Hydrolat of Helichrysum italicum promotes tissue regeneration during wound healing

Wound healing is a dynamic process involving different cell types with distinct roles according to the stages of healing. Fibroblasts and stem cells actively participate in tissue regeneration. A proper stimulation could contribute to enhance wound healing process-es. Helichrysum italicum (H. italicum) is a medical plant well described for its pharmacological, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Aim of the present work was to examine the effect of the hydrolat derivate from H. italicum on stem cells isolated from skin and fibroblasts in vitro in presence or absence of tissue damage. The viability and proliferation of all cell types cultured in dif-ferent conditions were analyzed by MTT and BrdU assays. Cell proliferation after wound was analyzed with scratch test. Also, the expression of the main genes involved in tissue repair was evaluated by RT-qPCR analysis. Here we describe the capability of hy-drolat of H. italicum to promote tissue regeneration after scratch test both in stem cells and in fibroblasts. Moreover, the gene ex-pression analysis revealed that, hydrolat of H. italicum is also able to enhance stemness related. In conclusion our results are en-couraging, highlighting novel regenerative properties of hydrolat of H. italicum and paving the way for future application of this wasting product in accelerating wound healing.

in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate how climate change influences the distribution of economically and environmentally important species of P. abyssinica and H. citrispinum in Ethiopia. The species distribution modeling intends to forecast species' ecological niche ranges and habitat suitability by employing a variety of environmental parameters as predictors, which is vital for conservation planning and restoration success. Six representative concentration pathways (RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 for the years 2050 and 2070) with the same resolution of 2.5 min that shows the emission scenarios were used for the prediction. To predict the current and future distributions of H. citrispinum and P. abyssinica 56 and 45 occurrence records from National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University, GBIF, and available literatures were used respectively.

RESULTS

The MaxEnt model predicted habitat suitability for H. citrispinum species with an Area Under Curve (AUC) value of 0.961 ± 0.027, and 0.809 ± 0.045 for P. abyssinica, indicating excellent discriminatory ability or accuracy under the current climate scenario. The Future distribution of suitable habitat for both H. citrispinum and P. abyssinica plant species was accurately predicted with AUC values of 0.960 ± 0.017 and 0.780 ± 0.35, respectively under future climatic scenarios. The jackknife test result indicates that environmental variables such as topographic position index (92.5%), precipitation of the driest quarter (3%) and precipitation in the coldest quarter (1.8%) are associated with the distributions of H. citrispinum, while topographic position index (36.6%), precipitation of driest quarter (21.4%), precipitation of warmest quarter (16.2%) and precipitation seasonality (13.9%) were found to be limiting environmental variables for P. abyssinica under current and future climatic conditions in Ethiopia. The prediction map and interception calculation for both present and projected (in the 2050s and again in the 2070s) climate change scenarios indicate significant habitat loss, decreased, and fragmentation under all RCPs (2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) scenarios for P. abyssinica while habitat gain, and increasing for H. citrispinum in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSIONS

Topographic position index (TPI) is the most impactful predictor variable on the distribution of the two species. Consequently, potentially habitable areas (with diverse aspects and slopes) are increasing for H. citrispinum while decreasing for P. abyssinica.

The Effects of Helichrysum italicum Extract on the Extracellular Matrix of the Skin

OBJECTIVE

An in-vitro study was performed to investigate the molecular basis of the wound healing and skin protective features of Helichrysum italicum (HI), a medicinal plant from the Mediterranean basin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A dermal fibroblast cell line culture was treated with HI hydro-alcoholic extract to detect the gene expression levels of three selected primers: FGF-2, HAS-2 and MMP-9. Cell proliferation assay was performed using a XTT reagent. RNA isolations were carried out from both the extract treated study cell group and the control cell group using a TRI reagent. GAPDH was used as the reference gene. Gene expressions were determined by real time RT-qPCR. The results were represented as 'Target/GAPDH Fold Change'. Statistical evaluation was performed by Student's t test.

