Influence of different wild-garlic (Allium ursinum) extracts on the gastrointestinal system: spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Phenolic Content, Amino Acids, Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Their Relationship in Wild Garlic (A. ursinum L.)

Allium ursinum L. is a wild relative of garlic, and it is abundant in many antioxidant compounds. Sulfur compounds, primarily cysteine sulfoxides (CSOs), are converted through several reactions into various volatile molecules, which are considered the principal flavor compounds of Alliums. In addition to secondary metabolites, wild garlic is abundant in primary compounds, such as amino acids, which serve not only as building blocks for the health-promoting sulfur compounds but also as antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between individual amino acid contents, the total phenolic content, and the profile of volatile compounds as well as their influence on the antioxidant capacity of both the leaves and bulbs of wild garlic populations in Croatia. Both univariate and multivariate methods were used to study the differences in the phytochemical compositions among the wild garlic plant organs and the link between individual compounds and antioxidant capacity. Both the plant organ and location, as well as their interaction, have a significant impact on the content of total phenolic content, amino acids, volatile organic compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of wild garlic.

Techno-Functional Properties of Burgers Fortified by Wild Garlic Extract: A Reconsideration

The aim of this research was to examine the chemical properties of freshly squeezed wild garlic extract (FSWGE) and its use as an additive in burgers (BU). Technological and sensory properties of such fortified burgers (BU) were determined. LC-MS/MS analyses identified thirty-eight volatile BAC. Allicin prevalence (11.375 mg/mL) is the key parameter determining the amount of FSWGE added in raw BU (PS-I 1.32 mL/kg, PS-II 4.40 mL/kg, and PS-III 8.79 mL/kg). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the FSWGE and evaporated FSWGE (EWGE) were determined against the six microorganisms using a microdilution method. The data indicated that using FSWGE can result in a reduced risk of Serratia marcescens (MIC = 50 mg/mL; MBC = 60 mg/mL), Listeria monocytogenes (MIC = MBC = 90 mg/mL), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 90 mg/mL; MBC ≥ 100 mg/mL), and Salmonella enteritidis and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 100 mg/mL; MBC > 100 mg/mL) in BU. Changes in antioxidant (AOX) capacity were followed during cold storage (up to 10 days) and freezing (90 days). It was shown that PS-III had the highest level of AOX capacity during the entire period of cold storage, revealing 8.79 mL FSWGE/kg BU as the most suitable effective concentration. Adding FSWGE did not negatively affect the technological and physico-chemical properties during both cold and freeze storage. Regarding sensory evaluation, modified BU received mostly higher scores compared to control. The results of this study have demonstrated the great potential of wild garlic extract usage in the creation of safe products with prolonged shelf life.

Behavioral and Dietary Habits That Could Influence Both COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Civilization Disease Prevention-What Have We Learned Up to Now?

The massive expansion of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has urged countries to introduce lockdowns and set restrictive actions worldwide. The focus of the studies was to determine how COVID-19 induces damage to the lungs in order to find an alternative or adjuvant therapy that could lead to preventing COVID-19 or at least ameliorating it. This paper aims to survey the literature and provide new insights into behavioral and dietary habits that could influence the prevention of COVID-19. Maintaining an adequate mental health status, sleep, and taking moderate exercise are often disrupted in the conditions of lockdown and are followed by weakened immunity. Mediterranean and vegetarian diets are superior to other eating patterns in terms of immunity boosting and fighting COVID-19. Our study showed how adequate hydration, green tea intake, and supplementation with vitamins D, C, and E can increase our chances of avoiding the infection and even help us sleep better. Another focus of the research was on determining what level of hygiene really increases one's chances of not contracting SARS-CoV-2, but this seems a little counter-intuitive at first. Since an immunocompromised state is a familiar predisposing factor for all contagious diseases, maintaining healthy behavioral and dietary habits could be a crucial step in boosting immunity and preventing COVID-19.

