Efficacy of Daphne oleoides subsp. kurdica used for wound healing: identification of active compounds through bioassay guided isolation technique

Ethyl gallate isolated from phenol-enriched fraction of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. Promotes cutaneous wound healing: a scientific validation through bioassay-guided fractionation

The tender shoots of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. are used ethnomedically by the traditional healers of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka (India) for the treatment of wounds. The current study was aimed at exploring phenol-enriched fraction (PEF) of crude ethanol extract of tender shoots to isolate and characterize the most active bio-constituent through bioassay-guided fractionation procedure. The successive fractionation and sub-fractionation of PEF, followed by in vitro scratch wound, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, yielded a highly active natural antioxidant compound ethyl gallate (EG). In vitro wound healing potentiality of EG was evidenced by a significantly higher percentage of cell migration in L929 fibroblast cells (97.98 ± 0.46% at 3.81 μg/ml concentration) compared to a positive control group (98.44 ± 0.36%) at the 48th hour of incubation. A significantly higher rate of wound contraction (98.72 ± 0.41%), an elevated tensile strength of the incised wound (1,154.60 ± 1.42 g/mm²), and increased quantity of connective tissue elements were observed in the granulation tissues of the 1% EG ointment treated animal group on the 15th post-wounding day. The accelerated wound healing activity of 1% EG was also exhibited by histopathological examinations through Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichome, and Toluidine blue-stained sections. Significant up-regulation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant contents (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and down-regulation of oxidative stress marker (lipid peroxidation) clearly indicates the effective granular antioxidant activity of 1% EG in preventing oxidative damage to the skin tissues. Further, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of EG supports the positive correlation with its enhanced wound-healing activity. Moreover, molecular docking and dynamics for 100 ns revealed the stable binding of EG with cyclooxygenase-2 (-6.2 kcal/mol) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (-4.6 kcal/mol) and unstable binding with tumor necrosis factor-α (-7.2 kcal/mol), suggesting the potential applicability of EG in inflammation and wound treatment.

Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin-Glycerol-Assisted Extraction of Phenolics from Satureja montana L.: Optimization, Anti-Elastase and Anti-Hyaluronidase Properties of the Extracts

A green method for hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-glycerol-assisted extraction (HCGAE) of bioactive phenolics from S. montana, Lamiaceae was optimized using Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology and compared conventional water/ethanol-based extraction. The procedure was aimed at obtaining extracts with the maximum content of total phenols (TP), flavonoids (TF), dihydroxycinnamic acids (TDCA), rosmarinic acid (RA), and luteolin 7-O-glucoside (LG). The impact of glycerol content (0–70%), 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin content (0–0.4 mmol), temperature (20–70 °C), herbal material weight (0.3–0.8 g), extraction duration (5–25 min), and ultrasound power (144–720 W) on the extraction efficiency was analyzed. Four extracts with maximum amounts of target phenols, OPT-TP (5.93 mg/mL), OPT-TDCA-RA (4.17 mg/mL and 1.16 mg/mL, respectively), OPT-TF (0.99 mg/mL), and OPT-LG (0.28 mg/mL) were prepared. Comparison of the content of TDCA, TF, RA, and LG with those obtained in water/ethanol-based extraction demonstrated the superiority of the HCGAE approach for the extraction of phenols from S. montana. The extracts displayed good anti-elastase and excellent anti-hyaluronidase activity. IC50 values of the anti-hyaluronidase activity (1.67 ± 0.06 μL extract/mL, 1.16 ± 0.08 μL extract/mL, 0.85 ± 0.03 μL extract/mL, and 0.79 ± 0.05 μL extract/mL for OPT-TP, OPT-TDCA-RA, OPT-TF, and OPT-LG, respectively) surpassed that of the applied positive control, tannic acid. The observed bioactivity of the optimized extracts makes them promising active ingredients for natural cosmetics. The results of this research indicate that HCGAE is an excellent alternative to conventional water/ethanol-based extraction of phenolics from Satureja montana L.-yielding extracts with potent anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase properties suitable for direct use in cosmetic products.

The Role of Selected Flavonoids from Bajakah Tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) Stem on Cosmetic Properties: A Review

Cosmetics made from natural ingredients are increasingly popular because they contain bioactive compounds which can provide many health benefits, more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The health benefits obtained from natural-based ingredients include anti-aging, photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. This article reviewed the potential of selected flavonoids from bajakah tampala (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) as the native plant in Indonesia. We present in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research data on the use of selected flavonoids that have been reported in other extracts.

