Chemical and biological comparisons on supercritical extracts of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir) Sch. Bip. with three related species of chrysanthemums of Sardinia (Italy)

Exploring the Biological and Phytochemical Potential of Jordan's Flora: A Review and Update of Eight Selected Genera from Mediterranean Region

Jordan's flora is known for its rich diversity, with a grand sum of 2978 plant species that span 142 families and 868 genera across four different zones. Eight genera belonging to four different plant families have been recognized for their potential natural medicinal properties within the Mediterranean region. These genera include Chrysanthemum L., Onopordum Vaill. Ex. L., Phagnalon Cass., and Senecio L. from the Asteraceae family, in addition to Clematis L. and Ranunculus L. from the Ranunculaceae family, Anchusa L. from the Boraginaceae family, and Eryngium L. from the Apiaceae family. The selected genera show a wide variety of secondary metabolites with encouraging pharmacological characteristics including antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and neuroprotective actions. Further research on these genera and their extracts will potentially result in the formulation of novel and potent natural pharmaceuticals. Overall, Jordan's rich flora provides a valuable resource for exploring and discovering new plant-based medicines.

Plant-related Philistine ritual practices at biblical Gath

The Philistine culture (Iron Age, ca. 1200-604 BCE) profoundly impacted the southern Levant's cultural history, agronomy, and dietary customs. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the Philistines' cultic praxis and deities, is limited and uncertain. Here, we combine archaeological data with a meticulous study of plant use at two successive temples at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfī/Gath. We provide a list of the plants used, their time of harvest, mode of offering, and possible symbolism. Analysis of the temples' macrobotanical (seed and fruits) plant assemblage reveals the offerings; that the inception date for rites was early spring; and sheds light on the date of the final utilization of the temples (late summer/early fall). Besides food crops, we note the earliest cultic use of chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), crown daisy (Glebionis coronaria), and scabious (Lomelosia argentea). These wide-spread Mediterranean plants were known so far only in later cults-of early Greek deities, such as Hera, Artemis, Demeter, and Asclepios. We discuss the data as reflecting that the Philistine religion relied on the magic and power of nature, such as fresh water and seasonality, which influence human life, health, and activity. In sum, our results offer novel insights into the culture of the Philistines.

HIV-1 Integrase Inhibition Activity by Spiroketals Derived from Plagius flosculosus, an Endemic Plant of Sardinia (Italy) and Corsica (France)

In this work we investigated, for the first time, the effect of Plagius flosculosus (L.) Alavi & Heywood, a Sardinian-Corsican endemic plant, on HIV-1 integrase (IN) activity. The phytochemical analysis of the leaves chloroform extract led us to isolate and characterize three compounds (SPK1, SPK2, and SPK3) belonging to the spiroketals, a group of naturally occurring metabolites of phytochemical relevance with interesting biological properties. Due to their structural diversity, these cyclic ketals have attracted the interest of chemists and biologists. SPK1, SPK2, and SPK3 were evaluated here for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 integrase activity in biochemical assays. The results showed that all the compounds inhibited HIV-1 IN activity. In particular, the most active one was SPK3, which interfered in a low molecular range (IC50 of 1.46 ± 0.16 µM) with HIV-1 IN activity in the presence/absence of the LEDGF cellular cofactor. To investigate the mechanism of action, the three spiroketals were also tested on HIV-1 RT-associated Ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity, proving to be active in inhibiting this function. Although SPK3 was unable to inhibit viral replication in cell culture, it promoted the IN multimerization. We hypothesize that SPK3 inhibited HIV-1 IN through an allosteric mechanism of action.

Chrysanthemum: A Comprehensive Review on Recent Developments on In Vitro Regeneration

Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant grown worldwide and is one of the most popular ornamental plants. Chrysanthemums are usually cultivated using root suckers and shoot cuttings. This conventional technique is relatively slow. In addition, as cuttings are gained regularly from mother plants, there is a chance of viral infection and degeneration, which raises the production cost. The hurdles mentioned above have been managed by applying in vitro propagation techniques, which can enhance reproduction rates through in vitro culture and use very small explants, which are impossible with the conventional approach. Usually, it is difficult to get true-to-type plants as the parents with good quality, but clonal propagation of a designated elite species makes it possible. Hence, this review highlights recent studies of the in vitro propagation of Chrysanthemum included; the appropriate explant sources, medium compositions, alternative disinfection of culture media, plant growth regulators (PGRs), different mutagenesis applications, acclimatization efficiency, and alternative light sources to overcome the shortcomings of conventional propagation techniques.

