Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles synthesized using extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria L. and in vitro and in vivo studies of potential medicinal applications.

This research explores the synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from acetone (AgNPs-acetone) and aqueous (AgNPs-H2O) extracts of Agrimonia eupatoria. The nanoparticles exhibit isometric morphology and uniform size distribution, as elucidated through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) analyses. The utilization of Scanning Transmission Microscopy (STEM) with High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) imaging and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) confirms the crystalline nature of AgNPs. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis reveals identical functional groups in the plant extracts and their corresponding AgNPs, suggesting the involvement of phytochemicals in the reduction of silver ions. Spectrophotometric monitoring of the synthesis process, influenced by various parameters, provides insights into the kinetics and optimal conditions for AgNP formation. The antioxidant activities of the plant extracts and synthesized AgNPs are evaluated through DPPH and ABTS methods, highlighting AgNPs-acetone as a potent antioxidant. Third-instar larvae exposed to the extracts have differential effects on DNA damage, with the acetone extract demonstrating antigenotoxic properties. Similarly, biosynthesized AgNPs-acetone displays antigenotoxic effects against EMS-induced DNA damage. The genotoxic effect of water extract and AgNPs-acetone was dose-dependent. Hemolytic potential is assessed on rat erythrocytes, revealing that low concentrations of AgNPs-acetone and AgNPs-H2O had a nontoxic effect on erythrocytes. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrate time-dependent and dose-dependent effects, with AgNPs-acetone exhibiting superior cytotoxicity. Proapoptotic activity is confirmed through apoptosis induction, emphasizing the potential therapeutic applications of AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs reveals concentration-dependent effects. AgNPs-H2O display better antibacterial activity, while antifungal activities are comparable between the two nanoparticle types.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Activity of Different Extracts of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla Lichen from Stara Planina, Serbia.

The aim of this study was to identify some of the secondary metabolites present in acetonic, methanolic, and hexanic extracts of lichen Xanthoparmelia stenophylla and to examine their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. Compounds of the depsid structure of lecanoric acid, obtusic acid, and atranorin as well as usnic acid with a dibenzofuran structure were identified in the extracts by HPLC. The acetone extract was shown to have the highest total phenolic (167.03 ± 1.12 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (178.84 ± 0.93 mg QE/g) as well as the best antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 81.22 ± 0.54). However, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm tests showed the best activity of hexanic extract, especially against strains of B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus (MIC < 0.08, and 0.3125 mg/mL, respectively). Additionally, by using the MTT method, the acetonic extract was reported to exhibit a strong cytotoxic effect on the HeLa and HCT-116 cell lines, especially after 72 h (IC50 = 21.17 ± 1.85 and IC50 = 21.48 ± 3.55, respectively). The promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects of Xanthoparmelia stenophylla extracts shown in the current study should be further investigated in vivo and under clinical conditions.

Chelidonium majus crude extract induces activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhances their cytotoxic effect toward HeLa cells.

The aim of the study was to examine the immunomodulatory effect of crude Chelidonium majus L ethanolic extract on ex vivo harvested peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs). PBMNCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The PBMNC cytotoxicity assay was performed with HeLa tumor cells as target cells. MTT assay was used to estimate the proliferation effect of extract and cytotoxic efficiency of treated PBMNCs. Flow cytometric analysis was used for immunophenotyping. Treatment induced moderate proliferative response, perturbation in PBMNC ratios, and the emergence of some unconventional subpopulations. The percentage ratio of double positive CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and monocytes, ratio of T and B lymphocytes expressing CD14, and percentage of NK cells expressing CD57 increased after treatment, indicating activation of PBMNC subpopulations. Cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells was enhanced. Activation of PBMNCs and enhancement of their cytotoxic effect toward HeLa cells indicate the immunostimulatory effect of Ch. majus ethanolic extract.

Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic and Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oils and Methanol Extracts of Hyssopus officinalis L. Subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman (Lamiaceae).

Hyssopus officinalis L. is a well-known aromatic plant used in traditional medicine and the food and cosmetics industry. The aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant, genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic properties of characterized hyssop essential oils and methanol extracts. Chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS), respectively. Antioxidant activity was examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) tests; genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity were examined by the comet assay, while cytotoxicity was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide dye (MTT) test against tumor cell lines (SW480, MDA-MB 231, HeLa) and non-transformed human lung fibroblast cell lines (MRC-5). The essential oils were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons (e.g., limonene; 7.99-23.81%), oxygenated monoterpenes (1,8-cineole; 38.19-67.1%) and phenylpropanoids (methyl eugenol; 0.00-28.33%). In methanol extracts, the most abundant phenolics were chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid (23.35-33.46 and 3.53-17.98 mg/g, respectively). Methanol extracts expressed moderate to weak antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 56.04-199.89 µg/mL, FRAP = 0.667-0.959 mmol Fe2+/g). Hyssop preparations significantly reduced DNA damage in human whole blood cells, induced by pretreatment with hydrogen peroxide. Methanol extracts exhibited selective and potent dose- and time-dependent activity against the HeLa cell line. Results of the current study demonstrated notable H. officinalis medicinal potential, which calls for further investigation.

