Ethnomedicinal plants of Sarigöl district (Manisa), Turkey

Anti-inflammatory phenolic glycosides from endemic Marrubium rotundifolium Boiss

Marrubium rotundifolium Boiss. is an endemic plant distributed in Aegean Region of Türkiye. It's traditionally used in Anatolian medicine for treatment of cold and flu, dyspepsia, costiveness and intestinal spasms. However, phytochemical studies on the plant are limited. In the present study, five phenolic glycosides 4',5,6,7-tetramethoxy scutellarein (1), apigenin-7-O-(3"-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), tiliroside (3), 4-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy) benzoic acid (4), and astragalin (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of M. rotundifolium and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, and MALDI-TOF/MS). Moreover, anti--inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by measurements of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Tiliroside exhibited the highest potency in all pathways. At concentrations of 3 and 6 µg/mL, it significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (192.53 and 175.54 pg/mL), IL-6 (925.52 and 946.81 pg/mL), and TNF- α (6465.86 and 6267.67 pg/mL). This is the first report on phenolic profile of endemic M. rotundifolium. The anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity potential of the plant should be investigated in further studies.

Nutraceutical Potential of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil in Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Obesity and Metabolic Alterations

Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine) is a perennial plant of the Vitaceae family that is widely used to produce grapes and wines. Grape seed oil is rich in fatty acids such as linoleic acid (65-75%), vitamin E (50 mg), and phytosterols in addition to phenolic compounds, such as catechins (414 mg), epicatechins (130.4 mg), and gallic acid (77 µg), shows promise as a nutritional compound and is outstanding as a therapeutic substance with active properties for health, detected mainly by in vitro studies, as well as some in vivo studies. The benefits of consuming this oil include modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against oxidative cell damage and some types of cancer. However, experimental findings confirm that therapeutic functions remain scarce; thus, more studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of action involved in the indicated therapeutic qualities.

Added-Value Compounds in Cork By-Products: Methods for Extraction, Identification, and Quantification of Compounds with Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Interest

The growing threat of climatic crisis and fossil fuel extinction has caused a boom in sustainability trends. Consumer demand for so-called eco-friendly products has been steadily increasing, built upon the foundation of environmental protection and safeguarding for future generations. A natural product that has been used for centuries is cork, resulting from the outer bark of Quercus suber L. Currently, its major application is the production of cork stoppers for the wine industry, a process that, although considered sustainable, generates by-products in the form of cork powder, cork granulates, or waste such as black condensate, among others. These residues possess constituents of interest for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as they exhibit relevant bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. This interesting potential brings forth the need to develop methods for their extraction, isolation, identification, and quantification. The aim of this work is to describe the potential of cork by-products for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry and to assemble the available extraction, isolation, and analytical methods applied to cork by-products, as well the biological assays. To our knowledge, this compilation has never been done, and it opens new avenues for the development of new applications for cork by-products.

Nutritional and pharmacological potentials of orphan legumes: Subfamily faboideae

Legumes are a major food crop in many developing nations. However, orphan or underutilized legumes are domesticated legumes that have valuable properties but are less significant than main legumes due to use and supply restrictions. Compared to other major legumes, they are better suited to harsh soil and climate conditions, and their great tolerance to abiotic environmental circumstances like drought can help to lessen the strains brought on by climate change. Despite this, their economic significance in international markets is relatively minimal. This article is aimed at carrying out a comprehensive review of the nutritional and pharmacological benefits of orphan legumes from eight genera in the sub-family Faboidea, namely Psophocarpus Neck. ex DC., Tylosema (Schweinf.) Torre Hillc., Vigna Savi., Vicia L., Baphia Afzel. ex G. Lodd., Mucuna Adans, Indigofera L. and Macrotyloma (Wight & Arn.) Verdc, and the phytoconstituents that have been isolated and characterized from these plants. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for articles that have previously reported the relevance of underutilized legumes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species was also conducted for the status of the species. References were scrutinized and citation searches were performed on the study. The review showed that many underutilized legumes have a lot of untapped potential in terms of their nutritional and pharmacological activities. The phytoconstituents from plants in the subfamily Faboideae could serve as lead compounds for drug discovery for the treatment of a variety of disorders, indicating the need to explore these plant species.

