Preliminary Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of Rudbeckia hirta Flowers.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.), a flowering plant with various traditional medicinal uses, has recently garnered interest for its therapeutic properties. However, little is known about the potential therapeutic activities of the plant species. The current study focused on conducting a comprehensive investigation into the chemical composition and bioactivity of black-eyed Susan cultivated in Romania. Untargeted metabolite profiling and UHPLC-HR-MS phytochemical analysis of the studied extract revealed the presence of more than 250 compounds pertaining to different classes, including sesquiterpene lactones, polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids. The tested extract exhibited inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria and showed promising antifungal activity. It also demonstrated potent antioxidant properties through iron chelation and 15-LOX inhibition capacities, as well as inhibition of cell growth, particularly on the MCF-7 cell line, suggesting potential anticancer effects. Therefore, current research provides valuable information on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor potential of Rudbeckia hirta flowers. Implicitly, the discovery of such a wide range of biosubstances, together with the biological activity observed for the studied extract in these preliminary in vitro studies, paves the way for future investigation of the potential application of the plant in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.

Neuroprotective Effect of Yucca schidigera Roezl ex Ortgies Bark Phenolic Fractions, Yuccaol B and Gloriosaol A on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Zebrafish.

Y. schidigera contains a number of unusual polyphenols, derivatives of resveratrol and naringenin, called spiro-flavostilbenoids, which have potent in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moderate cholinesterase inhibitory activities. To date, these compounds have not been tested in vivo for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of both single spiro-flavostilbenoids (yuccaol B and gloriosaol A) and phenolic fractions derived from Y. schidigera bark on scopolamine-induced anxiety and memory process deterioration using a Danio rerio model. Detailed phytochemical analysis of the studied fractions was carried out using different chromatographic techniques and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The novel tank diving test was used as a method to measure zebrafish anxiety, whereas spatial working memory function was assessed in Y-maze. In addition, acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) and 15-lipooxygenase (15-LOX) inhibition tests were performed in vitro. All pure compounds and fractions under study exerted anxiolytic and procognitive action. Moreover, strong anti-oxidant capacity was observed, whereas weak inhibition towards cholinesterases was found. Thus, we may conclude that the observed behavioral effects are complex and result rather from inhibition of oxidative stress processes and influence on cholinergic muscarinic receptors (both 15-LOX and scopolamine assays) than effects on cholinesterases. Y. schidigera is a source of substances with desirable properties in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroprotective Potential of Guiera senegalensis (Combretaceae) Leaf Hydroethanolic Extract against Cholinergic System Dysfunctions and Oxidative Stress in Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Guiera senegalensis JF Gmel. (Combretaceae) (GS) is a plant used in traditional medicine in West Africa for the treatment of several diseases, such as epilepsy and depression. However, its potential benefits in improving scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory impairment and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish have been investigated. In the present study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were treated with GS (1, 4, and 8 µg/L) for 19 days as well as Sco (100 µM) 30 min before behavioral tests. Behavioral performance was assessed by the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR), whereas anxiety response was evaluated in the novel tank diving test (NTT). Subsequently, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to evaluate the GS chemical composition. Sco promoted oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Moreover, both oxidative stress parameters and AChE activity were ameliorated by GS treatment. Accordingly, the present findings further provided the potential use of GS as a natural, alternative treatment against cognitive disorders associated to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-Like Effects of Conyza canadensis Aqueous Extract in the Scopolamine Rat Model.

Conyza canadensis is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Morocco for the treatment of varied health challenges. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no scientific study justifying the traditional use of Conyza extract as an anxiolytic and antidepressant agent. Moreover, data regarding the polyphenolic fraction is limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of an aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of Conyza, its antioxidant potential, and the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the sample (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (bw)) in the scopolamine (Sco) (0.7 mg/kg bw) rat model. To achieve this purpose, a variety of antioxidant tests (including free radical-scavenging activity and lipoxygenase-inhibitory potential assays) and behavioral procedures, such as the elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests, were performed. The results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Conyza canadensis is rich in catechins and flavonoids which possess good antioxidant activity. Additionally, concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract exhibited significant anxiolytic and antidepressant-like profiles following scopolamine treatment. Therefore, we propose that the use of Conyza canadensis could be a new pharmacological target for the amelioration of major depression.

Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Enhancing Properties of Selective Equisetum Extracts.

The sterile stems belonging to the Equisetum species are often used in traditional medicine of various nations, including Romanians. They are highly efficient in treating urinary tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract infections, and medical skin conditions due to their content of polyphenolic derivatives that have been isolated. In this regard, this study aimed to provide the chemical composition of the extracts obtained from the Equisetum species (E. pratense, E. sylvaticum, E. telmateia) and to investigate the biological action in vitro and in vivo. For the chemical characterization of the analyzed Equisetum species extracts, studies were performed by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-DAD). In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts obtained from these species of Equisetum genus was determined. The neuroprotective activity of these three ethanolic extracts from the Equisetum species using zebrafish tests was determined in vivo. All obtained results were statistically significant. The results indicate that E. sylvaticum extract has a significant antioxidant activity; whereas, E. pratense extract had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects significantly higher than the other two extracts used. All these determinations indicate promising results for the antioxidant in vitro tests and neuroprotective activity of in vivo tests, particularly mediated by their active principles.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Tagetes erecta L. Flowers.

Tagetes erecta L. is a popular ornamental plant of the Asteraceae family, which is widely cultivated not only for its decorative use, but also for the extraction of lutein. Besides carotenoid representatives, which have been extensively studied, other important classes of secondary metabolites present in the plant, such as polyphenols, could exhibit important biological activities. The phytochemical analysis of a methanolic extract obtained from T. erecta inflorescences was achieved using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques. The extract was further subjected to a multistep purification process, which allowed the separation of different fractions. The total extract and its fractions contain several polyphenolic compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonols (especially quercetagetin glycosides), and several aglycons (e.g., quercetin, patuletin). One of the fractions, containing mostly quercetagitrin, was subjected to two different antioxidant assays (metal chelating activity and lipoxygenase inhibition) and to in vitro cytotoxicity assessment. Generally, the biological assays showed promising results for the investigated fraction compared to the initial extract. Given the encouraging outcome of the in vitro assays, further purification and structural analysis of compounds from T. erecta extracts, as well as further in vivo investigations are justified.

Botanical Therapeutics (Part II): Antimicrobial and In Vitro Anticancer Activity against MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells of Chamomile, Parsley and Celery Alcoholic Extracts.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed as a continuation of a complex investigation about the phytochemical composition and biological activity of chamomile, parsley, and celery extracts against A375 human melanoma and dendritic cells. OBJECTIVE: The main aim was the evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of selected extracts as well as the in vitro anticancer activity against MCF7 human breast cancer cells. METHODS: In order to complete the picture regarding the phytochemical composition, molecular fingerprint was sketched out by the help of FTIR spectroscopy. The activity of two enzymes (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) after incubation with the three extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed. The antimicrobial potential was evaluated by disk diffusion method. The in vitro anticancer potential against MCF7 human breast cancer cells was appraised by MTT, LDH, wound healing, cell cycle, DAPI, Annexin-V-PI assays. RESULTS: The results showed variations between the investigated extracts in terms of inhibitory activity against enzymes, such as acetyl- and butyrilcholinesterase. Chamomile and parsley extracts were active only against tested Gram-positive cocci, while all tested extracts displayed antifungal effects. Among the screened samples at the highest tested concentration, namely 60µg/mL, parsley was the most active extract in terms of reducing the viability of MCF7 - human breast adenocarcinoma cell line and inducing the release of lactate dehydrogenase. On the other hand, chamomile and celery extracts manifested potent anti-migratory effects. Furthermore, celery extract was the most active in terms of total apoptotic events, while chamomile extract induced the highest necrosis rate. CONCLUSION: The screened samples containing phytochemicals belonging in majority to the class of flavonoids and polyphenols can represent candidates for antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Memory-Enhancing Effects of Origanum majorana Essential Oil in an Alzheimer's Amyloid beta1-42 Rat Model: A Molecular and Behavioral Study.

