Antimicrobial evaluation of Tripleurospermum callosum (Boiss. & Heldr.) E. Hossain extracts using in vitro and in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model against urinary system pathogens.

Tripleurospermum callosum (Boiss. & Heldr.) E. Hossain was recorded in Turkish ethnobotanical data for its use against urinary and respiratory system ailments. Infusion, decoction and 96% ethanol extracts of T. callosum aerial parts were prepared for in vitro antimicrobial activity against urinary system pathogens Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 1348 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The non-toxic concentrations of extracts and in vivo antimicrobial assay were performed using C. elegans. The extracts were analysed by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for phytochemical composition. The water extracts were non-toxic at between 5000 and 312 µg/mL, while 96% ethanol extract at 312 µg/mL for C. elegans. The infusion extract showed in vivo anti-infective effect 5000-312 µg/mL against Gram-negative strains. The results indicate a potential role of plant extracts with relatively non-toxic and anti-infective effects against urinary system pathogens.

Chemical profile, in vitro pharmacological activity and Satureja cuneifolia Ten. evaluation of essential oil based on distillation time.

The medicinal plant Satureja cuneifolia Ten. was widely utilized as spice, tea and traditional medicine. The objective of the current study was to examine the chemical composition and in vitro biological activities (LOX, MMP-1, and MMP-12 enzyme inhibition activity and cytotoxicity on A549 cell line) of Satureja cuneifolia extracts and essential oils. The essential oils of the flowering aerial parts were hydro-distilled at four different distillation times (5, 30, 60, and 180 min) using the Clevenger apparatus. The total essential oil and four fragments were compared in terms of the major component, yield, and distillation time. Volatile compounds of the infusion were extracted by using HS-SPME. Ethanolic extract had the strongest inhibition activity on the LOX enzyme (84.50%), while the essential oils exhibited more cytotoxic activity on the A549 cell line than the extracts. The oils and the infusion were analyzed using GC-MS and the primary chemicals identified by LC-MS/MS.

Biological Activities of the Fruit Essential Oil, Fruit, and Root Extracts of Ferula drudeana Korovin, the Putative Anatolian Ecotype of the Silphion Plant.

In the present study, preliminary phytochemical investigations were performed on the fruit essential oil and antioxidant-rich methanolic extracts of the fruits and roots of Ferula drudeana, the putative Anatolian ecotype of the Silphion plant, to corroborate its medicinal plant potential and identify its unique characteristics amongst other Ferula species. The essential oil from the fruits of the endemic species Ferula drudeana collected from Aksaray was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main components of the oil were determined as shyobunone (44.2%) and 6-epishyobunone (12.6%). The essential oil of the fruits and various solvent extracts of the fruits and roots of F. drudeana were evaluated for their antibacterial and anticandidal activity using microbroth dilution methods. The essential oil of the fruits, methanol, and methylene chloride extracts of the fruits and roots showed weak to moderate inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms with MIC values of 78-2000 µg/mL. However, the petroleum ether extract of the roots showed remarkable inhibitory activity against Candida krusei and Candida utilis with MIC values of 19.5 and 9.75 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, all the samples were tested for their antioxidant activities using DPPH• TLC spot testing, online HPLC-ABTS screening, and DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging activity assessment assays. Methanolic extracts of the fruits and roots showed strong antioxidant activity in both systems.

Protective effects of Rubus tereticaulis leaves ethanol extract on rats with ulcerative colitis and bio-guided isolation of its active compounds: A combined in silico, in vitro and in vivo study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of active ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Rubus tereticaulis (RTME) against colitis, and to purify major compounds from this extract by bioassay-directed isolation. Rats with colitis induced via intra-rectal acetic acid administration (5%, v/v) received RTME or sulfasalazine for three consecutive days. On day four, all rats were decapitated, and the colonic tissue samples were collected for macroscopic score, colon weight, reduced glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. The active compounds and chemical composition of RTME were determined by bio-guided isolation and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Compared to the colitis group, the rats treated with RTME displayed significantly lowered macroscopic scores and colon wet weights (p < 0.001). These effects were confirmed biochemically by a decrease in colonic MPO activity (p < 0.001), MDA levels (p < 0.001), and an increase in GSH levels (p < 0.001). Kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide (RT1) and quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide (RT2) were found to be the major compounds of RTME, as evidenced by in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity-guided isolation. Their anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities were also predicted by docking simulations. Additionally, quinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin pentoside, quercetin glucoside, quercetin-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide, kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucuronide, and kaempferol rutinoside were identified in RTME via using LC-MS/MS. RT2, along with other compounds, may be responsible for the observed protective action of RTME against colitis. This study represents the first report on the beneficial effects of RTME in an experimental model of colitis and highlights the potential future use of RTME as a natural alternative to alleviate colitis.

