Partial Purification of Glutathione S-transferase Enzyme From the Seed of Mallow (Malva Slyvestris L.) and Investigation of the Inhibition Kinetics of Some Heavy Metals.

Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) enzyme is abundant in mammals, insects, fish and microorganisms, as well as in various tissues of these species, particularly in tissues exposed to xenobiotics from the environment. As a result, the enzyme execute detoxifying function by scavenging a diverse range of xenobiotics, such as chemotherapeutic medicines, environmental carcinogens and endogenous compounds. In this study, GST enzyme was partially purified from mallow (Malva slyvestris L.) seed for the first time and the kinetic parameters were determined. The optimum ionic intensity was found in 400 mM Tris-Buffer, optimum pH: 7.0, and optimum substrate concentration was determined as 0.2 mM. One of the biggest reasons for deterioration of ecological balance in nature is heavy metal accumulation in soil, air and water which becomes a major threat to the vital activities of living things. In this study, inhibitory effects of Cd+ 2, Ag+, Zn+ 2 and Fe+ 3 heavy metals, which are common in nature, on mallow seed glutathione S-transferase enzyme were investigated. Each heavy metal showed micromolar inhibitory effects on enzyme activity. IC50 values of the metals were calculated as 60.93, 74.602, 178.22 and 369 µM, respectively.

The phytochemical profiling, pharmacological activities, and safety of malva sylvestris: a review.

Malva sylvestris is a plant commonly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The leaves and flowers of this plant have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, cold, diarrhoea, and constipation. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical profiling and pharmacologic activities of Malva sylvestris. The techniques used in phytochemical profiling and the pharmacologic activity of each compound were extracted from the included studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. The phytochemical analysis of Malva sylvestris revealed that the leaves and flowers are the most commonly used parts of the plant and contain various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, mucilages, terpenoids, phenol derivatives, coumarins, sterols, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. These phytochemicals are responsible for the many pharmacological activities of Malva sylvestris, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, laxative, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. This review has presented an overview of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and the cytotoxic effects of Malva sylvestris on different types of cancer cells. It has also summarised the work on developing copper oxide nanoparticles using Malva sylvestris leaf extract and its potential use in food and medicine. This review aims to highlight the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and safety of Malva sylvestris.

Self-Adhesive and Antioxidant Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)/Alginate-Based Bilayer Films Loaded with Malva sylvestris Extracts as Potential Skin Dressings.

Malva sylvestris (MS) is a medicinal herb known worldwide for its beneficial effects due to the several active molecules present in its leaves and flowers. These compounds have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and thus can be helpful in treatments of burns and chronic wounds, characterized mainly by high levels of free radicals and impairments of the inflammatory response. In this work, we propose bilayer films as wound dressings, based on poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and sodium alginate loaded with M. sylvestris extracts from leaves and flowers and fabricated by combining solvent-casting and rod-coating methods. The top layer is produced in two different PVP/alginate ratios and loaded with the MS flowers' extract, while the bottom layer is composed of PVP and MS leaves' extract. The bilayers were characterized morphologically, chemically, and mechanically, while they showed superior self-adhesive properties on human skin compared to a commercial skin patch. The materials showed antioxidant activity, release of the bioactive compounds, and water uptake property. Moreover, the anthocyanin content of the flower extract provided the films with the ability to change color when immersed in buffers of different pH levels. In vitro tests using primary keratinocytes demonstrated the biocompatibility of the MS bilayer materials and their capacity to enhance the proliferation of the cells in a wound scratch model. Finally, the best performing MS bilayer sample with a PVP/alginate ratio of 70:30 was evaluated in mice models, showing suitable resorption properties and the capacity to reduce the level of inflammatory mediators in UVB-induced burns when applied to an open wound. These outcomes suggest that the fabricated bilayer films loaded with M. sylvestris extracts are promising formulations as active and multifunctional dressings for treating skin disorders.

Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed.

