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Strashok O, Ziemiańska M, Czaplicka M, Strashok V. Pre-treatment of Cucurbita maxima 'Hokkaido orange' by Viscum album aqueous extracts in search of allelopathic potential. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14927. [PMID: 38942921 PMCID: PMC11213859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65918-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Viscum album L. (VA) is a unique plant with regard to its biological content. It is rich in many different metabolites with high potential in various spheres of human activity. We conducted a pilot study with 5 VA aqueous extracts of different host-tree species for pre-sowing treatment of Cucurbita maxima 'Hokkaido orange' seeds. We set the following objectives consisting of hypotheses (1) H01 is based on different effects of tested VA extracts depending on host trees and time of pre-treatment; (2) H02 focuses on the allopathic properties of the tested extracts affecting the plant growth and development by dose-response relationship; (3) A01 considers highly biologically active compounds of VA extracts also containing allelochemicals that can be used to regulate plant growth processes and create eco-friendly and resilient cities. The analysis of the stimulatory allelopathy index for 7 parameters demonstrates the direct effect of VA extracts in 62.3% of cases. The variability of the broad spectrum of effects of VA extracts of different host trees on the ontogenesis of C. maxima plants shows the presence of potential allelochemicals, resulting from the vital products of the host-parasite relationship. These effects are not fully explained by total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity as in previous studies of other mistletoe species. The authors consider this work a pilot study that expands the areas of application of VA extracts and knowledge about potential sources of allelochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Strashok
- Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
- National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Monika Ziemiańska
- Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Czaplicka
- Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Vitalii Strashok
- National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Olas B. The cardioprotective potential of selected species of mistletoe. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1395658. [PMID: 38666019 PMCID: PMC11043484 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1395658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe is an evergreen woody shrub with stems measuring 30-100 cm. It has leathery, yellowish-green strap-shaped leaves, yellowish-green flowers, and bears typical berries. The most common species is Viscum album L., mainly present in Europe and Asia. It is commonly known as European mistletoe or simply, mistletoe. Scientific interest in mistletoe was awakened in the XX century. Mistletoe, especially V. album L., has historically been used in the treatment and prophylaxis of CVD, with its properties being confirmed in recent studies. This mini-review describes new aspects of the cardioprotective properties of various species of mistletoe, especially V. album L. The effect of oral and subcutaneous application of fresh V. album L. extracts on blood pressure has been studied in various models; while the data suggests that mistletoe may be a promising herbal extract with cardioprotective properties, the species has only been tested in vitro and in vivo, on animals. In addition, it is unclear whether the cardioprotective activity of mistletoe may be due to particular chemical components, as the chemical composition of mistletoe extracts can vary depending on inter alia the time of harvest, extraction method and plant part. Hence, this activity may instead result from synergistic interactions between various secondary metabolites. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms of action of mistletoe compounds on CVDs, and determine their interactions with other cardioprotective drugs, their metabolic mechanisms, pharamacokinetics and adverse effects. More research is also needed to determine the therapeutic doses of active ingredients for use in clinical trials; this would require an accurate understanding of the chemical composition of extracts from different species of mistletoe (not only V. album L.) and from various host trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Olas
- University of Lodz, Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Łódź, Poland
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3
