Ultraviolet-absorbing compounds in milk are related to forage polyphenols.

The aim of this work was to characterize UV-absorbing compounds (UAC) in milk in relation to diet. In winter, 4 groups of cows each received a different diet: concentrate rich containing 35% cocksfoot hay (CCH), maize silage (MS), rye grass silage (RS), or rye grass hay (RH). In summer, 2 additional diets were given: mountain grassland hay (GH) and mountain grassland pasture (GP). Polyphenols were analyzed by HPLC and Folin reaction on forages and UAC were extracted from milks and analyzed by HPLC. In forages, the number of polyphenols was lowest in MS (57) and greatest in GP (85). Twenty-four peaks were identified, accounting for 28 to 47% peak area at 280 nm. Caffeoyl compounds and flavonoid glycosides were mainly found in RH, GH, and GP. Hydrolyzed compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acids and aglycones were found in MS and RS. Estimated amounts of polyphenols were lowest for MS (3.7 g/kg), roughly similar for CH, RS, and RH (about 15 g/kg), and greatest for GH and GP (21.6 and 35.3 g/kg, respectively). About 230 different peaks were separated in milks. Milks from RH and GP contained the lowest (87) and the greatest (127) numbers of peaks, respectively. Only 10 peaks were identified, accounting for 21 to 54% of the total spectra area. In addition to the major compound hippuric acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid benzaldehyde, catechol, and small amounts of ferulic acid were found in varying amounts depending on the diet. Flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin were also present. Hippuric acid was clearly related to the presence of caffeoylquinic compounds in forages. Other identified UAC may originate essentially from forage simple polyphenols or from cell wall aromatics. Some of the several unknown compounds may also originate from the transformation of other nutrients. Estimated amounts of UAC were widely variable within each animal group. They were surprisingly high in CCH and roughly similar in all milks from preserved forages (about 3.6 mg/L), with generally greater values for GH milks, whereas the greatest amount was found in GP milks (13.3 mg/L). Hierarchical clustering clearly discriminated the 6 diets, showing that there were major differences in GP milks. Some UAC were specific to one or a group of diets. Ultraviolet-absorbing compounds are therefore a potential tool to distinguish between milks according to diet. In addition, they may have a bioactive effect on milk component conservation or on human health.

Solid-phase microextraction of volatile components from natural grassland plants.

The volatile components from nine plants growing on natural grasslands in Auvergne, central France, selected for the broad qualitative and quantitative diversity of their terpenoid fractions, were analyzed by high-resolution gas-phase chromatography and mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) after static headspace solid-phase microextraction (SHS-SPME). SHS-SPME allowed all the plant material to be analyzed under the same conditions despite its wide-ranging composition. This is not always possible with other extraction methods. Using an apolar poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) phase, numerous terpenoid hydrocarbons, together with alcohols, cyclic ethers, and esters, were extracted. Its ease of use and the high resolution of the chromatographic profiles obtained make SHS-SPME well suited to the rapid characterization of the main components of the volatile fraction of plants. Of the nine plants studied, four (Meum athamanticum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Achillea millefolium, and Thymus pulegioides) exhaled more than 60 different volatile components. Certain terpenes present in large amounts in these plants might help link dairy products to grazing pasture, thus improving food traceability.

Luteolin 3'-glucuronide, the major flavonoid from Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis.

Luteolin 3'-O-beta-D-glucuronide (1) was isolated from the leaves of Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis and characterized by spectroscopic analysis.

Major dicaffeoylquinic acids from Artemisia vulgaris.

The two major caffeoylquinic acids, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, were new-isolated from the flowering tops of Artemisia vulgaris (yield 2.0% and 0.3% on dry weight, respectively) and characterized by spectroscopic analysis.

Quercetin 3-arabinopyranoside, a major flavonoid compound from Alchemilla xanthochlora.

Quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1) was isolated from the aerial parts of Alchemilla xanthochlora and characterized by spectroscopic analysis.

The aromatic and polyphenolic composition of Roman camomile tea.

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the main aromatic and polyphenolic constituents of infusion from Chamaemelum nobile flowers was examined. The camomile tea contained a large amount of polyphenolic compounds (340 mg/l), the most important being chamaemeloside (155 mg/l). Only traces of essential oil were recovered in tea (7 mg/l).

[Tannin content and inhibiting activity of elastase in Rosaceae]. / Teneur en tanins et activité inhibitrice de l'élastase chez les Rosaceae.

From 42 Rosaceae species, only the Rosoideae species exhibit high tannin content and elastase inhibiting activity such as Filipendula ulmaria, Geum montanum, G. rivale, Alchemilla xanthochlora and Sanguisorba minor. Other studied species from Spiraeoideae, Maloideae and Prunoideae subfamilies are less rich in tannin and also less active.