RESULTS

HI extract caused statistically significant upregulation of FGF-2 (P=0.0473) and HAS-2 (P=0.0335) gene expressions compared to the untreated control cells. The treatment ended with 1.74 and 3.10 fold changes for FGF-2 and HAS-2, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In general, it may be considered that HI has certain anabolic effects on the extracellular matrix of the skin because of the significant increases it causes in FGF-2 and HAS-2. Therefore, it may have a promising future in anti-aging studies and cosmetic dermatology. The results obtained in this study may also partially explain the molecular basis of the health benefits of HI on skin, including improvement in wound healing, and protection against the detrimental effects of ultraviolet exposure.

HPLC Analysis and In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Polyphenolic Components Separated with Solvents of Various Polarities from Helichrysum italicum

Helichrysum italicum has piqued the interest of many researchers in recent years, mostly for its essential oil, but increasingly for its polyphenolic content as well. In the current study, we examine the polyphenolic composition of H. italicum grown in Bulgaria. The polyphenolic complex was fractionated with solvents of various polarities, including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol, in order to assess the biological impact of the components. HPLC-PDA and UHPLC-MS/MS were used to examine all fractions. The green coffee fingerprint profile was employed as a "surrogate standard" in the polyphenolic components detection approach. From the UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, we identified 60 components of the polyphenolic complex such as quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, quercetin acetyl-glycoside, isorhamnetin acetyl-glycoside, isorhamnetin caffeoyl-glycoside, quercetin caffeoyl-malonyl-glycoside, isorhamnetin coumaroyl-glycoside, coumaroyl-caffeoylquinic acid, and diCQA-acetyl-derivative were first reported in the composition of H. italicum. The biological activity of the fractions was evaluated in vitro and in silico, which included the fight against oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), metal-chelating activity (MChA)) and nitrosative (nitric oxide scavenging activity) (NOSA)), in vitro anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activity. Results are presented as IC50 ± SD μg/mL. The analysis showed that the EtOAc fraction was characterized by highest HPSA (57.12 ± 1.14 μg/mL), HRSA (92.23 ± 1.10 μg/mL), MChA (5.60 ± 0.17 μg/mL), and NOSA (89.81 ± 2.09 μg/mL), while the hexane and chloroform fractions showed significantly higher in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (30.48 ± 2.33 μg/mL, 62.50 ± 1.69 μg/mL) compared to the standard ibuprofen. All three fractions showed potential anti-arthritic activity (102.93 ± 8.62 μg/mL, 108.92 ± 4.42 μg/mL, 84.19 ± 3.89 μg/mL).

Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench Inflorescence Extract for Tomato Disease Management

Helichrysum stoechas is a singular halophyte that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and allelopathic properties. In the work presented herein, we have characterized its inflorescences hydromethanolic extract and assessed its antifungal activity for the pre- and postharvest management of tomato crop diseases. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of the extract showed that 4-ethenyl-1,3-benzenediol, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, quinic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose, catechol, scopoletin, and maltol were the main constituents. The co-occurrence of pyranones, benzenediols, and quinic acids as phytoconstituents of H. stoechas extract resulted in promising in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations of 500, 375, 500, 187.5, 187.5, and 375 μg·mL-1 against mycelia of Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Verticillium dahliae, respectively. Further, to assess the potential of H. stoechas inflorescence extract for postharvest tomato crop protection, ex situ tests were conducted against C. coccodes, obtaining high protection at a dose of 750 μg·mL-1. Taking into consideration that the demonstrated activity is among the highest reported to date for plant extracts and comparable to that of the synthetic fungicides tested as positive controls, H. stoechas inflorescence extract may be put forward as a promising biorational and may deserve further testing in field-scale studies.