Traditional Uses, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmacological Investigations of Calendula arvensis L.: A Comprehensive Review

Calendula arvensis L. (Asteraceae) is a famous ornamental and medicinal plant widely distributed in Mediterranean countries and the southern region of Europe. This reputed species is widely used in traditional medicine in the treatment of many disorders and has various bioactivities, especially anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. The present review was conducted to provide a critical review of the comprehensive and current knowledge regarding C. arvensis species, in particular, its taxonomy and geographical distribution, botanical description, medicinal uses, phytochemical compounds, pharmacological properties, and toxicity investigations. The data collected on C. arvensis were obtained using different scientific research databases such as PubMed, SciFinder, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Wiley Online, and Scopus. Phytochemical screening of different C. arvensis extracts and essential oils showed their richness in bioactive compounds, particularly in fatty acids, sterols, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoid compounds. The findings of this review showed that the pharmacological activities of C. arvensis confirm its importance and diversity as a traditional remedy for many diseases. This plant presents a wide range of bioactivities, namely, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitrypanosomial, antitumoral, antimutagenic, and immunomodulatory activities, as well as hemolytic properties and wound treatment. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic validation and toxicological examinations are required to detect any possible toxicity for future clinical trials.

Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Therapeutic Potential, and Socio-Economic Value of the Caper Bush (Capparis spinosa L.)

Capparis spinosa L., commonly known as the caper bush, is an aromatic plant growing in most of the Mediterranean basin and some parts of Western Asia. C. spinosa L. has been utilized as a medicinal plant for quite a long time in conventional phytomedicine. Polyphenols and numerous bioactive chemicals extracted from C. spinosa L. display various therapeutic properties that have made this plant a target for further research as a health promoter. This review is meant to systematically summarize the traditional uses, the phytochemical composition of C. spinosa L., and the diverse pharmacological activities, as well as the synthetic routes to derivatives of some identified chemical components for the improvement of biological activities and enhancement of pharmacokinetic profiles. This review also addresses the benefits of C. spinosa L. in adapting to climate change and the socio-economic value that C. spinosa L. brings to the rural economies of many countries.

Phytochemical Composition and Cytoprotective Properties of the Endemic Sideritis sipylea Boiss Greek Species: A Valorization Study

Sideritis sipylea Boiss. (Fam. Lamiaceae) is an endemic plant of the North Aegean Islands (Greece), commonly known as ironwort. Traditionally, its aerial parts have been used to relieve several ailments, especially gastrointestinal disorders, however, with scant knowledge about the pharmacological basis. In the present study, an endemic S. sipylea Greek species from Lesvos Island has been characterized for phytochemical composition and biological activities, in order to give a possible scientific basis to its traditional use and to highlight a further nutraceutical interest as a source of bioactive phytochemicals and extracts. Three different fractions obtained from a methanolic extract of S. sipylea aerial parts by using ethyl acetate with 10 (S10), 20 (S20), and 50% (S50) methanol as fractionation solvents were phytochemically characterized. Moreover, their antioxidant power and cytoprotective activity in different human cell lines were evaluated. The phytochemical analysis highlighted the presence of flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acids in all the tested samples. Particularly, the S10 fraction mainly contained iridoids, while S20 and S50 lavandulifolioside and chlorogenic acid, respectively. The fractions also showed antioxidant properties, S10 and S20 being the most potent. When assessed in human cholangiocytes, they counteracted the cytotoxicity of the tBOOH pro-oxidant agent, by reducing ROS levels and affecting GSH antioxidant system. The present findings highlight a possible interest in S10 and S20 fractions from S. sipylea as sources of bioactive molecules and stimulate further studies in order to characterize their possible application for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally for Skin Related Problems in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean Region—A Review

