Pharmacognostic Evaluation and HPLC-PDA and HS-SPME/GC-MS Metabolomic Profiling of Eleutherococcus senticosus Fruits.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. is a medicinal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. However, due to the overexploitation, this species is considered to be endangered and is included in the Red List, e.g., in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, a new source of this important plant in Europe is needed. The aim of this study was to develop pharmacognostic and phytochemical parameters of the fruits. The content of polyphenols (eleutherosides B, E, E1) and phenolic acids in the different parts of the fruits, as well as tocopherols, fatty acids in the oil, and volatile constituents were studied by the means of chromatographic techniques [HPLC with Photodiode-Array Detection (PDA), headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS)]. To the best of our knowledge, no information is available on the content of eleutherosides and phenolic acids in the pericarp and seeds. The highest sum of eleutheroside B and E was detected in the whole fruits (1.4 mg/g), next in the pericarp (1.23 mg/g) and the seeds (0.85 mg/g). Amongst chlorogenic acid derivatives (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA), 3-CQA was predominant in the whole fruits (1.08 mg/g), next in the pericarp (0.66 mg/g), and the seeds (0.076 mg/g). The oil was rich in linoleic acid (C18:3 (n-3), 18.24%), ursolic acid (35.72 mg/g), and α-tocopherol (8.36 mg/g). The presence of druses and yellow oil droplets in the inner zone of the mesocarp and chromoplasts in the outer zone can be used as anatomical markers. These studies provide a phytochemical proof for accumulation of polyphenols mainly in the pericarp, and these structures may be taken into consideration as their source subjected to extraction to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts.

Antilisterial Activity of Polypropylene Film Coated with Chitosan with Propolis and/or Bee Pollen in Food Models.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of propylene film coated with solution of chitosan (CH), ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP), and bee pollen (EEBP) and its combination on L. monocytogenes number in wrapped salmon, salami, and cheese. Sterile fragments of propylene film were coated with solution containing CH, CH+EEP, CH+EEBP, and CH+EEP+EEBP. The coated film was applied directly after preparation (AP) after 10 days of storage from preparation (AS). L. monocytogenes strains isolated from cheese, salmon, and salami were transferred on adequate food type. ATCC 19111 reference strain was placed on all examined slices. Contaminated slices were wrapped in the coated film. The film adhered strictly to the slices surface and was left for 0, 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Antilisterial activity of AP film was additionally assessed during 15-day storage of products wrapped in the coated film. In conclusion, the chitosan-coated film exhibited antibacterial activity. Incorporation of EPP and EEBP enhanced this activity. The antilisterial activity depended on the type and concentration of solutions, the types of food, and the origin of strains. This study proved that the time that passed since the use of coated film for packing food was of great importance.

The impact of ethanol extract of propolis on biofilm forming by Proteus Mirabilis strains isolated from chronic wounds infections.

Alcoholic propolis extracts may be used to eliminate microbes in mucous membranes and skin inflammations and in wound infections. The aim of this study was an assessment of the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) activity against biofilm formation by P. mirabilis. Six clinical strains of P. mirabilis isolated from patients with chronic wound infection, and one reference strain of P. mirabilis ATCC 29906 were used. Biofilm was formed in 96-well plate. In order to evaluate the effect of EEP at a concentration range of 1.56-100 mg/mL on the forming and mature biofilm, P. mirabilis cells were released by sonication. In this study the effectiveness of 25-100 mg/mL of EEP on the forming P. mirabilis biofilm and concentrations of 25-50 mg/mL of EEP on formed biofilm has been demonstrated. Our results suggest the possibility of using the EEP in treatment of chronic wound infection caused by P. mirabilis.

[Preventive role of curcumin in lung cancer]. / Prewencyjne znaczenie kurkuminy w nowotworach pluc.

Carcinogens from cigarette smoke form the link between nicotine addiction and lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. One of the most frequently studied chemopreventive agents is a curcumin, a natural compound extracted from turmeric that inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human leukaemia, prostate cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Curcumin (diferuoylmethane) is a major yellow pigment in turmeric (Curcuma longa) and is widely used as a spice. Curcumin exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.