A Citrus and Pomegranate Complex Reduces Methylglyoxal in Healthy Elderly Subjects: Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial.

Reactive α-dicarbonyls (α-DCs), such as methylglyoxal (MGO), glyoxal (GO), and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), are potent precursors in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In particular, MGO and MGO-derived AGEs are thought to be involved in the development of vascular complications in diabetes. Experimental studies showed that citrus and pomegranate polyphenols can scavenge α-DCs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a citrus and pomegranate complex (CPC) on the α-DCs plasma levels in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial, where thirty-six elderly subjects were enrolled. They received either 500 mg of Citrus sinensis peel extract and 200 mg of Punica granatum concentrate in CPC capsules or placebo capsules for 4 weeks, with a 4-week washout period in between. For the determination of α-DCs concentrations, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used. Following four weeks of CPC supplementation, plasma levels of MGO decreased by 9.8% (-18.7 nmol/L; 95% CI: -36.7, -0.7 nmol/L; p = 0.042). Our findings suggest that CPC supplementation may represent a promising strategy for mitigating the conditions associated with MGO involvement. This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03781999.

In Vitro Antiglycation and Methylglyoxal Trapping Effect of Peppermint Leaf (Mentha × piperita L.) and Its Polyphenols.

The most significant reactive α-dicarbonyl RCS involved in the pathomechanism of glycation and related diseases is methylglyoxal (MGO). Hyperglycemia promotes the generation of MGO and leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Therefore, MGO trapping and glycation inhibition appear to be important therapeutic targets in prediabetes, diabetes, and in the early prevention of hyperglycemic complications. Peppermint leaf is commonly used as herbal tea, rich in polyphenols. Eriocitrin, its predominant component, in a double-blind, randomized controlled study reversed the prediabetic condition in patients. However, the antiglycation activity of this plant material and its polyphenols has not been characterized to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a peppermint leaf dry extract and its polyphenols to inhibit non-enzymatic protein glycation in a model with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and MGO as a glycation agent. Peppermint polyphenols were also evaluated for their potential to trap MGO in vitro, and the resulting adducts were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS. To relate chemical composition to glycation inhibitory activity, the obtained peppermint extract was subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. The capability of peppermint leaf polyphenols to inhibit glycation (27.3-77.2%) and form adducts with MGO was confirmed. In the case of flavone aglycones, mono- and di-adducts with MGO were observed, while eriodictyol and eriocitrin effectively produced only mono-adducts. Rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-glycosides did not reveal this action. IC50 of the peppermint leaf dry extract was calculated at 2 mg/mL, equivalent to a concentration of 1.8 µM/mL of polyphenols, including ~1.4 µM/mL of flavonoids and ~0.4 µM/mL of phenolic acids. The contribution of the four major components to the anti-AGE activity of the extract was estimated at 86%, including eriocitrin 35.4%, rosmarinic acid 25.6%, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside 16.9%, luteolin-7-O-ß-glucuronoside 8.1%, and others 14%. The effect of peppermint dry extract and polyphenols in inhibiting MGO-induced glycation in vitro was comparable to that of metformin used as a positive control.

Aspalathin and Other Rooibos Flavonoids Trapped α-Dicarbonyls and Inhibited Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products In Vitro.

The excessive dietary intake of simple sugars and abnormal metabolism in certain diseases contribute to the increased production of α-dicarbonyls (α-DCs), such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and glyoxal (GO), the main precursors of the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs play a vital role, for example, in the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Aspalathus linearis (Burman f.) R. Dahlgren (known as rooibos tea) exhibits a wide range of activities beneficial for cardio-metabolic health. Thus, the present study aims to investigate unfermented and fermented rooibos extracts and their constituents for the ability to trap MGO and GO. The individual compounds identified in extracts were tested for the capability to inhibit AGEs (with MGO or GO as a glycation agent). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-MS) was used to investigate α-DCs' trapping capacities. To evaluate the antiglycation activity, fluorescence measurement was used. The extract from the unfermented rooibos showed a higher ability to capture MGO/GO and inhibit AGE formation than did the extract from fermented rooibos, and this effect was attributed to a higher content of dihydrochalcones. The compounds detected in the extracts, such as aspalathin, nothofagin, vitexin, isovitexin, and eriodictyol, as well as structurally related phloretin and phloroglucinol (formed by the biotransformation of certain flavonoids), trapped MGO, and some also trapped GO. AGE formation was inhibited the most by isovitexin. However, it was the high content of aspalathin and its higher efficiency than that of metformin that determined the antiglycation and trapping properties of green rooibos. Therefore, A. linearis, in addition to other health benefits, could potentially be used as an α-DC trapping agent and AGE inhibitor.