Glycerol and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents Extraction for Preparation of Luteolin-Rich Jasione montana Extracts with Cosmeceutical Activity

Jasione montana is a plant from the family Campanulaceae rich in phenols with health-beneficial properties such as luteolin (LUT) derivatives. In this work, a glycerol-based ultrasound-assisted extraction method was developed and optimized for in total phenol (TP) and LUT content, as well as antiradical activity (RSA). The best conditions (glycerol content, temperature, plant material weight, and ultrasonication power) for the preparation of J. montana extracts richest in TP (OPT-TP), LUT (OPT-LUT), and having the best RSA (OPT-RSA) were determined. Furthermore, numerous natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), containing proline, glycerol, betaine, urea, and glucose were prepared and used for the extraction of J. montana. Contents of TP, LUT, and RSA in the prepared extracts were established. Antioxidant and cosmeceutical activity of the prepared extracts was tested. The OPT-TP, OPT-LUT, and OPT-RSA, as well as the most efficient NADES-based extract, PG-50-TP, were excellent antioxidants and Fe²⁺ ion chelators. In addition, they were potent inhibitors of collagenase and hyaluronidase, as well as good significant anti-elastase and -lipoxygenase activity. The observed antioxidant- and enzyme-inhibiting activity of J. montana extracts prepared using environmentally friendly methods and non-toxic solvents makes them promising ingredients of cosmeceutical products.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp.: Characterization, Antimicrobial and Diabetic Wound-Healing Actions

Green nanotechnology is now accepted as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective advance with various biomedical applications. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular spherical cyanobacterium with photo- and hetero-trophic capabilities. This study investigates the ability of this cyanobacterial species to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the wound-healing properties of the produced nanoparticles in diabetic animals.

METHODS

UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopy and and electron microscopy techniques investigated AgNPs' producibility by Synechocystis sp. when supplemented with silver ion source. The produced AgNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and diabetic wound healing along with their angiogenesis potential.

RESULTS

The cyanobacterium biosynthesized spherical AgNPs with a diameter range of 10 to 35 nm. The produced AgNPs exhibited wound-healing properties verified with increased contraction percentage, tensile strength and hydroxyproline level in incision diabetic wounded animals. AgNPs treatment decreased epithelialization period, amplified the wound closure percentage, and elevated collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents, which improved angiogenesis factors' contents (HIF-1α, TGF-β1 and VEGF) in excision wound models. AgNPs intensified catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide content and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB (the inflammatory mediators) were decreased with AgNPs' topical application.

CONCLUSION

Biosynthesized AgNPs via Synechocystis sp. exhibited antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis promoting effects in diabetic wounded animals.

Flavonoids as inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase

Elastase is a proteolytic enzyme belonging to the family of hydrolases produced by human neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Human neutrophil elastase is known to play multiple roles in the human body, but an increase in its activity may cause a variety of diseases. Elastase inhibitors may prevent the development of psoriasis, chronic kidney disease, respiratory disorders (including COVID-19), immune disorders, and even cancers. Among polyphenolic compounds, some flavonoids and their derivatives, which are mostly found in herbal plants, have been revealed to influence elastase release and its action on human cells. This review focuses on elastase inhibitors that have been discovered from natural sources and are biochemically characterised as flavonoids. The inhibitory activity on elastase is a characteristic of flavonoid aglycones and their glycoside and methylated, acetylated and hydroxylated derivatives. The presented analysis of structure-activity relationship (SAR) enables the determination of the chemical groups responsible for evoking an inhibitory effect on elastase. Further study especially of the in vivo efficacy and safety of the described natural compounds is of interest in order to gain better understanding of their health-promoting potential.