A new strategy to achieve high antimicrobial activity: green synthesised silver nanoparticle formulations with Galium aparine and Helichrysum arenarium

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have recently gained attention due to their antimicrobial activity, can also be produced by green synthesis. The aims of this study were to (i) characterise green synthesized AgNPs using microwave-assisted aqueous extracts of Galium aparine (G-AgNPs) and Helichrysum arenarium (H-AgNPs) and (ii) investigate the combined antimicrobial effects of the G- and H-AgNPs in different ratios. Nanoparticle formation and reactions were determined with UV-Vis spectroscopy. The G-AgNPs were 52.0±10.9 nm in size, with a 0.285±0.034 polydispersity index (PDI), and a -17.9±0.9 mV zeta potential. For H-AgNPs these characteristics were 23.9±1.0 nm, 0.280±0.032, and -21.3±2.7 mV, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the particles were monodisperse and spherical. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results showed the presence of reducing agents that stabilised the AgNPs. Three different nanoformulations (NF-1, NF-2, and NF-3) were prepared by combining these two synthesised nanoparticles in different ratios and their antimicrobial activity was tested against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, and A. flavus. Our study is the first to show that combining AgNPs from two different biological sources can produce effective nanoformulations with improved antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. These nanoformulations showed lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (31.25 µg/mL against E. coli with all NFs; 62.5 µg/mL for NF-1 and 125 µg/mL for NF-2/3 against S. aureus) than G-AgNPs (62.5 µg/mL for E. coli) or H-AgNPs (125 µg/mL for S. aureus) alone. Their high combined inhibitory effect against E. coli (NF-1-3) was synergistic and against S. aureus (NF-2 and NF-3) potentially additive. Considering such promising results, we believe our study provides some direction for new research and strategies in antimicrobial therapeutics.

Neryl acetate, the major component of Corsican Helichrysum italicum essential oil, mediates its biological activities on skin barrier

Corsican Helichrysum italicum essential oil (HIEO) is characterized by high concentrations of neryl acetate, and we previously demonstrated that Corsican HIEO increases the expression of genes that are part of the differentiation complex (involucrin, small proline rich proteins, late cornified envelope, S100 protein family). The biological activities of HIEO and neryl acetate (NA) were compared to identify how NA contributes to HIEO activity on human skin. NA, as a part component of HIEO, was tested on skin explant models for 24 hours and 5 days in comparison with HIEO. We analyzed the biological regulations in the skin explant by transcriptomic analysis, skin barrier protein immunofluorescence, lipid staining and ceramide analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 41.5% of HIEO-modulated genes were also regulated by NA and a selected panel of genes were confirmed by qquantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis. Those genes are involved in epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and ceramide synthesis. Involucrin (IVL), involved in formation of the cornified envelope (CE), was upregulated at both gene and protein levels after 24 hours and 5 days respectively. After 5 days of treatment, total lipids and ceramides were also increased. Our results demonstrate that NA mediates a large part of Corsican HIEO activity on skin barrier formation.

Burtt using HepG2 (C3A) and L6 cell lines

Background:Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt has been listed in a survey of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In this study, the antidiabetic potentials of ethanol, cold aqueous (CAQ) and boiled aqueous (BAQ) extracts of H. petiolare were investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic and glucose utilization effects of the extracts were evaluated using L6 myocytes and HepG2 (C3A) hepatocytes. α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibition assays were also carried out. Results: The ethanol extract showed significant cytotoxic effects in the treated cells. Both BAQ and CAQ extracts significantly increased glucose uptake in L6 and C3A cell lines. The CAQ extract enhanced glucose uptake more in the L6 myocytes than in the C3A cell-lines hepatocytes. The BAQ extract showed higher levels of inhibition on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than CAQ. The activities were not significantly different from acarbose. However, BAQ showed lower lipase inhibition than acarbose (p<0.05). Conclusions: The BAQ and CAQ extracts of H. petiolare may, therefore, contain pharmacologically active and relatively non-toxic hypoglycaemic chemicals, which may be effective substitutes in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Burtt using HepG2 (C3A) and L6 cell lines