A review research was conducted to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medical practices for the treatment of skin disorders in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The geographical and ecological characteristics of the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea, along with the historical connection among those countries, gave rise to the development of a distinct flora and to the uses of common medicinal plants against various skin ailments, respectively. The review focuses on the detailed study of 128 ethnobotanical surveys conducted in these areas and the species used for skin ailments were singled out. The analysis showed that 967 taxa belonging to 418 different genera and 111 different families are used in the treatment of skin related problems. The majority of the plants belong to the families of Asteraceae (11.7%), Lamiaceae (7.4%), Rosaceae (6.7%), Plantaginaceae (5.4%), and Malvaceae (3.8%). Their usage is internal or external to treat ailments such as wounds and burns (22.1%), hemorrhoids (14.7%), boils, abscesses, and furuncles (8.2%). Beside specific skin disorders, numerous species appeared to be used for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic activity (9.1%). Literature evaluation highlighted that, the most commonly used species are Plantago major L. (Albania, Turkey), Hypericum perforatum L. (Greece, Turkey), Sambucus nigra L. (Cyprus, Greece), Ficus carica L. (Cyprus, Turkey), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Cyprus, Greece), and Urtica dioica L. (Albania, Turkey), while many medicinal plants reported by interviewees were common in all four countries. Finally, to relate this ethnopharmacological knowledge and trace its expansion and diversification through centuries, a comparison of findings was made with the use of the species mentioned in Dioscorides’ “De Materia Medica” for skin disorders. This work constitutes the first comparative study performed with ethnobotanical data for skin ailments gathered in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean areas. Results confirm the primary hypothesis that people in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey are closely related in terms of traditionally using folk medicinal practices. Nevertheless, more field studies conducted, especially in remote places of these regions, can help preserve the traditional medical knowledge, aiming at the discovery of new phytotherapeutics against dermatological diseases.

Ethnomedicinal appraisal of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints by tribal communities living in Diamir district, Western Himalayas, Pakistan

Majority of the mountain dwelling communities living in the Himalayas rely on traditional herbal medicines for primary healthcare needs. Present study was conducted in fairy meadows and allied valleys in District Diamir, Gilgit Baltistan autonomous territory in northern Pakistan. Documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK) of local communities for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was carried out as a component of a wider medico-botanical expedition conducted in the entire base camp of the great Nanga Parbat peak during 2016–19. Various ethnobotanical parameters i.e. use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level (FL), direct matrix ranking test (DMRT) and preference ranking (PR) were applied to evaluate the data collected during field surveys. The plants were also subjected to a comparative review for novelty assessment. A total of 61 medicinal plant species belonging to 55 genera and 35 families are reported here for the treatment of GIDs. Compositae was the leading family with 8 (13%) species. Fourteen gastrointestinal disorders were cured with 32% taxon were reported for stomachic followed by diarrhea (15%) and constipation (14%). Highest use reports (5) and use citations (207) were reported for Mentha longifolia L. while highest UV (1.79) was obtained for Artemisia maritima L. Hylotelephium telephioides (Ledeb.), A. maritima, M. longifolia, M. piperita L., Allium cepa L., and A. annua L. exhibited 100% FL. Highest ICF was calculated against dysentery and flatulence. DMRT ranked Prunus persica L. first for its multipurpose uses. Taking constipation as a reference gastrointestinal disease, PR for ten plant species was calculated where H. telephioides was ranked first followed by A. maritima. Present study concluded that 19 out of 61 plant species were documented for the first time with novel medicinal uses to cure GIDs. These plant species could act as potential reservoirs of novel lead compounds for the treatments of gastrointestinal disorders.