Garlic and Its Bioactive Compounds: Implications for Methane Emissions and Ruminant Nutrition

Methane (CH4) emission from enteric fermentation of ruminant livestock is a source of greenhouse gases (GHG) and has become a significant concern for global warming. Enteric methane emission is also associated with poor feed efficiency. Therefore, research has focused on identifying dietary mitigation strategies to decrease CH4 emissions from ruminants. In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have been investigated for their potential to reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant livestock. The organosulphur compounds of garlic have been observed to decrease CH4 emission and increase propionate concentration in anaerobic fermentations (in vitro) and in the rumen (in vivo). However, the mode of action of CH4 reduction is not completely clear, and the response in vivo is inconsistent. It might be affected by variations in the concentration and effect of individual substances in garlic. The composition of the diet that is being fed to the animal may also contribute to these differences. This review provides a summary of the effect of garlic and its bioactive compounds on CH4 emissions by ruminants. Additionally, this review aims to provide insight into garlic and its bioactive compounds in terms of enteric CH4 mitigation efficacy, consistency in afficacy, possible mode of action, and safety deriving data from both in vivo and in vitro studies.

Joint Cultivation of Allium ursinum and Armoracia rusticana under Foliar Sodium Selenate Supply

Despite the high value of ramson (Allium ursinum) in medicine and nutrition, it is not cultivated in open fields due to the need for shading as well as weeding during the early crop stages. Research was carried out in an open field with the aim to improve A. ursinum growth, through its intercropping with Armoracia rusticana (horseradish). In the latter context, with and without sodium selenate application, ramson and horseradish showed reciprocal growth stimulation, as ramson biomass increased by 1.28 times and horseradish root biomass by 1.7 times. The biofortification level of horseradish roots increased from 5.9 to 9.6 times due to joint plant growth under selenium (Se) supply. The opposite phenomenon was recorded for ramson leaves, as the biofortification level decreased from 11.7 in the case of Se supplementation to 6.7 in plants supplied with sodium selenate when jointly cultivated with horseradish. Among the tested antioxidants, the highest increase due to joint cultivation and/or Se supply was recorded for ascorbic acid by 1.69 times in ramson leaves and 1.48 and 1.37 times in horseradish roots and leaves, respectively. All treatments significantly increased the total antioxidant activity (AOA) of horseradish leaves (by 1.33-1.49 times) but not roots. Comparison of the results obtained in field conditions with those obtained earlier for the Se biofortification of ramson in the natural habitat (forest) revealed significantly higher levels of the plant's antioxidant status under environmental stress (field) and a decrease in the correspondent differences as a consequence of Se biofortification. The estimation of allelopathic beneficial interaction between ramson and horseradish implies the efficiency of ramson growth and production of functional food with high levels of Se (Se-ramson leaves and Se-horseradish roots).

Correlation Between Different Antidiarrheal Treatments and Changes in Chemical Components of Allii Sativi Bulbus Before and After Steaming Treatment Based on Flora Sequencing and In Vitro Experiments

We investigated the changes in the main active ingredients and pharmacodynamic differences in the therapeutic effect of garlic before and after steaming and the correlation between them. The main active ingredients in raw garlic products (RGPs) and steamed garlic products (SGPs) were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Acute rapid diarrhea (AD) and antibiotic-induced diarrhea (DD) models were established in rats, and each group was treated with RGP and SGP, respectively. The main chemical components of garlic changed before and after steaming. Garlicin and alliinase were only found in RGP, whereas only alliin was found in SGP. Both RGP and SGP contained garlic polysaccharides. For in vivo experiments on AD, the average rate of loose stools was 100.00 ± 0.00, 31.55 ± 11.76, and 19.14 ± 6.62 in the RGP high-dose and SGP high-dose treatment groups, respectively; in DD, the rates were 91.11 ± 14.40, 19.33 ± 3.63, and 30.56 ± 4.30, respectively (P < .01, treatment vs. model groups). In AD, the average grade of loose stools was 2.33 ± 0.52 and 1.83 ± 0.75 in the model and RGP high-dose treatment groups, respectively (P < .05); in DD, the values were 2.17 ± 0.41 in the model group and 1.67 ± 0.52 in the SGP high-dose treatment group (P < .05). RGP had a better therapeutic effect on AD, mainly related to the antibacterial effect of garlicin in RGP. SGP had a better therapeutic effect on DD, mainly related to the alliin and garlic polysaccharide in SGP. This study could provide evidence to support the clinical use of garlic.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil and citronellal modulate anxiety-related symptoms - In vitro and in vivo studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Besides psyche-related symptoms, patients with anxiety disorders can have a large number of somatic symptoms as well. Although the treatment of these disorders is mainly focused on resolving their mental component, one cannot neglect the need for the treatment of accompanying somatic symptoms. Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm), in various formulations, has been extensively used as an ethnomedicinal remedy for the treatment of different psyche-related symptoms, and its use is considered relatively safe.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, the activity of M. officinalis (MO) essential oil was evaluated in several in vitro and in vivo models mimicking or involving anxiety-related somatic symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To address the effect of MO essential oil on the gastrointestinal and heart-related symptoms accompanying anxiety disorders, in vitro models were utilized that follow the function of the isolated mouse ileum and atria tissues, respectively, after exposure to MO essential oil. Effects of MO essential oil on BALB/c mice motor activity was estimated using the open field, rota-rod, and horizontal wire tests. Additionally, the essential oil was assayed for its potential in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity.

