Natural Compounds in Liposomal Nanoformulations of Potential Clinical Application in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant neoplasm in adults among all CNS gliomas, with the 5-year survival rate being as low as 5%. Among nanocarriers, liposomal nanoformulations are considered as a promising tool for precise drug delivery. The herein presented study demonstrates the possibility of encapsulating four selected natural compounds (curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, acteoside, and orientin) and their mixtures in cationic liposomal nanoformulation composed of two lipid types (DOTAP:POPC). In order to determine the physicochemical properties of the new drug carriers, specific measurements, including particle size, Zeta Potential, and PDI index, were applied. In addition, NMR and EPR studies were carried out for a more in-depth characterization of nanoparticles. Within biological research, the prepared formulations were evaluated on T98G and U-138 MG glioblastoma cell lines in vitro, as well as on a non-cancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) using the MTT test to determine their potential as anticancer agents. The highest activity was exhibited by liposome-entrapped acteoside towards the T98G cell line with IC50 equal 2.9 ± 0.9 µM after 24 hours of incubation. Noteworthy, curcumin and orientin mixture in liposomal formulation exhibited a synergistic effect against GBM. Moreover, the impact on the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins (p53 and Caspase-3) of acteoside as well as curcumin and orientin mixture, as the most potent agents, was assessed, showing nearly 40% increase as compared to control U-138 MG and T98G cells. It should be emphasized that a new and alternative method of extrusion of the studied liposomes was developed.

Medicinal Herbs in the Relief of Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection A Literature Review.

COVID-19 infection causes complications, even in people who have had a mild course of the disease. The most dangerous seem to be neurological ailments: anxiety, depression, mixed anxiety-depressive (MAD) syndromes, and irreversible dementia. These conditions can negatively affect the respiratory system, circulatory system, and heart functioning. We believe that phytotherapy can be helpful in all of these conditions. Clinical trials confirm this possibility. The work presents plant materials (Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Piper methysticum, Humulus lupulus, Ballota nigra, Hypericum perforatum, Rhodiola rosea, Lavandula officinalis, Paullinia cupana, Ginkgo biloba, Murraya koenigii, Crataegus monogyna and oxyacantha, Hedera helix, Polygala senega, Pelargonium sidoides, Lichen islandicus, Plantago lanceolata) and their dominant compounds (valeranon, valtrate, apigenin, citronellal, isovitexin, isoorientin, methysticin, humulone, farnesene, acteoside, hypericin, hyperforin, biapigenin, rosavidin, salidroside, linalool acetate, linalool, caffeine, ginkgolide, bilobalide, mihanimbine, epicatechin, hederacoside C,α-hederine, presegenin, umckalin, 6,7,8-trixydroxybenzopyranone disulfate, fumaroprotocetric acid, protolichesteric acid, aucubin, acteoside) responsible for their activity. It also shows the possibility of reducing post-COVID-19 neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications, which can affect the functioning of the nervous system.

A new flavonoid, a new phenylethanoid glycoside and related compounds isolated from the inflorescences of Plantago lanceolata L.

For the first time inflorescences of a plant species from the genus Plantago (Pantaginaceae)-Plantago lanceolata L. (Ribwort Plantain), a known medicinal plant, were subjected to studies of phenolic compounds, which resulted in an isolation of two new compounds: a flavonoid-isorhamnetin 3-O-α-L-4C1-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-4C1-glucopyranoside) (1) and a phenylethanoid glycoside-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-1C4-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)][E-caffeoyl-1→4]-ß-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (14), along with fourteen known compounds-eight flavonoids (2-9) and six phenylethanoid glycosides (10-13, 15-16). The chemical structures were established by 1 D and 2 D NMR and HRESIMS spectral methods. The known phenylethanoids were the same as reported for leaves or aerial parts of P. lanceolata or other Plantago species. The flavonoids appeared to be only flavonols, mainly isorhamnetin 3-O- and 3,4'-O- glycosides, and thus completely different from flavones, mainly luteolin and apigenin glucuronides, previously reported in the leaves. The possible medicinal and chemotaxonomic relevance of the phenolics found in P. lanceolata inflorescences were taken into consideration.

Biologically Active Compounds in Stizolophus balsamita Inflorescences: Isolation, Phytochemical Characterization and Effects on the Skin Biophysical Parameters.

Three germacranolides, as well as five flavonoids, natural steroid and simple phenolic compounds, were isolated from the inflorescence of Stizolophus balsamita growing in Iran. The paper presents active compounds found for the first time in the inflorescence of this species. The flavonoids, simple phenolic compounds and natural steroids have been isolated for the first time in the genus Stizolophus. The MTT assay was employed to study in vitro cytotoxic effects of the taxifolin against human fibroblasts. We also evaluate the possible biological properties/cosmetic effects of Stizolophus balsamita extract and taxifolin on the human skin. Sixty healthy Caucasian adult females with no dermatological diseases were investigated. We evaluate the effects of S. balsamita extract and taxifolin on skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It was revealed that S. balsamita extract might decrease TEWL level and fixed the barrier function of the epidermis. The presence of bioactive phytochemical constituents in S. balsamita inflorescences makes them a valuable and safe source for creating new cosmetics and medicines.