Potential Effects of Phenolic Compounds That Can Be Found in Olive Oil on Wound Healing

The treatment of tissue damage produced by physical, chemical, or mechanical agents involves considerable direct and indirect costs to health care systems. Wound healing involves a series of molecular and cellular events aimed at repairing the defect in tissue integrity. These events can be favored by various natural agents, including the polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The objective of this study was to review data on the potential effects of different phenolic compounds that can also be found in EVOO on wound healing and closure. Results of in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that polyphenols from different plant species, also present in EVOO, participate in different aspects of wound healing, accelerating this process through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and their stimulation of angiogenic activities required for granulation tissue formation and wound re-epithelialization. These results indicate the potential usefulness of EVOO phenolic compounds for wound treatment, either alone or in combination with other therapies. Human studies are warranted to verify this proposition.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of the Ethanolic Extract of Daphne sericea Vahl Flowering Aerial Parts Collected in Central Italy

In this paper, the first phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of Daphne sericea Vahl flowering aerial parts collected in Italy and its biological activities were reported. Eleven compounds were identified i.e., α-linolenic acid (1), tri-linoleoyl-sn-glycerol (2), pheophorbide a ethyl ester (3), pilloin (4), sinensetin (5), yuanhuanin (6), rutamontine (7), syringin (8), p-coumaric acid (9), p-anisic acid (10) and caffeic acid (11). To the best of our knowledge, compounds (1-4, 7-8 and 10) were isolated from D. sericea for the first time during this work, whereas sinensetin (5) represents a newly identified component of the entire Thymelaeaceae family. The extract was found to possess radical scavenging against both DPPH^• and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-thylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^•+) radicals, with at least a 40-fold higher potency against the latter. Moreover, chelating abilities against both ferrous and ferric ions have been highlighted, thus suggesting a possible indirect antioxidant power of the extract. Although the precise bioactive compounds remain to be discovered, the polyphenolic constituents, including phenolic acids, tannins and flavonoids, seem to contribute to the antioxidant power of the phytocomplex. In addition, the extract produced cytotoxic effects in MDA-MB-231 and U87-MG cancer cell lines, especially at the concentration of 625 μg/mL and after 48–72 h. Further studies are required to clarify the contribution of the identified compounds in the bioactivities of the extract and to support possible future applications.

Luteolin as a modulator of skin aging and inflammation

Luteolin belongs to the group of flavonoids and can be found in flowers, herbs, vegetables and spices. It plays an important role in defending plants, for example against UV radiation by partially absorbing UVA and UVB radiation. Thus, luteolin can also decrease adverse photobiological effects in the skin by acting as a first line of defense. Furthermore, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of luteolin were described on keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as on several immune cells (e.g., macrophages, mast cell, neutrophils, dendritic cells and T cells). Luteolin can suppress proinflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α and COX-2) and regulate various signaling pathway (e.g., the NF-κB, JAK-STAT as well as TLR signaling pathway). In this way, luteolin modulates many inflammatory processes of the skin. The present review summarizes the recent in vitro and in vivo research on luteolin in the field of skin aging and skin cancer, wound healing as well as inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. In conclusion, luteolin might be a promising molecule for the development of topic formulations and systemic agents against inflammatory skin diseases.

In vivo bioactivity assessment on Epilobium species: A particular focus on Epilobium angustifolium and its components on enzymes connected with the healing process

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Epilobium species are generally known as "Yakı Otu" in Turkey, which mens "plaster herb" in English. Young shoots of Epilobium angustifolium L., Epilobium stevenii Boiss., and Epilobium hirsutum L. are consumed as salad or meal. These species have been used as a poultice for the treatment of mouth wounds in traditional medicine. An ointment prepared from leaves is used for skin disorders in children.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to evaluate the ethnopharmacological use of Epilobium angustifolium, E. stevenii, and E. hirsutum by using in vivo and in vitro experimental models, and to identify the active wound-healer compound(s) and to explain the probable mechanism of the wound-healing activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Evaluation of wound healing effects of plant extracts was performed in rats and mice by linear incision and circular excision wound models. Determination of total phenolic constituents and antioxidant capacities, which are known to promote the wound healing process, were carried out through Folin-Ciocalteau method and 2,2 Diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay as well as determination of total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) on the treated tissues. The active ethyl acetate (EtOAc) sub-extract of E. angustifolium was fractionated by different chromatographic separation techniques. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated via detailed analyzes (NMR and LC/MS). In addition, in vitro collagenase, hyaluronidase, and elastase enzymes inhibitory activity tests were performed on the isolated compounds to discover the activation pathways of the samples.

RESULTS

Among the methanol (MeOH) extracts, E. angustifolium had the highest wound healing activity. Among the sub-extracts, EtOAc showed the highest wound healing activity. Thus, EtOAc sub-extract was subjected to chromatography to isolate the active compounds. Five known flavonoids namely hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside) (1), kaempferol (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamno pyranoside (3), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamno pyranoside (4), and quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabino pyranoside (5) were isolated from the EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium. In vitro tests showed that hyperoside could be the compound responsible for the wound-healing activity by its significant anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and antioxidant activities.

