allium sativum (71.42%), Eryngium planum (71.42%), Juglans regia (71.42%), Matricaria chamomilla (71.42%), Plantago major (71.42%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study exposed for the first time to the international scientific community important ethnopediatric information contained in several local Romanian bibliographical resources that could guide the local and international researchers towards new directions of plant valorization.

Rubia tinctorum root extracts: chemical profile and management of type II diabetes mellitus

The chemical and biological profiling of the root extracts of Rubia tinctorum was performed. The activities of different extracts were determined considering the antidiabetic effect against type II diabetes mellitus together with anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects and lipid profile. The methanolic extract of Rubia tinctorum exhibited significant results in decreasing body weight, improving lipid profile, normalizing hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia. Additionally, it showed enhancement of liver tissue structure and function. The methanolic extract, being the most significant one, was subjected to LC-HRMS analysis to determine its chemical constituents. Finally, the chemical constituents were evaluated by molecular docking study that was carried out to identify the interaction of a panel of 45 compounds in silico and to correlate the structures to their anti-diabetic activity. Among the tested compounds, 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl anthra-quinone and naringenin-7-O-glucoside showed the most potent activity as α-amylase inhibitors.

The chemical and biological profiling of the root extracts of Rubia tinctorum was performed.

Analgesic Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of progressive rheumatoid disease, which leads to the degeneration of the articular cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, tendons, and the surrounding ligaments.There are various treatments for knee OA, including pharmaceutical, nonpharmaceutical, and surgical treatments. Considering the chronic nature of the disease as well as the necessity for the long-term use of chemical medications, various side effects could occur that include gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, congestive heart failure, hyperkalemia, and kidney failure. Therefore, suitable treatments with fewer side effects should be recommended. Recent investigations suggest increased tendency in people to use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for knee OA treatment.

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of herbal preparations for the treatment of OA.

Methods:

The searched databases were Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed. All the selected papers pertained to randomized controlled trials until August 8, 2017 in English in which one or several specific herbs had been used in knee OA treatment.

Results:

We included 24 randomized trials (involving 2399 women and men). There were several different herbal medicines used within the included trials.

Conclusion:

The results show that the methods used in these trials may reduce symptoms and the extent of NSAID consumption and enhance the quality of life. Additional trials are suggested to investigate the safety and efficacy of herbs for the treatment of patients with OA.

Chemodiversity of Essential Oils in Seseli libanotis (L.) W.D.J.Koch (Apiaceae) in Central Europe

Seseli libanotis is an aromatic umbelliferous plant distributed sporadically on dry grassland edges in Europe and Western Asia. The essential oil composition in the different plant parts was studied from plants collected on nine sites in Austria and one site in Alto Adige, Italy. Monoterpenes such as α-pinene, sabinene and β-myrcene and the sesquiterpene germacrene D were present in all essential oils from the aerial parts. Inflorescences and fruits had the highest essential oil contents. These essential oils from four sites were rich in acorenone B, while from other three sites they had carotol as a major component. Osthole as furocoumarin occurred in some oils. The root essential oils were dominated by α-pinene. The essential oil variability has been studied by principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) with plant parts or sampling site as a priori groups. PCA could well separate inflorescence and fruit essential oil samples from leaf and stem essential oil samples. DA differentiated well between the plant parts and most of the sampling sites.

Quantification of folpet and phthalimide in tea and herbal infusions by LC- high-resolution MS and GC-MS/MS

Two methods based on a modified QuEChERS sample preparation and either LC coupled to atmospheric pressure ionisation and high-resolution MS or GC coupled to electron ionisation and tripled quadrupole MS have been assessed for the quantification of folpet and phthalimide in tea and other dry herbal infusions. Both methods have been fully validated in green tea and further checked in black tea, verbena and rooibos, and they performed according to the SANTE/11813/2017 criteria at the target LOQ concentration level (50 µg/kg). These methods allow the accurate quantification of folpet in the selected matrices according to the new EU residue definition, which includes phthalimide. Phthalimide is the main metabolite and degradation product of folpet, although according to recent studies, it could be generated from different sources than folpet breakdown, such as food processing or analysis by GC.

