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Everlasting flower ( Helichrysum stoechas Moench) as a potential source of bioactive molecules with antiproliferative, antioxidant, antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties
Abstract
Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench is one of the scientific names of everlasting flower, which has traditionally been used as an ornamental, medicinal and food plant. The aim of this study was to identify the main phytochemical constituents as well as to evaluate the potential of this plant in terms of antioxidant, antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities. The phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract allowed for the identification of ten constituents mainly of phenolic nature and with chemosystematic relevance: two heterodimeric phloroglucinols, arzanol (1) and compound (3), one homodimeric α-pyrone, helipyrone (2), three phenolic acids, p-hydroxybenzoic (4), caffeic (5) and neochlorogenic (6) acids, one polymethoxylated and two glycosidic flavonoids, 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone (7), isoquercitrin (8) and quercetagetin-7-O-glucopyranoside (9) together with santinol B (10). Bioassays showed significant antioxidant and antiproliferative effects and for the first time the potential of Helichrysum stoechas to inhibit the MAO-A, AChE and TYR enzymes, as well as to exert anti-α-glucosidase and anti-dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activities.
... The cellular and molecular mechanisms and the safety profile of HSE were also investigated. was obtained from the inflorescences by cold maceration with MeOH as previously reported (Les et al., 2017 ...
... In particular, compound 1 with a [M+H] + = 381 was identified as bitalin A12-glucoside, since it showed a product ion at m/z 219, generated by the loss of a hexoside group (Judzentiene et al., 2022). Compound 31 with a [M+H] + = 345 was identified as 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone, since it generated two product ions at m/z 330 and 315, corresponding to the loss of two methyl groups (Les et al., 2017). ...
... which agrees with what has been previously described in the literature for the same extract (166.6 ± 20.1 mg GAE/g) (Les et al., 2017). ...
The prevalence of obesity is steadily rising, making safe and more efficient anti-obesity treatments an urgent medical need. Growing evidence correlates obesity and comorbidities, including anxiety and depression, with the development of a low-grade inflammation in peripheral and central tissues. We hypothesized that attenuating neuroinflammation might reduce weight gain and improve mood. We investigated the efficacy of a methanolic extract from Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (HSE), well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its main constituent arzanol (AZL). HPLC-ESI-MS2 and HPLC-UV were used to characterize the extract. HSE effects on mood and feeding behavior was assessed in mice. The mechanism of action of HSE and AZL was investigated in hippocampus samples and SH-SY5Y cells by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Oral administration of HSE for 3 weeks limited weight gain with no significant decrease in food intake. HSE produced an anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like phenotype comparable to diazepam and amitriptyline, respectively, in the absence of locomotor and cognitive impairments and induced neuroprotective effects in glutamate-exposed SH-SY5Y cells. A dose-dependent reduction of SIRT1 expression was detected in SH-SY5Y cells and in hippocampal samples from HSE-treated mice. The inhibition of the SIRT1-FoxO1 pathway was induced in the hypothalamus. Molecular docking studies proposed a mechanism of SIRT1 inhibition by AZL, confirmed by the evaluation of inhibitory effects on SIRT1 enzymatic activity. HSE limited weight gain and comorbidities through an AZL-mediated SIRT1 inhibition. These activities indicate HSE an innovative therapeutic perspective for obesity and associated mood disorders.
... H. stoechas has also shown a neuroprotective effect in both in vitro and in vivo assays [18,25] and analgesic effect in vivo [26]. It also has anti-tumorinegic actions as suggested by its inhibition of the proliferation of HeLa cells [18]. Recently, it has been shown to have a hypotensive effect by inducing vascular smooth muscle relaxation through endotheliumindependent and endothelium-dependent mechanisms [27]. ...
... The infusion or decoction of its flowers have been traditionally used over the years to improve some problems of the gastrointestinal (e.g., fullness, floating, hepatic and pancreatic disorders), cardiovascular (e.g., hypertension) and respiratory systems (e.g., influenza, flu, common cold), or as a diuretic, suggesting a possible role of this plant for preventing and treating urolithiasis [11,[13][14][15][16]. This wide range of therapeutic applications may be due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-tyrosinase, anti-acetylcholinesterase and antimicrobial activity demonstrated in vitro [17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. To our knowledge, it is only a clinical trial that used H. stoechas in combination with other plants in syrup to treat persisting cough in children, showing a reduction in the severity and duration of this symptom [24]. ...
... To our knowledge, it is only a clinical trial that used H. stoechas in combination with other plants in syrup to treat persisting cough in children, showing a reduction in the severity and duration of this symptom [24]. H. stoechas has also shown a neuroprotective effect in both in vitro and in vivo assays [18,25] and analgesic effect in vivo [26]. It also has anti-tumorinegic actions as suggested by its inhibition of the proliferation of HeLa cells [18]. ...
Functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGID) are worldwide prevalent conditions. Pharmacological treatments can be ineffective, leading the population to turn to herbal or traditional remedies. Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the Iberian Peninsula to treat digestive disorders, but its effects on gastrointestinal motility have not been scientifically demonstrated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antispasmodic effect of a polyphenolic extract of H. stoechas (HSM), its mechanism of action and its antioxidant activity. Isometric myography studies were performed in rat ileum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA) levels were measured in rat jejunum. HSM reduced the integrated mechanical activity of spontaneous contractions. In Ca2+-free medium, HSM reduced the concentration–response curve of CaCl2 similarly to verapamil. Pre-incubation with the extract blocked the contraction induced by Bay K8644, KCl and carbachol. L-NAME, ODQ, Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS, KT-5823, apamin, TRAM-34 and charybdotoxin reduced the relaxant effect of the extract on spontaneous contractions. MDA+4-HDA levels in LPS-treated tissue were reduced by the extract, showing antioxidant activity. In conclusion, HSM showed antispasmodic activity through inhibition of Ca2+ influx, activation of the NO/PKG/cGMP pathway and opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. The results suggest that H. stoechas could help in the prevention or treatment of FGIDs.
... The pharmacological profile of Helichrysum arenarium (also known as "Sandy everlasting", "Dwarf everlasting", "Immortelle", and "Siminoc" in popular Romanian folklore) has recently been improved by new research. This has pointed out supplementary effects besides stimulating the production and circulation of bile secretion by identifying the primary phytochemical ingredients [1]. The antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties of this plant species were investigated in order to obtain novel therapeutic products. ...
... In terms of the extraction methods utilized to acquire the flavonoid complex, the studies cited in the literature cover a wide range of plant species (Table 1) [1,18,[51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62]. The information on H. arenarium, on the other hand, is restricted to hypoalcoholic extracts used for research purposes regarding the actions of the components. ...
... In Europe, Helichrysi arenarii flos has long been known to have choleretic and cholagogue action, which is mentioned in the pharmacopeia as the only application of these flowers [2,[63][64][65]. In the last years, studies have proved the antioxidant properties of the sandy everlasting flowers and suggested that this plant could be a reliable source of potentially bioactive compounds capable of preventing metabolic or neurodegenerative diseases [1]. Several studies have been conducted to identify H. arenarium compounds with specific effects on living organisms. ...
Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench, belonging to the Asteraceae family, is known in traditional medicine for its diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the superiority of Helichrysum arenarium (sandy everlasting) over other known plants as a source of active pharmacological compounds used in complementary medicine to prevent digestive and hepatobiliary illnesses. Because the species exists both in spontaneous flora and in crops, this article highlights the development of a controlled culture of H. arenarium, following the reproducible quality of the plant as a biological material. The diversity of phytocompounds, especially well-characterized flavonoid extracts, and the differences between extraction procedures are discussed. Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities against human pathogens proved by different plant extracts and their mechanisms of action are analyzed. This study aims to contribute to the insufficient knowledge regarding the effects of Helichrysum species and to reveal that their extracts can be a valuable source for new active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Keywords: Helichrysum arenarium; cultivation methods; traditional uses; phytochemistry; choleretic and cholagogue activities; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
... The preparation of methanolic H. stoechas extract was previously described [12], and a plant voucher was deposited at the Universidad San Jorge herbarium (ref. . The phenolic profile of this extract was previously determined [12] (see Introduction). ...
... The preparation of methanolic H. stoechas extract was previously described [12], and a plant voucher was deposited at the Universidad San Jorge herbarium (ref. . The phenolic profile of this extract was previously determined [12] (see Introduction). ...
... H. stoechas (L.) Moench is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various pathologies, and especially those of the cardiovascular system. Until now, in vitro studies have shown that this plant has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and antimicrobial capacity as well as antiproliferative and antidiabetic effects [12]. Recently, neuroprotective effects were observed in in vitro and in vivo studies [12,27]. ...
Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (H. stoechas) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the Iberian Peninsula to treat different disorders such as arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular effects of a polyphenolic methanolic extract of H. stoechas, which has high antioxidant activity, and its mechanism of action. Isometric myography studies were performed in an organ bath with rat aortic rings with intact endothelium. The H. stoechas extract produced vasorelaxation in the aortic rings that were precontracted by phenylephrine or KCl. L-NAME and Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS but not indomethacin or H-89; it also reduced the relaxant response evoked by H. stoechas extract on the phenylephrine-induced contractions. H. stoechas extract reduced the response to CaCl2 similar to verapamil and reduced the phenylephrine-induced contractions comparable with heparin. TRAM-34, apamin and glibenclamide reduced relaxation induced by the H. stoechas extract. The combination of L-NAME+TRAM-34+apamin almost completely inhibited the H. stoechas-induced effect. In conclusion, the relaxant effect of the H. stoechas extract is partially mediated by endothelium through the activation of the NO/PKG/cGMP pathway and the opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Furthermore, the decrease in the cytosolic Ca2+ by the inhibition of Ca2+ influx through the L-type Ca2+ channels and by the reduction of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via the IP3 pathway is also involved.
... The plant is well adapted to environments that lack water as it naturally grows on alkaline, dry, sandy and poor soil at the altitude from the sea level up to 2200 m [6]. The Helichrysum Miller genus includes more than a thousand of taxa, among them the most well-known and studied species are Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don [7] (Figure 1), Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench [8], and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench [9]. H. italicum and H. stoechas are distributed throughout the Mediterranean [10] but are especially characteristic to Adriatic Plants 2021, 10, 1738 2 of 17 region [11] and Iberian Peninsula [12], respectively, whereas H. arenarium is mostly found in the Central Europe [9,10]. ...
... H. italicum and H. stoechas are distributed throughout the Mediterranean [10] but are especially characteristic to Adriatic Plants 2021, 10, 1738 2 of 17 region [11] and Iberian Peninsula [12], respectively, whereas H. arenarium is mostly found in the Central Europe [9,10]. Despite the long tradition in treatment of various disorders for all three before-mentioned species, their traditional use for treating digestive problems (e.g., fullness and bloating) has been approved by the WHO and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the species H. arenarium alone [8]. Nevertheless, H. italicum has been recently investigated quite extensively, especially in the Balkan countries. ...
... Iberian Peninsula [12], respectively, whereas H. arenarium is mostly found in the Central Europe [9,10]. Despite the long tradition in treatment of various disorders for all three before-mentioned species, their traditional use for treating digestive problems (e.g., fullness and bloating) has been approved by the WHO and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the species H. arenarium alone [8]. Nevertheless, H. italicum has been recently investigated quite extensively, especially in the Balkan countries. ...