RESULTS

The performance of mice treated with 25 mg/kg of the oil showed a statistically significant decrease in the motor impairment arising from acute anxiety (open field test), while there was a prolonged latency and a reduction of the frequency of falling from a rotating rod and/or a horizontal wire (signs of muscle weakness/spasms). Concentrations of the essential oil higher than 1 μg/mL were found to inhibit both spontaneous and induced ileum contractions. Moreover, the essential oil and citronellal were found to decrease isolated mouse atria contraction frequency, as well as contraction force. However, the oil was found to be a very weak acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

The modulation of anxiety-related symptoms by the oil was found not to be mediated through the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase, nonetheless, the mechanistic studies involving the ileum and cardiac tissues, revealed that the activity of MO and citronellal might be related to the modification of either voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels or muscarinic receptors. Mice locomotion, balance, and muscle strength were not impacted by the essential oil; however, its main constituent, citronellal, was found to exert a certain degree of muscle function inhibition. All these results suggest that the activity of MO essential oil arises from synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions of its constituents, and is not completely dependent on the oil's main constituent.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Allium Ursinum

Allium ursinum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Alliaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds have been isolated from A. ursinum so far, among them sulfur and phenolic compounds as quantitatively the most distributed constituents, responsible for pharmaceutical eff ects of the plant. Small amounts of steroidal glucosides, lecitins, fatty acids and several amino acids, as well as the essential oil are also present in A. ursinum. This plant species is characterized by a long history of use in traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, as digestive stimulant, antimicrobial agent, as a remedy in respiratory problems, insomnia and fainting. Despite its widespread use for medicinal purposes since the ancient time, studies referring to its pharmacological activity are still lacking. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge related to the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Allium ursinum. This study may be a starting point for future researches in this field, which would fully clarify therapeutic potential of A. ursinum and make it a possible candidate for medicinal product.

Neglected Potential of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.)—Specialized Metabolites Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Populations in Relation to Location and Plant Phenophase

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is one of the species widely distributed in Europe and Asia and is often nutritionally neglected, characterized by a high content of various phytochemicals with high therapeutic potential and a range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds in the leaves of wild garlic populations collected from different micro-locations, and to determine the differences in the content of phytochemicals in the vegetative and generative phases. A significant content of different specialized metabolites was detected in all analyzed leaves of wild garlic populations regardless of the different factors (location and phenophase): vitamin C content with the highest determined value of 63.31 mg/100 g fw; total phenolic content with the highest determined value of 186.18 mg GAE/100 g fw (according to gallic acid in fresh sample); and antioxidant capacity with the highest determined value of 2230.66 µmol TE/L (according to Trolox). Significant differences in all the phytochemicals analyzed were observed depending on both the location and phenophase of the plants, with the most pronounced differences depending on the phenophase. Thus, lower levels of polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C were generally observed before the flowering phase, while the trend toward higher levels of pigment compounds was observed during the flowering phase of the plants. The results suggest that the leaves of wild garlic can be considered a valuable source of a variety of specialized metabolites with high antioxidant capacity, and thus have high production potential for various functional products and food supplements of natural origin, which are important for the promotion of human health.