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Segneanu AE, Vlase G, Vlase T, Ciocalteu MV, Bejenaru C, Buema G, Bejenaru LE, Boia ER, Dumitru A, Boia S. Romanian Wild-Growing Chelidonium majus-An Emerging Approach to a Potential Antimicrobial Engineering Carrier System Based on AuNPs: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:734. [PMID: 38475580 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Novel nanotechnology based on herbal products aspires to be a high-performing therapeutic platform. This study reports the development of an original engineering carrier system that jointly combines the pharmacological action of Chelidonium majus and AuNPs, with unique properties that ensure that the limitations imposed by low stability, toxicity, absorption, and targeted and prolonged release can be overcome. The metabolite profile of Romanian wild-grown Chelidonium majus contains a total of seventy-four phytochemicals belonging to eight secondary metabolite categories, including alkaloids, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, sterols, and miscellaneous others. In this study, various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, DLS, and TG/DTG) were employed to investigate his new carrier system's morpho-structural and thermal properties. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential and release profile. The results indicate 99.9% and 94.4% dissolution at different pH values for the CG-AuNPs carrier system and 93.5% and 85.26% for greater celandine at pH 4 and pH 7, respectively. Additionally, three in vitro antioxidant assays indicated an increase in antioxidant potential (flavonoid content 3.8%; FRAP assay 24.6%; and DPPH 24.4%) of the CG-AuNPs carrier system compared to the herb sample. The collective results reflect the system's promising perspective as a new efficient antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate with versatile applications, ranging from target delivery systems, oral inflammation (periodontitis), and anti-age cosmetics to extending the shelf lives of products in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina-Elena Segneanu
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriela Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Thermal Analysis for Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Titus Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Thermal Analysis for Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria-Viorica Ciocalteu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cornelia Bejenaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Gabriela Buema
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ludovic Everard Bejenaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Eugen Radu Boia
- Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Dumitru
- Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics-Department of Medical Assistance and Physiotherapy, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, University Center of Pitesti, St. Targu din Vale 1, 110040 Pitesti, Romania
| | - Simina Boia
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Anton Sculean Research Center for Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Segneanu AE, Vlase G, Vlase T, Bita A, Bejenaru C, Buema G, Bejenaru LE, Dumitru A, Boia ER. An Innovative Approach to a Potential Neuroprotective Sideritis scardica-Clinoptilolite Phyto-Nanocarrier: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1712. [PMID: 38338989 PMCID: PMC10855864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The cutting-edge field of nanomedicine combines the power of medicinal plants with nanotechnology to create advanced scaffolds that boast improved bioavailability, biodistribution, and controlled release. In an innovative approach to performant herb nanoproducts, Sideritis scardica Griseb and clinoptilolite were used to benefit from the combined action of both components and enhance the phytochemical's bioavailability, controlled intake, and targeted release. A range of analytical methods, such as SEM-EDX, FT-IR, DLS, and XDR, was employed to examine the morpho-structural features of the nanoproducts. Additionally, thermal stability, antioxidant screening, and in vitro release were investigated. Chemical screening of Sideritis scardica Griseb revealed that it contains a total of ninety-one phytoconstituents from ten chemical categories, including terpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, fatty acids, iridoids, sterols, nucleosides, and miscellaneous. The study findings suggest the potential applications as a promising aspirant in neurodegenerative strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina-Elena Segneanu
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr.4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Gabriela Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr.4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Research Centre “Thermal Anal Environm Problems”, Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West University of Timisoara (WUT), Pestalozzi St 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Titus Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr.4, 300223 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Research Centre “Thermal Anal Environm Problems”, Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West University of Timisoara (WUT), Pestalozzi St 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Bita
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.B.)
| | - Cornelia Bejenaru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Gabriela Buema
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ludovic Everard Bejenaru
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (A.B.)
