Polyphenolic characterization and chromatographic methods for fast assessment of culinary Salvia species from South East Europe

Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cyto-Genotoxic, and Antigenotoxic Potential of Salvia verticillata Hydromethanolic Extract

This study comprises the phytochemical characterization, the evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), and the investigation of the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of hydromethanolic extract derived from Salvia verticillata L. leaves. HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and HPLC-DAD were used for the characterization of the extract and determination of the major ingredients. Afterwards, the TPC and AA were determined. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of the extract on cultured human lymphocytes at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 μg mL-1 was investigated via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay. Moreover, its antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C (MMC) was assessed using the same assay. The hydromethanolic extract comprises numerous metabolites, with rosmarinic acid being the major compound. It had a high value of TPC and exerted significant AA as shown by the results of the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH• assays. A dose-dependent cytotoxic potential was recorded, with the highest dose (50 μg mL-1) exhibiting statistically significant cytotoxicity. None of the tested concentrations induced significant micronuclei (MN) frequencies, indicating a lack of genotoxicity. All tested concentrations reduced the MMC-mediated genotoxic effects, with the two lowest showing statistically significant antigenotoxic potential.

A review of the functional activities of chia seed and the mechanisms of action related to molecular targets

In recent years, as a functional potential pseudocereal, chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has been of great interest for its comprehensive nutritional profile and attractive qualities after ingestion. It is reported that a reasonable dietary supplementation of chia seed (CS) contributes to the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases (inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, kidney stone, etc.). CS contains a variety of bioactive macromolecular substances, such as oil, protein and gum, which manifest distinguished health-promoting activities in both in vivo and in vitro research studies. This article provides a comprehensive compendium on the functional importance of CS, in the context of biological activities and mechanism of actions of CS. Specifically, CS and its components alleviate inflammation and regulate glucose and fatty acid metabolism by regulating key influencing factors in the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), peroxisome-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathways and the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-mediated insulin signaling pathway. In the meantime, predictions of metabolic pathways of CS peptides based on the known tracks of newly researched active peptides were proposed, with the aim of emphasizing the enormous research space of CS peptides compared to other functional active peptides.

Occurrence of Luteolin in the Greek Flora, Isolation of Luteolin and Its Action for the Treatment of Periodontal Diseases

Higher plants possess the ability to synthesize a great number of compounds with many different functions, known as secondary metabolites. Polyphenols, a class of flavonoids, are secondary metabolites that play a crucial role in plant adaptation to both biotic and abiotic environments, including UV radiation, high light intensity, low/high temperatures, and attacks from pathogens, among others. One of the compounds that has received great attention over the last few years is luteolin. The objective of the current paper is to review the extraction and detection methods of luteolin in plants of the Greek flora, as well as their luteolin content. Furthermore, plant species, crop management and environmental factors can affect luteolin content and/or its derivatives. Luteolin exhibits various biological activities, such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial ones. As a result, luteolin has been employed as a bioactive molecule in numerous applications within the food industry and the biomedical field. Among the different available options for managing periodontitis, dental care products containing herbal compounds have been in the spotlight owing to the beneficial pharmacological properties of the bioactive ingredients. In this context, luteolin's anti-inflammatory activity has been harnessed to combat periodontal disease and promote the restoration of damaged bone tissue.

Chemical Composition of Salvia fruticosa Mill. Essential Oil and Its Protective Effects on Both Photosynthetic Damage and Oxidative Stress in Conocephalum conicum L. Induced by Environmental Heavy Metal Concentrations

The genus Salvia L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family, contains more than 900 species distributed in various parts of the world. It is a genus containing aromatic plants used both in the culinary field and above all in the cosmetic area to produce several perfumes. Salvia fruticosa Mill., notoriously known as Greek Salvia, is a plant used since ancient times in traditional medicine, but today cultivated and used in various parts of Europe and Africa. Polar and apolar extracts of this plant confirmed the presence of several metabolites such as abietane and labdane diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, and some flavonoids, causing interesting properties such as sedative, carminative, and antiseptic, while its essential oils (EOs) are mainly characterized by compounds such as 1,8-cineole and camphor. The aim of this work concerns the chemical analysis by GC and GC-MS, and the investigation of the biological properties, of the EO of S. fruticosa plants collected in eastern Sicily. The gas-chromatographic analysis confirmed the presence of 1,8-cineole (17.38%) and camphor (12.81%), but at the same time, also moderate amounts of α-terpineol (6.74%), β-myrcene (9.07%), camphene (8.66%), β-pinene (6.55%), and α-pinene (6.45%). To study the protective effect of EOs from S. fruticosa (both the total mixture and the individual compounds) on possible damage induced by heavy metals, an in vitro system was used in which a model organism, the liverwort Conocephalum conicum, was subjected to the effect of a mix of heavy metals (HM) prepared using values of concentrations actually measured in one of the most polluted watercourses of the Campania region, the Regi Lagni. Finally, the antioxidant response and the photosynthetic damage were examined. The exogenous application of the EO yields a resumption of the oxidative stress induced by HM, as demonstrated by the reduction in the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) content and by the increased activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Furthermore, plants treated with HMs and EO showed a higher Fv/Fm (maximal quantum efficiency of PSII in the dark) with respect to HMs-only treated ones. These results clearly indicate the protective capacity of the EO of S. fruticosa against oxidative stress, which is achieved at least in part by modulating the redox state through the antioxidant pathway and on photosynthetic damage.

