Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of Erica spiculifolia extracts and fractions.

There is little data on the phytochemical/pharmacological properties of Erica spiculifolia Salisb. (syn. Bruckentalia spiculifolia (Salisb.) Rchb.). This study examines the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts and fractions of E. spiculifolia in vitro on isolated rat peritoneal macrophages, in the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema test, BSA test, and two complementary antioxidant assays. Ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and aboveground parts, and petroleum ether, ether, ethyl acetate, and water fractionations of the ethanol extract of E. spiculifolia applied at doses of 50-200 mg/kg p.o. exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity comparable with indomethacin. All tested samples, except for the petroleum ether fraction, exerted excellent in vitro antioxidant activity, and all of them exhibited significant and similar inhibition of BSA denaturation comparable with diclofenac. Ethanolic extract of the aboveground parts obtained by percolation, ethyl acetate and water fractions had the highest efficiency, attenuating inflammation by more than 50% in the lowest applied concentration alongside exceptional radical scavenging activity.

Chemical Composition of Volatiles of Eight Geranium L. Species from Vlasina Plateau (South Eastern Serbia).

Geranium species are widely used in traditional medicine of Balkan. The aim of this work was to investigate and compare chemical composition of volatile fractions obtained by hydrodistillation from aerial parts of G. macrorrhizum, G. phaeum, G. sanguineum, G. robertianum, G. palustre, G. pyrenaicum, G. columbinum and G. lucidum as well as from underground parts of G. macrorrhizum and G. phaeum, originated from Vlasina plateau in South Eastern Serbia. The volatiles were analyzed using GC/MS and GC-FID. G. palustre volatiles have been studied for the first time with ß-selinene (18.6 %) as a characteristic compound. The cluster analysis revealed separation of volatiles into two main groups. Volatile fractions of G. macrorrhizum were separated from all other samples due to high sesquiterpene content (92.3 % in aerial and 94.6 % in underground parts). The volatile fractions of other samples were mainly composed of sesquiterpenes (10.8-61.8 %), diterpenes (12.9-43.0 %) and fatty acids and their derivatives (6.6-21.6 %) with the exception of volatile fraction of G. phaeum underground parts which was dominated only by fatty acids and their derivatives (76.6 %). The results presented in this article contribute to the knowledge on the chemistry of this genus and advances the knowledge on flora of southeast Serbia.

Variations in Chemical Composition, Vasorelaxant and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Seseli pallasii Besser (Apiaceae).

The present paper describes environmental and seasonal-related chemical composition variations, vasorelaxant and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activities of essential oil from aerial parts of Seseli pallasii Besser. The composition was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Monoterpenes were found to be the most abundant chemical class with α-pinene (42.7 - 48.2%) as the most prevalent component. Seseli pallasi essential oil relaxed isolated endothelium-intact mesenteric arteries rings precontracted with phenylephrine with IC50  = 3.10 nl/ml (IC50  = 2.70 µg/ml). Also, S. pallasii essential oil was found to exhibit a dose-dependent ACE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.33 mg/ml. In silico evaluation of ACE inhibitory activity of the individual components showed that spathulenol exhibited the best binding affinity with ACE, and the lowest binding energy of -7.5 kcal/mol. The results suggested that combination of vasorelaxing and ACE inhibitory effects of the analyzed S. pallasii essential oil might have the potential therapeutic significance in hypertension.

Habitat-related variation in composition of the essential oil of Seseli rigidum Waldst. & Kit. (Apiaceae).

Plant specialised metabolites like essential oils are highly variable depending on genetic and various ecological factors. The aim of the present work was to characterise essential oils of the species Seseli rigidum Waldst. & Kit. (Apiaceae) in various organs on the individual and populational levels. Geographical variability and the impact of climate and soil type on essential oil composition were also investigated. Individually sampled essential oils of roots, aerial parts and fruits of plants from seven populations were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The investigated populations showed high interpopulational and especially intrapopulational variability of essential oil composition. In regard to the variability of essential oils, different chemotypes were defined. The essential oils of S. rigidum roots represented a falcarinol chemotype, oils of aerial parts constituted an α-pinene or α-pinene/sabinene chemotype and fruit essential oils can be characterised as belonging to a complex sabinene/α-pinene/ß-phellandrene/falcarinol/germacrene B chemotype. At the species level, analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) showed that the plant part exerted the strongest influence on the composition of essential oils. Climate had a high impact on composition of the essential oils of roots, aerial parts and fruits, while influence of the substrate was less pronounced. The variations in main compounds of essential oils based on climate or substrate were complex and specific to the plant part.

