Green Processing of Black Raspberry Pomace: Application of Sonotrode-Based Extraction Technique and Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions (PGSS) Technology

The aim of this study was to develop, for the first time, anthocyanin-enriched fractions from black raspberry pomace (BRP) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) via sonotrode and the Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions (PGSS) process. UAEs with different amplitudes and sonication times were evaluated and showed relevant effects on the yields of target analytes. The raspberry pomace extracts were formulated in a powder form by PGSS using glyceryl monostearate as a carrier at different extract-to-carrier ratios of 1:11, 1:5, and 1:3. The effects of all variables were evaluated in terms of extraction yield, total phenolic content, and encapsulation yield. UAE was strongly affected by amplitude, and the highest amplitude (100%) provided the best results for extraction yield and total phenolics. HPLC of UAE extracts and powders was utilized for quantification of polyphenol compounds, showing cyanidin-3-rutinoside as a main compound, followed by cyanidin-3-glucoside, rutin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid. These results show that these time-efficient and high-performance techniques enable the production of natural fractions from industrial BRP with acceptable characteristics to be used for the development of nutraceuticals and different food formulations.

P2X7-Receptor Pathway Involvement in the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants used in European folk medicine attached to Lamiales, Gentianales or Asterales orders are used to treat inflammatory disorders. Many targets have been identified but to date, implication of purinergic receptor P2X7 activation has not yet been investigated. We managed to evaluate the protective effect on P2X7 activation by plant extracts used as anti-inflammatory in European folk medicine by the YO-PRO-1 uptake dye in vitro bioassay. Results revealed that among our selected plants, species from Scrophularia and Plantago genus were able to decrease significantly P2X7 activation (>50 % at 0.1 and 1 μg/mL). UPLC/MS, dereplication and metabolomic analysis of Scrophularia extracts, allowed us to identify the cinnamoyl-iridoid harpagoside as putative inhibitor of P2X7 activation. These results open a new research field regarding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of cinnamoyl-iridoids bearing plants, which may involve the P2X7 receptor.

Microencapsulation of Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. subsp. raeseri Extract Using Spray Drying with Maltodextrin and Whey Protein

Multiple medical properties and beneficial influence on health attributed to the aerial parts of Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. subsp. raeseri indicated the need for further investigation. S. raeseri extracts were subjected to microencapsulation by the spray drying process in order to disperse and preserve unstable active compounds within a protective matrix. Two inlet air temperatures (120 and 140 ºC) were applied for the encapsulation of S. raeseri extract in a matrix composed of maltodextrin (10, 20, and 40%) or whey protein (40%). The effects of spray drying on physico-chemical properties, contents of total phenols and flavonoids, as well as of individual flavonoid glycosides of the obtained powders were determined. The 40% whey protein treatment increased bulk density (238.46 mg/mL) while it decreased hygroscopicity (14.27%). In addition, the high maltodextrin concentration of the S. raeseri powder resulted in the highest process efficiency (63.46%), the highest water solubility index (86.40%), and the lowest water absorption index (5.71%). Moreover, powders produced without maltodextrin were characterized by greater content of flavonoid glycosides. Overall, the results suggested that S. raeseri powders produced using spray-dried technique under adequate conditions could be considered as a novel functional and pharmaceutical ingredient.

Effect of Type and Concentration of Carrier Material on the Encapsulation of Pomegranate Peel Using Spray Drying Method

