Coumarins of Matricaria chamomilla L.: Aglycones and glycosides

Isolation and characterisation of secondary metabolites from Trifolium vesiculosum Savi and their antiproliferative activities

One unreported flavonol namely morin-7-O-methyl ether (1) along with seven known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Trifolium vesiculosum Savi which were elucidated by using extensive spectroscopic methods such as 1D and 2D NMR and HR-MS. According to the cell viability assay (MTS) on the purified compounds (1-8), quercetin-3-O-(6''-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-galactoside (4) revealed remarkable antiproliferative activity most particularly against breast cancer cells (IC50  = 2.90 ± 0.25 µM in HCC1937 and 7.98 ± 0.57 µM in MCF7) while moderate inhibitory activity (IC50  = 17.96 ± 0.51-51.70 ± 2.69 µM) on prostate, colorectal and liver cancer cell viability was observed. Further mechanistic examinations (Annexin V/PI staining, DNA content and detection of reactive oxygen species analyses) showed that compound 4 significantly induced apoptosis, enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and caused cell cycle arrest in cancer cells by increasing accumulation of cells at G0/G1 and/or G2/M phases of the cell cycle.

Impact of NaCl stress on phytoconstituents and bioactivity of Matricaria chamomilla: a multi-analytical approach

Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae), commonly known as chamomile can tolerate freezing temperatures and grows in many soil types. This plant is found on all continents and has significant medicinal value. There are more than 120 chemicals detected in chamomile flowers, with the majority found in the essential oil. In this study, M. chamomilla was given the NaCl stress of 0 mM, 1 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM concentrations This study was the first to assess the efficacy of German chamomile upon exposure to salt stress hence plant particles that had been dried and powdered were analyzed using, phytochemical tests, Fourier Transform Infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The characterization and results of these activities show amazing results which enhance their antibacterial property with an increased zone of inhibition when the samples of salt stress of the above-given concentrations were compared to the control samples. More graph analysis indicates an effective impact of salt stress on the phytoconstituents of M. chamomilla. Other than that, there was a clear flower induction upon salt stress, as a variety of compounds are regarded as essential to the biological functions of chamomile flowers according to the phytoconstituent screening which can be further used in the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry, and all other fields as well for various application as a nano-drug or bio-drug. Due to this, this plant became essential for plant biotechnology research.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation reveals the source of bitterness in the traditional Chinese medicine formula Runchang-Tongbian

The Runchang-Tongbian (RCTB) formula is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of four herbs, namely Cannabis Fructus (Huomaren), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), and Aurantii Fructus (Zhiqiao). It is widely used clinically because of its beneficial effect on constipation. However, its strong bitter taste leads to poor patient compliance. The bitter components of TCM compounds are complex and numerous, and inhibiting the bitter taste of TCM has become a major clinical challenge. Here, we use ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify 59 chemical components in the TCM compound RCTB formula. Next, four bitter taste receptors, TAS2R39, TAS2R14, TAS2R7, and TAS2R5, which are tightly bound to the compounds in RCTB, were screened as molecular docking receptors using the BitterX database. The top-three-scoring receptor-small-molecule complexes for each of the four receptors were selected for molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, seven bitter components were identified, namely six flavonoids (rhoifolin, naringin, poncirin, diosmin, didymin, and narirutin) and one phenylpropanoid (purpureaside C). Thus, we proposed a new method for identifying the bitter components in TCM compounds, which provides a theoretical reference for bitter taste inhibition in TCM compounds.

Rapid biotransformation of STW 5 constituents by human gut microbiome from IBS- and non-IBS donors

STW 5, a blend of nine medicinal plant extracts, exhibits promising efficacy in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders, notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nonetheless, its effects on the gastrointestinal microbiome and the role of microbiota on the conversion of its constituents are still largely unexplored. This study employed an experimental ex vivo model to investigate STW 5's differential effects on fecal microbial communities and metabolite production in samples from individuals with and without IBS. Using 560 fecal microcosms (IBS patients, n = 6; healthy controls, n = 10), we evaluated the influence of pre-digested STW 5 and controls on microbial and metabolite composition at time points 0, 0.5, 4, and 24 h. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this ex vivo platform to analyze herbal medicine turnover within 4 h with minimal microbiome shifts due to abiotic factors. While only minor taxonomic disparities were noted between IBS- and non-IBS samples and upon treatment with STW 5, rapid metabolic turnover of STW 5 components into specific degradation products, such as 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, davidigenin, herniarin, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid, and 3-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid occurred. For davidigenin, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, or spasmolytic activities have been previously described. Notably, the microbiome-driven metabolic transformation did not induce a global microbiome shift, and the detected metabolites were minimally linked to specific taxa. Observed biotransformations were independent of IBS diagnosis, suggesting potential benefits for IBS patients from biotransformation products of STW 5.

IMPORTANCE

STW 5 is an herbal medicinal product with proven clinical efficacy in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, like functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The effects of STW 5 on fecal microbial communities and metabolite production effects have been studied in an experimental model with fecal samples from individuals with and without IBS. While only minor taxonomic disparities were noted between IBS- and non-IBS samples and upon treatment with STW 5, rapid metabolic turnover of STW 5 components into specific degradation products with reported anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, or spasmolytic activities was observed, which may be relevant for the pharmacological activity of STW 5.

Impact of Fermentation on the Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity Characteristics of Aqueous Matricaria recutita L. Root Extracts

While the flowers of Matricaria recutita L., German chamomile, are widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, little is known about its roots, which are used in complementary medicine for the preparation of aqueous fermented extracts for the treatment of cramps and anxiety. To broaden the understanding of the active principles involved, a model fermentation approach was developed and fermentates were compared to commercially manufactured tinctures. Coumarins and hydroxycinnamates were among the major secondary metabolites characterized using HPLC-MSn. After six months of fermentation and storage, low-molecular organic acids were detected by GC-MS. Fermentation contributed to the stabilization of antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, which were in a range of about 8-10 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight and 20-24 mg trolox equivalents/g dry weight, determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH assays, respectively. In addition, antibacterial activities of the extracts against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria increased during the first week of fermentation. Fermentates were neither cytotoxic nor pro- or anti-inflammatory. Thus, fermentation of chamomile roots is a suitable method for the safe production of biofunctional aqueous chamomile root extracts that remain stable without the addition of synthetic preservatives.

