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| | 1. |
2010 May 27 |
Evaluation of immunomodulatory effect of three herbal plants growing in Egypt.
Ghonime M, Eldomany R, Abdelaziz A, Soliman H
Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2010 May 27; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
A group of medicinal plant including Silene (Silene nocturna), Black seed (Nigella sativa) and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) growing in Egypt were examined for their immunomodulatory effect in Balb/c mice. Treatment (intraperitoneal injection) with five doses of methanolic extract for each plant was found to enhance the total white blood cells count (up to 1.2 x 10(4) cells/mm(3)). Bone marrow cellularity also increased significantly (P < 0.01) after the administration of the extract of each of three test plants. Furthermore, spleen weight of the treated groups was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Two groups of mice were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide, the one which pretreated with the plants extracts significantly (P < 0.01) restored their resistance against lethal infection with the predominately granulocyte-dependant Candida albicans. These results confirm the immunomodulatory activity of Silene, Black seed, and Chamomile extracts and may have therapeutical implications in prophylactic treatment of opportunistic infections and as supportive treatment in oncogenic cases.
[Pubmed: 20507215]
| | 2. |
2010 Oct 27 |
Antibacterial effects of the essential oils of commonly consumed medicinal herbs using an in vitro model.
Soković M, Glamočlija J, Marin PD, Brkić D, Griensven LJ
Molecules. 2010;15(11):7532-46. Epub 2010 Oct 27.
Abstract
The chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from 10 commonly consumed herbs: Citrus aurantium, C. limon, Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria chamomilla, Mentha piperita, M. spicata, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris and Salvia officinalis have been determined. The antibacterial activity of these oils and their main components; i.e. camphor, carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, menthol, a-pinene, b-pinene, and thymol were assayed against the human pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Micrococcus flavus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, S. epidermidis, S. typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest and broadest activity was shown by O. vulgare oil. Carvacrol had the highest antibacterial activity among the tested components.
[Pubmed: 21030907]
| | 3. |
2010 Dec 23 |
Antigenotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction by apigenin, bisabolol, and protocatechuic Acid.
Anter J, Romero-Jiménez M, Fernández-Bedmar Z, Villatoro-Pulido M, Analla M, Alonso-Moraga A, Muñoz-Serrano A
J Med Food. 2011 Mar;14(3):276-83. Epub 2010 Dec 23.
Abstract
Abstract Medicinal plants represent an important resource in new drug research. Antioxidant properties of plants can help to scavenge reactive oxygen species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the genotoxic, antigenotoxic, tumoricidal, and apoptotic effect of some major phenols (apigenin, bisabolol, and protocatechuic acid) from two medicinal plants, Matricaria chamomilla and Uncaria tomentosa. The wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster was used to evaluate the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of the three phenols. The human model of HL-60 leukemia cells was used for the assessment of the cytotoxic effect, growth, and cellular viability. The apoptotic effect was evaluated using a DNA fragmentation assay based on the formation of internucleosomal units. Protocatechuic acid (0.25 and 1 mM), apigenin (0.46 and 1.85 mM), and bisabolol (0.56 and 2.24 mM) did not exhibit any genotoxic effect. The three phenols showed an antigenotoxic effect against the hydrogen peroxide effect and also exhibited tumoricidal activity. Apigenin (2.24-35.96 mM) showed a lower 50% inhibitory concentration (0.75 and 3.87 mM for the trypan blue test and WST-8 colorimetric assay, respectively) than bisabolol and protocatechuic acid. These phenolics also induced apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells. This study suggests that the antioxidant activity of Chamomilla and Uncaria could be partially responsible of their beneficial activity.
[Pubmed: 21182433]
| | 4. |
2011 Feb |
Control of the myiasis-producing fly, Lucilia sericata, with Egyptian essential oils.
Khater HF, Hanafy A, Abdel-Mageed AD, Ramadan MY, El-Madawy RS
Int. J. Dermatol. 2011 Feb;50(2):187-94.
Abstract
Myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is widely distributed throughout the world and affects both humans and animals. In addition, L. sericata larvae and adults may play a role in spreading causal agents of mycobacterial infections. Therefore, it is important to establish new and safe alternative methods of controlling this blowfly.
[Pubmed: 21244384]
| | 5. |
2010 Nov 18 |
Significance of phenols in cadmium and nickel uptake.
Kováčik J, Klejdus B, Hedbavny J, Malčovská S, Zoń J
J. Plant Physiol. 2011 Apr 15;168(6):576-84. Epub 2010 Nov 18.
Abstract
The effects of 2-aminoindane-2-phosphonic acid (AIP), a potent phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) inhibitor, on the accumulation of cadmium and nickel in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) were examined in this study. In vitro assay of AIP effect showed a 90% reduction in PAL activity. In plants cultured for 7 days in Cd or Ni solutions with AIP, PAL activity was higher in both shoots and roots (in comparison with metals without AIP), and was correlated with changes in free phenylalanine content. Individual amino acids were both positively and negatively affected by AIP, with the accumulation of tyrosine and proline showing increases in some variants. Contents of soluble phenols and flavonoids were not considerably affected, while amounts of coumarin-related compounds, cell wall-bound phenols and phenolic acids were substantially reduced in AIP-treated variants. Lignin accumulation decreased in controls and increased in Cd variants in response to AIP. Shoot Cd content was depleted, but shoot Ni was elevated by AIP. Total root content of Cd and Ni decreased in +AIP variants. AIP also caused more expressive changes in hydrogen peroxide and superoxide content in Cd than in Ni variants. Our results indicate that phenols have important roles in the uptake of Cd and Ni. The present findings are discussed in the context of available data regarding AIP's effect on phenols.
[Pubmed: 21093101]
| | 6. |
2010 Nov 1 |
Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future
Srivastava, Shankar, Gupta
Mol Med Report 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901.
Abstract
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is a member of Asteraceae/Compositae family and represented by two common varieties viz. German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Many different preparations of chamomile have been developed, the most popular of which is in the form of herbal tea consumed more than one million cups per day. In this review we describe the use of chamomile in traditional medicine with regard to evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health.