Background:Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt has been listed in a survey of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In this study, the antidiabetic potentials of ethanol, cold aqueous (CAQ) and boiled aqueous (BAQ) extracts of H. petiolare were investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic and glucose utilization effects of the extracts were evaluated using L6 myocytes and HepG2 (C3A) hepatocytes. α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibition assays were also carried out. Results: The ethanol extract showed significant cytotoxic effects in the treated cells. Both BAQ and CAQ extracts significantly increased glucose uptake in L6 and C3A cell lines. The CAQ extract enhanced glucose uptake more in the L6 myocytes than in the C3A cell-lines hepatocytes. The BAQ extract showed higher levels of inhibition on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than CAQ. The activities were not significantly different from acarbose. However, BAQ showed lower lipase inhibition than acarbose (p<0.05). Conclusions: The BAQ and CAQ extracts of H. petiolare may, therefore, contain pharmacologically active and relatively non-toxic hypoglycaemic chemicals, which may be effective substitutes in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Successful treatment of sodium oxalate induced urolithiasis with Helichrysum flowers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Helichrysum (Asteraceae) flowers, known as "altın otu, yayla çiçeği, kudama çiçeği" , are widely used to remove kidney stones and for their diuretic properties in Turkey.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the curative effect of infusions prepared from capitulums of Helichrysum graveolens (M. Bieb.) Sweet (HG) and H. stoechas ssp. barellieri (Ten.) Nyman (HS) on sodium oxalate induced kidney stones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Infusions prepared from the capitulums of HG and HS were tested for their curative effect on calcium oxalate deposition induced by sodium oxalate (70mg/kg i.p.). Following the injection of sodium oxalate for 5 days, plant extracts were administered to rats at two different doses. Potassium citrate was used as positive control. Water intake, urine volume, body, liver and kidney weights were measured; biochemical and hematological analyses were conducted on urine and blood samples. Additionally, histopathological examinations were done on kidney samples.

RESULTS

H. stoechas extract showed prominent effect at 156mg/kg dose (stone formation score: 0.33), whereas number of kidney stones was maximum in sodium oxalate group (stone formation score: 2.33). The reduction in the uric acid and oxalate levels of urine samples and the elevation in the urine citrate levels are significant and promising in extract groups. Some hematological, biochemical and enzymatic markers are also ameliorated by the extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report on the curative effect of immortal flowers. Our preliminary study indicated that Helichrysum extracts may be used for treatment of urolithiasis and Helichrysum extracts are an alternative therapy to potassium citrate for patients suffering from kidney stones.

Preventive treatment of calcium oxalate crystal deposition with immortal flowers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A number of medicinal plants are used for their diuretic, urolithiatic and anti-inflammatory effects on urinary system problems in Turkey and the most common traditional remedy for kidney stones is the tea of immortal flowers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preventive effect of infusions prepared from capitulums of Helichrysum graveolens (M.Bieb.) Sweet (HG) and Helichrysum stoechas ssp. barellieri (Ten.) Nyman (HS) on formation of kidney stones.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Sodium oxalate (Ox-70mg/kg intraperitoneally) was used to induce kidney stones on Wistar albino rats. At the same time, two different doses of the plant extracts (HG: 62.5 and 125mg/kg; HS: 78 and 156mg/kg) were dissolved in the drinking water and administered to animals for 5 days. Potassium citrate was used as positive control in the experiments. During the experiment, water intake, urine volume and body weights of the animals were recorded. At the end of the experiments, liver, kidney and body weights of the animals were determined; biochemical analysis were conducted on urine, blood and plasma samples. Histopathological changes in kidney tissues were examined and statistical analysis were evaluated.

RESULTS

HS extract showed the highest preventive effect at 156mg/kg dose (stone formation score: 1.16), whereas a number of kidney stones were maximum in sodium oxalate group (stone formation score: 2.66). Helichrysum extracts decreased urine oxalate and uric acid levels and increased citrate levels significantly. In addition, Helichrysum extracts regulated the negative changes in biochemical and hematological parameters occurred after Ox injection.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that Helichrysum extracts could reduce the formation and growth of kidney stones in Ox-induced urolithiasis and can be beneficial for patients with recurrent stones. In addition, this is the first study on the preventive effect of immortal flowers.

