The Anti-Acne Potential and Chemical Composition of Knautia drymeia Heuff. and Knautia macedonica Griseb Extracts.

The treatment of acne and other seborrheic diseases has arisen as a significant clinical challenge due to the increasing appearance of multi-drug resistant pathogens and a high frequency of recurrent lesions. Taking into consideration the fact that some Knautia species are valuable curatives in skin diseases in traditional medicine, we assumed that the thus far unstudied species K. drymeia and K. macedonica may be a source of active substances used in skin diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of their extracts and fractions. An LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 47 compounds belonging to flavonoids and phenolic acids in both species while the GC-MS procedure allowed for the identification mainly sugar derivatives, phytosterols, and fatty acids and their esters. The ethanol as well as methanol-acetone-water (3:1:1) extracts of K. drymeia (KDE and KDM) exhibited great ability to scavenge free radicals and good capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and lipoxygenase. Moreover, they had the most favorable low minimal inhibitory concentration values against acne strains, and importantly, they were non-toxic toward normal skin fibroblasts. In conclusion, K. drymeia extracts seem to be promising and safe agents for further biomedical applications.

Chemical composition of extracts from leaves, stems and roots of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) and their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition of the extracts obtained from the roots and leaves of Eutrema japonicum cultivated in Poland. For this purpose, LC-DAD-IT-MS and LC-Q-TOF-MS analyses were used. The results revealed the presence of forty-two constituents comprising glycosinolates, phenylpropanoid glycosides, flavone glycosides, hydroxycinnamic acids, and other compounds. Then, the resultant extracts were subjected to an assessment of the potential cytotoxic effect on human colon adenocarcinoma cells, the effect on the growth of probiotic and intestinal pathogenic strains, as well as their anti-inflammatory activity. It was demonstrated that 60% ethanol extract from the biennial roots (WR2) had the strongest anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities compared to the other samples. Our results suggest that extracts from E. japonicum may be considered as a promising compound for the production of health-promoting supplements.

Anticancer Effects of Propolis Extracts Obtained with the Cold Separation Method on PC-3 and DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cell Lines.

Plant extracts are increasingly tested for their biological activity and interactions with neoplastic cells. One of such sources of biologically active substances is propolis. This product has been known for thousands of years and is widely used in alternative, folk medicine. Articles describing its effects on the metabolism and cell signaling pathways of neoplastic cells derived from different organs are also published more and more frequently. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the biological activity of propolis extract produced with the cold separation method into hormone-dependent and hormone-independent prostate cancer cell lines. In our study, the propolis extracts showed at least an inhibitory effect on the growth of PC-3 and DU-145 neoplastic cells. Our results suggest that propolis extracts obtained with the cold separation method may be considered as promising compounds for the production of health-promoting supplements.

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Alchemilla Species.

The genus Alchemilla, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a rich source of interesting secondary metabolites, including mainly flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which display a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Alchemilla species are used in traditional medicine for treatment of acute diarrhea, wounds, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia. In this review, we focus on the phenolic compound composition and antioxidative activity of Alchemilla species. We can assume that phytomedicine and natural products chemistry are of significant importance due to the fact that extract combinations with various bioactive compounds possess the activity to protect the human body rather than disturb damaging factors.

Can Extracts from the Leaves and Fruits of the Cotoneaster Species Be Considered Promising Anti-Acne Agents?

This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile and biological activity of the extracts from the leaves and fruits of Cotoneaster nebrodensis and Cotoneaster roseus. Considering that miscellaneous species of Cotoneaster are thought to be healing in traditional Asian medicine, we assumed that this uninvestigated species may reveal significant therapeutic properties. Here, we report the simultaneous assessment of chemical composition as well as biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties) of tested species. Complementary LC-MS analysis revealed that polyphenols (especially flavonoids and proanthocyanidins) are the overriding phytochemicals with the greatest significance in tested biological activities. In vitro chemical tests considering biological activities revealed that obtained results showed different values depending on concentration, extraction solvent as well as phenolic content. Biological assays demonstrated that the investigated extracts possessed antibacterial properties and were not cytotoxic toward normal skin fibroblasts. Given the obtained results, we concluded that knowledge of the chemical composition and biological activities of investigated species are important to achieve a better understanding of the utilization of these plants in traditional medicine and be useful for further research in their application to treat various diseases, such as skin disorders.

