Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil Exhibits a Smooth Muscle Relaxant Effect.

A recent in vivo study in pigs demonstrated the hypotensive properties of essential oil extracted from the blossoming plant Elsholtzia ciliata. This study was designed to examine the effect of E. ciliata essential oil (EO) on smooth muscle contraction. Tension measurements were performed on prostate strips and intact aortic rings isolated from rats. Results showed that EO caused a concentration-dependent reduction in phenylephrine-induced contraction of both the prostate and aorta, with a more pronounced inhibitory effect in the prostate. The IC50 of EO for the prostate was 0.24 ± 0.03 µL/mL (n = 10) and for the aorta was 0.72 ± 0.11 µL/mL (n = 4, p < 0.05 vs. prostate). The chromatographic analysis identified elsholtzia ketone (10.64%) and dehydroelsholtzia ketone (86.23%) as the predominant compounds in the tested EO. Since both compounds feature a furan ring within their molecular structure, other furan ring-containing compounds, 2-acetylfuran (2AF) and 5-methylfurfural (5MFF), were examined. For the first time, our study demonstrated the relaxant effects of 2AF and 5MFF on smooth muscles. Further, results showed that EO, 2AF, and 5MFF altered the responsiveness of prostate smooth muscle cells to phenylephrine. Under control conditions, the EC50 of phenylephrine was 0.18 ± 0.03 µM (n = 5), while in the presence of EO, 2AF, or 5MFF, the EC50 values were 0.81 ± 0.3 µM (n = 5), 0.89 ± 0.11 µM (n = 5), and 0.69 ± 0.23 µM (n = 4), respectively, p < 0.05 vs. control. Analysis of the affinity of EO for α1-adrenergic receptors in the prostate suggested that EO at a certain range of concentrations has a competitive antagonistic effect on α1-adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, EO elicits a relaxant effect on smooth muscles which may be related to the inhibition of α1-adrenoreceptors.

Acute and Sub-Chronic Intraperitoneal Toxicity Studies of the Elsholtzia ciliata Herbal Extract in Balb/c Mice.

Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil (E. ciliata) has been reported to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. However, its toxicity remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the toxicological aspects of the E. ciliata extract. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to either acute (a single dose administered for 24 h) or sub-chronic (daily dose for 60 days) intraperitoneal injections of the E. ciliata extract. The mice were assessed for blood hematological/biochemical profiles, mitochondrial functions, and histopathological changes. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments of the E. ciliata extract were performed on immobilized primate kidney cells (MARC-145, Vero) and rat liver cells (WBF344) to evaluate cell viability. The control groups received an equivalent volume of olive oil or saline. Our results demonstrated no significant detrimental effects on hematological and biochemical parameters, mitochondrial functions, cellular cytotoxicity, or pathological alterations in vital organs following the intraperitoneal administration of the E. ciliata extract over the 60-day sub-chronic toxicity study. In general, E. ciliata displayed no indications of toxicity, suggesting that the E. ciliata extract is a safe natural product with a well-defined therapeutic and protective index (found to be 90 and 54, respectively) in Balb/c mice.

Phenolic Compounds of Rhodiola rosea L. as the Potential Alternative Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases.

The roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae), which is widely growing in Northern Europe, North America, and Siberia, have been used since ancient times to alleviate stress, fatigue, and mental and physical disorders. Phenolic compounds: phenylpropanoids rosavin, rosarin, and rosin, tyrosol glucoside salidroside, and tyrosol, are responsible for the biological action of R. rosea, exerting antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-aging, anti-fatigue activities. R. rosea extract formulations are used as alternative remedies to enhance mental and cognitive functions and protect the central nervous system and heart during stress. Recent studies indicate that R. rosea may be used to treat diabetes, cancer, and a variety of cardiovascular and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This paper reviews the beneficial effects of the extract of R. rosea, its key active components, and their possible use in the treatment of chronic diseases. R. rosea represents an excellent natural remedy to address situations involving decreased performance, such as fatigue and a sense of weakness, particularly in the context of chronic diseases. Given the significance of mitochondria in cellular energy metabolism and their vulnerability to reactive oxygen species, future research should prioritize investigating the potential effects of R. rosea main bioactive phenolic compounds on mitochondria, thus targeting cellular energy supply and countering oxidative stress-related effects.

