Complex Hippocampal Response to Thermal Skin Injury and Protocols with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Filipendula ulmaria Extract in Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations of the hippocampal function that may be related to anxiogenic response to thermal skin injury, including the morpho-functional alterations, and the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and Filipendula ulmaria (FU) extract in the treatment of anxiety-like behavior that coincides with thermal skin injury. A rat thermal skin injury experimental model was performed on 2-month-old male Wistar albino rats. The evaluated therapeutic protocols included HBO and/or antioxidant supplementation. HBO was applied for 7 days in the hyperbaric chamber (100% O2, 2.5 ATA, 60 min). Oral administration of FU extract (final concentration of 100 mg/kg b.w.) to achieve antioxidant supplementation was also applied for 7 days. Anxiety level was estimated in the open field and elevated plus-maze test, which was followed by anesthesia, sacrifice, and collection of hippocampal tissue samples. HBO treatment and FU supplementation significantly abolished anxiogenic response to thermal skin injury. This beneficial effect was accompanied by the reduction in hippocampal pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic indicators, and enhanced BDNF and GABA-ARα2S gene expression, previously observed in untreated burns. The hippocampal relative gene expression of melatonin receptors and NPY positively responded to the applied protocols, in the same manner as µ and δ opioid receptors, while the opposite response was observed for κ receptors. The results of this study provide some confirmations that adjuvant strategies, such as HBO and antioxidant supplementation, may be simultaneously applied in the treatment of the anxiety-like behavior that coincides with thermal skin injury.

Simultaneous Administration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Antioxidant Supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria Extract in the Treatment of Thermal Skin Injuries Alters Nociceptive Signalling and Wound Healing.

Background and Objectives: Thermal skin injuries are a prevalent cause of skin damage, potentially leading to severe morbidity and significant mortality. In this study, we intended to estimate the effects of HBO (hyperbaric oxygen treatment) and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract, individually and simultaneously, in the treatment of thermal skin injuries. Materials and Methods: As a thermal skin injury experimental model, we used two-month-old male Wistar albino rats. Thermal injuries were made with a solid aluminium bar at a constant temperature of 75 °C for 15 s. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was performed in a specially constructed hyperbaric chamber for rats (HYB-C 300) for seven consecutive days (100% O2 at 2.5 ATA for 60 min). Antioxidant supplementation was performed with oral administration of Filipendula ulmaria extract dissolved in tap water to reach a final concentration of 100 mg/kg b.w. for seven consecutive days. Results: Simultaneous administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and histopathological characteristics of the wound area and healing. Also, this therapeutic approach decreased the local expression of genes for proinflammatory mediators and increased the expression of the µ-opioid receptor and the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the wound area and spinal cord, with a consequent increase in reaction times in behavioural testing. Conclusions: In conclusion, the presented results of our study allow evidence for the advantages of the simultaneous employment of HBO and antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of thermal skin injuries, with special reference to the attenuation of painful sensations accompanied by this type of trauma.

The Investigation of the Chemical Composition and Applicability of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Amygdalus communis (Almond) Leaf Aqueous Extract as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents.

The current work's main objective was to determine the chemical composition of Amygdalus communis (AC) leaf extract and examine the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The chemical composition of AC leaf extract was determined using LC-ESI/MS/MS to detect compounds that may be responsible for the reducing, stabilizing, and capping steps in the synthesis of nanoparticles and their biological activities. The AC-AuNPs were spherical, with a particle size lower than 100 nm and a face-centered cubic structure. The EDX spectrum confirmed the formation of AuNPs and a negative zeta potential value (-27.7 mV) suggested their physicochemical stability. The in vitro cytotoxic efficacy of the AC-AuNPs against colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), glioma (U118), and ovarian (Skov-3) cancer cell lines and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was evaluated by MTT assay. CaCo-2 cell proliferation was effectively inhibited by the AC-AuNPs at concentrations between 25 and 100 g mL-1. The AC-AuNPs exerted preeminent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis with an MIC of 0.02 µg/mL, whilst good activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida albicans yeast with an MIC of 0.12 µg/mL. Ultimately, the results support the high antibacterial and anticancer potential of biosynthesized AuNPs from AC leaf extract.

