Total Mineral Content in Raw Materials of Ten Medicinal Plants from Roadside Biotopes of Voronezh Oblast.

The total mineral content was studied in medicinal plants from roadside and railside biotopes of the Voronezh region. Pharmacopoeial plant raw materials of 10 species were evaluated: roots of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg and Arctium lappa L.; herb of Polygonum aviculare L., Artemisia absinthium L., Leonurus quinquelobatus Gilib., and Achillea millefolium L.; leaves of Urtica dioica L. and Plantago major L.; and flowers of Tanacetum vulgare L. and Tilia cordata Mill. Plant raw materials were collected near roads and railways of various types in the periods specified in regulatory documents. The total ash content in plant material was used to determine the minimum allowable distances from various roads and railways for collecting plant material. The minimum allowable distance from heavy-traffic motorways was recommended to be 210 m in the forest zone, 240 m in the forest-steppe zone, and 380 m in the steppe zone. A distance of at least 80 m was recommended for secondary low-speed roads and railways.

The Influence of Functional Composite Coatings on the Properties of Polyester Films before and after Accelerated UV Aging.

The aim of this study was to cover biopolymeric packaging films based on PLA/PHBV blend with a functional composite coating (to retain their ecological character) and to investigate their antimicrobial properties before and after UV irradiation. As an active coating, the carrier hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), as well as its modified form with Achillea millefolium L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Hypericum L. extract (E) and a combined system based on the extracts and nano-ZnO (EZ), was used to obtain active formulations. Additionally, film surface morphology (SEM, FTIR-ATR) and color (CIELab scale) analysis of the pre- and post-UV-treatment samples were performed. The results confirmed that the E and EZ-modified films exhibited antibacterial properties, but they were not effective against phage phi6. Q-SUN irradiation led to a decrease in the activity of E coating against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas syringae, and Candida albicans. In this case, the effectiveness of EZ against C. albicans at 24 h and 72 h UV irradiation decreased. However, the irradiation boosted the antiviral effectiveness of the EZ layer. SEM micrographs of the film surface showed that UV treatment did not significantly influence the native film morphology, but it had an impact on the coated film. FTIR analysis results showed that the coatings based on HPMC altered the IR absorption of the nonpolar groups of the biopolyester material. The applied coatings only marginally affected film color changes and increased their yellowness after UV irradiation, whereas a composite layer of nano-ZnO limited these changes.

Chemical Composition of Achillea millefolium L. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

A new monoterpene, (-)-10-hydroxydihydroactinidiolide (1), along with two known monoterpenes, loliolide (2) and (+)-isololiolide (3), three known megastigmanes, 3α-hydroxy-5ß,6ß-epoxy-ß-ionone (4), 3α-hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxy-ß-ionone (5), and (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (6), a eudesmane-type sesquiterpene, 4α-hydroxy-4ß-methyldihydrocostol (7), a monoterpene, 8-hydroxycarvotanacetone (8), two flavonoids, chrysoeriol (9) and apigenin (10), and a phenylpropanoid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol (11), were isolated from the whole plant of Achillea millefolium. The structure of compound 1 was identified according to spectroscopic data of HRMS and NMR, and its absolute configuration was assigned by 13C NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analyses and ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of compound 6 was determined by ECD calculations. Compounds 3, 6, 9 and 10 could dose-dependently inhibit the NO release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Comparative Phytoprofiling of Achillea millefolium Morphotypes: Assessing Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic and Triterpenic Compounds Variation across Different Plant Parts.