Application of Antiviral, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Trifolium pratense L. Extracts and Myristica fragrans Houtt. Essential Oil in Microcapsules.

Viruses and bacteria can disrupt normal human functions; therefore, ways to use the beneficial properties of plants to promote health are constantly being researched. Plant materials that accumulate biologically active compounds can be used to create a new pharmaceutical form. This study aimed to investigate the biological activity of selected plant extracts and essential oil and to produce microcapsules. The main compounds in extracts and essential oil were determined using chromatographic methods, antioxidant activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically, antimicrobial activity was assessed by monitoring the growth of nine pathogens, and the antiviral effect on infected bird cells with coronavirus was evaluated. Trifolium pratense L. extract had the highest antioxidant (26.27 ± 0.31 and 638.55 ± 9.14 µg TE/g dw by the DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively) and antiviral activity (56 times decreased titre of virus). Liquorice extract expressed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive pathogens and the highest antioxidant activity using the FRAP method (675.71 ± 4.61 mg FS/g dw). Emulsion stability depended on excipients and their amount. Microcapsules with extracts and essential oil were 1.87 mm in diameter, and their diameter after swelling was increased more than two times in intestinal media, while less than 0.5 times in gastric media.

Natural Herbal Non-Opioid Topical Pain Relievers-Comparison with Traditional Therapy.

Pain is the predominant symptom of many clinical diseases and is frequently associated with neurological and musculoskeletal problems. Chronic pain is frequent in the elderly, causing suffering, disability, social isolation, and increased healthcare expenses. Chronic pain medication is often ineffective and has many side effects. Nonsteroidal over-the-counter and prescription drugs are frequently recommended as first-line therapies for pain control; however, long-term safety issues must not be neglected. Herbs and nutritional supplements may be a safer and more effective alternative to nonsteroidal pharmaceuticals for pain management, especially when used long-term. Recently, topical analgesic therapies have gained attention as an innovative approach due to their sufficient efficacy and comparatively fewer systemic side effects and drug-drug interactions. In this paper, we overview the main natural herbal pain relievers, their efficacy and safety, and their potential use as topical agents for pain control. Although herbal-derived medications are not appropriate for providing quick relief for acute pain problems, they could be used as potent alternative remedies in managing chronic persistent pain with minimal side effects.

Evaluation of the Cardiac Electrophysiological and Haemodynamic Effects of Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil on Swine.

The demand for the development of novel medicines with few side effects and no proarrhythmic properties is increasing. Extensive research on herbal extracts has been conducted with the expectation that the compounds will exert precise effects without harmful side effects. Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. essential oil (EO) possesses antiarrhythmic properties similar to those of class 1B antiarrhythmics, such as prolonging myocardial activation of the QRS complex and shortening the QT interval. In this study, we determined the kinetic profile of EO phytocompounds and the effects of EO on heart electrical activity and arterial blood pressure. For this study, we chose to use local breed pigs that were anaesthetized. The effects of an intravenous bolus of EO on ECG parameters, arterial blood pressure, heart rate variability, and blood levels of haematological and biochemical parameters were registered and evaluated. Following an intravenous injection of a bolus, EO exerted a vasodilatory effect, resulting in significant reductions in arterial blood pressure. EO also increased the heart rate and altered ECG parameters. The bolus of EO prolonged the QRS complex, shortened the QT interval, and nonmonotonically altered the PQ interval. After the administration of a bolus of EO, the activity of the autonomic nervous system was altered. This study confirms that EO possesses similar properties to class 1B antiarrhythmics and exerts a hypotensive effect; it reduces arterial blood pressure possibly by modulating peripheral vascular resistance.