Chromosome-level genome of a leaf vegetable Glebionis coronaria provides insights into the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids contributing to its special aroma

Glebionis coronaria is a popular vegetable with special aroma and a medical plant in East Asia and Mediterranean, but its biological studies and breeding have been hindered by the lack of reference genome. Here, we present a chromosome-level reference genome of G. coronaria, with assembled genome size of 6.8 Gb, which is the largest among all the published genomes of diploid Asteraceae species. The large genome size of G. coronaria is mainly caused by the recent widespread explosions of long-terminal-repeat retrotransposons. Analyses of macro-synteny and synonymous mutation rate distribution indicate that the G. coronaria genome experienced a whole-genome triplication at 40-45 million years ago, shared with all Asteraceae species. In subtribe Artemisiinae, Glebionis arose before the divergence of Chrysanthemum from Artemisia, and Glebionis species evolved much faster than Chrysanthemum and Artemisia species. In G. coronaria, the synthesis genes of monoterpenoids 8-oxocitronellyl enol and isopiperitenone were expanded, and the higher expressions of these expanded genes in leaves and stems may contribute to its special aroma. The G. coronaria genomic resources will promote the evolution studies of Asteraceae, the metabolism mechanism studies of bioactive compounds, and the breeding improvement of agronomic traits in G. coronaria.

Comparative Analysis of Chemical Composition andAntibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of theEssential Oils from Chrysanthemum morifolium ofDifferent Flowering Stages and Different Parts

The inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat., a well-known traditional Chinese herb, has been proved to have a certain inhibitory effect on some bacteria; however, its main components and acne bacteria inhibition effect remain to be elucidated. In this study, GC-MS was used to analyze the components of different flowering stages and different parts and to study the inhibitory effects of six essential oils on S. aureus and P. acnes and their alleviating effects on THP-1 cell inflammation. GC-MS combined with relative retention index method analyzed results stated that the 5 samples of C. morifolium to detect the 124 kinds of volatile components, including (E)-tibetin spiroether, are first detected in the volatile oil of the C. morifolium, and the content of (E)-tibetin spiroether is higher in immature inflorescence of C. morifolium and decreases as it extends its flowering period. Furthermore, the research results of inhibiting common acne-causing bacteria showed that the bacteriostatic effect of essential oils from JH at different flowering stages was better than that from JM and TJ, while the bacteriostatic effect of essential oil from stem and leaf of C. morifolium (SLC) at different parts was better than the roots of C. morifolium (RC). Finally, it was proved that the essential oil from SLC and C. morifolium could alleviate the inflammation of THP-1 cells induced by P. acnes. In conclusion, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of C. morifolium essential oil may be related to heterospiroolefins compounds, and the antibacterial activity decreases with the prolongation of flowering stage. It was suggested that volatile oil from C. morifolium and SLC could be used as effective components of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cosmetics.

Anti-Hyperuricemic Effect of Ethyl Acetate Sub-Fractions from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. Dried Flowers on Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats

Xanthine oxidase (XO) plays an important role in purine degradation in humans. The study aimed to determine the XO inhibitory potential of Chrysanthemum morifolium dried flower ethyl acetate sub-fractions and its anti-hyperuricemic effect in rat models. Bioassay-guided fractionation based on XO inhibitory assay was employed to obtain bioactive fractions and sub-fractions. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular antioxidant capacity of the sub-fraction and its mode of XO inhibition were also investigated. The anti-hyperuricemic effect of the bioactive sub-fraction was investigated using rat models via oral consumption, and followed by an XO mRNA gene expression study. The compounds in the bioactive sub-fractions were identified putatively using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction exhibited the highest XO inhibition among the fractions. It was further fractionated into 15 sub-fractions. F10 exhibited high XO inhibitory activity, cellular pro-proliferative effect, and intracellular antioxidant activity among the sub-fractions tested. This sub-fraction was non-cytotoxic at 0.1–10 µg/mL, and very effective in lowering serum and urine uric acid level in rat models upon oral consumption. A total of 26 known compounds were identified and seven unknown compounds were detected via HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS analysis. The possible mechanisms contributing to the anti-hyperuricemic effect were suggested to be the non-competitive inhibition of XO enzyme, XO gene expression down-regulation, and the enhancement of uric acid excretion.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of two new chemotypes of Glebionis Cass