Hair loss by excessive stress from work and lifestyle changes has become a growing concern, particularly among young individuals. However, most drugs for alopecia impose a plethora of side effects. We have found the powerful impact of Malva verticillata seed extracts on alleviating hair loss. This study further isolated effective chemicals in M. verticillata seed extracts by liquid silica gel column chromatography. Under the screening for the growth rate (%) of human follicles dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), we identified linoleic acid (LA) and oleic acid in n-hexane of M. verticillate (MH)2 fraction. LA treatment activated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and induced HFDPCs growth by increasing the expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. LA treatment also increased several growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, hepatocyte growth factor, and keratinocyte growth factor, in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, LA significantly inhibited Dickkopf-related protein expression (DKK-1), a primary alopecia signaling by dihydrotestosterone. Our findings suggest that LA treatment may alleviate a testosterone-induced signaling molecule and induces HFDPCs growth by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Efficacy of Short Term Topical Malva Sylvestris L. Cream in Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory pruritic dermatologic disease in children. Malva sylvestris L. (M. sylvestris) is a medicinal plant, which is used as a remedy for eczema in traditional Persian medicine. Previous studies have shown the anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of this plant. OBJECTIVE: We designed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of topical cream of the M. sylvestris extract in the management of children with AD. METHODS: Fifty-one children with AD were randomly enrolled in two arms of a randomized, double- blind, controlled clinical trial. They were treated by topical cream of the M. sylvestris extract or placebo for a palm-sized surface (single fingertip unit, twice daily) for 4 weeks. The SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score was set as the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the severity of participants' dermatitis regarding skin thickening score, redness score, and total SCORAD score of the M. sylvestris group as compared with the placebo group (P= 0.009, P=0.01, and P=0.03; respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this clinical trial, it could be concluded that the topical use of M. sylvestris extract cream was effective in the reduction of AD symptoms in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the code: IRCT20170107031814N2.

Malva sylvestris derivatives as inhibitors of HIV-1 BaL infection.

The emphasis of the present study is to evaluate a natural product and the potential microbicide activity using a dual chamber infection method. Malva sylvestris extracts and fractions were screened for anti-HIV activity by measuring the virus-antibody neutralization. Plant extracts with strong antiviral activity working in nanomolar or picomolar range can be used to enhance the activity of synthetic compounds and work as anti-HIV agents. The aqueous fraction (AF) of M. sylvestris demonstrated antiviral activity in a model with epithelial and blood cell lines. The AF showed an effective antiviral potential on the TZM-bl cells with reduction scores higher than 60% of infectivity. Quantification of p24 in the supernatant of the co-culture model demonstrated a reduction in the number of viral particles after AF treatment (p < 0.05). Cytokines were quantified and all signaling inflammatory markers; IL1-alpha, IL-beta, IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF (p < 0.05) were modulated by positive control and AF treatments. In particular, IL-6 had lower levels of expression in Malva groups when compared to the Zidovudine positive control group. Natural occurring derivatives of M. sylvestris demonstrated to work inhibiting reverse transcriptase enzyme action. M. sylvestris contains highly potential anti-HIV-1 BaL components and may be considered a potential source for new formulations in the development of topical microbicides.

Anti-arthritic and anti- inflammatory effects of extract and fractions of Malva parviflora in a mono- arthritis model induced with kaolin/carrageenan.

Malva parviflora is used as food in the gastronomy of some regions of Mexico and, also, in Mexican traditional medicine for inflammation-related conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The objective of this work was to evaluate its antiarthritic activity in a mice model. In ICR, female mice were tested the dichloromethane extract (MpD) and fractions MpF4 (extracted with a dichoromethane:methanol system) and MpFphy (a precipitate by acetone:methanol) by using the mono-arthritis with kaolin/carrageenan model. During the treatment, joint inflammation was measured daily, and hyperalgesia was measured using the hot plate test. The treatments diminished both joint inflammation and pain. At the end of the evaluation, the left joint and spleen were extracted for determination of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that the MpD, MpF4, and MpFphy treatments modulated the concentration of these proteins. Specifically, MpFphy at 1.0 mg/kg increased IL-4 and IL-10 and decreased IL-17, IL-1ß, and TNF-α. GC-MS analysis showed that MpF4 contained a mixture of a total of nine compounds, three of them newly reported for the species. The studies confirmed the presence of five sterols in the MpFphy fraction, including stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol. These results confirm the anti-rheumatoid and anti-inflammatory activities of a fraction rich in sterols from Malva parviflora. Graphical abstract.