A mechanistic review of pharmacological activities of homeopathic medicine licorice against neural diseases.

The use of medicinal plants has grown in popularity in recent decades because, as natural ingredients, they have fewer adverse effects and are more effective than synthetic alternatives. As a small perennial herb, Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) has been investigated for its therapeutic efficacy against neural disorders mainly ischemic stroke as well as the neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease which has been attributed to its HMGB inhibitory function, reactive oxygen scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of current review is to review the evidence for the pharmacological effects of licorice and its vital active components on neurological disorders and the underlying signaling networks. We reviewed Papers published from 2000.1.1 up to 2 January 2023 in web of science, Google Scholar and PubMed data bases using key words including "Licorice," "Glycyrrhiza glabra L.," "Glycyrrhizic acid," "brain," "neurodegenerative disease," "Alzheimer's," and "Parkinson" were used to search in title/abstracts. Licorice extract and/or its active components can be used safely in therapeutic doses for optimizing the management of a multiple neurodegenerative disorders, and hampering the extent of neural tissue injury and neurologic deficits subsequent to cerebrovascular accidents.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia verticillata and Filipendula ulmaria Extracts: Optimization of Synthesis, Biological Activities, and Catalytic Properties.

The study's objective was to obtain silver nanoparticles (SVAgNP and FUAgNP) using aqueous extracts of Salvia verticillata and Filipendula ulmaria. The optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis were determined and obtained; nanoparticles were then characterized using UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). SVAgNP and FUAgNP possessed a crystalline structure with 48.42% and 60.41% silver weight, respectively. The highest percentage of nanoparticles in the solution had a diameter between 40 and 70 nm. In DPPH˙ and ABTS˙+ methods, FUAgNP (IC50 15.82 and 59.85 µg/mL, respectively) demonstrated a higher antioxidant capacity than SVAgNP (IC50 73.47 and 79.49 µg/mL, respectively). Obtained nanoparticles also showed pronounced antibacterial activity (MIC ˂ 39.1 µg/mL for most of the tested bacteria), as well as high biocompatibility with the human fibroblast cell line MRC-5 and significant cytotoxicity on some cancer cell lines, especially on the human colon cancer HCT-116 cells (IC50 31.50 and 66.51 µg/mL for SVAgNP and FUAgNP, respectively). The nanoparticles demonstrated high catalytic effectiveness in degrading Congo red dye with NaBH4. The results showed a rapid and low-cost methodology for the synthesis of AgNPs using S. verticillata and F. ulmaria with promising biological potential.

An Overview of the Beneficial Role of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Nanoparticle-Induced Toxicities.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are used in many products and materials for humans such as electronics, in medicine for drug delivery, as biosensors, in biotechnology, and in agriculture, as ingredients in cosmetics and food supplements. Besides that, NPs may display potentially hazardous properties on human health and the environment as a consequence of their abundant use in life nowadays. Hence, there is increased interest of researchers to provide possible therapeutic agents or dietary supplements for the amelioration of NP-induced toxicity. This review summarizes the new findings in the research of the use of antioxidants as supplements for the prevention and alleviation of harmful effects caused by exposure of organisms to NPs. Also, mechanisms involved in the formation of NP-induced oxidative stress and protective mechanisms using different antioxidant substances have also been elaborated. This review also highlights the potential of naturally occurring antioxidants for the enhancement of the antioxidant defense systems in the prevention and mitigation of organism damage caused by NP-induced oxidative stress. Based on the presented results of the most recent studies, it may be concluded that the role of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of nanoparticle-induced toxicity is unimpeachable. This is particularly important in terms of oxidative stress suppression.

