Effect of Herbal Feed Additives on Goat Milk Volatile Flavor Compounds.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of herbal supplements administered to goats on sensory quality and volatile flavor compounds in their milk. The experiment was conducted on sixty Polish white improved goats randomly allocated into five feeding groups (four experimental and one control) of twelve goats each. The trial lasted 12 weeks. The experimental animals received supplements containing a mixture of seven or nine different species of herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day. The control group received feed without any herbal supplements. Milk obtained from experimental and control groups of animals was characterized by a low content of aroma compounds, with only 11 chemical compounds being identified. Decanoic methyl ester, methylo 2-heptanone and methylo-butanoic methyl ester had the highest share in the total variability of the tested aroma compounds (PCA). During the sensory evaluation, the smell and taste of most of the samples were similar (p > 0.05). However, the addition of herbal feed supplements lowered the concentration of Caproic acid (C6:0), Caprylic acid (C8:0) and Capric acid (C10:0), which caused a significant reduction in the goaty smell of milk. The obtained results indicate that the studied herbal supplements can reduce the intensity of goaty smell and allow goat milk production without modification of other sensory features.

The Effect of Herbal Feed Additives in the Diet of Dairy Goats on Intestinal Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Count.

Sixty dairy goats of the Polish white improved breed were randomly assigned to five feeding groups of twelve animals each. The animals received a supplement containing seven herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 1 and 2) and a supplement containing nine herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 3 and 4)m, along with pelleted concentrate feed. Group 5 (the control group) received pelleted feed without any herbal supplements. A significant effect of herbal feed additive on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was observed (p < 0.001). The highest number density of LAB was found in the goats receiving the feed additive with nine herbs at 20 g/animal per day (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant effect of lactation stage on intestinal LAB count (p < 0.001). Regardless of the feeding group, the highest number density of LAB was found in animals at the peak of lactation. The LAB count was also affected by the interaction of diet group × lactation stage (p < 0.0001). A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum was identified in the faecal samples of goats receiving the herbal additive, but not in the controls. Genetic identification of the microorganisms isolated from the faeces of the experimental goats did not reveal the presence of harmful mould spores, although spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus were detected in the controls.

Nutritional Behaviors, Vitamin Supplementation and Physical Activity among Polish Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, including social isolation, movement restrictions and work instability have altered many people's nutritional behaviors and daily lifestyle. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on selected eating habits, physical activity and daily lifestyle changes of Polish adults (n = 145). The self-designed and anonymous questionnaire was available online from the 1 May 2021 to the 15 May 2021. In general, 60% of respondents declared that the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect their dietary habits, whereas 26% of surveyed individuals answered in the affirmative. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on changing dietary habits was differentiated by age (Pearson's χ2 = 12.604; p = 0.0134). The number of meals consumed by respondents per day differed across gender groups (Pearson's χ2 = 9.653; df = 4; p = 0.0466). An increase in body weight during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by 43% of women and 7.6% of surveyed men. Additionally, hybrid working women declared most often an increase in body mass independent of age, education level and living place. Moreover, the majority of respondents who reported the effect of the pandemic on changing dietary habits also declared more frequent sweets consumption. The study revealed that respondents who stated more frequent sweets consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely associated with an increase in body mass (OR = 6.75, 95% CI, 6.75-91.25). No increase in the consumption of vitamin D, C and Mg supplements and pickled products was found.

The Effect of Different Water Extracts from Platycodon grandiflorum on Selected Factors Associated with Pathogenesis of Chronic Bronchitis in Rats.

The aim of this study was to assess the activity of extracts from Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC (PG) in a model of chronic bronchitis in rats. The research was carried out on three water extracts: E1 - from roots of field cultivated PG; E2 - from biotransformed roots of PG; E3 - from callus of PG. The extracts differed in saponins and inulin levels-the highest was measured in E3 and the lowest in E1. Identification of secondary metabolites was performed using two complementary LC-MS systems. Chronic bronchitis was induced by sodium metabisulfite (a source of SO2). Animals were treated with extracts for three weeks (100 mg/kg, intragastrically) and endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factors (TGF-ß1, -ß2, -ß3), and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) levels were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas C reactive protein (CRP) level was measured in serum. Moreover, mRNA expression were assessed in bronchi and lungs. In SO2-exposed rats, an elevation of the CRP, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, VEGF, and mucin was found, but the extracts' administration mostly reversed this phenomenon, leading to control values. The results showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts from PG.

Comparison of bioactive compounds content in leaf extracts of Passiflora incarnata, P. caerulea and P. alata and in vitro cytotoxic potential on leukemia cell lines

ABSTRACT Passiflora caerulea L., P. alata Curtis and P. incarnata L. (synonym for P. edulis Sims), are the most popular representatives of the Passiflora genus in South America. In recent years, a growing attention is paid to the biological activity and phytochemical profiles of crude extracts from various species of Passiflora in worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare of anti-leukemic activity of the dry crude extracts from leaves of three Passiflora species from greenhouse of Poland in two human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines: CCRF-CEM and its multidrug resistant variant. Two systems of liquid chromatography in order to assessment of phytochemical composition of extracts were applied. Extracts of P. alata and P. incarnata showed the potent inhibitory activity against human acute lymphoblastic leukemia CCRF-CEM, while P. caerulea not showed activity (or activity was poor). Despite similarities in quality phytochemical profile of extracts from P. caerulea and P. incarnata, differences in quantity of chemical compounds may determine their various pharmacological potency. For the activity of P. alata extract the highest content of terpenoids and a lack of flavones C-glycosides are believed to be crucial. Summarizing, the crude extract from P. alata leaves may be considered as a substance for complementary therapy for cancer patients.