CONCLUSION

The EtOAc sub-extract of the aerial part of Epilobium angustifolium displayed remarkable wound-healing activity with anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and antioxidant activities. Hyperoside was detected as the primary active compound of the aerial parts. According to the results, we suggest that EtOAc sub-extract of E. angustifolium and hyperoside may be a potent nominee to be used for the improvement of a wound-healing agent.

Secondary metabolites from Verbascum bugulifolium Lam. and their bioactivities

Five iridoid glycosides catalpol (1), specioside (2), ajugol (3), ajugoside (4), 8-O-acetylharpagide (5), two phenylethanoid glycosides, verbascoside (6) and glucopyranosyl-(1→G_i-6)-martynoside (7), four flavonoids, luteolin (8), luteolin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (9), luteolin 7-O-rutinoside (10), apigenin 7-O-rutinoside (11), quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (12) and β-sitosterol (13) were isolated from the aerial parts of Verbascum bugulifolium Lam. for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS experiments. The extracts, and the isolates were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant (DPPH•, ABTS• and CUPRAC), anti-inflammatory (LOX inhibition) and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 6 and 8 showed the highest antioxidant activity in all tests, where luteolin (8) showed the relatively best anti-inflammatory activity compared to other samples with 54.1 ± 5.0% inhibition at 1 µg/mL. All the tested compounds showed weak antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. This is the first phytochemical and bioactivity study on V. bugulifolium.[Figure: see text].

Healing effects of Cornus mas L. in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in rats: From ethnobotany to pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The ethnobotanical studies conducted in Turkey and other countries have revealed that Cornus mas L., from the family Cornaceae have been used against stomachache, diarrhea and colitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective the present study is to determine the possible activity of C. mas in experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in rats and to identify its phytochemical feature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis model was induced in rats. The rats were orally treated with different doses (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of C. mas 80% methanol extract for 14 days. Increase in body weight, consumed amount of feed, form of the stool, presence of rectal prolapse were followed every day. At the end of the experiment, colon tissues were removed and wet weights for each animal were measured and colon damages were scored. Total antioxidant and total oxidant status, cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1β) and protein levels of colon tissues were evaluated and histopathological analyses were carried out. After the detection of the effective dose as 400 mg/kg, the aqueous methanol extract was fractionated by using liquid-liquid fractionation technique and the sub-extracts were also tested for in vivo biological activities. High Performance Liquid Chromatography analyses were conducted to determine the phytochemical profile of the active crude extract and n-butanol sub-extract.

RESULTS

Amount of feed consumed per day and increase in body weight were the lowest in the control group, while those values were determined to be the highest in 80% methanol extract (at 400 mg/kg dose), n-butanol sub-extract and reference groups. Following colitis induction, it was determined that the fecal form was yellow-slippery in all groups and returned to normal after the treatment with C. mas extracts. Rectal prolapse score was less in the extract (400 mg/kg) and n-butanol sub-extract treated groups. Total antioxidant, total oxidant status, cytokine and protein levels were found to be in parallel with macroscopic findings. 80% methanol extract (400 mg/kg) and n-butanol sub-extract provided the best healing according to the wet weight measurements and colon damage scoring performed on the removed colon tissues. These findings supported the results of histopathological analysis. According to the chromatographic analysis, ellagic acid was determined in both extracts and its amount was quantified.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has verified the ethnomedical use of C. mas for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases in northern Pakistan

Background

Skin diseases are a major health concern especially in association with human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired an immune deficiency. The aim of this study was to document the ethnomedicinal information of plants used to treat skin diseases in Northern Pakistan. This is the first quantitative ethnobotanical study of therapeutic herbs utilized by the indigenous people of Northern Pakistan for skin diseases.

Methods

Interviews were taken to obtain information from 180 participants. Quantitative methods including fidelity level (FL), Frequency of citation (FC), Use-value (UV), Jaccard indices (JI), Family importance value (FIV), Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Chi-square test were applied. Medicinal plants uses are also compared with 50 national and international publications.

Results

In this study, we recorded 106 plant species belonged to 56 floral families for treatment of skin ailments. The dominant life form reported was herb while the preferred method of utilization was powder, along with leaf as the most used plant part. RFC ranges from 0.07 to 0.25% whereas the highest FIV was recorded for family Pteridaceae. FL values range from 36.8 to 100%. The study reported 88% of new plant reports for the treatment of skin diseases.