Alteration of Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers alterations in the rat prefrontal cortex influence behavioral response induced by cisplatin and N-acetylcysteine in the tail suspension test.

Cisplatin therapy is often accompanied by neurotoxicity manifestation, and since the prefrontal cortex is strongly involved in emotion regulation, the aim of this study was to analyze the alterations in the oxidative and apoptotic status of this brain region, with its behavioral impact in rats, following cisplatin administration, with or without N-acetylcysteine supplementation. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups: control, cisplatin group (single dose of 7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), on the fifth day), N-acetylcysteine group (500 mg/kg i.p., on the first and the fifth day), cisplatin + N-acetylcysteine group. Behavioral testing was performed in the tail suspension test. Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers were determined in the prefrontal cortex tissue samples. Cisplatin administration increased lipid peroxidation and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the prefrontal cortex. Also, cisplatin induced increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 relative gene expression. Simultaneous application of N-acetylcysteine diminished cisplatin-induced alterations in oxidative stress and apoptotic markers. The results obtained in the tail suspension test that nominally resembles antidepressant action of cisplatin (attenuated by N-acetylcysteine), should be attributed to strong motor expression of anxiogenic response to cisplatin (also reversed by N-acetylcysteine). The antioxidant supplementation with NAC diminished cisplatin-induced oxidative damage and pro-apoptotic action in the prefrontal cortex, and significantly influenced specific behavioral alterations.

The Antioxidant Supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria Extract Attenuates the Systemic Adverse Effects of Nanosized Calcium Phosphates in Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the systemic toxicity of three nanosized calcium phosphates (CaPs): hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in rats. Since those metallic compounds are widely used as bone replacement materials, including their use in oral surgery, CaPs were applied (per os) equimollary (17.8 mg/kg, 11 mg/kg, and 9.65 mg/kg b.w., respectively) for 30 days in order to mimic the previously described release rate from dental composites. Also, we employed antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria (FU) extract. All the applied CaPs significantly increased serum calcium, triglycerides, LDL, and LDH, while serum levels of testosterone and LH declined, with no alterations in the liver enzymes. The evaluation of oxidative stress markers (in the liver, kidney, and testicle) showed an increase in TBARS values, while SOD and CAT activities and GSH levels were significantly reduced. The relative gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was shifted to proapoptotic action, accompanied by intense characteristic histological changes in architecture in all investigated organs. The toxic effects were most prominent in groups treated by ACP. FU administration attenuated the majority of nanosized CaP-induced adverse effects, thus recommending this therapeutic approach to minimize nano-CaP systemic toxicities.

The Beneficial Role of Filipendula ulmaria Extract in Prevention of Prodepressant Effect and Cognitive Impairment Induced by Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates in Rats.

Mineral components of dental composites are used in many medical and dental applications, including preventive, restorative, and regenerative dentistry. To evaluate the behavioural alterations induced by nanosized particles of novel dental composites, by means of depressive level and cognitive functions, experimental groups of rats were chronically administered with nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with or without simultaneous application of Filipendula ulmaria L. (FU) methanolic extract. The significant prodepressant action was observed in groups solely treated with HA and ACP. Besides, prolonged treatment with ACP also resulted in a significant decline in cognitive functions estimated in the novel object recognition test. The adverse impact of calcium phosphates on estimated behavioural functions was accompanied by increased oxidative damage and apoptotic markers in the prefrontal cortex, as well as diminished specific neurotrophin (BDNF) and gabaergic expression. The results of our investigation showed that simultaneous antioxidant supplementation with FU extract prevented calcium phosphate-induced behavioural disturbances, as well as prooxidative and apoptotic actions, with the simultaneous restoration of BDNF and GABA-A receptors in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that FU may be useful in the prevention of prodepressant impact and cognitive decline as early as the manifestation of calcium phosphate-induced neurotoxicity.