Herbal Medicine Uses for Respiratory System Disorders and Possible Trends in New Herbal Medicinal Recipes during COVID-19 in Pasvalys District, Lithuania.

Despite some preliminary studies of the available herbal medicine preparations and their curative effects on COVID-19, experts still fear that unproper use of such homemade medicines could do more harm than good to people relying on unproven alternatives of questionable efficacy. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of herbal medicines used for respiratory system disorders in the Pasvalys district during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. An archival source was also studied, looking for possible recipes for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases in Lithuanian traditional medicine, emphasizing the safety guidelines. The survey was conducted using the deep interview method. The respondents mentioned 60 species of medicinal plants from 29 different families used for the treatment and prevention of respiratory system disorders (for cough mostly, 51.70% of all indications). Twenty eight out of 60 plant species were not included in the European Medicines Agency monographs and only 50% of all included species were used as indicated by the European Medicines Agency for respiratory system disorders. The trends in the ethnopharmacological choices of modern consumers and the analysis of archival sources can be a great source of ideas for new herbal-based pharmaceutical preparations for COVID-19 symptoms in Lithuania considering the safety recommendations.

Ethnopharmacology for Skin Diseases and Cosmetics during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lithuania.

The documentation of ethnopharmaceutical knowledge has always been important for the preservation of countries' cultural, social, and economic identity. The COVID-19 pandemic with the collapse of healthcare, which has left the individual health to self-care, has also forced us to look back at ethnopharmacology from a practical point of view. This is the first study in Lithuania, dedicated entirely to ethnopharmaceuticals used for skin diseases and cosmetics, and the first study to analyse ethnopharmacology as a Lithuanian phenomenon during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The main purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate ethnopharmaceutical knowledge regarding skin diseases and cosmetics in Siauliai District, Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic from July 2020 to October 2021. This study surveyed 50 respondents; the survey was conducted using the deep interview method. The respondents mentioned 67 species of medicinal plants from 37 different families used for skin diseases (64.18%), cosmetics (13.44%) and cosmeceuticals (22.38%). Of the 67 plant species, 43 (64%) were not included in the European Medicines Agency monographs and only 14 species (21%) of all included species were used with European Medicines Agency approved medical indications for skin diseases. In terms of public health, the safety of "self-treatment" and recovery rituals for skin diseases are no less important than ethnopharmacological knowledge and its application, this being especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An updated review on the versatile role of chrysin in neurological diseases: Chemistry, pharmacology, and drug delivery approaches.

Neurological diseases are responsible for a large number of morbidities and mortalities in the world. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that possess various health-promoting impacts. Chrysin, a natural flavonoid isolated from diverse fruits, vegetables, and even mushrooms, has several pharmacological activities comprising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. The current study was designed to review the relationship between chrysin administration and neurological complications by discussing the feasible mechanism and signaling pathways. Herein, we mentioned the sources, pharmacological properties, chemistry, and drug delivery systems associated with chrysin pharmacotherapy. The role of chrysin was discussed in depression, anxiety, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, cerebral ischemia, spinal cord injury, neuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The findings indicate that chrysin has protective effects against neurological conditions by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in animal models. However, more studies should be done to clear the neuroprotective effects of chrysin.

Cyclodextrin-Assisted Extraction Method as a Green Alternative to Increase the Isoflavone Yield from Trifolium pratensis L. Extract.