Achillea millefolium L., commonly known as yarrow, is a versatile and widely distributed plant species with a rich history of ethnopharmacological significance. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative differences of A. millefolium inflorescence morphotypes. The phytochemical profile of white and pink inflorescence morphotypes was characterised by a complex of thirty-four phenolic and triterpene compounds. The species has distinct morphotypes of white and pink inflorescence. Phenolic and triterpenic profiles were determined, and individual compounds were quantified in inflorescence, leaf, and stem samples of two morphotypes tested. The antioxidant activity of plant extracts was evaluated by free radical scavenging (ABTS) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Caffeoylquinic acids predominated in all parts of the plant tested. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were the principal compounds in the phenolic profile. Betulin, betulinic acid, and α-amyrin were the prevailing triterpenic components in the triterpenic profiles of Achillea millefolium morphotypes. The predominant flavonoids in inflorescences were flavones, while in leaves, flavonols were the organ-specific compounds. The quantitative differences were observed between plant parts of morphotypes. Leaves consistently displayed the highest amounts of identified compounds and have been testified as the main source of antioxidant activity. Overall, white inflorescences accumulated a higher total amount of compounds compared to pink ones. The observed differences between morphotypes derived from the same population reflect the differences in specialised metabolites and their chemotypes. This study addresses gaps in knowledge, particularly in phenolic and triterpenic profiling of coloured inflorescence morphotypes, enhancing our understanding of chemotypes and morphotypes within the species.

CDI crosslinked chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibers loaded with Achillea millefolium and Viola extract: A promising wound dressing.

Biopolymer-based electrospun mats, mimicking the extracellular matrix, have been extensively explored in biomedical applications. This study compares Achillea millefolium (AM) and Viola (V) extracts for developing a biocompatible wound dressing. The extracts were incorporated into a Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) matrix via electrospinning. Crosslinking with Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) improved chemical stability, water resistance, and biodegradability. The resulting mats exhibited flawless interconnected nanofibers, confirming the presence of AM and Viola extracts as analyzed via FTIR. Significant differences were observed between these two herbal extracts, particularly in mechanical properties, with tensile strengths of 6.9 MPa for AM and 17.2 MPa for Viola. Viola extract demonstrated robust antibacterial properties, producing an 8.2 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus, compared to AM's 30 %. The release of therapeutic agents indicated an initial rapid phase, followed by a controlled 72 h release at a consistent rate. Notably, Viola extract led to 80.9 % wound closure on the 10th day, surpassing AM extract at 63.7 %. In contrast, the control group achieved only 32.1 % closure. This comparative study underscores the distinct advantages of AM and Viola extracts in wound dressing applications. While AM presents specific strengths, Viola extract exhibits superior mechanical properties, antibacterial efficacy, and accelerated wound closure, suggesting its potential with significant clinical implications.

Novel bioactive extract from yarrow obtained by the supercritical antisolvent-assisted technique inhibits lipid metabolism in colorectal cancer.

Background: Altered lipid metabolism in cancer is associated to dissemination and prognosis. Bioactive compounds naturally occurring in Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) have been reported to exert antitumour activities. Food biotechnology may provide on-demand mixtures of bioactive compounds with complementary activities in cancer treatment. Methods: Supercritical-antisolvent-precipitation (SAS) has been applied to fractionate the bioactive compounds from an Ultrasound-Assisted-Extraction yarrow extract resulting in two extracts with distinct polarity, yarrow-precipitate-(PP) and yarrow-separator-(Sep). Total phenolic content and relevant essential oils have been characterized. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities have been compared. Moreover, the effect on the inhibition of colorectal cancer cells' bioenergetics has been evaluated. Results: Yarrow-PP exerted the highest antioxidant activity, even higher than the complete UAE-yarrow extract, meanwhile yarrow-Sep showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity, even higher than the complete UAE-yarrow extract. Interestingly, yarrow-Sep inhibited key lipid metabolic targets in CRC cells extensively shown to be implicated in cancer dissemination and prognosis -SREBF1, FASN, ABCA1 and HMGCR- and epithelial to mesenchymal targets-CDH1, ATP1B1, CDH2 and Vimentin-augmenting cell adhesion. Conclusions: In summary, SAS technology has been applied to provide a novel combination of bioactive compounds, yarrow-Sep, which merits further research to be proposed as a potential complementary nutraceutical in the treatment of CRC.

