Preliminary Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Rudbeckia hirta Flowers

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.), a flowering plant with various traditional medicinal uses, has recently garnered interest for its therapeutic properties. However, little is known about the potential therapeutic activities of the plant species. The current study focused on conducting a comprehensive investigation into the chemical composition and bioactivity of black-eyed Susan cultivated in Romania. Untargeted metabolite profiling and UHPLC-HR-MS phytochemical analysis of the studied extract revealed the presence of more than 250 compounds pertaining to different classes, including sesquiterpene lactones, polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids. The tested extract exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria and showed promising antifungal activity. It also demonstrated potent antioxidant properties through iron chelation and 15-LOX inhibition capacities, as well as inhibition of cell growth, particularly on the MCF-7 cell line, suggesting potential anticancer effects. Therefore, current research provides valuable information on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor potential of Rudbeckia hirta flowers. Implicitly, the discovery of such a wide range of biosubstances, together with the biological activity observed for the studied extract in these preliminary in vitro studies, paves the way for future investigation of the potential application of the plant in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.

Influence of the Loading with Newly Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Equisetum sylvaticum on the Antibacterial Activity and Surface Hardness of a Composite Resin

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and surface hardness of a light-activated microhybrid composite resin modified with green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were synthesized using an Equisetum sylvaticum extract and characterized through different methods such as UV-Vis, EDX, and FTIR. The obtained AgNPs were mixed with a microhybrid composite resin (Herculite XRV, Kerr Corp., Orange, CA, USA) in different concentrations: 0% (group A-control); 0.5% (group B); 1% (group C); and 1.5% (group D). A total of 120 composite resin disk-shaped samples were obtained and divided into 4 groups (n = 30) according to AgNP concentration. Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup 1-samples were not soaked in 0.01 M NaOH solution; and subgroup 2-samples were soaked in 0.01 M NaOH solution. The antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans was determined using a direct contact test. A digital electronic hardness tester was used to determine the composite resin's Vickers surface hardness (VH). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests with a confidence level of 95%. Groups C and D showed higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded between VH values (p > 0.05). The use of AgNPs synthesized from Equisetum sylvaticum as a composite resin filler in 1% wt. and 1.5% wt. reduced the activity of Streptococcus mutans. Soaking of the experimental composite resin decreased the antibacterial efficacy. The loading of a microhybrid composite resin with AgNPs in concentrations of 0.5% wt., 1% wt., and 1.5% wt. did not influence the surface hardness.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase - 4 Inhibitors - An Overview of the Combination of These Molecules and Hypoglicemic Oral Drugs

The purpose of the current review is to bring up to date some studies and data about the effects of hypoglycemic oral drugs in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors. As the medicine and pharmaceutical industry are revolutionary in type 2 diabetes protocols, scientists made a close research on patients that have combined metformin plus sulfonyurea and metformin plus DPP-4 inhibitors. Statistics showed that sulfonylurea compared to DPP-4 inhibitors, in combination with metformin, increased the risk of severe hypoglycemia, fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. Another important discovery showed that the insulin associated with metformin increased the risk of all-caused mortality, compared with the DPP-4 inhibitors plus metformin.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions between Cardiovascular Medicines and Plant Products

The growing use of plant products among patients with cardiovascular pharmacotherapy raises the concerns about their potential interactions with conventional cardiovascular medicines. Plant products can influence pharmacokinetics or/and pharmacological activity of coadministered drugs and some of these interactions may lead to unexpected clinical outcomes. Numerous studies and case reports showed various pharmacokinetic interactions that are characterized by a high degree of unpredictability. This review highlights the pharmacokinetic clinically relevant interactions between major conventional cardiovascular medicines and plant products with an emphasis on their putative mechanisms, drawbacks of herbal products use, and the perspectives for further well-designed studies.

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Zinnia elegans Jacq. Fractions

Zinnia elegans (syn. Zinnia violacea) is a common ornamental plant of the Asteraceae family, widely cultivated for the impressive range of flower colors and persistent bloom. Given its uncomplicated cultivation and high adaptability to harsh landscape conditions, we investigated the potential use of Z. elegans as a source of valuable secondary metabolites. Preliminary classification of compounds found in a methanolic extract obtained from inflorescences of Z. elegans cv. Caroussel was accomplished using HR LC-MS techniques. The extract was then subjected to solid-phase extraction and separation using Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, which resulted in several fractions further investigated for their antioxidant properties through lipoxygenase inhibition and metal chelating activity assays. Moreover, following additional purification procedures, structures of some active ingredients were established by NMR spectroscopy. The investigated fractions contained polyphenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acids and apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin glycosides. Antioxidant assays showed that certain fractions exhibit moderate 15-LOX inhibition (Fr 2, IC50 = 18.98 μg/mL) and metal chelation (e.g., Fr 1-2, EC50 = 0.714-1.037 mg/mL) activities as compared to positive controls (20.25 μg/mL for kaempferol and 0.068 mg/mL for EDTA, respectively). For Fr 2, the 15-LOX inhibition activity seems to be related to the abundance of kaempferol glycosides. The NMR analyses revealed the presence of a kaempferol 3-O-glycoside, and a guanidine alkaloid previously not described in this species.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS--CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS

AIM

Medical records from 2010-2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed in view of determining the correlations between the clinical severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) and total IgE level, eosinophilia, place of residence, family history of atopy, type of birth, and natural or artificial feeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Following medical record review, 296 cases diagnosed with AD were included in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20 for determining the frequency and testing the hypotheses, for p < 0.05, by t tests and One-Way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Of the 296 cases, 53% were male children and 47% female children aged 1 month to 16 years. According to total serum IgE level, 49.3% of patients had elevated IgE levels, 20.6% normal levels and in 30.03% of cases it was not determined. According to the SCORAD, children had mild AD in 20% of cases, moderate in 70%, and severe in 10%. The independent samples t tests showed a statistically significant difference between the means demonstrating correlations between IgE level and place of residence (p < 0.01), family history of atopy (p < 0.01), baby feeding (p < 0.01), and by one-way ANOVA for SCORAD (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Atopy in AD can be influenced by complex factors, both internal and environmental, but this remains a controversial topic. External factors acting on a background genetically predisposed to atopy trigger the manifestation of AD.

Assessment of the microbial load of some medicinal plants commonly used in Romania

AIM

This study aims to assess the microbial load of some medicinal plants (Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea millefolium, Ocimum basilicum, Calendula officinalis, Tilia cordata, Hypericum perforatum) commonly used as medicinal teas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 24 samples collected from the local market, as well as from the spontaneous flora of Galati County, were analyzed in terms of the total number of germs, the content of coliform bacteria, yeasts and molds, and the presence of specific pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Salmonella spp.).

RESULTS

The values obtained for total number of germs, yeasts and molds were in accordance with the limits set by the European Pharmacopoeia for plant products to which hot water is added before use. In the case of specific pathogenic bacteria, the presence of E. coli was confirmed in 41.66% of the samples, the presence of Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in 16.66% of the samples, and the presence of Bacillus cereus in 33.33% of the samples. Salmonella spp. was absent in all samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a certain microbial load of medicinal plants analyzed, emphasizing the importance of quality control in all stages of production.

The chemical composition of essential oils isolated from sweet fennel fruits available as herbal tea products

Sweet fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare var. dulce Mill.) are a spice with various uses in medicine, but also in food, pharmaceutic and cosmetic industries. Their biological activities as well as the flavoring properties are due to the essential oil.

AIM

In this paper, the essential oils obtained from seven Romanian fennel herbal tea products were comparatively characterized in terms of their chemical composition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The volatile oils obtained by hydrodistillation, according to the Ph. Eur. 6th edition, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS.

RESULTS

The volatile oil content of fennel herbal tea products varies widely (28.10-101.00 mL/kg dried fruits), but all the samples meet the requirements of the Ph Eur. 6th edition (min. 20 mL/kg dried fruits). Phenylpropanoid derivatives (52.12%-57.66%) and monoterpenes (39.25%-45.28%) represent the bulk of the fennel volatile oils. Trans-anethole, estragole, limonene, fenchone, a-pinene, y-terpinene and myrcene were the main compounds in all samples, but their levels vary greatly.

CONCLUSIONS

The Romanian fennel herbal tea products showed important differences in terms of volatile oil content. The qualitative and quantitative differences in the chemical composition of fennel volatile oils were also observed. The most striking variations concern trans-anethole and estragole phenylpropanoid derivatives. Furthermore, these variations could have a significant impact on the flavouring and biological effects of fennel volatile oils.

Contributions regarding the leaf histo-anatomy of some Pelargonium species

Pelargonium L. genra (Fam. Geraniaceae) includes over 250 species, most of it native to southern Africa. Nowadays, four perennial species are cultivated in Romania as ornamental plants. Our aim was to establish the main characteristics and differences that occur between Pelargonium zonale, P. hispidum, P. grandiflorum, P. peltatum and P. radens. All in all, the quantitative differences (regarding the leaf-stalk, blade and trichomes) have a taxonomical value for all five species included in the research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plant material was represented by fresh leaves harvested from 5 species of Pelargonium: P. peltatum (L.) Aiton, P. radens H.E. Moore, P. grandiflorum (Andrz.) Willd., P. hispidum. (anthesis phase) and preserved in ethanol 70%. Using a dissecting microscope, sections were made through leaf blade surface and cross sections of/ for leaf stalk and blade.