[Pubmed: 21132119]
| | 7. |
2011 Mar 4 |
Microbiological and toxicological quality of dried herbs.
Vitullo M, Ripabelli G, Fanelli I, Tamburro M, Delfine S, Sammarco ML
Lett Appl Microbiol. 2011 Mar 4; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Aims: the microbiological and toxicological quality of 51 samples of dried herbs (Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Matricaria chamomile, Alchemilla vulgaris and Centaurea cyanus) cultivated in family-managed farms in Molise Region (Italy) was evaluated. Methods and Results: All the samples were analyzed by using conventional methods and, for samples preparation, an alternative Washing and Shaking (WaS) protocol was developed in order to reduce release of antimicrobial compounds. None of the samples were of unsatisfactory quality with respect to aflatoxin B1, and only three samples from Malva sylvestris exceeded the limit of total aflatoxins according to Recommendation 2004/24/EC. The International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods limits for mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms were exceeded in the 29.4% and 3.9% of samples, respectively: 7.8% of samples also exceeded the limit for E. coli established by European Spice Association. When the "WaS" method was used, higher microbial counts were obtained, especially for Alchemilla vulgaris, Salvia officinalis and Melissa officinalis. Conclusions: Herbs cultivated in family-managed small agricultural areas showed a good microbiological and toxicological quality, irrespectively of preliminary washing or selection procedures. Significance and Impact of the Study: Herb matrices may contain antimicrobial activity which should be considered when applying the conventional microbiological methods for sample preparation. Alternative preparation protocols may have advantages to reduce antimicrobial effects and should be further evaluated.
[Pubmed: 21375549]
| | 8. |
2011 Feb |
Anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity profile of the rhizome of Smilax china Linn. in mice
Vijayalakshmi, Ravichandiran, Anbu, Velraj, Jayakumari
Indian J Pharmacol 2011 Feb;43(1):27-30.
Abstract
To study the anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity of ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of the rhizome of Smilax china (EESC and EAF, respectively) in mice.
[Pubmed: 21455417]
| | 9. |
2011 Apr 22 |
Lettuce Costunolide Synthase (CYP71BL2) and Its Homolog (CYP71BL1) from Sunflower Catalyze Distinct Regio- and Stereoselective Hydroxylations in Sesquiterpene Lactone Metabolism.
Ikezawa N, Göpfert JC, Nguyen DT, Kim SU, O'Maille PE, Spring O, Ro DK
J. Biol. Chem. 2011 Jun 17;286(24):21601-11. Epub 2011 Apr 22.
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) are terpenoid natural products possessing the γ-lactone, well known for their diverse biological and medicinal activities. The occurrence of STLs is sporadic in nature, but most STLs have been isolated from plants in the Asteraceae family. Despite the implication of the γ-lactone group in many reported bioactivities of STLs, the biosynthetic origins of the γ-lactone ring remains elusive. Germacrene A acid (GAA) has been suggested as a central precursor of diverse STLs. The regioselective (C6 or C8) and stereoselective (α or β) hydroxylation on a carbon of GAA adjacent to its carboxylic acid at C12 is responsible for the γ-lactone formation. Here, we report two cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) capable of catalyzing 6α- and 8β-hydroxylation of GAA from lettuce and sunflower, respectively. To identify these P450s, sunflower trichomes were isolated to generate a trichome-specific transcript library, from which 10 P450 clones were retrieved. Expression of these clones in a yeast strain metabolically engineered to synthesize substrate GAA identified a P450 catalyzing 8β-hydroxylation of GAA, but the STL was not formed by spontaneous lactonization. Subsequently, we identified the closest homolog of the GAA 8β-hydroxylase from lettuce and discovered 6α-hydroxylation of GAA by the recombinant enzyme. The resulting 6α-hydroxy-GAA spontaneously undergoes a lactonization to yield the simplest form of STL, costunolide. Furthermore, we demonstrate the milligram per liter scale de novo synthesis of costunolide using the lettuce P450 in an engineered yeast strain, an important advance that will enable exploitation of STLs. Evolution and homology models of these two P450s are discussed.
[Pubmed: 21515683]
| | 10. |
2011 May 20 |
Neuroprotective activity of Matricaria recutita against fluoride-induced stress in rats.
Ranpariya VL, Parmar SK, Sheth NR, Chandrashekhar VM
Pharm Biol. 2011 Jul;49(7):696-701. Epub 2011 May 20.
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a key role in pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and so on. Although Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae), German chamomile, is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases, its antistress properties have received little attention.
[Pubmed: 21599496]
| | 11. |
2011 Jul 21 |
Complementary and Alternative Drugs Use among Preoperative Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.
Lucenteforte E, Gallo E, Pugi A, Giommoni F, Paoletti A, Vietri M, Lupi P, La Torre M, Diddi G, Firenzuoli F, Mugelli A, Vannacci A, Lapi F
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:527238. Epub 2011 Jul 21.
Abstract
Complementary and alternative drugs (CADs) are widely used in preoperative patients and may lead to potential interactions and adverse reactions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence and the predictors of CADs use among preoperative patients using data from an Italian survey. This cross-sectional study, which enrolled 478 patients (response rate: 83.5%), was carried out in three Tuscany hospitals (Italy). The prevalence of CADs use was 49.8%: 233 out of 238 participants used herbal products and/or dietary supplements. Valeriana officinalis was the most reported product (19.4%). According to univariate analysis, users were commonly identified among middle-aged or older patients; unadjusted ORs were 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.3) for patients aged 48-69 years, and 3.0 (95% CI: 1.9-4.7) for those of 70-95 years, when compared with individuals aged 18-47 years. Except for education and gender, adjusted estimates showed consistent results with univariate analyses: direct association was observed with higher education, and-although not significantly-with female gender. The high prevalence of CAD use in preoperative period could be suggestive of a certain risk of adverse effects due to CADs interactions. A careful medical history of CADs consumption should be ascertained before surgery.
