Anticancer properties of bacterial cellulose membrane containing ethanolic extract of Epilobium angustifolium L.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a medicinal plant well known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties related to its high polyphenols content. In the present study, we evaluated the antiproliferative properties of ethanolic extract of E. angustifolium (EAE) against normal human fibroblasts (HDF) and selected cancer cell lines, including melanoma (A375), breast (MCF7), colon (HT-29), lung (A549) and liver (HepG2). Next, bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were applied as a matrix for the controlled delivery of the plant extract (BC-EAE) and characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. In addition, EAE loading and kinetic release were defined. Finally, the anticancer activity of BC-EAE was evaluated against the HT-29 cell line, which presented the highest sensitivity to the tested plant extract (IC50 = 61.73 ± 6.42 µM). Our study confirmed the biocompatibility of empty BC and the dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity of the released EAE. The plant extract released from BC-2.5%EAE significantly reduced cell viability to 18.16% and 6.15% of the control values and increased number apoptotic/dead cells up to 37.53% and 66.90% after 48 and 72 h of treatment, respectively. In conclusion, our study has shown that BC membranes could be used as a carrier for the delivery of higher doses of anticancer compounds released in a sustained manner in the target tissue.

Biologically Active Preparations from the Leaves of Wild Plant Species of the Genus Rubus.

The plants of the genus Rubus (R.) are applied as antiseptic agents in the treatment of skin diseases. Despite the great interest in plants of this genus, there are few reports on the antioxidant and biological activities of preparations obtained from the leaves of these plants. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the antioxidant activity of preparations from leaves of wild plant species of the genus Rubus using the frequently applied DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, as well as to determine the total polyphenol content using the Folin−Ciocalteau method and perform qualitative evaluation by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bactericidal and fungicidal activities of the obtained preparations were evaluated by applying laboratory tests: using the disc and the well methods based on the standards EN 13697:2019, EN 13697:2015, and EN 1500:2013. Microbiological tests of the plant preparations against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts isolated from the environment and against reference strains were performed. Moreover, antimicrobial testing of antibiotics against the tested strains was performed for comparison. The n-octanol/water partition coefficient of the obtained preparations was determined by the shake-flask method to determine their lipophilicity. According to the results, a high content of polyphenols and other antioxidant and biologically active compounds can be thought of as the parameter responsible for the effective activity of plant preparations obtained from wild plant species of the genus Rubus. The methods for determining bactericidal and fungicidal activity clearly demonstrates that preparations with reduced ethanol content exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal activity on surfaces. Testing of hand disinfection by means of rubbing with the preparations confirmed their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 NCTC 10538. The obtained results show that the tested preparations exhibit on average two times lower activity against the reference bacterial strains than comparable antibiotics. The preparations obtained from the leaves of R. idaeus L. and R. fruticosus L. could complement classical antibiotics. While environmental bacteria showed a similar response to the preparations and antibiotics, their sensitivity was about one-third less than that of the reference strains. Our studies have shown that the obtained preparations are highly hydrophilic (logP < 0). Thus, these preparations can only be used in lipid bilayers in the aqueous core of liposomes, not in the lipid envelope.

Assessment of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anti-Aging Properties and Possible Use on the Skin of Hydrogels Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is an ethnomedicinal plant known as a medicinal plant in many regions of the world, among others, in various skin diseases. Despite the great interest in this plant, there are still few reports of biological activity of ready-made dermatological or cosmetical preparations containing the E. angustifolium extracts. The antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and toxicity, wound healing, and skin permeation of topical hydrogels containing E. angustifolium extracts (HEas) was assessed. First, the plant extracts were prepared using three solvents: 70% (v/v) ethanol, 70% (v/v) isopropanol and water, next by preparing hydrogels witch by dry extracts (HEa-EtOH), (HEa-iPrOH) and (HEa-WA), respectively. Finally, the content of selected phenolic acids in the HEas was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All the HEas were characterized by high antioxidant activity. The most increased antibacterial activity was observed for a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Enterococcus faecium, Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341 and Bacillus pseudomycoides, while the strains of Streptococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus were the least sensitive. All the HEas showed a reduction in the activity of lipoxygenase enzymes, proteases, and inhibition of protein denaturation. The HEa-EtOH and HEa-iPrOH also enhanced the wound healing activity of HDF cells. Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using the Franz diffusion cells. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in E. angustifolium penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. Furthermore, the hydrogels containing E. angustifolium extracts showed a broad spectrum of activity. Therefore, they can be considered as an interesting alternative for dermatologic and cosmetic preparations.

