Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant of Northeast Turkey.

Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss. (ASS) is an endangered endemic plant to Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and phytochemical properties of methanolic extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) from ASS for the first time with the methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) radical scavenging activities, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS⋅+ ), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The leaf extract of ASS was found to be the richest in phenolic content (543.91±6.33 GAE, µg/mL) and showed the highest DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 0.1140±0.0011 mg/mL, 675.62±15.01 µM TEAC). EO of ASS root showed DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 1.3248±0.0572 mg/mL, 346.67±12.75 µM TEAC). 19 phenolics were detected in MEs of different parts of ASS by LC/MS/MS. In the chemical composition of ASS root EO by GC/MS, globulol (70.70 %) was found to be the major compound. Our results indicate that ASS can be used a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants for conservation and sustainability of endangered plants.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Güce district, north-eastern Turkey.

This study aims to identify medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diseases by local people living in Güce district, north-eastern Turkey. The study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 using a two-part semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire with 165 local people. Data were analysed using use-report, frequency of citation, and informant consensus factor. Informants identified 128 vascular medicinal plant taxa belonging to 54 families and 106 genera. The most common plant taxa belong to Rosaceae (16 taxa/12.5%), Asteraceae (12 taxa/9.4%), and Lamiaceae (9 taxa/7%) families. The most frequently used preparation method reported was decoction (39.8%); the most commonly utilized plant parts were leaves (40.3%). Statistical analysis reveals that women in Güce district (df = 163, p = 0.043 < 0.05) possess the most traditional knowledge. The highest frequency of citation (61) and use report (92) were recorded for Tilia rubra subsp. caucasica, and the highest informant consensus factors were cited for respiratory system disorders (0.86), digestive system disorders (0.73), and skin disorders (0.71). This study reported nine plant taxa as medicinal plants for the first time, and documented a total of 293 new therapeutic uses. However, the study indicates that the transfer of traditional knowledge to future generations is limited (F = 3.355, p = 0.020). Action should be taken as soon as possible to preserve existing traditional knowledge and to ensure its transfer to future generations.

Phenolic compounds, essential oil composition, and antioxidant activity of Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gill.

In this study, methanol extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) of Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gill obtained from different parts (root, stem, leaf, and seed) were evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolics, compositions of phenolic compound, and essential oil with the methods of 2,2-azino-bis(3ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH•) radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The root extract of A. purpurascens exhibited the highest ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP activities (IC50: 0.05 ± 0.0001 mg/mL, IC50: 0.06 ± 0.002 mg/mL, 821.04 ± 15.96 µM TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), respectively). Moreover, EO of A. purpurascens root displayed DPPH• scavenging activity (IC50: 2.95 ± 0.084 mg/mL). The root extract had the highest total phenolic content (438.75 ± 16.39 GAE (gallic acid equivalent), µg/mL)). Twenty compounds were identified by LC-MS/MS. The most abundant phenolics were ferulic acid (244.39 ± 15.64 µg/g extract), benzoic acid (138.18 ± 8.84 µg/g extract), oleuropein (78.04 ± 4.99 µg/g extract), and rutin (31.21 ± 2.00 µg/g extract) in seed, stem, root, and leaf extracts, respectively. According to the GC-MS analysis, the major components were determined as α-bisabolol (22.93%), cubebol (14.39%), α-pinene (11.63%), and α-limonene (9.41%) among 29 compounds. Consequently, the MEs and EO of A. purpurascens can be used as a natural antioxidant source.

Volatile Constituents and Biological Properties of Essential Oils from Aerial Parts of Gentiana gelida BIEB.

This work reports the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from the aerial parts of Gentiana gelida BIEB. for the first time in literature. The oils from the aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) were obtained by Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS. While tricosane (21.67%) was the main component of flower oil, hexadecanoic acid was the most abundant component of leaf and stem oils in ratios 26.46% and 31.89%, respectively. Additionally, all essential oils of G. gelida were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against eight Gram negative bacteria, four Gram positive bacteria and five fungi, using agar dilution method and antioxidant activities by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and Folin-Ciocalteu assays. The flower oil of G. gelida showed stronger antimicrobial and antioxidant activities than those of stem and leaf. The amount of total phenolic content and scavenging activity of the flower oil were found 525.35±8.24 mg GAE/L and 49.30±1.25%, respectively.

Numerical variation of the celiac trunk and anatomical variation in origin and course of the dorsal pancreatic artery.

A numerical anomaly of the celiac trunk and anatomical variation in origin, and course of the dorsal pancreatic artery were encountered during a routine upper abdomen dissection of a 62-year-old male cadaver. The aim of this study was to describe a rare celiac trunk and dorsal pancreatic artery variation in detail, which can be a guide and precaution during operative procedures in this region. The abdominal aorta, its branches and the pancreas were cut and removed just above the celiac trunk and below the superior mesenteric artery to investigate the vascular distribution of the pancreas in detail. The celiac trunk divided into the left gastric, hepatic, splenic, and dorsal pancreatic arteries. The anatomical variation of the celiac trunk and splenic artery makes it vulnerable to iatrogenic surgery. Knowledge of the existing aberrations is important in planning and conducting surgical procedures.

