Electrospun Nanofibers Encapsulated with Natural Products: A Novel Strategy to Counteract Skin Aging.

The skin is the primary tissue affected by wounds and aging, significantly impacting its protective function. Natural products are widely used in cosmetics, representing a new approach to preventing age-related damage. Nanomedicine combines nanotechnology and traditional treatments to create innovative drugs. The main targets of nanotechnological approaches are wound healing, regeneration, and rejuvenation of skin tissue. The skin barrier is not easily permeable, and the creation of modern nanodevices is a way to improve the passive penetration of substances. In this study, Helichrysum italicum oil (HO) was combined with different types of electrospun nanofibers to study their protective activity on the skin and to evaluate their future application for topical treatments. In the present research, we used biodegradable polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). All results show a positive trend in cell proliferation and viability of human skin stem cells (SSCs) and BJ fibroblasts pre-treated with combined nanofibers and then exposed to UV stress. Gene expression analysis revealed the activation of a molecular rejuvenation program in SSCs treated with functionalized nanofibers before UV exposure. Understanding the mechanisms involved in skin changes during aging allows for the future application of nanomaterials combined with HO directly to the patients.

Waste Citrus limon Leaves as Source of Essential Oil Rich in Limonene and Citral: Chemical Characterization, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties, and Effects on Cancer Cell Viability.

This study investigated chemical composition, cytotoxicity in normal and cancer cells, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil (EO) isolated by hydrodistillation from the discarded leaves of lemon (Citrus limon) plants cultivated in Sardinia (Italy). The volatile chemical composition of lemon leaf EO (LLEO) was analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with flame ionization detection (GC/MS and GC/FID). The most abundant component of LLEO was limonene (260.7 mg/mL), followed by geranial (102.6 mg/mL) and neral (88.3 mg/mL). The antimicrobial activity of LLEO was tested using eight bacterial strains and two types of yeasts by a microdilution broth test. Candida albicans showed the greatest susceptibility (MIC = 0.625 µL/mL) and Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were inhibited at low LLEO concentration (MIC values from 2.5 to 5 µL/mL). The C. limon leaf EO displayed radical scavenging ability (IC50 value of 10.24 mg/mL) in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate (DPPH) assay. Furthermore, the LLEO impact on cell viability was explored by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in cancer HeLa cells, A375 melanoma cell line, normal fibroblasts (3T3 cells), and keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). LLEO, at 24 h of incubation, significantly reduced viability from 25 µM in Hela cells (33% reduction) and A375 cells (27%), greatly affecting cell morphology, whereas this effect was found from 50 µM on 3T3 fibroblasts and keratinocytes. LLEO's pro-oxidant effect was also established in HeLa cells by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay.

Antineoplastic Properties by Proapoptotic Mechanisms Induction of Inula viscosa and Its Sesquiterpene Lactones Tomentosin and Inuviscolide.

Cancer is a complex disease including approximately 200 different entities that can potentially affect all body tissues. Among the conventional treatments, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are most often applied to different types of cancers. Despite substantial advances in the development of innovative antineoplastic drugs, cancer remains one of the most significant causes of death, worldwide. The principal pitfall of successful cancer treatment is the intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapeutic agents. The development of more effective or synergistic therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes and minimize toxicity has become an urgent issue. Inula viscosa is widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Used as a medicinal plant in different countries, I. viscosa has been characterized for its complex chemical composition in order to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for its biological activities, including anticancer effects. Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are natural, biologically active products that have attracted considerable attention due to their biological activities. SLs are alkylating agents that form covalent adducts with free cysteine residues within enzymes and key proteins favoring cancer cell cytotoxicity. They are effective inducers of apoptosis in several cancer cell types through different molecular mechanisms. This review focuses on recent advances in the cytotoxic effects of I. viscosa and SLs in the treatment of neoplastic diseases, with a special emphasis on their proapoptotic molecular mechanisms.

Geographical variation of the chemical composition in essential oils extracted from Sardinian Salvia verbenaca.

