Chymotrypsin and Trypsin Inhibitory Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Collected from Rize (Türkiye).

In this research, the evaluation of in vitro chymotrypsin and trypsin inhibitory activities of ten plant species collected from Rize were aimed, and fractions that showed strong activity were analyzed through HPLC. Daphne pontica L. and Mentha longifolia (L.) L. were found to have the highest chymotrypsin inhibitory activities (87.75 and 84.24 % inhibition). Similarly, the highest trypsin inhibitory activity was observed in D. pontica (%99.93 inhibition), followed by Sambucus ebulus L. flowers (87.47 % inhibition). Extracts showing strong enzyme inhibition were fractioned and subjected to activity tests. The highest chymotrypsin inhibitory activity was observed in the n-hexane fraction of D. pontica (%80.70 inhibition), while the highest trypsin inhibitory activity was found in the n-butanol fraction of S. ebulus (%86.81 inhibition). HPLC studies determined that the 80 % ethanol extract of D. pontica and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions contained umbelliferone. It was found that chlorogenic acid was present in the 80 % ethanol extracts of S. ebulus flowers. M. longifolia was found to contain chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, luteolin-7-glucoside, and rosmarinic acid. M. longifolia has been identified as the plant exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS and CUPRAC tests, consistent with its high phenolic and flavonoid content.

Essential Oils of Ferulago glareosa Kandemir&Hedge Roots and Aerial Parts: PCA and HCA Analyses.

Ferulago glareosa Kandemir & Hedge. is an endemic species of the family Apiaceae for Turkey and has interesting morphological characteristics compared to the other members of the genus Ferulago Koch. In this study we investigated the essential oil compositions of the roots and aerial parts of F. glareosa for the first time and compared them with essential oil compositions of the roots and aerial parts of other species of the genus. In our study, major components of the essential oil of the roots were determined to be 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (32.2 %), falcarinol (23.7 %), hexadecanoic acid (9.5 %) and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (5.9 %); and major components of the essential oil of the aerial parts were found to be α-pinene (33.7 %), p-cymene (14.8 %), γ-terpinene (13.2 %), (Z)-ß-ocimene (12.4 %) and terpinolene (8.2 %). The essential oil compositions of F. glareosa root compare with essential oils components in the literature differ varies greatly. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was performed with Minitab software, utilizing 8 major components in the published 20 literatures, as well as in this study. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were used in order to demonstrate chemotaxonomical variations in the composition of the essential oils of Ferulago species.

Essential Oil Composition of Fruits of Eight Ferulago Species Growing in Türkiye and Multivariate Statistical Analyses.

In this study, the composition of the volatile oils obtained from the fruits of 8 Ferulago species (Ferulago cassia Boiss., F. isaurica Pesmen, F. humilis Boiss., F. macrosciadia Boiss. & Balansa, F. setifolia K.Koch, F. silaifolia (Boiss.) Boiss., F. syriaca Boiss., F. trojana Akalin & Pimenov) growing naturally in Türkiye were examined by means of GC/MS and GC-FID and α-pinene was determined to be present in the fruits of four species along with other monoterpenes as major components. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was performed, utilizing ten major components in the eight essential oils. Also, a Venn diagram was used to demonstrate chemotaxonomical variations in the composition of the essential oils of eight Ferulago species.

Antibacterial, antifungal and enzyme inhibitory effects of selected plants from Turkey.

In this study, antibacterial, antifungal, antihyaluronidase, anticollagenase and antielastase activity of Hypericum bithynicum, Malva neglecta, Morus alba, Rubus discolor, Sambucus ebulus and Smilax excelsa were investigated. Methanol extracts of M. neglecta and R. discolor and all extracts of H. bithynicum were more active against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Similarly, water extracts of M. alba and S. ebulus were more active against Streptococcus pneumonia. Additionally, S. ebulus and S. excelsa had prominent antifungal activity on Candida albicans. Besides, methanol extract of M. neglecta and n-hexane extract of H. bithynicum were determined to have significant antihyaluronidase activity. Only R. discolor showed significant antielastase effect.

Antibacterial, antifungal and enzyme inhibitory effects of selected plants from Turkey.

In this study, antibacterial, antifungal, antihyaluronidase, anticollagenase and antielastase activity of Hypericum bithynicum, Malva neglecta, Morus alba, Rubus discolor, Sambucus ebulus and Smilax excelsa were investigated. Methanol extracts of M. neglecta and R. discolor and all extracts of H. bithynicum were more active against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Similarly, water extracts of M. alba and S. ebulus were more active against Streptococcus pneumonia. Additionally, S. ebulus and S. excelsa had prominent antifungal activity on Candida albicans. Besides, methanol extract of M. neglecta and n-hexane extract of H. bithynicum were determined to have significant anti-hyaluronidase activity. Only R. discolor showed significant anti-elastase effect.

