Ksenija Durgo

• PhD
• Professor (Associate) at University of Zagreb

To determine the optimal conditions of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of polyphenols from black chokeberry leaves (BCL), temperature, time and sample-to-solvent ratio (SSR) were varied to obtain maximum polyphenols yield. The extracts were analyzed for total polyphenols (TP) as well as individual ones (U...

In the context of revitalizing the use of traditional plant species as remarkable sources of bioactive compounds, the determination of their biological effects is of utmost importance. Among Lamiaceae species, Teucrium montanum (Mountain Germander) represents understudied Mediterranean plant species; it is rich in polyphenols, which are well-studie...

The aim of this work was to examine the polyphenol content in Castanea sativa leaf extracts and to determine their antioxidant and antigenotoxic effect. The antioxidant activity of extracts and main components were determined by the application of spectophotometric and electronic spin resonance methods of capturing DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl rad...

The link between environmental pollution and obesity is of high importance, because understanding the relationship between the two can provide valuable insights into the complex factors contributing to the obesity epidemic. These chemicals, termed "obesogens," are believed to disrupt lipid metabolism processes, therefore promoting the development o...

Glechoma hederacea L., known as ground ivy, has a long history of use in folk medicine. The main bioactive compounds in ground ivy are polyphenolic compounds known for their potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and thus have high potential as functional ingredients against bacterial infections and the occurrence of chronic diseases assoc...

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Arbutus unedo L. fruits for the production of functional foods by three-dimensional printing (3DP). First, the biological activity of the fruits was investigated in vitro, followed by 3DP with different starch types and proportions using two 3DP programs. All 3DP samples were characterized for the...

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Web.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) are treasured botanicals with a long usage history in traditional herbal practices worldwide. Dandelion was used to treat kidney, spleen, and liver disease, as well as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and bacterial infections, whereas ro...

In the present study, water extracts from banana and red beetroot peels were evaluated as a potential source of biologically active compounds for the formulation of edible films. Using spectrophotometric and HPLC-DAD methodologies, banana peel extract was found to be a valuable source of dopamine (156.08 mg L−1), while red beetroot peel extract was...

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey (STH), also known as “bitter honey”, is a traditional medicine widely used in the Mediterranean area. Regardless of geographical origin, it usually has a very high content of phenolic compounds and strong antioxidant capacity. Yet, little is still known about the effects of STH, its phenolic extract (STHE),...

Research background: Oral microbiota has become an important factor in obesity, but its association with obesity-related diseases and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and B complex amounts is still uncertain. The main aim of the paper is to determine the variation in oral microbiota composition as a response to the vitamin status and obesity-r...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (bearberry) is a well-known traditional herbal plant used as a urinary tract disinfectant. Its antiseptic and diuretic properties can be attributed to hydroquinone, obtained by hydrolysis of arbutin. Aim of the study This study aimed to determine the toxic profile of free hydroqui...

This study assessed genotoxic profile of strawberry tree honey extract (STHE) (i.e. extracted phenolic fraction of STH) and its potential protective effects against cytogenetic damage induced by the anticancer drug irinotecan (IRI) in human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. Isolated lymphocytes were exposed for 2 h to three different concentrations...

This study assessed genotoxic profile of strawberry tree honey extract (STHE) (i.e. extracted phenolic fraction of STH) and its potential protective effects against cytogenetic damage induced by the anticancer drug irinotecan (IRI) in human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro. Isolated lymphocytes were exposed for 2 h to three different concentrations...

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey (STH), a typical product of Mediterranean region, is a reach source of bioactive compounds that possess strong antioxidant activity. This study examined the phenolic profile, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of STH from the town of Vrgorac (southern Croatia) and evaluated the protective...

Interactions of two newly synthesized and six previously reported benzoxanthene lignans (BXLs), analogues of rare natural products, with DNA/RNA, G-quadruplex and HSA were evaluated by a set of spectrophotometric methods. Presence/absence of methoxy and hydroxy groups on the benzoxanthene core and minor modifications at C-1/C-2 side pendants – pres...