[Rosmarinic acid, total hydroxycinnamic derivatives and antioxidant activity of Apiaceae, Borraginaceae and Lamiceae medicinals]. / Teneurs en acide rosmarinique, en dérivés hydroxycinnamiques totaux et activité antioxydante chez les Apiacées, les Borraginacées et les Lamiacées médicinales.

A number of medicinal species of the Apiaceae, Borraginaceae and Lamiaceae families present high rosmarinic acid and total hydroxycinnamic derivative contents. Species of genera Sanicula (Apiaceae), Lycopus, Melissa, Mentha, Origanum and Salvia (Lamiaceae) contain rosmarinic acid in large amount, more than 3%, based on dry weight. The antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts, on DPPH, is partly in relation with the hydroxycinnamic derivative content.

[Polyphenolic composition of the leaf of bilberry]. / Composition polyphénolique de la feuille de myrtille.

Dried leaves of 14 harvested batches and one batch from commercial origine of Vaccinium myrtillus L present a similar polyphenolic pattern. The mean levels of the harvested batches and the levels of the commercial batch were respectively: total polyphenol compounds 12.98 and 10.62%, tannins 7.84 and 7.43%, total flavonoid compounds 2.98 and 2.20% (spectrophotometry), 1.41 and 1.16% (HPLC), quercetin 3-glucuronide 1.02 and 0.83%, hyperoside 0.22 and 0.16%, chlorogenic acid 3.66 and 1.58%. The levels were higher in young leaves and lower in old leaves. A specific chromatographic profile of the flavonoid compounds and a determination method of the tannin or the total polyphenol content were proposed in a standardization purpose.

[Standardization of the aerial parts of Alchemilla]. / Standardisation des parties aériennes d'alchémille.

Dried aerial parts of Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm. (16 batches), A. glabra Neygenf. (1 batch), A. coriacea Buser (2 batches) and A. filicaulis Buser (3 batches) present a similar flavonoid and tanin pattern. In the case of A. xanthochlora, the mean levels of the principal compounds were: total flavonoids 2.22%, glucuronyl-3 quercetol 1.18%, tanins 16.0% and ellagic acid 0.36%. The flavonoid levels were higher before flowering and the tanin levels higher during flowering. Four commercial batches were examined for a comparative study. Pharmacopoeial specifications were proposed for a revision of the monograph "Alchemillae herba".

[Standardization of hazel leaf]. / Standardisation de la feuille de noisetier.

Dried leaves of 9 harvested batches and 5 batches of commercial origin from Corylus avellana L. were examined. The levels of principal polyphenolic compounds averaged respectively: total flavonoids 2.58 and 2.58%, myricitrin 1.09 and 1.35%, quercitrin 0.30 and 0.40%, tannins 5.2 and 6.5%. Specifications were discussed for a French Pharmacopoeial monography.

[Standardization of the sour orange flower and leaf]. / Standardisation de la fleur et de la feuille d'oranger amer.

Dried flowers (1 batch) and leaves (6 batches) of sour orange Citrus aurantium L. had a similar flavonoid pattern. But the flavonoid levels of flowers were higher than those of leaves. The mean levels of the principal flavonoid compounds were respectively: total flavonoids 12.35 and 1.06%, neohesperidin 5.44 and 0.08%, naringin 1.93 and 0.06%, eriocitrin 0.38 and 0.25%. 18 batches of commercial origine were also examined for a comparative study. Specifications were proposed for a revision of the monographs "Sour orange flower" and "Sour orange leaf" of the French Pharmacopoeia.

[Standardization of the birch leaf]. / Standardisation de la feuille de bouleau.

Dried leaves of Betula pendula Roth (14 batches) and B. pubescens Ehrh. (3 batches) present a similar flavonoid pattern. The mean levels of the principal flavonoid compounds were respectively: total flavonoids 3.29 and 2.77%, hyperoside 0.80 and 0.77%, avicularin (two forms) 0.57 and 0.26%, galactosyl-3 myricetol 0.37 and 0.18%, glucuronyl-3 quercetol 0.25 and 0.36%, quercitrin 0.14 and 0.12%. The flavonoid levels were higher in young leaves and lower in old leaves of B. pendula. 14 batches of commercial origin were also examined for a comparative study. Pharmacopoeial specifications are proposed for a revision of the monograph "Betulae folium".

[Aromatic and polyphenolic composition of infused peppermint, Mentha x piperita L]. / Composition aromatique et polyphénolique de l'infusé de Menthe, Mentha x piperita L.