Comparative Studies on Essential Oil and Phenolic Content with In Vitro Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, Antimicrobial Activities of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and A. millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. L. Growing in Eastern Turkey.

The potential applications of Achillea species in various industries have encouraged the examination of their phytochemical components along with their biological potential. In the present study, phenolic contents and essential oil compositions together with the in vitro biological activities of the aerial parts from Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. collected from Turkey were evaluated. Different solvent extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, water) were prepared and their antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities were studied. The LC-MS/MS results revealed the presence of 16 different phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, and luteolin glycosides, in methanolic extracts. According to GC-FID and GC/MS results, the primary components of the oils were identified as 1,8-cineole (32.5%), piperitone (14.4%), and camphor (13.7%) in A. biebersteinii and 1,8-cineole (12.3%) and ß-eudesmol (8.9%) in A. millefolium subsp. millefolium. The infusion and methanolic extracts of both species were found to be rich in their total phenolic content as well as their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity. In contrast, the n-hexane and chloroform extracts of both species showed strong antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 15 to 2000 µg/mL. Our findings suggest that the investigated Achillea species could be evaluated as potent natural agents, and further studies into the promising extracts are needed.

New bone-generative effect of Salvia officinalis L. in the expanded midpalatal suture : An in vivo and in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of Salvia officinalis Linnaeus (L.) leaf extract on new bone formation in the expanded premaxillary suture in rats in vivo and to examine the antioxidant effects and phenolic profile of Salvia officinalis (SO) leaf and root extracts in vitro. METHODS: Fourteen male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to two groups: SO group (n = 7) and control group (n = 7). An open-loop spring was attached to the upper incisors of each rat to expand the premaxillae. A 5-day expansion period followed by a 12-day retention period was observed. The rats in the SO group received systemic administration of 20 mg SO/kg/day via the orogastric route for 17 days. Histomorphometric examinations were carried out to examine the amount of new bone formation, number of capillaries, and intensity of inflammatory cell response. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to examine the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Leaf and root extracts of SO were also analyzed for antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in vitro. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the following were higher in the SO group than in the control group: new bone formation, number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, intensity of inflammatory cell response (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages), and number of capillaries. The major compound identified in SO leaf extract was rosmarinic acid, while luteolin derivatives, salvianolic acid F, and medioresinol were also present. CONCLUSIONS: Salvia officinalis L. from leaf extract provided antioxidant effects and stimulated enhanced new bone formation in the expanded midpalatal suture after maxillary expansion in rats.

Assessment of Cota altissima (L.) J. Gay for phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities.

Phytochemical profiles of essential oil (EO), fatty acids, and n-hexane (CAH), diethyl ether (CAD), ethyl acetate (CAE) and methanol extracts (CAM) of Cota altissima L. J. Gay (syn. Anthemis altissima L.) were investigated as well as their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activites. The essential oil was characterized by the content of acetophenone (35.8%) and ß-caryophyllene (10.3%) by GC-MS/FID. Linoleic and oleic acid were found as main fatty acids. The major constituents of the extracts were found to be 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, isorhamnetin glucoside, quercetin and quercetin glucoside by LC-MS/MS. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by scavenging of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Also, the inhibitory effects on lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase enzymes were determined. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and yeast pathogens. CAM showed the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values of 126.60 and 144.40 µg/mL, respectively. In the anti-inflammatory activity, CAE demonstrated the highest antilipoxygenase activity with an IC50 value of 105.40 µg/mL, whereas, CAD showed the best inhibition of α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 396.40 µg/mL in the antidiabetic activity. CAH was effective against Staphylococcus aureus at MIC = 312.5 µg/mL. This is the first report on antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of different extracts of C. altissima.