New Insight Into the Cardioprotective Effects of Allium ursinum L. Extract Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

This study aimed to estimate the effects of increasing doses of Allium ursinum methanol extract on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) with a special emphasis on the role of oxidative stress. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups (10 animals per group) depending on the applied treatment as follows: sham, rats who drank only tap water for 28 days and hearts were retrogradely perfused for 80 min without I/R injury, I/R, rats who drank only tap water for 28 days and hearts were exposed to ex vivo I/R injury and rats who consumed increasing doses of A. ursinum 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg for 28 days before I/R injury. Hearts from all rats were isolated and retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique. Parameters of oxidative stress were spectrophotometrically measured in blood, coronary venous effluent, and heart tissue samples. Intake of wild garlic extract for 28 days significantly contributed to the recovery of cardiac function, which was reflected through preserved cardiac contractility, systolic function, and coronary vasodilatory response after ischemia. Also, wild garlic extract showed the potential to modulate the systemic redox balance and stood out as a powerful antioxidant. The highest dose led to the most efficient decrease in cardiac oxidative stress and improve recovery of myocardial function after I/R injury. We might conclude that wild garlic possesses a significant role in cardioprotection and strong antioxidant activity, which implicates the possibility of its use alone in the prevention or as adjuvant antioxidant therapy in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum), a popular food spice and flavoring agent, has also been used traditionally to treat various ailments especially bacterial infections for centuries in various cultures around the world. The principal phytochemicals that exhibit antibacterial activity are oil-soluble organosulfur compounds that include allicin, ajoenes, and allyl sulfides. The organosulfur compounds of garlic exhibit a range of antibacterial properties such as bactericidal, antibiofilm, antitoxin, and anti-quorum sensing activity against a wide range of bacteria including multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains. The reactive organosulfur compounds form disulfide bonds with free sulfhydryl groups of enzymes and compromise the integrity of the bacterial membrane. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the development of antibiotic resistance as a global health concern and emphasizes antibiotic stewardship along with the urgent need to develop novel antibiotics. Multiple antibacterial effects of organosulfur compounds provide an excellent framework to develop them into novel antibiotics. The review provides a focused and comprehensive portrait of the status of garlic and its compounds as antibacterial agents. In addition, the emerging role of new technologies to harness the potential of garlic as a novel antibacterial agent is discussed.

Sensory Profile, Shelf Life, and Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds during Cold Storage of 17 Edible Flowers

In this study, 17 edible flowers (Allium ursinum L., Borago officinalis L., Calendula officinalis L., Centaurea cyanus L., Cichorium intybus L., Dianthus carthusianorum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Leucanthemum vulgare (Vaill.) Lam., Paeonia officinalis L., Primula veris L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Rosa canina L., Rosa pendulina L., Salvia pratensis L., Sambucus nigra L., Taraxacum officinale Weber, and Tropaeolum majus L.) were investigated to assess their sensory profile at harvest and their shelf life and bioactive compounds dynamics during cold storage. The emerging market of edible flowers lacks this information; thus, the characteristics and requirements of different flower species were provided. In detail, a quantitative descriptive analysis was performed by trained panelists at flower harvest, evaluating 10 sensory descriptors (intensity of sweet, sour, bitter, salt, smell, specific flower aroma, and herbaceous aroma; spiciness, chewiness, and astringency). Flower visual quality, biologically active compounds content (total polyphenols and anthocyanins), and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) were evaluated both at harvest and during storage at 4 °C for 14 days to assess their shelf life. Generally, species had a wide range of peculiar sensory and phytochemical characteristics at harvest, as well as shelf life and bioactive compounds dynamics during postharvest. A strong aroma was indicated for A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, and L. vulgare, while B. officinalis and C. officinalis had very low values for all aroma and taste descriptors, resulting in poor sensory profiles. At harvest, P. officinalis, R. canina, and R. pendulina exhibited the highest values of polyphenols (884–1271 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g) and antioxidant activity (204–274 mmol Fe2+/kg for FRAP, 132–232 and 43–58 µmol of Trolox equivalent per g for DPPH and ABTS). The species with the longest shelf life in terms of acceptable visual quality was R. pendulina (14 days), followed by R. canina (10 days). All the other species lasted seven days, except for C. intybus and T. officinale that did not reach day 3. During cold storage, the content of bioactive compounds differed, as total phenolics followed a different trend according to the species and anthocyanins remained almost unaltered for 14 days. Considering antioxidant activity, ABTS values were the least variable, varying in only four species (A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, and P. officinalis), while both DPPH and FRAP values varied in eight species. Taken together, the knowledge of sensory profiles, phytochemical characteristics and shelf life can provide information to select suitable species for the emerging edible flower market.