Coumarin-Synthetic Methodologies, Pharmacology, and Application as Natural Fluorophore

Coumarins are secondary metabolites made up of benzene and α-pyrone rings fused together that can potentially treat various ailments, including cancer, metabolic, and degenerative disorders. Coumarins are a diverse category of both naturally occurring as well as synthesized compounds with numerous biological and therapeutic properties. Coumarins as fluorophores play a key role in fluorescent labeling of biomolecules, metal ion detection, microenvironment polarity detection, and pH detection. This review provides a detailed insight into the characteristics of coumarins as well as their biosynthesis in plants and metabolic pathways. Various synthetic strategies for coumarin core involving both conventional and green methods have been discussed comparing advantages and disadvantages of each method. Conventional methods discussed are Pechmann, Knoevenagel, Perkin, Wittig, Kostanecki, Buchwald-Hartwig, and metal-induced coupling reactions such as Heck and Suzuki, as well as green approaches involving microwave or ultrasound energy. Various pharmacological applications of coumarin derivatives are discussed in detail. The structural features and conditions responsible for influencing the fluorescence of coumarin core are also elaborated.

Molecular modeling and biological investigation of novel s-triazine linked benzothiazole and coumarin hybrids as antimicrobial and antimycobacterial agents

A novel series of s-triazine linked benzothiazole and coumarin hybrids (6a-6d, 7a-7d, and 8a-8d) were synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The compound's in vitro antibacterial and antimycobacterial activities were also evaluated. Remarkable antibacterial activity with MIC in the range of 12.5-62.5 μM and antifungal activity of 100-200 μM were demonstrated by in vitro antimicrobial analysis. Compounds 6b, 6d, 7b, 7d, and 8a strongly inhibited all bacterial strains, while 6b, 6c, and 7d had good to moderate efficacy against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Synthesized hybrids are observed in the active pocket of the S. aureus dihydropteroate synthetase enzyme, according to a molecular docking investigations. Among the docked compounds, 6d had a strong interaction and a greater binding affinity, and the dynamic stability of protein-ligand complexes was examined using molecular dynamic simulation with various settings at 100 ns. The proposed compounds successfully maintained their molecular interaction and structural integrity inside the S. aureus dihydropteroate synthase, according to the MD simulation analysis. These in silico analyses supported the in vitro antibacterial results of compound 6d, which demonstrated outstanding in vitro antibacterial efficacy against all bacterial strains. In the quest for new antibacterial drug-like molecules, compounds 6d, 7b, and 8a have been identified as promising lead compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effect of chamomile intake on blood coagulation tests in healthy volunteers: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Chamomile is consumed worldwide for enjoyment and its potentially desirable properties. Widespread patient resource websites, however, discourage preoperative chamomile intake, lest bleeding could worsen. This precaution, though, stems largely from indirect evidence in one case report. To evaluate if chamomile ingestion impacts coagulation assays via coumarin-like substances, we designed a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Healthy volunteers were randomized to three interventions in a cross-over-design spanning 5 weeks per subject. Interventions included 7-day consumption of chamomile tea (3 tea bags × 3 times daily = 9 tea bags daily), a chamomile extract capsule (3 times daily), or a placebo capsule (3 times daily). A 7-day washout period elapsed between intervention periods. The primary outcome was the change in prothrombin time (PT) before vs. after each intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in the international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), reptilase time (RT), and fibrinogen (FG) surrounding each intervention.

RESULTS

All 12 enrolled subjects were randomized and completed the study. The primary outcome of PT change (mean ± SD) was similar across interventions (chamomile tea =  - 0.2 ± 0.4 s, extract capsule =  - 0.2 ± 0.4 s, and placebo capsule = 0.1 ± 0.5 s; p = 0.34). INR change was 0 s (p = 0.07) for each intervention. The aPTT, TT, RT, and FG, did not change significantly across interventions (p = 0.8, p = 0.08, p = 0.8, and p = 0.2 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Chamomile intake by tea or capsule does not prolong PT. These findings challenge the notion to avoid perioperative chamomile intake in patients not taking warfarin.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05006378; Principal Investigator: Jonathon Schwartz, M.D.; Registered August 16, 2021.

Profiling of chemical constituents of Matricarla chamomilla L. by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS and in vivo evaluation its anti-asthmatic activity

Matricarla chamomilla L. is native to European countries and widely cultivated in China, especially in Xinjiang. It has been used in Uygur medicine for the treatment of cough caused by asthma. In this study, UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to detect and identify the components from the active fraction of M. Chamomile, 64 compounds were identified by combining the standards, related literatures and mass spectrometry fragments, including 10 caffeoyl quinic acids, 38 flavonoids, 8 coumarins, 5 alkaloids and 3 other compounds. Furtherly, the anti-asthma activity of active fraction of M. Chamomile was investigated in OVA-induced allergic asthma rat model. The results showed that the number of EOS in Penh and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the group of the active fraction of M. Chamomile was significantly lower than that in the model group. Besides, the active fraction of M. Chamomile can significantly reduce the IgE level and increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum of OVA-induced rats, and ameliorated OVA-induced lung injury. Hence, M. Chamomile could be used to treat asthma through their in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study explored the potential material basis of M. Chamomile for the treatment of asthma.

Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Studies of Selected Botanical Dietary Supplements Used in the United States

Based on their current wide bioavailability, botanical dietary supplements have become an important component of the United States healthcare system, although most of these products have limited scientific evidence for their use. The most recent American Botanical Council Market Report estimated for 2020 a 17.3% increase in sales of these products when compared to 2019, for a total sales volume of $11,261 billion. The use of botanical dietary supplements products in the United States is guided by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) from 1994, enacted by the U.S. Congress with the aim of providing more information to consumers and to facilitate access to a larger number of botanical dietary supplements available on the market than previously. Botanical dietary supplements may be formulated for and use only using crude plant samples (e.g., plant parts such as the bark, leaves, or roots) that can be processed by grinding into a dried powder. Plant parts can also be extracted with hot water to form an "herbal tea." Other preparations of botanical dietary supplements include capsules, essential oils, gummies, powders, tablets, and tinctures. Overall, botanical dietary supplements contain bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse chemotypes that typically are found at low concentration levels. These bioactive constituents usually occur in combination with inactive molecules that may induce synergy and potentiation of the effects observed when botanical dietary supplements are taken in their different forms. Most of the botanical dietary supplements available on the U.S. market have been used previously as herbal remedies or as part of traditional medicine systems from around the world. Their prior use in these systems also provides a certain level of assurance in regard to lower toxicity levels. This chapter will focus on the importance and diversity of the chemical features of bioactive secondary metabolites found in botanical dietary supplements that are responsible for their applications. Many of the active principles of botanical dietary substances are phenolics and isoprenoids, but glycosides and some alkaloids are also present. Biological studies on the active constituents of selected botanical dietary supplements will be discussed. Thus, the present chapter should be of interest for both members of the natural products scientific community, who may be performing development studies of the products available, as well as for healthcare professionals who are directly involved in the analysis of botanical interactions and evaluation of the suitability of botanical dietary supplements for human consumption.

Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies

Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (CN) are two varieties of Chamomile. These herbs have been used for thousands of years in Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt. Chamomile has been used for the treatment of stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections. The purpose of this study was to introduce the botanical characteristics and geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity studies and quality control studies, and lay a theoretical foundation for the rational development and utilization of chamomile. This review powered that chemical constituents include flavonoids, coumarins, volatile oils, terpenes, organic acids, polysaccharides, and others. These compounds possess anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, antihypertensive, antidepressant, neuroprotective activities, among others. Chamomile is a widely used herb in traditional medicine. It brings great economic value due to its numerous pharmacological effects and traditional uses. However, more toxicity tests should be carried out to confirm its safety. There is need for further research to provide concrete scientific evidence and validate its medicinal properties.

Coumarins of Lovage Roots (Levisticum officinale W.D.J.Koch): LC-MS Profile, Quantification, and Stability during Postharvest Storage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale W.D.J. Koch) is a known aromatic apiaceous species that is widely used as a culinary and medicinal plant. Traditionally, more scientific attention has been paid to lovage volatiles, while other groups of compounds have been underutilized. In this study, metabolites of fresh lovage roots were investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 25 compounds were identified, including coumarins as basic components and minor hydroxycinnamates; most were detected for the first time in the plant. Four major coumarins (including apterin, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, and pimpinellin) were successfully separated by a validated HPLC-PDA method, and the fresh roots of seven lovage cultivars as well as the dry roots of commercial lovage were quantified. The coumarin content deviation was 1.7-2.9 mg/g in the fresh roots and 15-24 mg/g in the dry roots. A variation in the coumarin level was found during storage of the fresh lovage roots at chill and room temperatures, while storage of the dried roots at room temperature showed the lowest loss of target compounds. This new information about the metabolites of lovage indicates the prospects of the plant roots as a source of dietary coumarins.

Phytochemical Characterization of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) Roots and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential

Matricaria recutita L., German chamomile, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants, whose efficacy has been proven in numerous studies. However, its roots have attracted only little interest so far, since mainly above-ground plant parts are used for medicinal purposes. To broaden the knowledge of chamomile roots, a profound phytochemical characterization was performed along with a bioactivity screening of corresponding root extracts. While volatile constituents such as chamomillol and polyynes were detected using GC-MS, HPLC-MSⁿ analyses revealed the occurrence of four coumarin glycosides, more than ten phenolic acid esters and five glyceroglycolipids. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated. Polar extracts revealed IC₅₀ values ranging from 13 to 57 µg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, which is in the same range as reported for chamomile flower extracts. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging potential and mild antibacterial effects against S. aureus und B. subtilis were demonstrated. Moreover, to assess interspecies variation in chamomile roots, extracts of M. recutita were compared to those of M. discoidea DC. Interestingly, the latter revealed stronger antioxidant activity. The presented results aim at the valorization of chamomile roots, previously discarded as by-product of chamomile flower production, as a sustainable source of bioactive phytochemicals.

Determination of Chemical Compounds and Investigation of Biological Properties of Matricaria chamomilla Essential Oils, Honey, and Their Mixture

This exploratory investigation aimed to determine the chemical composition and evaluate some biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, of Matricaria chamomilla L. essential oils (EOs). EOs of M. chamomilla were obtained by hydrodistillation and phytochemical screening was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activities were tested against different pathogenic strains of microorganisms by using disc diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The antidiabetic activity was performed in vitro using the enzyme inhibition test. The antioxidant activity of EOs was tested using the free radical scavenging ability (DPPH method), ferrous ion chelating (FIC) ability, and β-carotene bleaching assay. The anti-inflammatory effects were tested in vivo using the carrageenan-induced paw edema method and in vitro using the inhibition of the lipoxygenase test. The analysis of the phytochemical composition by GC-MS revealed that camphor (16.42%) was the major compound of EOs, followed by 3-carene (9.95%), β-myrcene (8.01%), and chamazulene (6.54%). MCEO, honey, and their mixture exhibited antioxidant activity against the DPPH assay (IC50 ranging from 533.89 ± 15.05 µg/mL to 1945.38 ± 12.71 µg/mL). The mixture exhibited the best radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 533.89 ± 15.05 µg/mL. As antidiabetic effect, EO presented the best values against α-glucosidase (265.57 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and α-amylase (121.44 ± 0.05 μg/mL). The EOs and honey mixture at a dose of 100 mg/kg exhibited a high anti-inflammatory effect, with 63.75% edema inhibition after 3 h. The impact of EOs on the studied species showed an excellent antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (22.97 ± 0.16 mm)), antifungal (Aspergillus niger (18.13 ± 0.18 mm)) and anti-yeast (Candida albicans (21.07 ± 0.24 mm) effect against all the tested strains. The results obtained indicate that the EOs of M. chamomilla could be a potential drug target against diabetes, inflammation and microbial infections; however, further investigations to assess their bioactive molecules individually and in combination are greatly required.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses

Matricaria chamomilla L. is a famous medicinal plant distributed worldwide. It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat all kinds of diseases, including infections, neuropsychiatric, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and liver disorders. It is also used as a sedative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and antiemetic. In this review, reports on M. chamomilla taxonomy, botanical and ecology description, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, biological and pharmacological properties, possible application in different industries, and encapsulation were critically gathered and summarized. Scientific search engines such as Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley Online, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to gather data on M. chamomilla. The phytochemistry composition of essential oils and extracts of M. chamomilla has been widely analyzed, showing that the plant contains over 120 constituents. Essential oils are generally composed of terpenoids, such as α-bisabolol and its oxides A and B, bisabolone oxide A, chamazulene, and β-farnesene, among other compounds. On the other hand, M. chamomilla extracts were dominated by phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins. In addition, M. chamomilla demonstrated several biological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, insecticidal, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. These activities allow the application of M. chamomilla in the medicinal and veterinary field, food preservation, phytosanitary control, and as a surfactant and anti-corrosive agent. Finally, the encapsulation of M. chamomilla essential oils or extracts allows the enhancement of its biological activities and improvement of its applications. According to the findings, the pharmacological activities of M. chamomilla confirm its traditional uses. Indeed, M. chamomilla essential oils and extracts showed interesting antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, and analgesic activities. Moreover, the most important application of M. chamomilla was in the medicinal field on animals and humans.

Safety Profile of Nutraceuticals Rich in Coumarins: An Update

Coumarins are a family of benzopyrones largely distributed in the natural kingdom, being present in the seeds, fruits, flowers, or roots of various plant species. Natural coumarin compounds are found in significant concentrations in some herbs or spices used as nutraceuticals, but they are also present in cosmetics or household products, due to their pleasant odor. Therefore, an accidental exposure to high doses of coumarins, could lead to the development of harmful effects in some patients. This review summarizes the latest published data from preclinical and clinical studies with natural coumarins, focused on the investigation of general and specific toxicity, with the aim of a better understanding of the safety profile of these valuable compounds. Regulatory aspects concerning the use of natural coumarins in several world regions are also reviewed.

Comparative Analysis of Phenolic Composition of Six Commercially Available Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Extracts: Potential Biological Implications

Several phytochemical-containing herbal extracts are increasingly marketed as health-promoting products. In particular, chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is well known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor properties. Here, we evaluated differences in chemical composition among six commercially available products and their potential impact on biological activity in human immortalized colonocytes. Our investigation encompassed: (i) preparation of dry extracts and yield evaluation; (ii) qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenol content; (iii) modulation of redox state; and (iv) bioavailability of main bioactive compounds. We demonstrated that apparently identical products showed huge heterogeneity, in terms of yield extraction, chemical composition, and antioxidant effects. All samples contained high amounts of flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives, but differentially concentrated in the six extracts. Depending on polyphenol content, chamomile samples possessed variable antioxidant potential, in terms of decreased radical generation and increased reduced glutathione levels. The observed effects might be ascribed to flavones (apigenin, luteolin, and their glycones) highly represented in the six extracts. Nonetheless, chamomile extracts exerted cytotoxic effects at high concentrations, suggesting that a herbal medicine is not always safe. In conclusion, due to the complexity and variability of plant matrices, studies evaluating effectiveness of chamomile should always be accompanied by preliminary characterization of phytochemical composition.

Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of edible flowers: where do we stand?

Edible flowers are attracting special therapeutic attention and their administration is on the rise. Edible flowers play pivotal modulatory roles on oxidative stress and related interconnected apoptotic/inflammatory pathways toward the treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the phytochemical content and therapeutic applications of edible flowers, as well as their modulatory potential on the oxidative stress pathways and apoptotic/inflammatory mediators, resulting in anticancer effects. Edible flowers are promising sources of phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, terpenoids) with several therapeutic effects. They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Edible flowers potentially modulate oxidative stress by targeting erythroid nuclear transcription factor-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/ERK/MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant response elements (AREs). As the interconnected pathways to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukins (ILs) as well as apoptotic pathways such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, caspase and cytochrome C are critical targets of edible flowers in combating cancer. In this regard, edible flowers could play promising anticancer effects by targeting oxidative stress and downstream dysregulated pathways.

Synthesis of cinnamoyl glucoside derivatives and their antiproliferation activities against murine melanoma B16-F10 cell line

Twelve cinnamoyl glucoside derivatives were prepared by glycosylation of glucosyl trichloroacetimidate and cinnamic acid derivatives, followed by dechloroacetylation with a pyridine/H2O mixture. Their structures were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, as well as mass analysis. All the products were tested for their antiproliferation activities against murine melanoma B16-F10 cell line. Compounds 4e-4j were able to inhibit the proliferation of murine melanoma B16-F10 cell line with IC50 values of 17.38 ± 0.07, 9.87 ± 0.09, 9.69 ± 0.12, 29.42 ± 0.04, 32.95 ± 0.08, 25.68 ± 0.09 μM, respectively.

Production stages, microbiological risk and benefits on health of herbal teas

Plants have been used to prepare herbal infusions for centuries. Production of herbal tea consists of several steps, beginning with harvesting, cleaning form residues, drying, storage of herb in a suitable material, grinding, and blending. Te plants grow in different regions and climatic conditions, varying by their physical properties. They are consumed for different purposes and due to their chemical constituents. Many of them have therapeutic effects. Besides their various benefits and even antimicrobial effects, they also carry some microorganisms. Thus, the botanical characteristics and effects on the health of frequently consumed herbal teas and recommendations on their consumption with considered microbial risks are reviewed in this article.

