Tentative identification of polyphenols in Sempervivum tectorum and assessment of the antimicrobial activity of Sempervivum L

Acclimation to a combination of water deficit and nutrient deprivation through simultaneous increases in abscisic acid and bioactive jasmonates in the succulent plant Sempervivum tectorum L

Activation of hormonal responses defines the drought acclimation ability of plants and may condition their survival. However, aside ABA, little is known about the possible contribution of other phytohormones, such as jasmonates and salicylates, in the response of CAM plants to water deficit. Here, we aimed to study the physiological mechanisms underlying the stress tolerance of house leek (Sempervivum tectorum L.), a CAM plant adapted to survive harsh environments, to a combination of water deficit and nutrient deprivation. We exposed plants to the combination of these two abiotic stresses by withholding nutrient solution for 10 weeks and monitored their physiological response every two weeks by measuring various stress makers together with the accumulation of stress-related phytohormones and photoprotective molecules, such as tocopherols (vitamin E). Results showed that ABA content increased by 4.2-fold after four weeks of water deficit to keep later constant up to 10 weeks of stress, variations that occurred concomitantly with reductions in the relative leaf water content, which decreased by up to 20% only. The bioactive jasmonate, jasmonoyl-isoleucine was the other stress-related phytohormone that simultaneously increased under stress together with ABA. While contents of salicylic acid and the jasmonoyl-isoleucine precursors, 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid and jasmonic acid decreased with water deficit, those of jasmonoyl-isoleucine increased 3.6-fold at four weeks of stress. The contents of ABA and jasmonoyl-isoleucine correlated positively between them and with the content of α-tocopherol per unit of chlorophyll, thus suggesting a photoprotective activation role. It is concluded that S. tectorum not only withstands a combination of water deficit and nutrient deprivation for 10 weeks without any symptom of damage but also activates effective defense strategies through the simultaneous accumulation of ABA and the bioactive jasmonate form, jasmonoyl-isoleucine.

Assessing radical scavenging capacity of Sempervivum tectorum L. leaf extracts: An integrated high-performance thin-layer chromatography/in silico/chemometrics approach

High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)-radical scavenging capacity (RSC) assays are standard techniques for the separation and identification of antioxidants from complex mixtures. HPTLC coupled with DPPH^· visualization of chromatograms allows for the detection of individual antioxidants. However, other HPTLC-RSC assays that recognize compounds exhibiting different mechanisms of radical-scavenging activity are rarely reported. In this study, we developed an integrated approach that combines five HPTLC-RSC assays, principal component analysis (PCA) and quantum chemical calculations to assess the antioxidant capacity of Sempervivum tectorum L. leaf extracts. Two HPTLC assays - potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) total reducing power assay (TRP) and total antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdenum method (TAC) - were developed for the first time. The method supports a more in-depth study of the RSC of natural products, as it compares the radical scavenging fingerprints of S. tectorum leaf extracts and recognizes differences in their individual bioactive constituents. Kaempferol, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, caffeic acid, and gallic acid were identified as the compounds that discriminate HPTLC-RSC assays according to their mechanism of action and capture the similarities between 20 S. tectorum samples. Additionally, DFT calculations on M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p) level were applied to map thermodynamic feasibility of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and single electron transfer (SET) mechanisms of the identified compounds. Based on experimental and theoretical results, a combination of HPTLC-ABTS and HPTLC-TAC assays were proposed as the optimal method for mapping the antioxidants from S. tectorum. This study represents a step forward in identifying and quantifying individual antioxidants from complex food and natural product matrices in a more rational manner.