HPLC analysis, genotoxic and antioxidant potential of Achillea millefolium L. and Chaerophyllum villosum Wall ex. Dc.

BACKGROUND: Methanolic and chloroformic extract of Achillea millefolium and Chaerophyllum villosum were evaluated for HPLC analysis, genotoxic and antioxidant potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotoxic activity was carried out on human blood lymphocytes via comet assay and antioxidant activity was studied through DPPH method. RESULTS: The genotoxic potential of A. millefolium and C. villosum's methanolic and chloroformic extract was analysed using comet assay technique. Comet shaped human lymphocytes cells were observed when treated with different concentrations (50 mg/mL, 75 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL) of methanolic and chloroformic extract of both plants. Reading was taken on the basis of damaged DNA head and tail length. Greater the length of tail as compared to head, greater will be the damage and vice versa. Total comet score was obtained from A. millefolium subjected to different concentrations. After a time interval of 24 h both the extract showed dose dependant genoprotection with maximum genoprotectivity at 98.7 ± 12.7 and 116 ± 5.3 at 50 mg/100 mL for methanolic and chloroformic extract respectively. Similarly Total Comet score was obtained from C. villosum subjected to different concentrations of methanolic and chloroformic extract. After 24 h exhibited dose dependent genoprotection with maximum protectivity at 85.7 ± 22.0 and 101.7 ± 8.6 at 50 mg/100 mL for methanolic and chloroformic extract were determined. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of A. millefolium showed highest antioxidant activity (84.21%) at 300 mg/ml after 90 min while the chloroformic extract of C. villosum exhibited highest (68.46%) antioxidant activity (59.69%) at 300 µg/ml after 90 min but less than the standard drug ascorbic acid (88.72%). Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed high percentage of alkaloids (27.4%), Phenols (34.5%), Flavonoids (32.4%) as compared to Tannins (12%) in methanolic extract of A.millefolium. While high percentage of alkaloids (31.4), Phenols (19.3%), Flavonoids (35.5%) as compared to Tannins (16.6%) in chloroformic extract of C. villosum. CONCLUSION: The present results showed that A. millefolium and C. villosum possess a number of important compounds and revealed genoprotective property which may be used to treat several genetic disorders such as alzeimer's disease in future (Grodzicki W, Dziendzikowska K, Antioxidants 9(3):229, 2020).

The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Achillea millefolium L. extracts on Clostridioides difficile ribotype 001 in human intestinal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-acquired infections. The dramatic increase in antimicrobial resistance of C. difficile isolates has led to growing demand to seek new alternative medicines against CDI. Achillea millefolium L. extracts exhibit strong biological activity to be considered as potential therapeutic agents. In this work, the inhibitory effects of A. millefolium, its decoction (DEC) and ethanol (ETOH) extracts, were investigated on the growth of C. difficile RT001 and its toxigenic cell-free supernatant (Tox-S) induced inflammation and apoptosis. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed by HPLC and GC analysis. The antimicrobial properties of extracts were evaluated against C. difficile RT001. Cell viability and cytotoxicity of Caco-2 and Vero cells treated with various concentrations of extracts and Tox-S were examined by MTT assay and microscopy, respectively. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of extracts were assessed in Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Analysis of the phytochemical profile of extracts revealed that the main component identified in both extracts was chlorogenic acid. Both extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against C. difficile RT001. Moreover, both extracts at concentration 50 µg/mL had no significant effect on cell viability compared to untreated cells. Pre-treatment of cells with extracts (50 µg/mL) significantly reduced the percentage of Vero cells rounding induced by Tox-S. Also, both pre-treatment and co-treatment of Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells with extracts significantly downregulated the gene expression level of IL-8, IL-1ß, TNF-α, TGF-ß, iNOS, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 and upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study for the first time demonstrate the antimicrobial activity and protective effects of A. millefolium extracts on inflammatory response and apoptosis induced by Tox-S from C. difficile RT001 clinical strain in vitro. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential application of A. millefolium extracts as supplementary medicine for CDI prevention and treatment in clinical setting.