Monoterpene synthases of three closely related sage species (Salvia officinalis, S. fruticosa and S. pomifera, Lamiaceae)

The diversity of plant monoterpenes is largely based on the catalytic activity of monoterpene synthases. Additionally, copy number variation of monoterpene synthase genes may contribute to the quantity of transcripts and hence to the essential oil profile. This study used whole-genome sequencing and digital PCR for the measurement of copy number variation and quantification of gene expression in three closely related Salvia species, namely Salvia officinalis, Salvia pomifera and Salvia fruticosa. Twelve, 13 and 15 monoterpene synthase-encoding open-reading frames were predicted for Salvia officinalis, Salvia pomifera and Salvia fruticosa, respectively. In Salvia officinalis, one of the open reading frames was disrupted indicating a pseudogene. Monoterpene synthase genes were generally single copy per haploid genome, only a few were double or triple copy genes. Expression levels of monoterpene synthases in leaves corresponded generally well with essential oil composition. In some cases, a higher expression level of a certain monoterpene synthase could be explained by its duplication or triplication. The very high content of thujones in Salvia pomifera, for example, was accompanied by gene duplication and increased gene expression of (+)-sabinene synthase responsible for the thujone precursor sabinene. In Salvia officinalis, three individuals different in their essential oil profile showed significant differences in their monoterpene synthase expression levels corresponding roughly to the profile of the essential oils. Transcript expression of monoterpene synthase genes were measured in leaf, calyx and corolla. The corolla differed significantly from leaves, while calyces usually showed a profile intermediary between leaf and corolla.

GC-MS and LC-DAD-MS Phytochemical Profiling for Characterization of Three Native Salvia Taxa from Eastern Mediterranean with Antiglycation Properties

Salvia fruticosa and S. pomifera subsp. calycina are native to Eastern Mediterranean and S. pomifera subsp. pomifera is endemic to Greece. The primary aim of this study was to develop an analytical methodology for metabolomic profiling and to study their efficacy in combating glycation, the major biochemical complication of diabetes. After sequential ultrasound-assisted extraction of 2 g of leaves with petroleum ether and 70% methanol, the volatile metabolites in the petroleum ether extracts were studied with GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), whereas the polar metabolites in the hydroalcoholic extracts were determined and quantified by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS (Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector-Mass Spectrometry). This methodology was applied to five populations belonging to the three native taxa. 1,8-Cineole was the predominant volatile (34.8-39.0%) in S. fruticosa, while S. pomifera had a greater content of α-thujone (19.7-41.0%) and β-thujone (6.0-39.1%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis of the volatiles could discriminate the different taxa. UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS demonstrated the presence of 50 compounds, twenty of which were quantified. PCA revealed that not only the taxa but also the populations of S. pomifera subsp. pomifera could be differentiated. All Salvia samples inhibited advanced glycation end-product formation in a bovine serum albumin/2-deoxyribose assay; rosmarinic and carnosic acid shared this activity. This study demonstrates the antiglycation activity of S. fruticosa and S. pomifera extracts for the first time and presents a miniaturized methodology for their metabolomic profiling, which could aid chemotaxonomic studies and serve as a tool for their authentication and quality control.

Potential therapeutic applications of infusions and hydroalcoholic extracts of Romanian glutinous sage (Salvia glutinosa L.)

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Salvia glutinosa, also known as the glutinous sage, has been used in Romanian folk medicine in the treatment of inflammation, injuries, and mild infections. However, there is no direct scientific evidence to demonstrate these activities.

Aim of the Study: The present research was based on evaluating antioxidant, antiproliferative, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of S. glutinosa extracts, as well as the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Materials and Methods: Infusions and 70% (v:v) ethanol solution extracts of S. glutinosa stems and leaves, collected from two different locations in Romania, were prepared. Ten phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using the LC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ method, and total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined. A rat model of induced inflammation with turpentine oil was used for the examination of in vivo effects of the extracts, using diclofenac as an anti-inflammatory control.

Results: The highest inhibitory α-glucosidase activity was determined to be IC₅₀ = 0.546 mg/ml for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material collected on the road to Sighișoara. The highest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line was determined to be GI₅₀ = 131.68 ± 5.03 μg/ml, for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material from Sighișoara. In vivo administration of extract (200 mg lyophilized powder/ml) showed a significant reduction of NO production.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that S. glutinosa extracts exhibit antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, as well as a modest cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line. By in vivo administration, the extracts show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which correlates with the traditional use of the species. The environmental conditions seemed to induce important changes in the chemical composition and the bioactivity of the herbal preparations derived from S. glutinosa.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and enzyme inhibition-docking analyses of Salvia ekimiana Celep & Doğan

Salvia ekimiana Celep & Doğan is an endemic species of Turkey. To our knowledge, the number of studies on biological activities and phytochemical profiling of this plant is quite limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze its activities and phytochemical content in detail. The qualitative-quantitative compositions were determined via spectrophotometric and chromatographic (LC-MS/MS and HPLC) techniques. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^•) and 2,2'-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^•+) radical scavenging and ascorbate-iron (III)-catalyzed phospholipid peroxidation experiments were performed to measure antioxidant capacity. Hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase enzyme inhibition tests were determined in vitro using a spectrophotometer. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated in human lung cancer (A549) and human breast cancer (MCF7) cells. The murine fibroblast (L929) cell line was used as a normal control cell. While the subextract rich in phenolic compounds was n-butanol extract, rosmarinic acid was defined as the main secondary metabolite. The highest antioxidant activity observed for the n-butanol subextract included the following: DPPH^• EC50: 0.08±0.00 mg/mL, TEAC/ABTS: 2.19±0.09 mmol/L Trolox, MDA EC50: 0.42±0.03 mg/mL. The methanolic extract, the ethyl acetate, and n-butanol subextracts displayed significant inhibitory activity on collagenase, while the other subextracts did not show any inhibitory activity on hyaluronidase and elastase. Due to strong interactions with their active sites, molecular docking showed luteolin 7-glucuronide, apigenin 7-glucuronide, and luteolin 5-glucoside had the highest binding affinity with target enzymes. The chloroform subextract showed significant cytotoxicity in all cell lines. These novel results revealed that S. ekimiana has strong antioxidant, collagenase enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic potential.

Comparative Antioxidant, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase and Anti-α-Glucosidase Activities of Mediterranean Salvia Species

Salvia species have a cosmopolitan distribution and comprise several well-known plants valuable for pharmaceutical and food industries due to their recognized medicinal, food flavouring, and preservative properties. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the biological activities of seven wild-growing Salvia species from the Mediterranean area (S. fruticosa, S. glutinosa, S. nemorosa, S. officinalis, S. pratensis, S. sclarea, S. verticillata). All studied ethanolic leaf extracts exhibited significant DPPH and NO radical scavenging ability, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and reducing power, as well as moderate iron-chelating properties. Together with S. officinalis and S. fruticosa, S. verticillata showed anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, while S. glutinosa was also found to possess the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase. Total flavonoid (0.37-0.90%), phenolic acid (3.55-12.44%), tannin (1.22-2.60%), and anthocyanin contents (0.03-0.08%) were determined in Salvia leaves. Rosmarinic acid was the predominant hydroxycinnamic acid in all studied sage plants, ranging from 9400 to 38,800 μg/g. The correlation study showed a strong relationship between biological activities and contents of total phenolic acids, total tannins, and rosmarinic acid, indicating their significant contribution to the efficiency of tested Salvia species. Our results highlighted Mediterranean sage plants as rich sources of potent antioxidant, neuroprotective, and hypoglycemic agents which are worthy of further research.