italicum and chemical identification of the active ingredients

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In the Mediterranean Area, the flowers of Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum are a traditional remedy for the treatment of intestinal complaints and are used as herbal tea for curing digestive, stomachic and intestinal diseases. In order to find scientific evidence for the traditional utilization of this plant, the effect of an ethanolic extract of Helichrysum italicum was investigated by using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Then, through bioassay-guided fractionation procedures, active component(s) were identified.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Contractility in vitro was evaluated by stimulating the isolated ileum, in an organ bath, with acetylcholine and barium chloride; motility in vivo was evaluated by measuring upper gastrointestinal transit, both in control mice and in mice with experimental intestinal inflammation induced by croton oil. Chromatographic separation techniques such as HPLC and silica gel columns have yielded the active principles of Helichrysum italicum.

RESULTS

We found that the ethanolic extract of Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum flowers elicited antispasmodic actions in the isolated mouse ileum and inhibited transit preferentially in the inflamed gut. A bioassay guided fractionation of the extract yielded the known compounds 12-acetoxytremetone (1) and 2,3-dihydro-2-[1-(hydroxymethyl)ethenyl]-5-benzofuranyl]-ethanone (2).

CONCLUSION

Present study supported the traditional use of Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum flowers for intestinal complaints and through bioassay-guided fractionation procedures from the crude extract we showed that 12-acetoxytremetone (1) and 2,3-dihydro-2-[1-(hydroxymethyl)ethenyl]-5-benzofuranyl]-ethanone (2) acted in a synergistic way to produce an intestinal antispasmodic effect.

[The role of Proxelan in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Results of a randomized trial]

AIM

Inflammatory diseases of the prostate are one of the most difficult problems to manage in the fertile male aged between 20 and 50. Antibiotics are the gold standard for the treatment of both bacterial (category II-NIH) and non bacterial prostatitis (category III-NIH). However, antibiotics need to be associated with other therapies focused on reducing symptoms and providing a better quality of life. In the present study we sought to test the effectiveness of antibiotics and the medical device Proxelan suppositories taken together.

METHODS

Starting in January 2011, we conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 60 subjects with bacterial and non bacterial chronic prostatitis, who were divided into two groups. Subjects allocated in group A received only antibiotics for 28 days; subjects in group B received antibiotics + Proxelan, for 28 days as well. Before randomization all subjects underwent Meares-Stamey test, IPSS and NIH-CPSI questionnairs. All of those were repeated 60 and 120 days after randomization. Microbiological and clinical efficacy were compared using specific statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 29 subjects allocated in group A and 31 in group B. Minor side effects were observed which did not cause study interruption in any case. Of the total population, 68,3% resulted positive to the Meares-Stamey test at study start. Proxelan was not better than antibiotics alone under a microbiological point of view (OR)=0.9; (IR) 0.3-2.8; P=0.46. According to the answers provided at the NIH-CPSI questionnaire, subjects in the group B obtained a better score compared to group A, either after 2 months (OR:2.8; 95%IC 1.2-4.1; P=0.017) and after 4 months (OR:1.67; 95%IC 0.9-2.9; P=0.04). With regards to the IPSS questionnaire, 2 months after treatment start, subjects in the group A had a probability of having urinary symptoms 2 times higher compared to subjects in group B (OR:1.9; 95%IC 1.0-3.5; P=0.028). Although Proxelan seems to improve IPSS also after 4 months, the difference does not reach the level of statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Compared to antibiotics alone, the combination of antibiotics and Proxelan improve both symptoms associated to chronic prostatitis and urinary symptoms, however microbiological results are not different. Future studies may be required to confirm our results and to explain the mechanism of action of Proxelan.