Origanum L. (Lamiaceae) is an important genus of medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional medicine since ancient times as culinary herbs and remedies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition, as well as the biochemical and cellular activities of freshly prepared Origanum majorana L. essential oil (OmEO) in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) amyloid beta1-42 (Aß1-42) rat model. OmEO (1% and 3%) was inhaled for 21 consecutive days, while Aß1-42 was administered intracerebroventricularly to induce AD-like symptoms. Our data demonstrate that OmEO increased antioxidant activity and enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which in concert contributed to the improvement of cognitive function of animals. Moreover, OmEO presented beneficial effects on memory performance in Y-maze and radial arm-maze tests in the Aß1-42 rat AD model.

The Aqueous Extract from Ceratonia siliqua Leaves Protects Against 6-hydroxydopamine in Zebrafish: Understanding the Underlying Mechanism.

Ceratonia siliqua L. is a Mediterranean medicinal plant traditionally cultivated for its ethnopharmacological benefits, such as antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, enhance acetylcholine, antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, and for its possible anti-neurodegenerative potential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition, as well as the cognitive-enhancing, anxiolytic, and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from C. siliqua (CsAE) leaves against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) zebrafish Parkinson's disease (PD) model. CsAE (0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/L) was administered by immersion to zebrafish (Danio rerio) for eight consecutive days and one hour before each behavioral test of each day, while 6-OHDA (250 µM) treatment was supplied one day before the novel tank diving test (NTT). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis. The memory performance was evaluated through the NTT and Y-maze tests. Additionally, the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant status and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was also assessed. Our finds demonstrated that CsAE presented positive antioxidant and anti-AChE activities, which contributed to the improvement of cognitive function in the 6-OHDA zebrafish PD model.

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Zinnia elegans Jacq. Fractions.

Zinnia elegans (syn. Zinnia violacea) is a common ornamental plant of the Asteraceae family, widely cultivated for the impressive range of flower colors and persistent bloom. Given its uncomplicated cultivation and high adaptability to harsh landscape conditions, we investigated the potential use of Z. elegans as a source of valuable secondary metabolites. Preliminary classification of compounds found in a methanolic extract obtained from inflorescences of Z. elegans cv. Caroussel was accomplished using HR LC-MS techniques. The extract was then subjected to solid-phase extraction and separation using Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, which resulted in several fractions further investigated for their antioxidant properties through lipoxygenase inhibition and metal chelating activity assays. Moreover, following additional purification procedures, structures of some active ingredients were established by NMR spectroscopy. The investigated fractions contained polyphenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acids and apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin glycosides. Antioxidant assays showed that certain fractions exhibit moderate 15-LOX inhibition (Fr 2, IC50 = 18.98 µg/mL) and metal chelation (e.g., Fr 1-2, EC50 = 0.714-1.037 mg/mL) activities as compared to positive controls (20.25 µg/mL for kaempferol and 0.068 mg/mL for EDTA, respectively). For Fr 2, the 15-LOX inhibition activity seems to be related to the abundance of kaempferol glycosides. The NMR analyses revealed the presence of a kaempferol 3-O-glycoside, and a guanidine alkaloid previously not described in this species.

Pinus halepensis essential oil attenuates the toxic Alzheimer's amyloid beta (1-42)-induced memory impairment and oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus.