Variable neuroprotective role of Filipendula ulmaria extract in rat hippocampus.

We evaluated the influence of an antioxidant-rich extract of Filipendula ulmaria L. on anxiety levels induced by nano-sized particles of different calcium phosphates. Rats in experimental groups were administered with either nano-sized hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or amorphous calcium phosphate in the presence of Filipendula ulmaria extract. Appropriate behavioral tests were performed to assess anxiety levels, while oxidative status and apoptosis parameters were determined in the hippocampus samples. The applied calcium phosphates increased oxidative stress markers in hippocampal tissue, accompanied by an enhanced pro-apoptotic mechanism. Moreover, the hippocampal immunoreactivity for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and GABAergic-A receptors was significantly lower following calcium phosphate nanoparticles intake. The observed functional and morphological alterations in the rat hippocampus occurred simultaneously with the anxiogenic response estimated in behavioral testing. The neuroprotective effect of Filipendula ulmaria was markedly manifested by the attenuation of oxidative damage induced by amorphous calcium phosphate and enhanced anti-apoptotic action in the rat hippocampus. The increased hippocampal immunoreactivity for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GABAergic-A receptors and significant anxiolytic-like effects of Filipendula ulmaria may suggest a beneficial role of antioxidant supplementation in preventing anxiogenic response to nano-sized calcium phosphates.

Antioxidant Supplementation in the Treatment of Neurotoxicity Induced by Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutics-A Review.

Cancer represents one of the most pernicious public health problems with a high mortality rate among patients worldwide. Chemotherapy is one of the major therapeutic approaches for the treatment of various malignancies. Platinum-based drugs (cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, etc.) are highly effective chemotherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of several types of malignancies, but their application and dosage are limited by their toxic effects on various systems, including neurotoxicity. Simultaneously, researchers have tried to improve the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients and decrease the toxicity of platinum-containing drugs by combining them with non-chemotherapy-based drugs, dietary supplements and/or antioxidants. Additionally, recent studies have shown that the root cause for the many side effects of platinum chemotherapeutics involves the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in naive cells. Therefore, suppression of ROS generation and their inactivation with antioxidants represents an appropriate approach for platinum drug-induced toxicities. The aim of this paper is to present an updated review of the protective effects of different antioxidant agents (vitamins, dietary antioxidants and supplements, medicaments, medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds) against the neurotoxicity induced by platinum-based chemotherapeutics. This review highlights the high potential of plant antioxidants as adjuvant strategies in chemotherapy with platinum drugs.

N-Acetylcysteine Protects against the Anxiogenic Response to Cisplatin in Rats.

Since cisplatin therapy is usually accompanied with numerous toxicities, including neurotoxicity, that involve tissue oxidative damage, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the anxiogenic response to cisplatin (CIS). Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats divided into four groups (control, cisplatin, NAC, and CIS + NAC). All treatments were delivered intraperitoneally. On day one, the control and cisplatin groups received saline while the NAC and CIS + NAC groups were administered with NAC (500 mg/kg). On the fifth day, the control group received saline while the CIS group was treated with cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg), the NAC group again received NAC (500 mg/kg), and the CIS + NAC group was simultaneously treated with cisplatin and NAC (7.5 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). Behavioral testing, performed on the tenth day in the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests, revealed the anxiogenic effect of cisplatin that was significantly attenuated by NAC. The hippocampal sections evaluation showed increased oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation and decline in antioxidant enzymes activity) and proapoptotic action (predominantly by diminished antiapoptotic gene expression) following a single dose of cisplatin. NAC supplementation along with cisplatin administration reversed the prooxidative and proapoptotic effects of cisplatin. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study confirmed that antioxidant supplementation with NAC may attenuate the cisplatin-induced anxiety. The mechanism of anxiolytic effect achieved by NAC may include the decline in oxidative damage that down regulates increased apoptosis and reverses the anxiogenic action of cisplatin.