| | - Andrei Dumitru
- Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics—Department of Medical Assistance and Physiotherapy, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, University Center of Pitesti, Targu din Vale 1, 110040 Pitesti, Romania;
| | - Eugen Radu Boia
- Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Ishaq M, Numan M, Zeb U, Cui F, Shad S, Hayat SA, Azizullah A, Uddin I, Iqbal M, Rahim F, Khan N, Attia KA, Fiaz S. Facile one-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Viscum album and evaluation of their antibacterial potential. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2023; 50:955-964. [PMID: 37161500 DOI: 10.1071/fp22161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructure gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are well-known biological active materials, synthesised under different environment-friendly approaches that has gained significant interest in the field of biomedicine. This study investigated a novel, fast, easy, cost-effective and the eco-friendly method to synthesise Au NPs from mediated Viscum album Linn plant extract, where the plant metabolites act as stabilising and reducing agents. The synthesised Au NPs were analysed by UV/Vis spectroscopy that gave strong signals and a sharp absorption peak at 545nm due to the presence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed that strong signals of Au NPs appeared at 9.7 and 2.3keV, as the rays of light passed. X-ray diffraction recognised the crystalline material and provided information on the cell unit that the synthesised Au NPs are face-centreed cubic in structure. The diffraction of X-ray spectra showed intense peaks at 38.44°, 44.7°, 44.9° and 77.8°. The mediated V. album plant extracts and synthesised Au NPs were screened against gram-positive and gram-negative (Enterobacter , Salmonella typhi , Escheria coli and Bacillus subtilis ) bacterial strains, confirming their antibacterial potential. Au NPs showed strong antibacterial activity due to its unique steric configuration. Au NPs damaged bacterial cell membrane leading to the leakage of the cytoplasm and death of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ishaq
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK 24631, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Numan
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK 24631, Pakistan
| | - Umar Zeb
- Faculty of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, KPK 22620, Pakistan; and School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Fengjie Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Salma Shad
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, The University of Haripur, Haripur, KPK 22620, Pakistan
| | - Syed Adil Hayat
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK 24631, Pakistan
| | - Azizullah Azizullah
- Faculty of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, KPK 22620, Pakistan
| | - Imad Uddin
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, The University of Haripur, Haripur, KPK 22620, Pakistan
| | - Muzaffar Iqbal
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, The University of Haripur, Haripur, KPK 22620, Pakistan
| | - Fazli Rahim
- Department of Botany, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK 24631, Pakistan
| | - Naeem Khan
- Department of Agronomy, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida University, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kotb A Attia
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajid Fiaz
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620, Pakistan
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Segneanu AE, Vlase G, Vlase T, Sicoe CA, Ciocalteu MV, Herea DD, Ghirlea OF, Grozescu I, Nanescu V. Wild-Grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Approach to Novel Chitosan Phyto-Nanocarriers-Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Properties. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3479. [PMID: 37836219 PMCID: PMC10574898 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The current nanomedicinal approach combines medicinal plants and nanotechnology to create new scaffolds with enhanced bioavailability, biodistribution and controlled release. In an innovative approach to herb encapsulation in nanosized chitosan matrices, wild-grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens was used to prepare two new chitosan nanocarriers. The first carrier preparation involved the nanoencapsulation of hellebore in chitosan. The second carrier emerged from two distinct stages: hellebore-AgNPs phyto-carrier system succeeded by nanoencapsulation in chitosan. The morphostructural characteristics and thermal behavior of these newly prepared nanocarriers were examined using FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, EDS and thermogravimetric analyses. In addition, the encapsulation yield, encapsulation efficiency and encapsulation contents were investigated. The antioxidant activity was estimated using four in vitro, noncompetitive methods: total phenolic assay; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay; phosphomolybdate (i.e., total antioxidant capacity); and iron(III)-phenanthroline antioxidant assay. Moreover, this study reports the first low-molecular-weight metabolite profile of wild-grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Waldst. & Kit. A total of one hundred and five secondary metabolites were identified in the mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from fourteen secondary metabolite categories (alkaloids, butenolides, bufadienolides, phytoecdysteroids, amino acids and peptides, terpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, glycosides, carbohydrates, nucleosides and miscellaneous). The collective results suggest the potential application is a promising new antioxidant vehicle candidate in tumor therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina-Elena Segneanu
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz Nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Gabriela Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz Nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Research Centre for Thermal Analysis Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Titus Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz Nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Research Centre for Thermal Analysis Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Crina Andreea Sicoe
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Viorica Ciocalteu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.V.C.); (V.N.)
| | - Dumitru Daniel Herea
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu-Florin Ghirlea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, square Eftimie Murgu No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ioan Grozescu
- CAICON Department, University Politehnica Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Valentin Nanescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.V.C.); (V.N.)
