Evaluation of Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Potential of an Astragalus Species: Astragalus kurdicus Boiss.

Astragalus kurdicus Boiss. roots are used in folk medicine for antidiabetic purposes. Different metabolites of Astragalus plants have a notable potential in antidiabetic activity via differing mechanisms. Herewith this study designed to assess the antidiabetic activity of Astragalus kurdicus, utilizing a range of diabetes-related in vitro methodologies and to investigate the chemical composition of the plant. According to the results of the activity tests, water extract (AKW) was the most active extract in PTP1B, DPP4, and α-amylase inhibition tests (87.17%, 82.4%, 91.49% respectively at 1 mg/ml). Total extract, AKM (85.63%), showed the highest AGEs inhibition activity. To test possible improvement effects of the extracts on diabetes through gut-microbiota, cell growth rates of three probiotic microorganisms were measured. AKM showed highest potential of prebiotic activity among tested extracts and caused higher biomass increase than standard prebiotics. Furthermore, flavonoid-rich extract was found to be mostly responsible for the high antioxidant activity. The highest saponin and astragalosides content were seen in AKB extract in HPTLC analysis. Among the measured saponins, the abundance of Astragaloside IV (27.41 µg/mg in AKM) was the highest in all fractions. Thus, for the first time, the antidiabetic activity of A. kurdicus was evaluated from various perspectives.

In vitro Evaluation of Skin Related Enzyme Inhibitory Effect and Emulgel Formulation Development Studies of Onobrychis Argyrea subsp. Argyrea with Phytochemical Analysis.

Species of Onobrychis have been used to treat skin disorders such as wounds and cuts in folk medicine and Onobrychis argyrea subsp. argyrea (OA) commonly known as 'silvery sainfoin', is a member of this genus. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the skin-related biological activities and phytochemical characterization of OA. Moreover, an emulgel formulation was developed from the main methanolic extract of the plant (OAM). Initially, to identifiy of the active fractions, aerial parts of the plant material was extracted with methanol and fractionated by n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by CUPRAC, TOAC, FRAP and DPPH assays. Thereafter, the inhibition potential of OAM, novel formulation and all fractions was measured against elastase, collagenase, tyrosinase and hyaluronidase enzymes. OAM was analyzed and characterized by LC/MS-MS. The major bioactive flavonoids which are rutin and isoquercetin were measured and compared as qualitative and quantitative via high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis in OAM and fractions. The results showed that extracts of OA can be a potential cosmeceutical agent for skin related problems.

The effect of lavender foot baths on postoperative pain and sleep quality in comparison with foot baths with warm water only-A prospective randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of warm water (WW) foot bath with or without lavender oil for pain and sleep quality in the patients who undergone abdominal surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled. The three study groups were defined as the control group (n = 44), the WW foot bath group (n = 46), WW foot bath with the lavender group (n = 40). Foot baths were done for 20 min with 40 °C every night for 3 days after surgery. Visual Analogue Scale and Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire were used during data collection. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients, mean age 55.99 ±  ± 13.05 years, 66 male (51 %), 103 of whom underwent abdominal surgery, were included in the study. When the patients during the postoperative three days were evaluated, decreased pain score and increased sleep quality both the WW and WW foot bath with lavender groups (p < 0.001). Noise-related sleep quality was detected to be lesser in the control group patients on the 3rd day (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WW foot bath with or without lavender oil is an uncomplicated, economical, and effective complementary therapy to reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality. WW foot baths with essential oils are optionally available in clinics and can be used according to patients' preferences.

Evaluation of Marketed Rosemary Essential Oils (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in Terms of European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 Criteria.

Objectives: Various pure rosemary essential oil containing commercial products are in demand for their health-promoting and cosmetic claims in Türkiye. Although they are natural and harmless, they should be in compliance with European Pharmacopoeia (EP) criteria. Therefore, in this study, 15 rosemary oil samples sold in pharmacies, herbal shops, and online platforms in Türkiye were investigated in terms of "Rosemary Oil" EP 10.0. monograph criteria. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the current quality status of rosemary essential oils in the Turkish market. Materials and Methods: Appearance, fatty oils and resinified essential oils, relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, and acid value tests were performed according to EP 10.0 and compared with the given standards. In addition, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were conducted on all samples for advanced understanding of their phytochemical profile and harmony with EP standards. Results: Fifteen pure rosemary oil-containing products from the Turkish market were evaluated. All of the samples were licensed as cosmetic products in Türkiye via the Ministry of Health. 83.1 to 96.9% of the ingredients of all samples were determined via GC-MS analysis. Results demonstrated that none of the samples from the Turkish rosemary essential oil market fully complied with the EP rosemary oil monograph standards. Conclusion: Considering our data, it was revealed that enhanced regulations and auditing mechanisms are needed to improve the quality of products. When the difference between the sources of purchase is assessed, pharmacies are still better locations to obtain such products.