Helichrysum italicum is a Mediterranean plant with various pharmacological activities. Despite extensive reports on the bioactivity of the plant, its clinically studied applications have not yet been reviewed. The aim of our study was to gather information on the internal use of H. italicum and its bioactive constituents to determine its efficacy and safety for human use. We reviewed research articles that have not been previously presented in this context and analyzed relevant clinical studies with H. italicum. Cochranelibrary.com revealed six eligible clinical trials with H. italicum that examined indications for pain management, cough, and mental exhaustion. Although the efficacy of H. italicum has been demonstrated both in in vitro tests and in humans, it is difficult to attribute results from clinical trials to H. italicum alone, as it has usually not been tested as the sole component. On the other hand, clinical trials provide positive information on the safety profile since no adverse effects have been reported. We conclude that H. italicum is safe to use internally, while new clinical studies with H. italicum as a single component are needed to prove its efficacy. Based on the recent trend in H. italicum research, further studies are to be expected.
... Traditionally, an infusion of FL and AP of this plant has been used to treat disorders such as influenza and cold, fever, and nervousness, as well as a diuretic and to treat gallbladder, urinary bladder, digestive, and pancreatic problems. 50,127,128 Regarding the chemical composition, some compounds have been identified in this plant, including F, chalcones, phloroglucinol derivatives, EO, α-pyrones, and Te. 129 Several biological studies have described that H. stoechas possess antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-tyrosinase, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and anti-dipeptidyl peptidase-4 properties. ...
... 129 Several biological studies have described that H. stoechas possess antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-tyrosinase, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and anti-dipeptidyl peptidase-4 properties. 50,127 Among the reported bioactivities of H. stoechas, the antioxidant property is the most analyzed. For example, methanolic extracts of H. stoechas FL and leafy stems were evaluated by means of the total antioxidant capacity, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, FRAP and chelating power, and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. ...
... 131 With regard to antitumor activity, a methanolic extract of this plant inhibits the proliferation of HeLa cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. 127 Finally, H. stoechas inhibited enzymes related to the central nervous system and neurotransmitter metabolism, such as acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, and tyrosinase, suggesting that H. stoechas exhibits a neuroprotective action. 50,127 ...
Traditional plants have been used in the treatment of disease and pain due to the beneficial properties from the antioxidant, anti-inflammation, analgesic and antibiotic activities. Asteraceae family is one of the most common groups of plants used in folk medicine. The species Achillea millefolium, Arnica montana, Bellis perennis, Calendula officinalis, Chamaemelum nobile, Eupatorium cannabinum, Helichrysum stoechas and Taraxacum officinale have been used in different remedies in the North West region of Spain. Besides the health beneficial properties, some of them like Chamaemelum nobile and Helichrysum stoechas are already employed in cooking and culinary uses, like cocktails, desserts and savory dishes. This study aimed to review the current information of the nutritive and beneficial properties and bioactive compounds of these plants which are not mainly used as foods but are possible candidates for this purpose. The report highlights their current uses and their suitability for the development of new functional food industrial applications. Phenolic compounds, essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones are some of the most important compounds, being related to different bioactivities. Thus, they could be interesting for the development of new functional foods.
... Edible flowers have shown antitumor potential associated with their content in phenolic compounds and their actions on cycle regulation, apoptosis-related proteins, protein kinases, growth and transcription factors, and inflammation mediators, among others (Matić et al., 2013). A wide variety of edible flowers and extract types have been screened in different cancer cell lines (Jdir et al., 2016;Kashif et al., 2015;Lee, Lee, & Choung, 2011;Les et al., 2017;Matić et al., 2013;Miceli et al., 2020;Ombra, D'Acierno, Nazzaro, & Fratianni, 2019;Sagdic et al., 2013;Telkoparan Akillilar, Tuglu, & Shomali Moghaddam, 2018). Cytotoxicity was found to be directly related to the phenolic content (Kucekova, Mlcek, Humpolicek, & Rop, 2013). ...
... Currently, the most established approach to treat AD is the inhibition of the cholinesterase enzyme, preventing the breakdown of ACh (National Institute on Aging, 2018). Methanolic extracts of some edible flowers, such as Nymphaea pubescens (Acharya, Dutta, Chaudhury, & De, 2018), Helichrysum stoechas (Les et al., 2017), C. cyanus or Anthyllis vulneraria (Nowicka & Wojdyło, 2019) and ethanolic extracts of Tagetes erecta (Moliner et al., 2018) and V. wittrockiana (Moliner et al., 2019) flowers exhibited an inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro (Acharya et al., 2018;Les et al., 2017;Moliner et al, 2018Moliner et al, , 2019Nowicka & Wojdyło, 2019). That inhibitory effect was also found against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) for some flower extracts, but this effect was stronger against AChE than against BuChE (Nowicka & Wojdyło, 2019). ...
... Currently, the most established approach to treat AD is the inhibition of the cholinesterase enzyme, preventing the breakdown of ACh (National Institute on Aging, 2018). Methanolic extracts of some edible flowers, such as Nymphaea pubescens (Acharya, Dutta, Chaudhury, & De, 2018), Helichrysum stoechas (Les et al., 2017), C. cyanus or Anthyllis vulneraria (Nowicka & Wojdyło, 2019) and ethanolic extracts of Tagetes erecta (Moliner et al., 2018) and V. wittrockiana (Moliner et al., 2019) flowers exhibited an inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro (Acharya et al., 2018;Les et al., 2017;Moliner et al, 2018Moliner et al, , 2019Nowicka & Wojdyło, 2019). That inhibitory effect was also found against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) for some flower extracts, but this effect was stronger against AChE than against BuChE (Nowicka & Wojdyło, 2019). ...
Background
The consumption of edible flowers has increased in recent years because of their wide use in gastronomy as a decorative element or as an ingredient in dishes. In addition to influencing texture, taste or appearance, flowers are rich in bioactive compounds.
Scope and approach
This review focuses on the composition and nutritional features of edible flowers and their extracts, and their health benefits related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes, obesity, in addition to their hepatoprotective and microbicidal effects. The mechanisms though which some of them exert their effects and the specific compounds associated with these effects have also been addressed.
Key findings and conclusions
Edible flowers have a high content in phenolic compounds and a high antioxidant capacity, property that confers positive effects on oxidative stress-related diseases. Some extracts based on edible flowers exert hepato-, neuro- or cardioprotective actions. Anticancer properties, improvements in metabolic disorders and microbiocidal effects even in multidrug-resistant bacteria have also been attributed to some edible flowers or their extracts. Most of the studies have been performed in vitro, so further assays in in vivo models are needed. Additionally, it would be important to elucidate the mechanisms by which these observed effects are performed. In conclusion, edible flowers could be used as a new approach for the development of nutraceutical products or functional foods.
... A recent study showed the inhibitory activity of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench methanolic extract on monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which is a well-known enzyme with an important role in maintaining the normal function of several modulators of the central nervous system (CNS) that are involved in behavior, pain and cognitive functions [17]. MAO-A inhibitors have been generally used for the treatment of mood disorders, in particular as antidepressant agents [18] and several studies have reported that the effect of MAO-A inhibitors in increasing ERK activation may be an important reason for their pharmacological activity. ...
... Indeed, only its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties have been studied [25]. Recently, Les et al. [17] reported the in vitro dose-dependent inhibition of MAO-A enzyme activity, which is an important target in the management of mood disorders [18], using a chemically characterized Helichrysum stoechas methanolic extract (HSE). For this reason, the aim of this work was to investigate the potential effect of the above-mentioned extract in the management of anxiety-and depression-related symptoms in animal models. ...
... Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench methanolic extract (HSE) was obtained from the aerial parts, including flowers, by cold maceration with methanol as previously reported [17,43]. The solvent was removed by using rota-vaporing techniques. ...
The long-term use of anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs can cause a plethora of side effects and the use of complementary and alternative medicine, which is generally considered safer than conventional medicine, is consistently increasing. Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench methanolic extract (HSE) has shown MAO-A inhibitory properties in previous studies. With the aim of obtaining innovative and safer therapies for mood disorders, this study investigated the potential activity of HSE in the management of anxiety- and depression-related symptoms. HSE showed dose-dependent (30–100 mg/kg p.o.) anxiolytic-like activity in the light dark box and marble burying tests, without any antidepressant-like activity, as shown by the results of the tail suspension test. Additionally, HSE did not have any effect on the modulation of pain, which highlights its selectivity in the control of anxiety-related behavior. At active doses, HSE did not produce any sedative effect or result in impaired motor coordination and memory functions. Western blotting experiments showed the ability of HSE to counteract the reduction in the phosphorylation of ERK44/42, to restore brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and to return cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) levels to basal levels in noradrenergic hippocampal neurons of mice exposed to an anxiety-related environment, which indicates a protective role against anxiety behavior. These results suggest that oral administration of HSE might represent an interesting opportunity for the management of anxiety disorders.
... In the Spanish folk medicine, H. stoechas is used for mitigation of inflammatory complications, for wound healing , to soothe toothache, manage urologic and digestive disorders [2]. Other traditional medicinal uses of H. stoechas includes the treatment of influenza, nervousness, and pancreatic problems [6]. ...
... Scientific studies have focused on the biological potential H. stoechas and reported its anti-α-glucosidase, anti-tyrosinase, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and antioxidant activities [6]. Hydroalcoholic extract of H. stoechas has been identified as promising candidates for the cosmetic industry. ...
... Arzanol, α-pyrone, helipyrone, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, isoquercitrinand, quercetagetin-7-O-glucopyranoside, and santinol B have been isolated from the J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f methanolic extracts of H. stoechas. [6]. The capitula of H. stoechas extracted with 70% ethanol () showed significant amounts of phenolic acids (chlorogenic and quinic acid and their derivatives) as well as other polyphenols such as quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin glucosides, and tetrahydroxychalcone-glucoside [8]. ...
We endeavoured to probe into and compare the possible effect(s) of different extraction techniques (accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonication-assisted extraction (UAE), maceration, and Soxhlet extraction (SE)) on the bioactivity (antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities) of the aerial parts of Helichrysum stoechas subsp. barrelieri (Ten.) Nyman. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts obtained by different extraction methods followed the order of ASE > MAE > UAE > maceration > SE. Extract obtained by ASE was the most potent radical scavenger (219.92 and 313.12 mg Trolox equivalent [TE]/g, against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), respectively) and reducing agent (927.39 and 662.87 mg TE/g, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), respectively). Helichrysum stoechas extract obtained by UAE (18.67 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic equivalent [EDTAE]/g) was the most active metal chelator and inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (4.23 mg galantamine equivalent [GALAE]/g) and butyrylcholinesterase (6.05 mg GALAE/g) cholinesterase. Extract from maceration (183.32 mg kojic acid equivalent [KAE]/g) was most active against tyrosinase while ASE extract (1.66 mmol acarbose equivalent [ACAE]/g) effectively inhibited α-glucosidase. In conclusion, data amassed herein tend to advocate for the use of non-conventional extraction techniques, namely ASE and UAE, for the extraction of bioactive secondary metabolites from H. stoechas aerial parts.
... •-) scavenging activity assay, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation inhibition assay, as well as oxidative hemolysis inhibition (OxHLIA) assay. All protocols were extensively described previously (Les et al., 2017;Martins et ...
... The enzyme-inhibitory capacity of extracts was assessed considering different enzymes, namely α-glucosidase (α-Glu), tyrosinase (Tyr), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and pancreatic lipase, using in vitro methods, as fully and comprehensively described in previous works Les et al., 2017;Gowri et al., 2007). ...
