The influence of plant extracts on viability of ST3 and ST7 subtypes of Blastocystis sp

Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently detected protozoa during stool specimen examination. In the last decade, the studies about the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis sp. have intensified. Additionally, treatment approaches against this parasite are still disputable. The study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of the substances of natural origin against two subtypes (ST) of Blastocystis sp.-ST3 and ST7. Garlic and turmeric extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory effect in relation to the ST3 viability. While horseradish and turmeric were found to be the most effective extracts to the ST7 viability. The study showed that ginger, garlic, horseradish, and turmeric extracts have potent antimicrobial activity against Blastocystis ST3 and ST7, with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 3.8 to 4.8 µg/ml and from 3.3 to 72.0 µg/ml, respectively, and thus may be useful in the prevention and control of Blastocystis infections. Additionally, this research confirmed that Blastocystis ST7 is more resistant to the selected plant extracts treatment than Blastocystis ST3 which in consequence may bring some difficulties in its eradication.

Neurotrophic phenolic glycosides from the roots of Armoracia rusticana

Armoracia rusticana P. G. Gaertner. belongs to the Brassicaceae family and has aroused scientific interest for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. In a continuing investigation to discover bioactive constituents from A. rusticana, we isolated 19 phenolic glycosides including three undescribed flavonol glycosides and one undescribed neolignan glycoside from MeOH extract of this plant. Their structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic analysis (1H, 13C, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC), HRESIMS, and chemical methods. The determination of their absolute configuration was accomplished by ECD and LC-MS analysis. All the compounds were assessed for their potential neurotrophic activity through induction of nerve growth factor in C6 glioma cell lines and for their anti-neuroinflammatory activity based on the measurement of inhibition levels of nitric oxide production and pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia BV-2 cells.

Risk factors associated with post-weaning diarrhoea in Austrian piglet-producing farms

Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) is a frequent, multifactorial disease of piglets leading to increased mortality rates and high economic losses. Due to the emergence of multi-resistant Escherichia coli isolates and the ban of zinc oxide (ZnO) in the EU since June 2022, alternative measures to prevent PWD are urgently needed. While an abundance of feed supplements is described to prevent PWD, there are hardly any studies reflecting the current situation of PWD in the field. Thus, we aimed to identify differences in management practices, housing and feeding strategies between farms with PWD and farms without PWD. Data were personally collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in 257 Austrian piglet-producing farms. Farms with PWD in more than 10% of all weaned groups within twelve months prior to data collection were defined as case farms (n = 101), while the remaining 136 farms were defined as control farms. Data from 237 farms and 69 explanatory variables were analysed via penalized binary logistic regression using elastic-net in 100 different splits into randomly selected training and test datasets (80:20). Treatment with ZnO and/or colistin (136 farms) was negatively associated with PWD in all splits and had the biggest estimated absolute log odds ratio out of all tested variables. Implementation of an all-in/all-out system in the nursery units and administration of probiotics or horseradish also had preventive effects in most splits (≥ 97%). A higher number of feeding phases for piglets within the first seven weeks of life and housing on fully slatted floors was associated negatively with the occurrence of PWD as well in > 95% of all splits. PWD was more likely to occur on farms having problems with neonatal diarrhoea or postpartum dysgalactia syndrome. While our data demonstrate that treatment with ZnO or colistin had the biggest statistical effect on PWD, we were able to identify other preventive measures like supplementation with probiotics or horseradish. Since implementation of all-in/all-out measures and fully slatted floors were also negatively associated with the occurrence of PWD on visited farms, we assume that reduction of bacterial load by the implementation of simple hygiene measures are still crucial to prevent PWD.

Phytochemical and functional analysis of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) fermented and non-fermented root extracts

BACKGROUND

The roots of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) are used for infections of respiratory airway and for urinary tract infections due to isothiocyanates (ITC), enzymatically formed during fermentation of glucosinolates by myrosinase.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The present study aims to present a comprehensive overview on the phytochemical composition of A. rusticana roots, especially concerning isothiocyanates and respective glucosinolates. The complex flavonoid spectrum of the herbal material is reviewed. Published data on in vitro activity of horseradish extracts and isolated compounds are summarized. These data indicate well-established use of horseradish as an antibacterial remedy against bacterial infections of the airway and urinary tract.