[Pubmed: 21822441]
| | 12. |
2011 |
Polysaccharide of Radix Pseudostellariae Improves Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Induced by Poly I:C in Mice
Sheng, Xu, Tang, Bian, Li, Qian, He, Gao, Pan, Wang, Luo, Xia, Dai
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2011;2011.
Abstract
Radix Pseudostellariae is used as a tonic drug in traditional Chinese medicine with immunomodulating and anti-fatigue activities, and the polysaccharide is considered as the main active component. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the polysaccharide isolated from Radix Pseudostellariae (PRP) on mouse chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) induced by intraperitoneal injection of polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C), a double-stranded synthetic RNA. It has shown that the fatigue symptom of mice lasted at least 1 week as evaluated by forced swimming time. PRP (100, 200, 400 mg kg−1), orally administered 3 days before poly I:C injection, showed dose-dependent anti-fatigue effects. In addition, poly I:C led to evident alternations in neuroendocrine and immune systems of mice, such as reduced spontaneous activity and learning ability, declined serum level of corticosterone, increased weight indexes and T lymphocyte numbers in thymuses and spleens, and increased CD4+/CD8+ ratio but decreased proliferation ability of T lymphocytes in spleens. PRP alleviated the abnormalities caused by poly I:C, and restored the function of hosts to normal conditions. The findings suggest that PRP is beneficial to CFS, and the underlying mechanisms of action involve neuroendocrine and immune systems.
[Pubmed: 20008077]
| | 13. |
2011 Sep 2 |
Desert Farming Benefits from Microbial Potential in Arid Soils and Promotes Diversity and Plant Health
Köberl, Müller, Ramadan, Berg
PLoS One 2011 Sep 2;6(9). published online before print
Abstract
To convert deserts into arable, green landscapes is a global vision, and desert farming is a strong growing area of agriculture world-wide. However, its effect on diversity of soil microbial communities, which are responsible for important ecosystem services like plant health, is still not known.
[Pubmed: 21912695]
| | 14. |
2011 Aug 16 |
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Synthesis of Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Three Varieties of Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pumila Blume)
Ibrahim, Jaafar, Rahmat, Rahman
Int J Mol Sci 2011 Aug 16;12(8):5238-5254. published online before print
Abstract
A split plot 3 by 4 experiment was designed to examine the impact of 15-week variable levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg N/ha) on the characteristics of total flavonoids (TF), total phenolics (TP), total non structurable carbohydrate (TNC), net assimilation rate, leaf chlorophyll content, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), phenyl alanine lyase activity (PAL) and protein content, and their relationships, in three varieties of Labisia pumila Blume (alata, pumila and lanceolata). The treatment effects were solely contributed by nitrogen application; there was neither varietal nor interaction effect observed. As nitrogen levels increased from 0 to 270 kg N/ha, the production of TNC was found to decrease steadily. Production of TF and TP reached their peaks under 0 followed by 90, 180 and 270 kg N/ha treatment. However, net assimilation rate was enhanced as nitrogen fertilization increased from 0 to 270 kg N/ha. The increase in production of TP and TF under low nitrogen levels (0 and 90 kg N/ha) was found to be correlated with enhanced PAL activity. The enhancement in PAL activity was followed by reduction in production of soluble protein under low nitrogen fertilization indicating more availability of amino acid phenyl alanine (phe) under low nitrogen content that stimulate the production of carbon based secondary metabolites (CBSM). The latter was manifested by high C/N ratio in L. pumila plants.
[Pubmed: 21954355]
| | 15. |
2011 Aug |
Allelochemical stress inhibits growth, leaf water relations, PSII photochemistry, non-photochemical fluorescence quenching, and heat energy dissipation in three C3 perennial species
Hussain, Reigosa
J Exp Bot 2011 Aug;62(13):4533-4545.
Abstract
In this study, the effect of two allelochemicals, benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (BOA) and cinnamic acid (CA), on different physiological and morphological characteristics of 1-month-old C3 plant species (Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, and Rumex acetosa) was analysed. BOA inhibited the shoot length of D. glomerata, L. perenne, and R. acetosa by 49%, 19%, and 19% of the control. The root length of D. glomerata, L. perenne, and R. acetosa growing in the presence of 1.5 mM BOA and CA was decreased compared with the control. Both allelochemicals (BOA, CA) inhibited leaf osmotic potential (LOP) in L. perenne and D. glomerata. In L. perenne, Fv/Fm decreased after treatment with BOA (1.5 mM) while CA (1.5 mM) also significantly reduced Fv/Fm in L. perenne. Both allelochemicals decreased ΦPSII in D. glomerata and L. perenne within 24 h of treatment, while in R. acetosa, ΦPSII levels decreased by 72 h following treatment with BOA and CA. There was a decrease in qP and NPQ on the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth days after treatment with BOA in D. glomerata, while both allelochemicals reduced the qP level in R. acetosa. There was a gradual decrease in the fraction of light absorbed by PSII allocated to PSII photochemistry (P) in R. acetosa treated with BOA and CA. The P values in D. glomerata were reduced by both allelochemicals and the portion of absorbed photon energy that was thermally dissipated (D) in D. glomerata and L. perenne was decreased by BOA and CA. Photon energy absorbed by PSII antennae and trapped by ‘closed’ PSII reaction centres (E) was decreased after CA exposure in D. glomerata. BOA and CA (1.5 mM concentration) decreased the leaf protein contents in all three perennial species. This study provides new understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of action of BOA and CA in one perennial dicotyledon and two perennial grasses. The acquisition of such knowledge may ultimately provide a rational and scientific basis for the design of safe and effective herbicides.
[Pubmed: 21659663]
| | 16. |
2011 Sep 22 |
Folk Medicine in the Northern Coast of Colombia: An Overview.