Trifolium pratense L. is receiving increasing attention due to the isoflavones it contains, which have been studied for their benefits to human health. A common problem with isoflavone aglycones is a rather low water solubility and limited pharmaceutical applications. The use of excipients, such as cyclodextrins in the production of isoflavone rich extracts, could become one of the new strategies for the extraction of target compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate an eco-friendly method using the effects of α-, ß- and γ-cyclodextrins for isoflavone solubilization in plant extracts in comparison to a standard extract without excipients. Extractions of red clover were prepared using ultrasound-assisted combined with thermal hydrolysis and heat reflux. It was determined that cyclodextrins significantly increased the isoflavones aglycone yields. By increasing cyclodextrins in the extraction media from 1 to 5%, the daidzin concentration increased on average by 1.06 (α-cyclodextrins), 1.4 (ß-cyclodextrins) and 1.25 (γ-cyclodextrins) times. Genistein concentration increased using α- and γ-cyclodextrins (1.28 and 1.12 times, α- and γ-cyclodextrins, respectively), but decreased using ß-cyclodextrins. The results showed that the cyclodextrin-assisted extraction enhanced the yields of isoflavones from red clover, which suggests using cyclodextrins as a green alternative and a cost-effective method to increase its pharmaceutical application.

The effect of nutmeg essential oil constituents on Novikoff hepatoma cell viability and communication through Cx43 gap junctions.

Essential oils from plants are a potential source of molecules having anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiotropic, and other activities. However, most of these effects lack mechanistic explanations and structure-activity relationship testing. In the present study, we: 1) identified the nutmeg essential oil (NEO) composition; 2) using molecular docking, we determined the putative regulatory binding sites on the connexin 43 (Cx43) that is responsible for gap junction-dependent intercellular communication (GJIC) in the majority of tissues; 3) examined the effect of NEO and its three constituents - sabinene, α-pinene, and α-copaene - on GJ conductance and gating in Novikoff cells expressing endogenous Cx43; and 4) verified whether NEO effects on GJIC correlated with its action on Novikoff cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation capability. Our results revealed NEO and its constituents as potent and efficient Cx43 GJ inhibitors acting by slow gating mechanism. In addition, NEO reduced Novikoff hepatoma cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation capability; however, this was achieved at higher doses and was unrelated to its effects on GJIC.

The Influence of pH Values on the Rheological, Textural and Release Properties of Carbomer Polacril® 40P-Based Dental Gel Formulation with Plant-Derived and Synthetic Active Components.

The physicochemical properties, especially pH value of dental medicines, have significant influence on the health of oral cavity tissues. The pH of formulations should correspond to the value of saliva pH (5.5-8.0). For carbomer-based gels, the required pH value is obtained by neutralizing them with alkaline components, which leads to their structuring (thickening). This affects the physical properties of the gel, its residence time at the application site and the rate of release of active pharmaceutical ingredient. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to evaluate the rheological, textural, and biopharmaceutical properties of Carbomer Polacril® 40P-based dental gel depending on the pH value. Evaluation of the rheological properties of gel preparations were performed by measuring the structural viscosity of the samples as a function of pH and temperature. The textural properties of the gel were evaluated by performing tests regarding back extrusion and spreadability. Carbomer Polacril® 40P-based gels haven't shown noticeable thixotropic behavior, and were characterized by plastic flow in the whole studied pH range. The structural viscosity at the selected average pH value hasn't differed at storage (25 °C) and application (37 °C) temperature. Texture studies of dental gels have shown a strong correlation with rheoparameters. Their rheological behavior and textural properties haven't changed significantly between the pH range of 5.5-6.6. The relatively narrow range of working pH values does not affect the change in the viscosity of the preparation significantly and, consequently, does not affect the release of APIs from the developed Carbomer Polacril® 40P-based dental gel.