This paper includes the result of the first study of the chemical composition, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antidiabetic activities of the essential oils of Glebionis coronaria (L.) Cass. ex Spach and Glebionis segetum (L.) Fourr. from Turkey. In the current study, nine and twenty-eight constituents were determined in the essential oils of aerial parts of G. coronaria (GCE) (92.1%) and G. segetum (GSE) (90.0%), respectively. The main components were capillin (65.9%) in GCE, capillene (53.4%) in GSE. The essential oil compositions were evaluated and compared with previous researches. In the current study, the plants are classified as chemotypes of Glebionis species. GCE and GSE showed poor and very poor DPPH radical scavenging activity, respectively. GCE and GSE exhibited significant and strong antiinflammatory activity against the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, respectively. Also, GCE and GSE displayed moderate and weak antidiabetic activity against the α-glucosidase enzyme, respectively. Polyacetylenes were determined as the main class of compounds in GCE and GSE and had a notable antiinflammatory activity.

High diversity of natural Dalmatian pyrethrum based on pyrethrin composition at intra- and interpopulation level

Seeds collected from 10 Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium /Trevir./ Sch. Bip. Asteraceae) populations naturally occurring along the Adriatic coast and islands, were used to establish a common garden with the aim of estimating the variation of pyrethrin compounds between and within populations. A recently optimized matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) method was used for the extraction of six pyrethrin compounds from dry flower heads of 200 Dalmatian pyrethrum individuals. Separation and quantification of pyrethrin compounds were performed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). High variability in pyrethrin content and composition was observed within and between populations. Total pyrethrin content in individual samples varied from 0.10% to 1.35% of flower dry weight. On average, the lowest total pyrethrin content was observed in the population of Pelješac (0.22%) and the highest in the island populations of Mali Lošinj and Zlarin (0.87%). The population of Mali Lošinj had the most favourable pyrethrin profile, including the lowest variability in total pyrethrin content, the highest pyrethrin I (PI) content (up to 60.47%) and PI/PII ratio (up to 5.88), as well as the lowest pyrethrin II (PII) content. In contrast, the populations from Biokovo and Pelješac represented pyrethrin profiles with the lowest content of total pyrethrin, PI and PI/PII ratio. The Biokovo population also had the highest PII content (43.18% on average), while the Pelješac population had the highest jasmolin I (JI) and jasmolin II (JII) content. Four different chemotypes were determined by cluster analysis. Chemotype P1 is the most promising for future breeding programs and is characterized by the highest total pyrethrin content, PI content and PI/PII ratio, as important measures of insecticidal activity. Correlation analysis of each pyrethrin compound with 25 environmental variables and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were carried out and the importance of optimum temperature and precipitation on pyrethrin quantity and quality was suggested. Total pyrethrin content was significantly correlated with six temperature and five precipitation parameters. Pyrethrin I, PII and cinerin II (CII) were significantly correlated mainly with temperature parameters; JII and cinerin I (CI) with precipitation parameters, while JI was correlated with temperature range and precipitation parameters. The mountainous Biokovo population was an outlier in the PCA analysis, mainly due to the extremely low values of temperature parameters at a higher altitude. Precipitation variables separated the central Adriatic islands inhabiting drier habitats from populations inhabiting habitats with greater precipitation. The high-resolution data from this study provide the opportunity for individual-based selection for breeding plants with the best pyrethrin profiles, as well as for increased adaptation to broader climatic conditions.