Design and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with Salvia officinalis extract for Alzheimer's disease treatment

Considering the potential of Salvia officinalis in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as the ability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to successfully deliver drug molecules across blood-brain barrier (BBB), the objective of this study was design, development, optimization and characterization of freeze-dried salvia officinalis extract (FSE) loaded NLC intended for intranasal administration. NLC were prepared by solvent evaporation method and the optimization was carried out using central composite design (CCD) of experiments. Further, the optimized formulation (NLCo) was coated either with chitosan (NLCc) or poloxamer (NLCp). Surface characterization of the particles demonstrated a spherical shape with smooth exterior. Particle size of optimal formulations after 0.45 μm pore size filtration ranged from 127 ± 0.68 nm to 140 ± 0.74 nm. The zeta potential was -25.6 ± 0.404 mV; 22.4 ± 1.106 mV and - 6.74 ± 0.609 mV for NLCo, NLCc, and NLCp, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the formation of NLC whereas Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the FSE encapsulation into particles. All formulations showcased relatively high drug loading (>86.74 mcg FSE/mg solid lipid) and were characterized by prolonged and controlled release that followed Peppas-Sahlin in vitro release kinetic model. Protein adsorption studies revealed the lowest adsorption of the proteins onto NLCp (43.53 ± 0.07%) and highest protein adsorption onto NLCc (55.97 ± 0.75%) surface. The modified ORAC assay demonstrated higher antioxidative activity for NLCo (95.31 ± 1.86%) and NLCc (97.76 ± 4.00%) as compared to FSE (90.30 ± 1.53%). Results obtained from cell cultures tests pointed to the potential of prepared NLCs for FSE brain targeting and controlled release.

New bone-generative effect of Salvia officinalis L. in the expanded midpalatal suture : An in vivo and in vitro study

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of Salvia officinalis Linnaeus (L.) leaf extract on new bone formation in the expanded premaxillary suture in rats in vivo and to examine the antioxidant effects and phenolic profile of Salvia officinalis (SO) leaf and root extracts in vitro.

METHODS

Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to two groups: SO group (n = 7) and control group (n = 7). An open-loop spring was attached to the upper incisors of each rat to expand the premaxillae. A 5-day expansion period followed by a 12-day retention period was observed. The rats in the SO group received systemic administration of 20 mg SO/kg/day via the orogastric route for 17 days. Histomorphometric examinations were carried out to examine the amount of new bone formation, number of capillaries, and intensity of inflammatory cell response. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to examine the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Leaf and root extracts of SO were also analyzed for antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in vitro.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that the following were higher in the SO group than in the control group: new bone formation, number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, intensity of inflammatory cell response (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages), and number of capillaries. The major compound identified in SO leaf extract was rosmarinic acid, while luteolin derivatives, salvianolic acid F, and medioresinol were also present.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvia officinalis L. from leaf extract provided antioxidant effects and stimulated enhanced new bone formation in the expanded midpalatal suture after maxillary expansion in rats.

Comparative analysis of five Salvia species using LC-DAD-QToF

Several Salvia species, commonly known as sage plants, are an integral part of various culinary and folklore preparations for the perceived wide range of effects from organoleptic to psychological. As a result, many of these species are an integral part of botanical drug applications, highlighting the need for accurate identification and quality control for consumer's safety. Five closely related Salvia species (S. officinalis, S. miltiorrhiza, S. divinorum, S. mellifera, and S. apiana) within a same botanical family were analyzed and differentiated using LC-QToF. Accurate mass measurement (<5 ppm) of protonated and deprotonated molecules together with resulting fragments and product ions allowed unequivocal or tentative identification of more than 180 compounds either by comparison with reference standards or literature data. The leaf part were identified based on various phenolic acids, flavonoids as well as di- and tri-terpenoids. Polyphenolics, viz., salvianolic A/B and rosmarinic acids in S. officinalis, lipophilic diterpenoids, viz., tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza, abietatriene diterpenes and triterpenoids (ursane-/olean-type) in S. mellifera, and S. apiana were identified as characteristic, significant components. In comparison, salvinorins and divinorins representing a class of neoclerodane diterpenoids were detected only in S. divinorum. The presented methodology can successfully be applied to qualitatively assess sage-based ingredients in various finished products and formulations.

Assessment of the Phytochemical and Nutrimental Composition of Dark Chia Seed (Salvia hispánica L.)

Chia seeds are rich sources of different macro and micronutrients associated with health benefits; thus, they may be considered as a functional food. However, the composition depends on the variety, origin, climate and soil. Here, we show a comprehensive characterization of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds of dark chia seed Salvia hispanica L. using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight (HPLC-ESI-QTOF) and discuss potential health benefits associated with the presence of a number of nutritional and bioactive compounds. We report that dark chia from Jalisco is a high-fiber food, containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids (phenylalanine and tryptophan), and nucleosides (adenosine, guanidine and uridine), and rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds, mainly caffeic acid metabolites. Our data suggest that chia seeds may be used as ingredients for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements.

Phytochemical Characterization of Phenolic Compounds by LC-MS/MS and Biological Activities of Ajuga reptans L., Ajuga salicifolia (L.) Schreber and Ajuga genevensis L. from Turkey

Objectives

In this study, it was aimed to characterize the phenolic contents of Ajuga reptans L., Ajuga salicifolia (L.) Schreber and Ajuga genevensis L. and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Materials and Methods

Air dried aerial parts of A. reptans L., A. salicifolia (L.) Schreber, and A. genevensis L. collected from Turkey were extracted with methanol (70%), and the phenolic composition of the crude extracts was analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. To determine the total phenolic content the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used. The radical scavenging activities of the extracts were evaluated by the photometric 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays (TEAC). Furthermore, Ajuga sp. extracts were tested against Escherichia coli NRRL B3008, Staphylococcus areus ATCC 6538, Salmonella thyphimurium ATCC 13311, Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711, Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida tropicalis ATCC 1369, and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 using the in vitro broth dilution assay.