Gomez-Estrada H, Diaz-Castillo F, Franco-Ospina L, Mercado-Camargo J, Guzman-Ledezma J, Medina JD, Gaitan-Ibarra R
J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2011 Sep 22;7(1):27. Epub 2011 Sep 22.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Traditional remedies are an integral part of Colombian culture. Here we present the results of a three-year study of ethnopharmacology and folk-medicine use among the population of the Atlantic Coast of Colombia, specifically in department of Bolivar. We collected information related to different herbal medicinal uses of the local flora in the treatment of the most common human diseases and health disorders in the area, and determined the relative importance of the species surveyed. Methods: Data on the use of medicinal plants were collected using structured interviews and through observations and conversations with local communities. A total of 1225 participants were interviewed. Results: Approximately 30 uses were reported for plants in traditional medicine. The plant species with the highest fidelity level (Fl) were Crescentia cujete L. (flu), Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (flu and cough), Euphorbia tithymaloides L. (inflammation), Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth (pruritic ailments), Heliotropium indicum L. (intestinal parasites) Malachra alceifolia Jacq. (inflammation), Matricaria chamomilla L. (colic) Mentha sativa L. (nervousness), Momordica charantia L. (intestinal parasites), Origanum vulgare L. (earache), Plantago major L. (inflammation) and Terminalia catappa L. (inflammation). The most frequent ailments reported were skin affections, inflammation of the respiratory tract, and gastro-intestinal disorders. The majority of the remedies were prepared from freshly collected plant material from the wild and from a single species only. The preparation of remedies included boiling infusions, extraction of fresh or dry whole plants, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, and seeds. The parts of the plants most frequently used were the leaves. In this study were identified 39 plant species, which belong to 26 families. There was a high degree of consensus from informants on the medical indications of the different species. Conclusions: This study presents new research efforts and perspectives on the search for new drugs based on local uses of medicinal plants. It also sheds light on the dependence of rural communities in Colombia on medicinal plants.
[Pubmed: 21939522]
| | 17. |
2011 Aug 26 |
Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of (-)-α-bisabolol in rodents.
Rocha NF, Rios ER, Carvalho AM, Cerqueira GS, Lopes AD, Leal LK, Dias ML, de Sousa DP, de Sousa FC
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2011 Aug 26; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
(-)-α-Bisabolol is an unsaturated, optically active sesquiterpene alcohol obtained by the direct distillation of essential oil from plants such as Vanillosmopsis erythropappa and Matricaria chamomilla. (-)-α-Bisabolol has generated considerable economic interest, as it possesses a delicate floral odour and has been shown to have antiseptic and gastroprotective activities. In this study, (-)-α-bisabolol was tested in standardised rodent models by gavage administration at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg in the models of inflammation and 25 and 50 mg/kg in the models of nociception. In the inflammatory models of paw oedema induced by carrageenan and dextran, the mice treated with (-)-α-bisabolol showed smaller oedemas compared to animals treated only with the vehicle. (-)-α-Bisabolol was capable of reducing paw oedemas induced by 5-HT but not oedemas induced by histamine. (-)-α-Bisabolol demonstrated anti-nociceptive activity in the models of visceral nociception induced by acetic acid and in the second phase of the nociception test induced by the intraplantar administration of formalin. (-)-α-Bisabolol did not have any effect in a thermal nociception model using a hot plate but was able to diminish mechanical inflammatory hypernociception evoked by carrageenan. These findings suggest that the anti-nociceptive action of (-)-α-bisabolol is not linked to a central mechanism but instead is related to the inflammatory process. (-)-α-Bisabolol was able to decrease leukocyte migration, protein extravasations and the amount of TNF-α to the peritoneal cavity in response to carrageenan. Additionally, (-)-α-bisabolol reduced neutrophil degranulation in response to phorbol-myristate-acetate. We demonstrate, for the first time, the peripheral anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of (-)-α-bisabolol.
[Pubmed: 21870032]
| | 18. |
2011 Jan 03 |
Hexaconazole induces antioxidant protection and apigenin-7-glucoside accumulation in Matricaria chamomilla plants subjected to drought stress.
Hojati M, Modarres-Sanavy SA, Ghanati F, Panahi M
J. Plant Physiol. 2011 May 15;168(8):782-91. Epub 2011 Jan 03.
Abstract
In this experiment, the possibility of enhancing the water deficit stress tolerance of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) during two growth stages by the exogenous application of hexaconazole (HEX) was investigated. To improve water deficit tolerance, HEX was applied in three concentrations during two different stages (50 and 80 days after sowing). After HEX applications, the plants were subjected to water deficit stress. Although all HEX concentrations improved the water deficit stress tolerance in chamomile plants, the application of 15 mg L(-1) provided better protection when compared to the other concentration. The exogenous application of HEX provided significant protection against water deficit stress compared to non-HEX-treated plants, significantly affecting the morphological characteristics and aspects of productivity, the relative water, protein and proline contents; non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants; and the flower's apigenin-7-glucoside content. These results suggest that the HEX-induced tolerance to water deficit stress in chamomile was related to the changes in growth variables, antioxidants and the apigenin-7-glucoside content.
[Pubmed: 21208683]
| | 19. |
2011 Apr 14 |
Nitrate deficiency reduces cadmium and nickel accumulation in chamomile plants.
Kovácik J, Klejdus B, Stork F, Hedbavny J
J. Agric. Food Chem. 2011 May 11;59(9):5139-49. Epub 2011 Apr 14.
Abstract
The effect of nitrogen (nitrate) deficiency (-N) on the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla ) plants was studied. Elimination of N from the culture medium led to decreases in N-based compounds (free amino acids and soluble proteins) and increases in C-based compounds (reducing sugars, soluble phenols, coumarins, phenolic acids, and partially flavonoids and lignin), being considerably affected by the metal presence. Proline, a known stress-protective amino acid, decreased in all -N variants. The activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was stimulated only in -N control plants, whereas the activities of polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase were never reduced in -N variants in comparison with respective +N counterparts. Among detected phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid strongly accumulated in all N-deficient variants in the free fraction and caffeic acid in the cell wall-bound fraction. Mineral nutrients were rather affected by a given metal than by N deficiency. Shoot and total root Cd and Ni amounts decreased in -N variants. On the contrary, ammonium-fed plants exposed to N deficiency did not show similar changes in Cd and Ni contents. The present findings are discussed with respect to the role of phenols and mineral nutrition in metal uptake.