Antimicrobial Activity of Sempervivum tectorum L. Extract on Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Otitis Externa of Dogs

The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity, total phenolic content, and proanthocyanidin concentration of ethanolic extracts from fresh leaves of Sempervivum tectorum L. The extracts were phytochemically analyzed and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The broth microdilution method was used to assess antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria isolated from ear swabs taken from dogs with otitis externa. Many compounds were present in the ethanolic aqueous extracts, which exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. They showed strong antibacterial activity against standard clinical Gram-positive strains such as S. aureus and Gram-negative strains such as P. aeruginosa. In our study, the obtained quantity of total phenolic compounds in the ethanol:water extract of leaves was 126.17 mg GAE/g. The proanthocyanidin concentration in the tested Sempervivum tectorum L. extracts was 15.39 mg PAC/g material. The high contents of total phenolics and proanthocyanidin indicated that these compounds contribute to antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of the tested S. tectorum L. extracts ranged from 1.47 to 63.75 µg/mL, starting with 1.47 µg/mL and 1.75 µg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains, respectively. Likewise, S. tectorum L. ethanol extract demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect against S. aureus clinical isolate with a median MIC of 23.25 µg/mL and MBC of 37.23 µg/mL; and bactericidal against S. aureus ATCC 25923 with the median MIC of 20.33 µg/mL and MBC of 37.29 µg/mL. In the Gram-negative P. aeruginosa clinical and standard strains, the expressed MIC and MBC values were 24.234 and 20.53 µg/mL for MIC, and 37.30 and 37.02 µg/mL for MBC, respectively.

The Influence of Extracts from Common Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) on the Metabolic Activity of Human Melanoma Cells WM-266-4

Human melanoma cells are known as one of the most aggressive cancer cells, and consequently, melanoma is one of the most incurable cancer diseases. There is intense activity in research and development of potential medicines for malignant diseases, including alternative forms of remedies. Therefore, the purpose of our work was testing extracts from the common houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) grown in Slovenia to establish its impact on human melanoma cells. Namely, we wanted to verify if the extracts inhibit growth of malignant cells and their metabolic activity. Soxhlet, cold solvent, ultrasound, and supercritical extraction methods were applied to obtain S. tectorum extracts. Polyphenols and proanthocyanins content in acquired extracts was determined as well as their antioxidative potential. For a relevant comparison, Chinese (CHI) dried and Slovenian (SLO) lyophilized S. tectorum was used. Results showed that the highest contents of polyphenols and proanthocyanins were yielded from lyophilized material, which also had the highest antioxidative potential. The focus of our work was on analysis of possible inhibition effects of the extracts on human melanoma cells since no past studies were found regarding the possible effects of S. tectorum on metabolic activity of WM-266-4. We established that in a 24-h incubation period, the extracts inhibited metabolic activity of the cells at their concentrations of 20, 10, 4, 2, 1, 0.2, and 0.02 mg/mL. Extract obtained from SLO S. tectorum (ultrasound extraction with acetone as a solvent), which showed promising results of inhibitory effect on the mentioned cells, was further described since the local plant was the focus of our study. CHI S. tectorum extract (Soxhlet extraction with ehtanol:water mixture = 1:1 as a solvent) showed the highest inhibitory effect on human melanoma cells WM-266-4, although both obtained extracts are suitable for their growth inhibition of this specific cell line. Our results suggest inhibitory ability of S. tectorum extracts on the metabolic activity of WM-266-4 metastatic cell line, suggesting their potential use as an anticancer agent.

Wound healing activity and phytochemical screening of purified fractions of Sempervivum tectorum L. leaves on HCT 116

INTRODUCTION

Sempervivum tectorum L. (Crassulaceae), is a succulent perennial plant widespread in Mediterranean countries and commonly used in traditional medicine for ear inflammation, ulcers and skin rashes as a refrigerant and astringent.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the therapeutic effects of the plant, various fractions were purified and characterised. The potential wound healing activity, proliferation rate and intracellular signalling cascades were investigated by using human epithelial colorectal carcinoma (HCT 116) cells.