Results

The LC-MS/MS analyses identified 19 compounds. The amount of total phenolics ranged from 30.0 to 42.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/g in all extracts. According to the results of TEAC assay, the tested extracts were found to have relatively high activity at 1.2-1.5 mM concentrations. Ajuga sp. extracts inhibited all tested microorganisms; however, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis exhibited relatively more susceptibility (minimum inhibitory concentration: 156.25 µg/mL) compared to the bacteria tested.

Conclusion

The antioxidant activities of all extracts were determined for the first time by the TEAK method, and the in vitro antimicrobial activity of A. salicifolia was investigated for the first time against selected strains.

Extraction Processes Affect the Composition and Bioavailability of Flavones from Lamiaceae Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Lamiaceae plants are a widespread family of herbaceous plants with around 245 plant genera and nearly 22,576 species distributed in the world. Some of the most representative and widely studied Lamiaceae plants belong to the Ocimum, Origanum, Salvia, and Thymus genera. These plants are a rich source of bioactive molecules such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In this sense, there is a subgroup of flavonoids classified as flavones. Flavones have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic potential; thus, efficient extraction techniques from their original plant matrixes have been developed. Currently, conventional extraction methods involving organic solvents are no longer recommended due to their environmental consequences, and new environmentally friendly techniques have been developed. Moreover, once extracted, the bioactivity of flavones is highly linked to their bioavailability, which is often neglected. This review aims to comprehensively gather recent information (2011–2021) regarding extraction techniques and their important relationship with the bioavailability of flavones from Lamiaceae plants including Salvia, Ocimum, Thymus, and Origanum.

Phenolic profile, safety assessment, and anti-inflammatory activity of Salvia verbenaca L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia species are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and are traditionally used for healing purposes. Salvia verbenaca is an Algerian plant used for healing wounds and ulcers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aims to assess the acute and subacute safety of S. verbenaca and its possible anti-inflammatory activity as a mechanism contributing to its traditional applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lethal toxicity of S. verbenaca hydromethanolic extract was evaluated against Artemia salina larvae, while acute and subacute toxicity were orally tested on mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was screened ex vivo using membrane stabilization and in vivo using xylene induced ear edema as an acute inflammation model. The antiradical, reducing power and iron chelating activities of S. verbenaca were also investigated in vitro, and phenolic compounds were determined using UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ_. RESULTS: Salvia verbenaca extract contained high amounts of phenolic compounds (206 μg GAE/mg extract). The in vitro antioxidant activity showed promising radical scavenging ability, iron chelating (IC₅₀: 189 μg/mL), reducing power and strong anti-lipid-peroxidation effect (IC₅₀: 111 μg/mL). The extract had potential cytotoxic effect against Artemia salina larvae (LC₅₀: 30 μg/mL), but did not exhibit any acute/subacute toxicity effect on mice. Salvia verbenaca inhibited hypotonic and heat induced hemolysis and also reduced 50% of xylene induced ear edema at 600 mg/kg bw. Rosmarinic acid and caffeoylmalic acid were identified as the major compounds.

CONCLUSION

Salvia verbenaca hydromethanolic extract was found to be safe at acute and subacute levels. Its in vitro/in vivo antioxidant activity, membrane stabilizing properties and anti-inflammatory activity may be an important aspect of its wound healing and anti-ulcer traditional use.

Effects of bio-fertilizers on the production of specialized metabolites in Salvia officinalis L. leaves: An analytical approach based on LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap/MS and multivariate data analysis

In recent years, the use of organic substances has been increased to improve the production of specialized metabolites in aromatic and medicinal plants. Salvia officinalis L., known as sage, is an important medicinal and aromatic plant, whose leaves are commonly used as a condiment in food but mainly as a raw material in pharmaceutical and perfumery industries. In this work to define the effects of bio-fertilizers and foliar applications of l-phenylalanine on specialized metabolites production and biochemical characteristics of S. officinalis leaves, an experimental field in 2 years (2016 and 2017) was developed in semiarid climate, South-western, Iran. Experimental treatments included foliar spraying of l-phenylalanine in diverse concentration (0-250 and 500 mg/mL) and different bio-fertilizers [Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf), both fungi and bacteria (AMF + Pf)]. A metabolomics approach was carried out on the ethanolic extracts of sage leaves obtained by different treatments using Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap/MS) followed by multivariate data analysis. A total of 41 specialized metabolites were detected, and 35 of them were identified based on their accurate mass and mass fragmentation, as belonging to organic acids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, diterpenes, salvianolic acids and oxylipins. This work highlighted that the foliar application of l-phenylalanine along with the inoculation of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and P. fluorescens can improve the yields of specific metabolites of pharmaceutical interest.

In vitro biological activity of Salvia fruticosa Mill. infusion against amyloid β-peptide-induced toxicity and inhibition of GSK-3β, CK-1δ, and BACE-1 enzymes relevant to Alzheimer's disease

Salvia species have been traditionally used to improve cognition and have been proved to be a potential natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Salvia fruticosa Mill. (Turkish sage or Greek sage) demonstrated to have anticholinergic effects in vitro.

The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of S. fruticosa infusion and its representative compound rosmarinic acid, which was detected by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The protective effects of the S. fruticosa infusion (SFINF) and its major substance rosmarinic acid (RA) on amyloid beta 1–42 -induced cytotoxicity on SH-SY5Y cells together with p-GSK-3β activation were investigated. Their in vitro inhibitory effects against glycogen synthase kinase 3β, β-secretase, and casein kinase 1δ enzymes were also evaluated.