Modulation of Endothelial Glycocalyx and Microcirculation in Healthy Young Men during High-Intensity Sprint Interval Cycling-Exercise by Supplementation with Pomegranate Extract. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The natural components of the pomegranate fruit may provide additional benefits for endothelial function and microcirculation. It was hypothesized that supplementation with pomegranate extract might improve glycocalyx properties and microcirculation during acute high-intensity sprint interval cycling exercise. Eighteen healthy and recreationally active male volunteers 22-28 years of age were recruited randomly to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was supplemented with pomegranate extract 20 mL (720 mg phenolic compounds) for two weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, the participants completed a high-intensity sprint interval cycling-exercise protocol. The microcirculation flow and density parameters, glycocalyx markers, systemic hemodynamics, lactate, and glucose concentration were evaluated before and after the initial and repeated (after 2 weeks supplementation) exercise bouts. There were no significant differences in the microcirculation or glycocalyx over the course of the study (p < 0.05). The lactate concentration was significantly higher in both groups after the initial and repeated exercise bouts, and were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group after the repeated bout: 13.2 (11.9-14.8) vs. 10.3 (9.3-12.7) mmol/L, p = 0.017. Two weeks of supplementation with pomegranate extract does not influence changes in the microcirculation and glycocalyx during acute high-intensity sprint interval cycling-exercise. Although an unexplained rise in blood lactate concentration was observed.

Freeze-Drying Technique for Microencapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata Ethanolic Extract Using Different Coating Materials.

The present study reports on the encapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata ethanolic extract by freeze-drying method using skim milk, sodium caseinate, gum Arabic, maltodextrin, beta-maltodextrin, and resistant-maltodextrin alone or in mixtures of two or four encapsulants. The encapsulation ability of the final mixtures was evaluated based on their microencapsulating efficiency (EE) of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the physicochemical properties of freeze-dried powders. Results showed that the freeze-dried powders produced using two encapsulants have a lower moisture content, but higher solubility, Carr index, and Hausner ratio than freeze-dried powders produced using only one encapsulant in the formulation. The microencapsulating efficiency of TPC also varied depending on encapsulants used. The lowest EE% of TPC was determined with maltodextrin (21.17%), and the highest with sodium caseinate (83.02%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that freeze-drying resulted in the formation of different size, irregular shape glassy particles. This study demonstrated good mucoadhesive properties of freeze-dried powders, which could be incorporated in buccal or oral delivery dosage forms. In conclusion, the microencapsulation of E. ciliata ethanolic extract by freeze-drying is an effective method to produce new value-added pharmaceutical or food formulations with polyphenols.

Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. Extracts from Different Plant Parts: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Polyphenols play an important role on the health-promoting properties of humans. Plants belonging to Lamiaceae family are known as rich source of phenolic compounds. The current work aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. ethanolic extracts from leaf, stem, flower, and whole herb. Twelve compounds were identified in ethanolic extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and rutin were predominant compounds in ethanolicic extracts. Using HPLC-ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) post-column assay, avicularin, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids were identified as the predominant radical scavengers in all ethanolic extracts. All tested preparations significantly reduced the level of secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin E2 induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment in mouse peritoneal macrophage cell culture. Stem and flower extracts were most efficient in reducing cytokine release, but leaf extract demonstrated stronger effect on prostaglandin E2 secretion. This is the first study exploring antioxidant efficiency by HPLC-ABTS post-column method and investigating anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts from E. ciliata different plant parts.

A new delivery system based on apple pomace-pectin gels to encourage the viability of antimicrobial strains.

This work was aimed to investigate the concept of the valorization of apple processing by-products to produce a new preservation system based on apple pomace gels to encourage the viability of antimicrobial Lactobacillus strains. A high frequency (850 kHz) low power (1.3 W/cm2) ultrasound-stimulated cavitation was used for the structure modulating of gels under low-temperature (50 ℃) conditions. Medium esterified apple pectin was added to apple pomace to improve its texture properties and stability. The monitoring of the process of gelation was performed by using acoustic technique and method, based on the measurement of the distance (parameter h, mm) traveled by a free-falling module. The obtained data were then compared to gel texture measurements. The results suggest that low power ultrasound leads to a reduced jelly mass stickiness and increased gel hardness, compared to the thermally treated sample. The immobilization of probiotic cells in low pectin apple pomace gels did not sufficiently protect the microorganisms. The higher viability of immobilized Lactobacillus paracasei (54-77%) compared to L. plantarum (43-59%) was recorded after incubation at acidic conditions (pH 2.0). The most suitable system for preserving bacterial cells during storage can be the apple pomace-pectin gel containing up to 53% pectin as a stabilizer retaining 84% of viable cells after one-month storage at 4 ℃. The apple pomace-pectin hydrogels with gelation rate (dh/dt) of 0.03-0.05 mm/s can be used for the preservation of bacterial cells as a suitable functional ingredient for food.