So Uncommon and so Singular, but Underexplored: An Updated Overview on Ethnobotanical Uses, Biological Properties and Phytoconstituents of Sardinian Endemic Plants

The last decades have recorded an increase of plant-based drug discovery processes. Indeed, natural products possess a superior chemical diversity as compared to synthetic ones, leading to a renewal in searching for new therapeutic agents from the plant kingdom. In particular, since the structural variety of natural compounds reflects the biodiversity of their source organisms, regions of the world with high biodiversity and endemism deserve particular interest. In this context, Sardinia Island (Italy), with 290 endemic taxa (12% of the total flora), is expected to provide unique and structurally diverse phytochemicals for drug development. Several research groups built up a large program dedicated to the analysis of Sardinian endemic species, highlighting their peculiar features, both in respect of phytochemical and biological profiles. On this basis, the aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview on ethnobotanical uses, biological properties and phytoconstituents of Sardinian endemic plants in order to support their beneficial potential and to provide input for future investigations. We documented 152 articles published from 1965 to June 2020 in which a broad range of biological activities and the identification of previously undescribed compounds have been reported, supporting their great value as sources of therapeutic agents.

Assessing transfer of pesticide residues from chrysanthemum flowers into tea solution and associated health risks

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) flowers are consumed as a popular, traditional herbal tea worldwide. During tea infusion with hot water pesticide residues in chrysanthemum flowers can be transferred into tea solution, posing potential health risks to consumers. Using greenhouse chrysanthemum this study systematically investigated the transfer of metalaxyl-M, fludioxonil, cyantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin (a major metabolite of thiamethoxam) from dry chrysanthemum flowers to tea solution at a range of infusion repetitions, duration and water temperature. The tested pesticides were released into tea solution at varying degrees, and the maximum transfer percentage was 59.9%, 9.8%, 29.4%, 88.2% and 68.4% for metalaxyl-M, fludioxonil, cyantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin, respectively. The transfer of pesticides into tea solution generally increased with increasing pesticide water solubility, water temperature, infusion duration, and pesticide concentrations in dry chrysanthemum flowers, but decreased with increasing octanol-water partition coefficient and the number of infusion repetitions. Risk quotient for pesticide intake via consuming tea solution of chrysanthemum flowers (one and two times of recommended pesticide dosages) ranged from <0.00003 to 0.0924, indicating a low health risk. This study provides useful information for risk assessment of pesticide residues in greenhouse chrysanthemum flowers and may help establish realistic maximum residue limit of pesticides in chrysanthemum flowers and tea solution.

Linarin Enriched Extract Attenuates Liver Injury and Inflammation Induced by High-Fat High-Cholesterol Diet in Rats

The aim of this study was to explore the potential beneficial effects of linarin enriched Flos Chrysanthemi extract (Lin-extract) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet in rats. SD rats received normal diet, HFHC diet, or HFHC diet plus different doses of Lin-extract. The liver content of triglyceride and total cholesterol markedly increased in HFHC diet-fed model rats while middle and high dose of Lin-extract lowered liver cholesterol significantly. The expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) was upregulated by HFHC diet and further elevated by high dose Lin-extract. High dose of Lin-extract also markedly lowered the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) induced by HFHC in livers. The HFHC-increased mRNA levels of hepatic inflammation cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), were suppressed by Lin-extract dose-dependently. Furthermore, pathology evaluation showed that high dose Lin-extract greatly improved lobular inflammation. Our results suggest that Lin-extract could attenuate liver injury and inflammation induced by HFHC diet in rats. Its modulatory effect on lipid metabolism may partially contribute to this protective effect.

Extracts of Chrysanthemum zawadskii attenuate oxidative damage to vascular endothelial cells caused by a highly reducing sugar

Endothelial cells are considered candidates for involvement in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, and prevention of endothelial cell damage may be important in pharmacological attempts to prevent such complications. In the present study, I explored whether extracts of Chrysanthemum zawadskii (CZE) could prevent oxidative damage and dysfunction of a vascular endothelial cell line caused by the highly reducing sugar, 2-deoxy-D-ribose (dRib), and dysfunction of a vascular endothelial cell line. Vascular endothelial cells were treated with dRib in the presence or absence of CZE. Cell viability was monitored using a cell counting kit, and the induction of apoptosis was evaluated with a cell death kit. Prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Mitochondrial membrane potential [ΔΨ(m)] was determined using a JC-1 kit. Intracellular oxidative stress was measured by fluorometric analysis of dichlorofluorescin oxidation using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate as the probe. The expression levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. dRib reduced cell survival and the ΔΨ(m) and markedly increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. However, pretreatment of cells with CZE attenuated all these dRib-induced effects. The anti-oxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) also prevented dRib-induced oxidative cell damage. CZE attenuated the dRib-induced production of the inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E2. NAC also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and treatment with CZE caused transcriptional elevation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. Taken together, the results suggest that CZE may exert an antioxidant action that reduces dRib-induced cell damage to vascular endothelial cells and may thus aid in preventing diabetes-associated microvascular complications.