Assessment of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic liver disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In recent years mental health of patients including those with chronic liver disease (CLD), has become interesting because its disturbance leads to reduced quality of life, that is associated with worsening of clinical outcome, reduced compliance and increased mortality. The aim of the study was to determinate the frequency and severity of depression and frequency of anxiety in patients with CLD and to assess the contribution of selected socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory risk factors for depression and anxiety. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we used the Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HARS) in patients with CLD. RESULTS: The study included 54 male and 43 female patients. Depression was present in 62.9%, and anxiety in 13.4% of the patients. A higher HDRS was noted in the patients older than 50 years (p = 0.022) and unemployed patients (p = 0.043). The patients with at least one episode of gastrointestinal bleeding had a significantly higher frequency of anxiety than those without bleeding (p = 0.018). A higher HARS score was present in the women (p = 0.011), unemployed patients (p = 0.008) and those with non-alcoholic liver disease (p = 0.007). There was a significant correlation between the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the value of the HDRS score, and between serum potassium and sodium levels and HDRS score. CONCLUSION: Age and the mean corpuscular volume have significant influence on the HDRS score while unemployment, gastrointestinal bleeding, serum potassium and serum sodium have predictive value for HARS score.

Reticulated platelets and antiplatelet therapy response in diabetic patients.

Increased platelet turnover and high level of reticulated platelets are associated with low response to antiplatelet therapy in diabetes mellitus type 2. This study evaluated association between percentage of reticulated platelets (%RP) and the response to antiplatelet therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This prospective, pilot, case-control, clinical trial included 79 subjects stratified in three groups: group I included 30 patients with T2DM, group II included 34 non-diabetic patients and 15 healthy age and sex matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in control group. Platelet response to clopidogrel and aspirin was assessed by Multiplate(®) aggregometry analyzer. Individual response to dual antiplatelet therapy was estimated by the percentage of decrease in overall platelet aggregability (%DPA) obtained after antiplatelet therapy, calculated by presented formulas: %DPAadp = 100 × (1 - ADP/TRAP) and %DPAaspi = 100 × (1 - ASPI/TRAP). %RP was significantly higher in diabetics, than in non-diabetics, (3.17 ± 1.26 vs. 2.39 ± 1.56; p < 0.05). Significantly lower response to clopidogrel (31.55 ± 13.02 vs. 50.24 ± 11.38; p < 0.001) and aspirin (52.33 ± 22.67 vs. 64.31 ± 16.47; p < 0.05) therapy was observed in diabetics. %RP negatively correlated with response to clopidogrel therapy, but positively with metabolic profile indicators in diabetics (p < 0.05, all). Correlation of %RP with metabolic profile indicators and poor response to antiplatelet therapy suggest that altered metabolic profile can affect platelet turnover in T2DM leading to low responsiveness to antiplatelet therapy in these patients.

Isolated hepatic sarcoidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Although hepatic granulomas occur in 50-65% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis, isolated liver sarcoidosis is rare. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to manifest. The diagnosis is based on a characteristic histopathological finding of liver biopsy. CASE REPORT: We reported a 69-year old man was admitted due to abdominal swelling and abdominal pain. Laboratory studies detected: cholestasis, pancytopenia and elevaton of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Abdominal imaging techniques showed liver cirrhosis, splenomegaly and ascites. The diagnosis of the hepatic sarcoidosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of liver biopsy. The patient was treated with corticosteroids. After 18 months the patient was without any subjective symptoms, and with biochemical and clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: Isolated hepatic sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic or simptomatic patients with hepatosplenomegaly and changes in liver functional tests. Only the timely diagnosis and proper treatment can lead to subjective and objective improvement of patients.

Variability of the root essential oils of Seseli rigidum Waldst. & Kit. (Apiaceae) from different populations in Serbia.

The chemical compositions of the essential oils of seven natural populations of Seseli rigidum were analyzed. The essential-oil yield ranged from 0.16 to 2.09%. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the mean essential-oil yields between the populations, and no significant influence of the climate or soil type on the oil yield was observed. In all 67 analyzed samples, the polyacetylene falcarinol was the main compound, followed by octanal, methyl linoleate, α-muurolene, 3-butylphthalide, falcarinone, muurola-4,10(14)-dien-1ß-ol, ß-sesquiphellandrene, salvial-4(14)-en-1-one, δ-amorphene, spathulenol, and isospathulenol. The principal component analysis (PCA), the canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), and the cluster analysis (CA) revealed differentiation between the populations based on the climate. Three groups of populations were formed; the first group was composed of samples growing in regions with a humid climate, with oils having high falcarinol and low sesquiterpene contents, and the second and third groups comprised samples exposed to semi-arid climate, with oils characterized by a lower falcarinol and higher α-muurolene, δ-amorphene, ß-sesquiphellandrene, and salvial-4(14)-en-1-one contents. The semi-arid populations were divided into two groups, which were distinguished based on the oil contents of sesquiterpenes, falcarinone, and 3-butylphthalide. On the other hand, no clear separation between populations based on the different soil types could be observed.