The five Ferulago species inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of A549, MCF-7, PC3 and SW480 cancer cells in vitro.

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of ethanolic extracts prepared from the roots of 5 Ferulago species [F. humilis Boiss., F. macrosciadia Boiss. & Balansa, F. sandrasica Pesmen & Quézel, F. silaifolia (Boiss.) Boiss., F. trojana Akalin & Pimenov] on various human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity analyses against human lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), prostate (PC3) and colon (SW480) cancer cell lines were determined by MTT test; while the apoptotic effect was evaluated by Annexin V binding assay. All studied extracts showed concentration-dependent cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value ranging from 0.416 to 5.336 mg/mL. The studied Ferulago species significantly induced apoptosis of cancer cells, while F. macrosciadia had the highest apoptotic activity on MCF-7 cells with 21.79 ± 1.63% apoptotic cell population (p < 0.0001). In addition, felamedin and prantschimgin content of the extracts, which are common coumarins in Ferulago species, were evaluated by HPLC. According to HPLC analysis, the highest amount of felamedin content was found in F. trojana, while the highest content of prantschimgin was found in F. sandrasica among the studied Ferulago species. This preliminary research has revealed that the studied Ferulago species have promising effects on various cancer cell lines. Further studies are planned to determine the compounds responsible for the effect and underlying mechanism.

Ethnopharmacobotanical Findings of Medicinal Plants in the Kizilcahamam District of Ankara, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Folk medicines in Kizilcihamam has not been investigated in detail so far. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of folk medicine in the Kizilcahamam district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine scientific field trips were organized to Kizilcahamam between April 2007 and July 2008. Data were obtained by field interviews with local people using open and semi-structured questionnaires. Results were evaluated statistically with the "use-value", "informant consensus factor" and cultural importance index. RESULTS: Sixty-five species (69 taxa) that belong to 58 genera of 31 families were determined to be used as folk medicines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to record four of these species as folk medicines. Plants from Compositae, Lamiaceae and Rosaceae families were used most frequently as folk medicines in Kizilcahamam. Plants in the study area are mainly used for gastrointestinal system problems, respiratory disorders, and urinary tract diseases. Residents from 41% of the villages where the scientific trips were carried out, declared that they are not using or interested in folk medicines. CONCLUSION: This study highlights once again the gradual reduction of folk medicinal knowledge and the urgent need for folk medicine investigations in all parts of Turkey.

In vivo activity assessment of a "honey-bee pollen mix" formulation.

Honey-bee pollen mix (HBM) formulation is claimed to be effective for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cancers, peptic ulcers, colitis, various types of infections including hepatitis B, and rheumatism by the herb dealers in northeast Turkey. In the present study, in vivo antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and antioxidant effects of pure honey and HBM formulation were evaluated comparatively. HBM did not show any significant gastroprotective activity in a single administration at 250 mg/kg dose, whereas a weak activity was observed after three days of successive administration at 500 mg/kg dose. On the other hand, HBM displayed significant antinociceptive (p <0.01) and anti-inflammatory (p <0.01) activities at 500 mg/kg dose orally without inducing any apparent acute toxicity or gastric damage. HBM was also shown to possess potent antilipidperoxidant activity (p <0.01) at 500 mg/kg dose against acetaminophen-induced liver necrosis model in mice. On the other hand, pure honey did not exert any remarkable antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity, but a potent antilipidperoxidant activity (p <0.01) was determined. Results have clearly proved that mixing pure honey with bee pollen significantly increased the healing potential of honey and provided additional support for its traditional use. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of HBM were found to be 145 and 59.3 mg/100 g of honey, which were estimated as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively.

Activity-guided isolation of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory compounds from Rhus coriaria L.