Salvia verbenaca is a perennial herbaceous plant well appreciated as medicinal herb which can be found in Mediterranean area, Europe, Africa and Asia. In this study, S. verbenaca flowers and leaves were collected in six different geographical areas of Sardinia (Italy). Information about the variation of the chemical composition of plants grown in different locations were obtained from gas chromatography analysis of the extracted essential oils. Gas chromatography analysis detected 33 compounds, which have been grouped in oxygenated monoterpenes, monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes and other compounds. The chemical composition of each group resulted significantly affected by sampling site in terms of geography and altitude. Concerning the geographical distribution of the detected chemicals, sesquiterpenes were found in considerable amount in three localities, monoterpenes hydrocarbons in two and other compounds were predominant only in one site. Regarding the altitude level, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and other compounds were predominant, respectively, at medium and medium-high altitude.

Tomentosin a Sesquiterpene Lactone Induces Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects in Human Burkitt Lymphoma by Deregulation of Anti- and Pro-Apoptotic Genes.

(1) Tomentosin is the most representative sesquiterpene lactone extracted by I. viscosa. Recently, it has gained particular attention in therapeutic oncologic fields due to its anti-tumor properties. (2) In this study, the potential anticancer features of tomentosin were evaluated on human Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell line, treated with increasing tomentosin concentration for cytotoxicity screening. (3) Our data showed that both cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis induction are responsible of the antiproliferative effects of tomentosin and may end in the inhibition of BL cell viability. Moreover, a microarray gene expression profile was performed to assess differentially expressed genes contributing to tomentosin activity. Seventy-five genes deregulated by tomentosin have been identified. Downregulated genes are enriched in immune-system pathways, and PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT pathways which favor proliferation and growth processes. Importantly, different deregulated genes identified in tomentosin-treated BL cells are prevalent in molecular pathways known to lead to cellular death, specifically by apoptosis. Tomentosin-treatment in BL cells induces the downregulation of antiapoptotic genes such as BCL2A1 and CDKN1A and upregulation of the proapoptotic PMAIP1 gene. (4) Overall, our results suggest that tomentosin could be taken into consideration as a potential natural product with limited toxicity and relevant anti-tumoral activity in the therapeutic options available to BL patients.

Clarifying the molecular mechanism of tomentosin­induced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in human multiple myeloma via gene expression profile and genetic interaction network analysis.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive B cell malignancy. Substantial progress has been made in the therapeutic context for patients with MM, however it still represents an incurable disease due to drug resistance and recurrence. Development of more effective or synergistic therapeutic approaches undoubtedly represents an unmet clinical need. Tomentosin is a bioactive natural sesquiterpene lactone extracted by various plants with therapeutic properties, including anti­neoplastic effects. In the present study, the potential antitumor activity of tomentosin was evaluated on the human RPMI­8226 cell line, treated with increasing tomentosin concentration for cytotoxicity screening. The data suggested that both cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis could explain the antiproliferative effects of tomentosin and may result in the inhibition of RPMI­8226 cell viability. To assess differentially expressed genes contributing to tomentosin activity and identify its mechanism of action, a microarray gene expression profile was performed, identifying 126 genes deregulated by tomentosin. To address the systems biology and identify how tomentosin deregulates gene expression in MM from a systems perspective, all deregulated genes were submitted to enrichment and molecular network analysis. The Protein­Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that tomentosin in human MM induced the downregulation of genes involved in several pathways known to lead immune­system processes, such as cytokine­cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine or NF­κB signaling pathway, as well as genes involved in pathways playing a central role in cellular neoplastic processes, such as growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Tomentosin also induced endoplasmic reticulum stress via upregulation of cyclic AMP­dependent transcription factor ATF­4 and DNA damage­inducible transcript 3 protein genes, suggesting that in the presence of tomentosin the protective unfolded protein response signaling may induce cell apoptosis. The functional connections analysis executed using the Connectivity Map tool, suggested that the effects of tomentosin on RPMI­8226 cells might be similar to those exerted by heat shock proteins inhibitors. Taken together, these data suggested that tomentosin may be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of MM.

Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Characterization of a Non-Polar Extract of Saffron Stamens in Food Matrix.