An Impact of Psychological Stress on the Interplay between Salivary Oxidative Stress and the Classic Psychological Stress-Related Parameters

Both oxidative and psychological (mental) stress are the likely culprits for several acute and chronic health disturbances, and adequate tests mimicking that are needed. Herein, in controlled laboratory surroundings, a PEBL (Psychology Experiment Building Language) test battery was used to evoke stress-related biological responses followed by tracking changes in saliva parameters. The study objectives were to determine the impact of psychological stress on selected salivatory parameters and to assess the correlation between the determined oxidative and stress parameters. The study was conducted on 36 healthy young subjects, mainly females (n = 24). Before and following the completion of a battery of four PEBL tests, subjects' saliva samples were collected. Stress-evoking changes in total antioxidant capacity and nitrite/nitrate levels, as oxidative stress parameters, and cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA), as parameters of psychological stress, were established and mutually correlated by comparing the values of the evaluated parameters pre- and post-PEBL test. The results showed that there is no change in the total salivary antioxidant capacity (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant increase in nitrites/nitrates levels after the PEBL test (p = 0.007). On the other hand, the determined cortisol levels after the test battery were found to be statistically significantly increased (p = 0.025) when compared to the values obtained before the test, while the levels of IgA were found to be statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.001). The only statistically significant correlation between the changes in the studied parameters was found to be the one between cortisol and IgA levels (Spearman's Rö = -0.4). These results suggest that the short-term stress induced by the PEBL test does evoke changes in the salivary mental stress-related parameters (an increase in cortisol and nitrite/nitrate levels, and a decrease in IgA), but not in the total antioxidant capacity. They also indicate that the constructed PEBL four-test battery might represent an adequate laboratory stress-inducing paradigm.

Natural Antioxidants, Health Effects and Bioactive Properties of Wild Allium Species

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical and food industry in natural antioxidant and bioactive compounds derived from plants as substitutes for synthetic compounds. The genus Allium is one of the largest genera, with more than 900 species, including important cultivated and wild species, having beneficial health effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to unravel the chemical composition of wild Allium species and their healthrelated effects, focusing on the main antioxidant compounds. For this purpose, a thorough study of the literature was carried out to compile reports related to health effects and the principal bioactive compounds. Considering the vast number of species, this review is divided into subsections where the most studied species are presented, namely Allium ampeloprasum, A. flavum, A. hookeri, A. jesdianum, A. neapolitanum, A. roseum, A. stipitatum, A. tricoccum, and A. ursinum, with an additional composite section for less studied species.

METHODS

The information presented in this review was obtained from worldwide accepted databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Researchgate, using as keywords the respective names of the studied species (both common and Latin names) and the additional terms of"antioxidants" "health effects" and "bioactive properties".

CONCLUSION

The genus Allium includes several wild species, many of which are commonly used in traditional and folklore medicine while others are lesser known or are of regional interest. These species can be used as sources of natural bioactive compounds with remarkable health benefits. Several studies have reported these effects and confirmed the mechanisms of action in several cases, although more research is needed in this field. Moreover, considering that most of the studies refer to the results obtained from species collected in the wild under uncontrolled conditions, further research is needed to elucidate the effects of growing conditions on bioactive compounds and to promote the exploitation of this invaluable genetic material.