The leaves and fruits of Rhus coriaria are traditionally used in Turkey for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the present study is to determine α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of R. coriaria leaf and fruit ethanol extracts (80%), and to isolate active compounds against these enzymes. As a result of the activity-guided isolation, the active compounds were determined as the amentoflavone, agathisflavone, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-glucopyranose. Agathisflavone, amentoflavone, and penta-O-galloyl-ß-glucopyranose inhibited α-glucosidase with 11.4 ± 0.9, 11.3 ± 0.7, and 4.1 ± 0.1 µM IC50 values, respectively. Furthermore, penta-O-galloyl-ß-glucopyranose inhibited α-amylase with 6.32 ± 0.18 µM IC50 . These three compounds also significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) pancreatic lipase. The results of high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glycopyranose was one of the main compounds in both fruit and leaf extracts. Therefore, it may be considered that R. coriaria fruit and leaf extracts can be standardized on this substance and used in the development of both medicinal products and functional food for diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Rhus coriaria (Sumac) is one of the plants that is well known and used around the world as a spice. It is also used against diabetes traditionally. The determination of effective compounds can lead to the standardization and development of both medicinal products and functional foods for diabetes. While the fruits of the plant are used as a spice all around the world, the leaves are generally throw away; therefore, the usage of the leaves to the food and medical industry can lead to beneficial effects on the economy.

Investigations on the anti-ulcerogenic activity of Sideritis caesarea H. Duman, Aytaç & Baser.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aerial parts of Sideritis caesarea H. Duman, Aytaç & Baser are used for complaints such as stomach-aches, and intestinal spasms as traditional medicine in Kayseri, Turkey. AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the anti-ulcerogenic activity by using bioassay guided fractionation technique (BAGF) and to identify the compound(s) that are responsible for anti-ulcerogenic activity through ethanol-induced anti-ulcerogenic activity model in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liquid-liquid partition and then different chromatographic techniques were utilized for the BAGF of the ethanol (80%) extract of the aerial parts of Sideritis caesarea. Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer method on rats was employed for the determination of the anti-ulcerogenic activity, and the ulcer index was also calculated for anti-ulcerogenic activity detection. RESULTS: The ethanol (80%) extract of S. caesarea showed statistically potent anti-ulcerogenic activity (95.9% ulcer inhibition, p < 0.001). Among the liquid-liquid fractions, strongest anti-ulcerogenic activity was observed with the ethyl acetate fraction (91.4% inhibition, p < 0.001) and therefore BAGF studies were proceeded with the ethyl acetate fraction. Two anti-ulcerogenic flavonoids {4'-O-methylhypolaetin-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-6″-O-acetyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside and isoscutellarein-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-6″-O-acetyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside} were isolated from this fraction together with a sesquiterpene glycoside [(2E,6E)-2,6,10-trimethyl-2,6,11-dodecatriene-1,10-diol-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside] and two additional flavonoids {4'-O-methylhypolaetin-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside and isoscutellarein-7-O-[6‴-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside}. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional use of S. caesarea in the treatment of stomach-aches was supported by this study and four flavonoids were isolated by using BAGF method and two of them were determined to have significant anti-ulcerogenic activity. Additionally, (2E,6E)-2,6,10-trimethyl-2,6,11-dodecatriene-1,10-diol-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside was obtained from a Sideritis genus for the first time.

The efficiency of Viscum album ssp. album and Hypericum perforatum on human immune cells in vitro.

Viscum album L. ssp. album and Hypericum perforatum L. are used for the treatment of different diseases. In this study, the effects of these herbals on immune cells were assessed in vitro. The phagocytosis, candidacidal activity of neutrophils and adhesion function of epithelial cells were investigated. Also, the expression of the surface markers of lymphocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. It was observed that V. album ssp. album increased phagocytic activity and candidacidal activity of neutrophils and decreased adhesion function of epithelial cells. We also observed that in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by Viscum album L. ssp. album the levels of CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD8(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD69 expressions in the activated T lymphocytes and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) NK cells increased compared to the cells that were not stimulated by this herbal. Whereas CD4(+)CD25(+), CD8(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD 69 expression and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) Natural killer cells did not show any significant differences with the presence of Hypericum perforatum L. compared to the control group. Hypericum perforatum L. increased candidacidal activity of neutrophils and decreased adhesion function of epithelial cells. In the light of these findings, it is considered that these extracts may be used as an adjuvant treatment option for immune activation in immunosuppressed patients.

Evaluation of the anti-ulcerogenic effect of sesquiterpene lactones from Centaurea solstitialis L. ssp. solstitialis by using various in vivo and biochemical techniques.