Antioxidant Effects of Satureja hortensis L. Attenuate the Anxiogenic Effect of Cisplatin in Rats.

Numerous adverse effects of cisplatin-based therapy are usually accompanied by enhanced oxidative damage and cell apoptosis in various tissues. Even neurotoxic manifestations of cisplatin administration, such as the anxiogenic effect, appear along with the increased oxidative stress and apoptotic indicators in certain brain regions. Thirty-five Wistar albino male rats were divided into seven groups: control, cisplatin (received a single dose of cisplatin: 7.5 mg/kg), three groups with oral administration of Satureja hortensis L. methanolic extract (SH) (low: 50 mg/kg, middle: 100 mg/kg, and high dose: 200 mg/kg) along with cisplatin application, a group with the extract in high dose alone, and a silymarin group (cisplatin and silymarin: 100 mg/kg), in order to evaluate the antioxidant effects of SH on cisplatin-induced increase in the anxiety level. After completing 10-day pretreatments, behavioral testing was performed in the open field and the elevated plus maze, followed by an investigation of oxidative stress and apoptosis parameters in hippocampal tissue samples. Cisplatin administration resulted in anxiogenic-like behavior, increased lipid peroxidation, and proapoptotic markers accompanied by the decline in antioxidant and antiapoptotic defense. The administration of extract alone did not significantly alter any of the estimated parameters. When applied along with cisplatin, SH in a dose of 100 mg/kg induced the significant anxiolytic effect with concomitant recovery of antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity indicators, while both lower and higher doses of the extract failed to improve the adverse effects of cisplatin administration. The beneficial effects of the middle dose of SH were equivalent to the same dose of silymarin, as a "golden standard." Our results indicate that the antioxidant supplementation with SH in an optimal dose significantly improved the oxidative status and it had antiapoptotic effect in the rat hippocampus disturbed by cisplatin administration, which was accompanied with attenuation of cisplatin-induced anxiogenic effect.

Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory effects of Filipendula vulgaris Moench extracts.

Filipendula vulgaris Moench (dropwort) is used in traditional medicine for relieving various inflammation-related diseases. In the present study, the phytochemical profile of F. vulgaris aerial part (FVA) and root (FVR) methanolic extracts was evaluated by LC-DAD-HRMS analysis. Furthermore, their in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects, as well as their potential cytotoxicity, were assessed. Results showed that the extracts mainly contain phenolics like flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, procyanidins, and phenolic acid derivatives, including gaultherin. No in vitro cytotoxicity was found at the highest concentration (50 µg/mL). FVA extract (50 µg/mL) significantly inhibited cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) activities in vitro (>50% inhibition), and FVR extract considerably inhibited COX-2 activity (52.5 ±â€¯2.7%) without affecting COX-2 gene expression in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. The extracts demonstrated prominent in vivo anti-inflammatory potential upon oral administration in rats. Especially FVA extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced edema formation. From these results, it can be concluded that F. vulgaris extracts possess interesting anti-inflammatory properties.

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) extract: Phytochemical profile and modulation of cisplatin-induced liver, renal and testicular toxicity.

The aim of our study was to examine the potential ameliorating effect of the methanolic extract of Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory) aerial parts against cisplatin-induced oxidative damage in renal, hepatic, and testicular tissues. S. hortensis methanol extract at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight were orally administered to Wistar rats once daily for 10 days. Toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg of body weight) on the 5th day of the experiment. Applied treatment with S. hortensis extract restored tissue morphology, ameliorated levels of serum parameters for liver, renal and testes function, tissue oxidative stress parameters, and increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio as an indicator of apoptosis in experimental animals caused by application of cisplatin. UHPLC/DAD/HESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that S. hortensis extract was rich in phenolic compounds with rosmarinic acid (24.9 mg/g) as the main compound, followed by caffeic acid (1.28 mg/g) and naringenin (1.06 mg/g). Our findings suggest that S. hortensis may be a valuable source of dietary and pharmacologically important phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid, in pharmaceutical and functional food formulations in order to maintain normal health conditions or as a remedy in various diseases caused by oxidative damage.