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract on brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities, their mRNA levels and memory evaluation in rats.

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Lamiaceae), one of the most important and popular plants of traditional medicine of Asia, is used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and in central nervous system disturbances. The main aim of this study was to assess the influence of subchronic (28-fold) administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract (SE, 200mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioural activity and memory of rats and to evaluate the activities of cholinesterases (AChE and BuChE) and gene expression levels of AChE and BuChE as well as of beta-secretase (BACE1) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex in vivo. Huperzine A (HU, 0.5mg/kg b.w., p.o.) served as a positive control substance, whereas scopolamine (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) injection was used as a well-known model of memory impairment. The results showed that subchronic administration of SE led to an improvement of long-term memory of rats. Strong inhibition of AChE and BuChE mRNA transcription in the frontal cortex of rats treated with SE or HU was observed. The BACE1 transcript level was significantly decreased. AChE activity was statistically significantly inhibited in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus by SE (47% and 55%, respectively). Similar effects were observed in the case of HU. In summary, activity of SE provides evidence that the plant can be a source of drugs used in the treatment of Alzheimer disease.

THE USE OF EXTRACTS FROM PASSIFLORA SPP. IN HELPING THE TREATMENT OF ACANTHAMOEBIASIS.

Chronic progressive diseases of the central nervous system such as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, amoebic keratitis, amoebic pneumonitis and also skin infections caused by free-living amoebae (Acanhamoeba spp.) are a significant challenge for pharmacotherapy. This is due to the lack of effective treatment because of encystation, which makes the amoebae highly resistant to anti-amoebic drugs. A very inter- esting and promising source of future drugs in this area are plant materials obtained not only from the habitat but also from plant in vitro culture as an alternative source of biomaterials. Alcoholic extracts from leaves of Passiflora incarnata, P. caerulea, P. alata (Passifloraceae) and from callus cultures were evaluated in vito for amoebicidal activity. Phytochemical analysis showed that all extracts contained phenolic compounds including flavonoids? Biological study revealed that all extracts showed amoebostatic and amoebicidal properties in concentrations from 4 to 12 mg/mL. Extracts of P. alata leaf and callus showed the most effective activities (IC5, 4.01 mg/mL, IC,5 7.29 mg/mL, respectively) after 48 h of exposure, which was correlated with the highest concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids in comparison with other extracts.

Influence of the Melissa officinalis Leaf Extract on Long-Term Memory in Scopolamine Animal Model with Assessment of Mechanism of Action.

Melissa officinalis (MO, English: lemon balm, Lamiaceae), one of the oldest and still most popular aromatic medicinal plants, is used in phytomedicine for the prevention and treatment of nervous disturbances. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of subchronic (28-fold) administration of a 50% ethanol extract of MO leaves (200 mg/kg, p.o.) compared with rosmarinic acid (RA, 10 mg/kg, p.o.) and huperzine A (HU, 0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioral and cognitive responses in scopolamine-induced rats. The results were linked with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and beta-secretase (BACE-1) mRNA levels and AChE and BuChE activities in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats. In our study, MO and HU, but not RA, showed an improvement in long-term memory. The results were in line with mRNA levels, since MO produced a decrease of AChE mRNA level by 52% in the cortex and caused a strong significant inhibition of BACE1 mRNA transcription (64% in the frontal cortex; 50% in the hippocampus). However, the extract produced only an insignificant inhibition of AChE activity in the frontal cortex. The mechanisms of MO action are probably more complicated, since its role as a modulator of beta-secretase activity should be taken into consideration.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf extract improves memory impairment and affects acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities in rat brain.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf as part of a diet and medication can be a valuable proposal for the prevention and treatment of dementia. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of subchronic (28-fold) administration of a plant extract (RE) (200 mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioral and cognitive responses of rats linked with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity and their mRNA expression level in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The passive avoidance test results showed that RE improved long-term memory in scopolamine-induced rats. The extract inhibited the AChE activity and showed a stimulatory effect on BuChE in both parts of rat brain. Moreover, RE produced a lower mRNA BuChE expression in the cortex and simultaneously an increase in the hippocampus. The study suggests that RE led to improved long-term memory in rats, which can be partially explained by its inhibition of AChE activity in rat brain.

[Plants supporting the fight against the symptoms of menopause]. / Rosliny wspomagajace zwalczanie objawów menopauzy.

The tradition of the use of plants resources in the fight against many diseases dates back to antiquity. Herbal medicine is used in the fight against less severe, as well as serious diseases. In view of the serious consequences of the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to combat the symptoms of menopause are increasingly used plant medicines. According to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported, their use is becoming more and more popular. An important advantage of this therapy is to prevent such the development of breast cancer, which is often a side effect of HRT. Therefore, this article also presents the most commonly used plants that help counteract the adverse symptoms of menopause.