Qualitative comparison of anatomical microdissection, Sihler's staining and computerized reconstruction methods for visualizing intramuscular nerve branches.

UNLABELLED: STATING BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine the entire intramuscular nerve distribution pattern of various human skeletal muscles in fetuses. METHODS: In the present study rhomboid major, trapezius, long head of the biceps femoris and masseter muscles were investigated in five 18 weeks old fetal cadavers. Anatomical microdissection was applied to one fetal cadaver. In two fetuses, the extramuscular (main), major and minor nerve branches, and anastomosis were examined using Sihler's staining and labeling. In the remaining two fetuses, consecutive slices with 0.5 mm interval and 5 microm thickness were obtained from each skeletal muscle. These slices were stained with S100 for the demonstration of the nerve fibers and thereafter 3D reconstruction images were constituted using PC software. RESULTS: Anatomical microdissection, Sihler's staining and computerized reconstruction methods were compared to demonstrate the intramuscular nerve distribution pattern. Demonstration of the intramuscular minor nerve branches and anastomosis showed difficulties in anatomical dissected specimens when compared with three-dimensionally reconstructed images and specimens obtained with Sihler's staining technique. Nevertheless, anatomical dissection is a simple method whereas Sihler's technique and computer aided 3D reconstruction are complex methods and take a long time to complete. CONCLUSION: The obtained information exposed that staining technique and the 3D reconstructions appeared to provide better results than did anatomical dissection.

Observation of the relationship between the shape of skeletal muscles and their nerve distribution patterns: a transparent and microanatomic study.

BACKGROUND: There are many gaps in the understanding of the neuroanatomy of skeletal muscles with regards to the nerve distribution pattern and shape of the muscles. This study was designed to examine the entire intramuscular nerve-distribution patterns of various human skeletal muscles. METHODS: The relationships among nine skeletal muscles with various architecture (rhomboid major, biceps brachii, flexor pollicis longus, rectus femoris, sternohyoid, trapezius, masseter, digastric muscles) and their nerve-distribution patterns were investigated in four fetal cadavers using the Sihler staining method. The diameter and number of extramuscular (main) and major nerve branches, the number of minor nerve branches, and anastomoses were examined and evaluated statistically. RESULTS: With regards to the number of extramuscular (main) nerve branches, the rhomboid major muscle resembled the flexor pollicis longus, trapezius, masseter, and sternohyoid muscles, and the anterior belly of the digastricus muscle (p > 0.05), whereas it was significantly different from the rectus femoris, the posterior belly of digastricus, and the long and short heads of the biceps brachii (p < 0.05). Trapezius and masseter muscles were different from all of the skeletal muscles that were studied with regards to the diameter of main branches (p < 0.05). The masseter muscle had the largest diameter (p < 0.05). With regards to the number of minor nerve branches, the sternohyoid muscle was significantly different from all the skeletal muscles that were studied (p < 0.05) except the short head of the biceps brachii, rectus femoris, and the posterior belly of digastricus (p > 0.05). As for the number of neural anastomoses, the sternohyoid muscle was statistically different from all skeletal muscles that were studied (p < 0.05) except the masseter and trapezius muscles (p > 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A surgeon's thorough knowledge of the relationship between the shape and nerve distribution pattern of skeletal muscles is important in successful reinnervation and regeneration of these muscles. It might also be useful in the field of muscle transplantation.

Axillopectoral muscle (Langer's muscle).

In a routine dissection of the axillary fossa, a muscle originating from the coracoid process of the scapula and extending to the long head of triceps brachii muscle was observed. The mentioned muscle was adhering to both the triceps brachii muscle and the tendinous part of the latissimus dorsi muscle. This anatomical variation is referred to as axillary arch (Langer's muscle or axillopectoral muscle). The muscle mass was measured 9.6 cm in length and 1.4 cm in width. The accessory muscle can be a reason of an axillary mass and can exert pressure on the neighboring neurovascular bundle or lymph routes; thus, exposing a wide range of symptoms. Therefore, variations of this area should be kept in mind in surgical interventions.

Variations in the anatomy of the auriculotemporal nerve.

The common representation of the auriculotemporal nerve is either that of a single posterior branch of the mandibular nerve or of two roots that envelope the middle meningeal artery. Our observation in the anatomy of the auriculotemporal nerve on 32 dissections (16 cadaveric heads) of the infratemporal fossa included: one specimen with four roots (3.1%), three specimens with three roots (9.4%), 12 specimens with two roots (37.5%), and 16 specimens with one root (50%). Furthermore, a connecting nerve branch was observed between auriculotemporal and inferior alveolar nerves in four specimens, and in another auriculotemporal nerve case, between the upper and lower roots. In the cadaver of a 70-year-old male, a four-rooted auriculotemporal nerve variation was found. These four branches lay to the posterior, combined at the posterosuperior of the maxillary and superficial temporal arteries and formed a ganglion-like knot. From this knot, four branches stemmed and ran to the temporomandibular joint, external acoustic meatus, zygoma, and parotid gland. The knot was larger and thicker than expected; thus, it was removed and stained with haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and S100 for histological studies. This structure was not a true ganglion but a structure formed by fusion of nerve fibers.