The production of saffron spice generates large quantities of plant by-products: over 90% of the plant material collected is discarded, and a consideration fraction of this waste is plant stamens. This work investigated the chemical composition and the antimicrobial activities of the non-polar fraction extracted from four different saffron flower stamens. The chemical composition of ethereal extracts of the saffron stamens was qualitatively assessed by means of gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. These analyses revealed ethereal extracts to possess a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content. In vitro antibacterial activity of stamen extracts showed no large differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in terms of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In food matrix microbial analysis of the bacterial strains belonging to the main foodborne pathogen species, including Staphylococcus aureus DSM 20231, Escherichia coli DSM 30083, and Listeria monocytogenes DSM 20600, using low-fat UHT milk, revealed a statistically significant reduction in the number of cells (particularly for E. coli and S. aureus with a complete elimination of the population of the two target bacteria following incubation in diethyl ether extracts of saffron stamen (DES) at high concentrations tested, both at 37 °C and 6 °C (for 48 h and 7 days, respectively). A synergic effect was observed when the pathogens were incubated at 6 °C with DES. This work shows these by-products to be excellent sources of bioactive compounds, which could be exploited in high-added-value products, such as food, cosmetics, and drugs.

Identifying a Role of Red and White Wine Extracts in Counteracting Skin Aging: Effects of Antioxidants on Fibroblast Behavior.

Dermal fibroblasts are the main actor in many proteins' secretion, including collagen, preserving skin function. Free radicals are involved in skin aging and damages involving different cellular components. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) amount and natural antioxidant enzymes negatively affects skin homeostasis. Natural compounds have recently emerged as a potential anti-aging tool in tissue regeneration. In the present paper we evaluated the antioxidant activity of white and red wines, considering their probable use, as raw materials, for the formulation of cosmetic products with anti-aging properties. We studied a method that would allow the removal of the alcoholic fraction of wines and determined their composition by LC-MS analysis. We then tested the possible cytotoxic effects of red and white wines on fibroblasts by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay, and their antioxidant activity by the catalase activity test in stressing conditions. Finally, we evaluated their anti-aging potential through the ß-galactosidase colorimetric assay. Our results showed that wine extracts exhibit a remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging activity, especially on cells exposed to a marked stressful event. These properties could suggest their possible application as cosmetical products for skin regeneration.

Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration in Wound Healing by Phytochemicals: Evidence for a Novel Synergic Outcome.

Wound-healing is a dynamic skin reparative process that results in a sequence of events, including inflammation, proliferation, and migration of different cell types as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in repairing processes, from the late inflammatory phase until the fully final epithelization of the injured tissue. Within this context, identifying tools able to implement cell proliferation and migration could improve tissue regeneration. Recently, plants species from all over the world are coming out as novel tools for therapeutic applications thanks to their phytochemicals, which have antioxidant properties and can promote wound healing. In this paper, we aimed at investigating antioxidant activity of waste extracts from different medicinal plants, endemic of the Mediterranean area, on fibroblast proliferation and wound healing. We determined the amount of total phenols and anti-oxidant activity by ABTS assay. We then evaluated the cytotoxicity of the compounds and the proliferative capabilities of fibroblasts by scratch assay. Our results showed that waste extracts retain antioxidant and regenerative properties, inducing tissue re-establishment after environmental stress exposure. Taken together, our findings suggest that waste material could be used in the future also in combinations to stimulate wound healing processes and antioxidant responses in damaged skin.

Antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of Inula viscosa extract on Burkitt lymphoma cell line.