Solanum vegetable-based diets improve impairments in memory, redox imbalance, and altered critical enzyme activities in Drosophila melanogaster model of neurodegeneration.

The effects of two Solanum vegetables, S. macrocarpon L. (African eggplant), and S. nigrum L. (black nightshade) on aluminum model of neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster was investigated. Flies were treated with AlCl3 alone or in combination with the leaves from both samples in their diets for 7 days. Thereafter, locomotor performance and aversive phototaxic suppression test for learning and memory were carried out. This was followed by assay for reactive oxygen species, antioxidant properties, and enzyme (monoamine oxidase and cholinesterase) activities. Also, the in vitro antioxidant properties and chromatographic phenolic and alkaloid characterization of the samples were determined. Results showed that impaired behavioral physiology, antioxidant status, and enzyme activities observed in Al-treated flies were ameliorated in flies treated with both samples. In addition, both samples exhibited in vitro antioxidant effects. The protective effects from these samples against Al-induced toxicity can be associated with their antioxidant, antimonoaminergic, and anticholinergic properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the quest for a holistic prevention/management approach to neurodegenerative diseases, functional foods are becoming prominent. The use of Drosophila melanogaster to study human diseases is gaining huge recognition due to the high homologue between disease-causing genes between the two organisms. Consequently, this study presents African eggplant and black nightshade leafy vegetables as sources of polyphenols and alkaloids which are able to ameliorate impaired learning and memory, redox status, and enzyme activities in Al-induced D. melanogaster model of neurodegeneration.

Effect of Horse-chestnut seed extract on matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9 during diabetic wound healing.

The effects of aqueous-ethanol extract of Horse chestnut (HCE) on MMP-1 and MMP-9 expressions during cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats were investigated in this study. The expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-9, wound closure, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in wound tissue were measured. Quercetin glucuronide in HCE was identified as main compound using a LC-MS/MS. The hydroxyproline level was significantly increased in the treated group versus control after the 3rd and 7th days (p < 0.05). The MDA level and MPO activity were significantly lower in the treatment group (p < 0.05). MMP-1 gene expression level in treated rats was increased in the 7th day while it was reduced in 14th day. MMP-9 gene expression level in treated rats was decreased in 7th, and 14th days compared to control (p < 0.05). These results show that HCE accelerated the cutaneous wound-healing process in diabetic rats via MMP-1 and MMP-9 regulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The main function of MMPs is to degrade and deposite the various components of the extracellular matrix. Also, they participate physiological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Horse chestnut seeds (HC) are known to be rich in saponins and flavonoids. HC are used for the treatment of abdominal pain, stomach ache, cold, hemorrhoids, arterial stiffness, rheumatism, oedema, diarrhea, chronic venous insufficiency and also as an antihemorrhagic and antipyretic in traditional medicine. It has been shown that HC has anti-inflammatory, antioedema, vessel protective, and free radical scavenging properties. This study indicates that HCE could be an effective agent for wound healing in diabetic wound model via its ability to suppress the MMP-9 gene expression and regulates MMP-1 gene expression besides its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory effects.

Furanocoumarin Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Inhibitory Potential of Heracleum verticillatum, Heracleum sibiricum, Heracleum angustisectum, and Heracleum ternatum Extracts against Enzymes Involved in Alzheimer's Disease and Type II Diabetes.

Hexane extracts of Heracleum verticillatum, H. sibiricum, H. angustisectum, and H. ternatum were studied for their furanocoumarin content antioxidant potential and acetylcholinesterase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Quantification of the furanocoumarins was performed by 1 H-NMR. Pimpinellin was found to be the main component in the roots of all studied species. Bergapten and imperatorin were the major compounds in the fruits of H. sibiricum and H. verticillatum, respectively, while byakangelicol dominated in H. angustisectum and H. ternatum fruits. The leaf and fruit extracts of H. angustisectum demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and TEAC (IC50 0.58 mg/mL and 1.83 mm, respectively). The root extracts of H. verticillatum and H. angustisectum were found to be the most effective against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 0.30 and 0.34 mg/mL, respectively). The studied extracts were not active or demonstrated a weak inhibitory effect (%Inh. up to 29.7) towards α-amylase.