Plants used against obesity in Turkish folk medicine: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Obesity is one of the growing public health problems in Turkey, as well as all over the world, threatening people of almost all ages. Turkey has a large potential for research on this topic due to owning broad ethnomedicinal experience and the richest flora (34% endemic) of Europe and the Middle East. Herbs that they have utilized for centuries to treat and prevent obesity can provide useful options to overcome this issue.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This survey was carried out to disclose the inventory of plant taxa that the people of Turkey have been using for a few centuries in treating obesity without any side effects or complications, and to compare them with experimental studies in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research was achieved in two phases on the matter above by using electronic databases, such as Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, Medline, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, HighWire Press, PubMed and Google Scholar. Both results were shown in separate tables as well as the regional comparative analysis.

RESULTS

117 herbal taxa belonging to 45 families were identified among the selected 74 studies conducted in the seven regions of Turkey. However, only 49 (41.9%) of them were found to be subjected to worldwide in vitro and in vivo research conducted on anti-obesity activity. Quercetin (9.1%), gallic acid (6.1%) and ferulic acid and epigallocatechin gallate (4.5%) have been recorded as the most common active ingredients among the 66 active substances identified. Prunus avium (32.4%) and Rosmarinus officinalis (25.7%) were identified as the most common plants used in Turkey. Also, Portulaca oleracea and Brassica oleracea emerged as the most investigated taxa in the literature.

CONCLUSION

This is the first country-wide ethnomedical review conducted on obesity treatment with plants in Turkey. Evaluating the results of the experimental anti-obesity research conducted in the recent years in the literature, it was determined that forty-nine plants were verified. This clearly shows that these herbs have a high potential to be a pharmacological resource. Moreover, 68 (41.9%) taxa, which haven't been investigated yet, are likely to be a promising resource for national and international pharmacological researchers in terms of new natural medicine searches.

A Comparison Study on Traditional Mixtures of Herbal Teas Used in Eastern Mediterranean Area

Multipurpose herbal teas with numerous ingredients, in which flowers are the main component, are common in the traditional medicine and pharmacy of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean countries. In this study, we combine ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology field work techniques and botany and pharmacognosy laboratory methods for the study of traditional herbal mixtures with flowers, we identify their botanical ingredients and record the local medicinal uses of these mixtures, in Greece, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Turkey. These, and their industrial versions, are analyzed, using morphological and multivariate analysis techniques in order to determine marker species, relevant patterns of combination and local styles. The medicinal properties attributed to the different flowers are discussed in relation with their role in the mixtures. These blends are consumed for their relaxing, digestive, and anti-infective properties. These mixtures are not consumed as a treatment when one is sick but rather to avoid getting sick, as a preventive measure. The formulations can reach forty ingredients (sarantha in Greek, arbain in Arabic language of Palestine), usually entire or coarsely chopped in the more traditional formulations, leading to extreme variability of individual doses. We ask what biological signification this randomness can have. To give an answer requires new and more comprehensive pharmacological approaches. The flowers of Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae and Fabaceae species characterize these mixtures in which other materials (roots, leaves, and fruits) and other species are present as well. Flowers of some species, particularly of Fabaceae, are exclusively used in mixtures, and their use in monospecific herbal teas is not yet recorded. We draw attention on the urgent need in exhaustively recording in Greece and the Near East, the formulation and use of traditional herbal mixtures and their numerous local variants. To consider these mixtures and the contribution of flowers (most mixtures receive the general name of tea of flowers) merits further extensive study.

The food plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.: Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology and clinical evidence

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. or Milk thistle is a medicinal plant native to Northern Africa, Southern Europe, Southern Russia and Anatolia. It also grows in South Australia, North and South America. In traditional knowledge, people have used S. marianum for liver disorders such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and gallbladder diseases. The main active compound of the plant seeds is silymarin, which is the most commonly used herbal supplement in the United States for liver problems. Nowadays, S. marianum products are available as capsules, powders, and extracts.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of our study is to draw a more comprehensive overview of the traditional heritage, pharmacological benefits and chemical fingerprint of S. marianum extracts and metabolites; as well as their metabolism and bioavailability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature search has been conducted using relavant keywords and papers with rationale methodology and robust data were selected and discussed. Studies involving S. marianum or its main active ingredients with regards to hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, cardiovascular protection, anticancer and antimicrobial activities as well as the clinical trials performed on the plant, were discussed here.