Two Ecdysteroids Isolated from Micropropagated Lychnis flos-cuculi and the Biological Activity of Plant Material.

Genetically uniform plant material, derived from Lychnis flos-cuculi propagated in vitro, was used for the isolation of 20-hydroxyecdysone and polypodine B and subjected to an evaluation of the antifungal and antiamoebic activity. The activity of 80% aqueous methanolic extracts, their fractions, and isolated ecdysteroids were studied against pathogenic Acanthamoeba castellani. Additionally, a Microtox® acute toxicity assay was performed. It was found that an 80% methanolic fraction of root extract exerts the most potent amoebicidal activity at IC50 of 0.06 mg/mL at the 3rd day of treatment. Both ecdysteroids show comparable activity at IC50 of 0.07 mg/mL. The acute toxicity of 80% fractions at similar concentrations is significantly higher than that of 40% fractions. Crude extracts exhibited moderate antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) within the range of 1.25-2.5 mg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first to show the biological activity of L. flos-cuculi in terms of the antifungal and antiamoebic activities and acute toxicity. It is also the first isolation of the main ecdysteroids from L. flos-cuculi micropropagated, ecdysteroid-rich plant material.

Phytochemical profiles of the leaves of Stizolophus balsamita and Psephellus sibiricus and their chemotaxonomic implications.

Seven germacranolides - balsamin, izospiciformin, stizolin, 9α-hydroxyparthenolide, 8α-E-(4'-hydroxy)-senecioyloxy-9α-hydroxyparthenolide, stizolicin and 11ßH,13-dihydrostizolicin, as well as one undescribed phenol glycoside 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) propyl senecioate 3-O-ß-glucopyranoside were isolated from the leaves of Stizolophus balsamita growing in Iran. Three coumarins, scoparone, scopoletin, umbelliferone and two guaianolides, cynaropicrin and desacylcynaropicrin 8α-(Z)-(4'-hydroxy-2'-methyl)butenoate (= cebellin F) were isolated from the leaves of Psephellus sibiricus. Phytochemical profile of Stizolophus balsamita growing in Iran differs from that of Stizolophus balsamita growing in Kazakhstan. Therefore, the taxonomic separation of Stizolophus balsamita from Iran is suggested. The results also suggest that isolated coumarins may be a chemotaxonomic marker of the Psephellus species. Moreover, the presence of germacranolides in Centaureinae species with stout apical spine ended bracts of flower (S. balsamita) and guaianolides in other species with appendages of the bracts without apical spine (P. sibiricus) suggests a possible connection between the chemical structure of the sesquiterpene lactones and morphology of flowers in the species of the Centaureinae subtribe. In addition, we propose a new 1H NMR approach for the detection of hydroxyl groups in sesquiterpene lactones.

Improvement in Long-Term Memory following Chronic Administration of Eryngium planum Root Extract in Scopolamine Model: Behavioral and Molecular Study.

Eryngium planum L. (EP) is as a rare medicinal plant with a lot of potentials as pharmaceutical crops. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of subchronic (28-fold) administration of a 70% ethanol extract of EP roots (200 mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioral and cognitive responses in Wistar rats linked with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and beta-secretase (BACE-1) mRNA levels and AChE and BuChE activities in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. On the last day of experiment, 30 min after the last dose of EP or Huperzine A (HU), scopolamine (SC) was given at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally. The results of a passive avoidance test showed an improvement in long-term memory produced by the EP extract in both scopolamine-induced rats and control group. EP caused an insignificant inhibition of AChE and BuChE activities in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. EP decreased mRNA AChE, BuChE, and BACE-1 levels, especially in the cortex. Our results suggest that the EP extract led to the improvement of the long-term memory in rats coupled with total saponin content. The mechanism of EP action is probably complicated, since HPLC-MS analysis showed 64 chemical compounds (phenolics, saponins) in the extract of EP roots.

[Protection against tobacco smoke--compounds and substances of natural orgin]. / Ochrona przed dymem tytoniowym--zwiazki i substancje pochodzenia naturalnego.

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of ingredients, including those causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and which are carcinogens or cancer promoters. Plants and plant products have antioxidant properties and have a protective role against cancer defined as chemoprevention. This paper presents an overview of published experiments on the protective effect against tobacco smoke or its by compounds and raw materials of natural origin, from plants mainly. These were: N-acetyl-L-cysteine, vitamin C, A and E, beta-carotene, lycopene, andrographolide, farnesol, resveratrol, marigold and tea. These studies were carried out on experimental animals or animal or human cells, which were exposed to cigarette smoke or its extract, or components of tobacco smoke. The studies have shown that the mentioned compounds and raw materials have a protective effect against the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Mechanisms of action were different--the increase of the level of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, prevention DNA strand breakage and lipid peroxidation, increased accumulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 that controls the expression of antioxidant genes. Authors frequently suggested that the investigated compounds and the materials may have similar protective effects against tobacco smoke in humans.

