The changes of blood platelet reactivity in the presence of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson leaves and twig extract in whole blood.

Uncontrolled blood platelet activation is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Various studies on phenolic compounds indicate that they have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system through different mechanisms, including the reduction of blood platelet activation. One of the plants that is particularly rich in phenolic compounds is sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson). The aim of the present study in vitro was to determine the anti-platelet properties of crude extracts isolated from leaves and twigs of E. rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson in whole blood using flow cytometric and total thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS). In addition, the aim of our study was also analyze of blood platelet proteomes in the presence of different sea buckthorn extracts. A significant new finding is a decrease surface exposition of P-selectin on blood platelets stimulated by 10 µM ADP and 10 µg/mL collagen, and a decrease surface exposition of GPIIb/IIIa active complex on non-activated platelets and platelets stimulated by 10 µM ADP and 10 µg/mL collagen in the presence of sea buckthorn leaf extract (especially at the concentration 50 µg/mL). The twig extract also displayed antiplatelet potential. However, this activity was higher in the leaf extract than in the twig extract in whole blood. In addition, our present findings clearly demonstrate that investigated plant extracts have anticoagulant properties (measured by T-TAS). Therefore, the two tested extracts may be promising candidates for the natural anti-platelet and anticoagulant supplements.

Extract from Sea Buckthorn Seeds-A Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Hemostasis Study; Effect of Thermal Processing on Its Chemical Content and Biological Activity In Vitro.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a small tree, valued for its medicinal properties throughout the ages. Sea buckthorn berries and leaves are a known source of phytochemicals and have been used in the treatment of inflammation, oedema, hypertension, ulcers, and wounds in folk medicine. Sea buckthorn seeds are natural dietary sources of various bioactive compounds as well, but the number of studies on their content and biological properties is still insufficient. For the first time, we examined the phytochemical content and biological activity of sea buckthorn seeds in vitro. We have studied the effect of two extracts-from regular (no thermal processing) and roasted (thermally processed) sea buckthorn seeds-on the levels of oxidative stress induced by H2O2/Fe2+ in plasma, coagulation times, and white thrombus formation (measured by Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System-T-TAS). We observed that sea buckthorn seeds contain diverse flavonoids, mostly glycosides of isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin, as well as smaller amounts of proanthocyanidins and catechin, triterpenoid saponins, and a number of unidentified polar and hydrophobic compounds. Both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, but only the extract from roasted seeds decreased oxidation of thiol groups in plasma treated with H2O2/Fe2+. They did not alter coagulation times, but the extract from roasted seeds at the highest concentration (50 µg/mL) prolonged the time needed for white thrombus formation. The results indicate that sea buckthorn seeds have antioxidant activity that is not impaired by thermal processing and possess anticoagulant potential, but more research is needed in order to ascertain which compounds are responsible for these effects, especially in in vivo models.

Carob extract induces spermatogenesis in an infertile mouse model via upregulation of Prm1, Plzf, Bcl-6b, Dazl, Ngn3, Stra8, and Smc1b.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ethnopharmacological studies for drug discovery from natural compounds play an important role for developing current therapeutical platforms. Plants are a group of natural sources which have been served as the basis in the treatment of many diseases for centuries. In this regard, Ceratonia siliqua (carob) is one of the herbal medicine which is traditionally used for male infertility treatments. But so far the main mechanisms for effects of carob are unknown. Here, we intend to investigate the ability of carob extract to induce spermatogenesis in an azoospermia mouse model and determine the mechanisms that underlie its function. AIM OF THE STUDY: This is a pre-clinical animal model study to evaluate the effect of carob extract in spermatogenesis recovery. METHODS: We established an infertile mouse model with the intent to examine the ability of carob extract as a potential herbal medicine for restoration of male fertility. Sperm parameters, as well as gene expression dynamics and levels of spermatogenesis hormones, were evaluated 35 days after carob administration. RESULTS: Significant enhanced sperm parameters (P < 0.05) showed that the carob extract could induce spermatogenesis in the infertile mouse model. Our data suggested an anti-apototic and inducer role in the expressions of cell cycle regulating genes. Carob extract improved the spermatogenesis niche by considerable affecting Sertoli and Leydig cells (P < 0.05). The carob-treated mice were fertile and contributed to healthy offspring that matured. Our data confirmed that this extract triggered the hormonal system, the spermatogenesis-related gene expression network, and signaling pathways to induce and promote sperm production with notable level (P < 0.05). We found that the aqueous extract consisted of a polar and mainly well water-soluble substance. Carob extract might upregulate spermatogenesis hormones via its amino acid components, which were detected in the extract by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest that carob extract might be a promising future treatment option for male infertility. This finding could pave the way for clinical trials in infertile men. This is the first study that has provided reliable, strong pre-clinical evidence for carob extract as an effective candidate for fertility recovery in cancer-related azoospermia.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides; syn. Hippophae rhamnoides): progress from 2010 to 2021.

Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides; syn. Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub or a small tree belonging to the Elaeagnaceae family, native to Eurasia. Sea buckthorn fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, oils from the seeds and fruit flesh find use in medicine and the cosmetic industry or as nutraceutical supplements. Fruit, leaves and other parts of buckthorn have been used in traditional medicine, especially in China, Tibet, Mongolia, and Central Asia countries, and are a rich source of many bioactive substances. Due to its health-promoting and medicinal properties, the plant has been extensively investigated for several decades, and its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties are well characterized. The years 2010-2021 brought significant progress in phytochemical research on sea buckthorn. Dozens of new compounds, mainly phenolics, were isolated from this plant. Numerous pharmacological studies were also performed, investigating diverse aspects of the biological activity of different extracts and natural products from sea buckthorn. This review focuses on the progress in research on sea buckthorn specialized metabolites made in this period. Pharmacological studies on sea buckthorn are also discussed. In addition, biosynthetic pathways of the main groups of these compounds have been shortly described.

Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Activity of Isorhamnetin and Its Derivatives Isolated from Sea Buckthorn Berries, Measured in Whole Blood.

Blood platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process responsible for keeping blood flowing in the circulatory system. However, unnecessary platelet activation can lead to aggregation at the site of atherosclerotic plaque rapture and the formation of a thrombus, which promotes atherothrombotic diseases. Various dietary components, such as phenolic compounds, are known to demonstrate antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, and it is possible that these could form an important element in the prophylaxis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Our present study examined the biological activity of isorhamnetin (1) and two isorhamnetin derivatives, (2): 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnoside and (3): 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-(3″'-isovaleryl)-rhamnoside, isolated from the phenolic fraction of sea buckthorn fruit, against human washed blood platelets and human whole blood in vitro. The anti-platelet and anticoagulant potential was determined using (A) flow cytometry, (B) the thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) and (C) colorimetry. The results of the T-TAS test indicate that the AUC10 (Area Under the Curve) of the tested phenolic compounds (compounds 1, 2 and 3; 50 µg/mL) was markedly reduced compared to the control values. Moreover, flavonol demonstrated anti-platelet potential, including anti-adhesive activity, with these effects being more intense in compound 2 than isorhamnetin. Different actions of flavonol on platelet activation may depend on their binding ability to various receptors on blood platelets. However, the mechanism of their anti-platelet potential requires further additional studies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Special Issue "Natural Plant Substances-Structural and Application Aspects: A Theme Issue in Honor of Professor Wieslaw Oleszek".

Dear Colleagues, [...].

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Secondary Metabolites in Morphological Parts of Paulownia Clon In Vitro 112® and Their Anticoagulant Properties in Whole Human Blood.

It is not easy to find data in the scientific literature on the quantitative content of individual phytochemicals. It is possible to find groups of compounds and even individual compounds rather easily, but it is not known what their concentration is in cultivated or wild plants. Therefore, the subject of this study was to determine the content of individual compounds in the new Paulownia species, Oxytree, developed in a biotechnology laboratory in 2008 at La Mancha University in Spain. Six secondary metabolites were isolated, and their chemical structure was confirmed by spectral methods. An analytical method was developed, which was then used to determine the content of individual compounds in leaves, twigs, flowers and fruits of Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112®. No flavonoids were found in twigs and fruits of Oxytree, while the highest phenylethanoid glycosides were found in twigs. In this study, we also focused on biological properties (anticoagulant or procoagulant) of extract and four fractions (A-D) of different chemical composition from Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112 leaves using whole human blood. These properties were determined based on the thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS), which imitates in vivo conditions to assess whole blood thrombogenecity. We observed that three fractions (A, C and D) from leaves decrease AUC10 measured by T-TAS. In addition, fraction D rich in triterpenoids showed the strongest anticoagulant activity. However, in order to clarify the exact mechanism of action of the active substances present in this plant, studies closer to physiological conditions, i.e., in vivo studies, should be performed, which will also allow to determine the effects of their long-term effects.