The nutritional and bioactive content of banana and red beetroot peels was investigated. The basic macrocomponent composition was determined using standard AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) methods, while the recovery efficiency of bioactive compounds was investigated using conventional and innovative extraction techniques (subcrit...

Background: We evaluated the functional capacity of plantaricin-producing Lactobacillus plantarum SF9C and S-layer-carrying Lactobacillus brevis SF9B to withstand gastrointestinal transit and to compete among the gut microbiota in vivo. Considering the probiotic potential of Lb. brevis SF9B, this study aims to investigate the antibacterial activit...

Currently we are faced with an ever-growing number of diagnosed carcinomas with cancers that affect the digestive system having dominance. Irinotecan (CPT-11), a semisynthetic analogue of camptothecin, is one of the most important antineoplastic drugs developed in the last decades primarily for use in the chemotherapy of metastatic colorectal cance...

Currently we are faced with an ever-growing number of diagnosed carcinomas with cancers that affect the digestive system having dominance. Irinotecan (CPT-11), a semisynthetic analogue of camptothecin, is one of the most important antineoplastic drugs developed in the last decades primarily for use in the chemotherapy of metastatic colorectal cance...

The aim was to explore the biological effect of nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti) ions released from dental alloys. NiTi alloy were exposed to 40 mL of artificial saliva (pH = 4.8, t = 37 °C). The dynamics of Ni and Ti ions release during corrosion were recorded on the 3th, 7th and 14th day. Biological effect of Ni and Ti ions released from alloy was e...

Waste landfills represent a global problem, which is more pronounced in developing countries because of the lack of resources to implement procedures that include separation and waste processing. The aim of this research was to analyze leachate and ground waters samples at the site, upstream and downstream from the landfill during different year se...

Three novel dehydrated wheat/rice cereal functional products with an addition of well documented probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12® (BB-12®) were developed in Podravka factory for the infants older than 4 months: instant rice cereal, instant rice cereal with fruits and instant wheat cereal with vanilla. Notably, the number of via...

The purpose of this work was to assess the risk to the environment arising from the electroplating sludge from both chemical and toxicological point of view. Both approaches were used for the assessment of the treatment efficiency which consisted of CaO based solidification followed by thermal treatment at 400°C. The elemental composition was deter...

The aim of this study was to evaluate protective effects of vitamin E (50 -150 μM) in ovary cells upon cytotoxic effects induced by two structurally distinct PCB congeners - planar „dioxin-like" PCB 77 and non-planar di-ortho-substituted PCB 153 with an emphasis on identifying differences in the mechanism of vitamin E action depending on the struct...

Consumer acceptability and sensory properties of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) were evaluated. Quantitation of total polyphenolics and glycyrrhizic acid (GA), as well as the antioxidant capacity of liquorice extracts, was conducted and their biological effects (cytotoxic, antioxidative/pro-oxidative activity, lipid peroxidation on human la...

Pursuant to the tendencies of producing functional foods, attractive to a wide range of consumers, in this study chocolates enriched with freeze dried (FD) and concentrated (CE) nettle extracts were formulated, and their polyphenolic and antioxidant capacity stability evaluated during 12 months of storage. A simple aqueous extraction procedure of n...

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of three wild populations of endemic Illyric-Balcanic species Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott have been evaluated with respect to plant organ and growing location. Multivariate analysis (principal component analysis) was performed to visualise (dis-)similarity among samples and identify the corr...

Herbal mixtures composed of blackberry leaf and natural sweeteners (dried apples, prunes, figs, raisins, apricots, carrot and sweet potato, stevia leaves and liquorice root) were developed. Their nutritive and bioactive profile, biological activity and sensory properties were determined. Formulated mixtures exhibited lower total polyphenol content...

In the European Union, β2-adrenergic agonists like clenbuterol and salbutamol are banned from use as growth promoters. Although clenbuterol and salbutamol both accumulate in the liver, differences in the accumulation rate can be seen among animal species due to different β2-adrenoreceptor distributions. The aim of this study was to compare the accu...

Abstract The bioactive composition and cytotoxic and antioxidative/prooxidative effects of four medicinal plants: yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.), and olive (Olea europea L.) on human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEp2) were investigated. Water extracts of these plants obtain...

