Effect of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids-Rich Callus Extract of Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach on Viability, Morphology, and Proliferation of Normal Human Skin Fibroblasts

Aqueous distillate of mature leaves of Vernonia zeylanica (L.) Less. and Mallotus repandus (Rottler) Müll. Arg. cued from traditional medicine exhibits rapid wound healing properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sri Lankan traditional medicine uses Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus broadly for the treatment of a multitude of disease conditions, including wound healing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to scientifically validate the safety and efficacy of wound healing of an aqueous distillate of Vernonia zeylanica and Mallotus repandus (ADVM) mature leaves, tested on primary human dermal fibroblasts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human dermal fibroblasts isolated from clinical waste from circumcision surgery were characterized by flowcytometry and trilineage differentiation. The MTT dye reduction assay, and the ex vivo wound healing scratch assay established wound healing properties of ADVM using the primary human dermal fibroblast cell line. Upregulation of genes associated with wound healing (MMP3, COL3A1, TGFB1, FGF2) were confirmed by RT qPCR. GC-MS chromatography evaluated the phytochemical composition of ADVM.

RESULTS

Compared to the synthetic stimulant, β fibroblast growth factor, ADVM at 0.25% concentration on the primary dermal fibroblast cell line exhibited significant ex vivo, (i) 1.7-fold % cell viability (178.7% vs 304.3 %, p < 0.001), (ii) twofold greater % wound closure (%WC) potential (47.74% vs 80.11%, p < 0.001), and (iii) higher rate of % WC (3.251 vs 3.456 % WC/h, p < 0.05), sans cyto-genotoxicity. Up regulated expression of FGF2, TGFB1, COL3A1 and MMP3, genes associated with wound healing, confirmed effective stimulation of pathways of the three overlapping phases of wound healing (P < 0.05). GC-MS profile of ADVM characterized four methyl esters, which may be posited as wound healing phytochemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

Exceeding traditional medicine claims, the exvivo demonstration of rapid skin regeneration, reiterated by upregulated expression of genes related to wound healing pathways, sans cytotoxicity, propounds ADVM, cued from traditional medicine, as a potential safe and effective natural stimulant for rapid wound-healing. Additionally, it may serve as an effective proliferative stimulant of dermal fibroblasts for cell therapy, with potential in reparative and regenerative therapy of skin disorders.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of plants in the genus Chaenomeles

Chaenomeles plants belong to the Rosaceae family and include five species, Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne, Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl, Chaenomeles cathayensis (Hemsl.) Schneid and Chaenomeles thibetica Yu. Chaenomeles plants are found and cultivated in nearly every country worldwide. China serves as both the origin and distribution hub for the plants in the Chaenomeles genus, and all Chaenomeles species except for C. japonica are indigenous to China. Chaenomeles spp. is a type of edible medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in China to treat various ailments, such as rheumatism, cholera, dysentery, enteritis, beriberi, and scurvy. A variety of chemical constituents have been extracted from this genus, including terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and their derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, biphenyls, oxylipins, and alkaloids. The biological activity of some of these constituents has already been evaluated. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that the plants in the genus Chaenomeles exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, gastrointestinal protective, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and other pharmacological activities. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the available information on the genus Chaenomeles to serve as a valuable reference for further investigations.

Antiangiogenic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Bidens tripartite Herb, Galium verum Herb and Rumex hydrolapathum Root

