Role of Phytohormones in Biomass and Polyphenol Accumulation in Salvia bulleyana In Vitro Culture.

Salvia bulleyana is a plant native to the Chinese Yunnan Province. This species has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a substitute for Danshen (the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza). The aim of our study was to establish an effective system for propagating S. bulleyana shoots to obtain large amounts of material rich in bioactive compounds. Phytohormones were used to regulate shoot growth and regeneration potential and influence plant secondary metabolism. The shoot tips were incubated on a Murashige and Skoog agar medium supplemented with 0.1 or 0.5 mg/L IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and the cytokinins benzylaminopurine (BAP), meta-topoline (M-T), 6-benzylaminopurine riboside (RBAP), N-benzyl-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)-adenine (BPA) or kinetin, (K) at concentrations of 0.5, 1 or 2 mg/L. It was observed that the type and concentration of growth regulator significantly influenced the regeneration potential of S. bulleyana shoots. The highest multiplication rate was obtained when 0.1 mg/L IAA and 2 mg/L BPA were used. Under these conditions, 100% of shoot tips formed buds and almost seven buds/shoot per explant were obtained after five weeks. Meanwhile, the highest biomass was found for shoots growing on a medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA and 1 mg/L M-T: 1.2 g of fresh weight and 0.17 g of dry weight. However, a medium with 0.1 mg/L IAA and 2 mg/L RBAP was most favorable for bioactive phenolic acid content, with a total polyphenol level (37.7 mg/g dw) 4.5 times higher than in shoots grown on medium without growth regulators (8.23 mg/g dw). Finally, optimal conditions were selected by TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution); the culture of S. bulleyana grown on an MS medium containing 0.1 mg/L IAA and 1 mg/L M-T was found to be the most efficient for polyphenol accumulation and can be used for the production of medicinally relevant compounds.

Germacranolides from Carpesium divaricatum: Some New Data on Cytotoxic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Carpesium divaricatum Sieb. & Zucc., a traditional medicinal plant used as an inflammation-relieving remedy, is a rich source of terpenoids. At least 40 germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones, representatives of four different structural groups, were isolated from the plant. Cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro is the most frequently described biological activity of the compounds. However, little is known about the selectivity of the cytotoxic effect. The anti-inflammatory activity of the germacranolides is also poorly documented. The objective of the present study was to assess the cytotoxic activity of selected C. divaricatum germacranolides-derivatives of 4,5,8,9-tetrahydroxy-3-oxo-germacran-6,12-olide towards cancer and normal cell lines (including cells of different p53 status). Moreover, to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the compounds, the release of four proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α and CCL2) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human neutrophils was measured by ELISA. The investigated sesquiterpene lactones demonstrated nonselective activity towards prostate cancer (Du145 and PC3) and normal prostate epithelial cells (PNT2) as well as against melanoma cells (A375 and HTB140) and keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cytotoxic activity against osteosarcoma cells was independent of their p53 status. In sub-cytotoxic concentrations (0.5-2.5 µM) the studied compounds significantly decreased cytokine/chemokine release by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human leukocytes.

A New Diterpene and Anti-inflammatory Sesquiterpene Lactones from Sigesbeckia orientalis.

Sigesbeckia orientalis, more commonly referred to as Herba Sigesbeckiae or Xi Xian Cao in traditional Chinese medicine and hy thiêm in traditional Vietnamese medicine, is used in China and Vietnam to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, and joint pain. In initial investigations, the dichloromethane extract from the aerial parts of S. orientalis showed distinct inhibitory effects on the release of interleukin-8 in human neutrophils. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was the phytochemical investigation of the bioactive dichloromethane extract and the in vitro analysis of the effects of the isolated compounds on interleukin-8, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 release, and surface expression of adhesion molecules (CD11a, CD11b, and CD62L) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human neutrophils to identify the active principle(s). The separation of the bioactive dichloromethane extract using various chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of nine compounds. Their chemical structures were elucidated from nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. One diterpene, 17(13 → 14)-abeo-ent-3S*,13S*,16-trihydroxystrob-8(15)-ene, was identified as a new natural product. Three germacranolide sesquiterpene lactones inhibited interleukin-8 production with IC50 values between 1.6 and 6.3 µM, respectively, and tumor necrosis factor-α production with IC50 values between 0.9 and 3.3 µM, respectively. Furthermore, they significantly inhibited interleukin-1ß and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 production and diminished the effects of lipopolysaccharide on the surface expression of the adhesion molecules CD11a, CD11b, and CD62L. These findings support the traditional use of S. orientalis in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Establishment of hairy root cultures of Salvia bulleyana Diels for production of polyphenolic compounds.