Comprehensive Phenolic and Free Amino Acid Analysis of Rosemary Infusions: Influence on the Antioxidant Potential

The phenolics profile, free amino acids composition, and antioxidant potential of rosemary infusions were studied. Forty-four compounds belonging to nine different groups (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, phenolic diterpenes, hydroxybenzaldehydes, coumarins, and pyranochromanones) were identified by UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS. Of these, seven were firstly described in rosemary infusions: a rosmanol derivative, two dihydroxycoumarin hexosides, a hydroxybenzaldehyde, a dihydroxybenzoic acid hexoside, coumaric acid hexoside, and isocalolongic acid. The free amino acid profile of the beverages was also reported by the first time with seven amino acids found (asparagine, threonine, alanine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, and proline). Furthermore, DPPH^• scavenging ability, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, as well as total phenolics and flavonoids contents, were assessed. Overall, rosemary infusions showed to be a very good source of antioxidants. A 200 mL cup of this infusion contributes to the ingestion of ~30 mg of phenolic compounds and about 0.5–1.1 μg of free amino acids. This type of beverages may present a positive impact on the maintenance of the body antioxidant status and contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress related diseases.

Ethylene Induction of Non-Enzymatic Metabolic Antioxidants in Matricaria chamomilla

Phytochemical investigations of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae) stated the presence of several compounds with an established therapeutic and antioxidant potential. The chamomile non-enzymatic antioxidant system includes low molecular mass compounds, mainly polyphenols such as cinnamic, hydroxybenzoic and chlorogenic acids, flavonoids and coumarins. The objective of this work was to evaluate the role of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system after stimulation by ethylene in tetraploid chamomile plants. Seven days of ethylene treatment significantly increased the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, which influenced the biosynthesis of protective polyphenols in the first step of their biosynthetic pathway. Subsequently, considerable enhanced levels of phenolic metabolites with a substantial antioxidant effect (syringic, vanillic and caffeic acid, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, luteolin, daphnin, and herniarin) were determined by HPLC-DAD-MS. The minimal information on the chlorogenic acids function in chamomile led to the isolation and identification of 5-O-feruloylquinic acid. It is accumulated during normal conditions, but after the excessive effect of abiotic stress, its level significantly decreases and levels of other caffeoylquinic acids enhance. Our results suggest that ethephon may act as a stimulant of the production of pharmaceutically important non-enzymatic antioxidants in chamomile leaves and thus, lead to an overall change in phytochemical content and therapeutic effects of chamomile plants, as well.

HPLC–MS/MS profiling of wild-growing scentless chamomile

Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum = M. inodora) is a plant belonging to Anthemideae tribe of Asteraceae family, with phenotype similar to the common chamomile, a plant used in human consumption in the form of herbal tea infusion. In order to be able to understand possible health-promoting properties and adverse effects of the scentless chamomile's consumption, it is of essence to examine its chemical composition. The aim of the study was to perform phenolic profiling using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (HPLC–MS/MS), in comparison to the common chamomile. In the investigated extracts, qualitative and quantitative analyses enabled the identification of 66 compounds based on their retention times, mass (MS/MS) spectra, and analysis of their characteristic fragmentation patterns in MS/MS Product Ion Scan experiments. A new HPLC–MS/MS method for quantitation of common plant metabolites was hereby developed, enabling quantitation of 47 compounds. All examined M. inodora samples have relatively high combined phenolic and flavonoid contents (25.2–51.9 mg/g). Apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, quinic acid, and 5-O-caffeoyl quinic acid were the compounds with highest concentration in both inodorous and common chamomile. The results obtained hereby represent the first and most detailed chemical profile of scentless chamomile so far.

Coumarins in Food and Methods of Their Determination

Coumarin is a natural product with aromatic and fragrant characteristics, widespread in the entire plant kingdom. It is found in different plant sources such as vegetables, spices, fruits, and medicinal plants including all parts of the plants-fruits, roots, stems and leaves. Coumarin is found in high concentrations in certain types of cinnamon, which is one of the most frequent sources for human exposure to this substance. However, human exposure to coumarin has not been strictly determined, since there are no systematic measurements of consumption of cinnamon-containing foods. The addition of pure coumarin to foods is not allowed, since large amounts of coumarin can be hepatotoxic. However, according to the new European aroma law, coumarin may be present in foods only naturally or as a flavoring obtained from natural raw materials (as is the case with cinnamon). In this paper, the overview of the current European regulations on coumarin levels in food is presented, along with the most common coumarin food sources, with a special emphasis on cinnamon-containing food. Human exposure to coumarins in food is also reviewed, as well as the methods for determination and separation of coumarin and its derivatives in food.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives from Different Starting Materials

The study of coumarin dates back to 1820 when coumarin was first extracted from tonka bean by Vogel. Compounds containing coumarin backbone are a very important group of compounds due to their usage in pharmacy and medicine. Properties and biological activities of coumarin derivatives have a significant role in the development of new drugs. Therefore, many different methods and techniques are developed in order to synthesize coumarin derivatives. Coumarin derivatives could be obtained from different starting materials with various methods but with big differences in yield. This review summarized various methods, techniques and reaction conditions for synthesis of coumarins from different compounds such as aldehydes, phenols, ketones and carboxylic acids.