Biotechnology of the Tree Fern Cyathea smithii (J.D. Hooker; Soft Tree Fern, Katote) II Cell Suspension Culture: Focusing on Structure and Physiology in the Presence of 2,4-D and BAP.

The aim of our research was to describe the structure and growth potential of a cell suspension of the tree fern Cyathea smithii. Experiments were performed on an established cell suspension with ½ MS medium supplemented with 9.05 µM 2,4-D + 0.88 µM BAP. In the experiments, attention was paid to the microscopic description of cell suspension, evaluation of cell growth dependent on the initial mass of cells and organic carbon source in the medium, the length of the passage, the content of one selected flavonoid in the post-culture medium, nuclear DNA content, ethylene production, and the antimicrobial value of the extract. For a better understanding of the cell changes that occurred during the culture of the suspension, the following structures of the cell were observed: nucleus, lipid bodies, tannin deposits, starch grains, cell walls, primary lamina, and the filaments of metabolites released into the medium. The nuclear DNA content (acriflavine-Feulgen staining) of cell aggregates distinctly indicated a lack of changes in the sporophytic origin of the cultured cell suspension. The physiological activity of the suspension was found to be high because of kinetics, intensive production of ethylene, and quercetin production. The microbiological studies suggested that the cell suspension possessed a bactericidal character against microaerobic Gram-positive bacteria. A sample of the cell suspension showed bacteriostatic activity against aerobic bacteria.

The Anti-Acne Potential and Chemical Composition of Two Cultivated Cotoneaster Species.

In light of current knowledge on the role of reactive oxygen species and other oxidants in skin diseases, it is clear that oxidative stress facilitates inflammation and is an important factor involved in skin diseases, i.e., acne. Taking into consideration the fact that some Cotoneaster plants are valuable curatives in skin diseases in traditional Asian medicine, we assumed that thus far untested species C. hsingshangensis and C. hissaricus may be a source of substances used in skin diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of their various extracts. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 47 compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, sphingolipids, carbohydrates), while GC-MS procedure allowed for the identification of 42 constituents (sugar derivatives, phytosterols, fatty acids, and their esters). The diethyl ether fraction of C. hsingshangensis (CHs-2) exhibited great ability to scavenge free radicals and good capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenase, and hyaluronidase. Moreover, it had the most promising power against microaerobic Gram-positive strains, and importantly, it was non-toxic toward normal skin fibroblasts. Taking into account the value of the calculated therapeutic index (>10), it is worth noting that CHs-2 can be subjected to in vivo study and constitutes a promising anti-acne agent.

Enhancing In Vitro Production of the Tree Fern Cyathea delgadii and Modifying Secondary Metabolite Profiles by LED Lighting.

The tree ferns are an important component of tropical forests. In view of this, the enhancement of in vitro production of these plants is needed. Thus, the effect of different light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as control fluorescent lamps (Fl) and a 3-week-long period of darkness at the beginning of in vitro culture on micropropagation of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. was analysed. Moreover, the photosynthetic pigment content and secondary metabolite profiles were estimated. The period of darkness contributed to a high production of somatic embryo-derived sporophytes and a low production of gametophytes. The formation of new sporophytes was stimulated by RBY (35% red, 15% blue, and 50% yellow) and B (100% blue) lights when the stipe explants or whole young sporophytes were used in the culture, respectively. The elongation of the roots and leaves was stimulated by RBfR light (35% red, 15% blue, and 50% far red), while root production increased under RBY light. The RB (70% red and 30% blue) and B lights stimulated the accumulation of chlorophyll better than Fl light. The most abundant metabolite found in the plant extracts was trans-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1.013 µg/mg of dry weight). The extract obtained from plants growing in a greenhouse had the best antioxidant activity.