STUDY DESIGN

To answer the question if other compounds from A. rusticana beside ITC contribute to the antibacterial activity, non-targeted LC-MS studies were performed with fermented and non-fermented horseradish extracts, and detailed phytochemical profiles were established.

RESULTS

Comparative investigations on the antibacterial activity indicated that only ITC-containing extracts and fractions exert antibacterial activity. The huge variety of non-ITC compounds do not significantly contribute to the antibacterial activity, but can be used for analytical characterisation and quality control of the herbal material. Detailed phytochemical analysis additionally revealed a variety of compounds, not described until now for horseradish roots: the flavonol glycosides kaempferol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1''' → 2'')-β-d-galactopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1''' → 6'')-β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, Kaempferol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, Kaempferol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1'''' → 2''')-β-d-galactopyranoside-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, the oxo-indole derivative spirobrassinin, the phenylthiazole 2-methylsulfanyl-4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazole, a series of lysophophatidylethanolamine and 13 different N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids.

CONCLUSION

The antibacterial effects of horseradish are only due to the presence of glucosinolates resp. the corresponding ITC, and the detailed overall composition of horseradish extracts has been reported.

[Uncomplicated urinary tract infections : Use of mustard oils]

BACKGROUND

Increasing rates of multidrug resistant bacteria demand a change in managing infectious diseases. New ways of antibiotic-free treatment in uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) saving antibiotics for severe infections should be chosen.

OBJECTIVES

Beside analgesics for purely symptomatic treatment, herbal medicine can be used for uncomplicated UTI instead of antibiotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-infectious phytodrugs like isothiocyanates (ITC) from horseradish and cress (nasturtium) have been thoroughly examined scientifically.

RESULTS

ITC showed multitarget effects in many pharmacological studies. Beside anti-inflammatory effects, a broad spectrum of species, including multiresistant bacteria were covered. Positive results and good compatibility are documented in several studies for therapy of uncomplicated UTI and respiratory infections with horseradish and cress as well as for prophylaxis in recurrent UTI (recommendation in the German S3 guideline for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, AWMF registry 043/044, statement 8.1.d.4 on prophylaxis).

CONCLUSION

Using isothiocyanates (ITC) for therapy and prophylaxis in uncomplicated urinary tract infections is a rational approach and helps to save antibiotics. Even after long-term use, development of resistance has not yet been observed and is not probable due to the multimodal mechanism of action of ITC.

Antimicrobial effects of mustard oil-containing plants against oral pathogens: an in vitro study

Background

The present study examines the antimicrobial activity of nasturtium herb (Tropaeoli maji herba) and horseradish root (Armoraciae rusticanae radix) against clinically important oral bacterial pathogens involved in periodontitis, gingivitis, pulpitis, implantitis and other infectious diseases.

Methods

A total of 15 oral pathogens, including members of the genera Campylobacter, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Parvimonas, Porphyromonas, Tanerella, Veillonella, and HACEK organisms, were exposed to [1] a combination of herbal nasturtium and horseradish using a standardized gas test and [2] a mixture of synthetic Isothiocyantes (ITCs) using an agardilution test. Headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry was employed to quantify the amount of allyl-, benzyl-, and 2- phenyl- ethyl-ITC.

Results

With exception of Veillonella parvula, all tested species were highly susceptible to herbal nasturtium and horseradish in the gas test with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 50/20 mg and 200/80 mg and to synthetic ITCs in the agardilution with MICs between 0.0025 and 0.08 mg ITC/mL, respectively. Minimal bactericidal concentrations extended from 0.005 mg ITC/mL to 0.34 mg ITC/mL.

Conclusions

ITCs may be considered an interesting alternative to antibiotics for prevention and treatment of oropharyngeal infections, periodontitis and related diseases. Furthermore, the suitability of ITCs for endocarditis prophylaxis in dental procedures might be worth further investigation.