Validation of the chronic liver disease questionnaire in Serbian patients.

AIM: To translate into Serbian and to investigate the validity of the cross-culturally adapted the chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ). METHODS: The questionnaire was validated in 103 consecutive CLD patients treated between October 2009 and October 2010 at the Clinic for Gastroenterology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade (Serbia). Exclusion criteria were: age < 18 years, psychiatric disorders, acute complications of CLD (acute liver failure, variceal bleeding, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis), hepatic encephalopathy (grade > 2) and liver transplantation. Evaluation of the CLDQ was done based on the following parameters: (1) acceptance is shown by the proportion of missing items; (2) internal reliabilities were assessed for multiple item scales by using Cronbach alpha coefficient; and (3) in order to assess whether the allocation of items in the domain corresponds to their distribution in the original questionnaire (construction validity), an exploratory factor analysis was conducted. Discriminatory validity was determined by comparing the corresponding CLDQ score/sub-score in patients with different severity of the diseases. RESULTS: The Serbian version of CLDQ questionnaire completed 98% patients. Proportion of missing items was 0.06%. The total time needed to fill the questionnaire was ranged from 8 to 15 min. Assistance in completing the questionnaire required 4.8% patients, while 2.9% needed help in reading, and 1.9% involved writing assistance. The mean age of the selected patients was 53.8 ± 12.9 years and 54.4% were men. Average CLDQ score was 4.62 ± 1.11. Cronbach's alpha for the whole scale was 0.93. Reliability for all domains was above 0.70, except for the domain "Activity" (0.49). The exploratory factor analysis model revealed 6 factors with eigenvalue of greater than 1, explaining 69.7% of cumulative variance. The majority of the items (66%) in the Serbian version of the CLDQ presented the highest loading weight in the domain assigned by the CLDQ developers: "Fatigue" (5/5), "Emotional function" (6/8), "Worry" (5/5), "Abdominal symptoms" (0/3), "Activity" (0/3), "Systemic symptoms" (3/5). The scales "Fatigue" and "Worry" fully corresponded to the original. The factor analysis also revealed that the factors "Activity" and "Abdominal symptoms" could not be replicated, and two new domains "Sleep" and "Nutrition" were established. Analysis of the CLDQ score/sub-score distribution according to disease severity demonstrated that patients without cirrhosis had lower total CLDQ score (4.86 ± 1.05) than those with cirrhosis Child's C (4.31 ± 0.97). Statistically significant difference was detected for the domains "Abdominal symptoms" [F (3) = 5.818, P = 0.001] and "Fatigue" [F (3) = 3.39, P = 0.021]. Post hoc analysis revealed that patients with liver cirrhosis Child's C had significantly lower sub-score "Abdominal symptoms" than patients without cirrhosis or liver cirrhosis Child's A or B. For domain "Fatigue", patients with cirrhosis Child's C had significantly lower score, than non-cirrhotic patients. CONCLUSION: The Serbian version of CLDQ is well accepted and represents a valid and reliable instrument in Serbian sample of CLD patients.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of young shoots of the smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria Scop.

In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the young shoots of the smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria Scop., Anacardiaceae. The acetone extract and the derived ethyl acetate fraction effectively inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC 25-200 µg/ml), while the chloroform fraction showed pronounced activity against the yeast Candida albicans (MIC 3.12 µg/ml). The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a significant ferric-reducing ability (10.7 mmol Fe(2+) /g extract), a very high DPPH radical scavenging activity (SC50 = 1.7 µg/ml) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 41.8 µg/ml). High amounts of total phenolics (929.8 mg/g), tannins (833.8 mg/g) and flavonoids (35.5 mg/g) were determined in the ethyl acetate fraction, which also exerted significant anti-inflammatory (76.7%) and cytotoxic effects (IC50 = 15.6 µg/ml).