Conclusion

The present study revealed the importance of several plants used to treat skin diseases by the local communities of Northern Pakistan. The available literature supported the evidence of plant dermatological properties. Plants having high UV and RFC can be considered for further scientific analysis. There is dire need to create awareness among local, government and scientific communities for the preservation of medicinal species and ethnomedicinal knowledge in Northern Pakistan.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2605-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Luteolin-7-glucoside Promotes Human Epidermal Stem Cell Proliferation by Upregulating β-Catenin, c-Myc, and Cyclin Expression

Skin epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) play critical roles in skin homeostasis and the repair of skin injury. Luteolin-7-glucoside (L7G) has been reported to accelerate skin wound healing through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity. But its effect on EpSCs is not clear. In the present study, we examined the effect of L7G on the proliferation of human EpSCs and explored the mechanisms involved. MTT assay showed that L7G promoted EpSC proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BrdU incorporation assay and Ki67 immunofluorescence staining confirmed the proproliferative effect of L7G on EpSCs. Cell cycle analysis showed that treatment of EpSCs with L7G decreased the cell number in the G1 phase and increased the cell number in the S phase. In addition, L7G significantly enhanced EpSC migration. Mechanistic studies showed that L7G significantly induced the expression of β-catenin and c-Myc, as well as cyclins D₁, A₂, and E₁ which are critical for G1/S phase transition. L7G stimulated EpSC proliferation through β-catenin and c-Myc. We further examined the effect of L7G on EpSC proliferation in skin tissues by treatment of human skin explants with L7G and examined the number of EpSCs by immunohistochemical stain of EpSC markers α ₆ integrin and β ₁ integrin. We found that treatment of human skin tissue explants with L7G significantly increased the thickness of the epidermis and increased the numbers of α ₆ integrin-positive and β ₁ integrin-positive cells at the basal layer of the epidermis. Taken together, these results indicate that L7G promotes EpSC proliferation through upregulating β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin expression. L7G can be used to expand EpSCs for generating epidermal autografts and engineered skin equivalents.

The Phytochemistry of Cherokee Aromatic Medicinal Plants

Background: Native Americans have had a rich ethnobotanical heritage for treating diseases, ailments, and injuries. Cherokee traditional medicine has provided numerous aromatic and medicinal plants that not only were used by the Cherokee people, but were also adopted for use by European settlers in North America. Methods: The aim of this review was to examine the Cherokee ethnobotanical literature and the published phytochemical investigations on Cherokee medicinal plants and to correlate phytochemical constituents with traditional uses and biological activities. Results: Several Cherokee medicinal plants are still in use today as herbal medicines, including, for example, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and blue skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). This review presents a summary of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and biological activities of Cherokee aromatic and medicinal plants. Conclusions: The list is not complete, however, as there is still much work needed in phytochemical investigation and pharmacological evaluation of many traditional herbal medicines.

The effect of Sebastiania hispida gel on wound model infected by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Medicinal plants are an alternative for the treatment of infected wounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Sebastiania hispida in an animal model with a wound infected by Staphylococcus aureus. The crude ethanol extract (Ext_EtOH) of S. hispida underwent phytochemical analysis, quantification of metabolites and antibacterial activity analysis performed using S. aureus. Wistar rats were used to test healing activity, and the groups evaluated comprised gels of Ext_EtOH at the concentrations 0.2 and 2% compared with control groups. Animals were inoculated with the bacteria S. aureus resistant to methicillin. The treatment periods were of 3 and 21 days. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were conducted and data were submitted to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Phytochemical and quantification analysis indicated that phenolic compounds and flavonoids are the major constituents, followed by tyterpenes. Ext_EtOH 0.2% was the most effective gel against the growth of strains of S. aureus. Histological wound and regression analysis showed that Ext_EtOH gels (0.2% and 2%) were similar and effective in promoting wound healing. In the quantification of collagen fibers, the animals from all groups showed a high amount of thick collagen fibers. Thus, Ext_EtOH gels based on the shoots of S. hispida can be used for the treatment of infected wounds as a complementary therapy for infected wound closure and further assays are required with other means. The healing effectiveness may be due to the high content of phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenes.