This study aimed to establish a procedure for pomegranate peel (PP) valorization and attainment of stable extracts with preserved bioactive compounds. The technology applied was spray drying with carbohydrate-based (maltodextrin, MD) and protein-based (whey protein, WP) carrier materials in different concentrations (80, 100, and 120%). What was analyzed was the impact of the type and concentration of carrier material on the stability and quality of the final encapsulated powder. The best results were achieved when the PP extract was microencapsulated with the carbohydrate-based carrier (100%), where it had the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) (88.63%), hygroscopicity (15.17%), and water solubility index (87.04%). The moisture content was in the range of 3.69–4.60% and 4.21–5.84% for MD and WP, respectively, indicating that both are suitable for long-term storage. It was observed that changes in carrier concentration significantly influenced most of the powders’ physicochemical properties. Microencapsulation using MD yielded a higher content of punicalin, punicalagin, gallic, and ellagic acid than those with WP. Overall results demonstrated that carbohydrate-based microencapsulation can be utilized efficiently for the protection of powder stability and phytochemical characteristics.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolics from Sideritis raeseri Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study we define the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive polyphenols from S. raeseri aerial parts using response surface methodology. The influence of ethanol concentration (10–90%), extraction temperature (20–80 °C), extraction time (10–60 min), and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:10–1:50) on total phenolic content as well as on content of individual flavonoids, and hypolaetin and isoscutellarein derivatives was studied. For the experimental design, a central composite design was chosen. In the obtained extracts, the following ranges of targeted compounds were detected: total phenol from 19.32 to 47.23 mg GAE/g dw, HYP from 1.05 to 11.46 mg/g dw, ISC 1 from 0.68 to 10.68 mg/g dw, and ISC 2 from 0.74 to 15.56 mg/g dw. The optimal extraction conditions were set as: ethanol concentration of 65%, extraction time of 50 min, extraction temperature of 63 °C, and solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:40. Contents of TP, HYP, ISC 1, and ISC 2 in optimal extracts were 47.11 mg GAE/g dw, 11.73 mg/g dw, 9.54 mg/g dw, and 15.40 mg/g dw, respectively. Experimentally set values were in good agreement with those predicted by the response surface methodology model, indicating suitability of the used model, as well as the success of response surface methodology in optimizing the conditions of the extraction.

Physicochemical parameters as indicators of the authenticity of monofloral honey from the territory of the Republic of Serbia

The aim of this research was to verify the authenticity of monofloral honeys from the territory of the Republic of Serbia on the basis of physicochemical parameters routinely measured in honey quality control using multivariate analysis. Seventeen samples of monofloral honey (11 samples of acacia honey and 6 samples of sunflower honey) from the territory of the Republic of Serbia were analyzed. Physicochemical analysis of the samples included the examination of basic quality parameters and qualitative and quantitative analyses of phenolic compounds. In the samples tested, a total of 93 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, and 19 of them were quantified. The obtained physicochemical analysis of the data served as input for the multivariate analysis. The hеаt map, which is useful for visualizing numerical data, was used for this purpose. The obtained results showed that the applied data can serve to clearly separate acacia and sunflower honeys.

Varietal Differences of Prokupac, Evita and Čokot Zemun Based on Their Anthocyanins Content in Grape Skin Extract

In this study, we have analyzed the anthocyanin composition of skin extracts of three red grape varieties Prokupac, Evita and Čokot Zemun in order to distinguish these cultivars based on their anthocyanin profile. Also, mechanical analysis of grape bunches and berries was performed. According to our results, seventeen anthocyanins were identified using LC/MS technique and quantitative differences were recorded using HPLC-DAD method. The highest content of total anthocyanins was obtained for Evita variety and the lowest one was recorded in Prokupac. Also, clear differences were observed in anthocyanins ratios. In comparison to Prokupac and Evita varieties, Čokot Zemun was characterized with a high content of coumaroyl derivatives of anthocyanin compounds, while high levels of acetylated derivatives were recorded in Prokupac. Data reported in this study represent a certain contribution to a database of mechanical properties and chemical composition of grape varieties originating from Balkan.

Immunomodulatory activity and protective effects of chokeberry fruit extract on Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruit extracts (CE) are rich in polyphenols and usually exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. We have previously shown that the CE used in this study activated macrophages and stimulated effector T cell differentiation in vitro. When applied orally to healthy mice, CE increased the proportion of CD11c+ dendritic cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. CE-pretreated BALB/c mice readily eradicated orally ingested Listeria monocytogenes as evidenced by a slighter decrease in body weight and number of bacteria recovered from the spleen and reduced spleen size compared to the control infected mice. CE pretreatment in infected mice resulted in higher proportions of CD11b+ macrophages and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells both in the gut and the spleen. Phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production and the proportions of activated CD86+ macrophages (CD11b+) and dendritic cells (CD11c+) were also enhanced in CE-pretreated infected mice. Furthermore, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and IL-6 was increased in CE-pretreated infected mice and similar results were obtained in peritoneal macrophages in vitro. This effect of CE was associated with increased phosphorylation of IκB and Notch1 production. Finally, CE pretreatment elevated the proportion of perforin-producing cells in the spleen compared to control infected mice. This study demonstrates that prophylactic treatment with CE leads to more rapid eradication of bacterial infection with L. monocytogenes predominantly through increased activity of myeloid cells in the gut and in the spleen.