Effect of dry medicinal plants (wormwood, chamomile, fumitory and mallow) on in vitro ruminal antioxidant capacity and fermentation patterns of sheep.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dry medicinal plants (wormwood, chamomile, fumitory and mallow) and dietary substrates containing a mix of the plants on the end products of in vitro ruminal and intestinal fermentation, rumen protozoan population and ruminal antioxidant capacity of sheep. The experiment consisted of fermentations with the four plants used individually as the sole substrate and fermentation of a mix of medicinal plants (Plants): meadow hay:barley grain (MH:B), 700/300 w/w and Plants:MH:B, 100/600/300 w/w/w. The experiment was conducted using the in vitro gas production technique (IVGPT) with 35 ml of buffered inocula and approximately 250 mg (DM basis) of substrate incubated for 24 hr at 39°C in anaerobic conditions. Quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry in Plants identified three main groups: flavonoids (22 mg/g DM), phenolic acids (15 mg/g DM) and alkaloids (3 mg/g DM). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the plant extracts and rumen fluid was analysed using a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The values of total and individual short-chain fatty acids, acetate:propionate ratio, pH and total gas production were significantly affected by the single plant substrates and inocula (p < .001). Apart from these parameters, the values of ammonia N, methane production and total gas produced were decreased in Plants:MH:B in comparison with MH:B (p < .001). A positive correlation was recorded between total polyphenols content and TAC of plant extracts (R2  = .778, p < .001). The counts of the total ciliate protozoan population in rumen fluid after 24 hr of fermentation were not significantly different (p > .05). Results suggest that the dietary substrate containing the medicinal plant mix possessed strong ruminal antioxidant capacity, had the potential to reduce methane emission and ammonia concentration and caused desirable changes in the gastrointestinal ecosystem.

Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications.

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.

Extract of common mallow (Malvae sylvestris) enhances growth, immunity, and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings against Yersinia ruckeri infection.

The dietary effects of a native medicinal plant from Iran, common mallow (Malvae sylvestris), was evaluated on growth performance, innate immune parameters, mucosal immune parameters, and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Yersinia ruckeri. Therefore, 360 fish (initial weight 10.42 ± 0.09 g) were randomly distributed into 12 fiberglass tanks. Experimental diets supplemented with 0 (as control- C), 1% (M1), 3% (M2) and 5% (M3) levels of M. sylvestris flowers extract were fed to the fish based on 3% of body weight for 8 weeks. At the terminal sampling, growth performance, liver and digestive enzymes activities, blood and mucosal immune responses were determined. Results showed that M2 and M3 had greater final weight, weight gain, SGR, survival rate and lower FCR; higher levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and lower cortisol levels in comparison to control; 5% extract also lowered cholesterol and glucose levels as well as Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. We reported higher values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and lymphocytes for treated groups. Innate immune responses (Alternative complement activity (ACH50) in M2 and M3 group, total Immunoglobulin (Ig) and lysozyme in M3), mucosal immune parameters (ACH50, total Ig for M2 and M3 group and lysozyme in all treated groups) were enhanced. Activities of digestive enzymes (protease in all treated groups, amylase for 3 and 5%, while lipase only for 5%) and lower activity of liver ALT enzyme in individuals treated with highest dose was observed. Overall results indicated that the extract can positively affect growth performance and immune responses of rainbow trout.