Effect of Matricaria chamomilla hydro-alcoholic and flavonoids rich extracts on rat isolated uterus

Introduction: Pharmacological studies confirm antispasmodic activities of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) extract on intestinal smooth muscles and it has been suggested that chamomile increases uterus tone, but so far there is no scientific studies which support this assumption. Therefore, this study was designed to determine spasmodic and spasmolytic activities of M. chamomilla extracts on rat isolated uterus. Methods: Hydro-alcoholic extract of M. chamomilla was prepared by maceration technique. Flavonoids rich extract was prepared by liquid in liquid extraction technique. The spasmodic effects of the extracts were assessed on spontaneously contracting rat uterus. The myorelaxant effect of M. chamomilla extracts was validated on isolated uterus contractions induced by KCl, acetylcholine (ACh), electrical field stimulation (EFS) and oxytocin. Results: Hydro-alcoholic extract of M. chamomilla (0.8 and 1.6 mg/mL) enhanced spontaneous movement of rat isolated uterus smooth muscle suspended in an organ bath. On the other hand, flavonoids rich fraction only diminished uterus contractile activities. Flavonoids rich extract of the plant at bath concentration ranges of 40 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL attenuated uterus response to ACh, KCl, EFS and oxytocin. The hydro-alcoholic extract of M. chamomilla at higher concentration ranges (250 μg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL) inhibited uterus contractions induced by the above spasmogens. Conclusion: The present study confirms both spasmodic and spasmolytic activities M. chamomilla hydro-alcoholic extract. Therefore, medicinal use of the crude extract of M. chamomilla may initiate uterus contraction which could increase risk of spontaneous miscarriage or premature parturition.

Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Six Caffeoylquinic Acids in Matricaria chamomilla L. with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A simple and effective method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of six caffeoylquinic acids (CAs) in Matricaria chamomilla L. (M. chamomilla) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array detection (DAD) was established. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters XBridge Shield RP C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile (0.5% phosphoric acid) and water (0.5% phosphoric acid) using a gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 327 nm. The correlation coefficients of all analytes were 0.999, and the results showed excellent linearity. The lower limits of detection (LLOD) and quantification (LLOQ) of all analytes fall within the range of 0.014∼0.017 μg/mL and 0.068∼0.086 μg/mL, respectively. The extraction recoveries of all analytes fall within the range of 100.74%∼101.55%, with relative standard deviation not exceeding 2.83%. The intraday and interday precisions fall within the range of 0.03%∼0.65% and 0.02%∼0.09%, respectively. This validated method was successfully applied to the investigation of 34 samples of M. chamomilla collected from different geographical areas. The results showed that the established method is appropriate for the analysis of the six CAs in M. chamomilla and helpful for quality assessment of capitula of M. chamomilla (CMC), whole herb of M. chamomilla (WHMC), and related herbal formulas.

Uptake and modification of umbelliferone by various seedlings

Inspired by the recently discovered phenomenon of "horizontal natural product transfer" we investigated the putative uptake of phenolic specialized metabolites. Umbelliferone was chosen for this case study, since this coumarin as well as its derivatives can easily be determined by HPLC analyses. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) were cultivated in hydroponic media, to which the coumarin was applied. Uptake of umbelliferone was verified by corresponding HPLC analyses of extracts obtained from the aerial parts of the seedlings. In all cases, a tremendous uptake of umbelliferone was observed. In plants that genuinely contain coumarins, the umbelliferone taken up was modified: in garden cress, it was hydroxylated and glucosylated to yield esculin, while in barley seedlings, the imported umbelliferone was modified by methoxylation to yield scopoletin. Corresponding reactions are known from modifications of xenobiotics to be catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Accordingly, in an additional approach, umbelliferone was applied together with naproxen, which is reported to reduce enzyme activity of P450 enzymes. As predicted, the conversion of umbelliferone to scopoletin in barley as well as the modification to esculin in garden cress was strongly reduced by the addition of naproxen. These data for the first time demonstrate that - in addition to alkaloids - also phenolic compounds are taken up by various acceptor plants. Apart from the leaching of rotting plants, coumarins are known to be exuded by many plants. Accordingly, these compounds are frequently present in soils and will be taken up. These coherences imply that the horizontal natural product transfer might represent a more general phenomenon in plant ecology. Moreover, this study outlines that - in analogy to the modification of xenobiotics - also natural products taken up are modified in the acceptor plants.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy in Food Science: A Comprehensive Review

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a robust method, which can rapidly analyze mixtures at the molecular level without requiring separation and/or purification steps, making it ideal for applications in food science. Despite its increasing popularity among food scientists, NMR is still an underutilized methodology in this area, mainly due to its high cost, relatively low sensitivity, and the lack of NMR expertise by many food scientists. The aim of this review is to help bridge the knowledge gap that may exist when attempting to apply NMR methodologies to the field of food science. We begin by covering the basic principles required to apply NMR to the study of foods and nutrients. A description of the discipline of chemometrics is provided, as the combination of NMR with multivariate statistical analysis is a powerful approach for addressing modern challenges in food science. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of recent and key applications in the areas of compositional analysis, food authentication, quality control, and human nutrition is provided. In addition to standard NMR techniques, more sophisticated NMR applications are also presented, although limitations, gaps, and potentials are discussed. We hope this review will help scientists gain some of the knowledge required to apply the powerful methodology of NMR to the rich and diverse field of food science.

Chemistry, pharmacology and new trends in traditional functional and medicinal beverages

Functional and medicinal beverages consumption plays an important role in human health, considering that metabolites, with a wide range of pharmacological effects, are inserted in the human diet. Nowadays, the most consumed beverages are obtained from Camellia sinensis leaves and coffee grain processing, and contain different classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids in their phytochemical composition. Besides C. sinensis and coffee, numerous plants have been receiving attention due to their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects, such as yerba mate, hibiscus, chamomile, lemongrass, fennel and mentha. Furthermore, atomized or lyophilized medicinal plant extracts can be employed in many beverage formulations and the consumption of these products is an excellent delivery means for nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as: minerals, vitamins, terpenes, antioxidants, saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides. Innovation in food processing in order to insert functional and medicinal beverages in the human diet poses a challenge for the coming years. The technological development of new processing forms and use of plants with bioactive metabolites could be an important tool in relation to this proposal. In this context, this review has aimed to summarize and analyze pharmacological, phytochemistry and technological aspects of species with classical ethnobotanical and traditional use.