Burkitt lymphoma is a very aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although remarkable progress has been made in the therapeutic scenario for patients with Burkitt lymphoma, search and development of new effective anticancer agents to improve patient outcome and minimize toxicity has become an urgent issue. In this study, the antitumoral activity of Inula viscosa, a traditional herb obtained from plants collected on the Asinara Island, Italy, was evaluated in order to explore potential antineoplastic effects of its metabolites on Burkitt lymphoma. Raji human cell line was treated with increasing Inula viscosa extract concentration for cytotoxicity screening and subsequent establishment of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, gene expression profiles were performed to identify molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer activities of this medical plant. The Inula viscosa extract exhibited powerful antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities on Raji cell line, showing a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability, obtained by cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and an increase in cell apoptosis. The treatment with Inula viscosa caused downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle and proliferation (c-MYC, CCND1) and inhibition of cell apoptosis (BCL2, BCL2L1, BCL11A). The Inula viscosa extract causes strong anticancer effects on Burkitt lymphoma cell line. The molecular mechanisms underlying such antineoplastic activity are based on targeting and downregulation of genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis. Our data suggest that Inula viscosa natural metabolites should be further exploited as potential antineoplastic agents against Burkitt lymphoma.

Antimicrobial activity of gaseous Citrus limon var pompia leaf essential oil against Listeria monocytogenes on ricotta salata cheese.

Contamination by Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly challenging problem in the food industry due to the ability of the bacterium to develop under conditions normally used for food preservation. Here, we show that the gaseous phase of Citrus limon var pompia leaf essential oil (hereafter PLEO) exerts specific anti-Listeria activity on ricotta salata cheese stored at 5 °C. The synergic effect of gaseous PLEO treatment and refrigeration was first confirmed in vitro on L. monocytogenes strains treated for 3 h with gaseous PLEO and then stored at 5 °C. Ricotta cheese was then inoculated with L. monocytogenes strains and subjected to hurdle technology with different concentrations of gaseous PLEO. Cell counts revealed gaseous PLEO to exert a bactericidal effect on L. monocytogenes 20600 DSMZ and a bacteriostatic effect on a mix of L. monocytogenes strains. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses of L. monocytogenes cells suggested that gaseous PLEO targets the bacterial cell wall and plasma membrane. Chemical analyses of the liquid and vapor phases of PLEO indicated linalyl acetate to be the predominant compound, followed by limonene and the two isomers of citral, whereas EO composition analysis, although generally in line with previous findings, showed the presence of linalyl acetate for the first time. Solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography confirmed the presence of all crude oil components in the headspace of the box.

Myrtus communis Liquor Byproduct as a Source of Bioactive Compounds.

The fatty acid (FA), polyphenol content and evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of exhausted Myrtus communis berries (EMB) resulting from the production of myrtle liqueur were assessed. All parts of the exhausted berries exhibited high concentrations of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and phenolic compounds. The lipid fraction contained a high amount of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mainly represented by linoleic acid (>70%). Of the phenolic acids evaluated by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, ellagic acid was the most predominant (>50%), followed by gallic and quinic acids. Quercetin and quercetin3-O-rhamnoside were the most abundant flavonoids. The seed extracts showed a higher antioxidant potential than the pericarp extracts; the same trend was observed for total phenolic compounds evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. The overall high content of bioactive compounds and the high antioxidant potential of this byproduct sustain its suitability for a number of industrial applications, such as a food ingredient in novel foods, an additive in cosmetic formulations or a component of animal feed formulations.

HPTLC-PCA Complementary to HRMS-PCA in the Case Study of Arbutus unedo Antioxidant Phenolic Profiling.

A comparison between High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out by performing a combined metabolomics study to discriminate Arbutus unedo (A. unedo) plants. For a rapid digital record of A. unedo extracts (leaves, yellow fruit, and red fruit collected in La Maddalena and Sassari, Sardinia), HPTLC was used. Data were then analysed by PCA with the results of the ability of this technique to discriminate samples. Similarly, extracts were acquired by non-targeted LC-HRMS followed by unsupervised PCA, and then by LC-HRMS (MS) to identify secondary metabolites involved in the differentiation of the samples. As a result, we demonstrated that HPTLC may be applied as a simple and reliable untargeted approach to rapidly discriminate extracts based on tissues and/or geographical origins, while LC-HRMS could be used to identify which metabolites are able to discriminate samples.

Isolation and characterization of microorganisms and volatiles associated with Moroccan saffron during different processing treatments.