Investigation of the composition and antioxidant activity of acetone and methanol extracts of Daphne sericea L. and Daphne gnidioides L

The compositions of methanol and acetone extracts obtained from Daphne sericea L. and Daphne gnidioides L. were investigated. The antioxidant activities of each extract were determined by various test methods. Phenolic composition profile analysis by HPLC-DAD showed that D. gnidioides extracts contain more phenolic compounds than D. sericea extracts. Among the components, syringic acid was found to be the most abundant one in D. gnidioides extracts (42.8 and 38.4 mg per g dry extract of methanol and acetone, respectively). Total flavonoid, total phenolic and total carotenoid contents of methanolic D. gnidioides extracts were found to be 244.5 mg rutin/g dry weight of extract, 1219.3 mg GAE/g dry weight of extract and 11.9 mg/g dry weight of extract, respectively. DPPH^·, ABTS^·+ and O₂^·- assays were applied to plant extracts as radical scavenging activity tests. Methanolic extracts of D. sericea and D. gnidioides showed the highest radical scavenging activities according to DPPH^· and ABTS^·+ tests (61.6 and 147.2 in terms of IC₅₀, respectively). Antioxidant activity tests for measuring lipid oxidation inhibiting capacity were carried in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and bovine brain extract (BBE). Methanolic extracts of D. gnidioides and D. sericea demonstrated remarkable lipid oxidation inhibiting capacity in LDL and BBE tests.

New Coumarinyl Ethers in Daphne oleoides Schreb. Collected from Sardinia Island

The phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract obtained from D. oleoides collected from Sardinia Island allowed the isolation of several new constituents for the species (3, 8, and 9) together with two new coumarinyl ethers (1 and 2) besides the chemotaxonomic markers of the Daphne genus (4 - 7 and 10) which are also known to possess interesting biological activities. The structure of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The identification of these compounds gives an experimental evidence of the variability in the secondary metabolites pattern owned by populations growing in restricted area in respect to populations not confined by geographical barrier.

The Extract of Lycium depressum Stocks Enhances Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

In diabetes, impaired wound healing and other tissue abnormalities are considered major concerns. The aim of the present study was to assess the wound-healing activity of methanolic extracts of the extract of Lycium depressum leaves. A total of 60 healthy male Wistar diabetic rats weighing approximately 160 to 180 g and 7 weeks of age were randomized into 10 groups for incision and excision wound models: sham surgery group (SHAM), including creation of wounds and no treatment; base formulation group (FG) with creation of wounds and application of base formulation ointment; treatment group 1 (TG1) with 1 g of powder extract of the plant material in ointment; treatment group 2 (TG2) with 2 g; and treatment group 4 (TG3) with 4 g of powder extract of the plant material in ointment. A wound was induced by an excision- and incision-based wound model in male rats. The mature green leaves of L depressum were collected and authenticated. Extractions of dried leaves were carried out. For wound-healing activity, the extracts were applied topically in the form of ointment and compared with control groups. The healing of the wound was assessed based on excision, incision, hydroxyproline estimation, and biomechanical and biochemical studies. The extract of L depressum leaves enhanced wound contraction, decreased epithelialization time, increased hydroxyproline content, and improved mechanical indices and histological characteristics in treatment groups compared with SHAM and FG ( P < .05). These findings permit the conclusion the extract of L depressum benefits parameters of wound healing in a diabetes induced model.

Phytochemical and biological studies on Alnus glutinosa subsp. glutinosa, A. orientalis var. orientalis and A. orientalis var. pubescens leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alnus species have been used for the treatment of rheumatism, hemorrhoids and for wound healing in folk medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous and methanol extracts of A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertner subsp. glutinosa, A. orientalis Decne. var. orientalis and A. orientalis var. pubescens Dippel leaves were evaluated for their wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In vivo wound models of linear incision and circular excision were performed. "Inhibition of acetic acid-induced capillary permeability", "carrageenan-induced hind paw edema" and T"PA-induced ear edema" assays were applied to determine the anti-inflammatory effects. For the antioxidant activity assessment, DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging effect, reducing power and denaturation of nonspecific hydroxyl radical-targeted 2-deoxyribose were used. In vitro inhibitory effects on enzymes hyaluronidase, collagenase and elastase were evaluated. The methanol extract of the leaves of A. glutinosa subsp. glutinosa (MB), the most potent extract, was fractionated by bioassay-guided fractionation technique. The structure of the isolated compound was determined as shikimic acid by using NMR and IR analyses.