RESULTS

The common characteristics of the leaf is the palmatilobate blade with long petiole. Although many studies regarded glandular trichomes from Pelargonium leaves, most of the leaf structures are still unknown. The most important for the quality and quantity of essential oil extracted from Pelargonium sp. are trichoms.

[Studies regarding chemical composition of lavender volatile oils]

AIM

In this paper, we studied comparatively volatile fractions obtained by hydrodistillation from 5 samples of lavender flowers (L. angustifolia ssp. angustifolia, L. hybrida, L. angustifolia spp. pyrenaica, L. angustifolia spp. angustifolia cv. Munstead and cv. Hidcote blue) cultivated during 2009 in the Botanical Garden from Galati.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The essential oils have been characterized using gas-chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis (GC-MS).

RESULTS

The main compounds in all lavender volatile oils were: linalool (20.60%-35.99%), linalyl acetate (12.58%-19.65%), lavandulyl acetate (3.74%-10.48%), t-p3-ocimene (1.26%-9.23%), a-terpineol (3.67%-6.73%), nerol (0.81%-3.32%), neryl acetate (0.95%-3.64%) and beta-caryophyllene (0.93%-2.43%).

CONCLUSIONS

None of the separated volatile fractions met the minimal quality parameters for the standard volatile oil of fine lavender used in aromatherapy. Low concentration in monoterpene esthers could be explained by the fact that, on one hand, the average daily temperature during the blooming period is below the one from Mediterranean Sea area, and, on the other hand, the city of Galati is only 42 meters above the sea level (the volatile oil from fine lavender used in aromatherapy is obtained from plants cultivated at 800-1200 meters altitude).

[Contributions to the comparative study of the antioxidant potential of some extracts obtained from chamomile flowers]

Within a complex research regarding the pharmaceutical quality of Chamomillae flos commercialized in the Romanian pharmaceutical network (as well as the food chain), we investigated 9 samples of chamomile "tea" purchased in April/May 2005 in compliance to the European Pharmacopoeia.

AIM

Since the vegetal material proved to be very different from the chemical composition point of view we tried to establish the antioxidant activity of some extracts (tinctures and infusions) obtained from the selected plant material.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Therefore we studied the scavenging abilities observed against DPPH and the ferrous binding propreties correlating its to the polyphenolic content previously determined in the chamomile extracts.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, the scavenging activity against DPPH indicates similar potential both for the hidro-alcoholic extracts as well as fot the infusions, meanwhile the chelation on the ferrous ion was higher for the tinctures that for infusions and different from one sample to the other.

[Contribution to the phytochemical study of polyphenols in ten hydroalcoholic extracts of Chamomile floss]

Continuing a series of studies that intend to evaluate the pharmaceutical quality of 10 commercial samples of chamomile, we tried to investigate the chemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained in our laboratory, starting from this raw material.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of the extracts was done by HPLC means.

RESULTS

All extractive solutions have a high content in ferulic acid, whereas the caffeic acid level is the lowest. Regarding the flavonoids, there are many quantitative differences between the samples: one extract lacking the rutoside and two of them having low apigenin-7-glucoside contents.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of the essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill

In our study, four samples of volatile oil from Foeniculum vulgare, cultivated in different pedoclimatic conditions, were investigated for their antimicrobial activity and chemical composition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Organisms. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans were included in the report. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The comparative inhibitory activity of volatile oil samples with other antimicrobial agents was quantitative determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Oil samples are the volatile oils extracted by steam distillation, from two ecological vegetative populations of Foeniculum vulgare. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils.

RESULTS

All oil samples have a good activity against E. coli and S. aureus at low concentrations. Against B. cereus and P. aeruginosa these oil samples are less active. The oil samples were generally bactericidal at a concentration up to twofold or fourfold higher than the MIC value. Significantly synergic activity with amoxicillin or tetracycline showed all fennel samples against E. coli, Sarcina lutea and B. subtilis strains. Fennel oil samples have shown high activity against Candida albicans.

CONCLUSION

No significant antimicrobial activity variations were observed for Foeniculum vulgare volatile oil samples obtained after two or three years cultivation period. The most important identified compounds in all samples of fennel volatile oils were trans-anethole, estragole, fenchone, limonene, alpha-pinene and gamma-terpinene.

Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. from Romania

Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is used in traditional medicine to treat insomnia, anxiety, gastric conditions, psychiatric conditions, migraines, hypertension and bronchial conditions. Natural essential oils (mixtures of fragrant chemical) obtained from various parts of plants are efficient active antimicrobial agents. The widespread use of antimicrobial agents selects resistant bacterial strains, which seriously compromise the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. The use of herbal medicines might be a precautionary measure to prevent the development of lack of susceptibility to synthetic antibiotics that is associated with therapeutic failures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this work, the chemical composition and the antimicrobial properties of essential oil from romanian Melissa officinalis were determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity of lemon balm oil by comparison with lavender essential oil, which is also utilised for its antimicrobial properties in folk medicine.

RESULTS

The most important identified compounds, well known for their antimicrobial effects were citral (neral and geranial) (16.10%), citronellal (3.76%) and trans-caryophyllene (3.57%).The lemon balm oil sample exhibited a higher degree antibacterial activity than did Lavandula oil against Gram-positive strains. The both oil samples tested has shown a high activity against Candida albicans. The gram-negative bacteria were not affected by the lemon balm oil.

Characterization of some extractive fractions isolated from raw Allium cepa L. bulbs

Many recent studies have showed that onion (Allium cepa L.) has antioxidant effect which could be of great importance for prevention and treatment of different diseases: diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity of two extracts isolated from fresh onion bulbs: an hydroalcoholic extract (codified EC1) and an aqueous extract (codified EC2).

METHODS

Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by three different assays: DPPH scavenging assay, H2O2, scavenging assay and reducing power assay.

RESULTS

Both investigated extracts possess interesting antioxidant properties which are significantly influenced by their chemical composition.

Polysaccharides fraction isolated from ginkgo biloba folium: immunopharmacological properties

Many macromolecular compounds of vegetal polysaccharides type develop important immunostimulatory properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crude macromolecular fraction was isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. (codified as PGfol) harvested from Botanical Gardens of Iaşi, Romania. The hot water extract was partially purified and submitted to chemical and immunopharmacological studies. The immunostimulatory activity of PGfol was further investigated by a series of tests on rats: phagocytosis capacity of PMN cells by NBT test, serum complement activity and determination of the activity of splenic T-lymphocytes.

RESULTS

PGfol has a good immunostimulatory activity which is equal or higher to Levamisole (positive control).

[Research concerning the characterization of Allium cepa based ointments]

Three topical formulae with Allium cepa L. extract 30% (w/w) were studied for the evaluation of their release profiles of flavonoids and for their potency on experimental wounds on mice. The rates of release were performed under occluded conditions using cellulose acetate membrane. Data obtained from the in vitro release show that the gel formula F1 is the most efficient in the membrane diffusion process. The rate of wound healing was assessed by the contracting ability and the period of epithelization. The most important effect in the contracting ability was noticed in the case of F2 formula.

[Phytochemical and microbiological characterization of two Allium cepa L. extracts in order to include in dermo-cosmetics]

We have obtained two Allium cepa extracts (C1 and C2) which were characterized from chemical and microbiological point of view. The C1 extract is the richest concerning the content in flavonoids, triterpenic acids, amino acids, compounds recognized for their beneficial effects in wound healing. All this data shows us the possibility of using the Allium cepa extracts in the treatment of wounds, scars. As well, the antimicrobial activity of the two extracts was evaluated. The C2 extract was efficient as antimicrobial agent, but there are necessary special preserving conditions.

[Study on the antioxidant activity of Menthae longifoliae folium and effect of pesticide treatment with Topsin M on the antioxidant activity]

This study evaluated both the antioxidant activity of Menthae longifoliae folium and the influence of Topsin M (a pesticide which is widely used nowadays) upon the antioxidant activity of the drug. In this respect, there have been used leaves of Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., both untreated and treated with Topsin M. The leaves were dried, powdered and extracted with aqueous methanol. Taking into account the fact that polyphenols, and especially flavonoids act as antioxidants, these compounds were quantified in the crude extracts. Both the capacity of inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase and the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity were also evaluated. The undergone study highlighted the fact that crude extracts of Menthae longifoliae folium had a good antioxidant activity; the extracts were active both as diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavengers and as 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Treatment with Topsin M did not consistently influence the antioxidant activity of the drug.

[Phytochemical investigations regarding the flavonoidic compounds of some species belonging to the Achillea millefolium L. group]

In this study a qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavonoids from flower heads of Achillea species belonging to the A. millefolium L. group was achieved. Rutin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside in the methanolic extract of A. collina J. Becker ex Reichenb., A. pratensis Saukel et Langer, A. millefolium L. were determined by comparison of their Rf-TLC data with those obtained from reference flavonoids. Apart from flavonoid glycosides, the free aglycones, apigenin and luteolin were identified by TLC. Flavonoidic compounds have been detected by spectrophotometric method in concentrations of appr. 0.5-1.8% in plant materials.