Effect of Kaempferol and Its Glycoside Derivatives on Antioxidant Status of HL-60 Cells Treated with Etoposide.

Kaempferol is a well-known antioxidant found in many plants and plant-based foods. In plants, kaempferol is present mainly in the form of glycoside derivatives. In this work, we focused on determining the effect of kaempferol and its glycoside derivatives on the expression level of genes related to the reduction of oxidative stress-NFE2L2, NQO1, SOD1, SOD2, and HO-1; the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutases; and the level of glutathione. We used HL-60 acute promyelocytic leukemia cells, which were incubated with the anticancer drug etoposide and kaempferol or one of its three glycoside derivatives isolated from the aerial parts of Lens culinaris Medik.-kaempferol 3-O-[(6-O-E-caffeoyl)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-d-galactopyranoside-7-O-ß-d-glucuropyranoside (P2), kaempferol 3-O-[(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-d-galactopyranoside-7-O-ß-d-glucuropyranoside (P5), and kaempferol 3-O-[(6-O-E-feruloyl)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-d-galactopyranoside-7-O-ß-d-glucuropyranoside (P7). We showed that none of the tested compounds affected NFE2L2 gene expression. Co-incubation with etoposide (1 µM) and kaempferol (10 and 50 µg/mL) leads to an increase in the expression of the HO-1 (9.49 and 9.33-fold at 10 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL, respectively), SOD1 (1.68-fold at 10 µg/mL), SOD2 (1.72-fold at 10-50 µg/mL), and NQO1 (1.84-fold at 50 µg/mL) genes in comparison to cells treated only with etoposide. The effect of kaempferol derivatives on gene expression differs depending on the derivative. All tested polyphenols increased the SOD activity in cells co-incubated with etoposide. We observed that the co-incubation of HL-60 cells with etoposide and kaempferol or derivative P7 increases the level of total glutathione in these cells. Taken together, our observations suggest that the antioxidant activity of kaempferol is related to the activation of antioxidant genes and proteins. Moreover, we observed that glycoside derivatives can have a different effect on the antioxidant cellular systems than kaempferol.

Thromboelastometric Analysis of Anticancer Cerrena unicolor Subfractions Reveal Their Potential as Fibrin Glue Drug Carrier Enhancers.

In this study, the influence of two subfractions (with previously proven anti-cancer properties) isolated from wood rot fungus Cerrena unicolor on the formation of a fibrin clot was investigated in the context of potential use as fibrin glue and sealant enhancers and potential wound healing agents. With the use of ROTEM thromboelastometry, we demonstrated that, in the presence of fibrinogen and thrombin, the S6 fraction accelerated the formation of a fibrin clot, had a positive effect on its elasticity modulus, and enhanced the degree of fibrin cross-linking. The S5 fraction alone showed no influence on the fibrin coagulation process; however, in the presence of fibrin, it exhibited a decrease in anti-proliferative properties against the HT-29 line, while it increased the proliferation of cells in general at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Both fractions retained their proapoptotic properties to a lesser degree. In combination with the S6 fraction in the ratio of 1:1 and 1:3, the fractions contributed to increased inhibition of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This may suggest anti-metastatic activity of the combined fractions. In conclusion, the potential of the fractions isolated from the C. unicolor secretome to be used as a means of improving the wound healing process was presented. The potential for delivering agents with cytostatic properties introduced far from the site of action or exerting a pro-proliferative effect at the wound site with the aid of a fibrin sealant was demonstrated.

Lensoside Aß as an Adjuvant to the Anti-Glioma Potential of Sorafenib.

