Nigella sativa, Anthemis hyaline and Citrus sinensis extracts reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication by fluctuating Rho GTPase, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK/ERK pathways in HeLa-CEACAM1a cells.

Traditional remedies have long utilized Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, and Citrus sinensis peel extracts as treatments for microbial infections. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, and Citrus sinensis extracts on coronavirus replication and apoptosis-related pathways. HeLa-CEACAM1a cells were exposed to mouse hepatitis virus-A59. After viral inoculation, the mRNA levels of 36 genes were quantified using a Fluidigm Dynamic Array nanofluidic chip. IL-8 level and intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured, and viral titer was assessed by the TCID50/ml assay to detect the extent of infection. Treatment with Nigella sativa extract surged the inflammatory cytokine IL-8 level at both 24 and 48-hour. Changes in gene expression were notable for RHOA, VAV3, ROCK2, CFL1, RASA1, and MPRIP genes following treatment with any of the extracts. The addition of Anthemis hyaline, Nigella sativa, or Citrus sinensis extracts to coronavirus-infected cells reduced viral presence, with Anthemis hyaline extract leading to a virtually undetectable viral load at 6- and 8-hours after infection. While all treatments influenced IL-8 production and viral levels, Anthemis hyaline extract displayed the most pronounced reduction in viral load. Consequently, Anthemis hyaline extract emerges as the most promising agent, harboring potential therapeutic compounds.

Anthemis tricolor Containing Unusual Totarol with Cytotoxic and Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibitory Activity.

Anthemis tricolor is an endemic species of Cyprus, and there is very limited information on its chemistry and pharmacological activities. The study aims to identify the in-vitro cytotoxic and acetylcholinesterase activities of Anthemis tricolor. The compounds responsible for the activities were also identified. Potent extracts of A. tricolor were subjected to preparative isolation and spectral structure determination studies. The chloroform extract contained many components, and due to the small quantity of extract available, enough pure compound(s) cannot be obtained for structure determination studies, though the n-hexane extract afforded two known compounds, totarol (1) and taraxasterol (2). The structures of the compounds (1 and 2) were determined by 1 H and 13 C NMR experiments. The pure compounds were also tested for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties. For compound 1, the IC50 value was found to be 87.88 µg/mL. However, no inhibition was seen for 2. Anthemis tricolor was established to be a valuable source of pharmacologically active compounds and requires further studies.

Species composition of root-associated mycobiome of ruderal invasive Anthemis cotula L. varies with elevation in Kashmir Himalaya / La composición de especies del micobioma asociado a las raíces de la invasora ruderal Anthemis cotula L. varía con la elevación en Cachemira Himalaya

Investigating the microbial communities associated with invasive plant species can provide insights into how these species establish and thrive in new environments. Here, we explored the fungal species associated with the roots of the invasive species Anthemis cotula L. at 12 sites with varying elevations in the Kashmir Himalaya. Illumina MiSeq platform was used to identify the species composition, diversity, and guild structure of these root-associated fungi. The study found a total of 706 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 8 phyla, 20 classes, 53 orders, 109 families, and 160 genera associated with roots of A. cotula, with the most common genus being Funneliformis. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constituted the largest guild at higher elevations. The study also revealed that out of the 12 OTUs comprising the core mycobiome, 4 OTUs constituted the stable component while the remaining 8 OTUs comprised the dynamic component. While α-diversity did not vary across sites, significant variation was noted in β-diversity. The study confirmed the facilitative role of the microbiome through a greenhouse trial in which a significant effect of soil microbiome on height, shoot biomass, root biomass, number of flower heads, and internal CO2 concentration of the host plant was observed. The study indicates that diverse fungal mutualists get associated with this invasive alien species even in nutrient-rich ruderal habitats and may be contributing to its spread into higher elevations. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of root-associated fungi in invasion dynamics and the potential use of mycobiome management strategies to control invasive species.(AU)

Species composition of root-associated mycobiome of ruderal invasive Anthemis cotula L. varies with elevation in Kashmir Himalaya.