Plants are commonly used in folk medicine. Research indicates that the mechanisms of biological activity of plant extracts may be essential in the treatment of various diseases. In this respect, we decided to test the ethanolic extracts of Bidens tripartita herb (BTH), Galium verum herb (GVH), and Rumicis hydrolapathum root (RHR) on angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and their total polyphenols content. In vitro studies using endothelial cells were used to see tested extracts' angiogenic/angiostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The DPPH assay and FRAP analysis were used to detect antioxidant properties of extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu analysis was used to determine the content of total polyphenols. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was also presented. In vitro study demonstrated that BTH, GVH, and RHR ethanolic extracts significantly increased cell invasiveness, compared with the control group. Increased endothelial proangiogenic invasiveness was accompanied by reduced metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) and raised in metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Only BTH and GVH significantly reduced cell proliferation, while BTH and RHR facilitated migration. Additionally, tested extracts reduced the production of proangiogenic platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The most potent anti-inflammatory capacity showed BTH and GVH, reducing proinflammatory interleukin 8 (CXCL8) and interleukin 6 (Il-6), compared to RHR extract that has slightly less inhibited CXCL8 production without affecting IL-6 production. Moreover, we confirmed the antioxidant properties of all examined extracts. The highest activity was characterized by RHR, which has been correlated with the high content of polyphenols. In conclusion, the modifying influence of examined extracts can be promising in disorders with pathogenesis related to angiogenesis, inflammation and free radicals formation. BTH is the best choice among the three tested extracts with its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Screening of the Anti-Neurodegenerative Activity of Caffeic Acid after Introduction into Inorganic Metal Delivery Systems to Increase Its Solubility as the Result of a Mechanosynthetic Approach

The proven anti-neurodegenerative properties of caffeic acid in vivo are limited due to its poor solubility, which limits bioavailability. Therefore, caffeic acid delivery systems have been developed to improve caffeic acid solubility. Solid dispersions of caffeic acid and magnesium aluminometasilicate (Neusilin US2-Neu) were prepared using the ball milling and freeze-drying techniques. The solid dispersions of caffeic acid:Neu obtained by ball milling in a 1:1 mass ratio turned out to be the most effective. The identity of the studied system in comparison to the physical mixture was confirmed using the X-Ray Powder Diffractionand Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. For caffeic acid with improved solubility, screening tests were carried out to assess its anti-neurodegenerative effect. The obtained results on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and antioxidant potential provide evidence for improvement of caffeic acid's anti-neurodegenerative activity. As a result of in silico studies, we estimated which caffeic acid domains were involved in interactions with enzymes showing expression relevant to the neuroprotective activity. Importantly, the confirmed improvement in permeability of the soluble version of caffeic acid through membranes simulating the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and blood-brain barrier further strengthen the credibility of the results of in vivo anti-neurodegenerative screening tests.

Biotechnological Approaches to Producing Natural Antioxidants: Anti-Ageing and Skin Longevity Prospects

Plants are the main source of bioactive compounds that can be used for the formulation of cosmetic products. Plant extracts have numerous proven health benefits, among which are anti-ageing and skin-care properties. However, with the increased demand for plant-derived cosmetic products, there is a crucial prerequisite for establishing alternative approaches to conventional methods to ensure sufficient biomass for sustainable production. Plant tissue culture techniques, such as in vitro root cultures, micropropagation, or callogenesis, offer the possibility to produce considerable amounts of bioactive compounds independent of external factors that may influence their production. This production can also be significantly increased with the implementation of other biotechnological approaches such as elicitation, metabolic engineering, precursor and/or nutrient feeding, immobilization, and permeabilization. This work aimed to evaluate the potential of biotechnological tools for producing bioactive compounds, with a focus on bioactive compounds with anti-ageing properties, which can be used for the development of green-label cosmeceutical products. In addition, some examples demonstrating the use of plant tissue culture techniques to produce high-value bioactive ingredients for cosmeceutical applications are also addressed, showing the importance of these tools and approaches for the sustainable production of plant-derived cosmetic products.

Extraction of Ursolic Acid from Apple Peel with Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents: Comparison between Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Networks

Extracting ursolic acid (UA) from plant resources using organic solvents is incompatible with food applications. To address this, in this study, 15 edible hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) were prepared to extract UA from apple peel, the extraction conditions were optimized, and the optimization strategies were compared. It was found that the solubility of UA in the HDESs can be 9 times higher than the traditional solvent such as ethanol. The response surface optimization concluded that temperature had the greatest effect on the extraction and the optimized test conditions obtained as follows: temperature of 49 °C, time of 32 min, solid-liquid ratio of 1:16.5 g/mL, respectively. Comparing the response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), it was concluded that ANN has more accurate prediction ability than RSM. Overall, the HDESs are more effective and environmentally friendly than conventional organic solvents to extract UA. The results of this study will facilitate the further exploration of HDES in various food and pharmaceutical applications.

