In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Fruit and Flower Extracts.

Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra, SN) or black elder is a traditional medicinal plant widely used worldwide for therapeutic and dietary purposes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of black elder fruit and flower extracts (SNFrE and SNFlE, respectively). The primary polyphenol constituents in the flower extract were flavonoids and phenolic acids, while anthocyanins were the main components in the fruit extract. SNFrE revealed pronounced and dose-dependent in vivo anti-inflammatory activity assessed by the cotton pellet-induced granuloma test. Doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW of SNFrE reduced the weight of induced granuloma in rats by 20.3%, 20.5%, and 28.4%, respectively. At the highest dose (50 mg/kg BW), SNFrE had significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of diclofenac, the reference compound used (10 mg/kg BW). In addition, the in vivo antinociceptive activity of the extracts in mice was estimated using the acetic-acid-induced writhing test. Both extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg BW inhibited the abdominal contractions induced by the acetic acid significantly comparing to the control group (p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that black elder extracts and particularly SNFrE possess anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, providing experimental evidence for the use of S. nigra in traditional medicine.

Marrubium vulgare Extract Improves Spatial Working Memory and Oxidative Stress Damage in Scopolamine-Treated Rats.

Background: The cholinergic neuronal loss in the basal forebrain and increasing brain oxidative stress are one of the main features of the brain suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Marrubium vulgare (M. vulgare), commonly known as 'white horehound,' possesses a variety of valuable properties, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Moreover, it possesses neuromodulatory properties that could potentially impact short-term memory functions. Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the preventive effects of water M. vulgare extract on working memory, cholinergic neurotransmission, and oxidative stress in rats with scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia. Methods: Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into four experimental groups. The plant extract was administered orally for 21 days, and Sco (2 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 11 consecutive days. The behavioral performance of the animals was evaluated by the T-maze test. The effect of the extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant status in cortex and hippocampus were also monitored. Results: Our experimental data revealed that treatment with M. vulgare significantly increased the percentage of correct choices of rats with Sco-induced dementia in the T maze test (by 38%, p < 0.05). Additionally, it reduced AChE activity in the hippocampus (by 20%, p < 0.05) and alleviated oxidative stress induced by Sco, particularly in the cortex. Conclusions: M. vulgare water extract demonstrated working memory preserving effect in rats with Sco-induced dementia, AChE inhibitory activity and in vivo antioxidant potential, and deserve further attention.

Anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant activities of Satureja montana dry extract.

INTRODUCTION: Many chronic somatic and psychiatric diseases are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which have detrimental effects on human health.

Extracts of Sideritis scardica and Clinopodium vulgare Alleviate Cognitive Impairments in Scopolamine-Induced Rat Dementia.

Sideritis scardica Griseb. and Clinopodium vulgare L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family, are rich in terpenoids and phenolics and exhibit various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. While the memory-enhancing impacts of S. scardica are well documented, the cognitive benefits of C. vulgare remain unexplored. This study assessed the potential effect of C. vulgare on learning and memory in healthy and scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory-impaired male Wistar rats, comparing it with the effects of S. scardica. Over a 21-day period, rats orally received extracts of cultivated S. scardica (200 mg/kg) and C. vulgare (100 mg/kg), either individually or in combination, with administration starting 10 days before and continuing 11 days simultaneously with Sco injection at a dose of 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The results showed that both extracts effectively mitigated Sco-induced memory impairment. Their combination significantly improved recognition memory and maintained monoaminergic function. S. scardica excelled in preserving spatial working memory, while C. vulgare exhibited comparable retention of recognition memory, robust antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The extracts alleviated Sco-induced downregulation of p-CREB/BDNF signaling, suggesting neuroprotective mechanisms. The extract combination positively affected most of the Sco-induced impairments, underscoring the potential for further investigation of these extracts for therapeutic development.

Antioxidant and Antitumor Potential of Micropropagated Balkan Endemic Sideritis scardica Griseb.