Investigating the microbial communities associated with invasive plant species can provide insights into how these species establish and thrive in new environments. Here, we explored the fungal species associated with the roots of the invasive species Anthemis cotula L. at 12 sites with varying elevations in the Kashmir Himalaya. Illumina MiSeq platform was used to identify the species composition, diversity, and guild structure of these root-associated fungi. The study found a total of 706 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 8 phyla, 20 classes, 53 orders, 109 families, and 160 genera associated with roots of A. cotula, with the most common genus being Funneliformis. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constituted the largest guild at higher elevations. The study also revealed that out of the 12 OTUs comprising the core mycobiome, 4 OTUs constituted the stable component while the remaining 8 OTUs comprised the dynamic component. While α-diversity did not vary across sites, significant variation was noted in ß-diversity. The study confirmed the facilitative role of the microbiome through a greenhouse trial in which a significant effect of soil microbiome on height, shoot biomass, root biomass, number of flower heads, and internal CO2 concentration of the host plant was observed. The study indicates that diverse fungal mutualists get associated with this invasive alien species even in nutrient-rich ruderal habitats and may be contributing to its spread into higher elevations. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of root-associated fungi in invasion dynamics and the potential use of mycobiome management strategies to control invasive species.

Isolation and Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Actinomycetota from the Medicinal Plant, Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss.

Antibiotic resistance is rising dramatically worldwide, and thus the production of new antibiotics is indispensable. Recent scientific initiatives have focused on the bioprospecting of microorganisms' secondary metabolites, with a particular focus on the look for natural products with antimicrobial properties derived from endophytes. All plant species, regardless of their type, are thought to anchor endophytic bacteria (EB). There are many potential uses for the natural therapeutic compounds made by EB in medicine, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. To investigate antibacterial properties in this study, Actinomycetota (formerly, Actinobacteria) were isolated from Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss., identified, and underwent bioprospecting by morphological and molecular methods. Samples were collected from Ilam, Iran, and then divided into roots, leaves, stems, and flowers. After disinfection, they were cut into 2 mm pieces, cultured on casein agar culture medium, and incubated at 28ºC for up to four weeks. Actinomycetota was identified using the polymerase chain reaction method targeting the 16S rRNA gene. To evaluate the antibacterial properties of the isolated Actinomycetota, the agar diffusion method was used. In parallel, the frequencies of biosynthetic gene clusters, including polyketide synthase (PKS-I and PKS-II) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes, were determined in the isolated Actinomycetota. Ninety bacteria were isolated from different parts of Anthemis flowers. Thirty-eight (42.2%) of these bacteria belonged to the phylum Actinomycetota, and out of these 38, 15 isolates (39.5%) had antibacterial properties. Of these, 11 isolates (73.3%) exhibited antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, 2 (13.3%) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 3 (20%) against Escherichia coli, and two isolates (13.3%) against Salmonella enterica sub-species of enterica serovar Typhimurium. The results of the molecular analysis of PKS-I, PKS-II, and NRPS genes showed that out of 38 isolated Actinomycetota strains, 23 isolates (60.5%) carried PKS-I gene, 6 (15.8%) harbored PKS-II gene, and 20 isolates (52.6%) had NRPS gene. This study indicates that Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. has a number of active Actinomycetota that produce secondary metabolites with antibacterial properties.

Cytotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cota tinctoria (L) J. Gay on AGS and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines / Efecto citotóxico del extracto hidroalcohólico de Cota tinctoria (L) J. Gay sobre líneas celulares de cáncer AGS y Hep-G2

Cota tinctoria is a medicinal plant which has been used for management of cancer in folk medicine of various regions. The aim of present study is to investigate cytotoxic activity of different concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of C. tinctoria flowers on gastric (AGS) and liver (Hep-G2) cancer cell lines as well as Human Natural GUM fibroblast (HUGU) cells. Cell mortality rates were examined after 24, 48 and 72 h incubations using the MTT assay. IC50of extract on AGS cells after 24, 48 and 72h was 1.46, 1.29 and 1.14 µg/mL respectively. The extract demonstrated IC50 of 5.15, 3.92 and 2.89 µg/mL on Hep-G2 cells after 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. No cytotoxic effect was detected on HUGU (Human Natural GUM fibroblast) cells. C. tinctoria seems to have a promising potential to be considered as a source for anticancer drug discovery. However, more experimental and clinical studies are required.