The use of mushrooms contributes to human nutrition by providing low lipid content of lipids and high dietary fiber content, as well as significant content of other biologically active compounds such as polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenolic antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the content of polyphenols and polysaccharides, a...

The aim of this study was to see how a mixture of cadmium (Cd) and decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE209) affect thyroid function, namely thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (FT4), triiodothyronin (T3), and free triiodothyronin (FT3) in Wistar rats (eight per group) receiving either a single substance or their combinatio...

The aim of this study was to see how a mixture of cadmium (Cd) and decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE209) affect thyroid function, namely thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (FT4), triiodothyronin (T3), and free triiodothyronin (FT3) in Wistar rats (eight per group) receiving either a single substance or their combinatio...

In this article, the bioactive potential of red raspberry leaves, a by-product of this widely spread plant, mostly valued for its antioxidant-rich fruits, was determined. The polyphenolic profile and antioxidative properties of red raspberry leaf extract were determined and examined for potential biological activity. Cytotoxic effect, antioxidative...

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of the Quercetin/Lanthanum Complex on Human Cervical Carcinoma Cells In Vitro Quercetin is the main flavonoid in diet with a potential in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Due to its specific planar chemical structure, quercetin readily forms chelates with metal ions. Complexes...

The aim of this work was to assess the risk due to mercury (Hg), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (ndl PCBs) intake via fish consumption in Serbia. We have developed 24 scenarios using four concentration levels (mean, maximum, 50th and 95th percentile) of contaminants, determined in 521 samples of...

Genotoxic Effects of Green Tea Extract on Human Laryngeal Carcinoma Cells In Vitro Green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) contains several bioactive compounds which protect the cell and prevent tumour development. Phytochemicals in green tea extract (mostly flavonoids) scavenge free radicals, but also induce pro-oxidative reactions in the cell. In this st...

Polyphenolic profile and antioxidant properties of water extracts of milk, semisweet and dark chocolates, as well as cocoa liquor, were determined and examined for potential biological activity. Non-fat cocoa solids (NFCS), phenolic compounds content and the antioxidant capacity of cocoa product extracts were determined using UV/Vis spectrophotomet...

This work has been developed to examine the level of non-dioxin-like (ndl) PCBs (28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) in (a) ten different freshwater fish species from the Danube river, (b) two sampling points: up and downstream of the industrial zone of the city of Pancevo (ecological hot spot in Serbia) and (c) two time points i.e., in 2001 and 2006. O...

The ability of luteolin, kaempferol and apigenin to bind to calf thymus (ct)-DNA, mode of action and stability of flavonoids in buffer were investigated. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed a rapid degradation of apigenin in an aqueous medium, while kaempferol and luteolin were stable for 24h upon dissolution in water. Spectrophotometric study of...

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) represent group of persistant organic chemicals (POPs), usually used as flame retardant additives in a variety of matherials and commercial products. Since 2009, PBDEs have been placed on the list of POPs chemicals, covered by Stockholm convention which is aimed to limit or ban production, use, emission, impor...

Flavonoids are phytochemicals characterized by a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant activity, the ability to modulate enzyme or cell receptor activity pat-terns, and to interfere with essential biochemical pathways. Using HeLa cells of a human cervical carcinoma, and their drug-resistant HeLa CK subline, the effects of three...

Toxicological safety of new procedure for the neutralisation/purification of wastewater originated from zinc plating facility was investigated. Wastewater was treated with alkaline solid residue-by-product of zinc recovery from electric arc furnace dust. For determination of cytotoxic potential of untreated and purified wastewater MTT test on HEp2...

In this study we investigated cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects of different concentrations of wastewater from the phosphoric gypsum depot near the factory for fertilizing agents 'INA Petrokemija' (Kutina, Croatia). The Ames test was performed on Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, in the presence of S9 mix, glutathione and buff...

Leachates from landfill sites are the main origin of water pollution because of continuous exposure and flow of landfills to the water logging system, generates aqueous leachates which contaminate ground and surface water reservoirs. Two samples of landfill leachate from Rovinj landfill site were collected, analyzed and treated with powdered activa...