This study was to obtain stable transformed roots of Salvia bulleyana using A. rhizogenes strain A4 and then evaluate their phytochemical profile and selected the most productive clone. Our results indicated that the type of explant and medium used for bacterium and explant incubation had an influence on the frequency of hairy root formation. The best response was obtained on leaves infected with bacteria cultivated on YMB medium supplemented with acetosyringone. Of the four selected transformed root clones, after five-week cultivation in Woody Plant (WP) medium, the highest growth indexes were demonstrated for line C1: i.e. 13 for fresh and 15 for dry weight (81.4 and 8.2 g/l fresh and dry weight, respectively). The qualitative analysis of hydromethanolic extracts of hairy roots of S. bulleyana using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS method showed the presence of 10 polyphenolic compounds including predominant rosmarinic acid (RA), its derivatives (hexoside and methyl rosmarinate), caffeic acid, its derivatives and several salvianolic acids: K, E and F. Their production varied among the four root clones studied; the highest RA (39.6 mg/g dry weight) and total polyphenol (48.9 mg/g dry weight) level were found in the roots of C4 clone. These values were significantly higher than those of the roots of plants grown for several years under field conditions. The transformation of the obtained root cultures was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using aux1, aux2, rolB, rolC and rolD primers.

Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: During the epidemic season, over 90% of acute wheezing disease is associated with bronchial inflammation. Both neutrophil- and eosinophil-mediated inflammation have been involved in the pathophysiology of acute bronchitis, but neutrophil cell recruitment has been shown to be dominant. The ongoing inflammation increases the chemotaxis of neutrophils to inflamed site providing to their overaccumulation. The pharmacological reduction of neutrophil migration can be limited by suppression of major chemo-attractants and cytokines (IL-8, IL-1ß and TNF-α) release and downregulation of adhesive molecules. AIM OF THE STUDY: During a screening of plants traditionally used in respiratory tracts diseases (e.g. cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, throat infection, fever, influenza) in Europe, we have selected roots of Inula helenium and aerial parts of Grindelia squarrosa as a potential source of compounds limiting neutrophil migration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect on IL-8, IL-1ß and TNF-α release by neutrophils and respiratory epithelium cell line (A549) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The surface expression of adhesive molecules was analyzed with flow cytometry, and the neutrophil attachment to the epithelial cells was assessed fluorimetrically. RESULTS: We confirmed the ability of selected extracts and compounds to suppress neutrophil binding to the epithelium surface via downregulation of ß2 integrin. Alantolactone and grindelic acid have shown significant suppression of IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1ß release comparable with budesonide, used as a positive control. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa, which have been traditionally used in Europe as medicinal plants, are a valuable source of active compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Our observations justify the traditional use of I. helenium and G. squarrosa for a treatment of inflammation-based diseases in respiratory tract.

UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HPTLC profiling of ash leaf samples from different commercial and natural sources and their in vitro effects on mediators of inflammation.