LC-ESI-MS/MS Polyphenolic Profile and In Vitro Study of Cosmetic Potential of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Herb Extracts.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic composition and the biological properties of different Aerva lanata (L). Juss. herb extracts obtained with the use of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), i.e., a green, ecological method, for cosmetic purposes. All samples exhibited high DPPH• (9.17-119.85 mg TE/g) and ABTS•+ (9.90-107.58 mg TE/g) scavenging activity. The extracts exhibited considerable anti-lipoxygenase (EC50 between 1.14 mg/mL and 3.73 mg/mL) and anti-xanthine oxidase (EC50 between 1.28 mg/mL and 3.72 mg/mL) activities, moderate chelating activity (EC50 between 1.58 mg/mL and 5.30 mg/mL), and high antioxidant potential in the ORAC assay (0.36-3.84 mM TE/g). Changes in the polyphenol profile of the analysed samples depending on the solvent and temperature used for the extraction were determined with the liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. Twenty-one phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, were detected and quantified. It was shown that tiliroside was one of the main phenolic metabolites in the A. lanata (L.) Juss. herb., which may suggest that this compound may be largely responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. In addition, the studied extracts exhibited promising skin-related (anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase) activity. This study showed that Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. contains high amounts of phenolic compounds, including tiliroside, and has good skin-related activities. Therefore, the plant may be interesting as a novel source of bioactive agents for cosmetic industries.

Paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 2 resulting in a concurrent presentation of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I and long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.

This is the first report of the concurrent development of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD) and Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1 (CNs1) inherited via uniparental disomy of chromosome 2, which are both autosomal recessive pathologies. Through an expanded newborn metabolic panel, a male infant was identified as having an acylcarnitine pattern typical for LCHADD, later confirmed to be caused by a well-characterized pathogenic variant in the HADHA gene located at 2p23. Prolonged non-hematologic jaundice requiring repetitive phototherapy prompted further genetic analysis, leading to the identification of another genetic abnormality consistent with CNs1, which was caused by a novel pathogenic variant in the UGT1A1 gene located at 2q37. The two identified point mutations in chromosome 2 were homozygous and present on separate arms, which indicated potential uniparental disomy. Microarray analysis of the genetic material from the patient and his parents confirmed paternal isodisomy of chromosome 2. Further studies are needed to identify other possible pathogenic variants located on the same defective chromosome, evaluate the combined effect of the two metabolic abnormalities, and plan the best possible treatment and care.

LC-ESI-MS/MS Identification of Biologically Active Phenolics in Different Extracts of Alchemilla acutiloba Opiz.

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS/MS) qualitative and quantitative analysis of different extracts from the aerial parts and roots of Alchemilla acutiloba led to the identification of phenolic acids and flavonoids. To the best of our knowledge, isorhamnetin 3-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, narcissoside, naringenin 7-glucoside, 3-O-methylquercetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, rhamnetin, and isorhamnetin were described for the first time in Alchemilla genus. In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of all extracts were evaluated. The results clearly showed that among analyzed extracts, the butanol extract of the aerial parts exhibited the highest biological activity comparable with the positive controls used.

Biotechnological Potential of Cephalaria uralensis (Murray) Roem. & Schult. and C. gigantea (Ledeb.) Bobrov-Comparative Analysis of Plant Anatomy and the Content of Biologically Active Substances.

Studies conducted to date have shown that Cephalaria uralensis and C. gigantea have high contents of substances with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties; hence, they are attractive plants from the pharmaceutical point of view. However, despite their multifarious desirable biotechnological aspects, the knowledge of these plants is insufficient. The present study focused on the analysis of the morphological, anatomical, and histological structure of aboveground parts of the plants, the identification of the distribution of biologically active compounds in the tissues, and quantitative phytochemical analyses of polyphenolic compounds contained in their aboveground organs. Importantly, the phenological and morphological features of the aboveground organs in the analyzed species were maintained, as in the same plant species growing in different climatic conditions. The analysis of primary metabolites and phenolic compounds in the tissues revealed their distribution in the aboveground organs, which has never been described before. The comparative analyses of the content of total phenolics, total phenolic acids, and total flavonoids in the aboveground organs showed that the level of these substances differed not only between the species but also between the organs. It should be emphasized that the level of these compounds is higher than in many other medicinal plants.

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Plants Belonging to the Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) Genus.