RESULTS

S. marianum was subjected to thousands of ethnopharmacological, experimental and clinical investigations. Although, the plant is available for use as a dietary supplement, the FDA did not yet approve its use for cancer therapy. Nowadays, clinical investigations are in progress where a global evidence of its real efficiency is needed.

CONCLUSION

S. marianum is a worldwide used herb with unlimited number of investigations focusing on its benefits and properties, however, little is known about its clinical efficiency. Moreover, few studies have discussed its metabolism, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, so that all future studies on S. marianum should focus on such areas.

Potential anti-influenza effective plants used in Turkish folk medicine: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Due to the outbreaks such as SARS, bird flu and swine flu, which we frequently encounter in our century, we need fast solutions with no side effects today more than ever. Due to having vast ethnomedical experience and the richest flora (34% endemic) of Europe and the Middle East, Turkey has a high potential for research on this topic. Plants that locals have been using for centuries for the prevention and treatment of influenza can offer effective alternatives to combat this problem. In this context, 224 herbal taxa belonging to 45 families were identified among the selected 81 studies conducted in the seven regions of Turkey. However, only 35 (15.6%) of them were found to be subjected to worldwide in vitro and in vivo research conducted on anti-influenza activity. Quercetin and chlorogenic acid, the effectiveness of which has been proven many times in this context, have been recorded as the most common (7.1%) active ingredients among the other 56 active substances identified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study has been carried out to reveal the inventory of plant species that have been used in flu treatment for centuries in Turkish folk medicine, which could be used in the treatment of flu or flu-like pandemics, such as COVID 19, that humanity has been suffering with, and also compare them with experimental studies in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The investigation was conducted in two stages on the subject above by using electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Medline, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, HighWire Press, PubMed and Google Scholar. The results of both scans are presented in separate tables, together with their regional comparative analysis.

RESULTS

Data obtained on taxa are presented in a table, including anti-influenza mechanism of actions and the active substances. Rosa canina (58.7%) and Mentha x piperita (22.2%) were identified as the most common plants used in Turkey. Also, Sambucus nigra (11.6%), Olea europaea (9.3%), Eucalyptus spp., Melissa officinalis, and Origanum vulgare (7.0%) emerged as the most investigated taxa.

CONCLUSION

This is the first nationwide ethnomedical screening work conducted on flu treatment with plants in Turkey. Thirty-nine plants have been confirmed in the recent experimental anti-influenza research, which strongly shows that these plants are a rich pharmacological source. Also, with 189 (84.4%) taxa, detections that have not been investigated yet, they are an essential resource for both national and international pharmacological researchers in terms of new natural medicine searches. Considering that the production of antimalarial drugs and their successful use against COVID-19 has begun, this correlation was actually a positive and remarkable piece of data, since there are 15 plants, including Centaurea drabifolia subsp. Phlocosa (an endemic taxon), that were found to be used in the treatment of both flu and malaria.

Traditional Applications of Tannin Rich Extracts Supported by Scientific Data: Chemical Composition, Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility

Tannins are polyphenolic compounds historically utilized in textile and adhesive industries, but also in traditional human and animal medicines or foodstuffs. Since 20th-century, advances in analytical chemistry have allowed disclosure of the chemical nature of these molecules. The chemical profile of extracts obtained from previously selected species was investigated to try to establish a bridge between traditional background and scientific data. The study of the chemical composition of these extracts has permitted us to correlate the presence of tannins and other related molecules with the effectiveness of their apparent uses. The revision of traditional knowledge paired with scientific evidence may provide a supporting background on their use and the basis for developing innovative pharmacology and food applications based on formulations using natural sources of tannins. This traditional-scientific approach can result useful due to the raising consumers' demand for natural products in markets, to which tannin-rich extracts may pose an attractive alternative. Therefore, it is of interest to back traditional applications with accurate data while meeting consumer's acceptance. In this review, several species known to contain high amounts of tannins have been selected as a starting point to establish a correlation between their alleged traditional use, tannins content and composition and potential bioaccessibility.