Tiliroside and gnaphaliin inhibit human low density lipoprotein oxidation

Two flavonoids, gnaphaliin and tiliroside, isolated from Helichrysum italicum, were studied in vitro for their capacity to inhibit Cu(2+)-induced human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and diluted plasma oxidation. LDL oxidation was monitored by conjugated diene, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) formation and electrophoretic mobility on agarose gel. Gnaphaliin and tiliroside increased the lag-phase for diene conjugate production in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction of TBARS production confirmed the antioxidant activity of gnaphaliin and tiliroside with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values of 8.0+/-3.9 microM and 7.0+/-2.6 microM respectively. Furthermore, the flavonoids negated the Cu(2+)-induced increase in electrophoretic mobility of LDL. Antioxidant activity of gnaphaliin and tiliroside was significantly different when diluted plasma was oxidised by adding 1 mM CuSO(4). Although both flavonoids again reduced the TBARS production, tiliroside showed higher activity than gnaphaliin (IC(50)=10.6+/-2.5 microM vs. IC(50)>50 microM). In conclusion, tiliroside and gnaphaliin are antioxidants against in vitro Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation in the same order of magnitude compared to that of the reference drug, probucol.

and Helichrysum splendidum (Thunb.) Less

Isolation of volatile concentrate from the dried leaves of Artemisia arborescens and of Helichrysum splendidum has been obtained by supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide. To obtain a pure volatile extract devoid of cuticular waxes, the extraction products were fractionated in two separators operating in series. A good extraction process was obtained operating at 90 bar and 50 degrees C in the extraction vessel, at 90 bar and at -5 degrees C in the first separator and at a pressure between 20 and 15 bar and temperatures in the range 10-20 degrees C in the second one. The composition of the volatile concentrate has been analyzed by GC/MS. The volatile concentrate of A. arborescens was found to contain: trans-thujone (13.96%), camphor (6.15%) and chamazulene (5.95%). The main constituents in the extract of H. splendidum were: germacrene D-4-ol (17.08%), germacrene D (9.04%), bicyclogermacrene (8.79%) and delta-cadinene (8.43%). A comparison with the oils obtained by hydrodistillation is also given. The differences observed between the composition of the SFE volatile concentrates and of the hydrodistilled (HD) oils were relevant. Indeed, the HD oils had a blue color whereas the volatile concentrates were pale yellow. The HD oil of H. splendidum had a blue color due to the presence of guaiazulene (0.42% vs 0%), whereas the coloration of HD oil of A. arborecens was due to the high concentration of chamazulene (26.64% vs 3.37%).

Flavonoids of Helichrysum compactum and their antioxidant and antibacterial activity

From the capitula of Helichrysum compactum, the flavonoids apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin, 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin-4',7-di-O-glucoside and from the leafy stems apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were isolated. Extracts of the capitula of H. compactum show antioxidant activity by inhibition of lipid peroxidation and also show antibacterial activity.

In vitro biological activity and essential oil composition of four indigenous South African Helichrysum species

Helichrysum species are used widely to treat various medical conditions. In this study, the anti-microbial, anti-oxidant (DPPH assay) and anti-inflammatory activity (5-lipoxygenase assay) of Helichrysum dasyanthum, Helichrysum felinum, Helichrysum excisum and Helichrysum petiolare were investigated. The essential oil compositions of these species were determined. The acetone and methanol extracts as well as the essential oils exhibited activity against Gram-positive bacteria, while both the methanol and acetone extracts of all four species were active in the anti-oxidant assay. The essential oils, on the other hand, displayed activity in the 5-lipoxygenase assay, which was used as an indication of anti-inflammatory activity. Two extracts exhibited promising activity in the anti-microbial assay, the acetone extract of Helichrysum dasyanthum with a MIC value of 15.63 microg/ml and the methanol extract of Helichrysum excisum with a MIC value of 62.5 microg/ml. The acetone extract of Helichrysum dasyanthum was the most active free radical scavenger in the DPPH assay (IC(50) of 9.53 microg/ml) while values for the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils ranged between 25 and 32 microg/ml. The essential oil compositions of three species (Helichrysum dasyanthum, Helichrysum excisum and Helichrysum petiolare) were dominated by the presence of monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole and p-cymene. In the oil of Helichrysum felinum, monoterpenes were largely absent. Its profile consisted of a variety of sesquiterpenes in low concentrations with beta-caryophyllene dominating.