Fermented, ultrasonicated, and dehydrated bovine colostrum: Changes in antimicrobial properties and immunoglobulin content.

This study evaluated the influence of fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 and Lactobacillus paracasei LUHS244, ultrasonication, and different methods of dehydration on the content of IgG, IgA, and IgM in bovine colostrum (BC), as well as the antimicrobial activity of the treated and fresh BC samples [fresh = BC; freeze dried = BClyoph; vacuum dried (+45°C) = BCvacdried; BC fermented with LUHS135 = BCLUHS135; BC fermented with LUHS244 = BCLUHS244; BC fermented with LUHS135 and freeze dried = BCLUHS135lyoph; BC fermented with LUHS244 and freeze dried = BCLUHS244 lyoph; BC fermented with LUHS135 and vacuum dried = BCLUHS135 vacdried; BC fermented with LUHS244 and vacuum dried = BCLUHS244 vacdried; BC ultrasonicated and freeze dried = BCultr lyoph; BC ultrasonicated and vacuum dried = BCultr vacdried]. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanni, Proteus mirabilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Pasteurella multocida using the agar well diffusion method, as well as in liquid medium. In liquid medium analysis showed that the fermented BC samples had the broadest antimicrobial spectrum (of 15 tested pathogenic strains, BCLUHS135 vacdried and BCLUHS135lyoph inhibited 13; BCLUHS244 vacdried inhibited 12; and BCLUHS135, BCLUHS244, and BCLUHS244 lyoph inhibited 11). Based on the inhibition zones, BCLUHS135lyoph samples exhibited the broadest inhibition spectrum, inhibiting the growth of 12 of the 15 tested pathogenic strains). According to the lactic acid bacteria strain selected for BC fermentation, different properties of the BC will be obtained. To ensure a broad antimicrobial spectrum and high IgG content, fermentation with LUHS135 can be recommended (IgG concentration in BCLUHS135 was retained), whereas fermentation with LUHS244 will provide a high IgM concentration (IgM concentration increased by 48.8 and 21.6% in BCLUHS244 and BCLUHS244lyoph samples, respectively). However, IgA is very sensitive for fermentation, and further studies are needed to increase IgA stability in BC. Finally, fermented BC can be recommended as a food/beverage ingredient, providing safety, as well as improved functionality through displaying a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities.

Psyllium (Plantago Ovata Forsk) Husk Powder as a Natural Superdisintegrant for Orodispersible Formulations: A Study on Meloxicam Tablets.

(1) Background: In this work, we investigated the application of a natural superdisintegrant, psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) husk powder, for the manufacture of orodispersible meloxicam tablets. Meloxicam was chosen as a model compound for the study. (2) Methods: The tablets were prepared using different concentrations of psyllium husk by direct compression. Bulk density, tapped density, hardness, friability, in vitro disintegration, and dissolution time tests were used to assess the quality of the formulations. (3) Results: Psyllium husk powder significantly increased the dissolution rate of meloxicam. The formulation containing 16 mg of psyllium husk powder showed the lowest wetting time, the highest water absorption ratio, and the lowest disintegration time compared to the control and to the other formulations. These effects may be attributed to the rapid uptake of water due to the vigorous swelling ability of psyllium husk powder. (4) Conclusions: The powder could be recommended as an effective natural superdisintegrant for orodispersible formulations.