Inhibitory potential on key enzymes relevant to type II diabetes mellitus and antioxidant properties of the various extracts and phytochemical constituents from Rumex acetosella L

Type II diabetes mellitus is a common and costly disease worldwide, characterized by hyperglycemia. Alpha (α)-amylase and α-glucosidase are important targets in diabetes therapy. Inhibition of these enzymes may lessen hyperglycemia, preventing diabetic complications. Oxidative stress is another factor involved in the disease's etiology. In the present study, we investigated antidiabetic profiles of the various extracts and phytochemicals of Rumex acetosella. Since the plant has been traditionally used for the antidiabetic purposes. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory studies in addition to DPPH•, ABTS•+, NO 2 - radical scavenging, and phosphomolybdate antioxidant assays were performed to evaluate the antidiabetic property. Specifically, the ethanol and ethanol-water extracts remarkably inhibited α-glucosidase than that of acarbose, unlike their slight/no inhibition on α-amylase. Convincing α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant potential of alcohol-including extracts verified the ethnobotanical use of R. acetosella as an antidiabetic agent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The incidence of Type II DM is rising globally. Reducing hyperglycemia holds great importance to prevent devastating outcomes of diabetic complications. Ethnobotanical use of natural sources for medical purposes provides a basis for their potential activity against various diseases. The introduction of herbal agents may lead to the development of new drug candidates with convincing activity. Rumex acetosella L. has been traditionally used for the antidiabetic purposes. The research pointed out various extracts and phytochemical constituents from R. acetosella may act as antihyperglycemic agents. Particularly, alcohol-including extracts of R. acetosella may be considered as promising alternatives in the prevention or treatment of type II DM. The study puts emphasis on the therapeutic value of the plants for antidiabetic medication.

Vicia plants-A comprehensive review on chemical composition and phytopharmacology

The plants belonging to the genus Vicia are of great interest as a source of many bioactive compounds and micronutrients. A snapshot of their cultivation, habitat, main components, from which essential oils can be obtained, is given. The traditional medicinal uses of Vicia plants are also reported, as well as the wide spectrum of the main biological activities attributed to Vicia plants is discussed regarding potential health beneficial properties, in particular anti-Parkinson, anticholinesterase, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antihemolytic, anticoagulant, estrogenic, diuretic, antihypoxic activities.

Investigations on the anti-ulcerogenic activity of Sideritis caesarea H. Duman, Aytaç & Başer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aerial parts of Sideritis caesarea H. Duman, Aytaç & Başer are used for complaints such as stomach-aches, and intestinal spasms as traditional medicine in Kayseri, Turkey.

AIM OF STUDY

To investigate the anti-ulcerogenic activity by using bioassay guided fractionation technique (BAGF) and to identify the compound(s) that are responsible for anti-ulcerogenic activity through ethanol-induced anti-ulcerogenic activity model in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Liquid-liquid partition and then different chromatographic techniques were utilized for the BAGF of the ethanol (80%) extract of the aerial parts of Sideritis caesarea. Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer method on rats was employed for the determination of the anti-ulcerogenic activity, and the ulcer index was also calculated for anti-ulcerogenic activity detection.