Phytochemical analysis and wound healing studies on ethnomedicinally important plant Malva neglecta Wallr.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVENCE: The use of herbal medicines is increasing in developed countries as alternative and/or supportive therapy to conventional health care medicines. Malva neglecta Wallr. (Family: Malvaceae) has been reported as wound healing remedy in traditional medicines, however no experimental data is available on its wound healing potentials. The aim of this study was to explore phytochemistry and validate wound healing potentials of the plant using animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: M. neglecta crude methanolic extract (Mn.Cme) was chemically characterized using HPLC-DAD and GCMS analysis. Acute dermal toxicity was determined in albino rats following Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 402 established standards. Wound healing potentials were evaluated in rats using excision wound model. Wounds (177 mm2) were made by an excision on the skin of rats which were placed individually in cages. Mn.Cme was formulated in ointment form and was applied topically onto the wound area once daily for 14 days. The wound area was measured with translucent paper and thereafter estimated on a 1 mm2 graph sheet every 3rd day until epithelialization and complete wound closure was recorded. Wound contraction was calculated as a percentage of the original wound size. Antioxidant potentials were also evaluated via FRAP, DPPH and H2O2 free radicals scavenging assays. RESULTS: HPLC-DAD analysis revealed 25 phenolic compounds with higher amounts of hydrotyrosol (109.3 mg/g), coumaroylhexoside (97.4 mg/g), kaempferol-3-(p-coumaroyldiglucoside)-7-glucoside (37.2 mg/g), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (31.5 mg/g) and epicatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl)-gallate (31.3 mg/g). In GC-MS analysis, oleic acid (19.67%), taurine (17.60%), ethylene dimercaptan (14.67%), isoeugenol (14.61%), patchoulane (10.36%), methyl 12-methyltetradecanoate (8.47%) and isopropyl myristate (7.02%) were highly abundant compounds. No sign of toxicity was observed in the acute dermal toxicity test. Our test sample (Mn.Cme) exhibited considerable wound healing tendency at all doses (1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g per 10 g of ointment base) with reduced epithelialization period in a dose-related manner. Absolute healing was observed after application of 2 g of Mn.Cme ointment. Further, Mn.Cme exhibited considerable anti-radical potential in all assays. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that M. neglecta possess very potent secondary metabolites which are previously reported for wound healing potentials. The plant has considerable antioxidant and wound healing properties and thus warrant further studies to uncover the molecular mechanism its wound healing potentials.

A Malva parviflora´s fraction prevents the deleterious effects resulting from neuroinflammation.

Neuroinflammation, a centralized immune response, is a physiological process by which the organism attempts to remove an injurious stimulus in the central nervous system. Nonetheless, it is known that chronic inflammatory processes play an important role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Based on this, new strategies to treat AD have been proposed. Among them, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decreases the incidence of this disease. Unfortunately, the prolonged use of NSAIDs results in adverse secondary effects. In this context, plants secondary metabolites have become of great interest. Particularly, our group has demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract of Malva parviflora (MpHA) has anti-inflammatory effect and is capable of improving the cognitive deficit present in an AD model. To further characterize the Malva parviflora compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, here we generated a fraction from a dichloromethane extract, which constitutes a less complex mix of compounds than the MpHA. This approach allowed us to isolate a fraction (MpF10) with anti-inflammatory activity, able to ameliorate the spatial learning and memory impairment, and to reduce both astrogliosis as well as IL-1ß and TNF production in a murine model of LPS-mediated neuroinflammation. Among the identified compounds in the MpF10, we found daucosterol (MpDau), which prevented LPS-induced neuroinflammation. Interestingly, MpF10 and MpDau inhibit NFκB activity in macrophages exposed to LPS. Therefore, we propose that the compounds present in the MpF10 represent an alternative to treat neuroinflammation, an important process developed during neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Optimization of the extraction of polyphenols and antioxidant activity from Malva parviflora L. leaves using Box-Behnken design.

Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction conditions of polyphenols from Malva (Malva parviflora L.) leaves. The effect of ethanol concentration (20-80%), solvent/leaf powder ratio (10:1 to 30:1, v/w) and extraction time (5-45 min) on the polyphenols yield and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the obtained extracts were investigated. Quadratic models fit well. The optimal conditions (53.40% ethanol, solvent/leaf powder ratio 20:1 (v/w), and 15 min) resulted in an extract with a maximum yield of polyphenols (1098.4 mg GAE/100 g leaf powder) and high inhibition percentage of DPPH radical (33.31%) with desirability 0.742. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that the major identified polyphenol compounds extracted at the optimal conditions were naringenin, ρ-coumaric acid, apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin, and cinnamic acid. These findings indicate that M. parviflora leaf extracts possess DPPH radical scavenging activity and could be used as a natural source for bioactive products.