The Beneficial Effects of Sulfur-containing Amino Acids on Cisplatininduced Cardiotoxicity and Neurotoxicity in Rodents.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is one the most frequently used chemotherapeutic drugs for several decades. Although its antineoplastic effect has been reported in treatment of numerous malignances, various adverse effects seem to be the crucial limiting factor for its administration. OBJECTIVE: Beside the most commonly described nephro- and hepatotoxicity, cisplatin therapy is also accompanied with gastrointestinal, reproductive, hematological, cardiovascular and neurological side effects. Since it has been reported that cisplatin induce oxidative damage in various tissues, it seems reasonable to investigate an antioxidant supplementation as potential therapeutical approach for attenuation of cisplatin toxicities. METHODS: We performed a structured search of bibliographic databases for research literature using a focused review question and inclusion/exclusion criteria. The quality of retrieved papers (101 in total) was appraised using standard tools. RESULTS: Numerous antioxidants (such as thiol compounds, polyphenols, vitamins, etc.) had been reported for their beneficial effects on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity. The effects of various antioxidants, including sulfur-containing amino acids, have also been explored for mitigation of cisplatin neurotoxicity. However, the results for antioxidant supplementation in reduction of cisplatin-induced toxicities are still to be applied in clinical trials. CONCLUSION: Considering the facts that sulfur-containing amino acids: (a) do not interfere with chemotherapeutics antitumor action; (b) do not exhibit any toxic effect (unless applied in dose several times above the recommended); and (c) produce significant protective effects on some cisplatin-induced toxicities connected to augmentation of oxidative damage - it seems that their administration can be harmless and protective supplementation against numerous adverse effects of certain antineoplastic agents.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as anti-inflammatory agent.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim, Rosaceae) has been traditionally used in most European countries for the treatment of inflammatory diseases due to its antipyretic, analgesic, astringent, and anti-rheumatic properties. However, there is little scientific evidence on F. ulmaria anti-inflammatory effects regarding its impact on cyclooxygenases enzymatic activity and in vivo assessment of anti-inflammatory potential. This study aims to reveal the anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extracts from the aerial parts (FUA) and roots (FUR) of F. ulmaria, both in in vitro and in vivo conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The characteristic phenolic compounds in F. ulmaria extracts were monitored via high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of F. ulmaria extracts was evaluated using cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme assays, and an assay for determining COX-2 gene expression. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of F. ulmaria extracts was determined in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) with hot plate test and carrageenan-induced paw edema test in rats. Inflammation was also evaluated by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: FUA extract showed the presence of rutoside, spiraeoside, and isoquercitrin. Both F. ulmaria extracts at a concentration of 50µg/mL were able to inhibit COX-1 and -2 enzyme activities, whereby FUA extract (62.84% and 46.43% inhibition, respectively) was double as effective as the root extract (32.11% and 20.20%, respectively). Extracts hardly inhibited the level of COX-2 gene expression in THP-1 cells at a concentration of 25µg/mL (10.19% inhibition by FUA and 8.54% by FUR). In the hot plate test, both extracts in two doses (100 and 200mg/kg b.w.), exhibited an increase in latency time when compared with the control group (p<0.05). In the carrageenan-induced acute inflammation test, FUA at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg b.w., and FUR at 200mg/kg, were able to significantly reduce the mean maximal swelling of rat paw until 6h of treatment. Indomethacin, FUA, and FUR extracts significantly decreased inflammation score and this effect was more pronounced after 24h, compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The observed results of in vitro and, for the first time, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of meadowsweet extracts, provide support of the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of different inflammatory conditions. Further investigation of the anti-inflammatory compounds could reveal the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of these extracts.