The guaianolide type sesquiterpene lactones chlorojanerin, 13-acetyl solstitialin A and solstitialin A were identified as the anti-ulcerogenic components of the chloroform extract of the aerial parts of Centaurea solstitialis ssp. solstitialis (Asteraceae). In this study, these compounds were investigated by using various in vivo ulcer models in rats and mice. Chlorojanerin was shown to be significantly effective in preventing the induction of lesions by ethanol- (EtOH-) (both oral and subcutaneous administration), indomethacin-, indomethacin plus HCl/EtOH-, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester plus EtOH-, N-ethylmaleimide plus EtOH-, water immersion and restraint stress, and serotonin, as well as inhibiting titratable gastric acidity and acid output, and increasing gastric pH, but was ineffective in the prevention of ulcers induced by pyloric ligation, diethyldithiocarbamate, and cysteamine, and had no effect on gastric secretion volume or peptic activity. A mixture of 13-acetyl solstitialin A (95%) and solstitialin A (5%) was found to be significantly effective against EtOH-induced lesions on oral administration but was ineffective when administered subcutaneously. This mixture was also found to be effective in preventing lesions induced by EtOH, indomethacin, indomethacin plus HCl/EtOH, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester plus EtOH, N-ethylmaleimide plus EtOH, water immersion and restraint stress, serotonin and cysteamine, as well as inhibiting titratable gastric acidity and titratable acid output, and gastric pH, but was found ineffective against the pyloric ligation-induced and diethyldithiocarbamate-induced ulcerogenesis models, as well as gastric secretion volume and peptic activity. On the other hand, active compounds did not show any toxic effect on acute toxicity (3 days administration) evaluation tests in mice.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of some plants used in folk medicine of Pinarbasi (Kayseri, Turkey).

Several ethnomedicinal plant remedies used in Pinarbasi, Kayseri, in particular those which are used for the treatment of several peptic ulcer symptoms such as stomach ache, heartburn, etc. were selected for evaluation of their anti-ulcerogenic potential. In order to confirm the claimed activities, decoctions were prepared from aerial parts of Malva neglecta Wallr. (Malvaceae), leaves of Potentilla reptans L. (Rosaceae), fruits of Rumex patientia L. (Polygonaceae), aerial parts of Sanguisorba minor Scop. ssp. muricata (Spach) Briq. (Rosaceae), aerial parts of Sideritis caesarea Duman, Aytac&Baser (Lamiaceae), and flowers of Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss var. cheiranthifolium (Scrophulariaceae) according to their described folkloric applications. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the extracts of all plants given orally showed significant gastric protection against the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Furthermore, healing effects were also confirmed through histopathological examination.

Hypoglycaemic effects of myrtle oil in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits.

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) leaves as well as the volatile oil (Myrtii Oleum; MO) obtained from the leaves are used to lower the blood glucose level in type-2 diabetic patients in Turkish folk medicine. However, little attention has been paid to the therapeutic use of this plant. The present study was designed to investigate the oral hypoglycaemic activity of single and multiple doses of MO in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits. MO did not show any effect in normoglycaemic rabbits either in single or multiple dose administrations, but a good hypoglycaemic activity was observed 4 h after the administration to diabetic animals at 50 mg/kg. To investigate the effect of MO on repeated administration in both normal and diabetic rabbits, it was administered in 50 and 100 mg/kg doses once a day for one week. MO significantly lowered blood glucose by 51% in alloxan-diabetic rabbits on the fourth hour and the following days at a dose of 50 mg/kg (P < 0.001). The hypoglycaemic dose (50 mg/kg) was also determined by performing the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normal rabbits. The hypoglycaemic effect of the MO was 21% higher in rabbits, which received the glucose load orally, when compared with control group. However, MO did not affect serum insulin concentrations in normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits but reduced the serum triglyceride concentrations by 14% in alloxan-diabetic rabbits. The above observations show that MO exerts hypoglycaemic as well as mild hypotriglyceridemic activity in diabetic animals. The reduction in blood glucose level may be due to the reversible inhibition of alpha-glucosidases present in the brush-border of the small intestinal mucosa, higher rate of glycolysis as envisaged by the higher activity of glucokinase, as one of the key enzymes of glycolysis, and enhanced rate of glycogenesis as evidenced by the higher amount of liver glycogen present after MO administration.

Isolation of anti-ulcerogenic sesquiterpene lactones from Centaurea solstitialis L. ssp. solstitialis through bioassay-guided fractionation procedures in rats.

The fresh spiny flowers of Centaurea solstitialis ssp. solstitialis (CSS) are used for the treatment of peptic ulcers in Turkey. Ethanol (80%) extract of CSS exhibited significant anti-ulcerogenic effect on the ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis model in rats. The ethanol extract was further fractionated by successive solvent extractions with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. All fractions showed significant anti-ulcerogenic activity, however, the effect of the chloroform fraction was found to be more prominent with 99.5% ulcer inhibition. Bioassay-guided fractionation yielded sesquiterpene lactones as the active components. The main components responsible for the activity of the chloroform fraction were determined as chlorojanerin and 13-acetyl solstitialin A which were elucidated by HR-ESI and (1)H, (13)C and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.