Antioxidant and Antiglycation Effects of Cistus × incanus Water Infusion, Its Phenolic Components, and Respective Metabolites.

Reactive oxygen and carbonyl species promote oxidative and carbonyl stress, and the development of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and others. The traditional herb Cistus × incanus is known for its antioxidant properties; therefore, the current study aimed to assess how the chemical composition of a C. incanus water infusion corresponds with its antioxidative and antiglycative effects in vitro. The composition of infusions prepared from commercial products was analyzed with UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and non-flavonoid polyphenols were determined. Antioxidant activity of infusions and selected polyphenols was investigated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. Fluorometric measurements and methylglyoxal capture were performed to investigate the antiglycation activity. PCA and PLS-DA models were applied to explore the correlation between chemical and antioxidant results. The principal flavonoids in C. incanus were flavonols. In vitro tests revealed that a stronger antioxidant effect was demonstrated by plant material from Turkey rich in flavonoids, followed by Albania and Greece. Flavonols and ellagic acid displayed stronger antiradical and reducing power than EA-derived urolithins. Hyperoside was the most potent inhibitor of glycation. The results indicate that flavonoids are primarily responsible for rock rose antioxidant and antiglycation properties. PLS-DA modeling can be used to identify the origin of plant material with sensitivity and specificity exceeding 86%.

Stability of Rosmarinic Acid and Flavonoid Glycosides in Liquid Forms of Herbal Medicinal Products-A Preliminary Study.

Peppermint leaf, sage leaf, thyme herb, and their preparations are common components of herbal medicinal products (HMPs). According to the European Pharmacopoeia guidelines, the above-mentioned plant substances are standardized for the content of essential oils, omitting polyphenols, which also have a significant impact on their activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of the predominant polyphenols-rosmarinic acid, luteolin-7-O-ß-glucuronide, and eriocitrin-in selected commercial liquid HMPs containing thyme, sage, and peppermint under long-term, intermediate, and accelerated testing conditions. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of these polyphenols were performed by the previously optimized and validated HPLC-DAD method. Rosmarinic acid stability was better in hydroethanolic than in an aqueous solution. The effect of the solvent on the stability of luteolin-7-O-ß-glucuronide and eriocitrin could not be determined and requires further investigation. The present study is the first to analyze the stability of these compounds in commercial herbal medicinal products. The expiration dates proposed by the manufacturers of the tested HMPs did not guarantee stable levels of all analyzed polyphenols throughout the stated period. However, this study is preliminary and requires continuation on a larger number of medicinal products.

Punicalagin in Cancer Prevention-Via Signaling Pathways Targeting.

The extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been applied in medicine since ancient times due to its broad-spectrum health-beneficial properties. It is a rich source of hydrolyzable tannins and anthocyanins, exhibiting strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. Anticancer activities of pomegranate with reference to modulated signaling pathways in various cancer diseases have been recently reviewed. However, less is known about punicalagin (Pug), a prevailing compound in pomegranate, seemingly responsible for its most beneficial properties. In this review, the newest data derived from recent scientific reports addressing Pug impact on neoplastic cells are summarized and discussed. Its attenuating effect on signaling circuits promoting cancer growth and invasion is depicted. The Pug-induced redirection of signal-transduction pathways from survival and proliferation into cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy (thus compromising neoplastic progression) is delineated. Considerations presented in this review are based mainly on data obtained from in vitro cell line models and concern the influence of Pug on human cervical, ovarian, breast, lung, thyroid, colorectal, central nervous system, bone, as well as other cancer types.

Aspalathus linearis infusion affects hole-board test behaviour and amino acid concentration in the brain.