Cota tinctoria es una planta medicinal que se ha utilizado para el tratamiento del cáncer en la medicina popular de varias regiones. El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar la actividad citotóxica de diferentes concentraciones de extracto hidroalcohólico de flores de C. tinctoria en líneas celulares de cáncer gástrico (AGS) e hígado (Hep-G2), así como en células de fibroblasto GUM humano natural (HUGU). Se examinaron las tasas de mortalidad celular después de incubaciones de 24, 48 y 72 h utilizando el ensayo MTT. La CI50 del extracto en células AGS después de 24, 48 y 72 h fue de 1,46; 1,29 y 1,14 µg respectivamente. El extracto demostró una CI50 de 5,15, 3,92 y 2,89 µg/mL en células Hep-G2 después de 24, 48 y 72 h, respectivamente. No se detectó ningún efecto citotóxico en las células HUGU (fibroblasto GUM humano natural). C. tinctoria parece tener un potencial prometedor para ser considerada como una fuente de descubrimiento de fármacos contra el cáncer. Sin embargo, se requieren más estudios experimentales y clínicos.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aerial Part Extract of the Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. Plant and Their Biological Activity.

Green syntheses of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts as effective sources of reductants and stabilizers have attracted decent popularity due to their non-toxicity, environmental friendliness and rapid nature. The current study demonstrates the ecofriendly, facile and inexpensive synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AP-AgNPs) using the extract of aerial parts of the Anthemis pseudocotula Boiss. plant (AP). Herein, the aerial parts extract of AP performed a twin role of a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The green synthesized AP-AgNPs were characterized by several techniques such as XRD, UV-Vis, FT-IR, TEM, SEM and EDX. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of as-prepared AP-AgNPs were examined by a standard two-fold microbroth dilution method and tissue culture plate methods, respectively, against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and fungal species such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) and Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains. The antimicrobial activity results clearly indicated that the Gram-negative bacteria MDR-PA was most affected by AgNPs as compared to other Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi C. albicans. Whereas, in the case of antibiofilm activity, it has been found that AgNPs at 0.039 mg/mL, inhibit biofilms formation of Gram-negative bacteria i.e., MDR-PA, E. coli, and MDR-AB by 78.98 ± 1.12, 65.77 ± 1.05 and 66.94 ± 1.35%, respectively. On the other hand, at the same dose (i.e., 0.039 mg/mL), AP-AgNPs inhibits biofilm formation of Gram-positive bacteria i.e., MRSA, S. aureus and fungi C. albicans by 67.81 ± 0.99, 54.61 ± 1.11 and 56.22 ± 1.06%, respectively. The present work indicates the efficiency of green synthesized AP-AgNPs as good antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents against selected bacterial and fungal species.

Chemical constituent and radical scavenging antioxidant activity of Anthemis kotschyana Boiss.

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Anthemis kotschyana Boiss. var. discoidea (A. kotschyana) were reported in this study. The ethanol extract of Anthemis kotschyana (EEA) and the water extract of Anthemis kotschyana (WEA) were prepared and used for biochemical analyses. Radical scavenging antioxidant capacities of EEA and WEA were evaluated by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. Another goal of the study was to evaluate the phenolic compositions of A. kotschyana by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Rhamnetin (5.484 ± 0.020 ppm; µg/g extract) and quinic acid (2.251 ± 0.012 ppm; µg/g extract) were identified as major two compounds in the plant sample. This study will be a scientific base for further studies about A. kotschyana for plant biochemistry and plant-based pharmacological industry.