Wild food plants used in traditional vegetable mixtures in Italy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mixtures of wild food plants, part of the Mediterranean diet, have potential benefits for their content in bioactive compounds, minerals and fibers. In Italy, wild plants are still consumed in various ways, for their taste, effects on health and nutritional value. In this paper, we provide a list of wild plants used in vegetable mixtures, indicating their phytochemical and nutritional profile, highlighting those not yet studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We provide a first complete review of traditional uses of wild food plants used as vegetables and their preparations (e.g., salads, soups, rustic pies). We also highlight their phytochemical constituents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out an extensive literature review of ethnobotanical publications from 1894 to date for finding plants used in traditional vegetable mixtures. We also performed an online search for scientific papers providing the phytochemical profile of plants that were cited at least twice in recipes found in the literature.

RESULTS

We list a total of 276 wild taxa used in traditional vegetable mixtures, belonging to 40 families. Among these, the most represented are Asteraceae (88), Brassicaceae (33), Apiaceae (21), Amaranthaceae (12). Many plants are cited in many recipes across several Italian regions. Among the most cited plant we note: Reichardia picroides (L.) Roth, Sanguisorba minor Scop., Taraxacum campylodes G. E. Haglund, Urtica dioica L. Tuscany is the region with the highest number of food recipes that incorporate wild plants used as vegetables. We also list the phytochemical constituents and some pharmacological activities of the plants cited at least twice. Finally, we discuss topics such as the taste of plants used in the recipes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nineteen edible wild plants, such as Asparagus albus L., Campanula trachelium L., Hypochaeris laevigata (L.) Benth. & Hook f., Phyteuma spicatum L., Scolymus grandiflorus Desf., are not yet studied as regards their phytochemical and nutritional profile. Some plants should be avoided due to the presence of toxic compounds such as Adenostyles alliariae (Gouan) A. Kern or Ranunculus repens L.

Linarin promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the BMP-2/RUNX2 pathway via protein kinase A signaling

Linarin (LIN), a flavonoid which exerts both anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, has been found to promote osteogenic differentiation. However, the molecular mechanism of its effect on osteoblast differentiation was unclear. In the present study, LIN from Flos Chrysanthemi Indici (FCI) was isolated in order to investigate the underlying mechanisms of LIN on MC3T3-E1 cells (a mouse osteoblastic cell line) and the osteoprotective effect of LIN in mice which had undergone an ovariectomy (OVX). The results revealed that LIN enhanced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells dose-dependently, with enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization of extracellular matrix. LIN upregulated osteogenesis-related gene expression, including that of ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and type I collagen (COL-I). Pretreatment with noggin, a bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) antagonist, meant that LIN-induced gene expression levels of COL-1, ALP, OCN, BSP and RUNX2 were significantly reduced, as shown by RT-qPCR. Western blot analysis showed that LIN dose-dependently increased the protein levels of BMP-2 and RUNX2 and enhanced the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5. In addition, LIN dose-dependently upregulated protein kinase A (PKA) expression. H-89 (a PKA inhibitor) partially blocked the LIN-induced protein increase in BMP-2, p-SMAD1/5 and RUNX2. We noted that LIN preserved the trabecular bone microarchitecture of ovariectomized mice in vivo. Moreover, pretreatment with LIN significantly lowered serum levels of ALP and OCN in ovariectomized mice. Our data indicated that LIN induced the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells by activating the BMP-2/RUNX2 pathway through PKA signaling in vitro and protected against OVX-induced bone loss in vivo. The results strongly suggest that LIN is a useful natural alternative for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Supercritical CO₂ extraction of volatile oils from Sardinian Foeniculum vulgare ssp. vulgare (Apiaceae): chemical composition and biological activity