Antifungal and anti-biofilm effects of 6-shogaol against Candida auris

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the antifungal and anti-biofilm effects of 6-shogaol against Candida auris using in vitro phenotypic and genotypic analyses.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our results showed that 6-shogaol exhibited antifungal as well as anti-biofilm activity by inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating the preformed biofilms of C. auris. The rate and extent of antifungal activity were further confirmed by a time-kill assay. The XTT reduction assay confirmed that 6-shogaol decreased cellular metabolic activity in the biofilm. The effect of 6-shogaol on established C. auris biofilms was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Also, this study demonstrated that 6-shogaol reduced the levels of aspartyl proteinases and downregulated the expression of the efflux pump-related CDR1 gene in C. auris.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicated that 6-shogaol extracted from ginger had antifungal and anti-biofilm effects on C. auris.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study demonstrated the value of the plant-derived 6-shogaol as a promising and potent bioactive compound. The mode of action of this compound against C. auris biofilm was also proposed.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Allium ursinum and Their Associated Microbiota During Simulated in vitro Digestion in the Presence of Food Matrix

In this study, for the first time, the comprehensive analysis of antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of ramson, followed by the analysis of its associated microbiota and health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), was performed. Ramson (Allium ursinum) is recognized as a medicinal plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. In this study the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the cytotoxic activity of A. ursinum extracts against human malignant cell lines was demonstrated. Seven sulfur compounds, the degradation products of thiosulfinates, including diallyl disulfide were shown to inhibit proliferation of malignant cells by inducing accumulation within G2/M phase as well as to induce apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 and mitochondrial signaling pathway. Further, the A. ursinum microbiota, particularly LAB with potential probiotic effects, was analyzed by culture-dependent method and culture-independent method [denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)]. The obtained results revealed that the most abundant genera were Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bacillus. The Lactobacillus genus was mainly represented by L. fermentum. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis revealed the presence of two PFGE pulsotypes. The probiotic potential of the strain L. fermentum BGSR163 belonging to PFGE pulsotype 1 and the strain L. fermentum BGSR227 belonging to the PFGE pulsotype 2 was characterized. The results revealed that both strains are safe for human use, successfully survive the simulated gastrointestinal conditions, have potential to transiently colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and have a protective immunomodulatory effect, inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokine IL17 and regulatory cytokine IL10, while decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that consumption of A. ursinum might have health-promoting properties, including anticancer effects, while L. fermentum strains isolated from A. ursinum leaves could be used as probiotics for human consumption.

Plants: A natural solution to enhance raw milk cheese preservation?

Plants have been traditionnally used for centuries in cheese manufacturing, either for their aromatic properties or as technological auxiliaries (e.g. milk-clotting enzyme preparations, cheese wrappers). Some of these plants are known to have antimicrobial and/or antioxidant properties and could also act as natural preservatives for raw milk and derived dairy products. This review examined the traditional uses of plants in dairy processing, and then focuses on known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of their extracts (e.g. maceration, decoction, essential oil). Known effects of theses plants on technological flora (starter cultures and microorganisms implicated in cheese ripening) were also summarized, and the potential for plant extracts used in combination with hurdle technologies was explored. Then, legal restriction and bioactivity variations from a culture media to a food matrix was reviewed: non-toxic bioactive molecules found in plants, extract preparation modes suitable with foodgrade processing restrictions, the role of the food matrix as a hindrance to the efficiency of bioactive compounds, and a review of food legislation. Finally, some commercial plant extracts for milk preservation were discussed.

Flavonoids in a crude extract of Catha edulis inhibit rat intestinal contraction via blocking Ca2+ channels

BACKGROUND

Animal studies show that Catha edulis inhibits gastrointestinal tract motility. However, there is little or no information on its effect on colon motility and the mechanism of action and active constituents responsible for this effect. This study therefore attempted to discern the effect, suggest the mechanism, and identify the active compounds from the crude extract.

METHODS

A crude extract of Catha edulis was fractionated and subfractionated using column chromatography and HPLC. The activity of all fractions and subfractions was evaluated on rat colon longitudinal muscle. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data elucidations were used to identify the active compounds. An ileal segment preparation was used to investigate the possible mechanism of action.