The results showed that treatment with the all tested concentrations, SFINF significantly decreased Aβ 1–42-induced cytotoxicity and exhibited promising in vitro glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitory activity below 10 µg/mL (IC₅₀ 6.52 ± 1.14 µg/mL), in addition to β-secretase inhibition (IC₅₀ 86 ± 2.9 µg/mL) and casein kinase 1δ inhibition (IC₅₀ 121.57 ± 4.00). The SFINF (100 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL) also activated the expression of p-GSK-3β in amyloid beta 1–42 treated SH-SY5Y cells.

The outcomes of this study demonstrated that the S. fruticosa infusion possessed activity to prevent amyloid beta 1–42 -induced neurotoxicity and provided proof that its mechanism may involve regulation of p-GSK-3β protein.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Aerial and Underground Parts of Salvia bulleyana Diels. Plants

Plants have been used for medical purposes since ancient times. However, a detailed analysis of their biological properties and their associated active compounds is needed to justify their therapeutic use in modern medicine. The aim of the study was to identify and quantify the phenolics present in hydromethanolic extracts of the roots and shoots of the Chinese Salvia species, Salvia bulleyana. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) detection. The extracts of S. bulleyana were also screened for their antioxidant activity using ferric ion (Fe³⁺) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), diammonium 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cation (ABTS), superoxide radical anion (O₂•–), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays. The S. bulleyana extracts were found to contain 38 substances, of which 36 were phenols, with a total level of 14.4 mg/g DW (dry weight) in shoots, and 23.1 mg/g DW in roots. Twenty-eight phenols were polyphenolic acids or their derivatives, the most abundant in shoots being rosmarinic acid, and in roots, salvianolic acid K followed by rosmarinic acid. The other major phenolic acids were caffeic acid, caffeoyl-threonic acids, isomers of lithospermic acid, salvianolic acid F, salvianolic acid B, and yunnaneic acid E. In addition to polyphenolic acids, nine flavonoids were detected in the shoot extract. While both extracts showed significant antioxidant activity, the shoot extract, containing both polyphenolic acids and flavonoids, demonstrated a slightly greater antioxidant potential in some of the anti-radical tests than the roots. However, the root extract proved to be slightly more effective in the lipid peroxidation inhibition test. Thus, S. bulleyana was demonstrated as a promising source of antioxidants, and worthy of further more detailed studies.

Establishment of hairy root cultures of Salvia bulleyana Diels for production of polyphenolic compounds

This study was to obtain stable transformed roots of Salvia bulleyana using A. rhizogenes strain A4 and then evaluate their phytochemical profile and selected the most productive clone. Our results indicated that the type of explant and medium used for bacterium and explant incubation had an influence on the frequency of hairy root formation. The best response was obtained on leaves infected with bacteria cultivated on YMB medium supplemented with acetosyringone. Of the four selected transformed root clones, after five-week cultivation in Woody Plant (WP) medium, the highest growth indexes were demonstrated for line C1: i.e. 13 for fresh and 15 for dry weight (81.4 and 8.2 g/l fresh and dry weight, respectively). The qualitative analysis of hydromethanolic extracts of hairy roots of S. bulleyana using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS method showed the presence of 10 polyphenolic compounds including predominant rosmarinic acid (RA), its derivatives (hexoside and methyl rosmarinate), caffeic acid, its derivatives and several salvianolic acids: K, E and F. Their production varied among the four root clones studied; the highest RA (39.6 mg/g dry weight) and total polyphenol (48.9 mg/g dry weight) level were found in the roots of C4 clone. These values were significantly higher than those of the roots of plants grown for several years under field conditions. The transformation of the obtained root cultures was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using aux1, aux2, rolB, rolC and rolD primers.

Potential Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Effects of Nanoliposomal Formulation Prepared from Salvia aramiensis Rech. f. Extract

Salvia aramiensis Rech. f. is a species that grows only in Hatay, Turkey and is used as a traditional stomachic tea. Neither the chemical composition nor the potential bioactivity of the plant has been investigated before. Antioxidant activity (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl Radical (DPPH^●) and 2,2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^+●) radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation) of 70% methanol, 70% ethanol extracts, and 2% infusion obtained from S. aramiensis aerial parts were determined. The effect of 70% methanol extract on collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibition and its chemical composition via chromatographic methods (LC-MS/MS and HPLC) were analyzed. Nanoliposomes were developed with 70% methanol extract, were characterized, and were evaluated. The key parameters for the most active 70% methanol extract included the following DPPH^•EC₅₀: 28.4 µg/mL, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/ABTS: 1.77 ± 0.09 mmol/L/Trolox. Furthermore 70% methanol extract showed more than 50% inhibition on collagenase and elastase enzymes at all the concentrations. The main component of the extract, rich in phenolic compounds, has been identified as rosmarinic acid; 83.7 µg/mL extract was released from the nanoliposomal formulation. The extract and its formulation are found to be nontoxic on the L929 fibroblast cell line. This study successfully developed a long-term antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory formulation containing S. aramiensis, which has been used safely among the public for years.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Toxicity, and Phenolic Profile of Aqueous Extracts of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Prepared at Different Temperatures

Chamomile and sage are common herbs that are mostly used as infusions due to their beneficial properties. The aims of this study were to determine the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and potential toxicity of chamomile and sage aqueous extracts prepared at three different temperatures (25, 80, 100 °C) and finally, to detect their phenolic profiles at the optimum temperature. In order to measure the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assays were applied, respectively. The extraction temperature at 80 °C was the optimum, with maximal antioxidant activity and the highest total phenolic content for both herbs. Luminescence-based assay demonstrated that all the examined aqueous extracts possessed toxicity towards Vibrio fischeri. Microtox assay demonstrated no correlation with the other two assays, which were positively correlated. The major phenolics of chamomile were rutin trihydrate, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside; and major phenolics of sage were rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid K, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, as defined by LC-MS of aqueous extracts at 80 °C. It can be concluded that the extraction of herbal aqueous extracts at 80 °C can provide significant bioactive and antioxidant compounds, but their consumption must be in moderation.