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Nicoletti M. The Antioxidant Activity of Mistletoes ( Viscum album and Other Species). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2707. [PMID: 37514321 PMCID: PMC10384781 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the European mistletoe, Viscum album, which is the most known and utilized one, there are several species commonly known as mistletoe. They are spread in various regions of the planet and are all characterized by hemiparasitism and epiphytic behaviour. The published studies evidence other similarities, including the sharing of important biological properties, with the common presence of antioxidant effects. However, whereas the European mistletoe is largely utilized in medical treatments, although with controversial aspects, the scientific knowledge and medical uses of other mistletoes are still insufficient. This review focuses on the controversial medical story of European mistletoe regarding its antioxidant activity and the potentiality of the other species named mistletoe pertaining to botanical families and genera different from Viscum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Nicoletti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Foundation in Unam Sapientiam, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Segneanu AE, Vlase G, Chirigiu L, Herea DD, Pricop MA, Saracin PA, Tanasie ȘE. Romanian Wild-Growing Armoracia rusticana L.-Untargeted Low-Molecular Metabolomic Approach to a Potential Antitumoral Phyto-Carrier System Based on Kaolinite. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1268. [PMID: 37371998 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Horseradish is a globally well-known and appreciated medicinal and aromatic plant. The health benefits of this plant have been appreciated in traditional European medicine since ancient times. Various studies have investigated the remarkable phytotherapeutic properties of horseradish and its aromatic profile. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on Romanian horseradish, and they mainly refer to the ethnomedicinal or dietary uses of the plant. This study reports the first complete low-molecular-weight metabolite profile of Romanian wild-grown horseradish. A total of ninety metabolites were identified in mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from nine secondary metabolite categories (glucosilates, fatty acids, isothiocyanates, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins, and miscellaneous). In addition, the biological activity of each class of phytoconstituents was discussed. Furthermore, the development of a simple target phyto-carrier system that collectively exploits the bioactive properties of horseradish and kaolinite is reported. An extensive characterization (FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, EDS, and zeta potential) was performed to investigate the morpho-structural properties of this new phyto-carrier system. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using a combination of three in vitro, non-competitive methods (total phenolic assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, and phosphomolybdate (total antioxidant capacity)). The antioxidant assessment indicated the stronger antioxidant properties of the new phyto-carrier system compared with its components (horseradish and kaolinite). The collective results are relevant to the theoretical development of novel antioxidant agent fields with potential applications on antitumoral therapeutic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina-Elena Segneanu
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriela Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Thermal Analysis in in Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liviu Chirigiu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 2, Petru Rareș, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniel Dumitru Herea
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Blvd, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria-Alexandra Pricop
- OncoGen Centre, Clinical County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Patricia-Aida Saracin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 2, Petru Rareș, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ștefania Eliza Tanasie
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 2, Petru Rareș, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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9
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Nicoletti M. The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Viscum album. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1460. [PMID: 37050086 PMCID: PMC10096603 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic story of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) presents a seesawing profile. In ancient times, this hemiparasitic plant was considered a panacea and even to be endowed with exceptional beneficial properties. In more recent times, despite its multiple uses in traditional medicines, some parts of the plant, in particular the berries, were considered poisonous and dangerous, including concerns of cytotoxicity, which spread serious suspicion on its medicinal utility. However, since the last century, medical interest in mistletoe has come back in force due to its utilization in clinical cancer treatments, based on its selective action on tumor cells. In Central Europe, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of European mistletoe register a relevant and continuous utilization in anthroposophic medicine, which is a holistic system that includes the utilization of phytomedicinal substances. In