METHODOLOGY

An extraction method without organic solvents was applied for the first time. The purification was carried out by droplet counter current chromatography (DCCC) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) data. By nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) [¹ H, ¹³ C and two-dimensional (2D) experiments] pure components were identified. Wound healing and cell proliferation assays were utilised to determine the role of the isolated S. tectorum (SVT) fraction on cellular migration and proliferation. The signalling pathways elicited from the SVT fractions, were analysed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

In this study two rare natural components were identified, namely monosaccharide sedoheptulose and polyalcohol 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol, along with known organic acids and flavonoids. The fractions with high level of sedoheptulose enhance the proliferation and the cellular migration of epithelial HCT 116 cells. The intracellular signalling cascades elicited from the purified fractions induce the c-Src-mediated transactivation of EGFR and the activation of the STAT3 pathway which, in turn, are crucially involved in the cellular proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the efficacy of purified fractions of S. tectorum L. in enhancing cellular proliferation and migration, suggesting their potential role as topical therapeutic treatments for wound healing.

Sempervivum davisii: phytochemical composition, antioxidant and lipase-inhibitory activities

CONTEXT

Sempervivum davisii Muirhead (Crassulaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb from Eastern Anatolia. To date the composition of phytochemicals and physiological properties of this herb were not subjected to any research.

OBJECTIVE

This study identifies compounds in S. davisii hydrophilic extracts and evaluates their potential biological properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanol-based lyophilized extracts were obtained from aerial parts of plant (10 g of ground dry plant material in 200 mL of acidified aqueous ethanol, shaken for 2 h at 22 °C with supernatant collected and freeze-dried under vacuum). Phytochemical composition was investigated by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, phenolics) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS, volatiles). Phenolic compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Subsequently, antioxidant capacity [ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] and enzyme inhibitory properties (isolated porcine pancreatic lipase) of the extracts were determined.

RESULTS

Polyphenolic compounds were the main constituents of lyophilized extracts, among which kaempferol glycosides and quercetin hexoside dominated. The extracts exhibited potent antioxidant (FRAP values of 1925.2-5973.3 μM Fe²⁺/g DW; ORAC values of 1858.5-4208.7 μM Trolox Eq./g DW) and moderate lipase inhibitory (IC₅₀: 11.6-2.96 mg/mL) activities. Volatile compounds (nonanal, dehydroxylinalool oxide isomers, 2-decenal, 2-undecenal, 2,6-di-tetr-butylphenol) were also found.

CONCLUSIONS

Phenolic compounds with the dominating kaempferol and quercetin derivatives are the sources of potent antioxidant properties of S. davisii hydrophilic extracts. The extracts exhibit moderate inhibitory properties towards isolated pancreatic lipase.

An Evidence-Based Review on Wound Healing Herbal Remedies From Reports of Traditional Persian Medicine

Research on wound healing agents is a developing area in biomedical sciences. Traditional Persian medicine is one of holistic systems of medicine providing valuable information on natural remedies. To collect the evidences for wound-healing medicaments from traditional Persian medicine sources, 5 main pharmaceutical manuscripts in addition to related contemporary reports from Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were studied. The underlying mechanisms were also saved and discussed. Totally, 65 herbs used in traditional Persian medicine for their wound healing properties was identified. Related anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities of those remedies were studied. Forty remedies had at least one of those properties and 10 of the filtered plants possessed all effects. The medicinal plants used in wound healing treatment in traditional Persian medicine could be a good topic for further in vivo and clinical research. This might lead to development of effective products for wound treatment.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic potencies of Sempervivum armenum on human lymphocytes in vitro

In this research, the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of methanol extract of Sempervivum armenum (MSA) were studied using micronucleus (MN) test and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test systems in cultured human peripheral blood cells. According to the SCE and MN tests results, MSA reduced the genotoxic effects of aflatoxin B₁. In order to explain the reason for the antigenotoxic effects of MSA, antioxidants levels were determined. Cotreatments of 5, 10, 20 mg/mL concentrations of MSA with aflatoxin B₁ decreased the frequencies of SCE, MN and the malondialdehyde level and increased the amount of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase which were decreased by aflatoxin. The results of this experiment showed that MSA has strong antioxidative and antigenotoxic effects and this antigenotoxic activities of MSA can be due to the antioxidant activities.