Growing problem in many European countries is environmental pollution with municipal and industry waste water. In this study we have investigated cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects of wastewater from the phosphoric gypsum depot near the factory for fertilizing agents, INA Petrokemija, Kutina. For determination of cytotoxic and mutagenic eff...

Summary Flavonoids are phytochemicals exhibiting a wide range of biological activities, among which are antioxidant activity, the ability to modulate activity of several enzymes or cell receptors and possibility to interfere with essential biochemical pathways. Using human laryngeal carcinoma HEp2 cells and their drug-resistant CK2 subline, we exam...

Toxicological safety of the new purification method for electroplating wastewaters (EWW) has been assessed. Method utilizes waste by-product ferrous sulfate and wood fly ash to scavenge heavy metals from EWW. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of all samples met the law requirements for safe depositing of waste into the environme...

Water extracts of the coagulant produced from red mud and waste base, and the waste mud remaining after waste water treatment by this new product, were studied in order to confirm its non-toxicity, prior to commercial production and usage and also to discover safe wasy for the handling and disposal of the remaining waste material. For the toxicity...

Heavy metals from industrial effluents present a dangerous contaminant of agricultural soil and drinking water. After thier introducing into the environment, heavy metals enter a food chain and cause health disturbance in plants and animals. In order to decrease leaching of heavy metals from industrial waste waters highly enriched in heavy metals,...

Water extracts genotoxicity of the coagulant produced from industrial waste (red mud and waste base) and its waste mud remained after waste water treatment by the coagulation/flocculation process were studied. Tests were conducted in order to confirm nontoxicity of this new product prior to commercial production and usage and also to recommend a sa...

Water extract the genotoxicity of the coagulant produced from red mud and waste base, and the waste mud remaining after waste water treatment by this new product, were studied in order to confirm its non-toxicity, prior to commercial production and usage and also to discover a safe way for the handling and disposal of the remaining waste material....

The physical, chemical and genotoxic properties of the activated red mud and its waste mud remained after waste water treatment were studied. The sequential leaching of waste mud under different conditions was investigated, as well as the toxic effect of its water extract, in order to discover a safe way for the handling and disposal of this waste...

Background and Purpose: The major problem in cancer chemotherapy is the ability of tumor cells to develop resistance to anti-cancer drugs. In attempt to overcome drug-resistance, various compounds have been tested. Among them are plant compounds of Brassicaceae family. In the present study we examined the effect of cauliflower's extract and its act...

Disposal of the dredged material from the harbour to the sea bottom represents a route through which many contaminants could be transported towards the open sea and enter to the food chain. In this study, five sediment samples were taken from different depths and locations within Plomin bay (Istria Peninsula, Northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Water...

Disposal of the dredged material from the harbour to the sea bottom represents a route through which many contaminants could be transported towards the open sea and enter to the food chain. In this study, five sediment samples were taken from different dcpths and locations within Plomin bay (Istria Peninsula. Northcrn Adriatic Sea. Croatia). Water...

Disposal of the dredged material fromthe harbour to the sea bottom represents a route through which many contaminants could be transported towards the open sea and enter to the food chain. Inthis study, five sediment samples were taken from different depths and locations within Plomin bay ( Istria, Peninsula, Northern Adriatic sea, Croatia). Water...

Disposal of the dredged material from the harbor to the sea bottom represents a route through which many contaminants could be transported towards open sea and enter the food chain. In this study, five sediment samples were taken from different depths and locations within the Plomin bay (Istria Peninsula, Northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Water sedi...

Background and purpose: Glucosinolates are secondary plant metabolites widely distributed in plants of Cruciferae family (eg. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage). It has been shown that these natural plant compounds can be easily hydrolyzed to produce a range of physiologically active agents (isothiocyanates, nitriles and thiocyanates...

Antimutagenic effect of indole glucosinolates from Cruciferae family on 1-aminoanthracene-induced mutagenicity in prokaryotic test-sistem

Glucosinolates are secondary plant metabolites widely distributed in plants of Cruciferae family (e.g. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage). It has been shown that these naturally plant compounds can be easily hydrolyzed to produce a range of physiologically active agents (isothiocyanate, nitrile and thiocyanate), some of them with a s...