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the main aromatic and polyphenolic constituents of Mitcham type peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) tisane, were examined and compared with those of leaves before and after infusion. The original peppermint leaves contained 2.4% essential oil of which menthol was 0.99%, total polyphenolic compounds 19% and total flavonoid compounds 12% comprising eriocitrin 7%, luteolin-7-rutinoside 1.5%, hesperidoside 0.6% and total hydroxycinnamic compounds 7% (rosmarinic acid 1.4%). The tisane contained 21% of the original essential oil corresponding to 25 mg/l, with increased alcohol and ketone contents and lower contents of hydrophobic terpenecarbons, oxides and esters. It contained also a high proportion of the polyphenolic compounds (about 750 mg/l) corresponding to an extraction yield of 75%. In consequence the monograph "Peppermint leaf" of the Pharmacopoeia should be amended.

[Hydroxycinnamic acid levels of various batches from mugwort flowering tops]. / Teneur en acides hydroxycinnamiques de différents lots de sommités fleuries d'armoise.

Dried flowering tops of 24 harvested batches (Artemisia vulgaris: 13; Artemisia verlotiorum: 11) and 12 batches of mugwort from commercial origin were examined. The levels of principal compounds averaged respectively: total hydroxycinnamic acids 6.09; 10.29 and 9.13%, chlorogenic acid 0.79; 2.05 and 1.35%, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid 0.51; 4.01 and 1.25%, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid 2.21; 1.25 and 2.60%. Specifications were discussed for an European Pharmacopoeial monography.

[Principal constituents from flowering aerial parts of wild pansy]. / Principaux constituants des parties aériennes fleuries de Pensée sauvage.

Dried flowering aerial parts of 12 harvested batches and 9 batches of commercial origin from Viola arvensis Murray were examined. The levels of principal compounds averaged respectively: total flavonoids 2.86 and 1.63%, rutin 1.15 and 0.57%, violanthin 0.80 and 0.82%, violarvensin 0.75 and 0.20%, mucilage 21.5 and 16.5%, total ashes 10.6 and 14.8%, potassium 2.75 and 2.85% and also salicy lic acid 0.11 and 0.09%. Saponins were not detected. Specifications were discussed for an European Pharmacopoeial monography.

[Flavonoid and dianthranoid levels of the St.-John's-wort flowering tops]. / Teneurs en flavonoïdes et en dianthranoïdes de la sommité fleurie de millepertuis.

Dried flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum L. (16 batches) and H. maculatum (3 batches) were studied according to the harvest period. The mean levels of the flavonoid and dianthranoid compounds were respectively: total flavonoids 3.20 and 3.92%, hyperoside 0.87 and 2. 12%, rutin 0.54 and 0.02%, isoquercitrin 0.48 and 0.75%; total dianthranoids 0.14 and 0.13%, hypericin 0.04 and 0.02%, pseudohypericin 0.08 and 0.11%. The flavonoid and dianthranoid levels were higher in young flowering tops of H. perforatum. 3 commercial batches were also examined for a comparative study. Pharmacopoeial specifications are proposed for a revision of the monograph "St.-John's-wort".

[Normalization of hedge mustard, Sisymbrium officinale L]. / Normalisation de l'érysimum, Sisymbrium officinale L.

Dried flowering aerial parts of 11 harvested batches and 14 batches of commercial origin from Sisymbrium officinale L. were examined. The levels of principal constituents averaged respectively: total glucosinolates 0.63 and 0.94%, mucilages 13.5 and 10.9%, total itols 8.9 and 10.2%, total flavonoids 0.50 and 0.56%. Specifications were discussed for a French Pharmacopoeial monography.

[The effect of the formulation of a skin cream with a procyanidin polymer base and its effect on skin lesions caused by herpesviruses]. / Etude de l'influence de la formulation galénique d'une crème dermique à base de procyanidines polymères et de son efficacité sur les lésions cutanées induites par le virus de l'herpès.

Procyanidin polymers are reported to be virostatic and virucidal in vitro. In this experiment we showed, on a hairless mouse model, biological effects of these agents, already demonstrated in vitro on cell cultures. Several dermic cream compositions have been tested and compared for reduction of HSV1 cutaneous lesions. In this study, it appeared clearly that active principle dosage form is as important as the biological effect of the agent. Composition and water content influence permeation speed, contact time with surface skin layers and consequently the pharmacological effect on herpetic skin injuries.

[In vitro enzyme inhibitory and in vivo cardioprotective activities of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)]. / Activités inhibitrices enzymatiques in vitro et angioprotectrice in vivo d'extraits de karkadé (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.).

A crude hydroalcoholic extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces showed in vitro an appreciable enzyme-inhibiting activity towards the Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE), attributable to flavones, but weak inhibiting activities towards elastase, trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. The angioprotective activity in vivo, also important, was due to flavones and anthocyanins.