Antibacterial, anti-efflux, anti-biofilm, anti-slime (exopolysaccharide) production and urease inhibitory efficacies of novel synthesized gold nanoparticles coated Anthemis atropatana extract against multidrug- resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains.

In this study, the antibacterial, anti-efflux, anti-biofilm, anti-slime (exopolysaccharide) production and urease inhibitory efficacies of green synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coated Anthemis atropatana extract against multidrug- resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were evaluated. The green synthesized AuNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), particle size distribution, zeta potential and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Then, antibacterial, anti-slime (exopolysaccharide) production, anti-biofilm and anti-efflux activities of AuNPs were investigated using micro-dilation, Congored agar, microtiter plate and MIC of ethidium bromide methods, respectively. Subsequently, the expression of mrkA, wzm and acrB genes was evaluated using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). The synthesized AuNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against MDR strains of K. pneumoniae (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25-50 µg/ml), as well as showed significant anti-slime (exopolysaccharide) production, anti-biofilm and anti-efflux activities against MDR strains. AuNPs showed significant inhibition against jack-bean urease and down-regulated the expression of mrkA, wzm and acrB genes. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxic activity confirmed by MTT assay on the HEK-293 normal cell line showed negligible cytotoxicity. Thus, the present study suggests the potential use of AuNPs in the development of novel therapeutics for the prevention of biofilm-associated K. pneumoniae infections.

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Cotula cinerea (Del) in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS: The current investigation aimed to assess the antioxidant, antidiabetic and antilipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Cotula cinerea (C. cinerea). BACKGROUND: Cotula cinerea (Del). which belongs to the Asteraceae family is commonly used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study the effect of the aqueous C. cinerea extract on glucose and lipid metabolism in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using a single and repeated oral administration. METHODS: A preliminary phytochemical screening and the quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant activity using three methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) were carried out. The effect of a single and repeated (15 days of treatment) oral administration of the aqueous extract of aerial part of Cotula cinerea (AEAPCC) at a dose of 20 mg/kg on glucose and lipid profile was examined in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, histopathological examination of the pancreas and liver was carried out according to the Hematoxylin-Eosin method. RESULTS: AEAPCC (20 mg/kg) showed a significant blood glucose-lowering activity in both normal and diabetic rats after a single and repeated oral administration during 15 days. The aqueous extract was also able to decrease the plasma triglycerides levels in both normal and diabetic rats after 15 days of oral treatment at a dose of 20 mg/Kg while no effect was observed on plasma cholesterol levels. In addition, the results show that AEAPCC exhibits an in vitro antioxidant activity using different tests. Histopathological analysis of the pancreas and liver of AEAPCC-treated diabetic rats has revealed that AEAPCC had a beneficial effect on the architecture of these organs while no improvement of glucose tolerance was noticed using the glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, the results showed that the extract is rich in several phytochemical compounds and exhibited an important antioxidant activity. The phytochemical screening revealed that AEAPCC contains polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, quinones, sterols, terpenoids, anthroquinones and reducing sugars. Whereas, it is free from glycosides. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Cotula cinerea possesses a beneficial effect on diabetes. Further investigations are required to study the mechanism of action of the antidiabetic effect of this plant.

Isolation and identification of triterpenes from Anthemis austriaca Jacq. through bioactivity-guided fractionation on polycystic ovary syndrome rat model.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the activity of A. austriaca flowers in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. METHODS: A letrozole-induced PCOS rat model was used to evaluate the activity potential of A. austriaca flowers. For this purpose, extracts of different polarity were prepared from A. austriaca flowers using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, serum leptin, lipid, and glucose levels were tested. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by calculating superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels. Following the biological activity studies, phytochemical studies were conducted on the active extract to detect the compound(s) responsible for the activity. RESULTS: The treatment with n-hexane extract contributed to regulating serum gonadotropin and steroid hormone levels. The plasma level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, and glucose were significantly lower than those of the control group. Also, the n-hexane extract showed significant antioxidant activity in the PCOS rat model. Since the n-hexane extract was found to be active, isolation studies were performed on this extract and three main fractions were obtained from the n-hexane extract. Those fractions also were tested on letrozole-induced PCOS rat model. As a result, three triterpenoids, ß-amyrin palmitate, taraxasterol acetate, and taraxasterol were isolated and identified from Fr. B which is the most active fraction. CONCLUSION: n-Hexane extract and Fr. B obtained from this extract showed statistically significant activity in the letrozole-induced PCOS rat model and three triterpene-type compounds were isolated from Fr. B.