Anxiety, personality traits and quality of life in functional dyspepsia-suffering patients.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial stressors either acute or more sustained frequently precede the onset and exacerbation of the symptoms of the functional dyspepsia (FD). Depressive mood and quality of life have been already reported for interference in functional dyspepsia suffering patients. METHODS: The examination were performed on 60 FD patients (30 females and 30 males), aged 20-79 years, 60 peptic ulcer subjects and 60 healthy volunteers in which we have investigate levels of anxiety and depression, personality traits and quality of life. RESULT: According to the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales, the population with FD had the average score which classified them into the group of patients with the moderate depression (20.57 ± 4.45). Personality traits estimation based on data obtained by the Eysenck personality questionnaire revealed higher neuroticism scores in the group with functional dyspepsia. Both parameters, level of the neuroticism and anxiety level, expressed highly significant level of mutual concordance. Patients with functional dyspepsia reported a greater adverse impact of symptoms of emotional distress and food and drink problems. CONCLUSION: Results are indicating that the depression and anxiety level is the highest in patients with functional dyspepsia and that anxiety level corroborates with the neuroticism level from the Eysenck scale. Psychological disturbances are influencing the quality of life mostly in patients with dyspepsia in the form of emotional distress and the problem with the food and beverage intake.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of different parts of Seseli rigidum.

The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of the Balkan endemic species Seseli rigidum Waldst. & Kit. (Apiaceae) was investigated. The monoterpene alpha-pinene was predominant in the volatile oil from aerial parts (57.4%) and fruit (23.3%). In the essential oil of the aerial parts limonene (6.7%), camphene (5.8%) and sabinene (5.5%) were also present in high amounts, and in the fruit oil, beta-phellandrene (17.4%) and sabinene (12.9%). On the contrary, the root essential oil was composed almost entirely of the polyacetylene falcarinol (88.8%). The antimicrobial activity of the root essential oil was significant against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecalis (MICs 6.25-25.00 microg/mL). Volatile constituents from the root strongly inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus (MICs 6.25-50.00 microg/mL). Anti-staphylococcal activity can be attributed to the main volatile constituent ofS. rigidum root, falcarinol.

Portal hypertension caused by postoperative superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistula of the superior mesenteric blood vessels is a rare complicaton in abdominal surgery. CASE REPORT: We presented a 49-year-old man with cramp-like abdominal pain, abdominal distension and weight loss symptoms, with a history of previous small bowel resection and right colectomy, due to Crohn disease, 16 years ago. Clinical examination revealed a paraumbilical pulsation with systolic murmur and thrill. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed cystic dilatation of the superior mesenteric vein, hepatomegaly and ascites. Upper endoscopy revealed grade I esophageal varices with portal hypertensive gastropathy. The diagnosis of arteriovenous fistula between superior mesenteric artery and vein was confirmed by angiogram of the superior mesenteric vessels and resection of the fistula was performed. Control examination after nine months showed no signs of portal hypertension. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric blood vessel arteriovenous fistula prevents portal hypertension development and its complications.

[Whipple's disease: a case report].

INTRODUCTION: Whipple's disease is a chronic, multisystem, infectious disease caused by Tropheryma whipplei. It most commonly affects Caucasian males, middle-aged. Morbus Whipple is primarily gastrointestinal disease, manifested as malabsorption syndrome, and diagnosed by endoscopy and intestinal biopsy. Extraintestinal manifestations are not rare. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old male was admitted due to diarrhea, weight loss and weakness in the extremities. Physical examination findings pointed out diffuse hyperpigmentation, pleural effusion and leg edema. Anemia, inflammatory syndrome and malabsorption signs were discovered through laboratory tests. The diagnosis was confirmed by intestinal biopsy. The patient was treated with antibiotic and symptomatic therapy. After 9 months, the patient had no symptoms, and clinical and laboratory findings were regular. CONCLUSION: Whipple's disease is a rare disease. A high degree of clinical suspicion for the disease (malabsorption, arthritis, fever, neurological symptoms) is the most important for diagnosis. Timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy prevent the disease progression and fatal outcome.

Ultrasound measurement of visceral fat in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a progressive, chronic liver disease with elevated serum lipids, but it is unclear whether hyperlipidemia in PBC patients is associated with atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome promotes development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease related to abdominal type obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of our study was to assess abdominal adiposity in patients with PBC. METHODS: The study included 40 patients with PBC and 50 healthy controls. Age, sex and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index and waist circumference) were registered for all patients and controls. We used ultrasonography to measure subcutaneous (SF) and visceral fat (VF) diameter, subcutaneous area (SA) and visceral area (VA), as well as perirenal fat diameter (PF). RESULTS: Values of SF, VF and PF thicknesses in PBC patients were 19.23 +/- 5.85 mm, 10.92 +/- 3.63 mm, and 7.03 +/- 1.82 mm, respectively. In controls these measurements were 22.73 +/- 6.70 mm, 16.84 +/-5.51 mm and 10.50 +/- 2.70 mm respectively. In PBC patients SA and VA were calculated to 983.64 +/- 322.68 mm2 and 403.64 +/- 166.97 mm2 and in controls 1124.89 +/- 366.01 mm2 and 720.57 +/- 272.50 mm2 respectively. Significant difference was found for VF, VA and RF values. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that the amount of visceral fat plays an important role in development of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, we concluded that the lower amount of visceral fat in PBC patients could be related to lower incidence of cardiovascular events, despite hyperlipidemia.