The most prevalent neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's dementia. It is determined by the deposits of amyloid-beta peptide which leads to memory impairment, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. Aromatherapy by using essential oils could represent a natural treatment option for Alzheimer's dementia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the neuroprotective and nootropic effects of Pinus halepensis essential oil (PNO, 1% and 3%, administered for three weeks) in a rat model of acute amyloid beta (1-42) (Aß1-42) toxicity. Rats were behaviorally tested (radial arm maze and Y-maze activities being used). Rats were divided into five groups (n = 5 / group): first group - vehicle, second group - Aß1-42, the third and fourth group - PNO treatment groups (1% and 3%), and fifth group - donepezil group (as positive control, 5 mg/kg injected in Aß1-42-treated rats). Antioxidant activity of the investigated essential oil was assessed using radical scavenging assays, such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) tests. Also, biochemical estimations of the brain homogenates for acetylcholinesterase and oxidative stress biomarkers were carried out. The essential oil reversed the amyloid beta (1-42)-induced decreasing of the spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test and the amyloid beta (1-42)-induced increasing of the working and reference memory errors in the radial arm maze test. The amyloid beta (1-42)-induced modification of the balance oxidant-antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase action in the hippocampus of the rat has been ameliorated using the essential oil. These findings suggested that Pinus halepensis essential oil has nootropic and neuroprotective activities and may be regarded as a therapeutic tool for attenuation of Aß toxicity and neuronal dysfunction.

Tetraclinis articulata essential oil mitigates cognitive deficits and brain oxidative stress in an Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis model.

BACKGROUND: Tetraclinis articulata is used in traditional medicine and has been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of T. articulata essential oil on memory and brain oxidative stress in amyloid-ß peptide 1-42 (Aß1-42)-induced an Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis model. Moreover, the underlying mechanism for memory enhancement and antioxidant activity was investigated, thus supporting its traditional use with scientific evidence for further studies. METHODS: T. articulata essential oil was administered by inhalation to male Wistar rats once daily for 15 min period at doses of 1% and 3% for 21 days after the intracerebroventricular administration of Aß1-42 right-unilaterally to induce memory deficits. The chemical composition of the essential oil was done by GC-MS and GC-FID. Spatial memory of rats was tested using Y-maze and radial arm maze tests. The possible underlying mechanism for memory improvement exhibited by T. articulata essential oil was investigated by in vivo brain antioxidant effect and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect. In vitro, experimental evaluations were assessed through DPPH and ABTS tests. RESULTS: The GC-MS and GC-FID data showed that the essential oil has a high percent of monoterpene hydrocarbons. Also, we demonstrated the essential oil reversed the Aß1-42-induced decreasing of the spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test and the Aß1-42-induced increasing of the working and reference memory errors in the radial arm maze test. Furthermore, the Aß1-42-decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity and the oxidant-antioxidant status in the rat hippocampus was retrieved by the treatment with the essential oil. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that the essential oil could be a potent pharmacological agent against dementia by modulating cholinergic activity and promoting antioxidant action in the rat hippocampus.

Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Potential of Ephedra alata Decne. Hydroalcoholic Extract against the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line.

Ephedra alata Decne. belongs to the Ephedraceae family. It is a species of Ephedra that grows mostly in the desert. Today, the main importance of Ephedra species in the medical field is due to the presence of the alkaloids derived from phenyl-alanine, which act on the sympathetic nervous system as a sympathomimetic. The aim of this study was to conduct a phytochemical characterization of the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial part of Ephedra alata Decne., which is indigenous to Tunis, that involves the total phenolic content, individual phenolic content, and antioxidant activity as well as a biological screening for the evaluation of the antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and cytotoxic potential against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The results show that the hydroalcoholic extract contains polyphenolic phytocompounds (156.226 ± 0.5 mgGAE/g extract) and elicits antioxidant activity (7453.18 ± 2.5 µmol Trolox/g extract). The extract acted as a bacteriostatic agent against all tested bacterial strains, but was bactericidal only against the Gram-positive cocci and Candida spp. In the set experimental parameters, the extract presents antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and cytotoxic potential against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line.

Botanical Therapeutics: Phytochemical Screening and Biological Assessment of Chamomile, Parsley and Celery Extracts against A375 Human Melanoma and Dendritic Cells.