RESULTS

MB increased the wound tension by 42.79% value and provided a contraction by 51.58%. Wound tension, contraction capacity and tissue hydroxyproline levels were increased with the application of the fraction EtOAc: MeOH (Fr. D), subfraction D_27-38 and shikimic acid. In the "inhibition of acetic acid-induced capillary permeability" assay, MB, Fr. D, subfraction D_27-38 and shikimic acid inhibited the permeability with significant inhibition values of 30.22%, 32.46%, 38.24% and 27.19%, respectively. In carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model, MB displayed 29.1% inhibition. Likewise, Fr. D, subfraction D_27-38, and shikimic acid were found to exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Shikimic acid exhibited significant inhibitory effect (38.24%) on the hyaluronidase enzyme.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first and unique study that investigates wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of some Alnus taxons growing in Turkey. According to the results, shikimic acid was found to be the major compound responsible from the activity.

Luteolin-7-glucoside inhibits IL-22/STAT3 pathway, reducing proliferation, acanthosis, and inflammation in keratinocytes and in mouse psoriatic model

The epidermis is a dynamic tissue in which keratinocytes proliferate in the basal layer and undergo a tightly controlled differentiation while moving into the suprabasal layers. The balance between keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and death is essential, and its perturbation can result in pathological changes. Some common skin diseases, such as psoriasis, are characterized by hyperproliferation accompanied by inflammatory reactions, suggesting that molecules with topical anti-inflammatory and ROS scavenging abilities may be useful for their treatment. Here we investigate the potential of the flavone Luteolin-7-glucoside (LUT-7G) as a treatment for psoriasis. We show that LUT-7G leads to a modification of the cell cycle and the induction of keratinocyte differentiation, with modification of energy, fatty acid, and redox metabolism. LUT-7G treatment also neutralizes the proliferative stimulus induced by the proinflammatory cytokines IL-22 and IL-6 in HEKn. Moreover, in the Imiquimod (IMQ) mouse model of psoriasis, topical administration of LUT-7G leads to a marked reduction of acanthosis and re-expression of epidermal differentiation markers. Dissection of the IL-22 signalling pathway, activated by IMQ treatment, demonstrates that LUT-7G impairs the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated (activated) STAT3, blocking the IL-22 signalling cascade. Thus LUT-7G appears to be a promising compound for the treatment of hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis.

Phytochemistry of Daphne oleoides

Genus Daphne belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family and consists of 70 species. Its various species exist in Europe, Philippine Islands, temperate and subtropical Asia, North Africa, Australia and Pacific. In Pakistan, Daphne is represented by three species. Our focused Daphne oleoides is widely found in diverse climatic conditions from northern cold to central hot regions which creates a rich diversity and novelty in biosynthetic levels of its chemical constituents and hence is a great opportunity. Daphne oeloides is a proven rich source of a variety of unique and interesting nature-made skeletons with a wide range of therapeutic properties. D. oleoides possesses effective therapeutic properties, therefore, has been used in herbal medicines and is still being used to treat various diseases. The modern research by various groups, including ourselves, has resulted in the isolation of a number of natural molecules including some novel tris- and bis- coumarins, daphnane diterpenoids and lignoids. Therefore, due to novelty and richness of the nature-made molecules, and their therapeutic potential combined with our significant work on D. oleoides, this report covers chemical constituents isolated from D. oleoides. The pharmacological activities of the isolated compounds and use of this species in folk medicine have also been reviewed.

The effects of Glycyrrhizae uralenis and its major bioactive components on pharmacokinetics of daphnetin in Cortex daphnes in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycyrrhizae uralenis (GU) is often prescribed together with Cortex daphnes (CD) in traditional Chinese medicinal practice to increase the efficacy of CD on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the reasons were still unknown. In order to clarify the rationality of herbaceous compatibility between CD and GU, the comparative evaluations on pharmacokinetic behaviors of daphnetin (a predominantly active ingredient in CD) after intragastric administration of CD and CD-GU (combination of CD and GU) extract were studied. In addition, the effects of glycyrrhizin and liquiritin, active ingredients of Glycyrrhiza triterpenes and Glycyrrhiza flavones respectively, on the pharmacokinetics of daphnetin were also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of rats were orally administered with CD extract, CD-GU extract, pure daphnetin, co-administration of daphnetin and glycyrrhizin as well as co-administration of daphnetin and liquiritin at the same single dose of daphnetin (20 mg/kg). The rat plasma concentrations of daphnetin were determined by our developed UPLC-MS/MS method. The pharmacokinetics of daphnetin in above groups were investigated and compared.