Composition of major quinochalcone hydroxysafflor yellow A and anhydrosafflor yellow B is associated with colour of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) during colour-transition but not with overall antioxidant capacity: A study on 144 cultivars

Yellow pigments in the water-extract of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) belong to quinochalcone flavonoid family and are widely used as food colourants. The aim of the study was to characterize the main quinochalcone compounds in safflower water-extract during blooming period when floret changed colour. Mass-spectrometry results showed that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB) were the most abundant. Based on 370 florets samples collected from 144 cultivars, the contents of HSYA and AHSYB were determined, which showed that only AHSYB content had relatively strong positive association with colour indexes. The ratio of HSYA/AHSYB and visual colour exhibited certain patterns: yellow = 2, orange = 3-4, red = more dispersed, mostly falling 5-6. Most of the florets had HSYA increased first and decreased, while AHSYB decreased all the time when floret changed colour as yellow → orange → red. Regardless of the composition of HSYA/AHSYB in florets, the antioxidant capacities of safflower petal water-extracts were the same.

Antioxidant Potential of Resveratrol as the Result of Radiation Exposition

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) at a dose of 25 kGy on the stability and antioxidant properties of resveratrol (RSV), a nutraceutical with clinically proven activity. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method was used to evaluate the concentration of free radicals after irradiation. Minor changes in chemical structure due to free radicals induced by EBI were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. HPLC and HPLC-MS analysis ruled out the appearance of degradation products after irradiation. In addition, HPLC analysis confirmed the absence of trans- to cis-resveratrol conversion. Changes in the antioxidant potential of RSV after irradiation were studied using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP techniques. It was confirmed that EBI favorably affected the antioxidant properties of tests based on the HAT mechanism (increase in DPPH and CUPRAC tests).

Pomegranate Flower Extract-The Health-Promoting Properties Optimized by Application of the Box-Behnken Design

Herbal raw materials with antidiabetic activity can be a valuable support to therapy. An optimized extraction process allows for the best possible health-promoting effect. Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the content of methanol used in the extraction mixture, its time, and temperature. The aim of this study was to enhance the efficiency of the pomegranate flowers extraction process in order to obtain extracts with the highest enzyme inhibition power (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), which is important for the antidiabetic effect and the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). In the Box-Behnken design model, the content of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside-anthocyanin compound that is associated with antidiabetic activity was also optimized as a variable associated with the action profile of pomegranate flower extracts. The process optimization carried out in this study provides a basis for further research using the pomegranate flower extract with the most potent desired properties, essential for supporting diabetes treatment based on pomegranate flowers.

Cyclodextrin Derivatives as Promising Solubilizers to Enhance the Biological Activity of Rosmarinic Acid