[Improvement of diversity, trade and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants]

The significance of medicinal and aromatic plant selection has risen in recent years due to increasing requirements on quality, safety, and efficiency of herbal products. Only selected varieties could guaranty the homogeneity of raw material. The chemical diversity of spontaneous populations is one of the main directions of investigations on medicinal and aromatic plants at the Institute of Botany. The target species under research are following: Origanum vulgare, Thymus spp., Hypericum spp., Achillea millefolium, and Helichrysum arenarium. The analysis of trade figures pointed out that the imported raw material mainly supplies the demands of pharmaceutical industry in Lithuania. The cultivated production covers only 4-6% of the demand for raw material. Wild plant material represents about 29% of total volume used in pharmaceutics. The trade in wild plant species and their resources is regulated by the legislations. In situ and ex situ conservation methods are used to avoid potential danger and existing threats to genetic diversity of medicinal plant species.

A new dual inhibitor of arachidonate metabolism isolated from Helichrysum italicum

Six acetophenones (1-6) and one gamma-pyrone (7), previously isolated from Helichrysum italicum, were tested for their ability to inhibit enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation, the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl-hydrazyl free radical, superoxide scavenging and arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, they were studied in different experimental models such as the chronic inflammation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), the phospholipase A(2)-induced mouse paw oedema test, the carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema test, and the writhing induced by acetic acid in the mouse. Of the assayed compounds, only 1 inhibited enzymatic lipid peroxidation but had no effect on non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation. None of them scavenged the superoxide radical. Study of the inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism demonstrated that 1 was an inhibitor of both cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, whereas 2 was a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. In the assay of phospholipase A(2)-induced mouse paw oedema, the gamma-pyrone derivative inhibited oedema formation, showing a similar profile to that obtained with cyproheptadine. The acetophenones were effective at 30 and 60 min. In the carrageenan test, acetophenone 1 gave the best results and had analgesic effects in the acetic acid writhing test. In conclusion acetophenone 1 (4-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)acetophenone) is a new dual inhibitor of arachidonate metabolism, and could be a useful tool for obtaining anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Effects of Helichrysum ceres extracts on renal function and blood pressure in the rat

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Helicrysum ceres root and leaf extracts on mean arterial blood pressure and renal fluid and electrolyte handling in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

Departments of Physiology and Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe.

SUBJECTS

Eight separate groups comprising of control and treated Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n =6 in each group) were anesthetized and placed on a continuous jugular infusion of 0.077 M NaCl at 150 microL min(-1). The left carotid artery was cannulated with polythene tubing and then connected to a pressure transducer for blood pressure measurements. After 3 h equilibration period, consecutive 20 min urine collections and blood pressure measurements were made over the subsequent 4 h of 1 h 20 min control, 1 h treatment and I h 40 min post-equilibration periods for measurements of urine flow and Na+ and K+ excretion rates. Helichrysum ceres leaf extracts at 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 microg min(-1) roots 0.3, 3 and 6 microg min(-1) were added to the infusate during the treatment period. To establish whether the extracts had activities comparable to drugs already in use, a separate group of animals was administered furosemide (0.12 microg min(-1)) during the treatment period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hypotension, Natriuresis and Diuresis.

RESULTS

Infusion of graded doses of aqueous leaf extracts of Helicrysum ceres provoked an increase in urine flow rates but did not achieve statistical significance. However, the extracts produced dose dependent decrease in potassium excretion as well as increases in urinary Na+ outputs and diuresis. Administration of the various doses of aqueous root extracts of Helicrysum ceres significantly increased urine flow rate and urinary Na+ excretion in all groups. The intravenous (i.v.) administration of the aqueous root or leaf extracts of Helichrysum ceres significantly depressed mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). The diuretic and natriuretic effects of plant extracts were not significantly different to that of furosemide.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that oral administration to rats of aqueous crude Helicrysum ceres root or leaves extracts induce hypotension and natriuresis.

[The composition of the antimicrobial substances in arenarin]

It has been established by the studies on the composition of arenarine that the previously identified high-active substance is not an individual one but consists of seven active components. Certain properties of these components are presented.