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This study aimed to investigate the free radicals scavenging, inhibition of acetylhydrolase and antimicrobial activity of five mixtures of hydrolates obtained by hydrodistillation of Lamiaceae plants, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia. Chemical composition of hydrolates was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for volatiles and UV-VIS spectrophotometry for total phenolic and flavonoid content. The results of free radicals scavenging and acetylhydrolase inhibition activity have shown improved effect of selected hydrolates mixtures, compared to individual hydrolates. The effect was in accordance to their polyphenolic content, indicating synergistic action of the combined biologic active compounds from different extracts of rosemary, sage and lavender. In turn, the antimicrobial activity of hydrolates mixtures was similar to that of individual hydrolates in Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhizoctonia solani cultures, revealing no synergistic effect of volatiles, as mainly responsible compounds. In conclusion, selected mixtures of aromatic plant hydrolates can provide added value to these by-products through further development of natural pesticide and/or fungicide products useful for the ecological crop protection.

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The aim of this study was to obtain biocomposites consisting of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), bacterial cellulose (BC) and alpha-tocopherol by a melt processing technique for potential use in biomedical applications. The melt processing and roughness of biocomposites were evaluated and compared to sample without BC. The degradation rate of PHBV/BC biocomposites was measured in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) by determining the mass variation and evidencing of thermal and structural changes by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR). The cell viability, cell morphology, cell cycle distribution and total collagen content were investigated on murine NCTC fibroblasts. Overall, the adding of BC to polyester matrix led to an adequate melt processing of biocomposites and increased surface roughness and cytocompatibility, allowing the cells to secrete the extracellular matrix (collagen) and stimulate cell proliferation. Results showed that the PHBV/BC biocomposites were favorable for long-term degradation and could be used for the design of medical devices with controlled degradability.

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Over the past years, research attention has been focusing more on waste-derived, naturally derived, and renewable materials, in the view of a more sustainable economy. In this work, different topical formulations were obtained from the valorization of marine and agro-industrial by-products and the use of Carbopol 940 as gelling agent. In particular, the combination of extracts obtained from the marine snail, Rapanosa venosa, with Cladophora vagabunda and grape pomace extracts, was investigated for wound healing purposes. Rapana venosa has demonstrated wound healing properties and antioxidant activity. Similarly, grape pomace extracts have been shown to accelerate the healing process. However, their synergic use has not been explored yet. To this aim, four different formulations were produced. Three formulations differed for the presence of a different extract of Rapana venosa: marine collagen, marine gelatin, and collagen hydrolysate, while another formulation used mammalian gelatin as further control. Physico-chemical properties of the extracts as well as of the formulations were analyzed. Furthermore, thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Antioxidant capacity and biological behavior, in terms of cytocompatibility, wound healing, and antimicrobial potential, were assessed. The results highlighted for all the formulations (i) a good conservation and thermal stability in time, (ii) a neutralizing activity against free radicals, (iii) and high degree of cytocompatibility and tissue regeneration potential. In particular, collagen, gelatin, and collagen hydrolysate obtained from the Rapana venosa marine snail represent an important, valuable alternative to mammalian products.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the main volatiles and polyphenolic compounds in hydrosols extracted from three Romanian Lamiaceae plants, sage (Salvia officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) by steam distillation. The antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition capacity of hydrosols were assessed for their further use as biopesticides. The results have shown that sage and rosemary hydrosols presented better antioxidant activity than lavender hydrosol in all free radical scavenging and metal chelating assays. A strong relationship between the antioxidant activity of hydrosols' and their total phenolic and flavonoid content was found based on Pearson correlation coefficients. Sage and rosemary hydrosols exerted higher acetylcholinesterase inhibition than lavender hydrosol, but this activity was moderate correlated to phenolic content and low correlated to flavonoid content. These results suggested that volatiles and other compounds present in hydrosols were also involved in this process. In conclusion, Lamiaceae plant hydrosols could be further tested, as such or mixed, as natural products for the control of pests in eco-agrosystems.