Exploring the bioactivity potential of Leonotis nepetifolia: phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and antileishmanial activities of extracts from different anatomical parts

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) Br. (Lamiaceae) is an African shrub popularly known as 'cordão-de-frade' in Brazil, traditionally used to treat infectious diseases, among other uses. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of hydroethanolic extracts from L. nepetifolia prepared from stems, leaves, roots and glomerulus, as well as their cytotoxicity, antileishmanial and antimicrobial activities. The chemical composition of the extracts was assessed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, whereas the antileishmanial activity was evaluated against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Cytotoxicity was tested on murine macrophages and the antimicrobial activity was investigated by a microdilution assay against several strains of fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The flavonoids apigenin, cirsiliol apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-4'-O-glucoside, luteolin-4'-O- glucuronide and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were identified in all tested extracts. Extracts from leaves and roots showed more potent antileishmanial activity (IC₅₀ 32.90 µg mL^-1 and 57.70 µg mL^-1, respectively) against amastigotes forms in comparison to the other extracts. The leaf extract inhibited Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus growth (125 µg mL^-1 and 100 µg mL^-1, respectively), and also showed anti-Candida activity (10-125 µg mL^-1). The biological effect can be related to the identified flavonoids. Our findings disclose the potential of L. nepetifolia as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of new therapeutic options for treating infectious diseases, especially flavonoids.

Characterization of Phenolic Compounds and Antiproliferative Effects of Salvia pomifera and Salvia fruticosa Extracts

The phenolic compounds of methanolic extracts of Salvia pomifera and Salvia fruticosa were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Carnosic acid and its metabolite carnosol were the most abundant terpene phenolic compounds of S. fruticosa, while they were completely absent in S. pomifera. The main terpene phenolic constituent of S. pomifera was 12-O-methylcarnosic acid and its mass/mass fragmentation pathway was explained. The detailed mechanism of carnosic acid oxidation to carnosol was suggested. The effects of Salvia extracts and/or carnosic acid, the main diterpene phenolic component of S. fruticosa, on the proliferation and cell cycle of two melanoma cell lines (A375, Mel JuSo) and human fibroblast cell line (HFF) were investigated by MTT assay, PI-exclusion assay and flow cytometry cell cycle analysis. Extract of S. fruticosa more efficiently than S. pomifera extract reduced the proliferation of the human melanoma cells. Carnosic acid showed the most significant effect. The first evidence that carnosic acid affects microtubule dynamics and arrests the cell cycle in the G2/M phase was provided. Collectively, our results demonstrate that these two Salvia species are plants of medicinal interest with perspective for further investigation. Carnosic acid could be the compound responsible for the biological activities of S. fruticosa extracts.

Current Advances on the Extraction and Identification of Bioactive Components of Sage (Salvia spp.)

Common sage (Salvia spp., with the most common species Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The polyphenolic compounds are mainly responsible for its diverse biological activity. Many different methods for extraction and identification of sage bioactive compounds, using various solvents, have been developed in recent years. The total phenolic content is usually measured and identified by various technical methodologies with different sensitivity and specificity. In this aspect, the present review is aimed to critically summarize and discuss various technical approaches for the extraction and identification of sage bioactive components in order to point out the more appropriate approaches of them.

The Health-Benefits and Phytochemical Profile of Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria Blue Decoctions

Salvia apiana and Salvia farinacea var. Victoria Blue decoctions were screened for diverse bioactivities, including the ability to counteract oxidative and inflammatory events, as well as to act as cytotoxic and antimicrobial agents. Both extracts showed good activities and that of S. apiana origin was particularly effective regarding the ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and to prevent nitric oxide (NO●) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line (EC₅₀ = 50 μg/mL). Moreover, it displayed high cytotoxic capacity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2, cervical carcinoma HeLa, and breast carcinoma cells MCF-7, but comparatively low effects in porcine liver primary cells, which highlights its selectivity (GI₅₀ = 41–60 μg/mL vs. 362 μg/mL, respectively). Further, it exhibited inhibitory and lethal potential against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is possible that the bioactive properties of the two Salvia extracts are associated to their phenolic components and, in the particular case of S. apiana, to its richness in phenolic terpenes, namely in rosmanol, hydroxycarnosic acid and a derivative of sageone, which were found in the extract.

Salvia elegans, Salvia greggii and Salvia officinalis Decoctions: Antioxidant Activities and Inhibition of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Enzymes

Salvia elegans Vahl., Salvia greggii A. Gray, and Salvia officinalis L. decoctions were investigated for their health-benefit properties, in particular with respect to antioxidant activity and inhibitory ability towards key enzymes with impact in diabetes and obesity (α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase). Additionally, the phenolic profiles of the three decoctions were determined and correlated with the beneficial properties. The S. elegans decoction was the most promising in regard to the antioxidant effects, namely in the scavenging capacity of the free radicals DPPH•, NO• and O₂•⁻, and the ability to reduce Fe3+, as well as the most effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase (EC50 = 36.0 ± 2.7 μg/mL vs. EC50 = 345.3 ± 6.4 μg/mL and 71.2 ± 5.0 μg/mL for S. greggii and S. officinalis, respectively). This superior activity of the S. elegans decoction over those of S. greggii and S. officinalis was, overall, highly correlated with its richness in caffeic acid and derivatives. In turn, the S. officinalis decoction exhibited good inhibitory capacity against xanthine oxidase activity, a fact that could be associated with its high content of flavones, in particular the glycosidic forms of apigenin, scutellarein and luteolin.

Determination of the Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Salvia viridis L. Shoots: A Comparison of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts

Salvia viridis L. is an annual herb used in Mediterranean medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the polyphenol profile of aqueous (decoction and infusion) and hydroethanolic extracts of aerial parts of field-grown S.viridis and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The polyphenol profiling was performed via UPLC-DAD/ESI-MS. Additionally, the total polyphenol content in extracts tested were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The antioxidant effect was evaluated by the FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, O₂^•− scavenging and TBARS methods. The hydroethanolic extract gave the highest content of total phenolic compounds, followed by the infusion. The UPLC-DAD/ESI-MS analysis of extracts showed a total of 19 phenolic compounds identified as flavonoids (four compounds), phenylethanoids (eight compounds) and phenolic acids (seven compounds). Rosmarinic acid was the predominant phenolic acid, verbascoside was the predominant phenylethanoid, while apigenin glucuronide or methylluteolin glucuronide, depending on the sample, were the predominant flavonoids in the analyzed extracts. The presence of a high polyphenol level indicated a high antioxidant activity of both the infusion and the hydroalcoholic extract. These results indicate that S. viridis is a rich resource of phenolic compounds and can be used in dietary applications with the potential to reduce oxidative stress.