Metabolic Alterations of Toxic and Nonessential Elements by the Treatment of Sempervivum tectorum Extract in a Hyperlipidemic Rat Model

A hyperlipidemic rat model was used to examine the therapeutic effect of Sempervivum tectorum plant extract on the metabolic alterations of Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Ti in the liver and bile. Hyperlipidemia was produced by lipogenic diet and alcohol and verified by morphological investigation of the liver with the aid of light and an electron microscope. Element concentration in the liver and bile were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentration values in the liver higher than the detection limit (Al, Ba, Ni, Ti) were unambiguous. Significant differences were found for the four groups at p < 0 .05 level (ANOVA). A significant difference was observed between Al and B concentration in the bile fluids of the 4 groups ( p < 0 .05). The excretion of Al and Ti into the bile fluid increased significantly ( p < 0 .05). Following the administration of S. tectorum extract to rats with hyperlipidemia, the excretion of Al, B and Ba increased, whereas the excretion of Ti decreased significantly ( p < 0 .05). The favorable action of the extract (protecting the liver in hyperlipidemic rats) was verified by morphological studies, and its detoxicating property was shown by the elimination of Al, Ba, Ni, and Ti from the liver.

Ethnopharmacological uses of Sempervivum tectorum L. in southern Serbia: Scientific confirmation for the use against otitis linked bacteria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sempervivum tectorum L. (Crassulaceae), known as houseleek, is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of ear inflammation. It can be spread as a pack on wounds, sores, burns, and abscesses and also on painful areas attacked by gout as a refrigerant and astringent. Drinking tea prepared from leaves of S. tectorum is recommended for ulcer treatment. The present study was designed to investigate ethopharmacological use of S. tectorum in the southern Serbia and to further scientifically justify and confirm effectiveness of the leaf juice used in ethnomedicine for ear inflammation, against otitis linked bacteria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological survey on the use of S. tectorum in southern Serbia was performed using semi structured questionnaires via a face-to-face interview. Chemical composition of the leaf juice regarding phenolic compounds and organic acids was analyzed. Antimicrobial activity was tested on bacteria isolated from ear swabs of the patients suffering from the ear pain (otitis). Anti-quorum-sensing activities of the juice were further investigated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

RESULTS

Ethnopharmacological survey revealed the use of S. tectorum in southern Serbia for the treatment of ear pain, warts, cancer, stomachache, ulcer and high blood sugar level with the highest fidelity level (FL) for the ear pain. The phenolic composition of the S. tectorum leaf juice consisted of flavonol glycosides, with kaempferol-3-O-rhamnosyl-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside as the majority compound. Organic acids composition revealed malic acid as the most dominant one. Antimicrobial and anti-quorum-sensing activities of the juice showed to be promising.

CONCLUSION

Ethnopharmacological use of S. tectorum juice for treating ear pain is justified, since the juice possessed antimicrobial activity towards clinical isolates of bacteria linked to otitis.

Effect of flavonoid structure on the fluidity of model lipid membranes

We investigated how the structural properties of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) correlate with structural changes of phosphatidylcholine plus sphingomyelin (2.4:1) model lipid membranes. Changes were measured by fluorescence anisotropy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and differential scanning calorimetry. Two fluorophores and two spin probes were used to monitor membrane characteristics close to water-lipid interface and in the middle of the bilayer. The data obtained were correlated to the amount of bounded compounds, the number of H-bonds, and the topological polar surface area (TPSA) of the compounds. These correlations reflect the behaviours of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, EGC, EGCG and BHT. Our results confirm that phenolics studied here are bounded to a membrane surface predominantly via hydrogen bonds, while BTH is inserted into the lipid bilayer.