RESULTS

The crude extract of Catha edulis (0.05-0.5 mg/mL) inhibited spontaneous contraction of rat colon and ileum (P < 0.05), and tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10 µmol/L) failed to block this effect. Similar to verapamil (0.01-0.1 μmol/L), the Catha edulis extract (0.05-0.5 mg/mL) inhibited high K⁺ (80 mmol/L)-induced sustained ileal contraction and decreased the response to Ca²⁺ . Analysis of the NMR data showed that quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin were the active phytochemicals. All the identified compounds were flavonoids and significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) spontaneous contraction of the rat colon longitudinal muscle compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The crude extract of Catha edulis has a spasmolytic effect on the rat ileum, which is mediated through blocking Ca²⁺ channels, and quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin were found to be the causative compounds.

Comprehensive analysis of an uninvestigated wild edible medicinal garlic species from Turkey: Allium macrochaetum Boiss. & Hausskn

The study was aimed to investigate the phenolic compounds of Allium macrochaetum by LC-MS/MS, as well as the antioxidant, antialzheimer, and antimicrobial activities of the extracts, and determination of the essential oil and fatty acid compositions by GC-MS. The results indicate that malic acid and t-caffeic acid are the major compounds in the bulbs. The main components of fatty acids were found to be linolenic (40.72%), oleic (19.79%), and palmitic (18.45%) acids. The allyl disulfide (66.97%) was found as major compound in the essential oil. The ethanol extract of the bulbs exhibited stronger ABTS cation (IC₅₀ : 55.90 ± 1.08 µg/ml) and DPPH free (IC₅₀ : 204.43 ± 2.17 µg/ml) radical scavenging activities than the other extracts. The extract also showed moderate cupric reducing activity with 1.52 absorbance at 100 µg/ml concentration. Only the ethanol extract of the bulbs showed weak inhibition (23.34 ± 0.11%) against butrylcholinesterase enzyme at 200 µg/ml. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Allium macrochaetum is a wild and edible garlic species which grown in Turkey, Iran, Iraqi, and Syria. A. macrochaetum has been used by local people in Turkish folk medicine as an antibiotic, and for the treatment of alopecia. The health benefits and nutritional values of A. macrochaetum were clarified in the first time. Phenolic compounds of A. macrochaetum were detected by LC-MS/MS. The essential oil and fatty acid compositions of A. macrochaetum were identified by GC-MS. Antioxidant, antialzheimer, and antimicrobial activities potential of A. macrochaetum were determined.

Characterization of γ-glutamyltranspeptidases from dormant garlic and onion bulbs

This study investigated the characteristics of γ-glutamyltranspeptidases (GGTs) isolated from dormant garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L. var. agrogatum Don) bulbs. GGTs were isolated using (NH 4)2 SO 4 precipitation and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (phenyl-Sepharose column). The optimal temperature, optimal pH of extraction, and the effects of metal ions and organic compounds on the activity of GGTs were investigated. The optimal pH of the GGTs of garlic and onion was 5 and 7, respectively; the optimal temperatures were 70 and 50°C, respectively. Garlic's GGT had a major band at 53 kDa, whereas onion's GGT had two bands at 55 and 22 kDa. Cu2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, glucose, aspartic acid, and cysteine significantly enhanced the activity of garlic's GGT. Lysine and proline remarkably promoted the activity of onion's GGT, whereas Cu2+, glucose, and aspartic acid repress its activity. These results may deepen our understanding of allium GGTs and promote the commercial production of bioactive allium compounds.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Allium Ursinum

Allium ursinum L. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Alliaceae family. Several classes of bioactive compounds have been isolated from A. ursinum so far, among them sulfur and phenolic compounds as quantitatively the most distributed constituents, responsible for pharmaceutical effects of the plant. Small amounts of steroidal glucosides, lecitins, fatty acids and several amino acids, as well as the essential oil are also present in A. ursinum. Th is plant species is characterized by a long history of use in traditional medicine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, as digestive stimulant, antimicrobial agent, as a remedy in respiratory problems, insomnia and fainting. Despite its widespread use for medicinal purposes since the ancient time, studies referring to its pharmacological activity are still lacking. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge related to the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Allium ursinum. Th is study may be a starting point for future researches in this field, which would fully clarify therapeutic potential of A. ursinum and make it a possible candidate for medicinal product.