Amelioration of renal and hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammation and histopathologic damages by Malva sylvestris extract in gentamicin induced renal toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Gentamycin, contrary to its wide range of antimicrobial effects, has a high potential for nephrotoxicity, and renal injury can have effects on other organs such as the liver. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of hydro alcoholic Malva sylvestris(MS) extract on nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin, and also its remote organ injury in the liver. METHODS: Renal and hepatic functions were evaluated through measurement of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma. Oxidative stress was assessed through measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) levels, and histopathologic injuries were evaluated using H & E stained sections. For evaluation of inflammation, TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels were measured in the renal tissue using Real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Gentamicin resulted in an increase in the levels of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, AST, ALT, and ALP in the plasma, as well as an increase in TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels in the renal tissue, renal and hepatic histopathologic injuries and MDA level, and a decrease in FRAP. Administration of MS led to improvement in the function of kidney and liver, a decrease in the expression levels of proinflammatory factors, reduction of oxidative stress, and also a decrease in tissue injuries. CONCLUSION: MS extract can protect the kidney against toxic effects of gentamicin, and thus, the degree of harmful effects of nephrotoxicity on remote organs including the liver will be decreased.

Synergistic Effect of Two Major Components of Malva verticillata in the Recovery of Alloxan-Damaged Pancreatic Islet Cells in Zebrafish.

Malva verticillata (Chinese mallow) has long been used in traditional medicines and herbal teas in Asia. The n-BuOH fraction (Fr) from M. verticillata promoted significant recovery of alloxan-damaged (AXD) pancreatic islets (PIs) in zebrafish (ZF). Two major components were isolated from M. verticillata through repeated-column chromatography. Based on several spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), the chemical structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined. In addition, the quantity of both compounds in the n-BuOH Fr was investigated through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the quantities of compounds 1 and 2 in the n-BuOH Fr were determined to be 5.58% ± 0.16% and 2.85% ± 0.13%, respectively. The n-BuOH Fr, compounds 1 and 2, and the mixture of compounds 1 and 2 (MX, 1 and 2, the ratio of both compounds in n-BuOH Fr, 1.96:1) were evaluated for their ability to recover AXD PIs and for their KATP channel-blocking mechanism using diazoxide in ZF. The n-BuOH Fr (10 µg/mL) and compounds 1 and MX (1 µg/mL) exhibited a recovery effect on AXD PIs. The n-BuOH Fr (10 µg/mL) and MX (1 µg/mL) were also confirmed to be useful KATP channel activators. A synergistic effect of MX in the recovery of AXD PIs was first confirmed in ZF, and it was discovered that 2 acted as an insulin sensitivity activator that increased the activity of compound 1.

Ovicidal and larvicidal activity of extracts from medicinal-plants against Haemonchus contortus.

The use of medicinal plants (MP) containing bioactive compounds is an alternative strategy to control of parasitic nematode of small ruminants Haemonchus contortus at various stages of their life cycle. The aims of this study were to determine the in vitro anthelmintic activity of both aqueous and methanolic extracts from 13 medicinal plants typical for Central Europe, and to determine quantity of selected plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) in the methanolic extracts. In vitro egg hatch test and larval development tests were conducted to determine the possible anthelmintic effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the roots of Althaea officinalis L., Petasites hybridus L. and Inula helenium L.; flowers of Malva sylvestris L. and Chamomilla recutita L.; leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L.; seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and stems of Solidago virgaurea L., Fumaria officinalis L., Hyssopus officinalis L., Melisa officinalis L. and Artemisia absinthium L. on eggs and larvae of H. contortus. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy was used for quantifying six PSMs: gallic acid (GA), rutin (RU), diosmin (DI), hesperidin (HE), quercetin (QU) and kaempferol (KA). RU content of the most effective methanolic extracts was in the order: M. sylvestris (9.33 mg/g DM) > A. absinthium (6.10 mg/g DM) > C. recutita (0.42 mg/g DM). The highest concentration of QU (44.8 mg/g DM) and KA (6.59 mg/g DM) were detected in stems of F. officinalis comparing to the other evaluated plants. The most significant (p < 0.05) anthelmintic effects exhibited methanolic extracts of A. absinthium in both in vitro tests (i.e., egg hatch test and larval development test). Additionally, only two methanolic extracts of C. recutita and M. sylvestris were comparable to activity of A. absinthium using the larval development test. Wider spectrum of aqueous extracts exhibited stronger ovicidal activity in comparison to methanolic extracts. The similar trend was observed in evaluating of larvicidal activity of aqueous and methanolic plant extracts.

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Microbiological Safety and Phytochemical Properties of Cooked Malva sylvestris L.