Rooibos tea, brewed using Aspalathus linearis leaves, is a popular South African herbal infusion, but its everyday intake is not fully described in terms of the neuropsychopharmacological outcomes. The cell-protective activity of A. linearis is connected with the ability of reducing glycaemia, inflammation as well as oxidative stress. It was already shown that "fermented" rooibos herbal tea (FRHT), which is rich in phenolic compounds, improves the cognitive performance of rats in the water maze and impacts dopaminergic striatal transmission. The present research was taken to extend the knowledge about the feasible behavioural and neurochemical implications of sustained oral FRHT consumption. We hypothesized that it might affect brain amino acid content and thus induce behaviour and neuroprotection. FRHTs of different leaf to water ratios (1:100, 2:100 and 4:100), analysed by chromatographic methods as regards their flavonoid characteristics, were given to rats as only liquid for 3 months. Their behaviour was evaluated in the hole-board test (HBT). Brain amino acids concentration was analysed in the striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex by HPLC-ECD. The rats drinking rooibos tea presented increased motor activity defined as time spent on moving in the HBT. Their exploration measured by head-dipping and rearing was enhanced. Longer time of the testing-box central zone occupation indicated to reduction in anxiety-related behaviour. Excitatory amino acids (aspartate and glutamate) content was decreased in the striatum of animals drinking the infusions whereas taurine level was increased both in the striatum and hippocampus. In conclusion we suggest that long-term FRHT intake affects exploration and anxiety-related behaviour of the rats as well as exerts biochemical outcomes in the brain that support the neuroprotective impact of rooibos tea.

Investigation of the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Methylglyoxal Trapping Effect of Galega officinalis L. Herb In Vitro.

Galega officinalis L. has been known for centuries as an herbal medicine used to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, but its comprehensive chemical composition and pharmacological activity are still insufficiently known. The current study involved the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidative and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping properties of galega herb. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with both the electrospray ionization mass spectrometer and diode-array detector (UHPLC-ESI-MS and UHPLC-DAD) were used to investigate the composition and evaluate the anti-MGO capability of extracts and their components. Hot water and aqueous methanol extracts, as well as individual compounds representing phytochemical groups, were also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Quercetin and metformin were used as a positive control. We confirmed the presence of tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids, guanidines, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) in galega extracts. The polyphenolic fraction was dominated by mono-, di-, and triglycosylated flavonols, as well as monocaffeoylhexaric acids. The in vitro tests indicated which G. officinalis components exhibit beneficial antioxidative and MGO trapping effects. For galega extracts, flavonols, and HCAs, a potent antiradical activity was observed. The ability to trap MGO was noted for guanidines and flavonoids, whereas HCA esters and quinazoline alkaloids were ineffective. The formation of mono-MGO adducts of galegine, hydroxygalegine, and rutin in the examined water infusion was observed.

Thymol and Thyme Essential Oil-New Insights into Selected Therapeutic Applications.

Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) belongs to the phenolic monoterpenes and mostly occurs in thyme species. It is one of the main compounds of thyme essential oil. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have long been used in traditional medicine as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents, mainly in the treatment of the upper respiratory system. The current search for new directions of biological or therapeutic activities of natural plant substances with known structures includes thyme essential oil and thymol. Novel studies have demonstrated their antibiofilm, antifungal, antileishmanial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Also, their new therapeutic formulations, such as nanocapsules containing these constituents, can be beneficial in medicinal practice and create opportunities for their extensive use. Extensive application of thymol and thyme essential oil in the healthcare sector is very promising but requires further research and analysis.

Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot, Cornus mas L. and Chaenomeles superba Lindl. Leaf Extracts.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition of leaf extracts from Aronia melanocarpa, Chaenomeles superba, and Cornus mas, and their antimicrobial activity against typical spoilage-causing and pathogenic bacteria found in meat and meat products. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was detected in C. superba extract, followed by C. mas and A. melanocarpa extracts. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. The lowest IC50 values were found for C. superba extract, followed by C. mas and A. melanocarpa extracts. LC-MS and HPLC analysis revealed that A. melanocarpa and C. superba extracts contained hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids (mainly flavonols). Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected in the C. mas extract, as well as flavonols, ellagitannins, and iridoids. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Moraxella osloensis, Pseudomonas fragi, Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella enterica) and Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Lactobacillus sakei, Listeria monocytogenes) using the microculture method. The extracts acted as bacteriostatic agents, decreasing the growth rate (µmax) and extending the lag phase (tlag). C. mas showed most potent antibacterial activity, as confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA).