This article reports the results on the composition and antifungal effect of volatile extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Sardinian wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and by hydrodistillation (HD). The extracts were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for qualitative composition and gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector to establish the percentage of constituents. The main components were fenchone (7.1% vs. 8.8%), estragole (34.9% vs. 42.6%) and (E)-anethole (24.6% vs. 43.4%) in the SFE and HD extract, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were measured according to the reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth macrodilution protocols. Minimum lethal concentrations were determined by subsequent subculturing of the same cell suspensions in solid medium. The essential oil was more active against Candida albicans, whereas the supercritical fluid extract possesses higher activity against Candida guillermondii and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC values of 0.32 μL/mL.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of supercritical extract and essential oil of Tanacetum vulgare growing wild in Lithuania

This article reports the results concerning the qualitative and quantitative composition of the volatile oil obtained from the aerial parts of Tanacetum vulgare, collected in Lithuania, by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 at 90 bar and 40 °C and by hydrodistillation (HD). GC-MS and GC-FID analysis revealed that the oils mainly consisted of 1,8-cineole, trans-thujone, cis-chrysanthenol, borneol and myrtenol. Oils obtained by HD displayed, with respect to the SFE volatile oil, a higher amount of hydrocarbon monoterpenes. The hydrodistilled oil was particularly active against dermatophyte strains and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC values in the range of 0.16-0.64 μL/mL. The oil revealed a significant inhibitory effect on germ tube formation in Candida albicans at sub-inhibitory concentrations. At the concentration of 1/16 MIC, the inhibition of filamentation was more than 80% in comparison to untreated control cells.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii extract protects osteoblastic cells from highly reducing sugar-induced oxidative damage

In this study, Chrysanthemum zawadskii extract (CZE) was investigated to determine its effects on 2-deoxy-D-ribose (dRib)-induced oxidative damage and cellular dysfunction in the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cell line. Osteoblastic cells were treated with the highly reducing sugar, dRib, in the presence or absence of CZE. Cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were subsequently examined. It was observed that dRib reduced cell survival, while it markedly increased the intracellular levels of ROS and apoptosis. However, pre-treatment of the cells with CZE attenuated all the dRib-induced effects. The antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), also prevented dRib-induced oxidative cell damage. In addition, treatment with CZE resulted in a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and collagen content, as well as in the expression of genes associated with osteoblast differentiation [ALP, collagen, osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OC) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2, BMP4 and BMP7]. In mechanistic studies of the antioxidative potential of CZE, we found that CZE reversed the dRib-induced decrease in the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT)1 and AKT2 genes, which are master regulators of survival-related signaling pathways. CZE also upregulated the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, SOD3 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), which was inhibited by dRib. Taken together, these results suggest that CZE attenuates dRib-induced cell damage in osteoblastic cells and may be useful for the treatment of diabetes-associated bone disease.

Degradation of imidacloprid in chrysanthemi flos and soil

Degradation of imidacloprid in chrysanthemi flos and cultivated soil was studied. The half-lives of imidacloprid were 3.55-5.17 days (soil), 2.10-3.98 days (fresh buds and flowers), 22.14 days (dry flowers, 5°C) and 13.08 days (dry flower, 20°C), separately. The temperature can affect imidacloprid degradation in soil and dry chrysanthemum buds and flowers. Imidacloprid residues in chrysanthemum flowers were more stable during store stage than growing one. Few imidacloprid residues would be dissolved into chrysanthemum tea liquor when the residue in dry buds or dry flowers was below 0.8 mg/kg.

Ten challenges on Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis has become a significant public global health problem worldwide. Caused by two species, Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii, this life-threatening infection afflicts not only immunocompromised individuals but also apparently immunocompetent subjects. Hence, cryptococcosis should no longer be considered merely an opportunistic infection. In this article, we focus on ten unanswered questions/topics in this field with the hope to stimulate discussion and research on these topics that would lead not only to a better understanding of the physiopathology of this disease but also to a better diagnosis and prognosis.