INTRODUCTION: In European traditional medicine, common ash leaf infusion is recommended by European Medicines Agency to treat minor articular pain and to increase the amount of urine for flushing minor urinary complaints. However, a comprehensive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) analysis of this pharmacopeial plant material has never been performed. Moreover, the number of biological and pharmacological investigations proving the usefulness of this plant material in recommended traditional uses is surprisingly small. OBJECTIVE: Phytochemical profiling of ash leaf samples from different commercial and natural sources and the determination of the in vitro effects on inflammatory mediators in a model of human neutrophils. METHODS: Ash leaf samples were characterised by total hydroxycinnamic acid content and by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS methods. The effects of leaf infusions on reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) production by neutrophils were measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In ash leaf samples 64 compounds were identified or partly identified together with four unknown compounds. The major compounds detected belong to different structural groups, including phenolic acid derivatives, phenylethanoids, flavonoids, iridoids, secoiridoids and lignans. The major compounds detected in ash samples were chlorogenic acid, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, verbascoside, oleuropein and ligstroside. However, one sample contained coumarin derivatives. This finding suggested adulteration with other Fraxinus species and/or plant parts. All infusions were able to inhibit ROS, cytokine and chemokine production. CONCLUSIONS: The performed phytochemical and biological analyses contribute to the knowledge about this pharmacopeial plant material and supports its traditional use to treat minor inflammatory complaints.

The effect of purine-type cytokinin on the proliferation and production of phenolic compounds in transformed shoots of Dracocephalum forrestii.

Dracocephalum forrestii is a perennial, endemic to China plant with a number of pharmaceutical properties. Transformed shoots of the species spontaneously regenerated from hairy roots induced by Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The transgenic nature of the shoots was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The shoot culture was multiplied on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0.2 mg/l IAA and 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 5.0 mg/l purine-type cytokinins (mT, BAR, BPA or BAP). The highest multiplication rate (about thirteen shoot or buds per explant) was obtained on MS medium with 0.2 mg/l mT after four weeks of culture. The phenolic compounds present in the hydromethanolic extracts from the D. forrestii transgenic shoots were characterized using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS. The shoots were found to biosynthesize three phenolic acids and five flavonoid glycosides. UHPLC analysis of the hydromethanolic extracts found the predominant phenolic acid to be rosmarinic acid, with its highest content observed in shoots cultivated with 5.0 mg/l BPA. In contrast, the greatest production of flavonoid derivatives (especially acacetin derivatives) was observed in the medium supplemented with 2 mg/l BPA.

Caffeic acid derivatives isolated from Galinsoga parviflora herb protected human dermal fibroblasts from UVA-radiation.

BACKGROUND: Among solar radiation, ultraviolet light is the most harmful for the skin, because of intracellular reactive oxygen species formation, leading to oxidative stress, cell damage and apoptosis. Crucial role in skin protection against oxidative stress play antioxidant enzymes regulated by Nrf2 transcription factor. Some plant-derived polyphenols are known to protect skin fibroblasts against UV through induction of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant genes expression. PURPOSE: We previously found out that water extracts from Galinsoga sp. herb protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, which compounds were responsible for such protective action remained unclear. Here, we investigated photoprotective potential and mechanism of action of two main isolated compounds, 2,3,5(2,4,5)-tricaffeoylaltraric acid and 2,4(3,5)-dicaffeoylglucaric acid, on human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: NHDF cells were pretreated with tested compounds (6.25-50 µM) and irradiated with UVA (25 J/cm2). Intracellular ROS and GSH level, cell viability, cell membrane integrity and apoptosis were measured. HO-1 protein expression and Nrf2 transcription factor activation were also assessed. RESULTS: Cells pretreated with tested compounds prior to UVA showed inhibition of intracellular ROS formation and increase of GSH level. Significant increase of cell viability was also observed, as well as decrease of LDH release and a the rate of apoptotic cells in comparison to untreated cells. Furthermore, tested compounds increased HO-1 expression and activated the Nrf2 transcription factor in NHDF cells. CONCLUSION: Present study demonstrated that caffeic acid derivatives present in Galinsoga parviflora herb, in particular tricaffeoylaltraric acid may protect dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced oxidative stress through activation of intracellular antioxidative system. Such caffeic acid derivatives are bioactive compounds which might prevent UV-induced photoageing and photocarcinogenesis.

Eupatoriopicrin Inhibits Pro-inflammatory Functions of Neutrophils via Suppression of IL-8 and TNF-alpha Production and p38 and ERK 1/2 MAP Kinases.