Analysis of Polyphenolic Composition of a Herbal Medicinal Product-Peppermint Tincture.

The pharmacological activity of peppermint leaf (Menthae piperitae folium) for medical use is mainly attributed to the presence of essential oil, which, according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), should constitute not less than 12 mL/kg of raw material. The content of polyphenols in peppermint-based preparations, except peppermint leaf dry extract, has not yet been considered as an essential parameter in the pharmacopeial assessment of peppermint quality. This study concerns the evaluation of the presence of representatives of polyphenolic compounds in 23 commercial peppermint tinctures (ethanolic extracts) purchased in pharmacies in Poland. The non-volatile polyphenolic fraction was investigated, and the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids was quantified. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (U(H)PLC-ESI-MS) were used in the experiment. The study showed that eriocitrin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, and rosmarinic acid were the main polyphenolic components of the peppermint tinctures, as previously reported for peppermint leaf. Despite this, the research shows the extremely diverse content of the mentioned compounds in analyzed commercial medicinal products. In light of these results, it seems that the pharmacopeial assessment for the peppermint leaf (Ph. Eur.) and peppermint tincture (Polish Pharmacopoeia (FP)) requires correction and supplementation.

Long-term administration of Aspalathus linearis infusion affects spatial memory of adult Sprague-Dawley male rats as well as increases their striatal dopamine content.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Everyday use of the herbal tea rooibos, produced from Aspalathus linearis (Brum.f) Dahlg. (Fabaceae) is customary in South Africa, a continuation of its historical use by indigenous people. Although evidence of its traditional indications is anecdotal, rooibos tea is regarded as a general health tea. AIMS OF THE STUDY: Available contemporary research indicates to broad cell protective activity of rooibos focusing on its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycaemic and antithrombotic features affecting metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk and neuroprotection. Nevertheless little is known about its impact on brain functions. The present experiment aimed to evaluate the possible behavioural and neurochemical effects of long-term oral administration of "fermented"" rooibos herbal tea (FRHT) infusions to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infusions, prepared using 1, 2 and 4 g of "fermented"" (oxidised) A. linearis leaves for 100 ml of hot water, were characterised in terms of flavonoid content by ultra-high and high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-qTOF-MS, HPLC-DAD) and administered to rats as sole drinking fluid for 12 weeks. Spatial memory behaviour was assessed in a modified version of the Morris water maze. Dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and their metabolite levels (DOPAC, 3-MT, HVA, MHPG, 5-HIAA) were quantified in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum by HPLC-ECD. Body weight and blood glucose level were additionally estimated. RESULTS: All FRHT-treated rats showed improvement of long-term spatial memory defined as increased number of crossings over the previous platform position in SE quadrant of the water maze. It was not accompanied by excessive motor activity. Striatal dopamine and its metabolite 3-MT (3-methoxytyramine) levels were increased in treated rats. There were no differences in body weight gain between control and treated animals but blood glucose level was significantly lower in the latter ones. CONCLUSION: The improvement of long-term memory in FRHT-treated rats and stimulating impact of FRHT on their dopaminergic striatal transmission support the wellness enhancing effect of rooibos tea, contributing to a better understanding of the neurological background of traditional habitual consumption of this herbal tea.

Comparison of polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of strawberry fruit from 90 cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa Duch.

Strawberry fruit is a valuable resource, rich in vitamins and polyphenolic compounds. These compounds have a broad spectrum of biological activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative composition of polyphenols in strawberry fruit from 90 cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa Duch. from two growing seasons. Eighty of them were analyzed for the first time (to the best of our knowledge). The identification of polyphenolics and other compounds was performed using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS. Nine compounds were recorded for the first time in mature strawberry fruit. Antioxidant properties were also determined using DPPH and ABTS methods. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using principal component analysis. Tannins, especially ellagitannins with agrimoniin, as well as the total polyphenols, had the greatest influence on antioxidant activity in the ABTS test. Cultivars characterized by a high content of tannins and high antioxidant capacity were selected.