Pharmacognosticaly interesting endemic plant species in the flora of Republic of Macedonia

Flora in the Republic of Macedonia comprises about 3200 species in 147 families. According to some sources there are 115 endemic higher plants, of which, 114 belong to gymnosperm. According to other sources, there are 135 species of endemic plants and about 111 of which are local endemic species and 24 are stretched in the border mountains. The exact number has not been determined yet. Eastern part of Macedonia, east of the river Vardar almost poses no endemics, while the rest of the territory, west of the Vardar is very rich in such species. The richest areas with endemic plants are Galicica Mountain, Treska River Gorge and the lowlands surrounding the city of Prilep. Despite the wealth of endemic and relict species, any pharmacognostical data for these plants have not been published yet. Of all these endemic species, 30 could be pharmaconosticly interesting for future investigation of the chemical composition, isolation of potentially active substances and testing biological-pharmacological activity. Modern analytical techniques utilized in the examination of the chemistry of medicinal plants and natural products require a very small amount of material does not pose a risk of endangering endemic species. An additional challenge is the development of an appropriate program for the protection of all endemic, pharmaconosticly interesting species.

Comparative screening of the anti-oxidant and antimicrobial activities of Sempervivum marmoreum L. extracts obtained by various extraction techniques

This paper presents a comparative study of the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids in extracts obtained from houseleek (Sempervivum marmoreum L.) leaves by the classical (maceration), ultrasonic and Soxhlet extraction (CE, UE and SE, respectively). The extract obtained by the CE contained higher amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and showed a better antioxidant activity than those obtained using other two techniques. All the extracts, independent of the extraction technique applied, showed antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans only but not against the tested bacteria.

The effect of cocoa polyphenols on the growth, metabolism, and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

The aim of this study was to determine if cocoa polyphenols could interfere with biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus sanguinis, and reduce acid production from sucrose by S. mutans. The antimicrobial activity of cocoa polyphenols was assessed against cariogenic (S. mutans) and health-associated (S. sanguinis) species by minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Cocoa polyphenol dimer, tetramer, and pentamer inhibited the growth of S. sanguinis, whereas the growth of S. mutans was unaffected. However, pretreatment of surfaces with cocoa polyphenol pentamer (35 microM) reduced biofilm formation by S. mutans at 4 and 24 h, whereas the effects on S. sanguinis were less consistent. In contrast, brief exposure of preformed biofilms to pentamer either had no significant effect or resulted in increased counts of S. mutans under certain conditions. Cocoa polyphenol pentamer (500 microM) significantly reduced the terminal pH, and inhibited the rate of acid production by S. mutans at pH 7.0. In conclusion, cocoa polyphenols can reduce biofilm formation by S. mutans and S. sanguinis, and inhibit acid production by S. mutans.

A review of plants used in folk veterinary medicine in Italy as basis for a databank

We report folk veterinary phytotherapy in Italy collected from ethnobotanical scientific literature of the second half of the 20th Century. References are cited together with unpublished data gathered recently in the field by the authors. The data have been placed in two databases: one organized by the names of the plant species (> 260) and the other organized by bibliographic references. This represents the basis for the first national databank for ethnoveterinary botany in Europe. Plants not yet sufficiently studied in pharmacology and veterinary phytotherapy were also identified.

Antioxidant activity of Sempervivum tectorum and its components

The antioxidant properties of components of leaf extracts of the evergreen plant, Sempervivum tectorum (ST), have been evaluated using UV irradiated liposomal systems containing the spin trap 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-pyrroline-N-oxide. Decreases in free radical activity in the liposomal systems as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy demonstrate that the lipophilic ST juice components, kaempferol (KA) and kaempferol-3-glucoside (KG) contribute significantly to the antioxidant properties of the juice. EPR spectral simulation established the presence of oxygen and carbon centered free radical adducts. The mixtures with low pH, citric and malic acid, and ST juice reveal increased EPR signals from oxygen centered radicals in comparison to the control, pointing to the important role of pH in oxygen radical formation. Parallel assays that measured thiobarbituric acid related substances confirm the antioxidant effects of KA and KG and explain the results of spin trapping experiments complicated by low pH's.