During chronic inflammation, neutrophils acting locally as effector cells not only activate antibacterial defense but also promote the inflammatory response. Interleukin 8 (IL-8), the main cytokine produced by activated neutrophils, positively correlates with the severity of respiratory tract diseases. By screening European plants traditionally used for treating respiratory tract diseases, we found that extracts of aerial parts of Eupatorium cannabinum inhibit IL-8 release from neutrophils. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, we identified five sesquiterpene lactones, eupatoriopicrin (1), 5'-deoxyeupatoriopicrin (2), hiyodorilactone A (3), 3-hydroxy-5'- O-acetyleupatoriopicrin = hiyodorilactone D (4), and hiyodorilactone B (5), that efficiently (IC50 < 1 µM) inhibited IL-8 and TNF-α release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophils. Moreover, all these sesquiterpene lactones suppressed the adhesion of human neutrophils to an endothelial monolayer by downregulating the expression of the ß2 integrin CD11b/CD18 on the neutrophil surface. Furthermore, eupatoriopicrin efficiently suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK and attenuated neutrophil infiltration in the thioglycolate-induced peritonitis model in mice. Altogether, these results demonstrate the potential of the sesquiterpene lactone eupatoriopicrin as a lead substance for targeting inflammation.

The Activity of Urolithin A and M4 Valerolactone, Colonic Microbiota Metabolites of Polyphenols, in a Prostate Cancer In Vitro Model.

The gut microbiota-derived metabolites of ellagitannins and green tea catechins, urolithin A (uroA) and 5-(3',4',5'-trihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (M4), respectively, are among the main compounds absorbed into human system after ingestion of these polyphenols. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of M4, uroA, and their combinations on LNCaP cells, an androgen dependent prostate cancer in vitro model.. The LNCaP cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of tested metabolites. The cell proliferation was determined by measurement of DNA-bisbenzimide H 33 258 complexes fluorescence. The isobolographic analysis was used to establish the type of interaction between metabolites. The apoptosis, androgen receptor (AR) localization, and phosphorylation of Akt kinase were measured by flow cytometry. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) secretion was determined by ELISA. M4 showed modest antiproliferative activity in LNCaP cells (IC50 = 117 µM; CI: 81 - 154). UroA decreased proliferation (IC50 = 32.7 µM; CI: 24.3 - 41.1) and induced apoptosis of LNCaP cells. The mixture of M4 with uroA had synergistic antiproliferative effect. Moreover, M4 potentiated inhibition of PSA secretion and enhanced retention of AR in cytoplasm caused by uroA. Interestingly, uroA increased levels of pSer473 Akt in LNCaP cells. These results show that colonic metabolites may contribute to chemoprevention of prostate cancer by varied polyphenol-rich diet or composite polyphenol preparations.

Inhibitory effect of Ligustrum vulgare leaf extract on the development of neuropathic pain in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with progressive damage of peripheral neurons are the most prevalent complications of diabetes mellitus. Plants belonging to the family of Oleaceae were traditionally used in folk medicine for the management of diabetes. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an aqueous extract from the leaves of Ligustrum vulgare (common privet) could be useful to target neuropathic pain in a rat streptozotocin (STZ) model of diabetes. METHODS: The chemical composition of the aqueous extract from privet leaf was characterized with the UHPLC-DAD-MS method and the analytical quantification of its constituents was performed with HPLC-DAD. Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia were evaluated with the Randall-Selitto and von Frey tests. RESULTS: Our investigation revealed the presence of secoiridoids: oleacein (23.48 ±â€¯0.87 mg/g), oleocanthal (8.44 ±â€¯0.08 mg/g), oleuropein (1.50 ±â€¯0.01 mg/g), as well as phenylpropanoids: echinacoside (6.46 ±â€¯0.07 mg/g), verbascoside (4.03 ± 0.04 mg/g) and p-coumaroyl glucarates in the dried aqueous extract of privet leaves. Behavioral data indicated that chronic intraperitoneal administration of the extract (50-200 mg/kg) for 21 days resulted in a decrease in diabetes-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia. Blood glucose levels remained unaltered, while body weight and water intake decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: The aqueous privet leaf extract could serve useful in facilitating treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, the study showed that the antihyperalgesic activity of Ligustrum vulgare leaf extract is not likely related to its antihyperglycemic properties.