The potential role of selected bioactive compounds from spelt and common wheat in glycemic control.

Diet is an important lifestyle factor which influences people's health and the prevention of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Cereal-based foods constitute the main component of the everyday diet worldwide. Old cereal species like spelt (Triticum spelta L.) are becoming more and more popular, especially in Europe. This review focuses on the role of bioactive compounds from spelt and their possible biological mechanisms of action in glycemic control. Spelt grain contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which can modulate postprandial glycemia. Other phytochemicals, such as phytic acid and alkylresorcinols, also contribute to controlling blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and hiperinsulinemia. Antioxidant compounds present in spelt grain may act as protection from negative outcomes of chronic hyperglycemia. In this paper the composition and beneficial properties of spelt are also compared with those of widely consumed cereals like common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The health benefits of whole grain as opposed to refined products are also discussed.

Quantification of tannins and related polyphenols in commercial products of tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla).

INTRODUCTION: Potentilla tormentilla has many biological and pharmacological properties and can be used as an ingredient of some herbal medicines or beverages. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of individual polyphenols, especially condensed and hydrolysable tannins in commercially available tormentil rhizomes and tinctures using chromatographic methods. METHODS: A quantitative analysis (HPLC-PDA) was preceded by qualitative studies (UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS) and the isolation (CC) of the major tannin compounds. RESULTS: The tested plant material is characterised by a high content of tannins and related polyphenols, i.e. in rhizomes even at the level above 20% and in tinctures above 2%. The main components of tormentil rhizomes are procyanidin B3 (mean ~ 3.6%), procyanidin C2 (mean ~ 2.8%), agrimoniin (mean ~ 2.5%), 3-O-galloylquinic acid (mean ~ 1.7%), catechin (mean ~ 1.6%), other flavan-3-ol oligomers (mean ~ 0.5-1.1) and laevigatins (mean ~ 0.2-0.6%). Free ellagic acid and glycosides of ellagic and methylellagic acids are secondary components. CONCLUSIONS: Underground parts of tormentil are a source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins and ellagitannins, but in smaller quantity of gallotannins. Monogalloylquinic acids are new identified compounds, which had not been described in Potentilla tormentilla before we started our research. In the analysed tormentil tinctures agrimoniin concentration is lower in relation to other tannins.

Characterization of phenolic compounds of thorny and thornless blackberries.

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the contents of phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoid glycosides in thorny and thornless blackberries. Five thorny and nine thornless cultivars were used for this study. Thirty-five phenolic compounds were determined in the examined fruits, and one phenolic acid, three ellagic acid derivatives, one anthocyanin, and six flavonols were characterized for the first time in blackberries. The thornless fruits were characterized by a higher content of anthocyanins (mean = 171.23 mg/100 g FW), ellagitannins (mean = 3.65 mg/100 g FW), and ellagic acid derivatives (mean = 2.49 mg/100 g FW), in comparison to thorny ones. At the same time, in thorny fruits, the contents of hydroxycinnamic acids (mean = 1.42 mg/100 g FW) and flavonols (mean = 5.70 mg/100 g FW) were higher.

Cytotoxic impact of phenolics from Lamiaceae species on human breast cancer cells.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of dried aqueous extracts from Thymus serpyllum (ExTs), Thymus vulgaris (ExTv), Majorana hortensis (ExMh), and Mentha piperita (ExMp), and the phenolic compounds caffeic acid (CA), rosmarinic acid (RA), lithospermic acid (LA), luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (Lgr), luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (Lr), eriodictiol-7-O-rutinoside (Er), and arbutin (Ab), on two human breast cancer cell lines: Adriamycin-resistant MCF-7/Adr and wild-type MCF-7/wt. In the MTT assay, ExMh showed the highest cytotoxicity, especially against MCF-7/Adr, whereas ExMp was the least toxic; particularly against MCF-7/wt cells. RA and LA exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity against both MCF-7 cell lines, over 2-fold greater than CA and Lgr, around 3-fold greater than Er, and around 4- to 7-fold in comparison with Lr and Ab. Except for Lr and Ab, all other phytochemicals were more toxic against MCF-7/wt, and all extracts exhibited higher toxicity against MCF-7/Adr. It might be concluded that the tested phenolics exhibited more beneficial properties when they were applied in the form of extracts comprising their mixtures.