Safety and hemostatic effect of Achillea millefolium L. in localized bleeding.

Background and Aim: This study aims to demonstrate the hemostatic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L. in localized bleeding and to assess the safety of its topical application on rat liver. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of A. millefolium were macerated in methanol for two days. Twelve female Wistar rats, weighing 120-220 g, underwent anesthesia and laparotomy. The liver was exposed, and two incisions were made to induce bleeding. One incision was treated with a sponge soaked in A. millefolium extract, while the other served as a control. The animals were divided into two groups: in one, A. millefolium (150 mg/kg) was applied to the first incision, and in the other, to the second incision. Liver biopsies were collected after 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Results: Application of A. millefolium to liver incisions, whether first or second, significantly reduced bleeding time (by 36.1% and 31.9%, respectively). Histopathological analysis showed no signs of toxicity or hepatic damage after 4, 6, and 8 weeks in the female rats. Conclusion: The study confirms the hemostatic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. millefolium in localized bleeding and establishes its safety for topical use.

Achillea millefolium: Mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, clinical drug-drug interactions and tolerability.

Background: Achillea millefolium, known as Yarrow, is a medicinal plant in the Asteraceae family which is one of the oldest known botanicals used by humans and itis one of the most important medicinal plants in the pharmaceutical field. Purpose: This review discusses pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and mechanism of action of the most important component of Achillea millefolium. There are a variety of same species such as white, red and yellow yarrow and all of these species have been discussed in this manuscript. We focus on previously discovered hormonal, antibiotic, and anticancer drug interactions with Achillea millefolium that may decrease or increase the concentration of certain drugs. We categorized different interactions of this herb into minor and serious ones, such as affecting Cytochromes P450 metabolism enzyme, resulting in a concentration rise in drugs such as Erythromycin, Diazepam, and Cyclosporine.The reason of writing a review article in this field is our enthusiasm for pharmacology of herbal ingredients and also, we want to gather other scientists' and our knowledge in this review for future researchers who like to know more about this plant pharmacological criteria in order to make their way. Method: Pharmacological and phytochemical-specific details of Achillea millefolium, as well as related keywords, were used to conduct a literature search across the following essential collections of electronic databases: Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. Outcome: Achillea millefolium medical indications are the treatment of spasmodic gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation, wound healing, and cancers, as well as excellent antioxidant activity. Camphene, Limonene, Apigenin and some other components show anti-inflammatory effects by cyclooxygenase inhibition, prostaglandin E2 inhibition and other mechanisms. Studies showed 90 % of its essential oil consists of monoterpenes which can be mutually beneficial with extract components. Conclusion: A. millefolium can play a significant role as a strong antioxidant and anticancer source, positively affecting gastrointestinal inflammations.

Guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactones from Achillea millefolium L. and their anti-inflammatory activity.

Seventeen undescribed guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones, millefoliumines A-Q, and seven known analogues were isolated from the whole plant of Achillea millefolium L. growing in Xinjiang, China. Their structures were elucidated based on the HRESIMS and NMR data analyses. The absolute configurations of millefoliumines A-Q were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, ECD data analysis along with quantum-chemical ECD calculations. The anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds on the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell model were evaluated. As a result, millefoliumine G exhibited potential inhibitory effects on the release of NO, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. Above results indicated a potential of the guaianolides from A. millefolium in the anti-inflammatory drug development.

Antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic activities of nanoemulsions based on Achillea millefolium and Crocus sativus flower extracts as green promising agents for food preservatives.