Chamomile, parsley, and celery represent major botanical sources of apigenin, a well-known flavone with chemopreventive properties. The aim of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of methanol extracts obtained from chamomile, parsley, and celery collected from Romania, as well as the biological activity against A375 human melanoma and human dendritic cells. Results have shown that all three extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids, and they generate a radical scavenger capacity, iron chelation potential, as well as lipoxygenase inhibition capacity. Chamomile and celery extracts present weak antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties in the set experimental conditions, while parsley extract draws out significant pro-apoptotic potential against A375 human melanoma cells. Parsley and chamomile extracts affected the fibroblast-like morphology of the screened tumor cell line. On the other hand, chamomile and celery extracts abrogated the expansion of LPS-activated dendritic cells, while the metabolic activity was attenuated by stimulation with celery extract; chamomile and parsley extracts had no effect upon this parameter. Chamomile and parsley extracts incubation with naive dendritic cells did not trigger cytokine secretion (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10), but celery extract stimulation significantly reduced the anti-inflammatory, cytokine IL-10.

Ameliorative effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. hydroalcoholic extract on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats: A behavioral and molecular study.

BACKGROUND: Matricaria chamomilla L. is a medicinal herb traditionally used as the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, anxiolytic and antidepressant agent. Nevertheless, supporting evidence demonstrated its memory enhancing activity and antioxidant properties. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of M. chamomilla L. on memory processes in a scopolamine-induced a rat model of amnesia and to reveal its underlying mechanism of action. METHODS: The hydroalcoholic extract (25 and 75 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to rats once daily for 7 days, and scopolamine (0.7 mg/kg) was injected 30 min before the behavioral testing to induce memory impairment. The phytochemical composition of the extract was quantified by HPLC/DAD analysis. Y-maze and radial arm-maze tests were employed for memory assessing. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured in the rat hippocampus. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase specific activities along with the total content of reduced glutathione and protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde levels were also measured in the rat hippocampus. qRT-PCR was used to quantify BDNF mRNA and IL1ß mRNA expression in the rat hippocampus. RESULTS: We first identified the chlorogenic acid, apigenin-7-glucoside, rutin, cynaroside, luteolin, apigenin and derivatives of apigenin-7-glucoside as the extract major components. Furthermore, we showed that the extract reversed the scopolamine-induced decreasing of the spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test and the scopolamine-induced increasing of the working and reference memory errors in the radial arm maze test. Also, the scopolamine-induced alteration of the acetylcholinesterase activity and the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the rat hippocampus was recovered by the treatment with the extract. Finally, we demonstrated that the extract restored the scopolamine-decreased BDNF expression and increased IL1ß expression in the rat hippocampus. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the extract could be a potent neuropharmacological agent against amnesia via modulating cholinergic activity, neuroinflammation and promoting antioxidant action in the rat hippocampus.

Lactuca capensis reverses memory deficits in Aß1-42-induced an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

We investigated the neuropharmacological effects of the methanolic extract from Lactuca capensis Thunb. leaves (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 21 days on memory impairment in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model produced by direct intraventricular delivery of amyloid-ß1-42 (Aß1-42). Behavioural assays such as Y-maze and radial arm maze test were used for assessing memory performance. Aß1-42 decreased cognitive performance in the behavioural tests which were ameliorated by pre-treatment with the methanolic extract. Acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the rat hippocampus were abnormally altered by Aß1-42 treatment while these deficits were recovered by pre-treatment with the methanolic extract. In addition, rats were given Aß1-42 exhibited in the hippocampus decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA copy number and increased IL-1ß mRNA copy number which was reversed by the methanolic extract administration. These findings suggest that the methanolic extract could be a potent neuropharmacological agent against dementia via modulating cholinergic activity, increasing of BDNF levels and promoting antioxidant action in the rat hippocampus.

Cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. stem bark in a rat model of scopolamine.