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural antioxidant with neuroprotective properties; however, its preventive and therapeutic use is limited due to its slight solubility and poor permeability. This study aimed to improve RA physicochemical properties by systems formation with cyclodextrins (CDs): hydroxypropyl-α-CD (HP-α-CD), HP-β-CD, and HP-γ-CD, which were prepared by the solvent evaporation (s.e.) method. The interactions between components were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The sites of interaction between RA and CDs were suggested as a result of in silico studies focused on assessing the interaction between molecules. The impact of amorphous systems formation on water solubility, dissolution rate, gastrointestinal (GIT) permeability, and biological activity was studied. RA solubility was increased from 5.869 mg/mL to 113.027 mg/mL, 179.840 mg/mL, and 194.354 mg/mL by systems formation with HP-α-CD, HP-β-CD, and HP-γ-CD, respectively. During apparent solubility studies, the systems provided an acceleration of RA dissolution. Poor RA GIT permeability at pH 4.5 and 5.8, determined by parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA system), was increased; RA–HP-γ-CD s.e. indicated the greatest improvement (at pH 4.5 from P_app 6.901 × 10⁻⁷ cm/s to 1.085 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s and at pH 5.8 from 5.019 × 10⁻⁷ cm/s to 9.680 × 10⁻⁷ cm/s). Antioxidant activity, which was determined by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP methods, was ameliorated by systems; the greatest results were obtained for RA–HP-γ-CD s.e. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was increased from 36.876% for AChE and 13.68% for BChE to a maximum inhibition of the enzyme (plateau), and enabled reaching IC₅₀ values for both enzymes by all systems. CDs are efficient excipients for improving RA physicochemical and biological properties. HP-γ-CD was the greatest one with potential for future food or dietary supplement applications.

Lichen-Derived Compounds and Extracts as Biologically Active Substances with Anticancer and Neuroprotective Properties

Lichens are a source of chemical compounds with valuable biological properties, structurally predisposed to penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). Hence, our research aimed to examine the biological potential of lipophilic extracts of Parmelia sulcata, Evernia prunastri, Cladonia uncialis, and their major secondary metabolites, in the context of searching for new therapies for CNS diseases, mainly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The extracts selected for the study were standardized for their content of salazinic acid, evernic acid, and (−)-usnic acid, respectively. The extracts and lichen metabolites were evaluated in terms of their anti-tumor activity, i.e., cytotoxicity against A-172 and T98G cell lines and anti-IDO1, IDO2, TDO activity, their anti-inflammatory properties exerted by anti-COX-2 and anti-hyaluronidase activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity. The results of this study indicate that lichen-derived compounds and extracts exert significant cytotoxicity against GBM cells, inhibit the kynurenine pathway enzymes, and have anti-inflammatory properties and weak antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase properties. Moreover, evernic acid and (−)-usnic acid were shown to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These results demonstrate that lichen-derived extracts and compounds, especially (−)-usnic acid, can be regarded as prototypes of pharmacologically active compounds within the CNS, especially suitable for the treatment of GBM.

Blackberry Leaves as New Functional Food? Screening Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Microbiological Activities in Correlation with Phytochemical Analysis

Blackberry fruits are recognized as functional foods while blackberry leaves are outside this classification and they also contain active compounds with health-promoting potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was the phytochemical analysis of blackberry leaves of varieties (Chester, Loch Ness, Loch Tay and Ruczaj) and screening of their biological activity (antioxidant potential, possibility of inhibition of enzymes, anti-inflammatory and microbial activity). The following compounds from selected groups: phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid), flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol) and their glycosides (rutin, isoquercetin, hyperoside) and flavon-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin) were chromatographically determined in the aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaves extracts. All tested blackberry leaves extracts showed antioxidant effects, but the highest compounds content (TPC = 101.31 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (e.g., DPPH IC₅₀ = 57.37 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 24.83 μg/mL; CUPRAC IC₅₀ = 62.73 μg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀ = 39.99 μg/mL for hydroalcoholic extracts) was indicated for the Loch Tay variety. Blackberry leaf extracts’ anti-inflammatory effect was also exceptionally high for the Loch Tay variety (IC₅₀ = 129.30 μg/mL), while leaves extracts of the Loch Ness variety showed a significant potential for microbial activity against Lactobacillus spp. and Candida spp. Summarizing, the best multidirectional pro-health effect was noted for leaves extracts of Loch Tay variety.

Cyclodextrin as Functional Carrier in Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Polygoni cuspidati Extract with Potential for Dental Applications

Polygoni cuspidati root is a resveratrol-rich source with anti-inflammatory, angiogenic and neuroprotective effects. The raw material was standardized for the content of resveratrol, for which there is a special justification for administration within the oral mucosa. To improve the solubility of resveratrol and to assure its high content in plant material, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method was applied. The addition of cyclodextrin was found to increase the extraction efficiency of resveratrol (from 13 to 297 µg per 1 g of plant material in case of 50% ethanol extracts) and enhanced its antioxidant activity as compared to pure Polygoni cuspidati extract/resveratrol. Cyclodextrin plays the role of a functional extract regarding technological properties (increasing the extraction of resveratrol from the extract, improving mucoadhesive properties). Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop mucoadhesive tablets containing combinations of the Polygoni cuspidati extract with a cyclodextrin carrier for buccal delivery. The tests sequentially included extract preparation and characterization of its physical and biological properties and then formulation studies with a broad description of the prototype properties. The test results indicate that cyclodextrin increases the efficiency of resveratrol extraction from Polygoni cuspidati rhizome, which is a rich source of resveratrol, and its extract enclosed in a mucoadhesive tablet guarantees prolonged action at the site of administration.

A candidate gene identified in converting platycoside E to platycodin D from Platycodon grandiflorus by transcriptome and main metabolites analysis

Platycodin D and platycoside E are two triterpenoid saponins in Platycodon grandiflorus, differing only by two glycosyl groups structurally. Studies have shown β-Glucosidase from bacteria can convert platycoside E to platycodin D, indicating the potential existence of similar enzymes in P. grandiflorus. An L₉(3⁴) orthogonal experiment was performed to establish a protocol for calli induction as follows: the optimal explant is stems with nodes and the optimum medium formula is MS + NAA 1.0 mg/L + 6-BA 0.5 mg/L to obtain callus for experimental use. The platycodin D, platycoside E and total polysaccharides content between callus and plant organs varied wildly. Platycodin D and total polysaccharide content of calli was found higher than that of leaves. While, platycoside E and total polysaccharide content of calli was found lower than that of leaves. Associating platycodin D and platycoside E content with the expression level of genes involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis between calli and leaves, three contigs were screened as putative sequences of β-Glucosidase gene converting platycoside E to platycodin D. Besides, we inferred that some transcription factors can regulate the expression of key enzymes involved in triterpernoid saponins and polysaccharides biosynthesis pathway of P. grandiflorus. Totally, a candidate gene encoding enzyme involved in converting platycoside E to platycodin D, and putative genes involved in polysaccharide synthesis in P. grandiflorus had been identified. This study will help uncover the molecular mechanism of triterpenoid saponins biosynthesis in P. grandiflorus.

Permeability of Hypogymnia physodes Extract Component-Physodic Acid through the Blood-Brain Barrier as an Important Argument for Its Anticancer and Neuroprotective Activity within the Central Nervous System

Simple Summary

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including tumors such as glioblastomas and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are some of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the anticancer and neuroprotective activity of the extract from a common European lichen Hypogymnia physodes and of its compound-physodic acid. The examined substances were cytotoxic against the glioblastoma cell lines A-172, T98G, and U-138 MG. Both substances strongly inhibited hyaluronidase, and diminished cyclooxygenase-2 activity (H. physodes extract), enzymes expressed in patients with malignant glioma. Furthermore, H. physodes extract inhibited tyrosinase activity, the enzyme linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The tested substances exhibited antioxidant activity, however, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity were not high. We proved that physodic acid can cross the blood–brain barrier. We conclude that physodic acid and H. physodes extract should be regarded as promising agents with anticancer, chemopreventive, and neuroprotective activities, especially concerning CNS.