Sideritis scardica Griseb. is a critically endangered Balkan endemic species, known for its antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to detail an efficient protocol for the micropropagation of S. scardica. In vitro cultures were initiated from the shoot tips of 40 days-old in vivo seedlings and the effects of different plant growth regulator treatments were examined. A Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium (MS) containing 1 mg/L zeatin and 0.1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) proved to be the most efficient for shoot multiplication as it produced quality, vigorous shoots with a mean number of six shoots per explant. For the first time, the antioxidant and antitumor activities of extracts from in vitro-obtained plants were evaluated. In vitro cultivated plants grown in the field revealed a higher total polyphenol content (3929.1 ± 112.2 mg GAE/100 g vs. 3563.5 ± 52.8 mg GAE/100 g) and higher ORAC antioxidant activity (1211.6 ± 27.3 µmol TE/g vs. 939.9 ± 52.4 µmol TE/g) than in situ cultivated plants. A comparison of the antitumor activities of extracts from in vitro propagated shoots, field-grown in vitro-obtained plants and in situ plants on HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma), HT-29 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) human cancer cell lines showed that in vitro propagated shoots had a significant concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on the cervical adenocarcinoma cell line HeLa, while the field-grown in vitro-obtained and in situ-collected samples induced the highest reduction in the viability of the mammary carcinoma cell line MCF-7. In both cases, the cells of the control non-tumor cell line, BALB/3T3, were significantly less affected. The results showed that the in vitro multiplication protocol ensured the obtainment of numerous plants with antioxidant and antitumor potential.

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Acute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum vulgare L. Essential Oil.

Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) is a plant with medicinal properties that has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anthelmintic, antispasmodic, and choleretic effects, for the treatment of diarrhea and digestive problems, and externally, as an insecticide in veterinary practices. In the current study, we investigated, for the first time, the chemical profile and antioxidant activity of essential oil from a wild population of T. vulgare L. growing in Bulgaria. Common tansy essential oil (EO), which is rich in bicyclic monoterpenes, was obtained using hydrodistillation and characterized by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-seven compounds were identified in Bulgarian tansy EO. Among the major constituents were oxygenated monoterpenes, including compounds such as camphor (25.24%), trans-chrysantenyl acetate (18.35%), cis-verbenol (10.58%), thujone (6.06%), eucaliptol (5.99%), and α-campholenal (5.98%). The analysis results identified the essential oil from T. vulgare L. grown in the western Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria as the camphor chemotype. Furthermore, its antioxidant activity was analyzed using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method and was found to be 605.4 ± 49.3 µmol TE/mL. The essential oil was also tested for single-dose acute toxicity on Wistar rats and was found to be non-toxic by oral administration. The mean lethal dose by intraperitoneal administration was LD50 i.p. = 14.9 g/kg body weight. The results of the conducted study can serve as a basis for the evaluation and subsequent exploration of other pharmacotherapeutic effects of the essential oil obtained from the inflorescences of the Bulgarian species T. vulgare L.

Biologically Active Compounds from Probiotic Microorganisms and Plant Extracts Used as Biopreservatives.

Ensuring the microbiological safety of food products is a pressing global concern. With the increasing resistance of microorganisms to chemical agents and the declining effectiveness of synthetic preservatives, there is a growing need for alternative sources of natural, bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of probiotics and plant extracts into food formulations not only enriches foodstuffs with microorganisms and phytochemicals with biologically active compounds, but also provides a means for product preservation. The current review considers the importance of the process of biological preservation for providing safe foods with high biological value, natural origin and composition, and prolonged shelf life, thereby improving consumers' quality of life. To accomplish this goal, this review presents a series of examples showcasing natural preservatives, including beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and their metabolites, as well as phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and alkaloids from plant extracts. By summarizing numerous studies, identifying research challenges and regulatory barriers for their wider use, and outlining future directions for investigation, this article makes an original contribution to the field of biopreservation.

Phytochemical Characterization of Purple Coneflower Roots (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.) and Their Extracts.

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has a wide range of applications mainly in the treatment and prevention of inflammations in the respiratory system. The current study aimed to perform a phytochemical characterization of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) roots and their extracts (water, 40%, 50%, 60% ethanol, and 60% glycerol). Phytochemical characterization was carried out by gravimetric, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic methods. Echinacea roots were characterized by a low lipid (0.8%) content. In contrast, carbohydrates (45%) and proteins (20%) occupied a large part of the dry matter. Amongst the extracts, the highest yield was obtained using water as a solvent (53%). Water extract was rich in protein and carbohydrates as fructans (inulin) were the most abundant carbohydrate constituent. The most exhaustive recovery of the phenolic components was conducted by extraction with 40% ethanol and 60% glycerol. It was found that water is the most suitable extractant for obtaining a polysaccharide-containing complex (PSC) (8.87%). PSC was composed mainly of fructans (inulin) and proteins with different molecular weight distributions. The yield of PSC decreased with an increasing ethanol concentration (40% > 50% > 60%) but the lowest yield was obtained from 60% glycerol extract. The obtained results showed that Echinacea roots contained a large amount of biologically active substances-phenolic components and polysaccharides and that glycerol was equally efficient to ethanol in extracting caffeic acid derivatives from purple coneflower roots. The data can be used for the preparation of extracts having different compositions and thus easily be incorporated into commercial products.