The genus Cephalaria, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is a rich source of interesting secondary metabolites, including mainly saponins which display a variety of biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and hemolytic effects. Besides these compounds, flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified in Cephalaria species. Cephalaria is employed in traditional medicine e.g., to cure cardiac and lung diseases, rheumatism, and regulate menstruation. In this review we focus on the phenolic compound composition and antioxidative activity of Cephalaria species. The antioxidant effect can be explained by flavonoids present in all parts of these plants. However, future efforts should concentrate more on in vitro and in vivo studies and also on clinical trials in order to confirm the possibility of using these plants as natural antioxidants for the pharmacology, food or cosmetic industries.

Phenolic Composition of the Leaves of Pyrola rotundifolia L. and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity.

The leaves of Pyrola rotundifolia L. were extracted in the mixed solvent of methanol/acetone/water (2:2:1, v/v/v) and investigated for their phytochemical analysis and biological activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically. A high content of phenols (208.35 mg GAE/g of dry extract), flavonoids (38.90 mg QE/g of dry extract) and gallotannins (722.91 GAE/g of dry extract) was obtained. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography diode array detector tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MS) allowed for the detection of 23 major peaks at 254 nm. The extract was analyzed for its antioxidant capacity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2'-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) radical scavenging, metal chelating power and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays. The examined extract showed moderate radical scavenging and chelating activity, and good inhibiting ability of linoleic acid oxidation (EC50 = 0.05 mg/mL) in comparison to standards. The cytotoxic effect in increasing concentration on five types of leukemic cell lines was also investigated using trypan blue vital staining. It was found that the analyzed extract induced the apoptosis of all the tested cell lines. Our findings suggest that the leaves of P. rotundifolia are a source of valuable compounds providing protection against oxidative damage, hence their use in traditional medicine is justified.

Polyphenol Composition of Extracts of the Fruits of Laserpitium Krapffii Crantz and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity.

During inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in large amounts, causing oxidative stress. Several studies confirm that plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds may inhibit ROS production. For that reason, the aim of this work is the qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the etheric (LAEN) and methanolic (LAM) extracts of the fruits of Laserpitium krapffii Crantz, as well as their antioxidative and cytotoxic properties. Liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-ESI-MS/MS) enabled the identification of 12 phenolic acids and nine flavonoids. Both tested extracts scavenged ROS in a concentration-dependent manner. Stronger activity was observed for the methanolic extract. The cytotoxic effect of both extracts in increasing concentrations on five types of cancer cell lines was also investigated. The cytotoxicity was estimated using trypan blue vital staining. It was found that the analyzed extracts induced the apoptosis of the cells of all the tested cell lines. In conclusion, our results present that the fruits of L. krapffii can be a source of valuable compounds with protective effects against oxidative damage.

Monoaminergic system is implicated in the antidepressant-like effect of hyperoside and protocatechuic acid isolated from Impatiens glandulifera Royle in mice.

We have recently demonstrated that the hydroethanolic extracts of Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Balsaminaceae) have antianxiety effect in mice. The present study was aimed to investigate an antidepressant activity of hyperoside (HYP) and protocatechuic acid (PCA), two polyphenols isolated from the aerial parts of this plant, using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. The implication of the monoaminergic system in this effect was assessed and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was measured. At doses 1.875, 3.75 and 7.5 mg/kg, HYP and PCA significantly reduced immobility in the FST and TST, without affecting locomotor activity of mice. Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA 100 mg/kg, a serotonin synthesis inhibitor) or α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT 100 mg/kg, a catecholamine synthesis inhibitor) was able to prevent antidepressant-like effect of HYP and PCA (3.75 mg/kg). Sub-effective doses of fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) or reboxetine (2 mg/kg) were capable of potentiating the effect of a sub-effective dose of HYP (0.94 mg/kg) in the FST. Co-administration of sub-effective dose of PCA (0.94 mg/kg) and reboxetine (2 mg/kg) resulted in reducing immobility in the FST. The antidepressant-like effect of HYP and PCA was also prevented by the administration of sulpiride (50 mg/kg), a D2 antagonist. In addition, HYP (3.75 and 7.5 mg/kg) and PCA (7.5 mg/kg) improved the expression of hippocampal BDNF of mice subjected to TST. Altogether, our findings suggest that HYP and PCA exert antidepressant-like effects in mice, which was possibly mediated by monoaminergic system and the upregulation of BDNF level.