Acute effects of black currant consumption on salivary flow rate and secretion rate of salivary immunoglobulin a in healthy smokers

The role of saliva in maintaining oral health and homeostasis is based on its physicochemical properties and biological activities of its components, including salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Both salivary rates and immunological status of saliva are found to be compromised in smokers. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute time-dependent effect of smoking and black currant consumption on the salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary IgA secretion rate (sIgA SR) in healthy smokers. SFR, sIgA levels in saliva, and sIgA SRs were determined in healthy smokers (n=8) at eight times of assessment within three consecutive interventions: at the baseline; 5, 30, and 60 min after smoking; 5, 30, and 60 min after black currant consumption (100 g), followed by smoking; and 5 min after black currant consumption. Smoking induced a significant delayed effect on SFR measured 60 min after smoking (P=.03), while black currant consumption preceding smoking prevented that effect. Salivary IgA concentrations and sIgA flow rates were not acutely influenced by smoking. Black currant consumption preceding smoking induced a significant decrease in sIgA concentrations 5 min after the intervention compared with the baseline (P=.046), with a further increasing trend, statistically significant, 60 min after the intervention (P=.025). Although smoking cessation is the most important strategy in the prevention of chronic diseases, the obtained results suggest that the influence of black currant consumption on negative effects of tobacco smoke on salivary flow and immunological status of saliva could partly reduce the smoking-associated risk on oral health.

Further Guaianolides from Amphoricarpos neumayeri ssp. murbeckii from Montenegro

The aerial parts of Amphoricarpos neumayeri ssp. murbeckii afforded eleven guaianolides with the same relative (1αH,4β H,5αH,7αH) configuration of the basic skeleton. All of them contained a CH2OX (X = H, acetyl or isovaleroyl) group in 4α-position, typical for amphoricarpolides. Four compounds (1 - 4) were isolated before from the same species, originating from different localities. Guaianolides 5 - 11 are new compounds. Compounds 7 and 8 were epoxidized at the 10α(14)-position. Instead of the Δ11(13)-double bond, observed in all previously isolated guaianolides from the same species, the four lactones contained 11α,13-diol (8 - 10) or 11α-OH,13-chloro (11) moieties respectively.

Two structurally distinct chalcone dimers from Helichrysum zivojinii and their activities in cancer cell lines

Dimers tomoroside A (1) and tomoroside B (2) of the co-occuring known chalcone monomer (3), along with the seven known flavonoid glucosides (4-10), were isolated from the aerial parts of Helichrysum zivojinii Černjavski & Soška. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Compound 1 inhibited topo IIα and hif-1α expression and stimulated doxorubicin anticancer effect, while 2 increased the expression of hif-1α, probably acting as antioxidant and redox status modulator. Notably, 2 synergized with Tipifarnib showing potential to improve the action of this new chemotherapeutic involved in the modulation of mitogene activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway.

Ethnobotanical study on traditional use of medicinal plants in South-Western Serbia, Zlatibor district

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This paper provides significant ethnobotanical information on medicinal plant uses in the Zlatibor district, South-Western Serbia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was performed using questionnaires with 220 informants (mean age 47, 79% female, 21% male). In addition, the use value and the relative importance of species were determined and the informant consensus factor was calculated for the medicinal plants included in the study. Intended plants usage was compared with previous ethnobotanical literature, with reference to the neighboring areas of Zlatibor district.

RESULTS

The informants provided data for 69 medicinal plants belonging to 36 families. Rosaceae, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were the predominant locally used families. The species with the highest use value were Mentha piperita, Matricaria chamomilla, Hypericum perforatum and Achillea millefolium. The most frequently reported medicinal uses were ones for treating gastrointestinal ailments, respiratory problems and skin diseases. Usually, the administration was primarily oral followed by topical applications. All different plant parts were utilized, however leaves were the most exploited parts of the plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Folk medicine in South-Western Serbia, Zlatibor district is intended mainly as a mode of primary health care in healing of minor illnesses. The results indicate a slight reduction in the ethnobotanical and medical knowledge in this area, when compared with neighboring regions.