Antinociceptive activity ofSempervivum tectorum L. extract in rats

The extract of Sempervivum tectorum L. (Crassulaceae) containing several flavonoids is widely used as an antiinflammatory agent in folk medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated that various flavonoids or flavonoid-containing plant extracts produce significant antinociception, but no data are available concerning their antinociceptive effect especially at the spinal level. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antinociceptive activity of Sempervivum tectorum L. extract on acute and inflammatory pain sensitivity in awake rats. The pain sensitivity was assessed by the acute tail- flick test in intact rats and by the paw withdrawal test after carrageenan-induced inflammation using heat stimulus. The plant extract was administered intraperitoneally and intrathecally in rats. The intraperitoneal injection of a high dose of the extract (1000 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the paw withdrawal latency of the inflamed paw. The intrathecal administration (30-300 micro g) caused a small, but significant increase (10%-15%) in tail- flick latency. In the carrageenan-induced inflammatory model, the intrathecally applied extract (30-1000 micro g) significantly decreased, but did not relieve the thermal hyperalgesia. The results suggest that the spinal cord does not seem to play an important role in the antinociceptive effects of this plant extract.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of extracts from hydrolysates of lignocellulosic materials

The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethyl acetate extracts obtained from acid hydrolysates of several lignocellulosic materials (Eucalyptus globulus wood, barley bran, corn cobs, and corn leaves) were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively) were determined against a selection of bacteria and yeasts. Extracts from Eucalyptus wood hydrolysates were the most active for inhibiting bacteria and yeast growth, with MIC in the range of 10(2)--5 x 10(3) microg/mL and MBC in the range of 10(3)--0(5) microg/mL. Bacteriogenic and bacteriostatic activities of extracts from Eucalyptus wood and barley bran acid hydrolysates were slightly higher than those of corn cobs and leaves. Both the radical scavenging capacity and the inhibition of the beta-carotene bleaching caused by extracts were determined and compared with those of synthetic antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of extracts increased with their concentrations in the media, the stronger properties corresponding to those obtained from Eucalyptus wood hydrolysates.

Membrane stabilising effects of natural polyphenols and flavonoids from Sempervivum tectorum on hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase system in hyperlipidemic rats

The extensive role of the microsomal mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system in the oxidation of endo-and xenobiotics, in the detoxication, in the generation of reactive free radicals and in the decomposition of the end products of lipid peroxides is well documented in the literature. Steatotic liver is a very frequent damage with different etiology. Drug metabolising reactions are suppressed in fatty liver, in which pathologically increased production of reactive oxygen intermediates may lead to the peroxidation of microsomal membrane lipids and to the change of membrane bound enzyme activities because of overwhelmed protective mechanisms. The subnormal activity of the MFO system may diminish the non specific resistance of the organism. Therefore we have studied the effects of natural flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds on the mixed-function oxidases. Antioxidant, O(2)(-&z.rad;) and &z. rad;OH scavenger properties of Sempervivum tectorum extract (STF1) were proved by EPR spectroscopic and chemiluminometric techniques. Potential bioactive constituents were determined by chromatography (HPLC, TLC) and spectrometric (UV, UV-VIS) methods. In the present study we reflect on the membrane stabilising, antioxidant and lipid metabolism modifying effects of this extract. It was established that activities of NAD(P)H reductase and content of cytochrome P450 were normalised in liver microsomes of hyperlipidemic rats, if the animals were treated with STF1 (2 g/bwkg for 9 days in drinking water parallel with fat-rich diet feeding). Fatty acid composition, examined by HRGLC analysis, was changed beneficially. NADPH induced lipid peroxidation was also decreased in microsomes in in vivo and in vitro experiments. At the same time the STF1 had no significant influence on MFO system in normolipidemic animals and on cytochrome b5 concentration of microsome fractions of hyperlipidemic rats.