This study examined the phytochemical profiles (mainly phenolics, carotenoids, and organosulfur compounds) and biological effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Allium flavum (AF), a species of the Allium genus commonly known as small yellow onion. Unsupervised and supervised statistical approaches revealed clear differences between extracts prepared with samples collected from different areas of Romania. Overall, the AFFF (AF flowers collected from Făget) extract was the best source of polyphenols, also showing the highest antioxidant capacity evaluated through both in vitro DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC anti-radical scavenging assays and cell-based OxHLIA and TBARS assays. All the tested extracts exhibited α-glucosidase inhibition potential, while only the AFFF extract exhibited anti-lipase inhibitory activity. The phenolic subclasses annotated were positively correlated with the assessed antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Our findings suggested that A. flavum has bioactive properties worth exploring further, being a potential edible flower with health-promoting implications.
... In contrast to Helichrysum italicum, which has been extensively studied [1], only a few studies were conducted on H. stoechas [2]. They showed interesting biological activities of methanolic extracts from flowering aerial parts towards cosmetic [3] and pharmaceutical [4] applications, as well as in the food industry because of its antimicrobial potential and strong antioxidant capacity [5][6][7]. Recent data showed that powder or extract of H. stoechas had antifungal activity against plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiurum, opening new perspectives in the field of agro ecology [8]. ...
... However, a stimulating effect of elicitation on phytotoxic activity on cress root growth was observable for extract concentrations in the range from 0.31 to 0.83 mg.mL -1 ( Table 2, values in bold), with an inhibition rate being for each extract concentration 8% greater with MeJa-elicited than with non-elicited cells extracts. 4: Root (R) and hypocotyl (H) lengths for each batch were standardized by subtracting their batch average and dividing the difference by their batch standard deviation. The "batch" effect was therefore corrected, which allowed a fair comparison between the three batches. ...
... This species has been used in European folk medicine as a choleretic, hepatoprotective, and detoxication agents (Czinner et al., 2000). Based on traditional knowledge, a preparation from flowers of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench in the form of infusion or decoction has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of digestive problems including fullness and bloating (Neves et al., 2009;Les and Venditti, 2017). Table 1 shows the application of different Helichrysum spp. in various traditional and folk systems of medicine. ...
... Research concerning pharmacological activities of everlasting flowers indicate that these plants have strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (Les and Venditti, 2017), antioxidant (Babotȃ et al., 2018), anti-atherosclerotic (Mao et al., 2017), anti-HIV (Heyman et al., 2015), and anti-tuberculosis (Skvortsova et al., 2015;Chinsembu, 2016) activities. Moreover, phytochemical studies show that phenolic compounds including different types of free and glycosylated flavonoids and phenolic acids are the main classes of secondary metabolites in this genus (Gouveia and Castilho, 2011;Mari et al., 2014;Pereira et al., 2017). ...
Tropical diseases such as leishmaniosis constitute a major health concern in developing countries. Multiresistance of pathogens against classical antibiotics is a growing problem in treating infectious diseases. Thus, the search for new antibiotics is an urgent challenge. Helichrysum spp., mainly distributed in African countries, have been used in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of several disorders including infectious diseases such as protozoal problems. In an ongoing project on the beneficial effects of Helichrysum spp., we aim to investigate and compare the anti-protozoal activities and phytochemical components of Helichrysum oligocephalum DC. and Helichrysum leucocephalum Ausfeld. Previously, we discovered pyrone and phloroglucinol derivatives as the active anti-protozoal components in Helichrysum oocephalum Boiss. [IC50 values 5.08 µg/mL and 4.01 µg/mL against Leishmania donovani and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively for dichloromethane (DCM) fraction]. As the former plants also showed similar activities to some extent [IC50 values 5.19 µg/mL and 5.42 µg/mL against L. donovani and P. falciparum respectively for DCM fraction of H. oligocephalum, IC50 value 3.8 µg/mL against P. falciparum for DCM fraction of H. leucocephalum], we decided to compare the metabolite profiles of those plants with H. oocephalum for dereplication purposes. A sensitive method coupling high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode-array detector (PDA) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) was optimized for separation and metabolite profiling. The LC-ESIMS metabolite profiles of the fractions from the plants were compared by applying a two-step workflow using an ACD/MS workbook suite add-in, and data clustering on an open-source web platform freeclust. The metabolites were identified by NMR and LC-PDA-ESIMS techniques. The metabolites can be categorized into major types namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, pyrone, and phloroglucinol derivatives. Phloroglucinol derivatives were mainly present in DCM fractions. DCM extract of H. oligocephalum showed the most similar profile to our previously studied extract of H. oocephalum and seems to be even much richer in pyrone and phloroglucinol derivatives. The data could emphasize the potential of Helichrysum spp. for the treatment of infectious diseases. However, more studies on the other species around the world are needed to have a much better insight.
... H. arenarium has long been used in traditional medicine as an herbal tea for the treatment of various health-related problems such as fever and nervousness, as well as gall-bladder and urinary-tract diseases. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have officially approved the use of H. arenarium infusions and tinctures for the treatment of digestive disorders (Akaberi et al., 2019;Les et al., 2017). Many scientific studies show that H. arenarium is a rich source of essential oils, volatile acids and fatty acids as well as various phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins and ligno-flavonoids (Akaberi et al., 2019;Albayrak et al., 2010;Les et al., 2017;Liu et al., 2019;Pljevljakušić et al., 2018). ...
... Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have officially approved the use of H. arenarium infusions and tinctures for the treatment of digestive disorders (Akaberi et al., 2019;Les et al., 2017). Many scientific studies show that H. arenarium is a rich source of essential oils, volatile acids and fatty acids as well as various phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins and ligno-flavonoids (Akaberi et al., 2019;Albayrak et al., 2010;Les et al., 2017;Liu et al., 2019;Pljevljakušić et al., 2018). To date, nearly 40 different flavonoids have been identified in the H. arenarium inflorescence, out of which the chalcone isosalipurposide and the isomers of flavanone naringenin are the dominant ones (Akaberi et al., 2019;Babotȃ et al., 2018;Jarzycka et al., 2013;Pljevljakušić et al., 2018). ...
In the present study, an analytical methodology based on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is demonstrated as an environmentally friendly protocol for the isolation of valuable phenolic compounds from inflorescences of Helichrysum arenarium L. For this purpose, 11 different NADESs containing choline chloride and selected hydrogen bond donors, including organic acids, polyols, sugars and an amide, were tailored and evaluated based on the content of individual compounds determined by HPLC-PDA-MS n. Choline chloride-lactic acid based NADES (NADES 1) showed the most promising extraction effi-ciencies for flavonoids (15.34 ± 0.10 mg g − 1) and phenolic acids (5.10 ± 0.12 mg g − 1) as the efficiencies were comparable to those obtained with 80 % methanol (15.60 ± 0.09 mg g − 1 and 5.32 ± 0.18 mg g − 1 , respectively) and up to 54 % higher compared to water (9.94 ± 0.13 mg g − 1 and 5.47 ± 0.22 mg g − 1). Furthermore, three essential parameters of the proposed NADES 1 methodology (UAE time, water content in NADES, and NADES hydrogen donor/acceptor molar ratio) were optimized by Box-Behnken experimental design. Based on the statistically evaluated results the following conditions were determined to be optimal: an UAE time of 85 min, 38 % water in NADES 1, and a molar ratio of choline chloride:lactic acid of 1:4. The developed approach allows easy transfer of the proposed methodology to large-scale extraction, enabling clean production with minimal environmental impact.
... Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that H. stoechas have been used to treat flu, common cold, wound healing, digestive disorders and many other medical issues (Barroso et al., 2014;Zengin et al., 2020). Also, this plant showed many biological properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, as well as certain medicinal activities, including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and antiallergic (Carini et al., 2001;Les et al., 2017;Zengin et al., 2020). The phytochemical studies of H. stoechas revealed a variety of secondary metabolites, including phenolic, flavonoids and terpenoids (Al-Rehaily et al., 2008). ...
... Indeed, it has been reported that quercetin and luteolin, two flavonoids present in the studied extracts, exhibited higher superoxide scavenging activity (Fazilatun et al., 2004). Moreover, Les et al. (2017) reported the potential superoxide scavenging effect of the Helichrysum stoechas methanolic extract. ...
The present study was aimed to investigate the phenolic composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethyl acetate (EAE) and n-butanol (BuE) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench. Both extracts are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids with a wealth more marked for EAE. The LC-ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of many important phenolics such as isoquercitrin, rutin, ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid. The extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the croton oil-induced ear œdema and the neutrophil migration in carrageenan-induced air pouch model. These extracts stabilized erythrocytes membrane and inhibited protein denaturation. In addition, both extracts exerted antioxidant effect by scavenging superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, they exerted a significant protective effect against AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis. Results obtained in the present study indicate that H. stoechas can be a potential source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
... Inhibitory potential of the extracts on some key enzymes involved in neurological, metabolic and skin-related diseases was tested using in vitro assays adapted to a microplate reader. Hence, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory properties (related to neuroprotective potential of the extracts) were investigated using protocols described by Menghini et al. [26] and Les et al. [27] using Ellman's method with slight changes. The sample solution (2 mg/mL, 50 μL) was mixed with Ellman's reagent DTNB (5,5-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic) acid, 125 μL) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in buffer (Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 25 μL). ...
... The antidiabetic properties of the three Salvia extracts were tested based on their in vitro inhibitory capacity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase [25,27]. In α-amylase assay, sample solutions (2 mg/mL, 25 μL) were premixed with the α-amylase solution (50 μL) in phosphate buffer (pH 6.9) ...
Even though Salvia genus is one of the most known and studied taxa of Lamiaceae family, the knowledge regarding the chemical composition and health-related benefits of some locally used Salvia species (mostly endemic) is still scarce. In this regard, the present work aims to evaluate the chemical profile and potential bioactivities of 70% (v/v) ethanolic extracts obtained from the less-studied S. transsylvanica and S. glutinosa in comparison with S. officinalis. HPLC-PDA analysis revealed the presence of rutin and catechin as the main compounds in the extracts of the three studied species (using the employed HPLC method), whereas the presence of naringenin was highlighted only in S. glutinosa extract. Chlorogenic acid, rutin and quercetin were identified and quantified for the first time in S. transsylvanica extracts. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of each extract was tested through complementary methods (phosphomolybdenum assay, DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP assays), and correlated with the presence of phenolics (especially flavonoids) in high amounts. The neuroprotective and antidiabetic abilities of S. officinalis (the most active as AChE, BChE and α-glucosidase inhibitor), S. glutinosa (the most active as α-amylase inhibitor) and S. transsylvanica were also studied. For each extract it was determined the antimicrobial, antifungal and cytotoxic effects using in vitro assays. The obtained results confirm the potential of S. transsylvanica and S. glutinosa as promising sources of bioactive compounds and as a starting point for further analyses.
... An outstanding number of more than a thousand species of Helichrysum Miller are reported. However, the following species have been subjected to detailed examination: Helichrysum italicum [7], Helichrysum stoechas [8] and Helichrysum arenarium [9]. The Mediterranean region is where the first two given species are distributed the most [10]. ...
... In the study of Les et al. (20) which was done with the Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench plant, the basic phytochemical components of the plant were determined and evaluated in terms of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activities of this plant. As a result of the phytochemical analysis of the plant extract prepared with methanol, ten different components were identified, some of which include two heterodimeric phloroglucinol, oryzanol, one homodimeric α-pyron, three phenolic acids, p-hydroxybenzoic, 5,7-dihydroxy -3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, isoquerythrin. ...