Antitumor and Antioxidant Activities of In Vitro Cultivated and Wild-Growing Clinopodium vulgare L. Plants.

Clinopodium vulgare L. is a valuable medicinal plant used for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and wound-healing properties. The present study describes an efficient protocol for the micropropagation of C. vulgare and compares, for the first time, the chemical content and composition and antitumor and antioxidant activities of extracts from in vitro cultivated and wild-growing plants. The best nutrient medium was found to be Murashige and Skoog (MS) supplemented with 1 mg/L BAP and 0.1 IBA mg/L, yielding on average 6.9 shoots per nodal segment. Flower aqueous extracts from in vitro plants had higher total polyphenol content (29,927.6 ± 592.1 mg/100 g vs. 27,292.8 ± 85.3 mg/100 g) and ORAC antioxidant activity (7281.3 ± 82.9 µmol TE/g vs. 7246.3 ± 62.4 µmol TE/g) compared to the flowers of wild plants. HPLC detected qualitative and quantitative differences in phenolic constituents between the in vitro cultivated and wild-growing plants' extracts. Rosmarinic acid was the major phenolic constituent, being accumulated mainly in leaves, while neochlorogenic acid was a major compound in the flowers of cultivated plants. Catechin was found only in cultivated plants, but not in wild plants or cultivated plants' stems. Aqueous extracts of both cultivated and wild plants showed significant in vitro antitumor activity against human HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma), HT-29 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines. The best cytotoxic activity against most of the cancer cell lines, combined with the least detrimental effects on a non-tumor human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), was shown by the leaf (250 µg/mL) and flower (500 µg/mL) extracts of cultivated plants, making cultivated plants a valuable source of bioactive compounds and a suitable candidate for anticancer therapy.

Subcritical Water Extraction of Rosmarinic Acid from Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and Its Effect on Plant Cell Wall Constituents.

Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, is a potent radical scavenger, a chelator of prooxidant ions, and an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. RA-containing extracts are widely used natural antioxidants in food products, and many herbal preparations and food supplements, containing RA, are marketed with claims of beneficial health effects. The current study investigated the effectiveness of subcritical water extraction (SWE) for the recovery of RA from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), as a "green" alternative to conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction. Different durations (10 min and 20 min) and extraction temperatures (100 °C and 150 °C) were applied. Subcritical water applied at a temperature of 100 °C was equally efficient as 50% ethanol in extracting RA. However, the further elevation of temperature to 150 °C decreased RA content by up to 20% due to thermal degradation. The content of RA in dried extracts was between 2.36% and 5.55% and the higher temperature of SWE increased extract yield by up to 41%. The higher extraction yield resulted from the degradation of plant material by subcritical water as evidenced by the increased extraction and degradation of proteins, pectin, and cellulose. These results reveal that SWE is an efficient technology for the extraction of RA and other antioxidants from lemon balm at reduced extraction time and without the use of toxic organic solvents. Furthermore, by modification of SWE conditions, dry extracts with different purity and content of RA are obtained. These extracts could be used in the food industry as food antioxidants, or in the development of food supplements and functional foods.

Effects of Sideritis scardica Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common types of dementia worldwide, mostly affects the cholinergic neurotransmitter system and, to a lesser extent, the monoaminergic one. The antioxidant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and triple monoamine reuptake inhibitory activity of Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) and other Sideritis species has already been reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of S. scardica water extracts on the learning and memory processes, anxiety-like behavior, and locomotor activities in scopolamine (Sco)-induced dementia in mice. METHODS: Male Albino IRC mice were used. The plant extract was administered for 11 consecutive days in the presence or absence of Sco (1 mg/kg, i.p). The behavioural performance of the animals was evaluated by passive avoidance, T-maze, and hole-board tests. The effects of extract on AChE activity, brain noradrenalin (NA), and serotonin (Sero) content, and antioxidant status were also monitored. RESULTS: Our experimental data revealed that the S. scardica water extract caused a reduction in degree of memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviour in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia. The extract did not affect changed by the Sco AChE activity but impact reduced brain NA and Sero levels and demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity. In healthy mice we did not confirm the presence of anxiolytic-like and AChE inhibitory effects of the S. scardica water extract. The extract did not change the control Sero brain levels and reduce those of NA. CONCLUSION: S. scardica water extract demonstrated memory preserving effect in mice with scopolamine-induced dementia and deserve further attention.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Fat Content, Fatty Acids, Antioxidants and Oxidative Stability of Almonds, and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Study of Treated Nuts.