BACKGROUND: Although the mechanism of action of nanoemulsion is still unclear, the modern use of nanoemulsions made from natural extracts as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents represents a potential food preservation and a safety target. METHODS: Two natural nanoemulsion extracts of Crocus sativus (the saffron flower) and Achillea millefolium (the yarrow flower) were produced in the current study using a low-energy method that included carboxymethylcellulose and Arabic gum. The synthesized nanoemulsion was fully identified by different analytical methods. Detection of the volatile content was completed using GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant potential, and phenolic compounds content were analyzed in the extractions. The synthesized nanoemulsions were screened for their antimicrobial potential in addition to their anti-aflatoxigenic activity. RESULTS: The droplet size of Saffron flowers was finer (121.64 ± 2.18 nm) than yarrow flowers (151.21 ± 1.12 nm). The Zeta potential measurements of the yarrow flower (-16.31 ± 2.54 mV) and the saffron flower (-18.55 ± 2.31 mV) both showed high stability, along with low PDI values (0.34-0.41). The nanoemulsion of yarrow flower revealed 51 compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), with hexanal (16.25%), ß-Pinene (7.41%), ß-Myrcene (5.24%), D-Limonene (5.58%) and Caryophyllene (4.38%) being the most prevalent. Additionally, 31 compounds were detected in the saffron nanoemulsion, with D-limonene (4.89%), isophorone (12.29%), 4-oxy isophorone (8.19%), and safranal (44.84%) being the most abundant. Compared to the nanoemulsion of the yarrow flower, the saffron nanoemulsion had good antibacterial and antifungal activity. Saffron nanoemulsion inhibited total fungal growth by 69.64-71.90% in a simulated liquid medium and demonstrated the most significant decrease in aflatoxin production. Infected strawberry fruits coated with nanoemulsion extracts exhibited high antimicrobial activity in the form of saffron flower and yarrow flower extract nanoemulsions, which inhibited and/or controlled the growth of Aspergillus fungi. Due to this inhibition, the lag phase was noticeably prolonged, the cell load decreased, and the stability time increased. CONCLUSION: This study will contribute to expanding the theoretical research and utilization of nanoemulsions as green protective agents in agricultural and food industries for a promising protection from the invasion of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Composition and Biological Activity of the Essential Oils from Wild Horsemint, Yarrow, and Yampah from Subalpine Meadows in Southwestern Montana: Immunomodulatory Activity of Dillapiole.

Agastache urticifolia (Benth.) Kuntze (horsemint), Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow), and Perideridia gairdneri (Hook. & Arn.) Mathias (yampah) are native, culturally important plants that grow in the subalpine meadows of Montana. Analysis of the composition of essential oils extracted from these plants showed that the main components of essential oils obtained from flowers and leaves of A. urticifolia (designated as AUF/AUL) were menthone (2.7/25.7%), isomenthone (2.6/29.1%), pulegone (78.9/28.8%), and limonene (4.2/6.2%), whereas essential oils obtained from the inflorescence of A. millefolium (designated as AMI) were high in α-thujone (17.1%) and ß-thujone (14.9%), 1,8-cineole (17.0%), camphor (13.0%), sabinene (7.0%), guaia-3,9-dien-11-ol (3.2%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.5%). Essential oils obtained from the inflorescence of P. gairdneri (designated as PGI) contained high amounts of dillapiole (30.3%), p-cymen-8-ol (14.1%), terpinolene (12.0%), 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-cyclohex-2-enone (6.2%), and γ-terpinene (2.4%). Evaluation of their immunomodulatory activity demonstrated that essential oils extracted from all of these plants could activate human neutrophils with varying efficacy. Analysis of individual components showed that dillapiole activated human neutrophil intracellular Ca2+ flux ([Ca2+]i) (EC50 = 19.3 ± 1.4 µM), while α-thujone, ß-thujone, menthone, isomenthone, and pulegone were inactive. Since dillapiole activated neutrophils, we also evaluated if it was able to down-regulate neutrophil responses to subsequent agonist activation and found that pretreatment with dillapiole inhibited neutrophil activation by the chemoattractant fMLF (IC50 = 34.3 ± 2.1 µM). Pretreatment with P. gairdneri essential oil or dillapiole also inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis induced by fMLF, suggesting these treatments could down-regulate human neutrophil responses to inflammatory chemoattractants. Thus, dillapiole may be a novel modulator of human neutrophil function.