Introduction: In this study, the cytotoxic activity of Helichrysum arenarium plant on various human cells were examined. Methods: Cytotoxicity results were found to be the most significant Helichrysum arenarium plant with DMSO extract ECV 304 (human endothelial cell line) and Ishikawa cells (human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) assay was performed. The most significant extract dose was determined according to the experimental results. Also, the essential oils of immortelle extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Cell viability and MDA levels were decreased by the extract of Helichrysum arenarium both in Ishikawa cells and ECV304 cells at the concentration level of 500 µg/mL. 2-Palmitoylglycerol and palmitic acids were found as the major essential oils in DMSO extracts of Helichrysum arenarium. Conclusion: Helichrysum arenarium may show an antioxidant activity in vitro.
... [ [261][262][263][264] Hypochaeris radicata Treatment of jaundice, rheumatism, and antibacterial, anti-fungal properties with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antihemolytic. ...
The Serra da Estrela Natural Park (NPSE) in Portugal stands out as a well-preserved region abundant in medicinal plants, particularly known for their pharmaceutical applications in diabetes prevention and treatment. This comprehensive review explores these plants' botanical diversity, traditional uses, pharmacological applications, and chemical composition. The NPSE boast a rich diversity with 138 medicinal plants across 55 families identified as traditionally and pharmacologically used against diabetes globally. Notably, the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families are prevalent in antidiabetic applications. In vitro studies have revealed their significant inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, and certain plant co-products regulate genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin secretion. In vivo trials have demonstrated antidiabetic effects, including glycaemia regulation, insulin secretion, antioxidant activity, and lipid profile modulation. Medicinal plants in NPSE exhibit various activities beyond antidiabetic, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and more. Chemical analyses have identified over fifty compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides responsible for their efficacy against diabetes. These findings underscore the potential of NPSE medicinal plants as antidiabetic candidates, urging further research to develop effective plant-based antidiabetic drugs, beverages, and supplements.
... It revealed additional effects by identifying primary phytochemical ingredients that stimulate bile secretion production and circulation. (Les et al., 2017). The antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties of Helichrysum species were investigated in order to obtain novel therapeutic products. ...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity in aqueous, 70% ethanolic and 80% methanolic extracts of Helichrysum arenarium inflorescences. Phytochemical screening was performed on the three extracts to detect the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, phytosterols and tannins. The total flavonoid content was determined by aluminium chloride colorimetric assay at 420 nm. Total phenol content was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent at 765 nm. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl- -picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. The results showed that among the three samples studied, the 70% ethanol extracts had the highest polyphenol and flavonoid values. Also, the antioxidant activity of the 70% ethanol extract was higher than that of the aqueous and 80% methanol extracts. The high content of phenols and flavonoids indicated that these compounds contribute to the antioxidant activity of Helichrysum arenarium. Phytochemical examination revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, phytosterols and tannins in all extracts.
... In this regard, analyzing the stability and repeatability of the occurrence of individual components would be an essential area of investigation. This subject has not been covered in the study presented herein or in other previous studies on H. stoechas [7][8][9][10][11], highlighting its potential as a line for further research. ...
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.
... Furthermore the double emulsion/evaporation microencapsulation method was applied to produce microspheres containing H. stoechas extract, which were further successfully incorporated into a moisturizer. Later, Les et al. 142 found a considerably different profile for a methanolic extract of the aerial parts of H. stoechas assessed via liquid chromatography with parallel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (LC-NMR-MS): two heterodimeric phloroglucinols (inclusive arzanol); one homodimeric α-pyrone (helipyrone); three phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, and neochlorogenic acids); one polymethoxylated and two glycosidic flavonoids (5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, isoquercitrin, and quercetagetin-7-O-glucopyranoside), besides to santinol B. Additionally the authors verified significant antioxidant and antiproliferative activities for the methanolic extract and, for the first time, reported the potential of H. stoechas to inhibit the monoamine oxidase a, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase enzymes, not to mention its anti-α-glucosidase and anti-dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activities. Silva et al. 140 reported that chlorogenic acid, cynarin, and arzanol were the main phenolic components of H. stoechas flowers and stems/leaves aqueous extracts with relevant antiacetylcholinesterase properties (IC 50 values of 260.7 and 654.8 μg mL − 1 , respectively). ...
... have potential pharmacological applications for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities (Mao et al., 2017;Taglialatela-Scafati et al., 2013). e most well-known and studied species in the genus are H. italicum (Antunes Viegas et al., 2014), H. stoechas (Les et al., 2017), and H. arenarium (Pljevljakušić et al., 2018). Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (Asteraceae) flower capitula is a popular medicinal herb used for its choleretic, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying properties (Pljevljakušić et al., 2018). ...
Compounds accumulated on the surface of plant tissues and structures like glandular trichomes and thin epicuticular layer are defined as exudate, external, superficial. ey exhibited important protective activities-antifungal, antibacterial, insect antifeedant, larvicidal, antiplasmodial, and UV protective. e exudate obtained from Helichrysum arenarium flowers was evaluated for its inhibitory activity on germination and initial radicle elongation of Lollium perrene seeds. e experiment was done in vitro in Petri dishes. e exudate, in water-acetone mixture (99.5:0.5), was assayed at concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mg/mL. e chemical composition of the exudate was analyzed by GC/MS. Exudate solution with 5 mg/mL concentration was found to cause more than 90% of seed germination inhibition. At the same concentration, complete inhibition of root growth was observed. e main bioactive component of exudate was identified as flavonoid aglycone-naringenin. e inhibitory activity of H. arenarium on seed germination was investigated for the first time in the present study.
... araxinum, and H. plicatum subsp. pseudoplicatum (Albayrak et al., 2010); p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, isoquercitrin, quersetagetin-7-O glucopyranoside in the methanol extract of Helichrysum stoechas Moench plant (Les et al., 2017). The solvent structure of ethanol can explain the high levels of the phenolic compounds detected in the ethanol extract and its ability to extract rutin and chlorogenic acid compounds more effectively than other polar solvents (Naczk and Shahidi, 2006). ...
This study aimed at the investigation of in vitro biological activities (antioxidant and enzyme inhibition) and phytochemical composition of various extracts (ethanol maceration, aqueous infusion, and aqueous decoction) obtained from leaf organs of Helichrysum pallasii, which has been traditionally used as herbal tea and medicine in Eastern Anatolia. Experimental analysis showed that ethanol-based extract had higher total phenolic content (TPC: 103 mg GAE/gE) and showed superior antioxidant potentials (FRAP: 2205 μmol Fe2+/gE; ORAC: 2540 μmol Trolox Eq./gE; DPPH: IC50=0.58 mg/ml; CUPRAC: IC50=0.37 mg/ml; Phosphomolybdenum: IC50=1.34 mg/ml ve metal chelation: IC50=1.42 mg/ml) and enzyme inhibition (Acetylcholinesterase: IC50=1.49 mg/ml; Butyrylcholinesterase: IC50=1.98 mg/ml; Tyrosinase: IC50=0.68 mg/ml; Alpha-amylase: IC50=2.09 mg/ml; Alpha-glucosidase: IC50=0.51 mg/ml; and Pancreatic lipase: IC50=42.5 μg/ml) and contained higher amounts of phenolic (chlorogenic acid isomers and rutin) and fatty acid (palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) compounds than traditional preparations (infusion and decoction). The current study's findings indicate that the leaves of the Helichrysum pallasii are a source of phytochemicals with strong antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, implying that it could be a candidate for biotherapeutic agent research and development.
... •− ), the xanthine/xanthine oxidase method [37] was used. Hence, 240 µL of a mixture consisting of xanthine, NBT and Na 2 CO 3 were added to 30 µL of the extract (re-dissolved in phosphate buffer, pH = 7.4, 100 mM, to obtain different dilutions between 0.975 and 1000 µg/mL) and 30 µL of 0.16 U/mL xanthine oxidase. ...
Wild thyme aerial parts (Serpylli herba) are recognized as a valuable herbal product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Although pharmacopoeial regulations allow its collection exclusively from Thymus serpyllum, substitution with other species is frequent in current practice. This study analyzed the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory and antimicrobial activity of the hydroethanolic extracts obtained from five Romanian wild thyme species (Thymus alpestris, T. glabrescens, T. panonicus, T. pulcherimus and T. pulegioides). The analysis of individual phenolic constituents was performed through LC-ESI-DAD/MS2, while for the in vitro evaluation of antioxidant potential, TEAC, FRAP, DPPH, TBARS and OxHLIA assays were employed. The anti-enzymatic potential was tested in vitro against tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase. High rosmarinic acid contents were quantified in all species (20.06 ± 0.32–80.49 ± 0.001 mg/g dry extract); phenolic acids derivatives (including salvianolic acids) were confirmed as the principal metabolites of T. alpestris and T. glabrescens, while eriodictyol-O-di-hexoside was found exclusively in T. alpestris. All species showed strong antioxidant potential and moderate anti-enzymatic effect against α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase, showing no anti-tyrosinase activity. This is the first detailed report on the chemical and biological profile of T. alpestris collected from Romanian spontaneous flora.
... The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was measured according to a previously described method [17,18]. In brief, 50 µL of the resolubilized samples were diluted with 50 µL of the phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 6.8) in a microplate, then mixed with 50 µL of yeast α-glucosidase and incubated for 10 min. ...
Processing wood leads to the accumulation of considerable amounts of forest waste, such as branches, leaves and especially bark. These byproducts can be exploited for their high content of biomolecules. Our aim was to histo-anatomically and phytochemically characterize the older oak bark and evaluate the potential biological activities. After the histo-anatomical characterization and processing the plant material, the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). After the quantification of the total polyphenol content (TPC) and the total tannins content (TTC), the bark extracts were evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory activity. In the transverse section, the rhytidome (the succession of periderms) and the dead secondary phloem can be observed. The results of the polyphenol content of the oak bark extracts show that the hydroethanolic oak bark obtained using MAE has the highest absolute value of the TPC (347.74 mg/g). In comparison with the extracts obtained using UAE, the bark extracts obtained using MAE showed a significantly higher TPC. The greatest antioxidant and antibacterial activity were also recorded for the tested extracts. For gram-positive bacteria, the MBC values ranged from 0.3 (S. aureus) to 5 mg/mL and the oak bark extract obtained using MAE showed good activity against C. krusei (MIC—2.5 mg/mL). Among the assayed enzyme inhibitory activities, the extracts showed a significant antidiabetic effect in vitro with the highest activity corresponding to an IC50 of 3.88 µg/mL. The older oak bark represents a potential source of compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant or antidiabetic activity, which can be exploited through the biorefining processes.
... Recently, as the adverse effects of synthetic substances on the human body have been unveiled, people have paid more attention to the active ingredients in natural plants. Phenolic acids have received massive attention recently due to their good nutritional functions and biological activities such as anti-oxidants (60,61). Not only has it played an extremely vital role in the field of medicine, its contribution in the field of food is also recognized. ...