Comparison of various techniques for the extraction of umbelliferone and herniarin in Matricaria chamomilla processing fractions

Chamomile, a well-known medicinal plant, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, among which two coumarin derivatives, umbelliferone and herniarin, are often found in its extracts. Chamomile extracts have found a different uses in cosmetic industry, as well as umbelliferone itself, which is, due to its strong absorption of UV light, usually added to sunscreens, while herniarin (7-methoxycoumarin) is also known for its biological activity. Therefore, chamomile extracts with certain herniarin and umbelliferone content could be of interest for application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The aim of this study was to compare the extracts of different chamomile fractions (unprocessed chamomile flowers first class, processed chamomile flowers first class, pulvis and processing waste) and to identify the best material and method of extraction to obtain herniarin and umbelliferone. Various extraction techniques such as soxhlet, hydrodistillation, maceration and supercritical CO₂ extraction were used in this study. Umbelliferone and herniarin content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest yield of umbelliferone (11.80 mg/100 g) and herniarin (82.79 mg/100 g) were obtained from chamomile processing waste using maceration technique with 50% aqueous ethanol solution and this extract has also proven to possess antioxidant activity (61.5% DPPH scavenging activity). This study shows a possibility of potential utilization of waste from chamomile processing applying different extraction techniques.

Phytochemical Content, Health Benefits, and Toxicology of Common Edible Flowers: A Review (2000-2015)

Edible flowers contain numerous phytochemicals which contribute to their health benefits, and consumption of edible flowers has increased significantly in recent years. While many researchers have been conducted, no literature review of the health benefits of common edible flowers and their phytochemicals has been compiled. This review aimed to present the findings of research conducted from 2000 to 2015 on the species, traditional application, phytochemicals, health benefits, and the toxicology of common edible flowers. It was found in 15 species of common edible flowers that four flavonols, three flavones, four flavanols, three anthocyanins, three phenolic acids and their derivatives were common phytochemicals and they contributed to the health benefits such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective effect. Toxicology studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety of common edible flowers and provide information on their dosages and usages.

Evaluation of the quality of herbal teas by DART/TOF-MS

The paper focuses on the optimization, settings and validation of direct analysis in real time coupled with time-of-flight detector when used for the evaluation of the quality of selected herbal teas (fennel, chamomile, nettle, linden, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, marigold, sage, rose hip and St. John's wort). The ionization mode, the optimal ionization temperature and the type of solvent for sample extraction were optimized. The characteristic compounds of the analysed herbal teas (glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic and terpenic substances, such as chamazulene, anethole, menthol, thymol, salviol and hypericin) were detected. The obtained mass spectra were evaluated by multidimensional chemometric methods, such as cluster analysis, linear discriminate analysis and principal component analysis. The chemometric methods showed that the single variety herbal teas were grouped according to their taxonomic affiliation. The developed method is suitable for quick identification of herbs and can be potentially used for assessing the quality and authenticity of herbal teas. Direct analysis in real time/time-of-flight-MS is also suitable for the evaluation of selected substances contained in the mentioned herbs and herbal products. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

7α-Hydroxyfriedelan-3-one-26-ol-29-oic acid and other Constituents from Pileostegia viburnoides var. glabrescens

Phytochemical investigation of the roots and rhizomes of Pileostegia viburnoides var. glabrescens led to the isolation and identification of 31 compounds (1-31), 25 of which (1-2, 4-7, 9-12, 15-18, 21-31) were isolated from the Pileostegia genus for the first time. 7α-Hydroxyfriedelan-3-one-26-ol-29-oic acid (1) is a new friedelane-type triterpene. The structure of n-butyl-β-D-fructopyranoside (2) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 4 and 12 displayed marginal cytotoxicity against the P388 murine leukemia cell line with IC50 values of 13.4 μM and 25.0 μM, respectively. Compound 23 exhibited marginal anti-inflammatory activity by the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, with an IC50 value of 32.0 μM. Compounds 3, 8-10, 25, and 27 were phytotoxic to the dicot Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and/or the monocot Agrostis stolonifera (bentgrass).

An Approach Based on HPLC-Fingerprint and Chemometrics to Quality Consistency Evaluation of Matricaria chamomilla L. Commercial Samples

Chamomile has been used as an herbal medication since ancient times and is still popular because it contains various bioactive phytochemicals that could provide therapeutic effects. In this study, a simple and reliable HPLC method was developed to evaluate the quality consistency of nineteen chamomile samples through establishing a chromatographic fingerprint, quantification of phenolic compounds and determination of antioxidant activity. For fingerprint analysis, 12 peaks were selected as the common peaks to evaluate the similarities of commercial samples of chamomile obtained from different manufacturers. A similarity analysis was performed to assess the similarity/dissimilarity of chamomile samples where values varied from 0.868 to 0.990 what indicating that samples from different manufacturers were consistent. Additionally, simultaneous quantification of five phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic) and four flavonoids (rutin, myricetin, quercetin and keampferol) was performed to interpret the quality consistency. In quantitative analysis, the nine individual phenolic compounds showed good regression (r > 0.9975). Inter- and intra-day precisions for all analyzed compounds expressed as relative standard deviation (CV) ranged from 0.05% to 3.12%. Since flavonoids and other polyphenols are commonly recognized as natural antioxidants, the antioxidant activity of chamomile samples was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between antioxidant activity and phenolic composition, and multivariate analysis (PCA and HCA) were applied to distinguish chamomile samples. Results shown in the study indicate high similarity of chamomile samples among them, widely spread in the market and commonly used by people as infusions or teas, as well as that there were no statistically significant differences among them, which in turn is a proof of high quality of commercially available samples of chamomile. The study indicated that the combination of chromatographic fingerprint and quantitative analysis can be readily utilized as a quality consistency method for chamomile and related medicinal preparations. Moreover, the applied strategy seems to be the most promising for the assessment of the investigated plant material.

Antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K(+)-channels activation

Background

Matricaria chamomilla commonly known as “Chamomile” (Asteraceae) is a popular medicinal herb widely used in indigenous system of medicine for a variety of ailments. However, there is no detailed study available showing its effectiveness in hyperactive gut disorders like, abdominal colic and diarrhoea. This study was designed to determine the pharmacological basis for the folkloric use of Matricaria chamomilla in diarrhoea.