Horseradish and radish peroxidases eaten with fish could help explain observed associations between fish consumption and protection from age-related dementia

A juxtaposition of regional cuisines and recent prospective studies of fish consumption in China and Japan points to fresh horseradish and/or radish (HRR) as possible contributors to delaying age-related dementia. The hypothesis is that the inverse association found sometimes between fish intake and cognitive decline is partially due to exposure of the oral cavity to active peroxidases from HRR served in conjunction with fish. This hypothesis can be tested by specifically looking at whether HRR is consumed with fish and whether such HRR is prepared in a way that preserves activity of HRR peroxidases. It is possible that by putting active HRR peroxidases in their mouths, elderly people supplement their age-diminished salivary antioxidant capacity and break down additional hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the oral cavity before it can migrate into the brain, thus decreasing the incidence of brain cell death induction by chronically-elevated H₂O₂. Intentional exposure of the oral cavity to active HRR peroxidases could be a prophylactic for delaying dementia. Because vegetable peroxidases are inactivated by gastric juices, it will be difficult to obtain benefit from HRR peroxidases' antioxidant effect via ingestion in encapsulated dietary supplements.

Toxic effects of heavy metal terbium ion on the composition and functions of cell membrane in horseradish roots

The environmental safety of rare earth elements (REEs), especially the toxic effect of REEs on plants, has attracted increasing attention. However, the cellular mechanism of this toxic effect remains largely unknown. Here, the toxic effects of heavy REE terbium ion [Tb(III)] on the cell membrane of horseradish roots were investigated by using electron microscope autoradiography (EMARG) and histochemical methods. The results indicated that Tb(III) was distributed in the extracellular and intracellular spaces of the roots after horseradish was treated with Tb(III). Moreover, the percentage contents of the unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane lipids, the current of the outward K(+) channel and the average diameter of membrane proteins in the roots of horseradish treated with Tb(III) were decreased; on the contrary, the percentage contents of the saturated fatty acids and malondialdehyde in the roots of horseradish treated with Tb(III) were increased. Furthermore, the contents of intracellular N, P, Mg and Fe in the roots of horseradish treated with Tb(III) were decreased, while the contents of intracellular K and Ca in the roots of horseradish treated with Tb(III) were increased. Finally, the effects of Tb(III) on horseradish roots were increased with increasing concentration or duration of Tb(III) treatment. In conclusion, after horseradish was treated with Tb(III), Tb(III) could enter the cells of horseradish roots and lead to the toxic effects on horseradish, which caused the oxidation of the unsaturated fatty acids in the membrane lipids, the changes in the membrane proteins (including the outward K(+) channel), the decrease in the membrane fluidity, and then the inhibition of the intracellular/extracellular-ion exchange in horseradish roots.

A young root-specific gene (ArMY2) from horseradish encoding a MYR II myrosinase with kinetic preference for the root-specific glucosinolate gluconasturtiin

The pungent taste of horseradish is caused by isothiocyanates which are released from glucosinolates by myrosinases. These enzymes are encoded by genes belonging to one of two subfamilies, termed MYR I and MYR II, respectively. A MYR II-type myrosinase gene was identified for the first time in horseradish. The gene termed ArMY2 was only expressed in young roots. A full-length cDNA encoding a myrosinase termed ArMy2 was isolated and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant His-tagged enzyme was characterized biochemically. Substrate affinity was 5 times higher towards gluconasturtiin than towards sinigrin. Gluconasturtiin was found to be the most abundant glucosinolate in young horseradish roots while sinigrin dominated in storage roots and leaves. This indicates that a specialized glucosinolate-myrosinase defense system might be active in young roots.

Genes for phytochrome A in horseradish: isolation of cDNAs and analysis of expression during light-induced formation of adventitious shoots from hairy roots

 Three cDNAs for phytochrome A (phyA), designated ArPHYA1, ArPHYA2 and ArPHYA3, respectively, were isolated from a cDNA library prepared from proximal parts of the hairy roots of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). The level of phyA was higher in those parts than in any other parts of hairy roots. The amino acid sequences deduced from the cDNAs were quite similar, with stronger homology to the product of PHYA of Arabidopsis thaliana than to products of genes for phytochromes of many other plant species. Levels of transcripts in roots and tubers were higher than those in leaves and petioles. The levels in hairy roots were highest at the proximal ends and increased with increased duration of culture in darkness. Furthermore, the levels in proximal parts decreased by 25-50% after light irradiation. The elevated levels of transcripts of PHYA genes at the proximal ends of hairy roots are discussed with reference to the light-induced formation of adventitious shoots.