Switzerland and Germany, most physicians and patients use these products as complementary therapy in oncological treatments. However, despite its increasing use in this field, the results of mistletoe's use are not always convincing, and other aspects have appeared. Nowadays, products that contain mistletoe are utilized in several fields, including diet, phytotherapy, veterinary medicine and homeopathy, but in particular in cancer therapies as coadjuvant factors, in consideration of several positive effects including effects in the improvement of quality-of-life conditions and reinforcement of the immune system. In this review, based on the understanding of the association between cancer and inflammation, we propose a relationship between these recent uses of mistletoe, based on its antioxidant properties, which are supported by phytochemical and pharmacological data. The unicity of mistletoe metabolism, which is a direct consequence of its hemiparasitism, is utilized as a key interpretation element to explain its biological properties and steer its consequent therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Nicoletti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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10
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Segneanu AE, Vlase G, Lukinich-Gruia AT, Herea DD, Grozescu I. Untargeted Metabolomic Approach of Curcuma longa to Neurodegenerative Phytocarrier System Based on Silver Nanoparticles. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2261. [PMID: 36421447 PMCID: PMC9686783 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Curcuma is one of the most famous medicinal and tropical aromatic plants. Its health benefits have been appreciated and exploited in traditional Asian medicine since ancient times. Various studies have investigated its complex chemical composition and demonstrated the remarkable therapeutic properties of curcuma's phytoconstituents. Oxidative stress is a decisive driving factor triggering numerous pathologies (neurodegenerative, psychiatric and cardiovascular diseases; diabetes; tumors, etc.). Numerous recent studies have focused on the use of natural compounds and nanomaterials as innovative molecular targeting agents as effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we report, for the first time, the development of a simple target phytocarrier system that capitalizes on the bioactive properties of curcuma and AgNPs. The complete metabolic profile of curcuma was determined based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF-MS). A total of 80 metabolites were identified under mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from 10 secondary metabolite categories: terpenoids, amino acids, diarylheptanoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, steroids, fatty acids, coumarins, alkaloids and miscellaneous. In addition, the biological activity of each class of metabolites was discussed. A comprehensive characterization (FT-IR, UV-Vis, DLS, SEM, TEM, EDS, zeta potential and XRD) was performed to study the morphostructural properties of this new phytocarrier system. Antioxidant activity of the new phytocarrier system was evaluated using a combination of in vitro methods (total phenolic assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and cyclic voltammetric method (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) electrochemical assay)). Antioxidants assays showed that the phytocarrier system exhibits superior antioxidant properties to those of its components, i.e., curcuma or citrate-coated-AgNPs. These data confirm the potential to enhance relevant theoretical knowledge in the area of innovative antioxidant agents, with potential application in neurodegenerative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina-Elena Segneanu
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriela Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania
- Res. Ctr. Thermal Anal Environm Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Dumitru-Daniel Herea
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Blvd, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioan Grozescu
- CAICON Department, University Politehnica Timisoara, 2 P-ta Victoriei, 300006 Timisoara, Romania
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Kleszken E, Purcarea C, Pallag A, Ranga F, Memete AR, Miere (Groza) F, Vicas SI. Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Viscum album L. Subsp. album and Effects on Its Host Trees. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3021. [PMID: 36432750 PMCID: PMC9694764 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Viscum album L. subsp. album is a hemiparasitic plant that is recognized as a medicinal plant due to its beneficial effects, including anti-tumor activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial properties as well as for lowering blood pressure. On the other hand, mistletoe is a biotic stressor for both deciduous trees and conifers. Our main aim was to evidence the influence of mistletoe on the content of chlorophylls, proline, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of leaves from tree host trees (Malus domestica, Prunus domestica, and Populus alba) that grow on the northwest of Romania. In addition, HPLC-DAD-MS-ESI+ was used to analyze the phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles of V. album L. subsp. album leaves according to their parasitized hosts. A significant decrease in chlorophyll a level of approximately 32% was detected in poplars infested with mistletoe, followed by infested apples and plums with pigment reductions of 29.25% and 9.65%, respectively. The content of total phenols and