Oil distillation wastewaters from aromatic herbs as new natural source of antioxidant compounds

Distillation wastewaters (DWWs) are generated during the essential oil steam distillation from aromatic herbs. Despite of growing interest on novel source of natural antioxidant compounds as food additives, studies on DWWs are scarse. Herein, the potential of DWWs produced by the distillation of packaged fresh basil, rosemary and sage wastes was evaluated by chemical and antioxidant characterization. HPLC-DAD-HRMS profiling revealed that DWWs contain water-soluble phenolic compounds, mainly caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides, with rosmarinic acid (RA) as predominant components (29-135mg/100mL). DWWs demonstrated high levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC, 152-443mg GAE/100mL) and strong antioxidant capacities, in ORAC, DPPH and ABTS assays (1101-4720, 635-4244 and 571-3145μmol TE/100mL, respectively). Highly significant correlations of TEAC values with TPC and RA contents revealed that phenolic compounds and high RA content were responsible of DWWs antioxidant properties.Thus, DWWs are proposed as a new promising source of natural food additives and/or functional ingredients for cosmetic, nutraceutical and food applications.

Genetic diversity and metabolic profile of Salvia officinalis populations: implications for advanced breeding strategies

As a result of this work, we were able to characterize seven indigenous to Greece Salvia officinalis populations using genetic and metabolomic tools. These tools can be used to select the most promising genotypes, capable to design future breeding programs for high valuable varieties. An initial investigation was carried out to compare the genetic and metabolic diversity in S. officinalis grown in Greece and to discern the relationship between the two sets of data. Analysis of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) revealed significant genetic differences among seven sage populations, which were grouped into three main clusters according to an UPGMA ISSR data-based dendrogram and Principle Coordinate Analysis. 80 loci were scored of which up to 90% were polymorphic at species level. According to the composition of their essential oil, the populations were classified into two chemotypes: 1.8 cineole/α-thujone and α-thujone/1.8 cineole. Additionally, a targeted ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS/MS) method was used to qualify and quantify phenolic compounds in methanolic extracts of the seven sage genotypes according to which they were districted in six clusters among the sage populations. The main compounds characterizing the seven genotypes were rosmarinic acid and carnosol, followed by apigenin-7-O-glucoside (Ap7glc), and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (Lu7glc). The correlation between matrices obtained from ISSR data and metabolic profiles was non-significant. However, based on the differences in metabolic fingerprint, we aimed to define populations using as main selection criteria the high polyphenol content and desired essential oil composition, using state to the art analytical tools for the identification of parent lines for breeding programs.

Salvia fruticosa Induces Vasorelaxation In Rat Isolated Thoracic Aorta: Role of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO/cGMP Signaling Pathway

Salvia fruticosa (SF) Mill. is traditionally used for its antihypertensive actions. However, little is known about its pharmacologic and molecular mechanisms of action. Here we determined the effects of an ethanolic extract of SF leaves on rings of isolated thoracic aorta from Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results show that SF extract increased nitric oxide production and relaxed endothelium-intact rings in a dose-dependent (0.3 µg/ml–1 mg/ml) manner, and the maximum arterial relaxation (R_max) was significantly reduced with endothelium denudation. Pretreatment of endothelium-intact rings with L-NAME (a non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, 100 µM), or ODQ (an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, 10 µM) significantly diminished SF-mediated vasorelaxation. Furthermore, SF induced Akt phosphorylation as well as increased cGMP levels in rings treated with increasing doses of SF. Prior exposure to PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin (0.1 µM) or LY294002 (10 µM), decreased cGMP accumulation and attenuated the SF-induced vasorelaxation by approximately 50% (R_max). SF-evoked relaxation was not affected by indomethacin, verapamil, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium, pyrilamine or atropine. Taken together, our results indicate that SF induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO/sGC/cGMP signaling pathway. Our data illustrate the health-orientated benefits of consuming SF which may act as an antihypertensive agent to reduce the burden of cardiovascular complications.

LC/DAD/MSn and ICP-AES Assay and Correlations between Phenolic Compounds and Toxic Metals in Endemic Thymus alsarensis from the Thallium Enriched Allchar Locality

Samples of Thymus alsarensis Ronniger, an endemic species for the Allchar locality, were evaluated for their polyphenolic composition and heavy metals. Allchar district is an abandoned antimony-arsenic-thallium deposit in the north-west of Kožuf Mountain, R. Macedonia, with a unique mineral composition affecting the mineral composition of the flora. A systematic method for phenolic compounds characterization was developed using mass spectrometry coupled to HPLC/DAD. Analyses were focused on the polyphenolic compounds to establish a possible correlation to the region specific heavy metals As and Tl in the different organs of T. alsarensis. Twenty-seven polyphenols: phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides of luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol were detected; contents were higher in the leaves and flowers compared with stems and roots. Quinic acid (1), prolithospermic acid (6), salvianolic acid B (7), salvianolic acid A (8), monomethyl lithospermate (9), luteolin dihexoside (12), luteolin pentosyl-hexoside (14), luteolin acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (16), luteolin acetyl hexoside (17), luteolin dipentoside (21), luteolin pentoside (24), luteolin acetyl dipentoside (25), kaempferol pentosyl-hexoside (19) and kaempferol acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (22) were detected in T. alsarensis for the first time.

To assay the content of As and Tl, root, stem, leaf and flower samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Significant accumulation of As and Tl was observed with As content from 0.25 to 140 mg/kg and Tl from 0.10 to 496 mg/kg. The content of As was much higher in the roots, while the content of Tl was significantly higher in the roots, flowers and leaves in all T. alsarensis specimens. Comparison of the results obtained for total polyphenols and for As and Tl content does not suggest any correlation (positive or negative) between the total phenolic content and the content of Tl and As. On the other hand, it is evident that the soil rich with specific heavy metals (Tl and As) affects the type of polyphenolic compounds produced in different organs, compared with other Thymus species growing on soil that is not contaminated.