Chlorogenic acid (CGA), also known as coffee tannic acid and 3-caffeoylquinic acid, is a water-soluble polyphenolic phenylacrylate compound produced by plants through the shikimic acid pathway during aerobic respiration. CGA is widely found in higher dicotyledonous plants, ferns, and many Chinese medicine plants, which enjoy the reputation of “plant gold.” We have summarized the biological activities of CGA, which are mainly shown as anti-oxidant, liver and kidney protection, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, regulation of glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, protection of the nervous system, and action on blood vessels. We further determined the main applications of CGA in the food industry, including food additives, food storage, food composition modification, food packaging materials, functional food materials, and prebiotics. With a view to the theoretical improvement of CGA, biological activity mechanism, and subsequent development and utilization provide reference and scientific basis.
... The pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfume industries have taken a strong interest in Helichrysum species because of the specific essential oil (EO) aroma and composition [2]. Extracts from Helichrysum species possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiatherosclerotic, antiproliferative, antidiabetic, neuroprotective and antiinflammatory activities [3][4][5][6]. There are 16 species in the Helichrysum genus spread across Europe [7]. ...
This study compared the essential oils (EO) composition of Helichrysum arenarium (Bulgarian populations) with that of the cultivated species H. italicum. The EO composition of H. arenarium and H. italicum were analyzed via gas chromatography. In general, 75 components were identified in H. arenarium EO and 79 in H. italicum EO. The predominant constituents in H. arenarium EO were α-pinene (34.64–44.35%) and sabinene (10.63–11.1%), which affirmed the examined population as a new chemical type. Overall, the main EO constituents of H. italicum originating in France, Bosnia and Corsica were neryl acetate (4.04–14.87%) and β-himachalene (9.9–10.99%). However, the EOs profile of H. italicum introduced from the above three countries differed to some extent. D-limonene (5.23%), italicene, α-guaiene and neryl acetate (14.87%) predominated in the H. italicum introduced from France, while α-pinene (13.74%), δ-cadinene (5.51%), α-cadinene (3.3%), β-caryophyllene (3.65%) and α-calacorene (1.63%) predominated in plants introduced from Bosnia. The EOs of the plants introduced from France and Corsica had similar chemical composition and antimicrobiological activity.
... The family Asteraceae is characterized by phytochemical compounds such as polyacetylenes, acetophenones, chalcone, caffeoylquinic acids, diterpenoids, phloroglucinols, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and polyphenols [1][2][3][4][5]. Biological activities associated with Asteraceae species include analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-allergic, antidiabetic, antimigraine, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, cardiotonic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antipyretic, antiulcer, antinociceptive, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, antileishmanial, cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective properties [2,3,[5][6][7][8][9]. Brachylaena elliptica (Thunb.) ...
Brachylaena elliptica and B. ilicifolia are shrubs or small trees widely used as traditional medicines in southern Africa. There is need to evaluate the existence of any correlation between the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the two species. Therefore, in this review, analyses of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia are presented. Results of the current study are based on data derived from several online databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct, and pre-electronic sources such as scientific publications, books, dissertations, book chapters and journal articles. The articles published between 1941 and 2020 were used in this study. The leaves and roots of B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia are mainly used as a mouthwash and ethnoveterinary medicines, and traditional medicines for backache, hysteria, ulcers of the mouth, diabetes, gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems. This study showed that sesquiterpene lactones, alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, flavonols, phenols, proanthocyanidins, saponins and tannins have been identified from aerial parts and leaves of B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia. The leaf extracts and compounds isolated from the species exhibited antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities. There is a need for extensive phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of crude extracts and compounds isolated from B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia.
... Species from Helichrysum generally are used traditional medicine against kidney stones, inflammation, gallbladder, cold, liver, diabetes and digestive disorders [10,11]. It has been approved by World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency consuming as the infusion or decocation of flowers of species from genus [12]. It is accepted that the curative effects of genus is chiefly due to some antioxidants including mainly flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids contents. ...
... RT extract has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the AChE, MAO and TYR enzymes, which could explain its traditional uses as a stimulant, memory enhancer or antidepressant, reinforcing its neuroprotective role. Others isolated extracts of plants and flavonoids have demonstrated the capacity to inhibit CNS enzymes [15,18,23,42,43] and decrease the toxicity by Aβ accumulation [15,23,38,44]. Due to these mechanisms, many natural products have neurotherapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of different CNS disorders. ...
In traditional medicine, Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC or rock tea (RT) has been mainly used to treat digestive and respiratory pathologies but also as an antimicrobial or an antidepressant herbal remedy. An ethanolic extract of RT has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be explained by its phytochemical profile, rich in polyphenols and pigments. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective potential of RT. For this purpose, the ethanolic extract of RT is assayed in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as an in vivo model, and through in vitro assays using monoamine oxidase A, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase as enzymes. The RT extract reduces juglone-induced oxidative stress in worms and increases the lifespan and prevents paralysis of C. elegans CL4176, a model of Alzheimer’s disease; the extract is also able to inhibit enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase A and tyrosinase in vitro. Together these results demonstrate that Jasonia glutinosa is a good candidate with antioxidant and neuroprotective potential for the development of new products with pharmaceutical interests.
... The capacity of inhibition α-glucosidase (from yeast and rat) was measured in a 96-well microplate reader [32,33]. The lyophilized tisane extracts were re-dissolved in water to obtain a stock solution of 8 mg/mL. ...
The chemical composition and biological properties correlation in several medicinal and aromatic plants is still underexplored, especially in its most common form of consumption as tisane. The present study aims to characterize the organic acids and vitamin E composition of five tisanes and their extracts by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC coupled to a fluorescence detector techniques, respectively, and the phenolic composition by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS (mass spectrometry by electrospray ionization). It also focuses on their bioactive properties, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-diabetic activities. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed in order to understand the correlation between the chemical composition and bioactive properties of the tisanes. The tisane 5 (T5) composed by lemon thyme, tutsan, cloves, and cinnamon, was the most promising mixture, presenting the lowest values for the lipid peroxidation inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activity. It also presented the highest concentration of phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acids derivatives), and flavan-3-ols (catechin derivatives). Only the dry plants presented tocopherols. For the antihemolytic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity, T2 and T4 (with lemon thyme) were highlighted as the best herbal mixtures. The PCA proved to be a valid tool to select the most promising tisane according to the bioactivity. These results suggest that the studied tisanes can be source of high added-value bioactive compounds with health-promoting effects and potential for application in the food and nutraceutical industries, among others.
... Phytocompounds have an important influence on the metabolism and neutralization of foreign substances, including carcinogens and mutagens. They have the ability to bind free radicals and reactive metabolites of foreign substances, inhibit xenobiotic activating en-zymes, and activate detoxification enzymes [33]. A comprehensive study of phyto compounds as potential protectors in the toxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of various environmental pollutants on the body is necessary. ...
The protective and mutagen-modifying activity of the complex of biologically active substances(BAS) in the extract from the underground part of the plant Inula britannica in the cells of the visceral organs of laboratory mice was studied. Alkaline variation of the comet assay was used to determine genotoxic/antigenotoxic activity. The frequency of single-stranded DNA breaks in the cells of the brain andbone marrow, lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen was assessed by the following parameters: %of DNA in tail, Olive tail moment, damage index. It was found that extracts of BAS in concentrations of100.0 mg/l and 150.0 mg/l did not show genotoxic activity, the frequency of single-strand breaks in allstudied organs did not statistically significantly exceed the spontaneous level in intact animals. Whenexposed to asymmetric dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), the cells of the studied organs showed a statisticallysignificant increase in the number of single-stranded DNA breaks compared to intact laboratory mice.When combined with UDMH as a positive control, extract of Inula britannica significantly reduces thegenotoxic effect of xenobiotics. The frequency of DNA breaks in animals that simultaneously receivedUDMH and Inula britannica extract was statistically significantly lower compared with mice that received only UDMH. All this suggests the presence of antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activity in theextract of Inula britannica.Key words: Inula britannica, biologically active substances, mutagen, antimutagen, genotoxicity,DNA comet assay.
... Furthermore the double emulsion/evaporation microencapsulation method was applied to produce microspheres containing H. stoechas extract, which were further successfully incorporated into a moisturizer. Later, Les et al. 142 found a considerably different profile for a methanolic extract of the aerial parts of H. stoechas assessed via liquid chromatography with parallel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (LC-NMR-MS): two heterodimeric phloroglucinols (inclusive arzanol); one homodimeric α-pyrone (helipyrone); three phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, and neochlorogenic acids); one polymethoxylated and two glycosidic flavonoids (5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, isoquercitrin, and quercetagetin-7-O-glucopyranoside), besides to santinol B. Additionally the authors verified significant antioxidant and antiproliferative activities for the methanolic extract and, for the first time, reported the potential of H. stoechas to inhibit the monoamine oxidase a, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase enzymes, not to mention its anti-α-glucosidase and anti-dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activities. Silva et al. 140 reported that chlorogenic acid, cynarin, and arzanol were the main phenolic components of H. stoechas flowers and stems/leaves aqueous extracts with relevant antiacetylcholinesterase properties (IC 50 values of 260.7 and 654.8 μg mL − 1 , respectively). ...
Mediterranean basin is abundant with native edible species that have been used in human diet throughout the centuries as an integral part of the so-called Mediterranean diet. Despite their beneficial health effects, consumption of these species was neglected during the last decades due to modern lifestyles and the shift to western diets and ready-to-eat products. However, the surging scientific knowledge about the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet has been the driving force for the recent rekindling of consumers’ and market’s interest for wild edible greens. The present chapter will provide information about the most commonly used wild greens in three Mediterranean countries, Greece, Italy, and Portugal, giving insight into botanical information, common uses, chemical composition, and their health effects. Moreover, considering the increasing market demands for such species, the current trends and future perspectives in the commercial cultivation of wild greens is also highlighted.
... The α-glucosidase inhibitory assay was measured in a 96-well microplate reader based on [77] with slight modification. In brief, 50 μL of each fruit sample at different concentrations (3.750, 1.875, 0.938, 0.469, 0.234, 0.118, 0.059, 0.029 and 0.015 mg/ mL) dissolved in DMSO diluted in 50 μL 100 mMphosphate buffer (pH 6.8) in a 96-well microplate, was mixed with 50 μL yeast α-glucosidase (2 U/mL) for 10 min prior to addition of 50 μL substrate (5 mM, p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside prepared in same buffer). ...
Averrhoa carambola L. is a tropical tree with edible fruit that grows at different climatic conditions. Despite its nutritive value and reported health benefits, it is a controversial fruit owing to its rich oxalate content. The present study aimed at investigating aroma and nutrient primary metabolites distribution in A. carambola fruits grown in Indonesia, Malaysia (its endemic origin) versus Egypt, and at different ripening stages. Two techniques were employed to assess volatile and non-volatile metabolites including headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) joined with gas chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-MS post silylation, respectively. Twenty-four volatiles were detected, with esters amounting for the major class of volatiles in Egyptian fruit at ca. 66%, with methyl caproate as the major component, distinguishing it from other origins. In contrast, aldehydes predominated tropically grown fruits with the ether myristicin found exclusively in these. Primary metabolites profiling led to the identification of 117 metabolites viz. sugars, polyols and organic acids. Fructose (38–48%) and glucose (21–25%) predominated sugar compositions in ripe fruits, whereas sorbitol was the major sugar alcohol (2.4–10.5%) in ripe fruits as well. Oxalic acid, an anti-nutrient with potential health risks, was the major organic acid detected in all the studied fruits (1.7–2.7%), except the Malaysian one (0.07%). It increases upon fruit ripening, including considerable amounts of volatile oxalate esters detected via SPME, and which must not be omitted in total oxalate determinations for safety assessments.