Ethnobotanical Study of Cultivated Plants in Kaisiadorys District, Lithuania: Possible Trends for New Herbal Based Medicines.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing body of ethnobotanical studies in Europe, publications are scarce in Lithuania. Ethnobotanical study in Kaisiadorys district is one of the few from this field done in Lithuania. Lithuania is divided into five ethnographic regions, and Kaisiadorys district is an area which borders with the three of them (Aukstaitija, Dzukija, and Suvalkija), which determines the ethnographic distinctiveness of the area. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of cultivated medicinal plants, their families and pharmaceutical forms used in Kaisiadorys district, Lithuania, and to assess the conformity of medicinal plant materials used by respondents with the recommendations for medicinal plant materials in the World Health Organization monographs. METHODS: The field work was conducted in periods of time from July 2016 to October 2017. During this ethnobotanical research, 30 people were interviewed, 25 of whom agreed to communicate. The average age of respondents was 65 years. Information was collected using semistructured and structured interviews. The obtained information was recorded indicating ethnic names of plants, their preparation techniques, parts used, modes of administration, and application for therapeutic purposes. RESULTS: Respondents mentioned 71 species of cultivated medicinal plants from 38 families, used for therapeutic purposes and indicated which parts of the plant they use, how they prepare them, indications for use, and ways of administration. The most commonly cited families were Asteraceae (20.5%), Lamiaceae (13.9%), and Apiaceae (12.8%); most popular plants, cited more than 20 times, were Tilia cordata L., Matricaria recutita L., Calendula officinalis L., Carum carvi L., and Artemisia absinthium L. The frequently used plant parts were flowers (mentioned 35.8%), leaves (16.3%), roots and tubers (16.1%), herb (14.8%), and seeds (7.0%). Diseases most frequently treated were digestive (21.5% of citations), respiratory (21.3 % of citations), mental and behavioral (11.0%) disorders, certain infections and parasitic diseases (10.1%), and diseases of genitourinary system (9.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Only 19 of the cultivated medicinal plant species mentioned by interviewed persons are described in the World Health Organization monographs. This means that the remaining 52 species are used without the World Health Organization approved medical indications, based solely on the folk medicine knowledge and experience. This study showed that the folk use of plants is strongly rooted in daily practice in the studied area.

Microencapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata Herb Ethanolic Extract by Spray-Drying: Impact of Resistant-Maltodextrin Complemented with Sodium Caseinate, Skim Milk, and Beta-Cyclodextrin on the Quality of Spray-Dried Powders.

Spray-drying is the most popular encapsulation method used for the stabilization and protection of biologically active compounds from various environmental conditions, such as oxidation, moisture, pH, and temperature. Spray-drying increases the bioavailability of the natural active compounds and improves the solubility of low-soluble compounds. The aim of this work was to study the effects of different wall materials and optimize wall material solution's composition on physicochemical properties of microcapsules loaded with phenolics, extract rich in volatile compounds and essential oil from Elsholtzia ciliata herb. For encapsulation of elsholtzia and dehydroelsholtzia ketones, more suitable wall materials were used-beta-cyclodextrin and sodium caseinate. Four phenolics-sodium caseinate, skim milk, beta-cyclodextrin, and resistant-maltodextrin-were used. A D-optimal mixture composition design was used to evaluate the effect of wall material solution's composition using sodium caseinate (0.5-1 g), skim milk (6-10 g), resistant-maltodextrin (8-12 g), and beta-cyclodextrin (0.5-1 g) for the encapsulation efficiency, drying yield, and physicochemical properties. The optimal mixture composition was 0.54 g of sodium caseinate, 10 g of skim milk, 8.96 g of resistant-maltodextrin, and 0.5 g of beta-cyclodextrin. These encapsulating agents had a good performance in the microencapsulation of E. ciliata ethanolic extracts by the spray-drying technique. It is proven that the produced microparticles have a good potential to be included in various pharmaceutical forms or food supplements.