Comprehensive Chemical Profiling and Multidirectional Biological Investigation of Two Wild Anthemis Species (Anthemis tinctoria var. Pallida and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba): Focus on Neuroprotective Effects.

Ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria var. pallida (ATP) and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba (ACT) were investigated for their phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant, and key enzyme inhibitory potentials. All extracts displayed antiradical effects, with MeOH and aqueous extracts being a superior source of antioxidants. On the other hand, EA and MeOH extracts were potent against AChE and BChE. Enzyme inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase were observed, as well. We also studied Anthemis extracts in an ex vivo experimental neurotoxicity paradigm. We assayed extract influence on oxidative stress and neurotransmission biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serotonin (5-HT), in isolated rat cortex challenged with K+ 60 mM Krebs-Ringer buffer (excitotoxicity stimulus). An untargeted proteomic analysis was finally performed in order to explore the putative mechanism in the brain. The pharmacological study highlighted the capability of ACT water extract to blunt K+ 60 mM increase in LDH level and 5-HT turnover, and restore physiological activity of specific proteins involved in neuron morphology and neurotransmission, including NEFMs, VAMP-2, and PKCγ, thus further supporting the neuroprotective role of ACT water extract.

Influence of different extraction techniques on the chemical profile and biological properties of Anthemis cotula L.: Multifunctional aspects for potential pharmaceutical applications.

The phytochemical composition of different extracts obtained from stinking chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) was investigated. Ethanol was used as solvent and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), microwave assisted extraction (MAE), maceration, soxhlet extraction (SE), and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were applied on plant material. Comparison of the phytochemical contents, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were performed. The most abundant sesquiterpene in the extracts was anthecotuloide, while the most present phenolics were caffeoyl quinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives. UAE extract was the most efficient in the extraction of sesquiterpenoids and polyphenols. Considering the assays on antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition, ASE extract showed highest phenolic content (62.92 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract). Likewise, this extract showed highest radical scavenging (103.44 mg trolox equivalent [TE]/g extract and 155.70 mg TE/g extract, for DPPH and ABTS assays respectively) and reducing power potential (435.32 and 317.89 mg TE/g extract, for CUPRAC and FRAP assays, respectively). The different extracts showed similar results in the enzyme inhibition assays suggesting that the extraction methods used have no effect on observed enzyme activities. Novelty of our findings are the inhibitory action of the ethanol extract of A. cotula aerial parts on key enzymes associated with Alzheimer's disease (acetyl cholinesterase, butyryl cholinesterase), type 2 diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), and skin hyperpigmentation disorders (tyrosinase). Data collected from the present work further appraises the multiple potential biological properties of stinking chamomile suggesting the need for further investigation on its constituents.

Functional properties of amaranth, quinoa and chia proteins and the biological activities of their hydrolyzates.

Amaranth, quinoa and chia are non-conventional sources of proteins whose interest has increased in recent years due to their excellent nutritional value. Vegetable proteins can be used as food ingredients to replace animal proteins in human diet. The present article provides a comprehensive analysis of amaranth, quinoa and chia proteins and focuses on their solubility, superficial, gelling and textural properties as well as on the biological activities of enzymatic hydrolyzates.

Chemical composition of essential oils of Anthemis secundiramea Biv. subsp. secundiramea (Asteraceae) collected wild in Sicily and their activity on micro-organisms affecting historical art craft.