The effects of urolithins on the response of prostate cancer cells to non-steroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide.

BACKGROUND: Urolithins are bioavailable products of gut microbiota metabolism of ellagitannins. Their biological activity includes anti-cancer effects. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of urolithins on prostate cancer cells and activity of clinically used anti-androgen, bicalutamide. METHODS: Prostate cancer cells were treated with urolithin A, urolithin B, urolithin C or their combinations with bicalutamide. Cell proliferation was determined by DNA fluorescence with Hoechst 33258. The combination index method was used to examine interactions. Apoptosis and androgen receptor (AR) localization were analysed by flow cytometry. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) secretion was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Urolithins inhibited proliferation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The mixtures of bicalutamide with uroA and uroB had additive anti-proliferative effect. All tested urolithins induced apoptosis of LNCaP cells. However, the combinations of bicalutamide with urolithin A and urolithin B had attenuated pro-apoptotic activity. UroA and uroC decreased DHT-induced PSA secretion. In contrast, uroB impaired PSA lowering effect of bicalutamide. UroA, individually and in combination with bicalutamide, promoted cytoplasmic localization of AR. CONCLUSION: Urolithins might contribute to chemopreventive activity of ellagitannin rich preparations. Our results support use of ellagitannin rich preparations in prostate cancer chemoprevention, but advise caution in their potential use in complementary therapy of prostate cancer. The differences in activity profiles of urolithins indicate that possible health benefits and interactions will depend on the type of produced ellagitannins metabolite.

Determination of the Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Salvia viridis L. Shoots: A Comparison of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts.

Salvia viridis L. is an annual herb used in Mediterranean medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the polyphenol profile of aqueous (decoction and infusion) and hydroethanolic extracts of aerial parts of field-grown S.viridis and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The polyphenol profiling was performed via UPLC-DAD/ESI-MS. Additionally, the total polyphenol content in extracts tested were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The antioxidant effect was evaluated by the FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, O2•− scavenging and TBARS methods. The hydroethanolic extract gave the highest content of total phenolic compounds, followed by the infusion. The UPLC-DAD/ESI-MS analysis of extracts showed a total of 19 phenolic compounds identified as flavonoids (four compounds), phenylethanoids (eight compounds) and phenolic acids (seven compounds). Rosmarinic acid was the predominant phenolic acid, verbascoside was the predominant phenylethanoid, while apigenin glucuronide or methylluteolin glucuronide, depending on the sample, were the predominant flavonoids in the analyzed extracts. The presence of a high polyphenol level indicated a high antioxidant activity of both the infusion and the hydroalcoholic extract. These results indicate that S. viridis is a rich resource of phenolic compounds and can be used in dietary applications with the potential to reduce oxidative stress.

Lignans From Forsythia x Intermedia Leaves and Flowers Attenuate the Pro-inflammatory Function of Leukocytes and Their Interaction With Endothelial Cells.

Aim of the study: Taking into account that overactivated leukocytes are an important factor in the development of many chronic diseases, we investigated the activity of phytochemically characterized (HPLC-DAD-MSn) extracts from forsythia leaves and flowers on the pro- and anti-inflammatory functions of leukocytes (effects on IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α, and TGFß release) and their adherence to endothelial cells. Using bio-guided fractionation, we isolated the active compounds and determined their biological activity, and we included the positive control quercetin. Methods: The effect on IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, and TGF-α production by leukocytes was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The surface expression of adhesion molecules was analyzed with flow cytometry, and the neutrophil attachment to the endothelial cells was assessed fluorimetrically. The effects on p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation were determined using western blots. Results: Leaf extracts had the effect of decreasing TNF-α production in neutrophils and monocyte/macrophage cells. The bio-guided fractionation led to the isolation of the following lignan aglycones: (+)-pinoresinol, (+)-epipinoresinol, (-)-matairesinol, (+)-phillygenin, and (-)-arctigenin. Only phillygenin was able to stimulate the anti-inflammatory function of macrophages by inducing TGF-ß release and IL-10 receptor surface expression. Arctigenin, phillygenin, and a metabolite produced by the gut microbiota, enterolactone, decreased TNF-α and IL-1ß production and neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells, probably by attenuating the p38 and ERK kinase pathways. Conclusion:Forsythia x intermedia is a valuable source of active lignans, which may be potential candidates for treating inflammatory diseases that are associated with the excessive production of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1ß.