RESULTS

The ethanol (80%) extract of S. caesarea showed statistically potent anti-ulcerogenic activity (95.9% ulcer inhibition, p < 0.001). Among the liquid-liquid fractions, strongest anti-ulcerogenic activity was observed with the ethyl acetate fraction (91.4% inhibition, p < 0.001) and therefore BAGF studies were proceeded with the ethyl acetate fraction. Two anti-ulcerogenic flavonoids {4'-O-methylhypolaetin-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-6″-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranoside and isoscutellarein-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-6″-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranoside} were isolated from this fraction together with a sesquiterpene glycoside [(2E,6E)-2,6,10-trimethyl-2,6,11-dodecatriene-1,10-diol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside] and two additional flavonoids {4'-O-methylhypolaetin-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranoside and isoscutellarein-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranoside}.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional use of S. caesarea in the treatment of stomach-aches was supported by this study and four flavonoids were isolated by using BAGF method and two of them were determined to have significant anti-ulcerogenic activity. Additionally, (2E,6E)-2,6,10-trimethyl-2,6,11-dodecatriene-1,10-diol-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside was obtained from a Sideritis genus for the first time.

Garlic and onions: An eastern tale

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Garlic and its wild relatives have a long tradition of use world-wide dating back to the early ages as food and medicine. This exceptional group deserves to be taken into consideration to rethink its potential health effects in light of its cultural and historical background, as well as ethnobotanical practices.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Garlic, onion, and other related vegetables have been indispensable for Turkish daily life. This review focuses on the wild, as well as cultivated, Allium species from the broad historical perspective of Turkish culture. Its goal is also analyze how food and medicine have been perceived as closely connected entities in a specific cultural sphere.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature survey was conducted on these species by referencing scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Elsevier E-Book, Scopus, ISI-Web of Science, and E book Central (Ebrary).

RESULTS

The integration of historical and ethnobotanical data have enabled us to understand the unique position of Alliums in a specific human geography. Garlic and onions have been used in this region as food and for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The perceived health benefits of consuming garlic and onions are well documented in the literature. There are more than 200 Allium species naturally distributed in Turkey, and around 30 of those have been widely used for various purposes by local people as a vegetable, spice, condiment, and medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

The desire for good health and wellness has been traced across many cultures throughout history. Healthy foods like garlic were and will be a critical component of maintaining good health.

Cardioprotective effects of Viscum album L. subsp. album (European misletoe) leaf extracts in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viscum album L. (European mistletoe) is a hemiparasitic plant belonging to Loranthaceae family and has been used in Turkish traditional medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and heart diseases such as hypertension, tachycardia and angina pectoris.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated the cardioprotective effects of V. album leaf extracts in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lyophilized aqueous (AVa) and methanolic (MVa) extracts of V. album were prepared from dried leaf. The isolated hearts were perfused with V. album extracts prior to and during 35min of ischemia induced by coronary artery occlusion. After 120min of coronary reperfusion, infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium staining.

RESULTS

Both AVa and MVa extracts reduced the extent of infarction compared with untreated control hearts, but protective effect of MVa had more potential in low concentration; infarct size as proportion of ischemic risk zone: AVa 17.5±1.5%; Mva 20.3±2.5%, both P<0.01 versus control 38.1±1.4%. This protective effect was comparable to infarct limitation induced by ischemic preconditioning (21.5±2.4%). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with L-N^G-nitroarginine methyl ester completely abrogated the protection afforded by both extracts. ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blockade by glibenclamide abrogated the protection afforded by MVa while attenuating, but not abolishing, the protective action of Ava.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided the first experimental evidence that V. album leaf extracts can mediate nitric oxide-dependent cardioprotection against myocardial injury produced by ischemia/reperfusion insult. With this study, popular usage of V. album extracts in Turkish folk medicine as a remedy for cardiac diseases was justified.