Abstract

Lichen secondary metabolites are characterized by huge pharmacological potential. Our research focused on assessing the anticancer and neuroprotective activity of Hypogymnia physodes acetone extract (HP extract) and physodic acid, its major component. The antitumor properties were evaluated by cytotoxicity analysis using A-172, T98G, and U-138 MG glioblastoma cell lines and by hyaluronidase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. The neuroprotective potential was examined using COX-2, tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity tests. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of the tested substances was examined, and the chemical composition of the extract was analyzed. For physodic acid, the permeability through the blood–brain barrier using Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay for the Blood–Brain Barrier assay (PAMPA-BBB) was assessed. Our study shows that the tested substances strongly inhibited glioblastoma cell proliferation and hyaluronidase activity. Besides, HP extract diminished COX-2 and tyrosinase activity. However, the AChE and BChE inhibitory activity of HP extract and physodic acid were mild. The examined substances exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Importantly, we proved that physodic acid crosses the blood–brain barrier. We conclude that physodic acid and H. physodes should be regarded as promising agents with anticancer, chemopreventive, and neuroprotective activities, especially regarding the central nervous system diseases.

Buccal Resveratrol Delivery System as a Potential New Concept for the Periodontitis Treatment

The health benefits of resveratrol have been proven to inhibit the development of numerous diseases. A frequent limitation in its use is a low bioavailability stemming from a poor solubility and fast enterohepatic metabolism. Thus, the aim of the research was to investigate the possibility to formulate mucoadhesive cyclodextrin- and xanthan gum-based buccal tablets in order to increase the solubility of resveratrol and to eliminate bypass enterohepatic metabolism. Systems of resveratrol with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) prepared by the dry mixing method (ratio 1:1) were selected for the of tablets where xanthan gum was used as a mucoadhesive agent. They were identified on the basis of PXRD, FT-IR analysis. Tablets F1 (with α-CD), F2 (with β-CD) and F3 (with γ-CD) were characterized by the highest compactibility as well as by favorable mucoadhesive properties. Resveratrol release from these tablets was delayed and controlled by diffusion. The tablets prepared in the course of this study appear to constitute promising resveratrol delivery systems and are recommended to increase the effectiveness of the treatment in many diseases, particularly periodontitis.

Phytochemical Screening, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Biomass from Lychnis flos-cuculi L. In Vitro Cultures and Intact Plants

Lychnis flos-cuculi L., a species with potential medicinal value, contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoid saponins and ecdysteroids. In this study, the antioxidant activity of plant material of L. flos-cuculi obtained from in vitro cultures compared to that of intact plants from the natural site has been evaluated for the first time. Phytochemical screening of the in-vitro-derived material by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) confirmed the presence of the aforementioned metabolite classes. The aqueous methanolic extracts from in-vitro-derived plant material and the organs of intact plants were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods to quantify total phenolics, phenolic acids and flavonoids, and determine the preliminary antioxidant activity by ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays. The results showed that the inflorescence (Ns-F), and flowering herb of both plants gathered from natural habitat (Ns-H) and in-vitro-derived plants from the experimental plot (ExV-H) are the materials richest in polyphenols (195.4, 113.47, 112.1 mg GAE g-1 d.w., respectively), and demonstrate the highest antioxidant activity (20.14, 11.24, and 11.46 mg AAE g-1 d.w.). The extract from callus exhibited the lowest polyphenol content and antioxidant potential. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and phenolic acids correlate with the results of the antioxidant capacity of L. flos-cuculi extracts.

Cytotoxic and DNA-Damaging Effects of Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus mas, and Chaenomeles superba Leaf Extracts on the Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Caco-2

Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus mas, and Chaenomeles superba leaf extracts contain large amounts of bioactive compounds-mainly polyphenols, which possess many health benefits including anti-cancer properties. Here, we investigate the biological effects of A. melanocarpa, C. mas, and C. superba leaf extracts on the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2. The antiproliferative activity of the extracts was measured using the MTT assay. The most cytotoxic extract was C. mas (IC50 = 0.60%). The extracts caused morphological changes in the Caco-2 cells, including partial detachment of cells, necrotic cells, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic vacuolization, cell nuclei lysis, and nucleus fragmentation. The DNA damage in the Caco-2 cells after exposure to the leaf extracts was measured using the alkaline comet assay. The extracts increased DNA damage in a concentration dependent manner. However, at lower non-cyto- and non-genotoxic (IC0) concentrations the extracts induced DNA repair in Caco-2 cells after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, the results of these studies suggest that A. melanocarpa, C. mas and C. superba leaf extracts can show anticancer activity. However, further research is required on the mechanisms of anti-cancer activity by these extracts, with the application of more advanced and wide-ranging techniques including in vivo experiments.