Epilobium angustifolium L. as a Potential Herbal Component of Topical Products for Skin Care and Treatment-A Review.

Epilobium angustifolium L. (EA) has been used as a topical agent since ancient times. There has been an increasing interest in applying EA as a raw material used topically in recent years. However, in the literature, there are not many reports on the comprehensive application of this plant to skin care and treatment. EA contains many valuable secondary metabolites, which determine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antiproliferative activity effects. One of the most important active compounds found in EA is oenothein B (OeB), which increases the level of ROS and protects cells from oxidative damage. OeB also influences wound healing and reduces inflammation by strongly inhibiting hyaluronidase enzymes and inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 cyclooxygenases. Other compounds that play a key role in the context of application to the skin are flavonoids, which inhibit collagenase and hyaluronidase enzymes, showing anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. While terpenes in EA play an important role in fighting bacterial skin infections, causing, among other things cell membrane, permeability increase as well as the modification of the lipid profiles and the alteration of the adhesion of the pathogen to the animal cells. The available scientific information on the biological potential of natural compounds can be the basis for the wider use of EA in skin care and treatment. The aim of the article is to review the existing literature on the dermocosmetic use of E. angustifolium.

Epilobium angustifolium L. Essential Oil-Biological Activity and Enhancement of the Skin Penetration of Drugs-In Vitro Study.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular medicinal plant found in many regions of the world. This plant contains small amounts of essential oil whose composition and properties have not been extensively investigated. There are few reports in the literature on the antioxidant and antifungal properties of this essential oil and the possibility of applying it as a potential promoter of the skin penetration of drugs. The essential oil was obtained by distillation using a Clavenger type apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by the GC-MS method. The major active compounds of E. angustifolium L. essential oil (EOEa) were terpenes, including α-caryophyllene oxide, eucalyptol, ß-linalool, camphor, (S)-carvone, and ß-caryophyllene. The analyzed essential oil was also characterized by antioxidant activity amounting to 78% RSA (Radical Scavenging Activity). Antifungal activity against the strains Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticum, and Penicillium cyclopium was also determined. The largest inhibition zone was observed for strains from the Aspergillus group. The EOEa enhanced the percutaneous penetration of ibuprofen and lidocaine. After a 24 h test, the content of terpene in the skin and the acceptor fluid was examined. It has been shown that the main compounds contained in the essential oil do not penetrate through the skin, but accumulate in it. Additionally, FTIR-ATR analysis showed a disturbance of the stratum corneum (SC) lipids caused by the essential oil application. Due to its rich composition and high biological activity, EOEa may be a potential candidate to be applied, for example, in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries. Moreover, due to the reaction of the essential oil components with SC lipids, the EOEa could be an effective permeation enhancer of topically applied hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.

Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts as Valuable Ingredients in Cosmetic and Dermatological Products.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular and well-known medicinal plant. In this study, an attempt to evaluate the possibility of using this plant in preparations for the care and treatment of skin diseases was made. The antioxidant, antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic extracts from Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) were assessed. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of extracts chemically composition was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total polyphenol content (TPC) of biologically active compounds, such as the total content of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and assimilation pigments, as well as selected phenolic acids, was assessed. FEE was evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties, achieving 68% inhibition of lipoxygenase activity, 60% of collagenase and 49% of elastase. FEE also showed high antioxidant activity, reaching to 87% of free radical scavenging using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 59% using 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using two vehicles, i.e., a hydrogel and an emulsion containing FEE. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in FEE penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. The obtained results indicate that E. angustifolium may be an interesting plant material to be applied as a component of cosmetic and dermatological preparations with antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bacterial Cellulose Membrane Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extract as a Promising Material for the Topical Delivery of Antioxidants to the Skin.

Bacterial cellulose membranes (BCs) are becoming useful as a drug delivery system to the skin. However, there are very few reports on their application of plant substances to the skin. Komagataeibacter xylinus was used for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC). The BC containing 5% and 10% ethanolic extract of Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) (BC-5%FEE and BC-10%FEE, respectively) were prepared. Their mechanical, structural, and antioxidant properties, as well as phenolic acid content, were evaluated. The bioavailability of BC-FESs using mouse L929 fibroblasts as model cells was tested. Moreover, In Vitro penetration through the pigskin of the selected phenolic acids contained in FEE and their accumulation in the skin after topical application of BC-FEEs was examined. The BC-FEEs were characterized by antioxidant activity. The BC-5% FEE showed relatively low toxicity to healthy mouse fibroblasts. Gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-HB), and caffeic acid (CA) found in FEE were also identified in the membranes. After topical application of the membranes to the pigskin penetration of some phenolic acid and other antioxidants through the skin as well as their accumulation in the skin was observed. The bacterial cellulose membrane loaded by plant extract may be an interesting solution for topical antioxidant delivery to the skin.