Chemical Profile, Radical Scavenging and Cytotoxic Activity of Yellow Gentian Leaves (Genitaneae Luteae Folium) Grown in Northern Regions of Montenegro

LC-ESI-MS and HPLC were used for the identification of the constituents from G. lutea leaves collected at different localities, as well as for quantification of the main compounds. Seven secoiridoids, five C-glucoflavones and three xanthones, were identified. Swertiamarin derivatives, namely eustomorusside (2), eustomoside (3) and septemfidoside (5), were detected in G. lutea for the first time. Concentrations of five constituents (swertiamarin, gentiopicrin, isovitexin, mangiferin and isogentisin) were determined. The relationship between concentrations of γ-pyrones and altitude was observed with statistically significant correlation ( r = 0.94). The extracts were also evaluated for their content of total phenolics, and antiradical and cytotoxic activities. The total phenolics content ranged from 7.7 to 12.7 mg GAE/g, and the IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging activity varied between 0.45 to 2.02 mg/mL. The leaf extract exhibited moderate cytotoxic effects toward HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 41.1 μg/mL, while gentiopicrin, mangiferin and isogentisin exerted strong activity against HeLa cells, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 8.8 μg/mL. The results confirm the traditional usage of G. lutea leaves and also suggest their possible utilization as hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory agents.

Antiradical and Cytotoxic Activity of Different Helichrysum Plicatum Flower Extracts

Flowers of Helichrysum plicatum were extracted under different experimental conditions, and their antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Extracts obtained with higher concentration of ethyl acetate (90% or 100%) were found to contain the greatest amount of total phenolics (> 250 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dried extract), and high correlation between total phenolic content and antiradical activity was observed (r = −0.79). Based on the total phenolic content and antiradical activity, some extracts were selected for investigation of cytotoxic activity toward PC3, HeLa and K562 human cancer cell lines in vitro. All tested extracts exhibited moderate activity against HeLa cells (41.9-42.1 μg/mL), whereas the extract obtained with 100% ethyl acetate was the most active against K562 and PC3 cell lines (25.9 and 39.2 μg/mL, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed significant correlation between total phenolic content and cytotoxic activity against PC3 and K562 cells. HPLC identification of phenolic compounds from the extracts indicated the presence of apigenin, naringenin and kaempferol as free aglycones, and glycosides of apigenin, naringenin, quercetin and kaempferol. Among aglycones, kaempferol displayed moderate cytostatic activity against all cell lines (24.8-64.7 μM).

Ethnobotanical study on traditional uses of wild medicinal plants in Prokletije Mountains (Montenegro)

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main objectives were to collect information on the use of wild growing medicinal plants by local people living in high mountain region of Montenegro and conduct local botanical and ecological surveys. Active ingredients of plant species officinal in European Pharmacopoeia 6.0 (Ph. Eur. 6.0) were studied and we assessed possibilities for commercial exploitation for local economic development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 75 people that were interviewed (40-82 years old) identified 94 species for treatment of various human ailments. For each named species, the following elements are provided: botanical name, family, part(s) used, medicinal use and perceived property, listing in published pharmacopoeias, the relative abundance of each species and locality where the plant was collected. Chemical analyses were done according to prescriptions of Ph. Eur. 6.0 in order to estimate potential commercial use of native plants.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The most common in traditional usage were Rosaceae (11 species) making 11.7%, Asteraceae (10 species) 10.6% and Lamiaceae (7 species) 7.4%. From 94 species reported, 35 (37.2%) are officinal in Ph. Eur. 6.0 and 12 in national pharmacopoeias (12.8%). Aerial parts were mostly used (43.6%). The most frequently reported medicinal uses were for treating gastrointestinal (57.4%) and respiratory diseases (41.5%).

Anti-inflammatory and Gastroprotective Properties of Hypericum Richeri Oil Extracts

Oil extracts of flowering tops of Hypericum richeri Vill. prepared in three different ways were evaluated for chemical composition, and Anti-inflammatory and Gastroprotective activities. An HPLC method was developed for determination of two dominant flavonoids, quercetin and I3,II8-biapigenin. The carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test was used for screening the antiinflammatory activity, while indomethacin-induced rat gastric mucosa damage test was used for evaluation of gastroprotective activity. The oil extract prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by extraction with sunflower oil by heating on a water bath, exhibited the highest antiinflammatory (38.4 %) and gastroprotective activities (gastric damage score of 0.9). The same oil extract had the highest content of quercetin (49 μg/mL) and I3,II8-biapigenin (60 μg/mL). These results approve the usage of oil extracts of H. richeri as an antiinflammatory and gastroprotective agent.