In vitro Antibacterial Activity and Wound Healing Effects of Achillea millefolium Essential Oil in Rat.

Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity and wound healing properties of Achillea millefolium essential oil (AMEO) in full-thickness wound model in rat. The antibacterial activity of AMEO was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the broth dilution method. Methods: The 2 cm × 2 cm full-thickness excisional wounds were created on the back of animals. Topical therapy was applied twice a day using 1%, 2%, and 3% w/w AMEO ointments, and the measurement of the wounds area was carried out every 3 days, after that the wound closure percentage was calculated in these days. Hydroxyproline content and histopathological evaluation of wound tissue samples were carried out on day 7 and 14 post wounding. Eucerin was used for the treatment of vehicle control group and negative control group received no treatment. Results: Our results revealed the bacteriostatic activity of AMEO against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Wound healing activity evaluation of AMEO showed the significant increase (p < 0.05) in the wound closure percentages in rats treated with AMEO 1% and 2% comparing to those of non-treatment group. In addition, hydroxyproline contents of tissue significantly (p < 0.01) increased in AMEO 1% and 2% comparing to non-treatment group. Histopathological evaluations of wound tissue samples on day 7 and 14 demonstrated higher accumulation of collagen fibers, reduction of edema and inflammation and also formation of tissue appendages in 1% and 2% AMEO treated groups in comparison with non-treatment group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that AMEO has the potential to be used as a safe and effective wound healing agent.

The complete plastid genome and characteristics analysis of Achillea millefolium.

Achillea is a crop with Chinese herbal characteristics and horticultural values. Its leaves and flowers contain aromatic oil, and the ripe herb can also be used as medicine to induce sweat and relieve rheumatic pains. It is seen cultivated in gardens all over China. Currently, the most comprehensive chloroplast genome sample involved in the study refers to New World clades of Achillea, which are used for marker selection and phylogenetic research. We completely sequenced the chloroplast genomes of Achillea millefolium. These sequencing results showed that the plastid genome is 149,078 bp in size and possesses a typical quadripartite structure containing one large single copy (LSC) with 82,352 bp, one small single copy (SSC) with 18,426 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions with 24,150 bp in Achillea millefolium. The chloroplast genome encodes a common number of genes, of which 88 are protein-coding genes, 37 transfer ribonucleic acid genes, and 8 ribosomal ribonucleic acid genes, which are highly similar in overall size, genome structure, gene content, and sequence. The exact similarity was observed when compared to other Asteraceae species. However, there were structural differences due to the restriction or extension of the inverted repeat (IR) regions-the palindromic repeats being the most prevalent form. Based on 12 whole-plastomes, 3 hypervariable regions (rpoB, rbcL, and petL-trnP-UGG) were discovered, which could be used as potential molecular markers.

Germacrane-Type Sesquiterpene Lactones from Achillea millefolium L. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Six undescribed germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones, millefoliumons A-F, and two known analogs were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the whole plant of Achillea millefolium L. growing in Xinjiang, China. The structures of these compounds were fully elucidated by their 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high resolution mass (HR-ESI-MS) spectral data, and comparison with literatures. The absolute configurations of millefoliumons A-F were confirmed by experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data (ECD), and 13 C-NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. All compounds displayed the approximate tendency to inhibit the nitric oxide (NO) release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells.

Guaianolides from Achillea millefolium L. and their anti-inflammatory activity.