The Effect of Brewing Process Parameters on Antioxidant Activity and Caffeine Content in Infusions of Roasted and Unroasted Arabica Coffee Beans Originated from Different Countries.

Coffee is one of the most often consumed beverages almost all over the world. The multiplicity of beans, as well as the methods and parameters used to brew, encourages the optimization of the brewing process. The study aimed to analyze the effect of roasting beans, the brewing technique, and its parameters (time and water temperature) on antioxidant activity (determined using several in vitro methods), total polyphenols, flavonoids, and caffeine content. The infusions of unroasted and roasted Arabica beans from Brazil, Colombia, India, Peru, and Rwanda were analyzed. In general, infusions prepared from roasted beans had higher antioxidant activity and the content of above-mentioned compounds. The hot brew method was used to obtain infusions with a higher antioxidant activity, while the cold brew with higher caffeine content. The phenolic compound content in infusions prepared using both techniques depended on the roasting process. Moreover, the bean's origin, roasting process, and brewing technique had a significant effect on the tested properties, in contrary to brewing time and water temperature (below and above 90 °C), which had less impact. The results confirm the importance of coffee brewing optimization.

In Vitro Human Skin Penetration, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol-Water Extract of Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.).

Epilobium angustifolium L. is applied as an antiseptic agent in the treatment of skin diseases. However, there is a lack of information on human skin penetration of active ingredients with antioxidative potential. It seems crucial because bacterial infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue are common and partly depend on oxidative stress. Therefore, we evaluated in vitro human skin penetration of fireweed ethanol-water extracts (FEEs) by determining antioxidant activity of these extracts before and after penetration study using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Microbiological tests of extracts were done. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) methods. The in vitro human skin penetration using the Franz diffusion chamber was assessed. The high antioxidant activity of FEEs was found. Gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB), and caffeic acid (CA) were identified in the extracts. The antibacterial activities were found against Serratia lutea, S. marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, B. pseudomycoides, and B. thuringiensis and next Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and P. fluorescens strains. In vitro penetration studies showed the penetration of some phenolic acids and their accumulation in the skin. Our results confirm the importance of skin penetration studies to guarantee the efficacy of formulations containing E. angustifolium extracts.

The effects of extraction techniques on the antioxidant potential of extracts of different parts of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.).

BACKGROUND: Extracts of milk thistle, particularly from seeds, are used as a valuable source of natural antioxidants in different industries, for example pharmaceutical and cosmetic. The leaves and flowers are also known to be a source of biologically active compounds, as well as those with an antioxidant capacity. The selection of the extraction parameters, such as type and concentration of extractant, and extraction time, have an impact on the antioxidant capacity of the obtained extracts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of extracts obtained using different parts of raw material. The impact of different parameters of extraction on antioxidant capacity was also assessed. METHODS: The seeds, flowers and leaves were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, ultrasound and shaking. 96% (v/v) and 70% (v/v) ethanol, concentrated methanol, acetone and petroleum ether were applied as solvents. The impact of the extraction time was also evaluated. The extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu techniques. RESULTS: The obtained extracts, except for the samples in petroleum ether, showed the antioxidant capacity. Soxhlet extraction, especially that which uses ethanol, methanol and acetone, seems to be a valuable extraction method. CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, many factors could affect the antioxidant capacity and the total polyphenol content of Silybum marianum L. extracts. The solvent and an appropriately selected extraction method seem to be important factors in the effective isolation of active substances and could lead to the more effective application of this valuable plant material in different industries.

The application of amino acid ionic liquids as additives in the ultrasound-assisted extraction of plant material.