Effects of Phytochemically Characterized Extracts From Syringa vulgaris and Isolated Secoiridoids on Mediators of Inflammation in a Human Neutrophil Model.

Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of phytochemically characterized extracts connected with the traditional use (infusions and ethanolic extracts) of different parts of Syringa vulgaris (common lilac) on the pro-inflammatory functions of neutrophils. Active compounds were isolated from the most promising extract(s) using bioassay-guided fractionation, and their activity and molecular mechanisms of action were determined. Methods: The extracts were characterized using a HPLC-DAD- MSn method. The effects on ROS, MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-8, and MCP-1 production by neutrophils were measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The effects on p38MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK phosphorylation, and NF-kB p65 translocation were determined using western blots. Results: The major compounds detected in the extracts and infusions belong to structural groups, including caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and iridoids. All extracts and infusions were able to significantly reduce ROS and IL-8 production. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of the following secoiridoids: 2″-epiframeroside, oleonuezhenide, oleuropein, ligstroside, neooleuropein, hydroxyframoside, and framoside. Neooleuropein appeared to be the most active compound in the inhibition of cytokine production by attenuating the MAP kinase pathways. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that common lilac, which is a traditionally used medicinal plant in Europe, is a valuable source of active compounds, especially neooleuropein.

Ellagitannins, Gallotannins and their Metabolites- The Contribution to the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Food Products and Medicinal Plants.

The popularity of food products and medicinal plant materials containing hydrolysable tannins (HT) is nowadays rapidly increasing. Among various health effects attributable to the products of plant origin rich in gallotannins and/or ellagitannins the most often underlined is the beneficial influence on diseases possessing inflammatory background. Results of clinical, interventional and animal in vivo studies clearly indicate the antiinflammatory potential of HT-containing products, as well as pure ellagitannins and gallotannins. In recent years a great emphasis has been put on the consideration of metabolism and bioavailability of natural products during examination of their biological effects. Conducted in vivo and in vitro studies of polyphenols metabolism put a new light on this issue and indicate the gut microbiota to play a crucial role in the health effects following their oral administration. The aim of the review is to summarize the knowledge about HT-containing products' phytochemistry and their anti-inflammatory effects together with discussion of the data about observed biological activities with regards to the current concepts on the HTs' bioavailability and metabolism. Orally administered HT-containing products due to the limited bioavailability of ellagitannins and gallotannins can influence immune response at the level of gastrointestinal tract as well as express modulating effects on the gut microbiota composition. However, due to the chemical changes being a result of their transit through gastrointestinal tract, comprising of hydrolysis and gut microbiota metabolism, the activity of produced metabolites has to be taken into consideration. Studies regarding biological effects of the HTs' metabolites, in particular urolithins, indicate their strong and structure-dependent anti-inflammatory activities, being observed at the concentrations, which fit the range of their established bioavailability. The impact of HTs on inflammatory processes has been well established on various in vivo and in vitro models, while influence of microbiota metabolites on silencing the immune response gives a new perspective on understanding anti-inflammatory effects attributed to HT containing products, especially their postulated effectiveness in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and cardiovascular diseases.

Oleacein may inhibit destabilization of carotid plaques from hypertensive patients. Impact on high mobility group protein-1.