Saffron may be spoiled by a variety of microorganisms during cultivation, harvesting, and post harvesting. As saffron can be dried and stored in different ways, this preliminary study explored the natural microbiota present in Moroccan saffron when subjected to different drying techniques. An analysis of the carotenoid-derived volatiles present in the saffron was also carried out. The culturable microbiota of the saffron samples dried using different methods, namely in the shade (also called natural), in the sun, or in the oven, were studied using classical and molecular approaches. The effect of the drying methods on head-space chemical volatiles was also determined. Eighty-two isolates grown in the different culture media were chosen from the colonies, and genotype analysis grouped the microorganisms into 58 clusters, revealing a wide diversity. Out of the 82 isolates, 75 belonged to the Bacillaceae family. The other isolates were distributed within the Dietziaceae, Paenibacillaceae and Carnobacteriaceae families. The dominant species was Bacillus simplex, which was detected in all samples, regardless of the drying method used. Lysinibacillus macroides was dominant in the sun-dried saffron. No pathogens were isolated, but an isolate belonging to Dietzia maris, a potential human pathogenic species, was detected. The biodiversity indexes were linked to the drying method and generally decreased as the intensity of the treatment increased. The results of this preliminary work show that the different drying methods strongly influenced the microbiota and affect the saffron volatile profile. Further analysis will be needed to determine possible effects of selected microbiota on saffron volatiles.

Effect of NaHCO3 treatments on the activity of cell-wall-degrading enzymes produced by Penicillium digitatum during the pathogenesis process on grapefruit.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to clarify the strategies of Penicillium digitatum during pathogenesis on citrus, assessing, on albedo plugs, the effects of treatment with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ), at two different pH values (5 and 8.3), on cell-wall-degrading enzyme activity over a period of 72 h. RESULTS: Treatment with NaHCO3 , under alkaline pH, delayed the polygalacturonase activity for 72 h, or 48 h in the case of the pectin lyase, compared with the control or the same treatment at pH 5. In contrast, pectin methyl esterase activity rapidly increased after 24 h, in plugs dipped in the same solution. In this case, the activity remained higher than untreated or pH 5-treated plugs up to 72 h. CONCLUSION: The rapid increase in pectin methyl esterase activity under alkaline conditions is presumably the strategy of the pathogen to lower the pH, soon after the initiation of infection, in order to restore an optimal environment for the subsequent polygalacturonase and pectin lyase action. In fact, at the same time, a low pH delayed the enzymatic activity of polygalacturonase and pectin lyase, the two enzymes that actually cleave the α-1,4-linkages between the galacturonic acid residues. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidants from a Mediterranean garland harvested at two stages of maturity.

Chrysanthemum coronarium L. (garland) is an herbaceous plant rich in bioactive compounds. The chemical composition, bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of a Mediterranean garland population were investigated in different organs at two phenological stages. Antioxidant capacity varied from 7.9 (vegetative) to 14.4 (flowering) mmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g-1 dry weight (DW). A significant correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolics and total flavonoids was found at flowering stage. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid reached a maximum of 4.7 µg g-1 DW in leaves; flowers were high in luteolin (2.37 µg g-1 DW), whereas leaves showed a remarkable content of rutin (1.78 µg g-1 DW). Results highlight differences in bioactive compound levels and antioxidant capacity related to plant stages and organs. This research provides new insights into antioxidant activities and chemistry of garland, in view of its exploitation in areas of fodder resources, functional foods and natural antioxidants.

Acclimatization study of Tagetes lucida L. in Egypt and the chemical characterization of its essential oils.

Seeds of Tagetes lucida were imported to Egypt from Canada and propagated under greenhouse conditions in peat moss media. Soil was sandy in texture and the irrigation system was dripping irrigation. The growth parameters were determined at five successive plant ages, fresh and dry weights of herb were determined at three successive plant ages. The yield of aerial parts after 175 days, was about 7.5 Mg/ha. The essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydro-distillation for three hours with a yield of about 0.5% (w/v). The EO of each sample was subjected to gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses to study the chemical composition. The main component of the EO was identified as methyl chavicol which matched over 90% of the whole composition. Chlorophyll a and carotenes increased with increasing plant age in both sites and seasons. Flavonoids decreased with the development of plant age, while the opposite was true with coumarines content.