Composition of Satureja kitaibelii essential oil and its antimicrobial activity.

The composition of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Satureja kitaibelii from Rtanj mountain (Serbia), collected during three years, was studied. Thirty-nine components were identified in each sample of S. kitaibelii essential oil, representing about 87% of the oils. p-Cymene was the most dominant compound in all three oils (27.9%, 14.7% and 24.4%, respectively). The simple formulation of a lozenge with 0.2% of S. kitaibelii essential oil was prepared and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and the lozenge with essential oil was tested using a broth microdilution assay. Both essential oil and lozenge possessed strong antimicrobial activity with MIC values of 0.10-25 microg/mL, and 0.97-15.6 mg/mL, respectively.

Laboratory parameters and nutritional status in patients with functional dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: To investigate differences in laboratory markers, nutritional status parameters and eating patterns among newly diagnosed patients with functional dyspepsia. METHOD: The investigation was performed on 180 newly diagnosed patients with functional dyspepsia, aged 20-79, which were referred to the gastroenterology unit of the Clinical and Hospital Center "Bezanijska Kosa" from April to October 2009. Rome II criteria were used for further classification. RESULTS: ANOVA Bonferroni post hoc correction outlined that concentrations of serum magnesium and calcium were significantly lower in subjects with ulcer-like dyspepsia, while vitamin B12, glucose and immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher in group with dismotility-like dyspepsia. Statistical analysis revealed that the numbers of meal taken per day were significantly different. There was a statistical trend to skipping meals and to eat fast in patients with ulcer-like and dismotility-like functional dyspepsia when compared with non-specific dyspeptic subjects. CONCLUSION: Patients with ulcer-like functional dyspepsia suffered from epigastric pain and burning and from heartburn, while persons with dismotility-like dyspepsia were complaining about postprandial fullness, bloating and early satiety. They skipped meals more frequently and avoided intake of certain supplies which, together with eating habits, provoked or emphasized the annoying symptoms.

[Congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia].

BACKGROUND: Congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disease which leads to protein losing enteropathy. Tortuous, dilated lymphatic vessels in the intestinal wall and mesenterium are typical features of the disease. Clinical manifestations include malabsorption, diarrhea, steatorrhea, edema and effusions. Specific diet and medication are required for disease control. CASE REPORT: A 19-year old male patient was hospitalized due to diarrhea, abdominal swelling, weariness and fatigue. Physical examination revealed growth impairment, ascites, and lymphedema of the right hand and forearm. Laboratory assessment indicated iron deficiency anaemia, lymphopenia, malabsorption, inflammatory syndrome, and urinary infection. Enteroscopy and video capsule endoscopy demonstrated dilated lymphatic vessels in the small intestine. The diagnosis was confirmed by intestinal biopsy. The patient was put on high-protein diet containing medium-chain fatty acids, somatotropin and supportive therapy. CONCLUSION: Congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disease, usually diagnosed in childhood. Early recognition of the disease and adequate treatment can prevent development of various complications.

Comparative study of spasmolytic properties, antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Arbutus unedo from Montenegro and Greece.

Arbutus unedo leaf is used traditionally for gastrointestinal complaints. Ethanol extracts from Arbutus unedo collected in both Montenegro (AuM) and Greece (AuG) were found to decrease the ileal basal tonus, with AuG producing a significantly higher (p < 0.05) reduction in contractile response to acetylcholine. AuM and AuG relaxed 80 mM K(+) induced contractions and shifted the Ca(++) concentration-response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil, suggesting that the spasmolytic effect was induced through calcium channel inhibition. The antioxidant activity of AuM and AuG and the phenolic content of the extracts and dry plant material were studied, and both extracts were found to possess considerable antioxidant properties. AuG showed a stronger in vitro antioxidative activity in the DPPH assay and in the TBA test. Polyphenol, tannin and flavonoid levels were higher in AuG, supporting the more potent spasmolytic and antioxidative effects, whereas the arbutin content was higher in dry plant material collected in Montenegro.