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Anthemis secundiramea Biv. subsp. secundiramea L. collected in Sicily was evaluated by GC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main components of A. secundiramea were (Z)-lyratyl acetate (14.6%), (Z)-chrysanthenyl acetate (9.9%), (Z)-chrysanthenol (8.7%) and (E)-chrysanthenyl acetate (7.7%). The comparing with other studied oils of genus Anthemis belonging to the same clade is discussed. Antibacterial and antifungal activities against some micro-organisms infesting historical art craft, were also determined.

Discovery of new antidepressant agents: In vivo study on Anthemis wiedemanniana Fisch. & Mey.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Many of the currently available antidepressants have serious adverse effects and are also expensive. Traditional medicines are major sources of original drugs, and their role in effective treatment is remarkable. In Turkish folk medicine, decoctions and infusions are prepared from the flowers of Anthemis wiedemanniana Fisch. & Mey. They exert antispasmodic and sedative effects and are also used for treating urinary inflammations. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of A. wiedemanniana, which is used against central nervous system disorders in Turkish folk medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from the flowers of the plant. The antidepressant potentials of these extracts were evaluated in mouse models using the forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and antagonism of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, hypothermia, and suppression of locomotor activity. The results were compared with those in control and reference groups, and active constituents of the plant were determined. The MeOH extract of A. wiedemanniana was subjected to various chromatographic separation techniques, leading to the isolation and identification of the active component(s). RESULTS: After confirmation of the antidepressant activity, the MeOH extract was subjected to successive solvent partitioning using solvents of increasing polarity, yielding four subextracts. Each subextract was tested on the same biological activity models. Fraction B was found to have the highest activity and subjected to further chromatographic separation. Isolated germacronolide-type sesquiterpene lactones were elucidated as tatridin A (1) and tanachin (1-epi-tatridin B) (2), which were responsible for the antidepressant activity of the flowers. CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the antidepressant potential of A. wiedemanniana. Using bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation techniques, tatridin A and tanachin (1-epi-tatridin B) were determined as the main active components of the flowers. Further antidepressant mechanistic studies should be conducted for exploring the activity of these compounds against depression. This study can be an important step in the discovery of newer antidepressants.

Essential oils of Citrus aurantifolia, Anthemis nobile and Lavandula officinalis: in vitro anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus.

BACKGROUND: Infections of sheep with gastrointestinal parasites, especially Haemonchus contortus, have caused serious losses in livestock production, particularly after the emergence of resistance to conventional anthelmintics. The search for new anthelmintic agents, especially those of botanical origin, has grown substantially due to the perspective of less contamination of meat and milk, as well as other advantages related to their cost and accessibility in less developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of essential oils of the plant species Citrus aurantifolia, Anthemis nobile and Lavandula officinalis against the main developmental stages of the parasite H. contortus. RESULTS: Plant species were selected based on substantial ethnopharmacological information. Analysis of the composition of each oil by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated the presence of limonene (56.37%), isobutyl angelate (29.26%) and linalool acetate (35.97%) as the major constituents in C. aurantifolia, A. nobile and L. officinalis, respectively. Different concentrations of each oil were tested in vitro for their capacity to inhibit egg hatching (EHT), larval development (LDT) and adult worm motility (AWMT) using a multidrug-resistant strain of H. contortus (Embrapa 2010). The IC50 values obtained for the oils of C. aurantifolia, A. nobile and L. officinalis were 0.694, 0.842 and 0.316 mg/ml in the EHT and 0.044, 0.117 and 0.280 mg/ml in the LDT, respectively. The three oils were able to inhibit adult worm motility completely within the first 8-12 h of observation in the AWMT. CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrate significant anthelmintic activity of the three oils against the different developmental stages of H. contortus. Furthermore, this study is of ethnopharmacological importance by validating the anthelmintic activity of the oils studied. Although new experiments are necessary, these data contribute to the development of pharmaceutical-veterinary products for sheep farming by opening up new therapeutic possibilities against gastrointestinal infections caused by H. contortus.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of essential oil and methanolic extract of Anthemis stiparum subsp. sabulicola (Pomel) Oberpr.