[Pubmed: 21491911]
| | 20. |
2011 Oct 19 |
Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of crude extracts and essential oils from medicinal plants.
Silva NC, Barbosa L, Seito LN, Fernandes Junior A
Nat Prod Res. 2011 Oct 19; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
We aimed to establish a phytochemical analysis of the crude extracts and performed GC-MS of the essential oils (EOs) of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) and Asteraceae species Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, Matricaria chamomilla L. and Vernonia polyanthes Less, as well as determining their antimicrobial activity. Establishment of the minimal inhibitory concentrations of the crude extracts and EOs against 16 Staphylococcus aureus and 16 Escherichia coli strains from human specimens was carried out using the dilution method in Mueller-Hinton agar. Some phenolic compounds with antimicrobial properties were established, and all EOs had a higher antimicrobial activity than the extracts. Matricaria chamomilla extract and E. uniflora EO were efficient against S. aureus strains, while E. uniflora and V. polyanthes extracts and V. polyanthes EO showed the best antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains. Staphylococcus aureus strains were more susceptible to the tested plant products than E. coli, but all natural products promoted antimicrobial growth inhibition.
[Pubmed: 22007687]
| | 21. |
2011 Sep 22 |
Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study
Zick, Wright, Sen, Arnedt
BMC Complement Altern Med 2011 Sep 22;11:78. published online before print
Abstract
Despite being the most commonly used herbal for sleep disorders, chamomile's (Matricaria recutita) efficacy and safety for treating chronic primary insomnia is unknown. We examined the preliminary efficacy and safety of chamomile for improving subjective sleep and daytime symptoms in patients with chronic insomnia.
[Pubmed: 21939549]
| | 22. |
2011 Oct 11 |
The transcription factor CrWRKY1 positively regulates terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus.
Suttipanta N, Pattanaik S, Kulshrestha M, Patra B, Singh SK, Yuan L
Plant Physiol. 2011 Oct 11; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Catharanthus roseus produces a large array of terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) that are an important source of natural or semi-synthetic anticancer drugs. Biosynthesis of TIAs is tissue-specific and induced by certain phytohormones and fungal elicitors, indicating the involvement of a complex transcriptional control network. However, the transcriptional regulation of the TIA pathway is poorly understood. Here we describe a C. roseus WRKY transcription factor, CrWRKY1, that is preferentially expressed in roots and induced by phytohormones jasmonate, gibberellic acid and ethylene. Overexpression of CrWRKY1 in C. roseus hairy roots up-regulated several key TIA pathway genes, especially tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), as well as transcriptional repressors ZCT1, ZCT2 and ZCT3. However, CrWRKY1 overexpression repressed the transcriptional activators, ORCA2, ORCA3 and CrMYC2. Overexpression of a dominant-repressive form of CrWRKY1, created by fusing the SRDX-repressor domain to CrWRKY1, resulted in down-regulation of TDC and ZCTs but up-regulation of ORCA3 and CrMYC2. CrWRKY1 bound to the W-box elements of the TDC promoter in electrophoretic mobility shift, yeast one-hybrid and C. roseus protoplast assays. Up-regulation of TDC increased TDC activity, tryptamine concentration and resistance to 4-methyl tryptophan inhibition of CrWRKY1 hairy roots. Compared to control roots, CrWRKY1 hairy roots accumulated up to 3-fold higher levels of serpentine. The preferential expression of CrWRKY1 in roots and its interaction with transcription factors including ORCA3, CrMYC2 and ZCTs may play a key role in determining the root-specific accumulation of serpentine in C. roseus plants.
[Pubmed: 21988879]
| | 23. |
2011 Jan |
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review.
Pareek A, Suthar M, Rathore GS, Bansal V
Pharmacogn Rev. 2011 Jan;5(9):103-10.
Abstract
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth. The feverfew herb has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine, especially among Greek and early European herbalists. Feverfew has also been used for psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The plant contains a large number of natural products, but the active principles probably include one or more of the sesquiterpene lactones known to be present, including parthenolide. Other potentially active constituents include flavonoid glycosides and pinenes. It has multiple pharmacologic properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, antispasmodic, an emmenagogue, and as an enema for worms. In this review, we have explored the various dimensions of the feverfew plant and compiled its vast pharmacologic applications to comprehend and synthesize the subject of its potential image of multipurpose medicinal agent. The plant is widely cultivated to large regions of the world and its importance as a medicinal plant is growing substantially with increasing and stronger reports in support of its multifarious therapeutic uses.
[Pubmed: 22096324]
| | 24. |
2012 |
Intracultural Variation in the Knowledge of Medicinal Plants in an Urban-Rural Community in the Atlantic Forest from Northeastern Brazil
de Almeida, Ramos, Silva, de Melo, Medeiros, Araújo, de Almeida, de Amorim, Alves, de Albuquerque
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012;2012.
Abstract
This study assessed the intracultural knowledge of the use of medicinal plants in an urban-rural community in an Atlantic forest fragment in northeastern Brazil. We examined the importance of native and exotic species and the effects of gender and age on that knowledge. We also compared data obtained from different groups of informants (local experts and general community). We conducted 194 interviews between June 2007 and January 2008, using the freelist technique and semistructured forms to collect ethnobotanical data. Information obtained from the community was compared with that from six local experts who participated in a survey in 2003. From a total of 209 ethnospecies, exotic and herbaceous plants presented higher richness. With respect to the number of citations, women and older informants were shown to know a higher number of medicinal plants. Comparing knowledge of local experts with that of the general community, we noted that experts know a similar wealth of plant families and therapeutic indications, but the community knows a greater species richness. These results indicate that local experts may provide useful information for studies that search for a quick diagnosis of the knowledge of a given community.
[Pubmed: 22110546]
| | 25. |
2011 |
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview
Singh, Khanam, Misra, Srivastava
Pharmacogn Rev 2011;5(9):82-95.