... Lycopodium alkaloids are compounds isolated from plants of Lycopodiaceae and Huperziaceae, with diverse structures including many unusual skeletons of interest from biogenetic and biological points of view, and challenging targets for total synthesis (Hartrampf et al., 2017;Pinto et al., 2017;Saborit et al., 2016;Wang et al., 2017). Alkaloids are known to possess important bioactivities including acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (Benamar et al, 2016(Benamar et al, ,2017Les et al, 2017). Since huperzine A, a potent, reversible and selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and a promising drug for the treatment of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease was discovered from Huperzia serrata (Thunb. ...
Lycopodium japonicum Thunb (Lycopodiaceae) is a common and abundant plant widely distributed in China, Japan and countries of Southern Asia and used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of sprains, strains and myasthenia. This review focuses on the phytochemicals and biological actions, with the objective of stimulating further studies on the plant. 132 chemical compounds have been identified and isolated from this plant, and the most important are alkaloids and serratane triterpenoids. The isolated compounds of L. japonicum were shown to possess acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV-1 and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Further studies should be carried out on this plant in order to disclose many more active principles and mechanisms of active components.
... The α-glycosidase inhibitory assay was adapted from the methodology previously described by Les et al. (2017) and Spínola and Castilho (2017). The assay was conducted in a 96-well microplate with a reaction mixture containing 50 μL of extract sample diluted in 50 μL of 100 mM-phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and 50 μL yeast α-glucosidase (2 U/mL in same buffer). ...
Cytinus hypocistis whole plant and its three different parts (petals, stalks, and nectar) were chemically characterised and their biological properties evaluated. A total of 17 phenolic compounds were identified, being galloyl-bis-HHDP-glucose the most abundant. All the tested extracts showed high antioxidant capacity, with the petals exhibiting the most promising results both in the OxHLIA (IC50 = 0.279 ng/mL) and TBARS (IC50 = 0.342 ng/mL) assays. For the antidiabetic and anti-tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory assays, the stalk extract presented the lowest IC50 values, 0.039 mg/mL and 0.09 mg/mL, respectively. Regarding antibacterial activity, all tested extracts displayed broad-spectrum microbial inhibition against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, all extracts displayed effective anti-proliferation activity against four tested tumour cell lines (NCI-H460, HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7), with no toxicity observed for a non-tumour cell line. Considering the anti-inflammatory activity, the petals showed the highest NO inhibition (IC50 = 127 μg/mL). These results point C. hypocistis as a promising source of health-promoting biomolecules.
... Another important source of herbal medicines among Asteraceae taxa is the genus Helichrysum Mill. [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60]. According to Lourens et al. [61] and Pljevljakušić et al. [62], the genus Helichrysum is characterized by acylphloroglucinols, humulone derivatives, flavonoids, chalcones, phenolic acids, phthalides, sterols, coumarins, pyrones, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and polyacetylenes. ...
Helichrysum cymosum is a valuable and well-known medicinal plant in tropical Africa. The current study critically reviewed the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. cymosum. Information on medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. cymosum, was collected from multiple internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, and BMC. Additional information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, theses, books, and book chapters obtained from the University library. This study showed that H. cymosum is traditionally used as a purgative, ritual incense, and magical purposes and as herbal medicine for colds, cough, fever, headache, and wounds. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that H. cymosum extracts and compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and cytotoxicity activities. This research showed that H. cymosum is an integral part of indigenous pharmacopeia in tropical Africa, but there is lack of correlation between medicinal uses and existing pharmacological properties of the species. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. cymosum extracts and compounds isolated from the species.
Helichrysum amorginum Boiss. and Orph. constitutes a range-restricted, endemic species of Greece with known pharmaceutical potency. The current work presents the results of a targeted evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) of methanolic extracts of H. amorginum flower heads under cultivation conditions at three consecutive harvest stages in two separate cultivation locations across a period of two years (2018 and 2019). The harvested inflorescence tissue was assessed for TPC via the Folin–Ciocalteu method in three and four-year old H. amorginum individuals. Older plants, during the second evaluation year, generally showed higher flower TPC content throughout. The pooled analysis of the results indicated significant differences in TPC among samples of extracts prepared with plant material from different harvest stages with the early flowering stage (A) presenting higher TPC in both experimental cultivation locations (142.6-156 mg GAE g-1 extract on average among the two cultivation locations) followed by the full bloom stage (B) (139-145.7 mg GAE g-1 extract on average) and the late bloom or early post-anthesis stage (C) which showed the lowest TPC in all cases (130.3-131 mg GAE g-1 extract on average). The current results provide for the first-time basic information on the optimum inflorescence harvest stage during the prolonged flowering period of cultivated H. amorginum in terms of TPC. The proposed work can be incorporated into the establishment of a sustainable cultivation protocol for achieving polyphenol-rich extracts and ultimately contributes to the utilization of H. amorginum in the pharmaceutical/cosmetic sectors.
Fruits and vegetables, essential components of human nutrition, undergo considerable losses and waste during processing. Recognizing this issue, this study delves into the potential use of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) peels, typically discarded by-products, using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), a green and effective method. Employing the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology, the study optimized extraction parameters, obtaining an extraction time of 10 minutes, an amplitude of 47%, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:10. The results revealed a broad diversity of potentially bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (isorhamnetin, delphinidin), phenolic acids (sinapoyltyramine), stilbenes (piceatannol 3-O-glucoside), terpenoids (gibberellin), and sulfur compounds (3-ethylthiophene). Notably, the extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Additionally, the study investigated the ability of shallot peel extracts to inhibit key enzymes – alpha-glucosidase (Glu), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and tyrosinase (Tyr) – relevant in carbohydrate metabolism, memory, and skin pigmentation. While demonstrating significant Glu inhibition, no notable AChE or Tyr inhibition was observed. Correlation analysis highlighted the involvement of flavonoids and terpenoids in the bioactivities observed. This research underscores the potential of shallot by-products as a source of valuable compounds with applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Further exploration is encouraged to unveil specific bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant potential and to harness the full potential of shallot by-products in promoting health and sustainability.
Recently, interest in the production of tea and tea drinks has increased due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. The composition of tea is complex and is still not fully understood. Therefore, the development of new technology of tea and functional tea drinks opens a unique opportunity for domestic manufacturer to produce competitive products.In this study the technology of three types of tea drinks based on raw components of fruits, berries and medicinal plants «Antioxidant», «Immunostimulating», «Cardiovascular» with targeted preventive properties was developed, where the physicochemical, mineral composition and organoleptic parameters were studied.The results of the analysis showed that the highest concentrations of vitamin C (mg/100 g) were found in sea buckthorn fruits (215.7±18.4), black currant fruits (196.5±14.3), melissa leaves (100.1±9.9), lemon peel (90.5±8.4) and Goji berries (49.5±3.8). High β-carotene content (mg/100 g) was observed in Goji berries, lemon balm leaves and sea buckthorn fruits – 91.3±7.6; 47.2±3.6 and 33.7±2.9 mg/100 g, respectively. In addition, fruits, berries and medicinal plants selected as raw components had high levels of flavonoids, xanthophylls, tocopherols, phenolic compounds and other biologically active substances. Cranberry berries (44.8±3.2), Goji berries (31.0±2.6), black tea leaves (25.4±1.9), black currant fruits (21.6±1.2) and peppermint leaves (15.2±1.1) had high levels of total antioxidants (mg/100 g) due to the increased content of catechins, anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, tannin and bioflavonoids, contributing to the reduction of oxidative stress and protecting cells from the destructive effects of free radicals. Prophylactic tea blends have been studied and shown to have high taste, fine exquisite aroma and actively stimulating and therapeutic properties, according to the created formulations, taking into account antioxidant immunostimulating activity.
Polyphenols, as secondary metabolites ubiquitous in plant sources, have emerged as pivotal bioactive compounds with far-reaching implications for human health. Plant polyphenols exhibit direct or indirect associations with biomolecules capable of modulating diverse physiological pathways. Due to their inherent abundance and structural diversity, polyphenols have garnered substantial attention from both the scientific and clinical communities. The review begins by providing an in-depth analysis of the chemical intricacies of polyphenols, shedding light on their structural diversity and the implications of such diversity on their biological activities. Subsequently, an exploration of the dietary origins of polyphenols elucidates the natural plant-based sources that contribute to their global availability. The discussion extends to the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols within the human body, unraveling the complex journey from ingestion to systemic effects. A central focus of the review is dedicated to unravelling the antioxidant effects of polyphenols, highlighting their role in combating oxidative stress and associated health conditions. The comprehensive analysis encompasses their impact on diverse health concerns such as hypertension, allergies, aging, and chronic diseases like heart stroke and diabetes. Insights into the global beneficial effects of polyphenols further underscore their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents. This review article critically examines the multifaceted aspects of dietary polyphenols, encompassing their chemistry, dietary origins, bioavailability/metabolism dynamics, and profound antioxidant effects. The synthesis of information presented herein aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between polyphenols and human health.
The Serra da Estrela Natural Park (NPSEs) in Portugal stands out as a well-preserved region abundant in medicinal plants, particularly known for their pharmaceutical applications in diabetes prevention and treatment. This comprehensive review explores these plants' botanical diversity, traditional uses, pharmacological applications, and chemical composition. The NPSEs boast a rich diversity with 138 medicinal plants across 55 families identified as traditionally and pharmacologically used against diabetes globally. Notably, the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families are prevalent in anti-diabetic applications. In vitro studies reveal their significant inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, and certain plant co-products regulate genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin secretion. In vivo trials demonstrate anti-diabetic effects, including glycaemia regulation, insulin secretion, antioxidant activity, and lipid profile modulation. Medicinal plants in NPSE exhibit various activities beyond anti-diabetic, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and more. Chemical analysis identifies over fifty compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides responsible for their efficacy against diabetes. The findings underscore the potential of NPSE medicinal plants as anti-diabetic candidates, urging further research to develop effective plant-based anti-diabetic drugs, beverages, and supplements.
Helichrysm caespititium is used for the treatment of viral infections and respiratory ailments. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents and antioxidants (using ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) of H. caespititium water and methanol extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, glycosides etc. Whilst the alkaloids were absent. Quantitative analysis of total phenols using both methanol and water extracts yielded high values of (839,1 and 531) GA/mg indicating rich phytochemical constituents from this plant. Whilst flavonoids from methanol and water extracts yielded (324 and 58) mg GA/mg, respectively. Results obtained from FRAP water and methanol extracts were 20,42% and 2,36% respectively; DPPH water and methanol extracts results were 92,62% and 80,56% respectively; and ABTS water and methanol extracts were 93,64% and 97,68%, respectively. These findings support the potential of H. caespititium as the potential source for the development of antioxidant-based therapies and health-promoting products.