Combining in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches to evaluate nutraceutical potentials and chemical fingerprints of Moltkia aurea and Moltkia coerulea.

Methanolic extracts of Moltkia aurea Boiss. (MA) and Moltkia coerulea (Willd.) Lehm. (MC) were investigated for their antioxidant capacity and enzymatic inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase in vitro. MA and MC were also explored for their antimicrobial effect, as well as for their possible genotoxic/antigenotoxic potential on Drosophila melanogaster in vivo. The total bioactive components (phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC)) were determined and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolite profiling of MA and MC appraised. The plausible docking poses of bioactive compounds to key enzymes were further studied using molecular modelling approach. MA proved to be a better antioxidant with higher TPC and TFC compared to MC. Protocatechuic acid, rutin, hesperidin and malic acid were the most abundant in these extracts. Both MA and MC exhibited antigenotoxic potential with a %R in DNA damage of 60.90 and 53.14% respectively. The docking studies revealed that rutin, hesperidin, and rosmarinic acid have the best scores for all the enzymes tested. MA and MC were found to be rich in phytochemicals with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antigenotoxic activities that can be further studied for the management of neurodegenerative complications, diabetes, and hyperpigmentation.

Filipendula ulmaria extracts attenuate cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress in rats: In vivo investigation and LC-MS analysis.

Filipendula ulmaria, known as meadowsweet, is a perennial herb found in wild and cultivated habitats in Europe and Asia. Usage of F. ulmaria in traditional medicine is based on diuretic, astringent, antirheumatic, and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant. Exposure to cisplatin at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg caused significant increase in serum parameters of liver and kidneys function and tissue oxidative stress markers along with some histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues of experimental rats, as well as high level of genotoxicity. Administration of F. ulmaria extracts in three different concentrations (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) for 10 days resulted in a reduction of oxidative stress in tissues and decrease of serum parameters. Moreover, tested extracts attenuated the genotoxicity of cisplatin in reverse dose-dependent manner. F. ulmaria extracts had no in vitro cytotoxic activity at all applied concentrations (IC50 > 50 µg/mL). Tested extracts, rich in polyphenolic compounds, attenuate cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress, reduce tissue damage, and enhance the antioxidative status of experimental animals during cisplatin application. Therefore, F. ulmaria extracts may be used as supportive agent for the prevention and amelioration of cisplatin side effects.

Cotinus coggygria Scop.: An overview of its chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological potential.

The Anacardiaceae Lindl. family comprises of many species which are used in nutrition and in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of several human diseases. Cotinus coggygria Scop. commonly known as "smoke tree", is a commercial ornamental plant with high medicinal usages, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. The present review provides a comprehensive report of empirical investigations on important pharmacological activities and phytochemical screening of essential oils and extracts. Relevant information was collected from scientific journals, books, and reports via library and electronic search using Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. The plant has been extensively investigated in a broad range of studies to provide scientific evidence for folklore claims or to find new therapeutic uses. Numerous activities namely antioxidative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antigenotoxic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory have been demonstrated for all parts of these plants by in vivo and in vitro studies. Essential oils and extracts showed various pharmacological and biological properties which make them an effective remedy for various kinds of illnesses. Considering data from the literature, it could be demonstrated that C. coggygria possesses diverse bioactive properties and immense utilization in medicine, health care, cosmetics and as health supplements.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of the Filipendula hexapetala and Filipendula ulmaria methanol extracts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The two species of Filipendula genus, Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. and Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim are a traditional herbal medicine widely used to treat haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, fever, rheumatism and arthritic pain, kidney problems, to stop bleeding, and the common cold, as well as food supplements. However, no scientific study has been performed to validate genotoxic and/or antigenotoxic potentials of these two Filipendula species. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to examine the genotoxic and possible in vitro and in vivo DNA protection potential of methanol extracts of F. hexapetala and F. ulmaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genotoxicity of different concentrations of F. hexapetala and F. ulmaria methanol extracts from roots and aerial parts (20, 40 and 80 mg/ml), mixed with standard food for Drosophila, was evaluated in vivo in the anterior midgut of Drosophila melanogaster using a modified alkaline comet assay. The protective effects of the highest dose of extracts were observed in somatic cells of third-instar larvae against ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)-induced genotoxicity. Also, DNA protection activity of methanol extracts from F. hexapetala and F. ulmaria (100, 200, and 400 µg/ml) against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage was determined under in vitro conditions. RESULTS: The results showed that methanol extracts from the root and aerial part of F. hexapetala at a concentration of 20mg/ml indicated the absence of genotoxicity. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in total scores between any of the groups treated with F. ulmaria root extract and the negative control group, while F. ulmaria aerial part extract possess weak genotoxic effects depending on the concentrations. The percentage reduction in DNA damage was more evident in the group of larvae simultaneously treated with EMS and the highest dose of F. hexapetala root or aerial part extracts and F. ulmaria root extract (91.02, 80.21, and 87.5%, respectively) and less expressive in the group simultaneously treated with F. ulmaria aerial part extract (54.7%). F. hexapetala root and aerial part extracts and F. ulmaria root extract possess strong capabilities to protect DNA from being damaged by hydroxyl radicals. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that F. hexapetala root and aerial part extracts and F. ulmaria root extract demonstrated the absence of genotoxic activity. The extracts appeared to have antigenotoxic effect, reducing the levels of DNA damage induced by EMS by more than 80%. Also, F. hexapetala root and aerial part extracts and F. ulmaria root extracts could effectively protect against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage.