Methods

The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (Mc.Cr) was studied for its protective effect in mice against castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation. The isolated rabbit jejunum was selected for the in-vitro experiments using tissue bath assembly coupled with PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results

Oral administration of Mc.Cr to mice at 150 and 300 mg/kg showed marked antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory effects against castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation, simultaneously, similar to the effects of cromakalim and loperamide. These effects of plant extract were attenuated in animals pretreated with K⁺ channel antagonist, glibenclamide (GB) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). When tested in isolated rabbit jejunum, Mc.Cr caused a dose-dependent (0.3-3 mg/ml) relaxation of spontaneous and low K⁺ (25 mM)-induced contractions, while it exhibited weak inhibitory effect on high K⁺ (80 mM). The inhibitory effect of Mc.Cr on low K⁺-induced contractions was partially inhibited in the presence of GB, while completely blocked by 4-AP. Cromakalim, an ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel opener, caused complete relaxation of low K⁺-induced contractions with little effect on high K⁺. Pretreatment of tissues with GB blocked the inhibitory effects of cromakalim on low K⁺, while the presence of 4-AP did not alter the original effect. Verapamil, a Ca⁺⁺ channel antagonist, caused complete relaxation of both low and high K⁺-induced contractions with similar potency. The inhibitory effect of verapamil was insensitive to GB or 4-AP. When assessed for Ca⁺⁺ antagonist like activity, Mc.Cr at high concentrations caused rightward shift in the Ca⁺⁺ concentration-response curves with suppression of the maximum response, similar to the effect of verapamil, while cromakalim did not show similar effect.

Conclusions

This study indicates that Matricaria chamomilla possesses antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities mediated predominantly through K⁺-channels activation along with weak Ca⁺⁺ antagonist effect.

Geno/cytotoxicty and Apoptotic Properties of Phenolic Compounds from the Seeds of Dorema Glabrum Fisch. C.A

Introduction: Dorema glabrum (Apiaceae) is a rare and monocarpic species distributed in Transcaucasia and North West of Iran. We aimed to explore anti-cancer potency of bioactive compounds from the seeds of Dorma glabrum.

Methods: Methanol extract was subjected to phytochemical investigation using normal phase Sep-pak and reversed-phase HPLC, and cytotoxic effect of isolated compounds on CAOV-4 cell line was evaluated. Furthermore, Annexin V/PI staining and comet assay were used to study genotoxicity of compounds.

Results: Diglucosyl caffeoyl ester (1), Glucopyranosylcaffeic acid (2) and skimmin (3), were identified. MTT cytotoxicity assay showed growth inhibition of CAOV-4 cells due to treatment with compunds (1), (2) and (3) with an IC₅₀ of 99.7, 87.3 and 70.03 μg/ml at 48 h, respectively. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed occurrence of early/late apoptosis in the (1)-treated cells, while (2)-and (3)-treated cells necrosis/late apoptosis was dominant event. Single/double strands DNA breakages were observed by comet assay in all treatments.

Conclusion: This work provides sufficient information about anti-cancer properties of the diglucosyl caffeoyl ester from the seeds of D. glabrum.

Short-term UV-B dose stimulates production of protective metabolites in Matricaria chamomilla leaves

Physiological response of two cultivars of Matricaria chamomilla plants on UV irradiation was studied. The impact of used short-time UV dose was evaluated in three time points; 2, 24 and 48 h after irradiation. Used UV irradiation immediately resulted in changes in plant oxidative status monitored as increased concentration of H2 O2 . Decrease in chlorophyll a and b indicated the impact on photosynthetic apparatus. For phenolic secondary metabolites, an increase in total soluble phenols and AlCl3 -reactive flavonols was observed. The activity of main phenolic enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, increased with time after irradiation. Significant changes, mainly decreasing trends, in the content of free coumarins and their glycosidic precursors were observed. Enhanced accumulation in chlorogenic and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and in (Z)-isoform of dicycloethers was detected. From these results, the redirecting precursors of coumarin biosynthesis to biosynthesis of substances with higher antioxidative potential can be assumed. Different reactions in diploid and tetraploid plants were recorded, too.

Vasodilation and radical-scavenging activity of imperatorin and selected coumarinic and flavonoid compounds from genus Casimiroa

Hypertension is a very widespread condition which is not strictly considered as an illness but if not countered, progressively causes damage to all tissues and loss in their functionality. For this reason the find of new antihypertensive agents is prominent and medicinal plants and their derivatives are valuable for the purpose. The genus Casimiroa (Rutaceae) includes plants from Central America and Mexico; among these, Casimiroa edulis Llave et Lex. and Casimiroa pubescens Ramirez are the most relevant species, even for their medicinal uses. The decoction of leaves and seeds is traditionally taken as a tea mainly to lower blood pressure. The object of this research was the study of vascular activity of coumarinic and flavonoid compounds isolated from seeds of Casimiroa spp. in comparison with Casimiroa edulis and Casimiroa pubescens extracts. The phenolic compounds isolated from Casimiroa were herniarin (Her), imperatorin (Imp), 8-geranyloxypsoralen (GOP) and 5,6,2',3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (PMF). All these compounds induced vasorelaxation on rat arterial tissues although with different effectiveness. To study the cellular mechanisms of the vasorelaxation exhibited by imperatorin, we used selective inhibitors of different receptors and enzymes, such as atropine, pyrilamine, nifedipine, L-NAME and DETC. In a further step of this research, we evaluated the radical-scavenging activity of Casimiroa extracts and isolated compounds by means of DPPH assay. In general, we observed that the scavenging activities increased in a concentration-dependent manner for all substances. The phenolic compounds highlight a synergism of vasodilation and antioxidant activity which may be very useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Among the evaluated compounds, imperatorin shows a significant vasorelaxant activity even higher than acetylcholine and similar to nitrite, and also useful antiradical capabilities. All these properties suggest its possible role against hypertension and vasculopathies, even if in vivo studies are needed to determine the actual applications.