Investigation of Anticholinesterase Activity of Chemically Characterised Hieracium s. str. Methanol Extracts and Their Selected Metabolites.

The composition and anticholinesterase activity of the dried MeOH extracts of Hieracium scheppigianum and H. naegelianum underground parts (rhizomes and roots), as well as the anticholinesterase activity of the dried, previously chemically characterised MeOH extracts of the flowering aerial parts of these two and 26 other Hieracium species in the strict sense (s. str.), were investigated. Furthermore, the anticholinesterase activity of 12 selected secondary metabolites of these extracts was evaluated. Using semi-preparative LC-MS, five caffeoylquinic acids and the sesquiterpene lactone crepiside E were isolated from H. scheppigianum underground parts extract. All these compounds were also identified in the underground parts extract of H. naegelianum. Quantitative LC-MS analysis showed that the analysed underground parts extracts were rich in both caffeoylquinic acids (139.77 and 156.62 mg/g of extract, respectively) and crepiside E (126.88 and 116.58 mg/g). In the Ellman method, the tested extracts showed an interesting anti-AChE and/or anti-BChE activity (IC50 =0.56-1.58 mg/mL), which can be explained, at least partially, by the presence of some of their constituents. Among the metabolites tested, the best activity was revealed for the flavonoids apigenin, luteolin and diosmetin, and the sesquiterpene lactone 8-epiixerisamine A (IC50 =68.09-299.37 µM).

Development, Characterization and Incorporation of Alginate-Plant Protein Covered Liposomes Containing Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) Extract into Candies.

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) has been known as a medicinal plant in folk medicine for generations and, as a member of the Lamiaceae family, is characterized with a high content of rosmarinic acid. The aim of the present study was to formulate delivery systems containing bioactive compounds from ground ivy in encapsulated form and incorporated into candies. Liposomes were examined as the encapsulation systems that were additionally coated with an alginate-plant protein gel to reduce leakage of the incorporated material. Bioactive characterization of the ground ivy extract showed a high content of total phenolics (1186.20 mg GAE/L) and rosmarinic acid (46.04 mg/L). The formulation of liposomes with the high encapsulation efficiency of rosmarinic acid (97.64%), with at least a double bilayer and with polydisperse particle size distribution was achieved. Alginate microparticles reinforced with rice proteins provided the highest encapsulation efficiency for rosmarinic acid (78.16%) and were therefore used for the successful coating of liposomes, as confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Coating liposomes with alginate-rice protein gel provided prolonged controlled release of rosmarinic acid during simulated gastro-intestinal digestion, and the same was noted when they were incorporated into candies.

Formulation and characterization of liposomal encapsulated systems of bioactive ingredients from traditional plant mountain germander (Teucrium montanum L.) for the incorporation into coffee drinks.

Conventional and innovative (microwave-assisted and subcritical water extraction) techniques were applied to investigate the bioactive content of traditional plant - Teucrium montanum. Verbascoside and echinacoside, identified and quantified using LC-MS/MS and HPLC-PAD, were found to be the predominant phenolics in all extracts. Infusion (30 °C, 30 min) was characterized with the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity and was further used for encapsulation into liposomes. Formulation of liposomes with a high encapsulation efficiency of echinacoside (68.27%) and verbascoside (80.60%), satisfactory physical properties, including size (326.2 nm) and polydispersity index (0.34), was achieved, although determined zeta potential (-23.03 mV) indicated their instability. Formulated liposomes were successfully coated with pectin and alginate that was also proved by FTIR analysis. Liposomes coated with pectin showed the most desirable in vitro digestion release of verbascoside and echinacoside, while alginate as liposome surface layer proved to be more appropriate for their retention during storage time.

The Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Medicinal Mushrooms.