The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts from Lycopodium clavatum, Cetraria islandica and Dipsacus fullonum obtained using aqueous solutions of ionic liquids by the ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) method. Triethanolammonium salts [TEAH]+[AA]- of four amino acids of different hydrophobicity - isoleucine - Ile, methionine - Met, threonine - Thr and arginine - Arg, were chosen as ionic liquids, because they are based on natural, bio-renewable raw materials, such as amino acids and contain a pharmaceutically and cosmetically acceptable counterion of triethanolamine. Triethanolammonium salts were synthesized, identified by spectroscopic methods (NMR and FT-IR) and characterized by thermal methods (DSC and TGA). The 2.5% w/v aqueous solutions of triethanolammonium amino acid salts were used as the solvents in combination with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). The estimation of antioxidant properties was carried out using the DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC assays. Total polyphenol content was measured using the reagent Folin-Ciocalteu. The results showed that the use of [TEAH]+[Thr]- or [TEAH]+[Met]- aqueous solutions increased the antioxidant activity of extracts in comparison to that achieved for extracts with pure water. The use of [TEAH]+[Thr]- as an additive for ultrasound-assisted extraction was characterized by obtaining plant extracts with the highest antioxidant potential, even 2.4-fold. The use of the AAIL-UAE method allowed obtaining higher amounts of polyphenols compared to pure water extracts, even 5.5-fold. The used method allowed the extraction of thermosensitive natural compounds, shortened the extraction time and lowered energy consumption.

Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in extracts from various parts of fresh and frozen mangosteen.

BACKGROUND: The search for new sources of natural antioxidants is very important because many diseases are caused by oxidative stress. Fruit which contain antioxidants are an important part of a healthy diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts of both the fresh and frozen peel and the flesh of Garcinia mangostana L. METHODS: The extracts from the fresh and frozen peel and the flesh of mangosteen were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction using 20%, 40%, 70% and 96% (v/v) ethanol for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP and FIC methods, whereas the total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) technique. The contents of anthocyanins and flavonoids in the peel extracts were also determined. RESULTS: In most cases, the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the fresh peel samples. It was higher than the antioxidant potential of the frozen peels and the fresh and frozen flesh. The ultrasound-assisted extraction, in particular those lasting 30 or 60 minutes and using ethanol in concentrations higher than 20% (v/v), seemed to be an effective extraction process. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that G. mangostana, in particular its peels, could be a valuable source of antioxidants. The extraction parameters, such as the time or solvent concentration, as well as the type of plant material, had an impact on the tested properties of the extracts. However, more detailed studies on the antioxidant activity of the studied plants are required.

The antioxidant potential of flesh, albedo and flavedo extracts from different varieties of grapefruits.

BACKGROUND: The supplementation of antioxidants, in particular those of plant origin, may help to prevent the development of diseases caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, it is important to study plants for their antioxidant contents. Up to now, only a few reports on the antioxidant activity of different varieties and parts of grapefruit have been published. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of different parts and varieties of grapefruit. Moreover, the impact of different extraction parameters on the activity of the obtained extracts was estimated. METHODS: Extracts of albedo, flavedo and flesh from three varieties of grapefruit – red, white and sweetie – were obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction (time – 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes; solvents – distilled water as well as 20, 40, 70 and 96% (v/v) ethanol). The samples were evaluated using the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. RESULTS: The extracts of peel (in particular, those of albedo) showed higher antioxidant potential than the samples of flesh. In the majority of cases, the highest potential in the group of flesh and flavedo extracts was observed in the sweetie samples. The highest activity in the group of albedo samples was found in the white grapefruit extracts. Parameters such as the type of solvent and the extraction time had an impact on the antioxidant activity of the obtained extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Grapefruit, in particular their peels, could be valuable sources of natural antioxidants. However, more detailed studies on the antioxidant properties of the studied plants are required.

[Vitiligo as an aesthetic problem. Noninvasive therapeutic methods in vitiligo]. / Bielactwo nabyte jako problem estetyczny. Nieinwazyjne metody leczenia bielactwa.

Vitiligo is an idiopathic chronic skin disease that is notable for depigmented macules forming by destruction of melanocytes mediated by cells of the immune system. Vitiligo occurs in 1-2% of the population irrespective of race and without predilection to gender or age. The dynamics and extent of the disease vary widely, ranging from stable cases with isolated minor foci to states showing rapid progression and occupying large areas of the skin. For many patients, the disease represents a serious cosmetic defect which limits their activities in various spheres of life. There are many noninvasive methods of treatment but none of them offers a guarantee of complete therapeutic success. PUVA- and UVB-therapy are recognized as the most effective and most commonly used methods. The management of vitiligo should also include education, cosmetic correction options, and psychotherapy in some cases.

[Application of phototherapy in dermatology]. / Zastosowanie fototerapii w dermatologii.

Phototherapy is nowadays one of the main methods used in dermatology. It can be used alone or in combination with oral and/or topical treatment. The action of ultraviolet radiation is exploited for the treatment of many diseases. This paper presents the application of various phototherapy methods, their side-effects and ways of preventing them.