Assessment of selected Saudi and Yemeni plants for mosquitocidal activities against the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti.

As part of our continuing investigation for interesting biological activities of native medicinal plants, thirty-nine plants, obtained from diverse areas in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, were screened for insecticidal activity against yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.). Out of the 57 organic extracts, Saussurea lappa, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Taraxacum officinale, Nigella sativa, and Hyssopus officinalis exhibited over 80% mortality against adult female Ae. aegypti at 5 µg/mosquito. In the larvicidal bioassay, the petroleum ether extract of Aloe perryi flowers showed 100% mortality at 31.25 ppm against 1st instar Ae. aegypti larvae. The ethanol extract of Saussurea lappa roots was the second most active displaying 100% mortality at 125 and 62.5 ppm. Polar active extracts were processed using LC-MS/MS to identify bioactive compounds. The apolar A. perryi flower extract was analyzed by headspace SPME-GC/MS analysis. Careful examination of the mass spectra and detailed interpretation of the fragmentation pattern allowed the identification of various biologically active secondary metabolites. Some compounds such as caffeic and quinic acid and their glycosides were detected in most of the analyzed fractions. Additionally, luteolin, luteolin glucoside, luteolin glucuronide and diglucuronide were also identified as bioactive compounds in several HPLC fractions. The volatile ketone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one was identified from A. perryi petroleum ether fraction as a major compound.

Chemical composition and antioxidant, cytotoxic, and insecticidal potential of Valeriana alliariifolia in Turkey.

Valeriana is a common plant species used for various healing purposes in folk medicine since antiquity. This study investigates the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activity of Valeriana alliariifolia Adams, a species that has traditionally been used in Turkey. For the analyses we prepared four root extracts of V. alliariifolia Adams using hexane (HM1), chloroform (CM1), ethanol (EM1), and water (WM1) for maceration. Additionally, two extracts were also prepared from its roots by maceration separately with ethanol (EM2) and water (WM2). One sample was prepared as a water infusion (WI), according to the procedure used in Turkish traditional medicine. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging activity tests showed that ethanol extracts had the strongest antioxidant activity: EM1 (IC50 - DPPH: 17.694 µg/mL; ABTS: 23.8 µg/mL) and EM2 (IC50 - DPPH: 20 µg/mL; ABTS: 21.5 µg/mL). The hexane extract, HM1, was the most cytotoxic (IC50<10 µg/mL against HepG2 and HUVEC) and EM2 strongly cytotoxic (IC50<10 µg/mL against HepG2 and IC50: 11.96 µg/mL against HUVEC). The extracts with demonstrated cytotoxic activities were further examined to check their insecticidal activity against adult female mosquito Aedes aegypti and first instar Ae. aegypti larvae. HM1 was the most effective (90±10 %), which was consistent with its cytotoxic activity. Because of the high antioxidant, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activities, we ran phytochemical analyses of the HM1, EM1, and EM2 extracts with GC-MS (for HM1) and LC-MS/MS (for EM1 and EM2). We also analysed the composition of the essential oil obtained from V. alliariifolia roots by micro-distillation in order to compare its content with HM1, which contains volatile compounds. Phytochemical analyses revealed that the major compound in HM1 was isovaleric acid (16 %) and in the essential oil 1,8-cineole (2.9 %). EM1 and EM2 contained 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), verbascoside (acteoside), and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid as major components. In the light of our findings and available literature, we can conclude that V. alliariifolia has a good bioactive potential that could be used for different purposes, including the development of new agents for the treatment of various diseases. The difference in the content between the essential oil and HM1 was remarkable. It suggests that the variability observed in the activity of the samples was a result of composition and that, therefore, the aim of treatment should dictate which type of preparation is to be selected. An added value of our study is that it determined verbascoside and methylquercetin rutinoside for the first time in the Valeriana extracts.

Antibacterial, anticandidal and antioxidant properties of Tanacetum argenteum (Lam.) Willd. subsp. flabellifolium (Boiss. & Heldr.) Grierson.