The Herbal Compound Thymol Protects Mice From Lethal Infection by Salmonella Typhimurium

Type III secretion system (T3SS) is an essential pathogenic determinant for many important bacterial pathogens; it functions to thwart immune defense by delivering effectors into host cells. Because of its essential role in bacterial virulence, this machinery is an important target in the development of novel anti-virulence therapeutics. By using an effector-lactamase fusion reporter, we identified thymol, a monoterpene phenol derivative of cymene, as an effective inhibitor of the T3SS-1 of Salmonella Typhimurium. Our results indicate that thymol effectively protected mice against S. Typhimurium-induced mortality and pathological damages, suggesting that this compound can be developed for the control of infections caused by Salmonella species.

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) biological activity and the possibilities of its use for the correction of the lipid metabolism disorders

The article summarizes data concerning the biological activity of the promising herbal raw material: aerial part of goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L., Apiaceae). This plant since time immemorial has been used as vegetable and fodder plant as well as in folk medicine including the treatment of the metabolic disorders. Nowadays the interest in this plant increases. The technology of obtaining the extract and the tincture from goutweed aerial part is described, the chemical composition of these preparations is elucidated. Pharmacological effects of the preparations obtained from goutweed are characterized with the special emphasis on the possibilities of the lipid metabolism disorders correction and prevention. The presented experimental results substantiate the efficacy of goutweed extract and the tincture under the conditions of alimentary lipemia together with their safety in the intact animals. Thus, the hypolipidemic activity of goutweed extract (1 g/kg intragastrically) and goutweed tincture (1 cm3/kg intragastrically) was shown in the test with olive oil loading in rats. The extract appeared to be able to decrease significantly the level of triglycerides in blood plasma, while the tincture reduced the content of plasma total lipids. In the intact rats, the extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 1 g/kg as well as the tincture at doses of 1 and 5 cm3/kg did not influence on the values of the lipid metabolism after 12 days of administration. Total and HDL cholesterol as well as atherogenic index and plasma total lipids level remained unchanged. In contast to the data previously obtained on the models of hyperuricemia, in the intact rats there were no changes in plasma uric acid concentration (which was determined proceeding from the role of the purine metabolism disorders in metabolic syndrome pathogenesis). Thus, goutweed preparations are characterized with the regulatory mode of action and sufficient level of safety. The development of drugs as well as functional foods containing goutweed herbal raw material is promising.

Hesperetin on Cell Surface Glycoconjugates Abnormalities and Immunohistochemical Staining with Cytokeratin in 7,12 Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene Induced Hamster Buccal Pouch Carcinogenesis

Hesperetin, a naturally occurring citrus flavanone of the bioactive substance, possesses different pharmacological and biochemical activities including anti-cancer and anti-oxidants effect. The aim of the study to investigate that hesperetin on abnormalities of glycoconjugates (protein bound hexose, hexosamine, total sialic acid and fucose), histology (PAS staining) and immunoexpression of cytokeratin during 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis. Oral tumors were developed in the buccal pouches of male golden Syrian hamsters by topical application of 0.5% DMBA thrice a week for 10 weeks and developed morphological alterations depicted as hyperplasia, dysplasia and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma formation with noticeable abnormalities of glycoconjugates and cytokeratin. The protective effect of hesperetin against DMBA was evaluated by assessing immunohistochemical expression, histological sections of buccal tissues and the levels of glycoconjugates in the buccal mucosa and plasma were analyzed. Hesperetin administrated orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w. to hamsters treated with DMBA, significantly reduced the status of glycoconjugates and cytokeratin to the near normal range. Overall findings accomplished that hesperetin protects cell surface glycoconjugates abnormalities in DMBA induced HBP carcinogenesis.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) In Vitro and In Vivo