AIM: The anti-glioma effect of lensoside Aß alone and in combination with sorafenib (pro-survival Raf kinase inhibitor) was evaluated for the first time in terms of programmed cell death induction in anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme cell lines as an experimental model. Apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis were identified microscopically (fluorescence and scanning microscopes) and confirmed by flow cytometry (mitochondrial membrane potential MMP and cell death). The expression of apoptotic (caspase 3) and autophagic markers (beclin 1) as well as Raf kinase were estimated by immunoblotting. The FTIR method was used to determine the interaction of the studied drugs with lipid and protein groups within cells, while the modes of drug action within the cells were assessed with the FLIM technique. RESULTS: Lensoside Aß itself does not exhibit anti-glioma activity but significantly enhances the anti-cancer potential of sorafenib, initiating mainly apoptosis of up to 90% of cells. It was correlated with an increased level of active caspase 3, a reduced MMP value, and a lower level of Raf kinase. The interaction with membrane structures led to morphological changes typical of programmed death. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that lensoside Aß plays an important role as an adjuvant in chemotherapy with sorafenib and may be a potential candidate in anti-glioma combination therapy.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activity of Phenolic Preparations of Diverse Composition, Obtained from Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson Leaf and Twig Extracts.

Although the major components of various organs of sea buckthorn have been identified (particularly phenolic compounds), biological properties of many of these phytochemicals still remain poorly characterized. In this study, we focused on the chemical composition and biological activity of preparations that were obtained from sea buckthorn twigs and leaves. The objective was to investigate cytotoxicity of these preparations against human fibroblast line HFF-1, using MTT reduction assay, their anti- or pro-oxidant activities against the effects of a biological oxidant -H2O2/Fe-on human plasma lipids and proteins in vitro (using TBARS and carbonyl groups as the markers of oxidative stress). Antimicrobial activity of the tested preparations against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), as well as against fungi (Candida albicans, C. glabrata) by the EUCAST-approved broth microdilution method, followed by growth on solid media, were also assessed. Our analysis showed significant differences in chemical composition and biological properties of the tested preparations (A-F). All tested preparations from sea buckthorn twigs (D-F) and one preparation from sea buckthorn leaves (preparation C) may be a new source of phenolic antioxidants for pharmacological and cosmetic applications.

Kaempferol and Its Glycoside Derivatives as Modulators of Etoposide Activity in HL-60 Cells.

Kaempferol is a polyphenol found in a variety of plants. Kaempferol exerts antitumor properties by affecting proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. We investigated whether kaempferol and its glycoside derivatives-kaempferol 3-O-[(6-O-E-caffeoyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-ß-D-glucuropyranoside (P2), kaempferol 3-O-[(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-ß-D-glucuropyranoside (P5) and kaempferol 3-O-[(6-O-E-feruloyl)-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-ß-D-glucuropyranoside (P7), isolated from aerial parts of Lens culinaris Medik.-affect the antitumor activity of etoposide in human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. We analyzed the effect of kaempferol and its derivatives on cytotoxicity, DNA damage, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and free radicals induced by etoposide. We demonstrated that kaempferol increases the sensitivity of HL-60 cells to etoposide but does not affect apoptosis induced by this drug. Kaempferol also reduces the level of free radicals generated by etoposide. Unlike kaempferol, some of its derivatives reduce the apoptosis of HL-60 cells (P2 and P7) and increase the level of free radicals (P2 and P5) induced by etoposide. Our results indicate that kaempferol and its glycoside derivatives can modulate the activity of etoposide in HL-60 cells and affect its antitumor efficacy in this way. Kaempferol derivatives may have the opposite effect on the action of etoposide in HL-60 cells compared to kaempferol.

Anti-Platelet Properties of Phenolic and Nonpolar Fractions Isolated from Various Organs of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson in Whole Blood.

Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) is a shrub growing in coastal areas. Its organs contain a range of bioactive substances including vitamins, fatty acids, various micro and macro elements, as well as phenolic compounds. Numerous studies of sea buckthorn have found it to have anticancer, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Some studies suggest that it also affects the hemostasis system. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of six polyphenols rich and triterpenic acids rich fractions (A-F), taken from various organs of sea buckthorn, on the activation of blood platelets using whole blood, and to assess the effect of the tested fractions on platelet proteins: fraction A (polyphenols rich fraction from fruits), fraction B (triterpenic acids rich fraction from fruits), fraction C (polyphenols rich fraction from leaves), fraction D (triterpenic acids rich fraction from leaves), fraction E (polyphenols rich fraction from twigs), and fraction F (triterpenic acids rich fraction from twigs). Hemostasis parameters were determined using flow cytometry and T-TAS (Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System). Additionally, electrophoresis was performed under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Although all tested fractions inhibit platelet activation, the greatest anti-platelet activity was demonstrated by fraction A, which was rich in flavonol glycosides. In addition, none of the tested fractions (A-F) caused any changes in the platelet proteome, and their anti-platelet potential is not dependent on the P2Y12 receptor.

Multidirectional effects of saponin fraction isolated from the leaves of sea buckthorn Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson.

Many studies show that saponins isolated from various plants have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells inducing apoptosis and autophagy. On the other hand, saponins also exhibit a number of beneficial properties, such as antioxidant properties. Thus, saponins can be considered both in terms of their therapeutic and protective effects during anticancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of the saponin fraction isolated from sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) leaves on the viability of HL-60 cancer cells using resazurin assay and its ability to induction of apoptosis with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. Moreover, we studied its effect on the oxidative stress induced by H2O2, and anti-platelet and anticoagulant potential in whole blood using T-TAS, a microchip-based flow chamber system. We observed that the saponin fraction significantly decreased the viability of HL-60 cells at the concentration above 50 µg/mL and induced apoptosis at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. Moreover, we observed that saponin fraction used at lower concentrations, such as 0.5 and 1 µg/mL, stimulated HL-60 cells and increased their viability. The saponin fraction also decreased the level of free radicals and reduced oxidative DNA damage measured by the comet assay. However, at high concentration of oxidant H2O2 equal 5 mM, we noticed that the saponin fraction at 50 µg/mL increased the level of free radicals in HL-60 cells. We also demonstrated anticoagulant potential of the saponin fraction at the concentration of 50 µg/mL. Our results indicate that the saponin fraction obtained from sea buckthorn leaves can show both chemotherapeutic and chemoprotective potential.

In vitro antiplatelet activity of extract and its fractions of Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112 leaves.

BACKGROUND: Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112, also known as Oxytree is a hybrid of Paulownia elongata and Paulownia fortunei, developed under laboratory conditions. Its seeds are sterile, making it a noninvasive variety that can only be propagated in the laboratory. In China, species from the Paulownia genus (Paulowniaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases, such as gonorrhea and erysipelas. It has a broad spectrum of bioactivity, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiphlogistic, antiviral, and cytotoxic actions. However, the antiplatelet potential of Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112 has not yet been described. STUDY DESIGN: The aim of our study was thus to examine the effect of an extract and four fractions from leaves of Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112 on various parameters of platelet activation in an in vitro model. METHODS: Composition of the investigated extract and fractions was determined by UHPLC-UV-MS. The following parameters of platelet activation were investigated: nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation in resting platelets; enzymatic lipid peroxidation (AA metabolism) in platelets activated by thrombin; superoxide anion (O2-.) generation in the resting and activated platelets; platelet adhesion to collagen type I and fibrinogen; platelet aggregation stimulated by various physiological agonists, such as ADP, collagen, and thrombin. The effect of the extract and fractions on extracellular LDH activity, a marker of cell damage, was also determined. RESULTS: Verbascoside a phenylethnanoid glycoside, was the main secondary metabolite of the extract from leaves of oxytree (constituting approximately 45 % of all compounds). There were also iridoids, such as catalpol, aucubin, and 7-hydroxytomentoside, as well as flavonoids, such as luteolin and apigenin glycosides. Moreover, the extract had stronger antiplatelet properties than the fractions. For example, the extract at 10 µg/mL inhibited five parameters of platelet activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112 leaves are a new valuable source of compounds with antiplatelet potential.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Hemostasis by Flavonoids from Lentil Aerial Parts.

While specific metabolites of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) seeds and their biological activity have been well described, other organs of this plant have attracted little scientific attention. In recent years, green parts of lentils have been shown to contain diverse acylated flavonoids. This work presents the results of the research on the effect of the crude extract, the phenolic fraction, and seven flavonoids obtained from aerial parts of lentils on oxidative damage induced by H2O2/Fe to lipid and protein constituents of human plasma. Another goal was to determine their effect on hemostasis parameters of human plasma in vitro. Most of the purified lentil flavonoids had antioxidant and anticoagulant properties. The crude extract and the phenolic fraction of lentil aerial parts showed antioxidant activity, only at the highest tested concentration (50 µg/mL). Our results indicate that aerial parts of lentils may be recommended as a source of bioactive substances.

Comparative Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Hemostatic Studies of Extract and Four Fractions from Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112 Leaves in Human Plasma.

Background: The Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112, known as oxytree or oxygen tree, is a hybrid clone of the species Paulownia elongata and Paulownia fortunei (Paulowniaceae). The oxytree is a fast-growing hybrid cultivar that can adapt to wide variations in edaphic and climate conditions. In this work, Paulownia Clone in Vitro 112 leaves were separated into an extract and four fractions (A-D) differing in chemical content in order to investigate their chemical content using LC-MS analysis. The extract and fractions were also evaluated for their anticoagulant and antioxidant properties in a human plasma in vitro. Results: The Paulownia leaf extract contained mainly phenolic compounds (e.g., verbascoside), small amounts of iridoids (e.g., aucubin or 7-hydroxytometoside) and triterpenoids (e.g., maslinic acid) were also detected. Our results indicate that the extract and fractions have different effects on oxidative stress in human plasma treated with H2O2/Fe in vitro, which could be attributed to differences in their chemical content. For example, the extract and all the fractions, at the two highest concentrations of 10 and 50 µg/mL, significantly inhibited the plasma lipid peroxidation induced by H2O2/Fe. Fractions C and D, at all tested concentrations (1-50 µg/mL) were also found to protect plasma proteins against H2O2/Fe-induced carbonylation. The positive effects of fraction C and D were dependent on the dose. Conclusions: The extract and all four fractions, but particularly fractions C and D, which are rich in phenolic compounds, are novel sources of antioxidants, with an inhibitory effect on oxidative stress in human plasma in vitro. Additionally, the antioxidant potential of fraction D may be associated with triterpenoids.

LC/MS Analysis of Saponin Fraction from the Leaves of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson and Its Biological Properties in Different In Vitro Models.

This study focuses on saponin fraction from sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) leaves. It has known that for example teas from sea buckthorn leaves have anti-obesity properties. The objective of our present experiments was to investigate both the chemical composition of saponin fraction, as well as their biological properties in different in vitro models (using human plasma, blood platelets, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)). We observed that saponin fraction reduces plasma lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation induced by H2O2/Fe. This fraction also decreased DNA oxidative damage induced by H2O2 in PBMCs. Regarding the cytotoxicity of saponin fraction (0.5-50 µg/mL) none was found to cause lysis of blood platelets, and PBMCs. Our results, for the first time indicate that saponin fraction from sea buckthorn leaves may be a new promising source of compounds for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Phenolic and Non-Polar Fractions of the Extracts from Fruits, Leaves, and Twigs of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson-The Implications for Human Barrier Cells.

Biological potential of plant extracts are widely described. Because their oral or topical administration is usually recommended, intestinal mucous and skin are the first surfaces exposed to such preparations. Therefore, we asked the question whether phenolic and non-polar fractions of the extracts from fruits, twigs, and leaves of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) would be able to modulate the functions of human physiological barrier. The study was carried on caucasian colon epithelial-like Caco-2 cells and human foreskin fibroblasts HFF-1 line. Cell secretory activity (ELISA), the expression of cell surface molecules (flow cytometry), cell migration during wound healing in vitro (scratch assay) were assessed. It was demonstrated for the first time, that sea buckthorn extracts can improve intestinal and skin barrier by increasing of ICAM-1 expression on colon epithelial cells and intensification of IL-8 production by fibroblasts. On the other hand, an inhibition of fibroblasts migration in the presence of those preparations was noted. Therefore, greater attention should be paid on precise description of plant extracts effect depended on target cells and their role to give adequate recommendations for such preparations use.

Activity of Saponins from Medicago Species against Phytoparasitic Nematodes.

Content of bioactive saponins of Medicago species suggests that they may also exert, as previously demonstrated on M. sativa, nematicidal properties exploitable for the formulation of new products for sustainable phytoparasitic nematode management. This study was addressed to highlight the bioactivity of saponins from five different Medicago species still poorly known for their biological efficacy, i.e., M. heyniana, M. hybrida, M. lupulina, M. murex and M. truncatula, against the plant parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, Xiphinema index and Globodera rostochiensis. The bioactivity of the extracts from the five Medicago species was assessed by in vitro assays on the juveniles (J2) and eggs of M. incognita and G. rostochiensis and the adult females of X. index. The suppressiveness to M. incognita of soil treatments with the Medicago plant biomasses was also investigated in a tomato experiment. The nematicidal activity of the five Medicago species was reported and discussed in relation to their phytochemical profile.