In the present study hydrodistilled essential oil and total methanol extracts of Tanacetum argenteum subsp. flabellifolium have been evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The chemical composition of the oil and the crude extract were determined by GC/FID, GC/MS and LC/DAD/ESI-MS systems respectively. ß-thujone (47.1%), α-pinene (19.1%) and α-thujone (10.5%) were the main compounds of the essential oil while the 5-Ocaffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified as flavonoid content of the crude extract. The oil and the methanol extract were demonstrated moderate antimicrobial effects (MIC range; 0,062-2,0 mg/mL) against 21 different pathogenic micro organism. Total phenolic content was determined as 63 mg GAE in g extract and the DPPH radical scavenging effect was determined as 0.16 mg/mL (IC50) and TEAC was determined as 0.21mMol.

Chemical composition and biological investigation of Pelargonium endlicherianum root extracts.

CONTEXT: Pelargonium endlicherianum Fenzl. (Geraniaceae) roots and flowers are traditionally used in Turkey as a decoction treatment against intestinal parasites. Neither the chemical composition nor the potential bioactivity of the plant roots has been studied before. OBJECTIVES: The phenolic content and effects of P. endlicherianum root extracts on antioxidant enzyme levels on A549 cells were studied for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition was analyzed via spectrophotometric and chromatographic (HPLC MS/MS and HPLC) techniques. The antioxidant activity was determined at different concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 2 mg/mL using DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity, ß-carotene-linoleic acid co-oxidation assay, protection of 2-deoxyribose and bovine brain-derived phospholipids against a hydroxyl radical-mediated degradation assay. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were also studied as well as the effects of the extracts on nitric oxide levels on IL-1ß stimulated A549 cells. RESULTS: The key parameters for the most active ethyl acetate extract included the following: DPPH• IC50: 0.23 mg/mL, TEAC/ABTS: 2.17 mmol/L Trolox, reduction: 0.41 mmol/g AsscE, and protection of lipid peroxidation IC50: 0.05 mg/mL. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate extract increased the SOD level significantly compared to control group (4.48 U/mL) at concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/mL SOD, 5.50 and 5.67 U/mL, respectively. Apocynin was identified as the major component, and the ethyl acetate fraction was found to be rich in phenolic compounds. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pelargonium endlicherianum root extracts displayed antioxidant activity and increased the antioxidant enzyme levels in IL-1ß stimulated A549 cells, while decreasing the NO levels.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Centaurea baseri: New Species from Turkey.

The genus Centaurea L. is one of the largest and important genera of Asteraceae family. Centaurea species have been widely used as herbal remedies in folk medicine for their antidandruff, antidiarrheic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, diuretic, digestive, stomachic, astringent, antipyretic, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties. Centaurea baseri Kose & Alan is a recently described local endemic species in Turkey and this is the first study on the chemical composition and bioactivity of its hydrodistilled essential oil and the crude extract. According to chromatospectral analysis, hexadecanoic acid (42.3%), nonacosane (8.2%), and heptacosane (8.0%) were the main compounds of the essential oil, while 16 compounds were determined in the MeOH extract using LC/MS. Furthermore, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects of the essential oil and the extract were evaluated in comparison with the standard agents. The extract showed strong antifungal effect against Candida utilis at the concentration of 60 µg/ml (MIC) where the EO showed growth inhibition at the concentration of 47.00 µg/ml (MIC) against pathogen Bacillus cereus. Both the essential oil and the extract did not show any selective antioxidant properties. The extract showed remarkably selective cytotoxic properties against MCF-7, PANC-1, A549, and C6 glioma cells.

The LC/ESI-MSMS Profiles and Biological Potentials of Vitex agnus castus Extracts.

The chemical profile, cytotoxic and apoptotic effect, and antioxidant activity were determined of ethanolic extracts of Vitex agnus-castus L. (chaste tree). Ripened fruits and fruitless aerial parts were extracted with ethanol, and the chemical characterization of the extracts was determined by LC/ESI-MS-MS. Twelve compounds were tentatively identified in the extracts. The dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of the extracts were tested on C6, A549 and MCF-7 cells by using MT7 assay; inhibition of DNA synthesis, and apoptotic and caspase-3 activation effects of the extracts were determined. The potential antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by in vitro methods such as DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity, reducing power and 3-carotene bleaching assays. The fruit extract showed noticeable cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells with an IC(50) value of 88 µg/mL. Both extracts showed similar DPPH scavenging activity comparably with that of the standard.