Phenolic constituents of the aerial parts of Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Balsaminaceae) and their antioxidant activities.

As a continuation of investigating Impatiens L. genus, eight flavonoids, eriodyctiol, eriodyctiol 7-O-ß-ᴅ-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-ß-ᴅ-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-ß-ᴅ-galactoside, kaempferol 3-rhamnosyl-di-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-ß-ᴅ-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-ß-ᴅ-glucoside and quercetin 3-O-ß-ᴅ-galactoside, two phenolic acids - p-hydroxybenzoic acid and protocatechuic acid, and 2-methoxynaphthalene-1,4-dione were isolated from the aerial parts of I. glandulifera collected in Poland. The structures of the compounds were established by analysis of their spectroscopic (1H and 13C NMR) and spectrometric (MS) data, as well as by comparison of these with those reported in the literature. Quercetin 3-O-ß-ᴅ-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-ß-ᴅ-galactoside and kaempferol 3-O-ß-ᴅ-rutinoside were isolated for the first time from the investigated taxon. In addition, the antioxidant activities in different tests of all obtained compounds were evaluated. The results clearly showed that among analyzed constituents, quercetin 3-O-ß-ᴅ-glucoside exhibited antioxidant activity comparable or better than ascorbic acid and Trolox which were used as a positive control.

Evaluation and Comparison of the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Procedures in the Area of ​Pain in the Lumbosacral Spine Performed in Sanatoria and Outpatient Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is among the most frequent conditions of nowadays and due to its high prevalence, it is defined as a social and civilization-related disease.Today, increasingly young patients present with this condition affecting about 80% of the population. In Poland, 70% of the population complain of back pain and the prevalence rate increases with age. The treatment includes application of various procedures, both in outpatient conditions and in sanatoria. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of sanatorium treatment with those of outpatient treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 240 patients with low back pain participated in the study. The sample was divided into two groups: 120 pa-tients undergoing treated in outpatient conditions and next, 120 patients undergoing sanatorium treatment. The research was based on survey in a form of a questionnaire, selected mobility tests and assessment of pain using thermal imaging camera and an algometer. RESULTS: The patients undergoing rehabilitation procedures in a sanatorium obtain improvement in terms of pain sensation (5.39 points in VAS scale) as compared with the patients undergoing rehabilitation in outpatient conditions (4.13 points in VAS scale) ; their results also indicate improvement in low back mobility (the obtained values, however, turned out statistically insignificant). Better results can be obtained by combining conventional rehabilitation with the approaches applied in sanatorium treatment, as confirmed by the assessment of each group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Rehabilitation of patients with lumbar spine pain conditions conducted in spa conditions is a more effective treat-ment method than in an outpatient clinic and should be used universally. 2. Research is indicated to determine the effect of rest in a sanatorium (the ambience) involving low back pain relief.

UPLC-MS/MS Profile of Alkaloids with Cytotoxic Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Berberidaceae and Papaveraceae Families.

Cancer is one of the most occurring diseases in developed and developing countries. Plant-based compounds are still researched for their anticancer activity and for their quantity in plants. Therefore, the modern chromatographic methods are applied to quantify them in plants, for example, UPLC-MS/MS (ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the content of sanguinarine, berberine, protopine, and chelidonine in Dicentra spectabilis (L.) Lem., Fumaria officinalis L., Glaucium flavum Crantz, Corydalis cava L., Berberis thunbergii DC., Meconopsis cambrica (L.) Vig., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt., Macleaya cordata Willd., and Chelidonium majus L. For the first time, N,N-dimethyl-hernovine was identified in M. cambrica, B. thunbergii, M. aquifolium, C. cava, G. flavum, and C. majus; methyl-hernovine was identified in G. flavum; columbamine was identified in B. thunbergii; and methyl-corypalmine, chelidonine, and sanguinarine were identified in F. officinalis L. The richest source of protopine among all the examined species was M. cordata (5463.64 ± 26.3 µg/g). The highest amounts of chelidonine and sanguinarine were found in C. majus (51,040.0 ± 1.8 µg/g and 7925.8 ± 3.3 µg/g, resp.), while B. thunbergi contained the highest amount of berberine (6358.4 ± 4.2 µg/g).