Achillea moschata Wulfen: From Ethnobotany to Phytochemistry, Morphology, and Biological Activity.

A multidisciplinary investigation on Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is outlined herein. This work, part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, originated from an ethnobotanical survey performed in Chiesa in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Lombardy, Northern Italy) in 2019-2021 which highlighted this species' relevance of use in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, this contribution included analyses of the: (a) phytochemical profile of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried flower heads using LC-MS/MS; (b) morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative and reproductive organs through Light, Fluorescence, and Scanning Electron Microscopy; (c) biological activity of the aqueous extract concerning the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through cell-based in vitro models. A total of 31 compounds (5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonols, and 13 flavones) were detected, 28 of which included in both extracts. Covering and secreting trichomes were observed: the biseriate 10-celled glandular trichomes prevailing on the inflorescences represented the main sites of synthesis of the polyphenols and flavonoids detected in the extracts, along with volatile terpenoids. Finally, significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract were documented, even at very low concentrations; for the first time, the in vitro tests allowed us to formulate hypotheses about the mechanism of action. This work brings an element of novelty due to the faithful reproduction of the traditional aqueous preparation and the combination of phytochemical and micromorphological research approaches.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Flower Heads of Arnica Chamissonis Less. under a Nitrogen Impact.

Chamisso arnica (Arnica chamissonis Less.) is a valuable plant species used in the pharmaceutical industry due to the content of many pharmacologically active substances and the similarity of its chemical composition to that of Arnica montana-a medicinal plant commonly used in pharmacy and cosmetics. The similarity of the two plant species implies that chamisso arnica can be a pharmaceutical substitute for the mountain arnica, i.e., an endangered and endemic plant species in Europe. Chamisso arnica extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiradical activity and possesses high antioxidant properties that might be helpful in preventing or delaying the progress of free radical dependent diseases. The attributes of A. chamissonis are mainly related to the content and chemical composition of essential oil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of essential oil derived from A. chamissonis flower heads under a nitrogen impact. The experiment was performed on experimental fields in mid-eastern Poland on two soil types (sandy and loamy soils). The nitrogen fertilizer was applied as ammonium sulfate (control, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha-1). Collection of flower heads was carried out in the full flowering phase, which was characterized by the highest content of essential oil. The chemical composition of essential oil was examined using GC-MS. Among the 75 ingredients of the volatile oil of chamisso arnica flower heads, alpha-pinene, cumene, p-cymene, germacrene D, spathulenol, decanal, caryophyllene oxide, beta-pinene, and benzene acetaldehyde were present at relatively high levels. Both the nitrogen application and the soil type had an effect on the oil concentration and the yield of the main constituents (alpha-pinene and germacrene D) with pharmacological value. Different levels of nitrogen application could be considered as a relevant way to modify the chemical composition and to increase the essential oil production.

Data of antihyperlipidaemic activity for methanolic extract of Tagetes patula Linn. flower head along with piperine, as bioavailability enhancer.

The data present in this article is associated with influence of piperine (secondary metabolite) on the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Tagetes patula (METP). METP was evaluated for antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential. Phytoconstituents of METP were identified using gas chromatography linked with a mass spectrometer. in vivo antihyperlipidemic activity of METP at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. and 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. along with piperine (20 mg/kg b. wt.) were evaluated by Propylthiouracil induced and Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Propylthiouracil significantly increased the serum TC (p<0.01), TG (p<0.01), LDL (p<0.01) and VLDL (p<0.01) levels and induction of HDL (p<0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg b. wt. along with piperine. Triton X-100 at a single dose of i.p increased lipid levels within 48 h. Increased lipid levels were significantly reduced TC (p<0.01), TG (p<0.01), LDL (p<0.05) and VLDL (p<0.05) by METP at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt. along with piperine. Current data were also supported by histological study of livers, Cord pattern of hepatocytes, few periportal lymphocytes in focal area observed in hyperlipidemic rats and hepatocyte, periportal and centrilobular region of liver appear normal in treated group. METP along with piperine (capability to enhance bioavailability and has a property of increasing oral absorption of drugs) showed promising antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity which suggests the further use of Tagetes patula extract for the management of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.