In vivo gastroprotective effects of five Turkish folk remedies against ethanol-induced lesions.

Through evaluation of the data accumulated in Data Bank of Turkish Folk Remedies (TUHIB), five plant remedies, which are used to treat stomach ache were selected to test for their anti-ulcerogenic potency. In order to confirm the claimed activities, either decoction or methanol extracts were prepared from the roots of Asphodelus aestivus and Cichorium intybus, herbs of Equisetum palustre and Viscum album ssp. album and fruits of Laurus nobilis, according to their folkloric application way and tested for their effects on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the relevant extracts of all the plants given orally showed significant stomach protection against this model of ulcerogenesis. Results were further evaluated by using histopathological techniques.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of some plants used as folk remedy in Turkey.

Five herbal remedies used as gastroprotective crude drugs in Turkey were assessed for anti-ulcerogenic activity using the EtOH-induced ulcerogenesis model in rat. The crude drugs investigated comprises fruits of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Elaeagnaceae), fresh fruits of Hibiscus esculentus L. (Malvaceae), fresh roots of Papaver rhoeas L. (Papaveraceae), leaves of Phlomis grandiflora H.S. Thomson (Lamiaceae) and fresh fruits of Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae). Extracts were prepared according to the traditional indications of use. Under our experimental conditions, all extracts exhibited statistically significant gastroprotective effect with better results for Phlomis grandiflora and Rosa canina (100%). At the concentration under study, both crude drugs were more effective than the reference compound misoprostol at 0.4 mg/kg. Even the weakest anti-ulcerogenic effect observed for Papaver rhoeas roots was found statistically potent (95.6%). Histopathological studies confirmed the results of the in vivo test.

Anti-ulcerogenic lignans from Taxus baccata L.

Four lignan type compounds, lariciresinol, taxiresinol, isolariciresinol and 3-demethyl-iso-lariciresinol, were isolated from the heartwood of Taxus baccata L. (Taxaceae) growing in Turkey through chromatographic techniques. In vivo anti-ulcerogenic potency of these compounds was investigated on ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis model in rats at two different doses, 50 and 100 mg/kg. All compounds were shown to possess significant anti-ulcerogenic activity at both doses. However, the effect of taxiresinol was the most prominent.

Evaluation of in vivo biological activity profile of isoorientin.

Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities of the known C-glycosyl flavonoid, isoorientin, were studied in rats and mice. For the anti-nociceptive activity assessment the p-benzoquinone-induced writing test, for the anti-inflammatory activity the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice, and for the gastroprotective activity the EtOH-induced ulcerogenesis model in rats were used. Isoorientin was shown to possess significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities at 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg doses, without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage. However, the compound did not possess any significant gastroprotective activity against EtOH-induced ulcerogenesis.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity and isolation of the active principles from Sambucus ebulus L. leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sambucus ebulus L. has a very prominent place in Turkish folk medicine. Leaves of the plant are practiced externally to relieve rheumatic pain, to treat abscess, for wound healing and internally against hemorrhoids and stomachache. In a previous work, aqueous extract of the leaves was shown to possess potent antiulcerogenic activity on water immersion and immobilization-induced stress ulcer model in rats. This study aims to investigate the antiulcerogenic activity profile of the plant on various in vivo peptic ulcer models and gastric biochemical parameters and through bioassay-guided processing to isolate the active constituent (s) and to elucidate its structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the subextracts obtained by successive solvent extractions from the MeOH extract of the leaves, the butanol subextract exerted significant antiulcerogenic activity against water-immersion and immobilization-induced stress ulcer model in rats as the bioassay model. This subextract was then subjected to successive chemical separation techniques (precipitation, column chromatography based on ion-exchange, silica gel and sephadex) and the activity of each fraction/subfraction was tested using the same bioassay model. After determination of active principles, further studies were performed on the active subextract by using various in vivo test models (ethanol-, serotonin-, pyloric ligation-induced ulcerogenesis) in rats as well as biochemical methods for the evaluation of antiulcerogenic potential. RESULTS: Bioassay-guided fractionation procedures yielded two flavonol glycosides as the active antiulcerogenic principles. The structures of these compounds were elucidated as isorhamnetin-3-O-monoglycoside and quercetin-3-O-monoglycoside by using (1)H, (13)C-NMR, and FAB-MS techniques. CONCLUSION: This study has proven the folkloric use of Sambucus ebulus leaves for the treatment of gastric ailments in Turkish folk medicine. The antiulcerogenic activity of the two flavonol glycosides isolated in the present study was not previously reported elsewhere.