Methanol extract from the stem of Cotinus coggygria Scop., and its major bioactive phytochemical constituent myricetin modulate pyrogallol-induced DNA damage and liver injury.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the methanol extract of Cotinus coggygria Scop. in rats exposed to the hepatotoxic compound pyrogallol. Assessed with the alkaline version of the comet assay, 1000 and 2000mg/kg body weight (bw) of the extract showed a low level of genotoxicity, while 500mg/kg bw of the extract showed no genotoxic potential. Quantitative HPLC analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the methanol extract of C. coggygria showed that myricetin was a major component. To test the hepatoprotective effect, a non-genotoxic dose of the C. coggygria extract and an equivalent amount of synthetic myricetin, as present in the extract, were applied either 2 or 12h prior to administration of 100mg/kg bw of pyrogallol. The extract and myricetin promoted restoration of hepatic function by significantly reducing pyrogallol-induced elevation in the serum enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and in total bilirubin. As measured by the decrease in total score and tail moment, the DNA damage in liver was also reduced by the extract and by myricetin. Our results suggest that pro-surviving Akt activity and STAT3 protein expression play important roles in decreasing DNA damage and in mediating hepatic protection by the extract. These results suggest that myricetin, as a major component in the extract, is responsible for the antigenotoxic and hepatoprotective properties of the methanol extract of C. coggygria against pyrogallol-induced toxicity.

Hepatoprotective effects of Gentiana asclepiadea L. extracts against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats.

This study is an attempt to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Gentiana asclepiadea L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Methanol extracts of aerial parts (GAA) and roots (GAR) of G. asclepiadea at doses of 100, 200, and 400mg/ kg b.w. were orally administered to Wistar rats once daily for 7 days before they were treated with CCl(4). The hepatoprotective activity of the extracts in this study was compared with the reference drug silymarin. In CCl(4) treated animals, GAA and GAR significantly decreased levels of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin, and increased the level of total protein. Treatment with the extracts resulted in a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione, accompanied with a marked reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde, as compared to CCl(4) treated group. The histopathological studies confirmed protective effects of extracts against CCl(4)-induced liver injuries. No genotoxicity was observed in liver cells after GAA treatment, while GAR showed only slight genotoxic effects by comet assay. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sweroside, swertiamarin and gentiopicrin in high concentrations in both extracts. It could be concluded that the use of G. asclepiadea extracts in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.

Extract of the plant Cotinus coggygria Scop. attenuates pyrogallol-induced hepatic oxidative stress in Wistar rats.

To examine the protective potential of the Cotinus coggygria Scop. methanol extract, Wistar rats were treated with the hepatotoxic compound pyrogallol, which possesses a potent ability to generate free radicals and induce oxidative stress. The ability of the extract to counteract the oxidative stress was examined in rats that were injected with the extract intraperitoneally (500 mg·(kg body weight)(-1)) either 2 or 12 h before the pyrogallol treatment. The extract possesses a reducing activity in vitro and an ability to chelate the ferrous ion both in vivo and in vitro. Application of the extract prior to pyrogallol treatment led to a decrease in the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and attenuation of DNA damage, as well as increased Akt activity and inhibition of NF-κB protein expression. Treatment with the extract 12 h prior to pyrogallol administration was more effective in suppressing pyrogallol-induced oxidative damage than the 2 h pretreatment. Extract administration promoted an increase in acute phase reactants haptoglobin and α(2)-macroglobulin that was short of a full-fledged acute phase response. Administration of the extract considerably improved the markers of oxidative stress, thus revealing a potential hepatoprotective activity. Our results suggest that Akt activation, NF-κB inhibition, and induction of the acute phase play important roles in mediating hepatic protection by the extract. The greater effectiveness of the 12 h pretreatment with extract points to the important role that preconditioning assumes in improving resistance to subsequent exposure to oxidative stress.