South Africa is rich in diverse medicinal plants, and it is reported to have over 35% of the global Helichrysum species, many of which are utilized in traditional medicine. Various phytochemical studies have offered valuable insights into the chemistry of Helichrysum plants, hinting at bioactive components that define the medicinal properties of the plant. However, there are still knowledge gaps regarding the size and diversity of the Helichrysum chemical space. As such, continuous efforts are needed to comprehensively characterize the phytochemistry of Helichrysum, which will subsequently contribute to the discovery and exploration of Helichrysum-derived natural products for drug discovery. Thus, reported herein is a computational metabolomics work to comprehensively characterize the metabolic landscape of the medicinal herb Helichrysum splendidum, which is less studied. Metabolites were methanol-extracted and analyzed on a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system. Spectral data were mined using molecular networking (MN) strategies. The results revealed that the metabolic map of H. splendidum is chemically diverse, with chemical superclasses that include organic polymers, benzenoids, lipid and lipid-like molecules, alkaloids, and derivatives, phenylpropanoids and polyketides. These results point to a vastly rich chemistry with potential bioactivities, and the latter was demonstrated through computationally assessing the binding of selected metabolites with CDK-2 and CCNB1 anti-cancer targets. Molecular docking results showed that flavonoids (luteolin, dihydroquercetin, and isorhamnetin) and terpenoids (tiliroside and silybin) interact strongly with the CDK-2 and CCNB1 targets. Thus, this work suggests that these flavonoid and terpenoid compounds from H. splendidum are potentially anti-cancer agents through their ability to interact with these proteins involved in cancer pathways and progression. As such, these actionable insights are a necessary step for further exploration and translational studies for H. splendidum-derived compounds for drug discovery.
The global management of diabetes mellitus (DM) involves the administration of recommended anti-diabetic drugs in addition to a non-sedentary lifestyle upon diagnosis. Despite the success recorded from these synthetic drugs, the traditional method of treatment using medicinal plants is increasingly accepted by the locals due to its low cost and the perceived no side effects. Helichrysum species are used in folk medicine and are documented for the treatment of DM in different regions of the world. This study reviews Helichrysum species and its compounds’ activities in the management of DM. An extensive literature search was carried out, utilizing several scientific databases, ethnobotanical books, theses, and dissertations. About twenty-two Helichrysum species were reported for the treatment of diabetes in different regions of the world. Among these Helichrysum species, only fifteen have been scientifically investigated for their antidiabetic activities, and twelve compounds were identified as bioactive constituents for diabetes. This present review study will be a useful tool for scientists and health professionals working in the field of pharmacology and therapeutics to develop potent antidiabetic drugs that are devoid of side effects.
2H-pyran-2-one is six-membered oxygen heterocycle having one oxygen in the ring and oxo group at position 2 of the ring and is also known as cyclic unsaturated ester. Two double bonds present are in the conjugation of the ring oxygen. 2-Pyranone-based compounds are well known for more than a century, but the chemistry of these compounds was unexplored and recognized after 1960. Various plants, animals, marine organisms, insects, and bacteria contain pyranone-based compounds in their biological system and participate in various biological processes such as defense mechanism, biosynthetic intermediates, etc. They are reported as HIV protease inhibitors, antifungals, anticonvulsants, cardiotonics, pheromones, antimicrobials, natural pigments, antitumor, and plant growth regulators. In addition, they are synthetically very important precursors for the generation of large class of molecules, for example, use of triacetic acid lactone (I) and tetraacetic acid lactone (II) involved for the assembly of α-chymotrypsin, solanopyrones, elastase, pheromones, and coumarins. 6-Aryl-4-methylsulfanyl/sec.amino-2H-pyran-2-one-3-carbonitriles are used for the assembly of larger class of carbocycles and heterocycles.
Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (Family Compositae) is a medicinal herb endowed with several pharmacological activities. Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant was used for the isolation of lignoceric acid (HS-02), lanost-5- en-3β-ol- 26-oic acid (HS-03), and lanost-5-en-26-oic acid-3β-olyl palmitate (HS-04). All molecules were screened for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight doses, and the TEST program assessed their toxicity. The molecular interaction profile with numerous anti-inflammatory drug targets was investigated by molecular docking. Compounds HS-03 and HS-04 showed a significant reduction in paw volume compared to the control group challenged with carrageenan in the rats, and prolongation of the paw licking/jumping and reduction in the number of writhes was noted after the injection of acetic acid in mice. In a hot plate test, all compounds showed significant pain inhibition. These findings might aid in the development of anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic therapies.
Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., also known in Spain as “té de roca” (rock tea, RT), is an endemic plant species of the Iberian Peninsula and Southern France. Traditionally, it is used in infusions, prepared with the flowering aerial parts, as a digestive and anti-inflammatory herbal tea. Despite the traditional knowledge of this plant as a digestive after meals, there are hardly any scientific studies that support its use. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of RT extract on physiological targets related to metabolic diseases such as obesity. For this purpose, enzyme inhibition bioassays of lipase, α-glucosidase and fatty acid amide hydrolase were carried out in cell-free systems. Similarly, adipocytes derived from 3T3-L1 cells were employed to study the effects of the extract on adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. RT extract was able to inhibit lipase, α-glucosidase and fatty acid amide hydrolase. Furthermore, the extract displayed anti-adipogenic properties in a dose-dependent manner as it significantly reduced TG accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. These results may explain from a molecular perspective the beneficial effects of RT in the prevention of metabolic-associated disorders such as obesity, diabetes and related complications.
Sour cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) is consumed as a nutritional supplement claiming health effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the different properties of sour cherry juice in terms of antioxidant activity and inhibition of target enzymes in the central nervous system and diabetes. The content of polyphenols and anthocyanins was quantified. Different experiments were carried out to determine the radical scavenging properties of the juice. The activity of sour cherry juice was also tested in physiological relevant enzymes of the central nervous system (acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase A, tyrosinase) and others involved in type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-4). Sour cherry juice showed significant antioxidant effects but the activity of the lyophilized juice was not superior to compounds such as ascorbic, gallic or chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, sour cherry juice and one of its main polyphenols known as chlorogenic acid were also able to inhibit monoamine oxidase A and tyrosinase as well as enzymes involved in diabetes. This is the first time that sour cherry juice is reported to inhibit monoamine oxidase A, α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 in a dose dependent manner, which may be of interest for human health and the prevention of certain diseases.
Melanogenesis is a process responsible for melanin production, which is stored in melano-cytes containing tyrosinase. Inhibition of this enzyme is a target in the cosmetics industry, since it controls undesirable skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation due to the overproduction of melanin. Species of the Morus genus are known for the beneficial uses offered in different parts of its plants, including tyrosinase inhibition. Thus, this project aimed to study the inhibitory activity of tyrosinase by extracts from Morus nigra leaves as well as the characterization of its chromatographic profile and cytotoxicity in order to become a new therapeutic option from a natural source. M. nigra leaves were collected, pulverized, equally divided into five batches and the standardized extract was obtained by passive maceration. There was no significant difference between batches for total solids content, yield and moisture content, which shows good reproducibility of the extraction process. Tyrosinase enzymatic activity was determined for each batch, providing the percentage of enzyme inhibition and IC 50 values obtained by constructing dose-response curves and compared to kojic acid, a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor. High inhibition of tyrosinase activity was observed (above 90% at 15.625 μg/mL). The obtained IC 50 values ranged from 5.00 μg/mL ± 0.23 to 8.49 μg/mL ± 0.59 and were compared to kojic acid (3.37 μg/mL ± 0.65). High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, rutin and, its major compound, isoquercitrin. The chromatographic method employed was validated according to ICH guidelines and the extract was standardized using these polyphe-nols as markers. Cytotoxicity, assessed by MTT assay, was not observed on murine melanomas, human keratinocytes and mouse fibroblasts in tyrosinase IC 50 values. This
The role of the 6?-OH (?-OH) group in the antioxidant activity of flavonoid glycosides has been largely overlooked. Herein, we selected quercitrin (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) and isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-glucoside) as model compounds to investigate the role of the 6?-OH group in several antioxidant pathways, including Fe(2+)-binding, hydrogen-donating (H-donating), and electron-transfer (ET). The results revealed that quercitrin and isoquercitrin both exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activities. However, isoquercitrin showed higher levels of activity than quercitrin in the Fe(2+)-binding, ET-based ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, and multi-pathways-based superoxide anion-scavenging assays. In contrast, quercitrin exhibited greater activity than isoquercitrin in an H-donating-based 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay. Finally, in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl assay based on an oxidatively damaged mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) model, isoquercitrin performed more effectively as a cytoprotector than quercitrin. Based on these results, we concluded that (1) quercitrin and isoquercitrin can both indirectly (i.e., Fe(2+)-chelating or Fe(2+)-binding) and directly participate in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to protect MSCs against ROS-induced oxidative damage; (2) the 6?-OH group in isoquercitrin enhanced its ET and Fe(2+)-chelating abilities and lowered its H-donating abilities via steric hindrance or H-bonding compared with quercitrin; and (3) isoquercitrin exhibited higher ROS scavenging activity than quercitrin, allowing it to improve protect MSCs against ROS-induced oxidative damage.
Quercetagetin, the major flavonoid in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) inflorescence residues was extracted and purified. The content of quercetagetin after the purification was 89.91 ± 0.26 %. The in vitro antioxidant activity of quercetagetin and its potential in controlling diabetes mellitus and obesity were investigated and compared to quercetin and rutin. The 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of quercetagetin on scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl radicals were 27.12 ± 1.31 μmol/L, 12.16 ± 0.56 μmol/L and 1833.97 ± 6.66 μmol/L, respectively. The IC50 values of quercetagetin on α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase were 180.11 ± 3.68 μmol/L, 137.71 ± 3.55 μmol/L and 2327.58 ± 12.37 μmol/L, respectively. These results indicated that quercetagetin exhibited strong in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic and antilipemic activities. Lineweaver-Burk plots analysis elucidated that quercetagetin inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase non-competitively, while its inhibition against pancreatic lipase was involved in a mixed-type pattern. Moreover, strong correlations were found between ABTS·+/DPPH· scavenging activities and lipase inhibitory activity (R 2 > 0.90), as well as ·OH scavenging activity and α-amylase inhibitory activity (R 2 = 0.8967).
Five aromatic compounds, of which two are new glucosides, and six flavonols were isolated and identified for the first time from the flower heads and aerial shoots of Helichrysum conglobatum (Asteraceae). Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods including UV, MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR. Some fractions and isolates were screened for anti-microbial activities. This is the first report of the isolation of the chemical constituents of this species.
Pomegranate juice and related products have long been used either in traditional medicine or as nutritional supplements claiming beneficial effects. Although there are several studies on this food plant, only few works have been performed with pomegranate juice or marketed products. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant effects of pomegranate juice on cellular models using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent or DPPH and superoxide radicals in cell free systems. The antiproliferative effects of the juice were measured on HeLa and PC-3 cells by the MTT assay and pharmacologically relevant enzymes (cyclooxygenases, xanthine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase A) were selected for enzymatic inhibition assays. Pomegranate juice showed significant protective effects against hydrogen peroxide induced toxicity in the Artemia salina and HepG2 models; these effects may be attributed to radical scavenging properties of pomegranate as the juice was able to reduce DPPH and superoxide radicals. Moderate antiproliferative activities in HeLa and PC-3 cancer cells were observed. However, pomegranate juice was also able to inhibit COX-2 and MAO-A enzymes. This study reveals some mechanisms by which pomegranate juice may have interesting and beneficial effects in human health.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of glucose metabolism. The management of blood glucose level is the hallmark in the treatment of this disease. This may be achieved through the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs such as biguanides, insulin secretagogues, and α -glucosidase inhibitors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Morinda lucida leaf extracts on the activities of α -amylase and α -glucosidase. This was performed using α -amylase from Aspergillus oryzae and α -glucosidase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Aqueous extract of Morinda lucida gave the highest percentage yield (9.99%) of the plant out of the three extracts (compared to acetone and ethanolic extracts) and possesses the highest inhibitory activity against α -amylase (IC50 value of 2.30 mg/mL) and α -glucosidase (IC50 value of 2.00 mg/mL). Kinetic analysis revealed that the aqueous extract of this plant leaf inhibited the α -amylase competitively but displayed mixed noncompetitive mode of inhibition towards α -glucosidase. It can be concluded that aqueous extract of Morinda lucida exhibited the best inhibitory activity on the two enzymes studied and the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids, saponins, and tannins may have contributed greatly to the inhibitory activity of the plant extract.