Plant In Vitro Systems as a Sustainable Source of Active Ingredients for Cosmeceutical Application

Cosmeceuticals are hybrids between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals which are being designed for a dual purpose: (1) To provide desired esthetical effects and (2) simultaneously treat dermatological conditions. The increased demand for natural remedies and the trends to use natural and safe ingredients resulted in intensive cultivation of medicinal plants. However, in many cases the whole process of plant cultivation, complex extraction procedure, and purification of the targeted molecules are not economically feasible. Therefore, the desired production of natural cosmetic products in sustainable and controllable fashion in the last years led to the intensive utilization of plant cell culture technology. The present review aims to highlight examples of biosynthesis of active ingredients derived through plant in vitro systems with potential cosmeceutical application. The exploitation of different type of extracts used in a possible cosmeceutical formulation, as well as, their activity tested in in vitro/in vivo models is thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, opportunities to manipulate the biosynthetic pathway, hence engineering the biosynthesis of some secondary metabolites, such as anthocyanins, have been highlighted.

Real-time cell analysis system in cytotoxicity applications: Usefulness and comparison with tetrazolium salt assays

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RTCA system allows to easily monitor cell adhesion and proliferation.

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The real-time impedance technique is widely used in many toxicological studies.

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RTCA results are generally comparable with results from tetrazolium salts assays.

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RTCA analysis should be limited when drugs with electroactive additives are tested.

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Tetrazolium salts assays should be avoided when colored compounds are studied.

Real-time cell analysis (RTCA) is a technique based on impedance and microsensor electrodes. RTCA system allows label-free, real-time, and continuous monitoring of cell adhesion, morphology, and rate of cell proliferation. The system offers a wide range of applications, mainly in toxicological studies, new drug screening, and microbiology. Here, we describe the usefulness of the system in different applications and compare this technology with conventional endpoint assays based on tetrazolium salts. We present advantages and disadvantages of the system and endpoint methods and their limitations in cytotoxicity investigations.

Pentacyclic triterpenoids and polyphenols accumulation in cell suspension culture of Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach

Introduction: Callus and cell suspension cultures are widely applied in investigation of production of high-value secondary metabolites, which may be used as cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Plant cell cultures are promising alternative to intact plant sources for the production of plant-derived drugs of industrial importance.

Objective: The aim of the study was to (i) initiate the cell suspension culture of Chaenomeles japonica from homogenous and uniform callus, (ii) stabilize the selected line and (iii) verify its ability to produce the desired groups of secondary metabolites – pentacyclic triterpenoids and polyphenols.

Methods: To establish a cell suspension culture, stabilized and homogeneous callus was selected. Cell cultures were systematically passaged every 2 weeks to fresh liquid medium with the same composition. Biomass from cultures at the growth phase and stationary phase was designated for phytochemical research. UHPLC-DAD-MS analyzes were performed. At the same time, their macroscopic and microscopic observations were carried out.

Results: Cells of suspension culture line A2 were characterized by the intense divisions. Cell culture extracts (both from the growth phase and stationary phase) contained pentacyclic triterpenoids. In addition, phe-nolic compounds (chlorogenic acid and proanthocyanidins type B) and in a small amount also epicatechin are present in the extract of the cells harvested from the growth phase. In the present studies, three pentacyclic triterpenoids were detected and quantified in the extracts of cell suspensions and callus line A2. Ursolic and oleanolic acids were the main triterpenoids in the studied extracts. The cell suspension culture from the growth phase exhibited the highest content of ursolic, oleanolic, and betulinic acid (separately and together).

Conclusion: The cell suspension culture of Chaenomeles japonica is a promising source of pentacyclic triterpenoids.