Gamma irradiation has been applied as an efficient and inexpensive method for the sterilization of nuts for years. However, along with the benefits of such treatment, negative effects are possible because of the formation of reactive oxygen species with a toxic effect on important biologically active substances. Because of the scarce and contradictory information in the literature about gamma-irradiated almonds, the aim of our work was the examination of the lipid changes, antioxidant activity, and oxidative stability of almonds treated by 10 and 25 kGy gamma rays, as well as changes in intensity of the EPR spectra as an indicator for the stability of radiation-induced free radicals. The results revealed no significant differences in the EPR spectra of almonds treated at 10 and 25 kGy doses, neither in their intensity nor in kinetic behaviour. The EPR signals decayed exponentially over 250 days, with a decreasing of central line by 90%, with satellite lines by about 73%. No significant changes in the fat content, fatty acids composition, and acid value of irradiated almonds were observed. However, the amount of (alpha)tocopherols decreased from 292 to 175 mg/kg, whereas the conjugated dienes and trienes increased, K232 from 1.3 to 3 and K268 from 0.04 to 0.15, respectively, with the increasing of irradiation dose. The same was observed for total polyphenols in defatted almonds (1374 to 1520 mg/100 g), where in vitro antioxidant activity determined by ORAC and HORAC methods increased from 100 to 156 µmol TE/g and from 61 to 86 µmol GAE/g, respectively. The oxidative stability of oil decreased from 6 to 4 h at 120 °C and from 24.6 to 18.6 h at 100 °C (measured by Rancimat equipment). The kinetic parameters characterizing the oxidative stability of oil from 10 kGy irradiated almonds were studied before and after addition of different concentrations of ascorbyl palmitate as a synergist of tocopherols. Its effectiveness was concentration-dependent, and 0.75 mM ensured the same induction period as that of non-irradiated nut oil. Further enrichment with alpha-tocopherol in equimolar ratio with palmitate did not improve the oil stability. In conclusion, gamma irradiation is an appropriate method for the treatment of almonds without significant changes in fat content and fatty acids composition. The decreasing of oxidative stability after higher irradiation could be prevented by the addition of ascorbyl palmitate.

Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer.

Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory activities and effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. MP-PSC was obtained by boiling water, and PSs were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulatory effects on blood and derived neutrophils, other leukocytes, and murine macrophages were studied by flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA. The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by ß-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and ß-D-glucomannan. MP-PSC (200 µg/mL) increased the number of CD14+ monocyte cells in the blood, after ex vivo incubation for 24 h. It dose-dependently (50-200 µg/mL) activated the spontaneous oxidative burst of whole blood phagocytes, NO, and interleukin 6 productions in RAW264.7 cells. MP-PSC exhibited a low antioxidant activity and failed to suppress the oxidative burst and NO generation, induced by inflammatory agents. It (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures and hindered the growth and biofilm development of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. MP PSs can be included in synbiotics to test their immunostimulating effects on compromised immune systems and gut health.

A jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed cake extracts express hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced toxicity in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of jojoba seed cake extracts against an acute paracetamol (PC) intoxication. Two aqueous extracts from jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) seed cake, a simmondsin-rich extract (WE), and a simmondsin-hydrolyzed extract (NE) using Viscozyme L enzyme have been prepared and characterized. After enzyme treatment, simmondsin content decreased from 33.0 % to 3.0 % and glucose content increased from 16.2 % to 27.3 % reflecting simmondsin hydrolysis. Both extracts were administered to different rat groups via gavage (0.6 g/kg b.w.) before PC treatment (2 g/kg b.w.) three times a week for 3 weeks. The PC intoxication altered the serum biomarkers, the oxidative status, and the Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions of tested animals. In addition, the histological analysis of liver tissues proved significant injury and hepatocellular necrosis. WE and NE extract showed a relatively high in vitro radical scavenging (ORAC) and averting activities (HORAC) with a polyphenol content of 3.6 % and 2.9 %, respectively. Both extracts showed a powerful in vivo hepatoprotective activity against PC-induced toxicity by improving the hepatocellular antioxidant status and blocking proteins expression (TNF-α, Bax and Bcl-2), involved in inflammation and liver damage. However, the enzymatic treatment improved the hepatoprotective activity of NE despite its lower simmondsin content and lower in vitro antioxidant capacity. This enhancement could be linked to the synergetic effect between the antioxidant components and the new hydrolytic products as glucose, uronic acids, arabinose and simmondsin-aglycons. These results suggest that jojoba waste could be potentially valorized in developing hepatoprotective drugs.