In Vitro Anti-Aging Potential Evaluation of Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider 80% Methanol Extract with Quantitative HPTLC Analysis.

Objectives: Maclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneider is a widespread species all around the world, which is also frequently cultured for ornamental purposes. Previous studies revealed that M. pomifera fruits are rich in prenylated isoflavonoids, exhibit noteworthy biological activities, and have probable benefits, particularly, when applied topically. Considering that phenolic compounds are important sources in the development of anti-aging cosmetic products, this study investigated the anti-aging potential of M. pomifera 80% methanolic extract (MPM) by evaluating antioxidant and extracellular matrix degrading enzymes inhibiting activity. Materials and Methods: For this study, the inhibitory potential of 80% MPM against different enzymes associated with the aging process was evaluated. Given the unequivocal role of oxidative stress in aging, in vitro antioxidant tests were employed as well. Moreover, osajin was determined as the major bioactive isoflavonoid of the sample by high performance thin layer chromatography analysis. Results: Results of the mechanistically different antioxidant assays exhibited notable antioxidant potential of the extract. Inhibition potential of MPM against hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase enzymes, which are directly linked to acceleration of the aging process, was investigated and results revealed that MPM inhibited the aforementioned enzymes explicitly. MPM had notable phenolic and flavonoid content; 113.92 ± 2.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 66.41 ± 0.74 mg QE/g, respectively. When total antioxidant capacity assays were considered, it is possible to suggest that MPM is a promising anti-aging agent. Conclusion: As a result, this study discloses that extracts of fruits of M. pomifera have significant anti-aging potential and may be used for this purpose.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential of gingerols and their nanoformulations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is one of the most popular spices worldwide, known since ancient times, and used both as a spice and a medicinal plant. The phenolic compounds found in ginger are predominantly gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. Gingerols are the major phenolic compounds found in fresh ginger and contain mainly 6-gingerol as well as 4-, 5-, 8-, 10-, and 12-gingerols. Gingerols possess a wide array of bioactivities, such as antioxidant and anticancer, among others. Regarding the different array of biological activities and published data on the mechanisms underlying its action, the complex interaction between three key events, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunity, appears to contribute to a plethora of pharmacological activities of this compound. Among these, the immunomodulatory properties of these compounds, which attract attention due to their effects on the immune system, have been the focus of many studies. Gingerols can alleviate inflammation given their ability to inhibit the activation of protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, causing a decrease in proinflammatory and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, given their low bioavailability, it is necessary to develop new and more effective strategies for treatment with gingerols. In order to overcome this problem, recent studies have addressed new drug delivery systems containing gingerols. In this review, the immunomodulatory activities of gingerol and its underlying mechanisms of action combined with the contributions of developed nanodrug delivery systems to this activity will be examined.

Herbal Ingredients in the Prevention of Breast Cancer: Comprehensive Review of Potential Molecular Targets and Role of Natural Products.

Among various cancers, breast cancer is the most prevalent type in women throughout the world. Breast cancer treatment is challenging due to complex nature of the etiology of disease. Cell division cycle alterations are often encountered in a variety of cancer types including breast cancer. Common treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy; however, adverse effects and multidrug resistance lead to complications and noncompliance. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for natural products from medicinal plants and foods. This review summarizes molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways in breast cancer and identifies mechanisms by which natural compounds may exert their efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer.

Hypericum olympicum L. recovers DNA damage and prevents MMP-9 activation induced by UVB in human dermal fibroblasts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hypericum olympicum L. (Hypericaceae) flowering aerial parts has been utilized in Turkish folk medicine as a remedy against inflamed skin problems. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to state the effect of H. olympicum on dermatological problems. For this purpose effect of the plant extract on the DNA strand break and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity of human dermal fibroblast (HDFs) cells irradiated with UVB as well as antioxidant activity potential were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanolic extract of Hypericum olympicum (HOM) was prepared by maceration at room temperature. DNA damage and increased MMP-9 activity in HDFs were induced by UVB irradiation. The cell viability was measured by water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST)-1 assay. The effects on DNA strand break was investigated by single gel electrophoresis (commonly known as Comet assay), while MMP-9 activity was observed by gelatin zymography assay. In vitro antioxidant tests were performed to indicate the effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS). The major metabolites were identified and their concentrations were measured by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). RESULTS: HOM was found to recover DNA damage dose-dependently. The enzymatic activity of MMP-9 was inhibited almost 100% by the treatment of 1.5 mg/mL of the extract. It also enhanced cell proliferation in those cells, and also it was shown to possess antioxidant activity. The major metabolites of HOM were identified as chlorogenic acid and quercetin glycosides (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin). CONCLUSION: Experimental studies have proven the traditional use of Hypericum olympicum in inflamed skin problems acting by inhibition of the inflammatory pathway and recovery of DNA damage induced experimentally.