BACKGROUND: Plants of the genus Markhamia have been traditionally used by different tribes in various parts of West African countries, including Cameroun. Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. (Bignoniaceae) is used as an antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer agent. The current study was undertaken in order to investigate its anti-amnesic and antioxidant potential on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and to determine its possible mechanism of action. METHODS: Rats were pretreated with the aqueous extract (50 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.), for 10 days, and received a single injection of scopolamine (0.7 mg/kg, i.p.) before training in Y-maze and radial arm-maze tests. The biochemical parameters in the rat hippocampus were also assessed to explore oxidative status. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. F values for which p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: In the scopolamine-treated rats, the aqueous extract improved memory in behavioral tests and decreased the oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus. Also, the aqueous extract exhibited anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the aqueous extract ameliorates scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairment by attenuation of the oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus.

Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil From Carum Carvi L. Cultivated in North-Eastern Romania.

Essential oils have significant antioxidant activity, being used frequently as preservatives in the food and cosmetic industries. Aim: To assess the in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil from Carum carvi L. (caraway) cultivated in northeastern Romania. Materials and Methods: The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation from dried caraway fruits. The chemical composition was investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography­mass spectrometry analyses. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by three different in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH∙ and ABTS•+ scavenging and reducing power assays). Butylhydroxyanisole was used as reference standard. Results and Discussion: Carvone was the major compound of essential oil of caraway fruits (48.53%), followed by limonene (44.42%). Evaluation of the antioxidant activity (DPPH∙and ABTS•+ scavenging activity and reducing power) revealed significant effects, with IC50 values of 46.51 ± 1.61 µg/mL, 5.34 ± 0.07 µg/mL and 7.64 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively, as compared to those of the reference standard, butylhydroxyanisole (6.09 ± 0.27 µg/mL, 1.49 ± 0.00 µg/mL and 3.39 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively). Conclusions: Essential oil of Carum carvi cultivated in northeastern Romania belongs to carvone chemotype. Due to its high antioxidant activity it might be a potential alternative to conventional preservatives in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of the Methanolic Extract of Vitellaria paradoxa Stem Bark Against Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in the Rat Hippocampus.

Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn (Sapotaceae) is a perennial three which naturally grows in the northern part of Cameroon. It has been traditionally used in the Cameroonian folk medicine for treating inflammation and pain. In the present study, we evaluate the possible anti-amnesic and antioxidative effects of the methanolic extract of V. paradoxa stem bark in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model of scopolamine. Rats received a single injection of scopolamine (1.5 mg/kg) before behavioral testing and were treated with the methanolic extract (25 and 50 mg/kg), daily, for eight continuous days. Also, the antioxidant activity in the hippocampus was assessed using the total content of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. The scopolamine-treated rats exhibited the following: decrease of exploratory time and discrimination index within the novel object recognition test, decrease of spontaneous alternations percentage within Y-maze task, and increase of working memory errors, reference memory errors, and time taken to consume all five baits within radial arm-maze task. Administration of the methanolic extract significantly improved these parameters, suggesting positive effects on memory formation processes and antioxidant potential. Our results suggest that the methanolic extract ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment by attenuation of the oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus.

ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THE CRUDE POLYSACCHARIDE FROM PHYLLOPHORA PSEUDOCERANOIDES.

UNLABELLED: The red seaweed Phyllophora pseudoceranoides (Gmelin) New. et Tayl, commonly found in the Romanian Black Sea coastal waters, has not been studied regarding its chemical composition and biological activities. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to isolate, characterize and assess the in vitro antioxidant activity of the crude polysaccharide from P. pseudocerano ides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The water soluble polysaccharide was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS radical cation scavenging and reducing power assays. Commercial-grade carrageenan was used as positive control. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: FT-IR analysis of the crude polysaccharide showed characteristic bands of carrageenan-type structure. A total phenolic content of 25.08 ± 1.00 mg GAE/g was determined in the crude polysaccharide. At 1.5 mg/mL, the polysaccharide exhibited important ABTS scavenging activity (49.59 ± 0.03%) and showed a good reducing power (0.4060 ± 0.002), when compared with the positive control (ABTS scavenging activity: 30.30 ± 0.03% and reducing power: 0.2494 ± 0.002, at a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant activity of the sulfated polysaccharide suggests its possible use as an ingredient and antioxidant agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries.