Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario.

The rising trend of plastic production in last years and the inadequate disposal of related waste has raised concerns regarding microplastic-related environmental issues. Microplastic particles disperse by means of transport and deposition processes to different ecosystems and enter food chains. In this paper, atmospheric deposition and foliage samples of two species (i.e., Hedera helix and Photinia glabra) were collected and analysed for the quantity and identity of microplastics (MPs). A preliminary methodology to treat foliage samples and subsequently identify MPs using a quantum cascade laser IR spectrophotometer is presented. The treatment of airborne samples involved filtration, mild digestion, concentration, and transfer onto reflective slides whereas that for foliage involved washing, concentration, and transference of putative MPs onto reflective slides. Fibers and fragments were differentiated according to their physical features (size, width, height, etc.) and calculating derived characteristics (namely, circularity and solidity). The preliminary results obtained suggest a good agreement between atmospheric-deposited and foliage-retained MPs, showing the capability of leaves to act as passive samplers for environmental monitoring.

Hedera rhombea inhibits the biofilm formation of Candida, thereby increases the susceptibility to antifungal agent, and reduces infection.

Candida is an opportunistic pathogen and a common cause of fungal infections worldwide. Anti-fungal use against Candida infections has resulted in the appearance of resistant strains. The limited choice of anti-fungal therapy means alternative strategies are needed to control fungal infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of Candida biofilm formation by Hedera rhombea (Korean name: songak) extract. Biofilm formation was assessed using the crystal violet assay which showed a dose dependent reduction in the presence of extract with the biofilm formation inhibitory concentration of C. albicans (IC50 = 12.5µg/ml), C. tropicalis var. tropicalis (IC50 = 25µg/ml), C. parapsilosis var. parapsilosis (IC50 = 6.25µg/ml), C. glabrata (IC50 = 6.25µg/ml), C. tropicalis (IC50 = 12.5µg/ml), and C. parapsilosis (IC50 = 12.5µg/ml) without directly reducing Candida growth. Treatment with 6.25µg/mL of extract increased the antifungal susceptibility to miconazole from 32% decreasing of fungal growth to 98.8% of that based on the fungal growth assay. Treatment of extract dose-dependently reduced the dimorphic transition of Candida based on the dimorphic transition assay and treatment of 3.125µg/mL of extract completely blocked the adherence of Candida to the HaCaT cells. To know the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation inhibition by extract, qRT-PCR analysis was done, and the extract was found to dose dependently reduce the expression of hyphal-associated genes (ALS3, ECE1, HWP1, PGA50, and PBR1), extracellular matrix genes (GSC1, ZAP1, ADH5, and CSH1), Ras1-cAMP-PKA pathway genes (CYR1, EFG1, and RAS1), Cph2-Tec1 pathway gene (TEC1) and MAP kinases pathway gene (HST7). In this study, Hedera rhombea extract showed inhibition of fungal biofilm formation, activation of antifungal susceptibility, and reduction of infection. These results suggest that fungal biofilm formation is good screen for developing the antifungal adjuvant and Hedera rhombea extract should be a good candidate against biofilm-related fungal infection.

Safety of English ivy (Hedera helix) leaf extract during pregnancy: retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: English ivy (Hedera helix) is commonly used to reduce productive cough symptoms by acting as expectorant therapy. The safety of Hedera helix extract during pregnancy was not established yet. This study aims to determine the safety of English ivy leaf extract on newborns. OBJECTIVES: To determine the weight, APGAR (Activity-Pulse-Grimace-Appearance-Respiration) score, and health status of the newborns among the studied groups. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted during the fourth quarter of 2020 on 245 pregnant women and their newborns in two hospitals located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The women were divided into an exposed group (N = 165) who used English ivy leaf extract syrup during pregnancy, and a control group (N = 80) who were not using any natural-pharmaceutical product for cough. RESULTS: The mean weight of the newborns in the exposed group was 3 kg compared to 2.8 kg in the control group (p-value < 0.05). The median APGAR score of the newborns in the exposed group was 8.5/10 compared to 8.0/10 in the control group (p-value > 0.05). There were no significant differences regarding the percentages of full-term and preterm newborns in the exposed and control groups (78.8% vs. 76.3%, and 21.0% vs. 24.0%, respectively, odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45-1.63, p-value > 0.05). Regarding the newborns' health complications reported, there was no statistical difference in the percentages of full-term newborns diagnosed with at least one health complication between the exposed and control groups (0.6 vs. 3.8, OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.01-1.47, p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hedera helix (English ivy) leaf extract syrup was safe to be used in short term during pregnancy for the fetus.

The Effects of Ivy (Hedera helix) on Respiratory Problems and Cough in Humans: A Review.

Hedera helix (ivy) belongs to the genus Hedera of the Araliaceae family. The leaf of this plant has several active ingredients with medicinal uses. The active constituents of H. helix include monodesmoside α-hederin, hederacoside B, hederacoside C, and hederacoside D.H. helix leave have been used for the treatment of cough and respiratory problems, and now, other uses have emerged. As a medicinal plant, H. helix has been approved by the German Commission E due to its antispasmodic, spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antioxidative, antitumor, and antileishmanial activities. It comes with several formulations, including tablets, liquids, and topical ointments. In this review, we focus on the respiratory effects of tablet and liquid forms of H. helix.

Evaluation of Acute and Chronic Antidiabetic Activity of Ivy (Hedera helix L.) Aqueous Leaf Extract in Rat Model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hedera helix L. (Ivy) has been utilized as an alternative medicine for cough however, through extensive literature search; we found no reported activity of ivy on α-glucosidase inhibition, HbA1c levels and its protective effect on vital organs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and protective effect of ivy in alloxan induced rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hypoglycemic activity of ivy was examined in normoglycemic, glucose overloaded and alloxan-induced rats. The antidiabetic potential was also confirmed by estimation of HbA1c and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. RESULTS: Results of acute and chronic study revealed that ivy produced highly significant decline (p<0.01) in fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels as compared to diabetic control and standard group respectively. Furthermore, highly significant decline (p<0.01) in HbA1c levels were seen after chronic administration of ivy indicating its therapeutic effect in lowering HbA1c levels during long term use. It was found that ivy produced stronger and highly significant (p<0.05) inhibition of α-glucosidase activity than the standard agent acarbose at 500 µg mL-1. CONCLUSION: The histopathological studies of vital organs revealed protective effect of ivy via maintaining the normal architecture as compared to alloxan model. Hence, our findings support the potential use of ivy for diabetes management.

The influence of standardized dry ivy leaf extract on the proportion of nasal secretion after post-septoplasty nasal packing removal / A influência do extrato de folha de hera seca na secreção nasal após remoção de tampão nasal pós-septoplastia

Abstract Introduction: After post-septoplasty nasal packing removal, a certain proportion of nasal secretion occurs, leading to local and sometimes systemic infections. Objective: The aim was to determine if standardized dry ivy leaf extract application after nasal packing removal influences the reduction of nasal secretion and diminish the occurrence of local infections. Methods: The study included 70 post-septoplasty patients (divided into two equal groups) whose nasal packing was removed on the third day after the procedure. Group I was treated with standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup along with regular nasal irrigation for the five days after the nasal packing removal whereas the Group II had only nasal lavage. On the sixth day after nasal packing removal, the quantity of nasal secretion was determined using a visual analog scale and nasal endoscopic examination. Results: The group treated with standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup had significantly lesser nasal secretion both by subjective patients' assessment (p < 0.001) and by nasal endoscopic examination (p = 0.003). The post-surgical follow up examination on the sixth day after nasal packing removal showed no development of local infection in the Group I, while in the Group II a local infection was evident in five patients (14.29%) and antibiotic therapy was required. Conclusion: The use of the standardized dry ivy leaf extract after nasal packing removal significantly lowers the proportion of nasal secretion.

Resumo Introdução: Após a remoção do tampão nasal pós-septoplastia, ocorre produção de secreção nasal, predispondo infecções locais e, por vezes, sistêmicas. Objetivo: O objetivo foi determinar se a aplicação do extrato padronizado de folhas de hera seca após a remoção do tampão nasal influencia a redução da secreção nasal e diminui a ocorrência de infecções locais. Método: O estudo incluiu 70 pacientes pós-septoplastia (divididos em dois grupos iguais) cujo tampão nasal foi retirado no terceiro dia após o procedimento. O grupo I foi tratado com xarope padronizado de extrato de folha seca de hera juntamente com irrigação nasal regular por cinco dias após a remoção do tamponamento nasal, enquanto ao grupo II foi recomendado apenas lavagem nasal. No sexto dia após a remoção do tampão nasal, a quantidade de secreção nasal foi determinada pela escala EVA (escala visual analógica) e pelo exame endoscópico nasal. Resultados: O grupo tratado com xarope de extrato seco de folhas de hera apresentou secreção nasal significativamente menor tanto pela avaliação subjetiva dos pacientes (p < 0,001) quanto pelo exame endoscópico nasal (p = 0,003). O exame de acompanhamento pós-cirúrgico no sexto dia após a remoção do tampão nasal não mostrou desenvolvimento de infecção local nos pacientes do grupo I, enquanto que no grupo II, cinco apresentaram sinais de infecção local (14,29%) com necessidade de antibioticoterapia. Conclusão: O uso do extrato padronizado de folhas secas de hera após a remoção do tampão nasal reduz significativamente a produção de secreção nasal.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Hederacoside-C on Staphylococcus aureus induced inflammation via TLRs and their downstream signal pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Acute lung inflammation is one among the top of infectious diseases. It is a pulmonary dysfunctional disease. It breaks the physiological coordination in the structures and functions of respiratory system. There are a few effective treatments to minimize the mortality of acute lung inflammation. It was induced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) via nasal instillation of mice. The common ivy (Hedera helix) is the most significant medicinal plant and considered as a traditional medicinal plant. The most active ingredient in the extract of ivy plant was Hederacoside-C (HDC). The purpose of this study was to investigate its anti-inflammatory effects on induced acute lung inflammation in vivo and (RAW 264.7 cells) in vitro and to elucidate its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. HDC was administered intraperitoneally 1 h after infection until 24 h. The dose was repeated every 8 h for three successful doses. Mice treated with HDC significantly reduced the pulmonary edema, white blood cells, wet-dry ratio (W/D) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. HDC attenuated protein expression levels of MAPKs including p38, ERK, JNK and NF-κB including p65 and IκB-α pathways analyzed by ELISA. HDC also suppressed the protein expressions of TLR2 & TLR4 detected by Western blot. HDC also downregulated the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α, but upregulated the gene expression of an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 analyzed by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, our results stated that HDC could inhibit the S. aureus induced acute lung inflammation and it may be a potential therapeutic drug against acute lung inflammation.

The influence of standardized dry ivy leaf extract on the proportion of nasal secretion after post-septoplasty nasal packing removal.

INTRODUCTION: After post-septoplasty nasal packing removal, a certain proportion of nasal secretion occurs, leading to local and sometimes systemic infections. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine if standardized dry ivy leaf extract application after nasal packing removal influences the reduction of nasal secretion and diminish the occurrence of local infections. METHODS: The study included 70 post-septoplasty patients (divided into two equal groups) whose nasal packing was removed on the third day after the procedure. Group I was treated with standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup along with regular nasal irrigation for the five days after the nasal packing removal whereas the Group II had only nasal lavage. On the sixth day after nasal packing removal, the quantity of nasal secretion was determined using a visual analog scale and nasal endoscopic examination. RESULTS: The group treated with standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup had significantly lesser nasal secretion both by subjective patients' assessment (p<0.001) and by nasal endoscopic examination (p=0.003). The post-surgical follow up examination on the sixth day after nasal packing removal showed no development of local infection in the Group I, while in the Group II a local infection was evident in five patients (14.29%) and antibiotic therapy was required. CONCLUSION: The use of the standardized dry ivy leaf extract after nasal packing removal significantly lowers the proportion of nasal secretion.

Formulation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of Hedera helix L., topical dosage forms.

The purpose of this study was to prepare topical formulations of micro emulsion, gel and ointment containing the Hedera helix L. extracts against asthma and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics. A validated HPLC method was used for the analysis of blood plasma. In-vivo studies of the drugs were compared in rabbit plasma with oral dosing. Stability studies were performed for 3 months. The results showed that formulations were stable. No Skin irritation observed on rabbits. The optimized micro emulsion and gel showed fast absorption. Maximal plasma concentration (cmax) and the maximal time to reach cmax (tmax) were 70.226µg/mL, 75.26µg/mL and 2 hours for the micro emulsion and gel, 90.11µg/mL and 1 hour for the oral drug syrup respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as tmax, cmax and AUC of the selected formulations and oral dosing were significantly different (P < 0.01).

Neuroprotective, antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of Hedera nepalensis and lupeol against STZ + AlCl3 induced rats model.

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Hedera nepalensis crude extract (HNC) and its isolated compound lupeol on antioxidant defence system, biochemical parameters and behavioural indices of Alzheimer disease generated in diabetic rats. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of the plant extract and lupeol, symptoms of Alzheimer and diabetes were induced in rats by STZ + AlCl3 treatment. Glucose level was measured with glucometer followed by antioxidant and biochemical assessment of the treated and untreated animals. Behavioural response of the rats was determined by Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test followed by determination of brain neurotransmitters by HPLC. RESULTS: HNC significantly reduced blood glucose level in a time dependent manner and elevated liver function markers were significantly (P < 0.05) reinstated to normal levels. HNC showed increase in level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). HPLC quantification revealed that HNC treatment led to significant (p < 0.001) elevation in the level of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in the midbrain region as compared to Alzheimer control (AC) group. EPM and MWM test showed decrease in cognitive and memory impairment in a rat group treated with HNC as compared to AC group. CONCLUSION: Overall, results showed that H. nepalensis has therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer and diabetes. Graphical abstract Therapeutic effect of Hedera nepalensis K. Koch and lupeol against STZ + AICI3 induced diabetic rats model.

Time-dependent Inhibition of CYP2C8 and CYP2C19 by Hedera helix Extracts, A Traditional Respiratory Herbal Medicine.

The extract of Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae), a well-known folk medicine, has been popularly used to treat respiratory problems, worldwide. It is very likely that this herbal extract is taken in combination with conventional drugs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of H. helix extract on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme-mediated metabolism to predict the potential for herb-drug interactions. A cocktail probe assay was used to measure the inhibitory effect of CYP. H. helix extracts were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes or CYP isozymes with CYP-specific substrates, and the formation of specific metabolites was investigated to measure the inhibitory effects. H. helix showed significant inhibitory effects on CYP2C8, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in a concentration-dependent manner. In recombinant CYP2C8, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 isozymes, the IC50 values of the extract were 0.08 ± 0.01, 0.58 ± 0.03 and 6.72 ± 0.22 mg/mL, respectively. Further investigation showed that H. helix extract has a positive time-dependent inhibition property on both CYP2C8 and CYP2C19 with IC50 shift value of 2.77 ± 0.12 and 6.31 ± 0.25, respectively. Based on this in vitro investigation, consumption of herbal medicines or dietary supplements containing H. helix extracts requires careful attention to avoid any CYP-based interactions.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Hedera helix leaf ethanolic extract.

The 50% ethanol extract obtained from Hedera helix leaves was investigated regarding the presence and quantity of polyphenols, sterols and in vitro antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of rutin, quercetin and kaempferol in the non-hydrolysed sample and quercetin and kaempferol in the hydrolysed sample and stigmasterol in the ivy leaf extract (nonhydrolysed sample). The antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, B. tulipae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Penicillium gladioli, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was assessed using an agar dilution assay. The results are expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 10-14%) and were compared to a synthetic antifungal drug - fluconazole (MIC = 8-30%). This report presents the first screening of the antifungal activity of the ivy leaf extract on these plant pathogenic fungi species, aiming to use the ivy leaf extract for controlling different diseases of vegetables and ornamental plants, in addition to human disorders.

Hederagenin and α-hederin promote degradation of proteins in neurodegenerative diseases and improve motor deficits in MPTP-mice.

Pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are closely related to the formation of protein aggregates and inclusion body. For instance, active autophagic components from Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are highlighted to modulate neurodegeneration via degradation of disease proteins. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of the purified Hedera helix (HH) fraction containing both hederagenin and α-hederin, is confirmed by the improvement of motor deficits in PD mice model. Furthermore, hederagenin and α-hederin derived from HH are confirmed as novel autophagic enhancers. Both compounds reduce the protein level of mutant huntingtin with 74 CAG repeats and A53T α-synuclein, and inhibit the oligomerization of α-synuclein and inclusion formation of huntingtin, via AMPK-mTOR dependent autophagy induction. Both hederagenin and α-hederin induce autophagy and promote the degradation of neurodegenerative mutant disease proteins in vitro, suggesting the therapeutic roles of HH in neurodegenerative disorders.

The alternation between PSII and PSI in ivy (Hedera nepalensis) demonstrated by in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence and modulated 820 nm reflection.

To examine the coordination between photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) in response to varying environmental conditions, both diurnal fluctuations and seasonal variability of photosynthetic electron transport activity in ivy (Hedera nepalensis, Araliaceae) were investigated: by measuring prompt fluorescence, delayed fluorescence (DF) and modulated reflection of 820 nm light (MR). During diurnal fluctuations, the PSII electron donor side was damaged, as evidenced by decreases of the fast amplitude of DF decay kinetics at I1, although there was no significant change in relative variable fluorescence at K-step to amplitude of FJ - Fo. Decreases in the maximum photochemical efficiency (i.e., PSII photoinactivation) were accompanied by an increased maximum decrease in the slope of MR/MRo (i.e., PSI photoactivation). Subsequently, PSII recovery and PSI relaxation occurred in the afternoon. Throughout the season, alternations between PSII and PSI were also suggested by the down-regulation of PSII and the up-regulation of PSI from summer to winter. Significant negative linear correlations between the activity of PSII and PSI across both diurnal fluctuations and seasonal variability were verified by correlation analyses. In addition, PSI was active throughout the year, suggesting PSI is independent from high temperatures. High PSI activity may maintain the functional integrity of the photosynthetic apparatus in overwintering ivy. The alternation between PSII and PSI activity may regulate the distribution of excitation energy between the two photosystems and balance the redox state of the electron transport change, thereby enabling ivy to respond to varying environmental conditions.

Nanospherical arabinogalactan proteins are a key component of the high-strength adhesive secreted by English ivy.

Over 130 y have passed since Charles Darwin first discovered that the adventitious roots of English ivy (Hedera helix) exude a yellowish mucilage that promotes the capacity of this plant to climb vertical surfaces. Unfortunately, little progress has been made in elucidating the adhesion mechanisms underlying this high-strength adhesive. In the previous studies, spherical nanoparticles were observed in the viscous exudate. Here we show that these nanoparticles are predominantly composed of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), a superfamily of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins present in the extracellular spaces of plant cells. The spheroidal shape of the AGP-rich ivy nanoparticles results in a low viscosity of the ivy adhesive, and thus a favorable wetting behavior on the surface of substrates. Meanwhile, calcium-driven electrostatic interactions among carboxyl groups of the AGPs and the pectic acids give rise to the cross-linking of the exuded adhesive substances, favor subsequent curing (hardening) via formation of an adhesive film, and eventually promote the generation of mechanical interlocking between the adventitious roots of English ivy and the surface of substrates. Inspired by these molecular events, a reconstructed ivy-mimetic adhesive composite was developed by integrating purified AGP-rich ivy nanoparticles with pectic polysaccharides and calcium ions. Information gained from the subsequent tensile tests, in turn, substantiated the proposed adhesion mechanisms underlying the ivy-derived adhesive. Given that AGPs and pectic polysaccharides are also observed in bioadhesives exuded by other climbing plants, the adhesion mechanisms revealed by English ivy may forward the progress toward understanding the general principles underlying diverse botanic adhesives.

Ivy leaves dry extract EA 575® decreases LPS-induced IL-6 release from murine macrophages.

IL-6 plays a key role in the course of inflammatory processes as well as in the regulation of immune responses by the release of different cytokines. IL-6 is produced e.g. by macrophages recruited to the airways in response to a variety of inflammatory stimuli like allergens and respiratory viruses. Patients with inflammatory airway diseases therefore may benefit from therapies targeting the IL-6 pathway, e.g. reduction of the IL-6 release. Within this context, we tested the influence of the ivy leaves dry extract EA 575® on the LPS-induced release of IL-6 from murine macrophages (J774.2). One point seven µg/ml (5 µM) corticosterone served as positive control and was able to reduce LPS-induced IL-6 release by 46 ± 4%. EA 575® was tested in concentrations between 40 and 400 µg/ml. EA 575® decreased the LPS-induced IL-6 release in a dose-dependent manner and statistically significant by 25 ± 4%, 32 ± 4%, and 40 ± 7% in concentrations of 80, 160, and 400 µg/ml, respectively. The present data suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of EA 575® used in therapy of chronic- and acute inflammatory airway diseases accompanied with cough.

α-Hederin inhibits G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation of ß2-adrenergic receptors.

BACKGROUND: Recently is has been shown that α- and ß-hederin increase the ß2-adrenergic responsiveness of alveolar type II cells (A549) and human airway smooth muscle cells (HASM), respectively, by inhibiting the internalization of ß2-adrenergic receptors (ß2AR) under stimulating conditions. Internalization of ß2AR is initiated by phosphorylations of certain serines and threonines by cAMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK). PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of α-hederin on PKA and GRK2 mediated phosphorylation of GFP-tagged ß2AR. STUDY DESIGN: To study this process we performed In-Cell Western using isoprenaline stimulated HEK293 cells overexpressing ß2AR as GFP fusion protein and specific antibodies against PKA (Ser345/346) and GRK2 (Ser355/356) phosphorylation sites. RESULTS: There was no effect found on the PKA mediated phosphorylation (n = 14) but we could show that α-hederin (1 µM, 12 h) significantly inhibits GRK2 mediated phosphorylation at Ser355/356 by 11 ± 5% (n ≥ 29, p ≤ 0.01) under stimulating conditions compared to the positive control. In Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments using the isolated kinases in solution α-hederin did not show any influence neither to GRK2 nor to PKA. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results indicate that α-hederin acts as an indirect GRK2 inhibitor leading to a reduced homologous desensitization of ß2AR-GFP in HEK293 cells.

Hedera nepalensis K. Koch: A Novel Source of Natural Cancer Chemopreventive and Anticancerous Compounds.

Traditional medicinal plants are often used for both the prevention and the treatment of local diseases. Taking into consideration the medicinal importance of Hedera nepalensis within local Pakistani traditions, the present study was undertaken to analyze the in vitro cancer chemopreventive and cytotoxic properties of the plant. The in vitro cancer chemopreventive testing was performed using nitrite assay, NFκB assay, aromatase assay, and quinone reductase 1 (QR1) assay. The cytotoxic potential was evaluated on three cancer-cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HeLa using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The results of cancer chemopreventive assays show that n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of tested plant have promising cancer chemopreventive potential. Lupeol isolated from n-hexane as well as ethyl acetate fraction showed lowest IC50 (0.20 ± 1.9 µM) in NFκB assay. Crude extract and its fractions inhibited the growth of three cancer cell lines by more than 60%, IC50 value of lupeol varied from 2.32 to 10.2 µM. HPLC-DAD-based quantification of lupeol in different plant tissues demonstrated that leaves of H. nepalensis are a rich source of lupeol (0.196 mg/100 mg dry weight). Our data have shown that H. nepalensis harbors cancer chemopreventive and cytotoxic agents.

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multi-center trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a liquid containing ivy leaves dry extract (EA 575®) vs. placebo in the treatment of adults with acute cough.

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of ivy leaves cough liquid in the treatment of acute cough. A total of 181 adult patients with acute cough were treated with either ivy leaves cough liquid containing EA 575® or with placebo three times a day for one week. The primary efficacy outcome was cough severity (CS) assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over the whole treatment period (area-under-the-curve (AUC0-168 h) over 7 days (visit (V)1, V2, V3, V4, and V5). The secondary endpoints were defined as the CS assessed by VAS over the whole observation period (V1 - V6) and by Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) and Verbal Category Descriptive (VCD) score. The evaluation of the VAS, BSS and VCD score revealed that subjects treated with ivy leaves cough liquid showed statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in CS, severity of symptoms associated with cough and bronchitis compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, a remarkable early onset of efficacy was observed as significant reductions of cough severity were detected within 48 hours after the first drug intake. At all following visits and even 7 days after the end of treatment (V6) this significant treatment advantage was detected in comparison to placebo. All adverse events (AEs) in this clinical trial were non-serious, mild or of moderate severity and not drug-related. This clinical trial proved consistent superiority of the ivy leaves cough liquid treatment versus placebo and confirmed the EA 575® preparation to be a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of acute cough.

In vitro screening of natural feed additives from crustaceans, diatoms, seaweeds and plant extracts to manipulate rumen fermentation.

BACKGROUND: Eight natural products from animal, unicellular algae, brown seaweed and plant origins were chosen according to their theoretical antimicrobial activity: Diatomaceous earths (DE), insoluble chitosan (ICHI), soluble chitosan (CHI), seaweed meal (SWM), Ascophyllum nodosum (ASC), Laminaria digitata (LAM), neem oil (NOIL) and an ivy fruit extract rich in saponins (IVY). Dose-response incubations were conducted to determine their effect on rumen fermentation pattern and gas production, while their anti-protozoal activity was tested using (14) C-labelled bacteria. RESULTS: DE, SWM, NOIL and ICHI had very small effects on rumen function when used at inclusion rate up to 2 g L(-1) . ASC had anti-protozoal effects (up to -23%) promoting a decrease in gas production and methanogenesis (-15%). LAM increased VFA production (+7%) and shifted from butyrate to acetate. CHI also shifted fermentation towards propionate production and lower methane (-23%) and protozoal activity (-56%). IVY decreased protozoal activity (-39%) and ammonia concentration (-56%), as well as increased feed fermentation (+11% VFA concentration) and shifted from acetate to propionate production. CONCLUSIONS: ASC, LAM, CHI and IVY showed promising potential in vitro as feed additives to improve rumen function, thus more research is needed to investigate their mode of action in the rumen microbial ecosystem. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.