Nowadays, recent studies have demonstrated that plant-derived foods were characterized by their richness in bioactive phytochemicals and their consumption has a protective effect for human health. The effects of ionizing radiation on phytochemical properties of cooked Malva sylvestris L. (Mallow) were investigated. Irradiation increased significantly (P<0.05) the total polyphenols and flavonoids content of cooked Mallow. Irradiation at 2 and 4 kGy doses resulted in a significant increase in the DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging ability of cooked Mallow extracts. There was no significant change on carbohydrate, lipid, ash, and protein content. While the mineral composition of K and Na was affected slightly after irradiation, the amounts of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Z, and Cu remain unaffected at 2 kGy and reduced slightly at 4 kGy. The antimicrobial activity was unaffected after irradiation. Postirradiation storage studies showed that the cooked irradiated Mallow was microbiologically safe even after 20 days of storage period. Sensory properties of cooked irradiated Mallow were unaffected by the treatment. This study supports that cooking process followed by gamma irradiation did not compromise the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of Mallow.

Reduction of cisplatin-induced renal and hepatic side effects in rat through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Malva sylvestris L. extract.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is widely used in the chemotherapy of solid organ cancers. However, its application is associated with serious side effects in various organs including the kidneys and liver. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mallow extract on the side effects of cisplatin in the kidneys and liver. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extract of mallow, at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg BW, was administered to the animals for seven days intraperitoneally (ip). Animals in the Cis + Mallow group received a dose of cisplatin (8 mg/kg, ip) on the third day. Renal and hepatic functional disturbances were evaluated by measuring concentrations of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the plasma. In order to assess oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were measured in the kidney tissue. Then, degree of mRNA expressions of TNF-α and ICAM-1 were measured to examine renal inflammation. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) staining of kidney and liver tissues was performed to study tissue damage and leukocyte infiltration. RESULTS: Cisplatin increased levels of plasma creatinine, urea-nitrogen, AST, and ALT; levels of tissue damage and leukocytes infiltration in the kidneys and liver; and MDA level and expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the kidney tissue. Meanwhile, it decreased FRAP level in the kidney tissue. Pretreatment by mallow extract resulted in significant improvement in all measured variables although 200-mg and 400-mg doses yielded better results. CONCLUSION: Results showed that mallow supplement protects the kidneys and liver against side effects of cisplatin, and reduces the resultant oxidative stress and inflammation.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using flower extract of Malva sylvestris and investigation of their antibacterial activity.

High-quality colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesised via a green approach by using hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris. Silver nitrate was used as a substrate ion while the plant extract successfully played the role of reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesised nanoparticles were carefully characterised by using transmission electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. The maximum absorption wavelengths of the colloidal solutions synthesised using 70 and 96% ethanol and 100% methanol, as extraction solvents, were 430, 485 and 504 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the size distribution of nanoparticles depended on the used solvent. The best particle size distribution belonged to the nanoparticles synthesised by 70% ethanol extract, which was 20-40 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was studied on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations assays. The best antibacterial activity obtained for the AgNPs produced by using 96% ethanolic extract.

Glycosyl glycerides from the aerial parts of Malva verticillata and their chemopreventive effects.

A new glycosyl glyceride (5) along with twelve known ones (1-4 and 6-13) including two sulfoquinovosyl glycerides (1 and 2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Malva verticillata. Based on several spectroscopic methods, compound 5 was identified to be (2S)-1-O-ß-d-galactopyranosyl-3-O-isostearoyl glyceride, and named malvaglycolipid A. Compounds 1 and 2 contained a unique sugar, (6-deoxy-6-sulfo)-α-d-glucopyranose, which very rarely occurs in natural sources. This is the first report for the isolation of compounds 1 and 2 from natural sources and the structure determination using NMR experiment. It was also of note that no glycosyl glyceride has previously been isolated from the family of Malvaeae. Most glycosyl glycerides showed cytotoxicity to HepG2, AGS, HCT-15, and A549 human cancer cells. Especially, compounds 1, 2, and 11 exhibited significant cytotoxicity to AGS cells, with IC50 values of 33.7 ±â€¯0.64 µM, 11.1 ±â€¯0.07 µM, and 10.6 ±â€¯0.10 µM, respectively. The n-BuOH fraction and compounds 1, 2, and 11 increased the number of apoptotic cells in the Tali assay and had a significant effect on the levels of proteins related to apoptosis including PARP, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, and ß-actin.