Several reports have demonstrated the effectiveness of pistachio against oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we investigate if polyphenols extracts from natural raw shelled pistachios (NP) or roasted salted pistachio (RP) kernels have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties at lower doses than reported previously, in both in vitro and in vivo models. The monocyte/macrophage cell line J774 was used to assess the extent of protection by NP and RP pistachios against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Moreover, antioxidant activity of NP and RP was assessed in an in vivo model of paw edema in rats induced by carrageenan (CAR) injection in the paw. Results from the in vitro study demonstrated that pre-treatment with NP (0.01, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL) and RP (0.01 and 0.1 mg/mL) exerted a significant protection against LPS induced inflammation. Western blot analysis showed NP reduced the degradation of IκB-α, although not significantly, whereas both NP and RP decreased the TNF-α and IL-1β production in a dose-dependent way. A significant reduction of CAR-induced histological paw damage, neutrophil infiltration and nitrotyrosine formation was observed in the rats treated with NP. These data demonstrated that, at lower doses, polyphenols present in pistachios possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This may contribute toward a better understanding of the beneficial health effects associated with consumption of pistachios.

Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi and its Main Essential Oil Constituent Pulegone: Biological Activities and Chemistry

Medicinal plants play an important role in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, even if their chemical constituents are not always completely recognized. Observations on their use and efficacy significantly contribute to the disclosure of their therapeutic properties. Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi is an aromatic herb with a mint-oregano flavor, used in the Mediterranean areas as a traditional medicine. It has an extensive range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-ulcer and insecticidal properties. This study aims to review the scientific findings and research reported to date on Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi that prove many of the remarkable various biological actions, effects and some uses of this species as a source of bioactive natural compounds. On the other hand, pulegone, the major chemical constituent of Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi essential oil, has been reported to exhibit numerous bioactivities in cells and animals. Thus, this integrated overview also surveys and interprets the present knowledge of chemistry and analysis of this oxygenated monoterpene, as well as its beneficial bioactivities. Areas for future research are suggested.

Essential Oil Extraction, Chemical Analysis and Anti-Candida Activity of Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. glandulosa (Req.) Ball-New Approaches

A comprehensive study on essential oils extracted from different Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. glandulosa (Req.) Ball samples from Tarquinia (Italy) is reported. In this study, the 24-h steam distillation procedure for essential oil preparation, in terms of different harvesting and extraction times, was applied. The Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis showed that C. nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. glandulosa (Req.) Ball essential oils from Tarquinia belong to the pulegone-rich chemotype. The analysis of 44 samples revealed that along with pulegone, some other chemicals may participate in exerting the related antifungal activity. The results indicated that for higher activity, the essential oils should be produced with at least a 6-h steam distillation process. Even though it is not so dependent on the period of harvesting, it could be recommended not to harvest the plant in the fruiting stage, since no significant antifungal effect was shown. The maximum essential oil yield was obtained in August, with the highest pulegone percentage. To obtain the oil with a higher content of menthone, September and October should be considered as the optimal periods. Regarding the extraction duration, vegetative stage material gives the oil in the first 3 h, while material from the reproductive phase should be extracted at least at 6 or even 12 h.

Metabolic profiling of myrislignan by UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS-based metabolomics

The metabolic map of myrislignan was determined by UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS-based metabolomics in vivo and in vitro.

Content of micronutrients, mineral and trace elements in some Mediterranean spontaneous edible herbs

Background

The analysis of mineral elements composition was determined in three wild edible herbs (Cichorium intybus L., Sonchus asper L. and Borago officinalis) collected in seven different sampling sites which were characterized by different pollution grade. The detection of mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg and Na), micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Li, Mn and Zn) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb) was performed.

Results

The results obtained show that in most cases a direct relationship appeared between the amount of elements and the sampling sites. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in samples grown in polluted soils. These evaluations showed that contaminants in plants may reflect the environmental state in which they develop.

Conclusion

The examined species are a good source of mineral elements and micronutrients, making them particularly adapt to integrate a well-balanced diet. The accumulation of heavy metals showed that contaminants in plants may reflect the environmental state in which they develop. Results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in samples taken in locations characterized by high human activity and in some samples from the local market, of which no one knows the collection area.