flavonoids in the parasitized trees was higher compared to the non-parasitized ones. In the case of poplar, which presented the highest incidence of mistletoe infestation (70.37%), the content of total phenols in the leaves was two times higher compared to non-infested leaves. Based on HPLC chromatographic analysis, leaves of mistletoe growing on apple (VAM) had the highest content of phenolic acids (7.833 mg/g dw), followed by mistletoe leaves on poplar (VAO) and plum (VAP) (7.033 mg/g dw and, respectively, 5.559 mg/g dw). Among the flavonols, the predominant component was Rhamnazin glucosides in the amount of 1.025 ± 0.08 mg/g dw in VAO, followed by VAP and VAM (0.514 ± 0.04 and 0.478 ± 0.04 mg/g dw, respectively). Although our results show that mistletoe negatively influences the host trees, it is still a valuable plant that must be exploited to bring benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kleszken
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Science, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Cornelia Purcarea
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru Street, 410048 Oradea, Romania
| | - Annamaria Pallag
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 P-ta 1 December Street, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Floricuta Ranga
- Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăstur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Ramona Memete
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Science, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru Street, 410048 Oradea, Romania
| | - Florina Miere (Groza)
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 P-ta 1 December Street, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Ioana Vicas
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru Street, 410048 Oradea, Romania
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12
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Melo MNDO, Ochioni AC, Zancan P, Oliveira AP, Grazi M, Garrett R, Holandino C, Baumgartner S. Viscum album mother tinctures: Harvest conditions and host trees influence the plant metabolome and the glycolytic pathway of breast cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1027931. [PMID: 36386174 PMCID: PMC9662615 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1027931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Viscum album is a semi-parasitic plant used for over one hundred years in complementary cancer therapy. The main commercial drugs used in cancer patients' treatment are derived from the aqueous V. album extracts, whose cytotoxic potential is mostly attributed to the aqueous soluble antitumoral metabolites. On the counterpart, ethanol solvents must be used to obtain V. album mother tinctures. This methodology permits better solubilization of phenolic compounds, among others, which present antitumoral bioactivity. Recently, the metabolomics approach revealed the influence of the host tree on the V. album subspecies differentiation. To increase the scientific information about the chemical differences related to the host trees and to clarify the seasonal influences, in this study, the metabolome of 50 V. album mother tinctures from three subspecies (abietis, album, austriacum) and five host trees (Malus domestica, Quercus sp., Ulmus carpinifolia, Pinus sylvestris, Abies alba) was evaluated using summer and winter plant harvests. The in vitro cytotoxic activities were investigated in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and immortalized normal human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The summer V. album mother tinctures presented higher cytotoxic activity than winter ones. Among the summer samples, those prepared with V. album subsp. album were more cytotoxic than V. album subsp. abietis and subsp. V. album subsp. austriacum. The V. album harvested from Quercus petraea and Abies alba inhibited the key-glycolytic enzymes: hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK). This activity was related to a reduction in glucose uptake and lactate production, which were host-tree-time-dose-dependent. The untargeted metabolomic approach was able to discriminate the mother tinctures according to respective botanical classes and harvest season. A total of 188 metabolites were annotated under positive and negative modes. Fourteen compounds were responsible for the samples differentiation, and, to the best of our knowledge, eight were described in the Viscum album species for the first time. Our study shows the interruption of the Warburg effect as a novel antitumoral mechanism triggered by V. album mother tinctures, which is related to their metabolite profile. These results bring scientific evidence that encourages the use of V. album mother tinctures as a natural product for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Nonato de Oliveira Melo
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Alan Clavelland Ochioni
- Laboratório de Oncobiologia Molecular (LabOMol), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Zancan
- Laboratório de Oncobiologia Molecular (LabOMol), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Passos Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mirio Grazi
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Garrett
- Metabolomics Laboratory, Chemistry Institute, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Carla Holandino
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federaldo Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Hiscia Institute, Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim, Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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