Seven previously undescribed guaianolides, millefolactons A-G, and three known analogues, millefoliumins A-C, were isolated from the whole plant of Achillea millefolium L. growing in Xinjiang, China. Their structures were elucidated using the HR-ESI-MS and NMR data analyses. The absolute configurations of millefolactons A-G were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, ECD data analysis, and quantum-chemical ECD calculations. Millefolactons A-E are rare 3-oxa-guaianolides. Millefolacton C, millefolacton E, millefoliumin A and millefoliumin B exhibited enzymatic inhibition of 15-LOX. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to visualize interactions between the four active compounds and 15-LOX and determine binding mechanisms. Moreover, a LPS-induced BV2 cell model was used to further investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of millefolacton C. As a result, millefolacton C significantly inhibited NO release, repressed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-18, PGE2 and IL-6, and inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX2 proteins. In addition, millefolacton C could potently decreased the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and IL-1ß proteins in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. These results indicate that the 3-oxa-guaianolides from A. millefolium L. offer great potential as leads for anti-inflammatory drug development.

Trends in Phenolic Profiles of Achillea millefolium from Different Geographical Gradients.

The traditional widely used raw material of Achillea millefolium is currently mainly derived from wild populations, leading to diversification and uncertainty in its quality. The aim of the study was to determine the accumulation differences of phenolic compounds between geographically distant populations of Achillea millefolium from northern and southern gradients. Plant material was collected from Gaziantep and Nevsehir provinces in Turkey and from wild populations in Lithuania. A complex of nine hydroxycinnamic acids and eleven flavonoids was identified and quantified in the methanolic extracts of inflorescences, leaves, and stems using the HPLC-PDA method. Caffeoylquinic acids predominated in leaves, while inflorescences tended to prevail in flavonoids. The PCA score plot model represented the quantitative distribution pattern of phenolic compounds along a geographical gradient of populations. The content of phenolic compounds in plant materials from northern latitudes was more than twice that of plants from southern latitudes. A significant correlation of individual phenolic compounds with latitude/longitude corresponded to their differences between two countries. Differences in accumulation of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids revealed several intraspecific groups within A. millefolium. Our findings suggest that spatial geographical data on the distribution of phenolic compounds in A. millefolium populations could be used as a tool to find potential collection sites for high-quality raw materials.

Electrospun polycaprolactone nanofibers functionalized with Achillea millefolium extract yield biomaterial with antibacterial, antioxidant and improved mechanical properties.

In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL), as a biocompatible polymer was functionalized by addition of medicinal plant extract- Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow). Nanofiber mats were fabricated from PCL solutions containing dry yarrow extract in four concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% relative to the weight of the polymer) by using blend electrospinning method. The nanofibers were characterized for their biological, mechanical and drug release behavior. In vitro release of yarrow polyphenols from the electrospun PCL nanofibers over a period of 5 days showed the release of up to 98% of the total loaded polyphenols. The released polyphenols retained its antioxidant activity, which was determined by DPPH assay. Electrospun PCL/yarrow nanofiber mats exhibited the antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, but had no effect on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All PCL/yarrow nanofiber mats had improved mechanical properties compared to the neat PCL nanofibers, as evident by an increase in Young's modulus of elasticity (up to 5.7 times), the tensile strength (up to 5.5 times), and the strain at break (up to 1.45 times). Based on our results, yarrow-loaded PCL nanofiber mats appeared to be multi-functional biomaterials suitable for the production of catheter-coating materials, patches, or gauzes with antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Chlorine-containing guaianolide sesquiterpenoids from Achillea millefolium L. with inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO release in BV-2 microglial cells.

Chlorine-containing guaianolide sesquiterpenoids are rare natural compounds that are mainly derived from plants of the Asteraceae family. Our previous investigations on the whole plant of Achillea millefolium L. resulted in the discovery of two chlorine-containing guaianolide sesquiterpenoids. In the present study, a LC‒MS tracking strategy based on the characteristic isotropic peak of atomic chlorine was employed to isolate nine undescribed chlorine-containing guaianolide sesquiterpenoids, Millefolactons B1-B9, from A. millefolium L.. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, and the corresponding absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and ECD data analysis. Millefolactons B2-B7 displayed inhibitory activities against LPS-induced NO release in BV-2 microglial cells.