Anthemis species are traditionally used to treat infectious and inflammatory processes, among others clinical disturbances. In the current study, the chemical composition, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities of Anthemis stiparum subsp. sabulicola aerial parts methanolic extract (As-ME) and essential oil (As-EO) were investigated. The chemical composition of As-EO was established by GC-MS and GC-FID. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of As-ME were spectrophotometrically determined. Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) radical scavenging, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ß-carotene bleaching assays were applied to evaluate the antioxidant potential. The anticholinesterase activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes were carried out spectrophotometrically. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using broth microdilution method against 7 ATCC® bacterial and one ATCC® yeast reference strains. The antibiofilm effect was determined quantifying the percentage of adhesion inhibition. GC-MS and GC-FID identified 72 compounds (99.02%), being As-EO predominantly constituted by germacrene D (11.13%), t-cadinol (11.01%), camphor (6.73%), spathulenol (6.50%) and isoamyl salicylate (6.45%). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of As-ME were 13.6 ±â€¯0.03 and 5.9 ±â€¯0.04 pyrocatechol equivalents and quercetin equivalents, respectively. In ß-carotene-linoleic acid assay, As-ME showed the best lipid peroxidation inhibition activity with an IC50 = 9.96 µg/mL followed by As-EO with an IC50 = 619.98 µg/mL. In contrast, in DPPH assay, As-ME and As-EO showed moderate to low activity with an IC50 = 92.69 µg/mL for As-ME and 917.69 µg/mL for As-EO. While in CUPRAC assay, As-EO and As-ME indicated a less to moderate reducing activity. As-ME inhibited AChE (IC50 = 490.46 µg/mL) and BChE (IC50 = 142.07 µg/mL), while As-EO was inactive against AChE and revealed a discreet inhibitory action against BChE (IC50 = 212.14 µg/mL). As-ME displayed better antimicrobial activity than As-EO, being active against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 25923) and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC® 6633), with MIC of 1.56 mg/mL. An expressive fungal adhesion inhibition (80.02%) on Candida albicans (ATCC® 10239) was detected with As-ME at 6.25 mg/mL. These results showed that A. stiparum subsp. sabulicola is a natural source of active compounds with antibiotic and antibiofilm effects against S. aureus and B. subtilis, and C. albicans, respectively, and also presents antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties.

Amaranth, quinoa and chia protein isolates: Physicochemical and structural properties.

An increasing use of vegetable protein is required to support the production of protein-rich foods which can replace animal proteins in the human diet. Amaranth, chia and quinoa seeds contain proteins which have biological and functional properties that provide nutritional benefits due to their reasonably well-balanced aminoacid content. This review analyses these vegetable proteins and focuses on recent research on protein classification and isolation as well as structural characterization by means of fluorescence spectroscopy, surface hydrophobicity and differential scanning calorimetry. Isolation procedures have a profound influence on the structural properties of the proteins and, therefore, on their in vitro digestibility. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of the properties and characterization of these proteins.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Anthemis atropatana extract: characterization and in vitro biological activities.

This study aim to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Anthemis atropatana extract and to evaluate their chemical characteristics and antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. The biosynthesis of AgNPs is verified using UV-visible spectrum which showing maximum absorption in 430 nm wavelength. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results revealed that AgNPs has a spherical shape with an average size of 38.89 nanometres. The crystalline structure of green synthesized AgNPs in optimal conditions was confirmed by XRD analysis. The pattern of XRD peaks related to face-centred cubic (fcc) (111), (200), (220), (311) and (222) observed. Also, FTIR results verified the AgNPs synthesis using plant extract. In biological tests, the MTT results indicate the dose dependence of cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on colon cancer cell lines (HT29). The AgNPs had maximum cytotoxicity on HT29 cancer cell line at 100 µg/ml concentration, which were statistically significant comparing control cells (p < .001). Moreover, real time PCR and flow cytometry results confirmed the apoptotic effects of AgNPs. According to the results, it seems that the green synthesis of AgNPs is an eco-friendly and cost effective approach. This research provides insight into the development of new anticancer and antibacterial agents.