Report on the Medicinal Use of Eleven Lamiaceae Species in Lebanon and Rationalization of Their Antimicrobial Potential by Examination of the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Their Essential Oils

Many Lamiaceae species are consumed in the Lebanese cuisine as food or condiment and are largely used in the traditional medicine of Lebanon to treat various diseases, including microbial infections. In this article we report the traditional medicinal uses of eleven Lamiaceae species: Coridothymus capitatus L., Lavandula stoechas L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Mentha spicata L. subsp. condensata, Origanum syriacum L., Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia fruticosa Miller., Satureja cuneifolia Ten., Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L., and Vitex agnus-castus L. and study the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of their essential oils (EOs). Our survey showed that Lamiaceae species are mainly used against gastrointestinal disorders and microbial infections. Chemical analysis of the EOs obtained from these plants allowed us to identify seventy-five compounds describing more than 90% of the relative composition of each EO. Essential oils with high amounts of thymol and carvacrol possessed the strongest antimicrobial activity. As expected, these two compounds demonstrated an interesting antifungal efficacy against the filamentous fungus T. rubrum. Our results confirmed that some of the Lamiaceae species used in Lebanon ethnopharmacological practices as antimicrobial agents do possess antibacterial and antifungal potential consistent with their use in alternative or complementary medicine.

Ethnomedicinal plants of Aydıncık District of Mersin, Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This survey presents crucial ethnopharmacological data on medicinal plants used by indigenous people who live in the Aydıncık district of Mersin in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide a knowledge base of herbal therapies from the Aydıncık region with their traditional use, plant parts and administration methods besides computing some statistical values.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant samples that have been collected by spice-sellers or residents from Aydıncık for therapeutic purposes were recorded by visiting the villages during the study period, and then brought to the laboratory to diagnose the taxa. In addition, the relative frequency citation (RFC), use values (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were computed.

RESULTS

In this research conducted between 2013 and 2015, 91 taxa associated with 41 families, including 1 fern & 2 gymnosperms were defined they have been used for centuries in terms of the healing by visiting 10 villages & 5 spice-sellers in Aydıncık. Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae, Cupressaceae, Orchidaceae and Pinaceae have been determined as the most used families for therapeutic purposes. The study revealed that most of the locals concurred on the use of Juniperus oxycedrus fruits & leaves to cure gastro-intestinal diseases that demonstrated the highest fidelity level (0.98). 22 taxa have not matched with any studies conducted in and around the region.

CONCLUSION

The light of the information obtained during the investigation demonstrates that the medicinal plants have been mostly utilized as analgesics (0.78 ICF). The most data were acquired from the mountain villagers & Yuruk nomads, having average ages of 65. From the viewpoint of ethnobotany, the district has remained valuable due to the winding roads, ongoing hundreds of kilometers over the mountains and along the coast is very difficult to drive making Aydıncık too far from large cities and mass tourism centers.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Bozyazı district of Mersin, Turkey

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This research contributes momentous ethnopharmaceutical information on medicinal plants used by local people who live in the Bozyazı district of Mersin in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To arrange a list of herbal treatments from the Bozyazı region with their habitual use, plant parts and application methods besides computing some statistical indices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant specimens that have been collected by herbalists or local people from Bozyazı for therapeutic purposes were investigated by visiting the villages during the study period, and then conveyed to the laboratory to diagnose the species. In addition, the relative frequency citation (RFC), use values (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) were calculated.

RESULTS

In this survey conducted between 2013 and 2015, 159 taxa associated with 55 families, excluding 9 edible mushrooms, were detected as they have been utilized for centuries in terms of the healing by visiting 14 villages and 4 herbalist shops in Bozyazı. Lamiaceae, Asteraceae Orchidaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae and Geraniaceae have been determined as the most used families for therapeutic purposes. The study revealed that most of the residents concurred on the use of Sideritis erythrantha herba to cure respiratory diseases that demonstrated the highest fidelity level (89). 63 taxa have not matched with any studies conducted in and around the region.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the research carried out Bozyazı district, it has been observed that people living in rural areas have more knowledge and experience about the use and benefits of plants, compared to the people living in the district center. It was detected that the medicinal plants have been used mostly in the therapy of Hemorrhoids. The most information is obtained from the mountain villagers and Yuruk nomads, having average ages of 46.3, during the whole study. In terms of ethnobotanical perspective, the district has stayed valuable due to the winding roads over the mountains and along the coast is very difficult to drive making Bozyazı too far from large cities and mass tourism centers.