Abstract
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a well-known medicinal plant species from the Asteraceae family often referred to as the “star among medicinal species.” Nowadays it is a highly favored and much used medicinal plant in folk and traditional medicine. Its multitherapeutic, cosmetic, and nutritional values have been established through years of traditional and scientific use and research. Chamomile has an established domestic (Indian) and international market, which is increasing day by day. The plant available in the market many a times is adulterated and substituted by close relatives of chamomile. This article briefly reviews the medicinal uses along with botany and cultivation techniques. Since chamomile is a rich source of natural products, details on chemical constituents of essential oil and plant parts as well as their pharmacological properties are included. Furthermore, particular emphasis is given to the biochemistry, biotechnology, market demand, and trade of the plant. This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspects of chamomile and highlight the need for research and development.
[Pubmed: 22096322]
| | 26. |
2012 |
Distribution and Transmission of Medicinal Plant Knowledge in the Andean Highlands: A Case Study from Peru and Bolivia
Mathez-Stiefel, Vandebroek
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012;2012.
Abstract
This paper presents a study of patterns in the distribution and transmission of medicinal plant knowledge in rural Andean communities in Peru and Bolivia. Interviews and freelisting exercises were conducted with 18 households at each study site. The amount of medicinal plant knowledge of households was compared in relation to their socioeconomic characteristics. Cluster analysis was applied to identify households that possessed similar knowledge. The different modes of knowledge transmission were also assessed. Our study shows that while the amount of plant knowledge is determined by individual motivation and experience, the type of knowledge is influenced by the community of residence, age, migratory activity, and market integration. Plant knowledge was equally transmitted vertically and horizontally, which indicates that it is first acquired within the family but then undergoes transformations as a result of subsequent contacts with other knowledge sources, including age peers.
[Pubmed: 22203885]
| | 27. |
2011 Dec 1 |
Evolution of reproductive mode variation and host associations in a sexual-asexual complex of aphid parasitoids
Sandrock, Schirrmeister, Vorburger
BMC Evol Biol 2011 Dec 1;11:348. published online before print
Abstract
The Lysiphlebus fabarum group is a taxonomically poorly resolved complex of aphid parasitoids, presently split into three described species that comprise sexual (arrhenotokous) and asexual (thelytokous) lineages of unknown relationship. Specifically, it is unclear how asexuals evolved from sexuals in this system, to what extent reproductive modes are still connected by genetic exchange, how much the complex is structured by geography or by host-associated differentiation, and whether species designations are valid. Using a combination of population genetic and phylogenetic approaches, we addressed these issues in a comprehensive sample of parasitoid wasps from across Europe.
[Pubmed: 22132834]
| | 28. |
2011 Nov 16 |
Impact of Temporary Nitrogen Deprivation on Tomato Leaf Phenolics
Bénard, Bourgaud, Gautier
Int J Mol Sci 2011 Nov 16;12(11):7971-7981. published online before print
Abstract
Reducing the use of pesticides represents a major challenge of modern agriculture. Plants synthesize secondary metabolites such as polyphenols that participate in the resistance to parasites. The aim of this study was to test: (1) the impact of nitrogen deficiency on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf composition and more particularly on two phenolic molecules (chlorogenic acid and rutin) as well as on the general plant biomass; and (2) whether this effect continued after a return to normal nitrogen nutrition. Our results showed that plants deprived of nitrogen for 10 or 19 days contained higher levels of chlorogenic acid and rutin than control plants. In addition, this difference persisted when the plants were once again cultivated on a nitrogen-rich medium. These findings offer interesting perspectives on the use of a short period of deprivation to modulate the levels of compounds of interest in a plant.
[Pubmed: 22174644]
| | 29. |
2011 Dec 09 |
The Effect of the Acetone Extract of Arctotis arctotoides (Asteraceae) on the Growth and Ultrastructure of Some Opportunistic Fungi Associated with HIV/AIDS
Otang, Grierson, Ndip
Int J Mol Sci 2011 Dec 09;12(12):9226-9235. published online before print
Abstract
In this study, the effect of the acetone extract of Arctotis arctotoides (L.f.) O. Hoffm. (Asteraceae) on the growth and ultrastructure of some opportunistic fungi associated with HIV/AIDS was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM). Remarkable morphological alterations in the fungal mycelia which were attributed to the loss of cell wall strength ranged from loss of turgidity and uniformity, collapse of entire hyphae to evident destruction of the hyphae. The elements responsible for giving the fungi their characteristic virulence were detected and quantified by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis techniques. X-ray microanalysis showed the specific spectra of sodium, potassium and sulfur as the principal intersection of the four pathogenic fungi studied. Since these ions have the potential of fostering fungal invasion by altering the permeability of hosts’ membranes, their presence was considered inherent to the pathogenicity of the opportunistic fungi. Hence, these findings indicate the potential of the crude extract of A. arctotoides in preventing fungal invasion and subsequent infection of host’s membranes.
[Pubmed: 22272130]
| | 30. |
2011 May |
HPLC-based activity profiling for GABAA receptor modulators from the traditional Chinese herbal drug Kushen (Sophora flavescens root)
Yang, Baburin, Plitzko, Hering, Hamburger
Mol Divers 2011 May;15(2):361-372.
Abstract
An EtOAc extract from the roots of Sophora flavescens (Kushen) potentiated γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced chloride influx in Xenopus oocytes transiently expressing GABAA receptors with subunit composition, α1β2γ2S. HPLC-based activity profiling of the extract led to the identification of 8-lavandulyl flavonoids, kushenol I, sophoraflavanone G, (–)-kurarinone, and kuraridine as GABAA receptor modulators. In addition, a series of inactive structurally related flavonoids were characterized. Among these, kushenol Y (4) was identified as a new natural product. The 8-lavandulyl flavonoids are first representatives of a novel scaffold for the target.