Helichrysum Mill. (Asteraceae) species have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years in the world. The in vitro cytogenetic
effects in human lymphocytes of nine Helichrysum taxa used in Turkey folk medicine were investigated. Blood samples were obtained from healthy donors, non-smoking volunteers,
which were incubated and exposed to increasing concentrations of methanol extracts of Helichrysum taxa (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1mg/mL). The inhibitory effects of H. stoechas (L.) Moench subsp. barrelieri (Ten.) Nyman, H. armenium DC. subsp. armenium, H. armenium DC. subsp. araxinum (Kirp.) Takht., H. plicatum DC. subsp. plicatum, H. compactum Boiss. and H. artvinense P.H.Davis & Kupicha on the mitotic index and replication index indicate that these taxa can have genotoxic and mutagenic
effects. They should therefore not be used freely in alternative medicine although their antiproliferative activity may suggest
anticarcinogenic properties. Increase effects of H. stoechas subsp. barrelieri, H. armenium subsp. armenium, H. armenium subsp. araxinum, H. chasmolycicum P.H.Davis, H. plicatum subsp. plicatum, H. compactum and H. artvinense on the micronucleus rates showed that these taxa can have genotoxic and carcinogenic effects.
In order to preserve the ancestral knowledge, an ethnopharmacological study has been carried out in two councils belonging to Trás-os-Montes region a small area located in the northern of Portugal. In that area, medicinal plants, most of the species wild, are still in use among farmers, shepherds and other people who live far from villages and built-up areas.
Among the 46 people that were interviewed (mean age of 66 years old), 88 species belonging to 42 families of vascular plants were identified for treatment of various human ailments. An ethnopharmacological report is made consisting of species names, vernacular names, popular uses of the plants and their pharmacological properties.
The most dominant family is Lamiaceae (18%) and the most frequently part of the plant used for the treatment of diseases are leaves (37.9%). The largest number of taxa is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders (73.9%).
Eighty-eight extracts of different polarity obtained from 18 Lamiaceae medicinal and aromatic plants were screened for their antioxidant and antifungal properties. A TLC analysis combined with two bioassays were used to detect these activities. In most cases the highest radical scavenger capacity was detected in methanolic and aqueous extracts and polyphenols may be responsible. The most interesting antioxidant activity was observed in polar extracts obtained from Lycopus europaeus, Melissa officinalis, Origanum vulgare subsp. virens and Lavandula latifolia. On the contrary, the best results for the antifungal test against Rhizopus stolonifer were produced by non-polar herbal extracts. Phlomis lychnitis, Salvia pratensis and Calamintha sylvatica caused the highest inhibition on Rhizopus growth.
Background:
Caffeic acid (CA) and related phenylpropanoic acids are ubiquitous natural products of the shikimic acid pathway origin. Due to the presence of diorthohydroxyl aromatic (catecholic) moiety, CA is not only one of the most potent antioxidant phenyl propanoids but also displays numerous other pharmacological effects ranging from antiinflammatory to anticancer effects.
Objective:
Recent studies also demonstrated that CA both in its free form or conjugated with other groups such as quinic acid and sugars displays profound effects in the brain including protection from toxicity induced by a variety of agents and/or experimental models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this communication, the anti-AD therapeutic potential of CA and its two most common conjugated natural bioactive derivatives, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), is scrutinised by reviewing literature in the past ten years. Besides the common global antioxidant effects, specific antiinflammatory mechanisms in the brain along with the various processes of β-amyloid formation, aggregation and neurotoxicity targets are discussed.
Conclusion:
The mini-review also provides an insight into enhancing the therapeutic potential of existing anti-AD drugs by incorporating a CA structural moiety.
Hypericum androsaemum is an evergreen shrub spread in the Mediterranean basin and cultivated in sev- eral European countries. The plant bears fleshy and berry-like capsules that ripen from red to shiny black. In several European conutries H. androsaemum has been traditionally used as diuretic, hepatoprotective, wound healing and as an antidepressant agent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmaceu- tical potential of the methanolic extract of H. androsaemum red berries (HASE) through inhibition of CNS enzymes such as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), tyrosinase (TYR) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). HASE was obtained by soxhlet extraction and analysed by HPLC-DAD for the content of ten bioactive con- stituents. HASE activities were measured in terms of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), tyrosinase (TYR) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. HASE was very rich of shikimic acid and chlorogenic acid, occurring at concentration of 94941.7 and 39059.1 mg/kg, respectively. HASE was able to inhibit MAO-A and TYR in a dose dependent manner, although activity was not superior to positive control substances. On the basis of HASE composition and inhibitory effects on MAO-A and tyrosinase, red berries might represent an alternative Hypericum to obtain pharmacologically active substances.
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.
The extracts from 25 plant species from Salvia, Hypericum, Onosma, Thymus, Origanum, Rosa, and Prunus with eight isolated compounds were screened for their memory-vitalizing potential against the enzymes, i.e., acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase (TYR) along with DPPH, DMPD, and NO radicals and iron-chelation capacity using spectrophotometric microtiter assays. The n-hexane:dichloromethane (1:1) extract of Onosma nigricaule roots (63.18. ±. 0.56%) and the ethyl acetate extract of the aerial parts of Hypericum capitatum var. capitatum (50.79. ±. 3.88%) were the most active toward AChE and BChE, respectively. The highest iron-chelating capacity was found in the n-hexane extract of Thymus sipyleus subsp. sipyleus var. sipyleus, where mostly Labiatae species exhibited better radical scavenging effect. Among the extracts, the roots of O. nigricaule, the aerial parts of Hypericum capitatum var. capitatum and T. sipyleus subsp. sipyleus var. sipyleus could be further evaluated for their memory-vitalizing properties based on different mechanisms.
In this study, we reported the analysis of the medium polarity fraction obtained from an accession of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum from La Maddalena Island. Besides several compounds already evidenced in this species and related genera, i.e. micropyrone (1), arzanol (2), helipyrone (3), acetyl-bitalin derivatives (4, 5), gnaphaliol (6), caffeic acid (7), ursolic acid (8), 7-O-β-(d-glucopyranosyl)-5-methoxy-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone (9), gnaphaliol-9-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (11) and gnaphaliol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (12), the presence of a new glycosidic phthalide, 6-O-β-(d-glucopyranosyl)-4-methoxy-1(3H)-benzofuranone (10), was evidenced for the first time, which resulted in a structural isomer of compound (9). The occurrence of this new benzofuranone derivative is an additional evidence of the deep intraspecific variability expressed by this species, which was also stated for the non-volatile components, and may be a distinctive trait of the population growing on La Maddalena Island.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a naturally occurring compound isolated from propolis extract, has been reported to have a number of biological and pharmacological properties, exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects. Recent in vivo and in vitro study findings have provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of this natural compound. CAPE has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties involving the inhibition of certain enzyme activities, such as xanthine oxidase, cyclooxygenase and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Since inflammation and immune mechanisms play a crucial role in the onset of several inflammatory diseases, the inhibition of NF-κB represents a rationale for the development of novel and safe anti-inflammatory agents. The primary goal of the present review is to highlight the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of CAPE, and critically evaluate its potential therapeutic effects.
Context: There is a need for the discovery of novel natural remedies to prevent and treat metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and obesity. Several Achillea species have been utilized for centuries all around the world and are generally considered effective as hypoglycemic.
Objective: Considering the ethnobotanical uses of Achillea genus, we evaluated the in vitro inhibitory activity of Achillea tenorii Grande (Asteraceae) extract on α-glucosidase, which is a valuable target to prevent and treat metabolic disorders. We also tested its antioxidant activity. Moreover, the phytochemical profile was discussed from a chemotaxonomic point of view.
Material and methods: In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition of crude ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts was assayed as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP-FZ tests). The extract was characterized by a phytochemical point of view by means of spectroscopic analysis.
Results: The extract results endowed with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 32 µg/mL) with a particular mechanism of action definable as un-competitive, which differed from the mechanism observed for the best-known α-glucosidase inhibitor (acarbose and miglitol). In addition, a considerable antioxidant potential has been found for A. tenorii extract, which resulted mainly constituted by phenolic compounds as caffeoylquinic acids, and flavonoids.
Discussion and conclusions: These results suggest the potential of A. tenorii as a possible natural remedy to prevent and treat metabolic disorders of carbohydrates.
Twenty components (including a new flavanone) were isolated and identified from the whole plant of Anaphalis sinica Hance. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical transformation. These components are 6-[(5-methyl-6-ethyl-4-hydroxy-pyrone-3-yl)-methylene]glabranine (1), kaempferol (2), tiliroside (3), quercetin (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (5), scutellarin (6), 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone (7), 5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-flavone-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), helipyrone (9), 4′-hydroxydehydrokawain (10), panamin (11), ursolic acid (12), pomolic acid (13), 3-acetyloleanolic acid (14), a mixture of N-(2-hydroxy-acyl)-4-hydroxy-8(E)-ene-sphingenine (15), O-methyl-D-inositol (16), a mixture of β-sitosterol (17) and stigmasterol (18) and a mixture of daucosterol (19) and stigmasterol-β-D-glucoside (20). Among them, 6-[(5-methyl-6-ethyl-4-hydroxy-pyrone-3-yl)-methylene]glabranine (1) is a new compound, and 13C NMR data of panamin (11) is reported for the first time.
Aim
The aqueous methanolic extracts of two plants from Algeria, Helichrysum stoechas subsp. rupestre and Phagnalon saxatile subsp. saxatile, were investigated for their antioxidant activity.
Method
Total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were determined by spectrophotometric techniques. In vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging profiling was determined by spectrophotometric methods, through: Total antioxidant capacity, and radical scavenging effects by the DPPH and ABTS methods, reducing and chelating power, and blanching inhibition of the β-carotene.
Results
All of the extracts showed interesting antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. The highest contents in phenolics, tannins, and the highest total antioxidant capacity as gallic acid equivalents of 97.5 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g DW was obtained for the flowers of H. stoechas subsp. rupestre extract in the phosphomolybdenum assay. An extract of the leafy stems of P. saxatile subsp. saxatile revealed the highest content of flavonoids, and the highest antioxidant activity by the radical scavenging and β-carotene assays when compared with standards. The best activity was by the scavenging radical DPPH with an IC50 value of 5.65 ± 0.10 μg·mL−1.
Conclusion
The studied medicinal plants could provide scientific evidence for some traditional uses in the treatment of diseases related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress.
The dimeric 4-hydroxy-2-pyrone, heliopyrone, was isolated from Anaphalis araneosa and its structure confirmed by spectral analysis and synthesis.
From the aerial parts of Helichrysum decumbens, three new antifungal phloroglucinol derivatives have been identified. Their structures have been established by UV, IR, EIMS, FAB-MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques. In addition, the highly methylated flavonoids 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxy-flavone and 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone have been detected, the latter being a new naturally occurring compound. The phloroglucinols prevented the growth of Cladosporium herbarum in a bio-assay. These secondary metabolises are externally deposited on the plant surfaces.