Evaluation of Hypericum perforatum oil extracts for an antiinflammatory and gastroprotective activity in rats

Oil extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Oleum Hyperici) were prepared in three different ways according to the prescriptions from traditional medicine. Variability of constituents and biological activity were evaluated in the obtained oil extracts. The carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test has been used for screening the antiinflammatory activity, while the indomethacin-induced rat gastric mucosa damage test was used for evaluation of gastroprotective activity. All examined oil extracts possessed antiinflammatory and gastroprotective activity. Among them, the oil extract prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by extraction with sunflower oil by heating on a water bath (extract 2), in a dose of 1.25 mL/kg p.o., exhibited the highest antiinflammatory effect (95.24 +/- 11.66%) and gastroprotective activity (gastric damage score of 0.21 +/- 0.12). The same oil extract had the highest content of quercetin and I3,II8-biapigenin (129 +/- 9 microg/mL and 52 +/- 4 microg/mL, respectively). Quercetin and I3,II8-biapigenin exhibited antiinflammatory activity similar to those of indomethacin as well as significant gastroprotective activity. The results provide evidence for the usage of Oleum Hyperici as an antiinflammatory and gastroprotective agent, which has been based previously only on ethnopharmacological claims.

Complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR spectra of leucanthoside A, a new triterpenoid saponin from Cephalaria leucantha L

Leucanthoside A, a new allose-containing triterpenoid saponin (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Cephalaria leucantha L. Its structure was determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts were achieved by two-dimensional NMR experiments: DQF-COSY, NOESY, TOCSY, HSQC, DINE-HSQC, HMBC, 13C-1H 2D-J-resolved spectroscopy, and 1,1-ADEQUATE.

Sesquiterpene lactones from the aerial parts of Inula oculus-christi

Pulchellin E (1) and gaillardin (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Inula oculus-christi, along with the flavone hispidulin. The 13C-NMR chemical shifts of 1 and 2 are reported.

Further sesquiterpene lactones from Anthemis carpatica

A new germacranolide, (E)-1alpha, 10beta-epoxy-3beta-acetoxy-6alpha-hydroxygermacra-4,11 (13)-dien-12,8alpha-olide, together with nine new highly oxygenated guaiadien-12,6alpha-olides of anthemolide, and cumambrin type were identified in the repeated examination of the aerial parts of the flowering Anthemis carpatica. In addition, six known guaianolides belonging to the same groups, also isolated previously from A. carpatica, along with two guaianolides, 2beta-hydroxyepiligustrin and cumambrin B, not found before in this species, were isolated this time.

Chemical composition and seasonal variations in the amount of secondary compounds in Gentiana lutea leaves and flowers

The chemical investigation of MeOH extracts of Gentiana lutea leaves and flowers showed that xanthones were one of the dominant class of compounds. Secoiridoids and flavonoids were also recorded. The amount of secondary metabolites varied depending on development stage. In the phase of flowering, leaves are rich with compounds possessing C-glycoside structures while O-glycoside structures accumulate mainly before flowering.

Quantitative determination of secoiridoid and gamma-pyrone compounds in Gentiana lutea cultured in vitro

The production of secondary metabolites was studied in shoots, roots, and hairy roots of Gentiana lutea obtained in vitro. In shoots, both secoiridoid and gamma-pyrone compounds were detected in amounts similar to those found in aerial parts of plants collected from nature. The most abundant secoiridoid was gentiopicrin while mangiferin was the main compound among the gamma-pyrones. The adventitious roots obtained in vitro showed a poor biosynthetic capacity. Upon infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes, nine hairy root clones were established which differed in the amount of secondary metabolites.

Flavones and sesquiterpene lactones from Achillea atrata subsp. multifida: antimicrobial activity

Four flavones (1-4) and nine sesquiterpene lactones (5-13), one of them (5) a new compound, were isolated from the aerial parts of Achillea atrata L. subsp. multifida. Although the crude extract demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Bacillus subtilis, all isolated flavones were active against B. subtilis. Flavones 1, 2, and 3 were also active against C. albicans, while 1 and 3 exhibited activity against E. coli, as well. None of the tested lactones (7, 9, 12, and 13) showed any antimicrobial activity.