Crude polysaccharide extracts derived from Agaricus bisporus (A), A. brasiliensis (B), and Phellinus linteus (P) were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, labeled AAgNP, BAgNP, PAgNP, respectively). UV and FT-IR spectra, size distribution, and zeta potential of the respective particles were recorded, and TEM and SEM-EDS characterization was done. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed maximum absorbance at 415 nm for A, at 400 nm for P, and at 420 nm for B. SEM-EDS analysis showed BAgNP to consist of almost 90% of silver, while silver content in AAgNP and PAgNP was much lower, 46.5 and 52.3%, respectively. Individual extracts as well as the Ag-NPs were tested against a panel of clinically isolated and ATCC derived pathogens. In almost all cases minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was significantly lower than those of antibiotics, suggesting up to 100 times more effectivity. BAgNP, PAgNP, and AAgNP appeared very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (MIC: 0.19, 0.19, 0.97 µg/mL, respectively). The same nanoparticles were also very effective toward Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC: 0.39, 0.78, 0.97 µg/mL, respectively). Our study indicates that the bactericidal effect of PAgNP, AAgNP, BAgNP on E. coli 25922 ATCC (MBC: 1.56, 0.97, 6.25 µg/mL, respectively) is significantly more pronounced than that of amoxicillin. A pure solution of colloidal silver nanoparticles showed significantly weaker microbiostatic/microbiocidal potential than all tested mushroom extracts' AgNPs, as well as amoxicillin. Silver nanoparticles made with extracts of A, B, and P seem welcome as an addition to the inventory of antimicrobial compounds used in clinical medicine against bacterial and yeast infection.

The Effects of Positive or Neutral Communication during Acupuncture for Relaxing Effects: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial.

Introduction. The link between patient-clinician communication and its effect on clinical outcomes is an important clinical issue that is yet to be elucidated. Objective. Investigating if communication type (positive or neutral) about the expected treatment outcome affected (i) participants' expectations and (ii) short-term relaxation effects in response to genuine or sham acupuncture and investigating if expectations were related to outcome. Methods. Healthy volunteers (n = 243, mean age of 42) were randomized to one treatment with genuine or sham acupuncture. Within groups, participants were randomized to positive or neutral communication, regarding expected treatment effects. Visual Analogue Scales (0-100 millimeters) were used to measure treatment expectations and relaxation, directly before and after treatment. Results. Participants in the positive communication group reported higher treatment expectancy, compared to the neutral communication group (md 12 versus 6 mm, p = 0.002). There was no difference in relaxation effects between acupuncture groups or between communication groups. Participants with high baseline expectancy perceived greater improvement in relaxation, compared to participants with low baseline levels (md 27 versus 15 mm, p = 0.022). Conclusion. Our data highlights the importance of expectations for treatment outcome and demonstrates that expectations can be effectively manipulated using a standardized protocol that in future research may be implemented in clinical trials.

Antioxidants of Edible Mushrooms.

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds. Consequently, the requirements for natural, alternative sources of antioxidant foods identified in edible mushrooms, as well as the mechanistic action involved in their antioxidant properties, have increased rapidly. Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of mushrooms have been intensively studied. Edible mushrooms might be used directly in enhancement of antioxidant defenses through dietary supplementation to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Wild or cultivated, they have been related to significant antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. Antioxidant and health benefits, observed in edible mushrooms, seem an additional reason for their traditional use as a popular delicacy food. This review discusses the consumption of edible mushrooms as a powerful instrument in maintaining health, longevity and life quality.

Did the Iceman Know Better? Screening of the Medicinal Properties of the Birch Polypore Medicinal Mushroom, Piptoporus betulinus (Higher Basidiomycetes).

The birch polypore Piptoporus betulinus was among two mushrooms that were found in the Iceman's bag. Recent studies indicated that P. betulinus was probably used as a religious and medicinal item. In order to examine the medicinal potential of P. betulinus, hot water (HW), partially purified (PP), and alkali extract (HA) were prepared and tested for antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. All tested samples exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity, and HW appeared as the most effective (IC50 = 0.8 ± 0.1 mg/ml for HeLa cells). HA proved to be a good 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenger and exhibited the strongest ferric-reducing power (EC50 = 0.07 ± 0.3 mg/ml). The same extract (HA) also expressed the strongest ferric-reducing power (EC50 = 0.99 ± 0.1 mg/ml). Hot alkali extraction contributed significantly to ACE inhibitory activity (EC50 = 0.06 ± 0.00 mg/ml) and to antimicrobial activity, especially against highly resistant Enterococcus faecalis (minimum inhibitory concentration: 0.156 ± 0.000 mg/ml; and minimum bactericidal concentration: 1.25 ± 0.00 mg/ml).