In vitro antioxidant properties and anthocyanin compositions of elderberry extracts.

In this study, dried elderberry fruits growing wild in Turkey were macerated using different solvents and an infusion was prepared according to traditional methods. All extracts were investigated for their total phenolic content, total monomeric anthocyanins, qualitative-quantitative determination of cyanidin-3-glucoside (by HPLC-UV analysis), anthocyanin compositions (by LC/MS-MS), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS) and inhibition of ß-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation. An extract with 70% ethanol was found to be richer in cyanidin-3-glucoside when compared to the other extracts. The infusion was found to be as rich as the 70% ethanol extract. Ethanol and acetone extracts (both 70%) were found to be more active in the free radical activity and ß-carotene bleaching assays. Water extract showed good ABTS radical scavenging activity when compared with ascorbic acid.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Stachys lavandulifolia subsp. lavandulifolia essential oil and its infusion.

Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. subsp. lavandulifolia (Lamiaceae) is widely used in south Anatolia as a herbal tea. It is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Constituents of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed both by GC-FID and GC/MS, simultaneously. Thirty-seven compounds representing 98.3% of the oil were characterized. Beta-Phellandrene (27%), alpha-pinene (18.5%) and germacrene-D (13%) were found as major components of the oil. Anticandidal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the oil and the prepared infusion were evaluated using several methods. The oil exhibited good inhibitory activity on Candida tropicalis (MIC 0.094 mg/mL). Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium growths were also inhibited by the oil at a concentration of 0.375 mg/mL. The prepared infusion of the flowering aerial parts showed weak antimicrobial effects against all the tested microorganisms, but demonstrated a remarkably radical scavenging activity (IC50: 3.9 microg/mL).

Investigation for anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities of methanol extract of Capparis ovata buds and fruits.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Capparis ovata Desf. has wide natural distribution in Turkey and it is consumed in pickled form. Flower buds, root bark, and fruits of the plant are used traditionally due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-rheumatismal, tonic, and diuretic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects of methanol extracts prepared from flower buds (CBE) and fruits (CFE) of C. ovata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-inflammatory effects of CBE and CFE were assessed using carrageenan-induced and prostaglandin E2-induced mouse paw edema models. For the anti-thrombotic effect evaluation, carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model was performed in mice. The extracts were administered intraperitonally (i.p.) at the doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect of Capparis extracts were tested in comparison to 10 mg/kg diclofenac and anti-thrombotic activity to 10 and 100 IU heparin. RESULTS: CBE at the doses of 200, and 300 mg/kg and CFE at the doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and CFE reached therapeutic concentration early than CBE in carrageenan inflammation model. In prostaglandin E2 inflammation model, CBE and CFE exhibited significant inhibitory effects. The C. ovata extracts did not show remarkable anti-thrombotic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that fruits of C. ovata have more potent anti-inflammatory effect than flower buds. It has been suggested that inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway is one of the mechanisms of the activity. C. ovata may be potentially used as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

One-step multiple component isolation from the oil of Crinitaria tatarica (Less.) Sojak by preparative capillary gas chromatography with characterization by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques and evaluation of biological activity.

Gas chromatographic analysis revealed that the oil of Crinitaria tatarica was rich in sabinene (32.1%), ß-pinene (8.8%), and two unknown (M+200) compounds (I) and (II) (21.4% and 3.4%). One-step multiple fractionation of the oil and separation of two unknown constituents were performed using preparative capillary gas chromatography connected to preparative fraction collector system. This combination allowed separation and recover of sufficient quantities of two unknown compounds with high purity from complex oil matrix. Separation conditions (column temperature, cooling temperature, flow rate, injection volume, cut time) were optimized to achieve the best isolation and successful collection. The target compounds were separated from the oil using a HP Innowax (Walt & Jennings Scientific, Wilmington, DE, USA) preparative capillary column in rapid one-step manner with 95.0% purity. Trapping of the isolated compounds in collector system was facilitated by cooling with liquid nitrogen. Structure determination was accomplished by spectral analysis including ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic rezonance, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Z- (I) and E-artemidin (II) were isolated for the first time from this species. Crinitaria tatarica oil and Z- (I) and E-artemidin (II) were evaluated for biological activity.