Phytochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Several Allium Extracts

Microbial infections affect both the human population and animals. The appearance of more and more microbial strains resistant to classical treatments led to the need to develop new treatments. Allium plants are known for their antimicrobial properties due to their high content of thiosulfinates, especially allicin, polyphenols or flavonoids. The hydroalcoholic extracts of six Allium species obtained by cold percolation were analyzed regarding their phytochemical compounds and antimicrobial activity. Among the six extracts, Allium sativum L. and Allium ursinum L. have similar contents of thiosulfinates (approx. 300 μg allicin equivalents/g), and the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were different between the tested species. The HPLC-DAD method was used to detail the phytochemical composition of species rich in thiosulfinates. A. sativum is richer in allicin (280 μg/g) than A. ursinum (130 μg/g). The antimicrobial activity of A. sativum and A. ursinum extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis can be correlated with the presence of large amounts of thiosulfinates. Both extracts have shown results against Candida species (inhibition zones of 20-35 mm) and against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zones of 15-25 mm). These results demonstrate the antimicrobial effect of the extracts and suggest their use as an adjuvant treatment for microbial infections.

Municipal Wastewaters Carry Important Carbapenemase Genes Independent of Hospital Input and Can Mirror Clinical Resistance Patterns

The spatiotemporal variation of several carbapenemase-encoding genes (CRGs) was investigated in the influent and effluent of municipal WWTPs, with or without hospital sewage input. Correlations among gene abundances, bacterial community composition, and wastewater quality parameters were tested to identify possible predictors of CRGs presence. Also, the possible role of wastewaters in mirroring clinical resistance is discussed. The taxonomic groups and gene abundances showed an even distribution among wastewater types, meaning that hospital sewage does not influence the microbial diversity and the CRG pool. The bacterial community was composed mainly of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Patescibacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Acinetobacter spp. was the most abundant group and had the majority of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) positively correlated with CRGs. This agrees with recent reports on clinical data. The influent samples were dominated by blaKPC, as opposed to effluent, where blaIMP was dominant. Also, blaIMP was the most frequent CRG family observed to correlate with bacterial taxa, especially with the Mycobacterium genus in effluent samples. Bacterial load, blaNDM, blaKPC, and blaOXA-48 abundances were positively correlated with BOD5, TSS, HEM, Cr, Cu, and Fe concentrations in wastewaters. When influent gene abundance values were converted into population equivalent (PE) data, the highest copies/1 PE were identified for blaKPC and blaOXA-48, agreeing with previous studies regarding clinical isolates. Both hospital and non-hospital-type samples followed a similar temporal trend of CRG incidence, but with differences among gene groups. Colder seasons favored the presence of blaNDM, blaKPC and blaOXA-48, whereas warmer temperatures show increased PE values for blaVIM and blaIMP. IMPORTANCE Wastewater-based epidemiology has recently been recognized as a valuable, cost-effective tool for antimicrobial resistance surveillance. It can help gain insights into the characteristics and distribution of antibiotic resistance elements at a local, national, and even global scale. In this study, we investigated the possible use of municipal wastewaters in the surveillance of clinically relevant carbapenemase-encoding genes (CRGs), seen as critical antibiotic resistance determinants. In this matter, our results highlight positive correlations among CRGs, microbial diversity, and wastewater physical and chemical parameters. Identified predictors can provide valuable data regarding the level of raw and treated wastewater contamination with these important antibiotic resistance genes. Also, wastewater-based gene abundances were used for the first time to observe possible spatiotemporal trends of CRGs incidence in the general population. Therefore, possible hot spots of carbapenem resistance could be easily identified at the community level, surpassing the limitations of health care-associated settings.

Flaxseed Ethanol Extract Effect in Acute Experimental Inflammation

Background and Objectives: Previous studies demonstrated antioxidant activities for flaxseed and flaxseed oil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of flaxseed ethanol extract in acute experimental inflammation. Materials and Methods: The in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity was evaluated on a turpentine-induced acute inflammation (6 mL/kg BW, i.m.) by measuring serum total oxidative status, total antioxidant reactivity, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, total nitrites, 3-nitrotyrosine, and NFkB. The experiment was performed on nine groups (n = 5) of male rats: negative control; inflammation; three groups with seven days of flaxseed extract (100%, 50%, 25%) pretreatment followed by inflammation on day eight; three groups of inflammation followed by seven days of treatment with flaxseed extract (100%, 50%, 25%); inflammation followed by seven days of treatment with diclofenac (20 mg/kg BW). Results: Flaxseed extract anti-inflammatory activity was better in the therapeutic plan than in the prophylactic one, and consisted of NO, 3NT, and NF-κB reduction in a dose dependent way. ROS was reduced better in the therapeutic flaxseed extracts administration, and antioxidants were increased by the prophylactic flaxseed extracts administration. Both, ROS and antioxidants were influenced more by the total flaxseed extract, which was also more efficient than diclofenac. Conclusions: flaxseed extract prophylaxis has a useful antioxidant activity by increasing the antioxidants, and flaxseed extract therapy has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities by reducing NF-κB, RNS, and ROS.

The Morphological and Anatomical Traits of the Leaf in Representative Vinca Species Observed on Indoor- and Outdoor-Grown Plants

Morphological and anatomical traits of the Vinca leaf were examined using microscopy techniques. Outdoor Vinca minor and V. herbacea plants and greenhouse cultivated V. major and V. major var. variegata plants had interspecific variations. All Vinca species leaves are hypostomatic. However, except for V. minor leaf, few stomata were also present on the upper epidermis. V. minor leaf had the highest stomatal index and V. major had the lowest, while the distribution of trichomes on the upper epidermis was species-specific. Differentiated palisade and spongy parenchyma tissues were present in all Vinca species' leaves. However, V. minor and V. herbacea leaves had a more organized anatomical aspect, compared to V. major and V. major var. variegata leaves. Additionally, as a novelty, the cellular to intercellular space ratio of the Vinca leaf's mesophyll was revealed herein with the help of computational analysis. Lipid droplets of different sizes and aspects were localized in the spongy parenchyma cells. Ultrastructural characteristics of the cuticle and its epicuticular waxes were described for the first time. Moreover, thick layers of cutin seemed to be characteristic of the outdoor plants only. This could be an adaptation to the unpredictable environmental conditions, but nevertheless, it might influence the chemical composition of plants.

Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Effects of Allium fistulosum L. and Allium sativum L. Extracts on Human Normal and Tumor Cell Lines: A Comparative Study

Allium sativum L. (garlic bulbs) and Allium fistulosum L. (Welsh onion leaves) showed quantitative differences of identified compounds: allicin and alliin (380 µg/mL and 1410 µg/mL in garlic; 20 µg/mL and 145 µg/mL in Welsh onion), and the phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gentisic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, kaempferol, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, quercetin, and rutin). The chemical composition determined the inhibitory activity of Allium extracts in a dose-dependent manner, on human normal cells (BJ-IC₅₀ 0.8841% garlic/0.2433% Welsh onion and HaCaT-IC₅₀ 1.086% garlic/0.6197% Welsh onion) and tumor cells (DLD-1-IC₅₀ 5.482%/2.124%; MDA-MB-231-IC₅₀ 6.375%/2.464%; MCF-7-IC₅₀ 6.131%/3.353%; and SK-MES-1-IC₅₀ 4.651%/5.819%). At high concentrations, the cytotoxic activity of each extract, on normal cells, was confirmed by: the 50% of the growth inhibition concentration (IC₅₀₎ value, the cell death induced by necrosis, and biochemical determination of LDH, catalase, and Caspase-3. The four tumor cell lines treated with high concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, and 1.25%) of garlic extract showed different sensibility, appreciated on the base of IC₅₀ value for the most sensitive cell line (SK-MES-1), and the less sensitive (MDA-MB-231) cell line. The high concentrations of Welsh onion extract (5%, 2.5%, and 1.25%) induced pH changes in the culture medium and SK-MES-1 being the less sensitive cell line.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects of the Vitis vinifera L. var. Fetească Neagră and Pinot Noir Pomace Extracts

The pathophysiology of inflammation and oxidative stress generated during different types of cancers and anticancer treatments is well documented. Traditionally, grape pomace is used for animal feed, organic fertilizers, ethanol production or is disposed as waste. Because grape pomace is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects of fresh and fermented grape pomace extracts of two Vitis vinifera L. varieties Fetească neagră and Pinot noir cultivated in Romania. Firstly, grape pomace phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant tests were performed. Secondly, the effect of a seven-day pretreatment with grape pomace extracts on the turpentine oil-induced inflammation in rats was assessed by measuring total oxidative status, total antioxidant response, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, nitric oxide and 3-nitrotyrosine. Thirdly, the antiproliferative properties were evaluated on human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), murine melanoma (B164A5), and keratinocyte (HaCat) cell lines. Fetească neagră and Pinot noir grape pomace extracts have a rich content of polyphenols and in vitro antioxidant effect. Fermented samples had higher polyphenol content, but fresh samples had better antioxidant activity. Pretreatment with grape pomace extracts reduced inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent way, fresh samples being more efficient. The malignant cells' proliferation was inhibited by all grape pomace extracts, fermented Fetească neagră extracts having the strongest effect. Conclusion: fresh and fermented pomace extracts of Vitis vinifera L. varieties Fetească neagră and Pinot noir cultivated in a Romanian wine region have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.

The Synergistic Antitumor Effect of 5-Fluorouracil Combined with Allicin against Lung and Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anticancer drug used to inhibit the proliferation of many different tumor cells. Since severe events are associated with this compound, its combination with different anticancer drugs or adjuvants would allow the use of a significantly lower dose of 5-FU. In this study, we highlighted that the combination of allicin with 5-FU inhibited the cell migration and proliferation of colorectal and lung cancer cells. 5-FU inhibited cell growth with a similar inhibitory concentration for both normal and tumor cells (~200µM), while allicin showed different inhibitory concentrations. With an IC50 of 8.625 µM, lung cancer cells were the most sensitive to allicin. Compared to 5-FU and allicin single-agent treatments, the co-treatment showed a reduced viability rate, with p < 0.05. The morphological changes were visible on all three cell lines, indicating that the treatment inhibited the proliferation of both normal and tumor cells. We highlighted different cell death mechanisms—apoptosis for lung cancer and a non-apoptotic cell death for colorectal cancer. The synergistic antitumor effect of 5-FU combined with allicin was visible against lung and colorectal carcinoma cells. Better results were obtained when a lower concentration of 5-FU was combined with allicin than the single-agent treatment at IC50.

Allium sativum Extract Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Antifungal Effect against Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa Causing Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a major health problem due to its chronicity and resistance to therapy. Because some cases associate paronychia, any therapy must target the fungus and the inflammation. Medicinal plants represent an alternative for onychomycosis control. In the present work the antifungal and antioxidant activities of Alium sativum extract against Meyerozyma guilliermondii (Wick.) Kurtzman & M. Suzuki and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (A. Jörg.) F.C. Harrison, isolated for the first time from a toenail onychomycosis case, were investigated. The fungal species were confirmed by DNA molecular analysis. A. sativum minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and ultrastructural effects were examined. At the MIC concentration (120 mg/mL) the micrographs indicated severe structural alterations with cell death. The antioxidant properties of the A. sativum extract were evaluated is a rat turpentine oil induced inflammation, and compared to an anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, and the main compound from the extract, allicin. A. sativum reduced serum total oxidative status, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide production, and increased total thiols. The effects were comparable to those of allicin and diclofenac. In conclusion, the garlic extract had antifungal effects against M. guilliermondii and R. mucilaginosa, and antioxidant effect in turpentine-induced inflammation. Together, the antifungal and antioxidant activities support that A. sativum is a potential alternative treatment in onychomycosis.

Phytochemical Analysis of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Mahonia aquifolium Flower and Fruit Extracts

Oxidative stress and inflammation are interlinked processes. The aim of the study was to perform a phytochemical analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic Mahonia aquifolium flower (MF), green fruit (MGF), and ripe fruit (MRF) extracts. Plant extract chemical composition was evaluated by HLPC. A DPPH test was used for the in vitro antioxidant activity. The in vivo antioxidant effects and the anti-inflammatory potential were tested on a rat turpentine oil-induced inflammation, by measuring serum nitric oxide (NOx) and TNF-alpha, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), oxidative stress index (OSI), 3-nitrothyrosine (3NT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total thiols (SH). Extracts were administrated orally in three dilutions (100%, 50%, and 25%) for seven days prior to inflammation. The effects were compared to diclofenac. The HPLC polyphenol and alkaloid analysis revealed chlorogenic acid as the most abundant compound. All extracts had a good in vitro antioxidant activity, decreased NOx, TOS, and 3NT, and increased SH. TNF-alpha was reduced, and TAR increased only by MF and MGF. MDA was not influenced. Our findings suggest that M. aquifolium has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support the use in primary prevention of the inflammatory processes.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Hedera helix leaf ethanolic extract

The 50% ethanol extract obtained from Hedera helix leaves was investigated regarding the presence and quantity of polyphenols, sterols and in vitro antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of rutin, quercetin and kaempferol in the non-hydrolysed sample and quercetin and kaempferol in the hydrolysed sample and stigmasterol in the ivy leaf extract (nonhydrolysed sample). The antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, B. tulipae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Penicillium gladioli, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was assessed using an agar dilution assay. The results are expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 10-14%) and were compared to a synthetic antifungal drug - fluconazole (MIC = 8-30%). This report presents the first screening of the antifungal activity of the ivy leaf extract on these plant pathogenic fungi species, aiming to use the ivy leaf extract for controlling different diseases of vegetables and ornamental plants, in addition to human disorders.

Testing antiplatelet and antioxidant activity of the extract of seven varieties of Allium cepa L

Background: The extracts of Allium cepa are known for their medical use: antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, fibrinolytic and antiplatelet properties. Our study aims to establish, using in vitro tests, the antiplatelet and antioxidant character, the link between them and the extract acidity, from seven varieties of A. cepa. Methodology: The qualitative and quantitative presence of polyphenols and anthocyanins in the extracts was determined using UV-Vis and HPLC. Quantitative determination of the thiosulfinates compounds was calculated using their reaction with 4-mercaptopyridine. Antioxidant character was determined using 3 methods (FC, DPPH and TEAC), and antiplatelet effect was measured by in vitro tests on platelet rich plasma obtained from human blood. Principal Findings/Results: The white variety of A. cepa has the most alkaline pH, the largest amount of thiosulfinate compounds and the most powerful antiplatelet effect, but a very small amount of flavonoids and an antioxidant effect almost nonexistent, in contrast with red variety of A. cepa which is the opposite. Conclusions/Significance: The white variety of A. cepa had very high anitiplatelet activity suggesting the potential use of A. cepa extract in treating cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Melilotus officinalis on acute inflammation

Our study investigated the effects of Melilotus officinalis L. extract, containing 0.25% coumarin, on acute inflammation induced with oil of turpentine in male rabbits. The results were compared with those from a group treated with hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and one injected with coumarin before inflammation was induced. The effects were evaluated by measuring serum citrulline, a test of in vitro phagocytosis, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count expressed as a percentage. M. officinalis had antiinflammatory effects because it reduced the activation of circulating phagocytes and lowered citrulline production. These properties were similar to those of hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and coumarin. In the bone marrow acute phase response, M. officinalis had an inhibitory action that was lower than that of hydrocortisone sodium hemisuccinate and similar to coumarin.

The significance of chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections in some connective tissue diseases: the association with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIM

We investigated the pathogenic role of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV) in some connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), overlap syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), seronegative spondylarthritis (SS) and the association with chronic liver disease.

METHODOLOGY

There were studied 155 patients, aged among 18 to 64 years old: 57 with SLE, 22 with overlap, 26 with RA, 30 with SS. The diagnoses were established using modified ARA criteria. There were performed complex immunology tests, percutaneous liver biopsy, HLA, Elisa tests with Riba confirmation for detecting HCV and HBV.

RESULTS

17% of SLE patients were infected with hepatitis viruses, predominantly B (70%). Half of them had a hepatic involvement due to the hepatitis viruses. 23% of RA patients were equally B\C infected with only one case of hepatic involvement secondary to hepatitis viruses. All the HCV infected patients had rheumatoid factor (RF) IgG-IgM type, with low serum levels of haemolytic complement (CH50), increases serum levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) and evidence of HLA DR4 In the group of SS 40% of patients were infected mostly with HBV. In HLA B27 (+) anchylosing spondylitis (AS) the incidence of HBV was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no high prevalence of HCV infection in SLE, overlap syndrome or RA, compared to the control group. In SS the prevalence is increased (40%), especially HLA B27 (+) AS group (33%), in which HBV is noticed at a rate of 100%. The association SLE-HCV favours the visceral involvement especially renal ones, while the presence of HBV is associated with decrease of lupus activity. In RA, HCV induces IgG-IgM RF with complement activation, being considered as a trigger of the disease in HLA DR4 patients. In HLA B27 (+) AS. HBV may trigger the development of disease in genetically susceptible individuals.