The evaluation of the amebicidal activity of Eryngium planum extracts.

Selected fractions of ethanolic extracts obtained from leaves and roots of Eryngium planum (Apiaceae) were evaluated in vitro for amebicidal activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii. This free-living ameba is the cause of Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is a painful, vision-impairing disease of the eyes, and chronic granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Treatment is very difficult and not always effective because of encystation, which makes the amebae highly resistant to anti-amebic drugs. The search for novel natural amebicidal agents is still of current interest. Fractions of E. planum ethanolic extract from basal leaves: flavonoid fraction (Lf), flavonoid-saponin fraction (Lf-s), saponin fraction (Ls) and phenolic acids fraction (La) and from roots: saponin fraction (Rs) and phenolic acids fraction (Ra) were assayed for antiamebic activity. In the presence of the saponin fractions and phenolic acid fractions (ranging from 1-5 mg/mL), the number of the trofozoites of Acanthamoeba castellanii viable strain 309 decreased during the experimental period (0-72 h). On the other hand, the flavonoid fraction from leaves showed a stimulating activity on the amebae. Almost all fractions (except the flavonoid fraction) showed a time- and dose-dependent amebistatic activity on the trophozoites. Of the fractions tested, the phenolic acid fraction from roots at the concentration of 5 mg/L showed the amebicidal activity on the trophozoites.

[Tobacco--once a medicinal plant. Does it contain substances with medicinal properties?]. / Tyton--niegdys roslina lecznicza. Czy zawiera substancje o wlasciwosciach leczniczych?

Tobacco and its use was discovered by Christopher Columbus in parallel with the discovery of America. Soon after, tobacco became a known medicinal plant in Europe. Its harmful effects were gradually discovered, especially those of tobacco smoke, and now it is considered a toxic plant. Tobacco leaf has a monograph in German "Hagers Enzyklopädie derArzneistoffe und Drogen", which describes its old, already not valid, medicinal use and clearly shows the toxic effects. Epidemiological studies indicate about 50% lower incidence of Parkinson's disease in smokers than in non-smokers. In turn, studies of the brains of smokers using positron emission tomography showed significantly decreased level of monoamine oxidase B--an enzyme which degrades dopamine--the neurotransmitter which the significant insufficiency of about 80-85%, is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. From the tobacco leaves there were isolated MAO-B inhibitors--naphthoquinone--2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and diterpenoid -trans,trans-farnesol, which occur also in tobacco smoke. In the last decade many papers have appeared on the neuroprotective activity of nicotine, the best known component of tobacco. through the effect of this compound on specific nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs), which interacts with nigrostriatal dopaminergic system as well as the possibility of using nicotine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, tobacco was also found to contain inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Tobacco cannot be considered a medicinal plant, but some compounds occurring in that plant may find therapeutic use.

Phenylethanoid glucosides from in vitro propagated plants and callus cultures of Plantago lanceolata.

The well-known medicinal plant Plantago lanceolata L. (ribwort plantain) was effectively propagated by direct organogenesis from segments of leaves and roots using MS medium supplemented with IAA (11.42 microM), kinetin (9.29 microM) for multiplication and IAA (5.71 microM) for rooting. The plantlets were successfully hardened (80 %) and transferred to field cultivation (100 %). Two lines of callus tissue, derived from leaves and roots, were obtained on MS medium without NH (4)NO (3) and supplemented with 2,4-D (4.52 microM) and kinetin ( 0.46 microM). From plant materials--leaf rosettes from in vitro, leaves from plants in field cultivation obtained by micropropagation, root-derived callus and leaf-derived callus--sixteen phenylethanoid glucosides representing nine different structures were isolated and identified by spectral methods (1D and 2D NMR) as known for the species: lavandulifolioside ( 1), plantamajoside ( 2,) acteoside ( 3); new for the species: leucosceptoside A ( 4), martynoside ( 5), desrhamnosylisoacteoside ( 6), plantainoside D ( 7), desrhamnosylacteoside ( 8) and - 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl beta- D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4- O- trans- and cis- p-coumaroyl-beta- D-glucopyranoside ( 9)--the latter also being found for the first time in nature and named lancetoside. Only plantamajoside ( 2) and acteoside ( 3) were common to all plant materials, the former was the main constituent of calli (1.19 - 2.84 % of dry weight), while the latter was the main constituent of the leaves (1.78 - 10.43 % of dry weight). Flavonoids were present only in plants of field cultivation.