Nutrient Constituents, Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Properties of Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.) Fruits.

The current study aimed to determine the major and minor nutritional constituents of Sorbus domestica L. fruits. It was revealed that palmitic acid was the most commonly occurring saturated fatty acid, while linoleic acid represented the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. The sterol fraction consisted mainly of ß-sitosterol. Small amounts of lipophilic pigments were quantified. Potassium, iron, and boron were the most abundant macro-, micro-, and ultra-trace elements. The amino acid composition analysis suggested that the non-essential amino acids predominated over the essential ones. Soluble sugars (fructose and glucose) represented a large part of the total carbohydrate content, but pectin formed the major part of polysaccharides. Malic acid was the most abundant organic acid whereas quercetin-3-ß-glucoside, neochlorogenic, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolic constituents. Fruits exhibited free-radical scavenging and protecting ability against peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. Service tree fruits provided valuable bioactive constituents having a high nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Incorporation of quinoa seeds accessions in instant noodles improves their textural and quality characteristics.

The instant noodles were prepared with incorporation of two Egyptian quinoa seeds accessions to assess the impact of adding quinoa on cooking quality, texture properties, and organoleptic characteristics of instant noodles. Two groups of instant noodles were formulated with substituting wheat flour (72% extract) by quinoa seeds flour from red-colored SHAMS 17-2 and non-colored SHAMS 16 accessions at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (w/w). The physicochemical and functional properties were determined as well as FTIR analysis was carried out. The results showed that incorporation of 10-30% quinoa seeds flour (w/w) in wheat-flour increased total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, textural parameters, and cooking qualities without influencing the overall acceptability and instrumental color of noodles. The addition of quinoa flour donated to rapid rehydration, advanced cooking loss, water absorption, and amplified porosity. Besides, noodles with 50% of SHAMS 17-2 or SHAMS 16 shifted the FTIR spectrum of each amid in a noodle model, confirming that the phyto-complexes of quinoa seeds interacted with glutenins and/or gliadins amides of wheat flour, thus altering noodles properties. In conclusion, this work provided evidence that the red-colored quinoa seeds might be expended as a partial-ingredient for wheat-flour during instant noodles manufacturing.

Aronia melanocarpa Fruit Juice Modulates ACE2 Immunoexpression and Diminishes Age-Related Remodeling of Coronary Arteries in Rats.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMJ) supplementation on age-related coronary arteries remodeled in aged rat hearts. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups: (1) young controls (CY), aged 2 months, without AMJ supplementation; (2) old controls (CO), aged 27 months, without AMJ supplementation; and (3) the AMJ group (A), which used 27-month old animals, supplemented orally with AMJ for 105 days. AMJ supplementation did not influence the wall-to-diameter parameter (Kernohan index) of the coronary arteries of test animals. Aged rats supplemented with AMJ showed a significant decrease in the amount of collagen fibers in their coronary tunica media, as compared with the old controls. The intensity of the immunoreaction for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in the coronary tunica media was significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the old controls. The intensity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) immunoreaction in the coronary tunica media of the supplemented group was significantly higher than the one observed in the old controls. These results indicate the positive effects of AMJ supplementation on the age-dependent remodeling of coronary arteries and support for the preventive potential of antioxidant-rich functional food supplementation in age-related diseases.