RESULTS

Comparing with oral administration of CD extract, AUC and Tmax of daphnetin significantly increased after giving CD-GU (p<0.05). In addition, in comparison to daphnetin alone, co-administration of daphnetin with liquiritin significantly increased the AUC and Cmax of daphnetin for ~1.5-fold, while co-administered with glycyrrhizin showed limited impact on the pharmacokinetics of daphnetin.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, it was found that liquiritin, one of the major components of GU, significantly enhanced the bioavailability of the main component daphnetin in CD. In addition, the bioavailability of daphnetin in the CD-GU prescription was also significantly higher than that in CD alone, which could be due to liquiritin. Such results explained the mechanism of the increased efficacy in treating RA with the combined use of CD and GU.

Comparative assessment of dermal wound healing potentials of various Trifolium L. extracts and determination of their isoflavone contents as potential active ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Trifolium species are used in Turkish folk medicine as a wound healing agent, expectorant, antiseptic, sedative and to alleviate pain in rheumatism. In the present study, the aqueous methanolic extracts (80%) of 13 Trifolium species (Trifolium ambigum, Trifolium arvense var. arvense, Trifolium campestre, Trifolium canescens, Trifolium hybridum var. anatolicum, Trifolium hybridum var. hybridum, Trifolium pannonicum, Trifolium pratense var. pratense, Trifolium purpureum var. purpureum, Trifolium repens var. repens, Trifolium resupinatum var. microcephalum, Trifolium spadiceum and Trifolium trichocephalum) collected from different regions of Anatolia were evaluated for their in vivo wound healing effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo wound healing activities of the plant aqueous methanolic extracts were evaluated by linear incision and circular excision wound models subsequent to histopathological analysis. Active constituents were determined by a validated high performance liquid chromatographic method. Precision of the method was performed by the evaluation of intra-day and inter-day variations of the each standard at limits of quantification (LOQ) levels.

RESULTS

The aqueous methanolic extracts of Trifolium canescens and Trifolium pretense var. pratense possessed better wound healing activity compared to the other extracts and control groups. The animal groups treated with the Trifolium canescens extract demonstrated increased contraction (48.96%) on excision and a significant increase in wound tensile strength (35.6%) on incision models. The main compounds were detected as genistein and biochanin A for Trifolium canescens.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study revealed the wound healing potential of Trifolium canescens. This might be due to the combined effect of the isoflavones genistein, formononetin, daidzein, and biochanin A present in the extract.

The scorpion in Spanish folk medicine: a review of traditional remedies for stings and its use as a therapeutic resource

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

While scorpionism is not a serious public health problem in Spain, traditional Spanish knowledge has retained a large number of plant-based and animal-based remedies for scorpion stings. Additionally, this arthropod plays an important role in the treatment of its own sting and has become a significant therapeutic resource in the treatment of several human pathologies. These remedies are distributed across a large number of references.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough review of Spanish literature has been conducted in the fields of folklore, ethnography, ethnomedicine, ethnobotany, ethnozoology, social anthropology and medical anthropology from the early twentieth century to the present. Automated searches in national and international databases have been performed.

RESULTS

The results include more than 110 traditional remedies for scorpion stings. Forty- eight remedies are based on the use of 29 vascular plants in 19 different botanical families. This listing of useful plants is broader than that provided by other researchers studying neighboring areas. Seventeen remedies based on the use of nine animal species, including humans, are also reported. Remedies have also been documented involving mud and water, while other remedies indicate the use of scorpions (crushed and applied directly). Many remedies emphasize the topical use of "scorpion oil" (i.e., oil from fried scorpions). Two remedies are based on the maceration of scorpions in alcohol. In most cases, topical remedies are applied locally on the affected area. There is also some use of magical remedies as well. The scorpion has also been used as a major component in 22 Spanish remedies and healing rituals associated with 17 human pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates the importance of the scorpion in Spanish folk medicine. In general, the remedies evaluated mix magic and empiricism. The data we obtained may represent relevant background knowledge for studies aimed at developing and applying new therapeutic remedies for scorpion stings and other human pathologies. The data also invites further research to determine the validity of these folk remedies.