[Pubmed: 21207144]
| | 31. |
2012 |
A pharmacological appraisal of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential
Khan, Najmi, Akhtar, Aqil, Mujeeb, Pillai
J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2012;4(1):27-42.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder that has gravely troubled the human health and quality of life. Conventional agents are being used to control diabetes along with lifestyle management. However, they are not entirely effective and no one has ever been reported to have fully recovered from diabetes. Numerous medicinal plants have been used for the management of diabetes mellitus in various traditional systems of medicine worldwide as they are a great source of biological constituents and many of them are known to be effective against diabetes. Medicinal plants with antihyperglycemic activities are being more desired, owing to lesser side-effects and low cost. This review focuses on the various plants that have been reported to be effective in diabetes. A record of various medicinal plants with their established antidiabetic and other health benefits has been reported. These include Allium sativa, Eugenia jambolana, Panax ginseng, Gymnema sylvestre, Momrodica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus amarus, Pterocarpus marsupium, Trigonella foenum graecum and Tinospora cordifolia. All of them have shown a certain degree of antidiabetic activity by different mechanisms of action.
[Pubmed: 22368396]
| | 32. |
2011 Sep 14 |
Equine botulinum antitoxin for the treatment of infant botulism.
Vanella de Cuetos EE, Fernandez RA, Bianco MI, Sartori OJ, Piovano ML, Lúquez C, de Jong LI
Clin. Vaccine Immunol. 2011 Nov;18(11):1845-9. Epub 2011 Sep 14.
Abstract
Infant botulism is the most common form of human botulism in Argentina and the United States. BabyBIG (botulism immune globulin intravenous [human]) is the antitoxin of choice for specific treatment of infant botulism in the United States. However, its high cost limits its use in many countries. We report here the effectiveness and safety of equine botulinum antitoxin (EqBA) as an alternative treatment. We conducted an analytical, observational, retrospective, and longitudinal study on cases of infant botulism registered in Mendoza, Argentina, from 1993 to 2007. We analyzed 92 medical records of laboratory-confirmed cases and evaluated the safety and efficacy of treatment with EqBA. Forty-nine laboratory-confirmed cases of infant botulism demanding admission in intensive care units and mechanical ventilation included 31 treated with EqBA within the 5 days after the onset of signs and 18 untreated with EqBA. EqBA-treated patients had a reduction in the mean length of hospital stay of 23.9 days (P = 0.0007). For infants treated with EqBA, the intensive care unit stay was shortened by 11.2 days (P = 0.0036), mechanical ventilation was reduced by 11.1 days (P = 0.0155), and tube feeding was reduced by 24.4 days (P = 0.0001). The incidence of sepsis in EqBA-treated patients was 47.3% lower (P = 0.0017) than in the untreated ones. Neither sequelae nor adverse effects attributable to EqBA were noticed, except for one infant who developed a transient erythematous rash. These results suggest that prompt treatment of infant botulism with EqBA is safe and effective and that EqBA could be considered an alternative specific treatment for infant botulism when BabyBIG is not available.
[Pubmed: 21918119]
| | 33. |
2012 Apr |
Molecular Phylogenetic and Expression Analysis of the Complete WRKY Transcription Factor Family in Maize
Wei, Chen, Chen, Wu, Xie
DNA Res 2012 Apr;19(2):153-164.
Abstract
The WRKY transcription factors function in plant growth and development, and response to the biotic and abiotic stresses. Although many studies have focused on the functional identification of the WRKY transcription factors, much less is known about molecular phylogenetic and global expression analysis of the complete WRKY family in maize. In this study, we identified 136 WRKY proteins coded by 119 genes in the B73 inbred line from the complete genome and named them in an orderly manner. Then, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of five species was performed to explore the origin and evolutionary patterns of these WRKY genes, and the result showed that gene duplication is the major driving force for the origin of new groups and subgroups and functional divergence during evolution. Chromosomal location analysis of maize WRKY genes indicated that 20 gene clusters are distributed unevenly in the genome. Microarray-based expression analysis has revealed that 131 WRKY transcripts encoded by 116 genes may participate in the regulation of maize growth and development. Among them, 102 transcripts are stably expressed with a coefficient of variation (CV) value of <15%. The remaining 29 transcripts produced by 25 WRKY genes with the CV value of >15% are further analysed to discover new organ- or tissue-specific genes. In addition, microarray analyses of transcriptional responses to drought stress and fungal infection showed that maize WRKY proteins are involved in stress responses. All these results contribute to a deep probing into the roles of WRKY transcription factors in maize growth and development and stress tolerance.
[Pubmed: 22279089]
| | 34. |
2011 Nov |
Anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant activity of the ethanolic extract of stems of Dendrophthoe falcata (Linn. F.) in mice.
Sinoriya P, Irchhaiya R, Sharma B, Sahu G, Kumar S
Indian J Pharmacol. 2011 Nov;43(6):710-3.
Abstract
To investigate the anticonvulsant and muscle relxant activity of ethanolic extract of stems of Dendrophthoe falcata in mice.
[Pubmed: 22144780]
| | 35. |
2012 Mar 13 |
Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of selected Pakistani medicinal plants in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells.
Zaidi SF, Muhammad JS, Shahryar S, Usmanghani K, Gilani AH, Jafri W, Sugiyama T
J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 May 7;141(1):403-10. Epub 2012 Mar 13.
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Due to its high global prevalence and uprising resistance to available antibiotics, efforts are now directed to identify alternative source to treat and prevent associated disorders. In the present study, effect of selected indigenous medicinal plants of Pakistan was evaluated on the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a bid to rationalize their medicinal use and to examine the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in gastric epithelial cells.
[Pubmed: 22433535]
| | 36. |
2012 |
In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Essential Oils of Eucalyptus benthamii and Its Related Terpenes on Tumor Cell Lines
Döll-Boscardin, Sartoratto, Sales Maia, Padilha de Paula, Nakashima, Farago, Kanunfre
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012;2012.