Metabolomic study of wild and cultivated caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from different areas of Sardinia and their comparative evaluation.

Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae), also known as caper, is widely known for its very aromatic flower buds (capers),that are largely employed as a flavouring in cooking. Capparis species are regarded as a potential source of important bioactive compounds, in fact, due to their botanical relationship with Brassica species; they contain glucosinolates, secondary plant metabolites, that have been studied for their potential anticarcinogenic properties. In addition, the presence of other numerous beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, alkaloids, lipids, vitamins and minerals have been reported. The aim of this study was to individuate and determinate the principal bioactive compounds occurring in different part (leaves, buds and flowers) of wild and cultivated C. spinosa collected from different area of Sardinia (Italy). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry methods were used for identification and simultaneous determination of 27 bioactive molecules. Analysis of different samples revealed qualitative and quantitative differences in the content of flavonoids, glucosinolates, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. In particular, glucocapparin resulted the most abundant with values ranging from 112 to 364 mg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW); followed by rutin with highest value of 126 mg/100 g FW, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin with highest value of 42 mg/100 g FW and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside with highest value of 24 mg/100 g FW. Based on this metabolomic targeted approach, quantitative results were treated by principal component analysis to explore and visualise correlation and discrimination among collections of C. spinosa samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Profiling and Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Anthocyanins in Wild Myrtus communis L. Berries from Different Geographical Areas in Sardinia and their Comparative Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) is a self-seeded shrub, widespread in Sardinia, with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic and balsamic properties. Its berries, employed for the production of sweet myrtle liqueur, are characterised by a high content of bioactive polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins. Anthocyanin composition is quite specific for vegetables/fruits and can be used as a fingerprint to determine the authenticity, geographical origin and quality of raw materials, products and extracts. OBJECTIVE: To rapidly analyse and determine anthocyanins in 17 samples of Myrtus communis berries by developing a platform based on the integration of UHPLC-MS/MS quantitative data and multivariate analysis with the aim of extracting the most information possible from the data. METHODOLOGY: UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS methods, working in positive ion mode, were performed for the detection and determination of target compounds in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Optimal chromatographic conditions were achieved using an XSelect HSS T3 column and a gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the quantitative data to correlate and discriminate 17 geographical collections of Myrtus communis. RESULTS: The developed quantitative method was reliable, sensitive and specific and was successfully applied to the quantification of 17 anthocyanins. Peonidin-3-O-glucoside was the most abundant compound in all the extracts investigated. CONCLUSION: The developed methodology allows the identification of quali-quantitative differences among M. communis samples and thus defines the quality and value of this raw material for marketed products. Moreover, the reported data have an immediate commercial value due to the current interest in developing antioxidant nutraceuticals from Mediterranean plants, including Sardinian Myrtus communis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An Hydroalcoholic Chamomile Extract Modulates Inflammatory and Immune Response in HT29 Cells and Isolated Rat Colon.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders characterized by disruption and ulceration of the colonic mucosa or of any part of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease). Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory herbal extract supplementation could represent an innovative approach to contrast IBDs. Clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of natural formulas, containing chamomile, in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. This is consistent, albeit in part, with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible protective role of a chamomile extract, on human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT29 cell, and rat colon specimens treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory stimulus, a well established model of acute ulcerative colitis. In this context, the activities of different biomarkers of inflammation and lipid peroxidation such as ROS, myeloperoxidase (MPO), serotonin (5-HT), prostaglandin (PG)E2 , 8-iso-prostaglandin (8-iso-PG)F2α , NF-kB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)-6 were assessed. We found that chamomile extract was as effective as sulfasalazine (2 mg/ml) in reducing the production of MPO, 5-HT, IL-6, NF-kB, TNFα, PGE2 and 8-iso-PGF2α , after inflammatory stimulus. The observed modulatory effects support a rationale use of chamomile supplementation as a promising pharmacological tool for the prevention and management of ulcerative colitis in humans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.