BACKGROUND: In patients with hypertension the haemorrhage into carotid atherosclerotic plaque increases risk of plaque destabilization and rupture. Our previous study showed that oleacein, a secoiridoid present in extra virgin olive oil, enhanced uptake of haemoglobin-haptoglobin complex and change macrophage phenotype from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2. PURPOSE: The aim this study was to investigate a potential role of oleacein in attenuation of carotid plaque destabilisation ex vivo. METHODS: Samples of atherosclerotic plaque were harvested from 20 patients with hypertension /11 women and 9 men/, who underwent carotid endarterectomy after transient ischemic attacks. Matching pieces of each plaque were incubated with increased concentration of pure oleacein /range 0-20 µM/ for 24 h. HMGB1, MMP-9, MMP-9/NGAL, TF and IL-10, as well as HO-1 secretion from plaque was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay /ELISA/. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and P < 0.001. RESULTS: Oleacein at the concentrations of 10 and 20 µM significantly (P < 0.001) decreased secretion of HMGB1 (up 90%), MMP-9 (up to 80%), MMP-9/NGAL complex (up to 80%) and TF (more than 90%) from the treated plaque, as compared to control. At the same time IL-10 and HO-1 release increased by more than 80% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that oleacein possess ability to attenuate the destabilization of carotid plaque and could be potentially useful in the reduction of ischemic stroke risk.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Iridoids and Phenylpropanoids from Aerial Parts of Lamium album and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity in Human Neutrophils.

In traditional medicine, flowers and aerial parts of Lamium album are assigned by their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and mucolytic activities, and are used in chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis as well as skin, vaginal, and cervical inflammation.The aim of the present study was to compare effects of ethanolic extracts prepared from flowers and aerial parts of L. album on selected functions of human neutrophils, which are involved in an inflammatory response. In order to identify the compounds engaged in the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts, the bioassay-guided isolation of compounds was performed based on the inhibition of cytokine secretion by stimulated neutrophils.The extracts were phytochemically characterized with the HPLC-DAD-MSn method. The inhibition of reactive oxygen species production by formyl-met-leu-phenylalanine- or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated neutrophils was determined using luminol- or lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. The effect on myeloperoxidase secretion by neutrophils was established spectrophotometrically. The levels of cytokine (interleukin 8, TNF-α) production after extract treatment was measured by ELISA.The most abundant constituents of extracts were phenylpropanoids, iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Both extracts at concentrations of 25 and 100 µg/mL significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species production, and myeloperoxidase and interleukin 8 secretion. The phenylethanoid glycosides, such as lamiusides A, B, and C as well as 6″-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylmartynoside, were isolated and identified. The cells treated with 6″-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylmartynoside and lamiuside B produced 29.47 ± 7.11 % and 64.67 ± 5.25 % of interleukin 8, respectively, compared to non-treated control cells.Our results support the traditional use of L. album and indicate it as a potential source of natural anti-inflammatory constituents, such as phenylpropanoids.

Evaluation of the Effect of Epilobium angustifolium Aqueous Extract on LNCaP Cell Proliferation in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Epilobium sp. are commonly used in traditional medicine in the treatment of early stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia and inflammation. It is suggested that a dominating constituent, oenothein B, is responsible for the extracts therapeutic effects. Several bioactivities were established for extracts and oenothein B in various in vitro models, but due to the questionable bioavailability of this dimeric macrocyclic ellagitannin, their significance in the in vivo effects remains unresolved. We have thus focused our attention on a complex comparative investigation of the in vitro and in vivo activities of phytochemically characterized Epilobium angustifolium aqueous extract and oenothein B on prostate cancer cells proliferation.Incubation of different cell lines with E. angustifolium aqueous extract resulted in a significant reduction of proliferation of PZ-HPV-7 and LNCaP cells, which was partly associated with antiandrogenic activity. These effects were fully congruent with oenothein B, examined in parallel. Oral supplementation of rats implanted with LNCaP cells with E. angustifolium aqueous extract 50-200 mg/kg b. w. resulted in a reduction of the occurrence of prostatic adenoma up to 13 %. Oenothein B was not detected in the urine and feces of the E. angustifolium aqueous extract-treated group, however, conjugates of nasutins gut microbiota metabolites of ellagitannins were detected in the urine, while in human volunteers supplemented with Epilobium tea, only urolithin conjugates were present.Despite observing significant and consistent effects in vitro and in vivo, we were unable to point out unequivocally the factors contributing to the observed E. angustifolium aqueous extract activity, facing the problems of an unknown metabolic fate of oenothein B and interspecies differences in E. angustifolium aqueous extract gut microbiota metabolism.