Edible coating composed of chitosan and Salvia fruticosa Mill. extract for the control of grey mould of table grapes

BACKGROUND

Consumer concerns regarding high-quality produce, free of pesticide residues, direct research towards disease management strategies that minimise or even exclude the use of synthetic chemistries in crop production. The efficacy of a chitosan-based edible coating combined with the acetonic extract of Salvia fruticosa Mill. (ASF) was assessed against the grey mould of table grapes.

RESULTS

HPLC-SPE-NMR and q-NMR analyses defined major constituents of ASF to be the flavonoids hispidulin, salvigenin and cirsimaritin and the diterpenes carnosic acid, carnosol and the 12-methoxycarnosic acid. The extract was found to be efficacious in reducing spore germination and mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea in vitro at 10 and 25 °C. However, the combination of the ASF with chitosan 1% (w/v; CHIT) significantly improved fungal inhibition. Similarly, in fruit inoculation trials at 10 °C, the efficacy of the combined application of the ASF at 500 mg L^-1 with CHIT against grey mould was statistically equal to the synthetic fungicide thiabendazole, ranging from 98.4% to 92.7% at 12 and 21 days post-inoculation, respectively. Furthermore, chitosan coating alone and in combination with ASF decreased the rate of fruit weight loss during cold storage, while preserved soluble solids content and titratable acidity. Chitosan-based coatings did not affect quality attributes and the bioactive compounds in table grapes.

CONCLUSION

The combined application of the ASF in the form of an edible coating with chitosan could effectively control B. cinerea without deteriorating quality and physico-chemical properties of grapes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Hydrophilic Polymers on theβFactor in Weibull Equation Applied to the Release Kinetics of a Biologically Active Complex ofAesculus hippocastanum

Triterpenoid saponins complex of biological origin, escin, exhibits significant clinical activity in chronic venous insufficiency, skin inflammation, epidermal abrasions, allergic dermatitis, and acute impact injuries, especially in topical application. The aim of the study is the comparison of various hydrogel formulations, as carriers for a horse chestnut seed extract (EH). Methylcellulose (MC), two polyacrylic acid derivatives (PA1 and PA2), and polyacrylate crosspolymer 11 (PC-11) were employed. The release rates of EH were examined and a comparison with the Weibull model equation was performed. Application of MC as the carrier in the hydrogel preparation resulted in fast release rate of EH, whereas in the case of the hydrogel composed with PC-11 the release was rather prolonged. Applied Weibull function adhered best to the experimental data. Due to the evaluated shape parameterβ, in the Weibull equation, the systems under study released the active compound according to the Fickian diffusion.

Phytochemical composition of fractions isolated from ten Salvia species by supercritical carbon dioxide and pressurized liquid extraction methods

Ten Salvia species, S. amplexicaulis, S. austriaca, S. forsskaolii S. glutinosa, S. nemorosa, S. officinalis, S. pratensis, S. sclarea, S. stepposa and S. verticillata were fractionated using supercritical carbon dioxide and pressurized liquid (ethanol and water) extractions. Fifteen phytochemicals were identified using commercial standards (some other compounds were identified tentatively), 11 of them were quantified by ultra high pressure chromatography (UPLC) with quadruple and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q/TOF, TQ-S). Lipophilic CO₂ extracts were rich in tocopherols (2.36-10.07mg/g), while rosmarinic acid was dominating compound (up to 30mg/g) in ethanolic extracts. Apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucuronide, caffeic and carnosic acids were quantitatively important phytochemicals in the majority other Salvia spp. Antioxidatively active constituents were determined by using on-line high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis combined with 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (HPLC-DPPH). Development of high pressure isolation process and comprehensive characterisation of phytochemicals in Salvia spp. may serve for their wider applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Core-Shell Columns in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Food Analysis Applications

The increased separation efficiency provided by the new technology of column packed with core-shell particles in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has resulted in their widespread diffusion in several analytical fields: from pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, and toxicological. The present paper presents their most recent applications in food analysis. Their use has proved to be particularly advantageous for the determination of compounds at trace levels or when a large amount of samples must be analyzed fast using reliable and solvent-saving apparatus. The literature hereby described shows how the outstanding performances provided by core-shell particles column on a traditional HPLC instruments are comparable to those obtained with a costly UHPLC instrumentation, making this novel column a promising key tool in food analysis.

A high fat diet does not affect the iron bioavailability in Wistar rats fed with chia and increases gene expression of iron metabolism proteins

This study evaluated the effect of chia on the iron bioavailability and gene expression of proteins involved in iron metabolism in animals fed with a high fat diet and a standard diet.

Towards Elucidating Carnosic Acid Biosynthesis in Lamiaceae: Functional Characterization of the Three First Steps of the Pathway in Salvia fruticosa and Rosmarinus officinalis

Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene with anti-tumour, anti-diabetic, antibacterial and neuroprotective properties that is produced by a number of species from several genera of the Lamiaceae family, including Salvia fruticosa (Cretan sage) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary). To elucidate CA biosynthesis, glandular trichome transcriptome data of S. fruticosa were mined for terpene synthase genes. Two putative diterpene synthase genes, namely SfCPS and SfKSL, showing similarities to copalyl diphosphate synthase and kaurene synthase-like genes, respectively, were isolated and functionally characterized. Recombinant expression in Escherichia coli followed by in vitro enzyme activity assays confirmed that SfCPS is a copalyl diphosphate synthase. Coupling of SfCPS with SfKSL, both in vitro and in yeast, resulted in the synthesis miltiradiene, as confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR analyses (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY H-H, HMQC and HMBC). Coupled transient in vivo assays of SfCPS and SfKSL in Nicotiana benthamiana further confirmed production of miltiradiene in planta. To elucidate the subsequent biosynthetic step, RNA-Seq data of S. fruticosa and R. officinalis were searched for cytochrome P450 (CYP) encoding genes potentially involved in the synthesis of the first phenolic compound in the CA pathway, ferruginol. Three candidate genes were selected, SfFS, RoFS1 and RoFS2. Using yeast and N. benthamiana expression systems, all three where confirmed to be coding for ferruginol synthases, thus revealing the enzymatic activities responsible for the first three steps leading to CA in two Lamiaceae genera.