Total phenolic content and antioxidative properties of commercial tinctures obtained from some Lamiaceae plants.

The antioxidant level of commercial tinctures from three Lamiaceae plants, Salvia officinalis, Mentha piperita, and Melissa officinalis, have been determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, the 2.2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydracyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging technique and ABTS assay. Total phenolic content was expressed as GAE (gallic acid equivalent) and ranged from 0.24 to 3.99 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity in the ABTS assay, calculated as TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), ranged from 23.5 to 35.6 micromol Trolox/mL, while in the DPPH method, the EC50 value ranged from 0.04 to 0.07 mL/assay. Radical scavenging activity was correlated with total phenolic content. Correlations between ABTS and F-C methods, DPPH and F-C methods and ABTS and DPPH methods were calculated. The obtained results can be useful as additional information about the antioxidant activity of galenical preparations.

Development of chromatographic methods for determination of agrimoniin and related polyphenols in pharmaceutical products.

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography (LC) methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of agrimoniin, pedunculagin, ellagic acid, gallic acid, and catechin in selected herbal medicinal products from Rosaceae: Anserinae herba, Tormentillae rhizoma, Alchemillae herba, Agrimoniae herba, and Fragariae folium. Unmodified silica gel (TLC Si60, HPTLC LiChrospher Si60) and silica gel chemically modified with octadecyl or aminopropyl groups (HPTLC RP18W and HPTLC NH2) were used for TLC. The best resolution and selectivity were achieved with the following mobile phases: diisopropyl ether-acetone-formic acid-water (40 + 30 + 20 + 10, v/v/v/v), tetrahydrofuran-acetonitrile-water (30 + 10 + 60, v/v/v), and acetone-formic acid (60 + 40, v/v). Concentrations of the studied herbal drugs were determined by using a Chromolith Performance RP-18e column with acetonitrile-water-formic acid as the mobile phase. Determinations of linearity, range, detection and quantitation limits, accuracy, precision, and robustness showed that the HPLC method was sufficiently precise for estimation of the tannins and related polyphenols mentioned above. Investigations of suitable solvent selection, sample extraction procedure, and short-time stability of analytes at storage temperatures of 4 and 20 degrees C were also performed. The percentage of agrimoniin in pharmaceutical products was between 0.57 and 3.23%.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of hydrolysable tannins and other polyphenols in herbal products from meadowsweet and dog rose.

INTRODUCTION: Meadowsweet and dog rose are used as herbal medicines and foodstuffs. Their biological and pharmacological properties are mainly attributed to vitamins, flavonoids and tannins known to be effective antioxidants. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution of hydrolysable tannins and other polyphenols in commercially available products of Filipendula ulmaria and Rosa canina. METHODOLOGY: In order to evaluate the distribution of polyphenols, the isolation and structure elucidation of six ellagitannins (tellimagrandins I and II, rugosins A, B, D and E) along with other well-known compounds was performed. Further high-performance chromatographic methods (HPLC, HPTLC) were developed for qualitative and quantitative studies of phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in meadowsweet flowers and dog rose fruits. The analysis of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision and accuracy showed that the HPLC assay was sufficiently precise for content evaluation. Selection of a suitable solvent and optimisation of the sample extraction procedure were also carried out. RESULTS: Amounts of more than 20 polyphenols were estimated in the studied pharmaceuticals (27 products of meadowsweet and 10 products of dog rose) using a Chromolith Performance RP-18e column and UV detection. Methyl gallate 3-O-beta-glucoside was identified for the first time in dog rose, while rugosins A, B and E are new meadowsweet constituents. CONCLUSION: The results showed that meadowsweet flowers and rose hips with seeds yielded 55.53-124.8 and 0.43-1.26 mg/g of ellagitannins, respectively. The sum of detected polyphenols was 83.88-165.68 mg/g for Filipendulae ulmariae flos and 1.21-2.66 mg/g for Rosae pseudo-fructus cum fructibus.