Structural characterization of polysaccharides from Geranium sanguineum L. and their immunomodulatory effects in response to inflammatory agents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Geranium sanguineum L. is used for treatment of inflammations, anemia, malignant diseases of the blood-forming organs, diarrhea, respiratory infections, etc. Only flavonoids in root extracts have been elucidated as immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory compounds, and polysaccharides in the herb have not been examined. AIM OF THE STUDY: to compare the chemical features of polysaccharide complexes (PSCs) from leaves (GSL-PSC) and roots (GSR-PSC) of G. sanguineum, as well as their immunomodulatory activities on leukocytes after inflammation, and effects on the growth of different bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were isolated by water extraction and their structural features were studied by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The stimulatory effects of both PSCs on human leukocytes were analyzed with flow cytometry. Their suppressive activities on the oxidative burst in blood and derived neutrophils against opsonized zymosan and phorbol myristate acetate were investigated. The effects of the samples on viability, NO and interleukin 6 (IL-6) syntheses in RAW264.7 cells after inflammation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were tested. The prebiotic and anti-biofilm activities of the PSCs were evaluated. RESULTS: The total carbohydrate content in the samples was significant (73.6-76.8%). GSL-PSC contained pectins, which were rich in homogalacturonan (HG), and smaller amounts of rhamnogalacturonan (RG) type I, decorated by 1,5-α-L-Araf, 1,4- and 1,6-ß-D-Galp chains. GSR-PSC contained starch, followed by pectins with lower HG content and more RG-I regions, substituted by 1 â†’ 3,5-α-L-arabinans and 1 â†’ 3,6-ß-D-galactans. GSL-PSC and GSR-PSC (200 µg/mL) increased monocyte and granulocyte cell counts, but GSR-PSC also elevated T helper and B cell levels in a normal and activated state. GSR-PSC triggered a dose-dependent (50-200 µg/mL) oxidative burst in blood, but alleviated it after inflammation even in blood-derived neutrophils. It was free of LPS, and activated NO and IL-6 productions in RAW264.7 cells better than GSL-PSC, without affecting their viability. Both PSCs (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures between Clostridium beijerinckii strains and Lactobacillus sp. ZK9, and inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. CONCLUSIONS: The PSs in G. sanguineum could be involved in the stimulatory effects on blood-forming organs and anti-inflammatory action of aqueous root extracts in case of infections. These PSs should be included in synbiotic foods to support the treatment of inflammations and infections in the gut.

Influence of Gamma Irradiation on Different Phytochemical Constituents of Dried Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Fruits.

Gamma irradiation is efficiently applied to many foods, but nevertheless there is a distinct lack of information about the changes of macro- and micronutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, and phenolics) in dried rose hip (RH) fruits. Therefore, in this study, for the first time, the effect of gamma irradiation (10 and 25 kGy) on RH constituents is investigated. Different analytical techniques (GC-FID, HPLC-UV, HPSEC-RID, IR-FT, and SEM) are employed to examine this effect. The irradiation treatment (10 kGy) increased the glucose content by 30% and released cellobiose from RH fruits, thus revealing cellulose destruction. The extractability of total uronic acids increased from 51% (control) to 70.5% (25 kGy-irradiated), resulting in a higher pectin yield (10.8% < 12.8% < 13.4%) and molecular heterogeneity. Moreover, de-esterification was not a major effect of the irradiation-induced degradation of pectin. The sample exposure to the highest dose did not change the content of total carotenoids, ß-carotene, and (un)saturated fatty acids, but it affected the tocopherols levels. Gamma rays had a negligible effect on the phenolic constituents and did not affect ORAC and HORAC antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it can be compromised that the exposition of dried RH is safe and can be successfully applied to decontaminate fruits without affecting their nutritional value and biological activity.

Addition of Medicinal Plants Increases Antioxidant Activity, Color, and Anthocyanin Stability of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Functional Beverages.

The present study investigates the effect of the addition of medicinal plants, such as lady's mantle, lavender, rosehip, and meadowsweet, on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and color intensity of ready-to-drink aronia nectar during pasteurization and long-term storage. Pasteurization caused a significant decrease in anthocyanin content of aronia nectar, which reduced to 20% of the initial value after four months of storage. Herbs provided different protection to aronia anthocyanins that degraded more slowly during the four-month storage compared to pasteurized control without herbs. The addition of medicinal plants enriched aronia nectar with phenolic compounds and increased its antioxidant activity by up to 52% in meadowsweet-aronia nectar. Moreover, it was accompanied by a color intensity magnification due to co-pigmentation of aronia anthocyanins and herbal phenolics. In contrast to anthocyanins, which constantly degraded during the whole period, color intensity began to stabilize after 30 days, demonstrating that co-pigmentation was progressively established during the time and rosehip provided the best stabilization of aronia nectar color. Current research demonstrates for the first time that medicinal plants such as lady's mantle, rosehip, and especially meadowsweet can be used to increase antioxidant activity, color, and anthocyanin stability of black chokeberry functional beverages.