Abstract
Eucalyptus L. is traditionally used for many medicinal purposes. In particular, some Eucalyptus species have currently shown cytotoxic properties. Local Brazilian communities have used leaves of E. benthamii as a herbal remedy for various diseases, including cancer. Considering the lack of available data for supporting this cytotoxic effect, the goal of this paper was to study the in vitro cytotoxic potential of the essential oils from young and adult leaves of E. benthamii and some related terpenes (α-pinene, terpinen-4-ol, and γ-terpinene) on Jurkat, J774A.1 and HeLa cells lines. Regarding the cytotoxic activity based on MTT assay, the essential oils showed improved results than α-pinene and γ-terpinene, particularly for Jurkat and HeLa cell lines. Terpinen-4-ol revealed a cytotoxic effect against Jurkat cells similar to that observed for volatile oils. The results of LDH activity indicated that cytotoxic activity of samples against Jurkat cells probably involved cell death by apoptosis. The decrease of cell DNA content was demonstrated due to inhibition of Jurkat cells proliferation by samples as a result of cytotoxicity. In general, the essential oils from young and adult leaves of E. benthamii presented cytotoxicity against the investigated tumor cell lines which confirms their antitumor potential.
[Pubmed: 22645627]
| | 37. |
2012 Jun |
Guaianolides and volatile compounds in chamomile tea.
Tschiggerl C, Bucar F
Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2012 Jun;67(2):129-35.
Abstract
Chamomile (German Chamomile, Matricaria recutita L., Asteraceae) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in use as an herbal tea for food purposes and in folk medicine. Qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of the volatile fraction of chamomile herbal tea were performed. Volatile constituents of the infusion were isolated by two different methods, namely hydrodistillation and solid phase extraction (SPE), and analysed by GC-MS. The relative proportions of particular chemical classes, present in the essential oil and volatile fractions of the infusion showed remarkable differences. The proportion of mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in the infusion, as compared to the essential oil, was significantly lower. Strikingly, the dichloromethane extract of the infusion contained a lower amount of bisabolol oxides and chamazulene, but higher amounts of spiroethers, sesquiterpene lactones and coumarins, as compared to the hydrodistillates of the herbal drug and the infusion. In addition to the previously known guaianolides matricarin and achillin, acetoxyachillin and leucodin (= desacetoxymatricarin), corresponding C-11 stereoisomers with various biological activities typically occurring in Achillea species, were identified in the dichloromethane extract of chamomile tea for the first time.
[Pubmed: 22410959]
| | 38. |
2012 Jun 18 |
Inhibition of Proinflammatory Biomarkers in THP1 Macrophages by Polyphenols Derived From Chamomile, Meadowsweet and Willow bark.
Drummond EM, Harbourne N, Marete E, Martyn D, Jacquier J, O'Riordan D, Gibney ER
Phytother Res. 2012 Jun 18; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Antiinflammatory compounds in the diet can alleviate excessive inflammation, a factor in the pathogenesis of common diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and diabetes. This study examined three European herbs, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria L.) and willow bark (Salix alba L.), which have been traditionally used to treat inflammation and their potential for use as antiinflammatory agents. Aqueous herbal extracts and isolated polyphenolic compounds (apigenin, quercetin and salicylic acid, 0-100 μM) were incubated with THP1 macrophages, and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured. At concentrations of 10 μM, both apigenin and quercetin reduced IL-6 significantly ( p < 0.05). Apigenin at 10 μM and quercetin at 25 μM reduced TNF-α significantly ( p < 0.05). Amongst the herbal extracts, willow bark had the greatest antiinflammatory activity at reducing IL-6 and TNF-α production. This was followed by meadowsweet and then chamomile. The lowest effective antiinflammatory concentrations were noncytotoxic (MTT mitochondrial activity assay). The Comet assay, which was used to study the protective effect of the isolated phenols against oxidative damage, showed positive results for all three polyphenols. These are the first findings that demonstrate the antiinflammatory capacity of these herbal extracts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[Pubmed: 22711544]
| | 39. |
2012 Jun 29 |
Modulation of Copper Uptake and Toxicity by Abiotic Stresses in Matricaria chamomilla Plants.
Kováčik J, Klejdus B, Hedbavny J, Stork F, Grúz J
J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
The impact of salinity (S) or nitrogen deficiency (-N) on copper (Cu) uptake and changes to metabolism were studied in the combined treatments after 7 days of exposure. S suppressed growth, water content, soluble proteins, and reducing sugars more negatively than -N. ROS (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) were differentially but relatively slightly affected while peroxidase activities were strongly elevated mainly in Cu+NaCl variant. Total soluble phenols and individual phenolic acids (free and cell wall-bound fraction) were accumulated the most in Cu-N while, among free amino acids, proline sharply increased in Cu+NaCl; this suggests a compensatory mechanism between the syntheses of antioxidants aimed to maintain antioxidative protection because numerous root phenolic acids were even depressed by S. Salinity also suppressed accumulation of coumarin herniarin, but its glucosidic precursors ((Z)- and (E)-2-ß-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-methoxycinnamic acids) increased. Activities of selected phenolic enzymes were rather suppressed by S after a given exposure period while lignin content increased, suggesting different time dynamics if S and -N variants are compared. Selected mineral nutrients (K, Fe, and partially Mg) were more reduced by S than by -N. Shoot and root Cu amounts were depressed by -N but elevated by S. Significance and possible role of observed metabolic changes in relation to Cu accumulation are discussed.
[Pubmed: 22703521]
| | 40. |
2012 Jun 5 |
Tissue and method specificities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase assay.
Kováčik J, Klejdus B
J Plant Physiol. 2012 Jun 5; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
A large number of studies have estimated phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity because it strongly reacts to various stimuli. Activity of this enzyme has been assayed mainly by means of spectrophotometry, but the precision of this method is poorly known. We compared assays of PAL activity using spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in two species (Matricaria chamomilla and Arabidopsis thaliana). Additionally, copper-exposed M. chamomilla plants and buffer with additive were also tested. Our data indicate that spectrophotometry both overestimates (leaves of M. chamomilla) and underestimates (leaves and roots of A. thaliana) PAL activity in comparison with HPLC, suggesting interference of UV-absorbing metabolites. HPLC also showed more accurate detection of cinnamic acid in Cu-exposed chamomile roots. Addition of dithiothreitol to the extraction buffer enhanced PAL activity but reduced proteins, indicating an artificial negative effect. A comparison of PAL activity in selected species is also provided.
[Pubmed: 22677451]
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