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Acid-soluble, undenatured, type I collagen (BSC) isolated, for the first time, from gilthead bream skin and the novel fabricated 3D porous wound dressing were analyzed for physicochemical and biological properties, in order to offer a safe alternative to commercial bovine collagen (BC) products. SDS-polyacrylamide analysis confirmed the purity of BSC preparation. The hydroxyproline content and temperature of denaturation of BSC were lower than those of BC, in accordance with the structural data recorded by FT-IR spectroscopy. However, certain concentrations of BSC stimulated the cell metabolism of L929 fibroblasts in a higher proportion than BC. The 3D wound dressing presented high porosity and low surface hydrophobicity that could help cell attachment and growth. The rapid biodegradation of BSC wound dressing could explain the improved in vitro cell migration and wound closure rate. In conclusion, the skin of gilthead bream from the Black Sea coast represented a valuable source for the biomedical industry, providing biocompatible, biodegradable collagen and 3D porous wound dressing, as novel material with enhanced wound healing activity.

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The main aim of this study was to transform bovine colostrum into a tribiotic product through a metabolic conversion with a microbial consortium based on artisanal and starter microorganisms. As such, the bovine colostrum was firstly transformed enzymatically for 48 h with a selected strain of a non-pathogenic Candida lipolytica strain, and then lactic acid fermentation was performed for 48 h, by using a co-culture of 25 g/L fresh kefir grains and a 10 g/L commercial FreshQ (R) culture (Chr. Hansen, Denmark). The obtained product is recommended to be used as an ingredient for the milk-derived nutraceuticals' formulation. As such, the product displayed increased antioxidant potential of 3.15 mM Trolox equivalent/g. Furthermore, the peptide fractions with a molecular weight lower than 3 kDa showed a notable in vitro ABTS radical scavenging activity, similar to a concentration of 2 nM captopril, hence proving a high potential in reducing the blood pressure.

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Fermented bovine colostrum rich in bioactive peptides was obtained using Candida lipolytica strains in co-culture with kefir grains. During fermentation, the pH and total titratable acidity of the product were daily measured. The hydrolysis degree and the electrophoretic pattern of water-soluble extracts (WSE) of fermented colostrum were analysed. Fractions enriched in peptides with a molecular weight lower than 10 kDa were separated by ultracentrifugation. They showed better modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and cell proliferation, but lower radical scavenging capacity, compared to corresponding WSE.

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The main aim of this study was to transform bovine colostrum into a tribiotic product through a metabolic conversion with a microbial consortium based on artisanal and starter microorganisms. As such, the bovine colostrum was firstly transformed enzymatically for 48 h with a selected strain of a non-pathogenic Candida lipolytica strain, and then lactic acid fermentation was performed for 48 h, by using a co-culture of 25 g/L fresh kefir grains and a 10 g/L commercial FreshQ® culture (Chr. Hansen, Denmark). The obtained product is recommended to be used as an ingredient for the milk-derived nutraceuticals’ formulation. As such, the product displayed increased antioxidant potential of 3.15 mM Trolox equivalent/g. Furthermore, the peptide fractions with a molecular weight lower than 3 kDa showed a notable in vitro ABTS radical scavenging activity, similar to a concentration of 2 nM captopril, hence proving a high potential in reducing the blood pressure. © 2020, © 2020 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

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We report the encapsulation of two grape pomace polyphenolic extracts into mesoporous MCM-41-type silica matrices (pristine and Zn or Mg heteroatom modified) to reduce the extract sensitivity and enhance its stability, while preserving the radical scavenger activity. Various grapes marc (Cabernet Saugvinon and Feteasca Neagra from the Black Sea region and commercially available grape skins powder) were used to prepare ethanolic extracts either through conventional extraction, or microwave-assisted procedure. The polyphenolic extracts composition was analysed by reversed phase-high pressure liquid chromatography and spectrometric determination of total polyphenols and ascorbic acid (using Folin Ciocalteu reagent), total flavonoids (by AlCl3 cornplexation), as well as total anthocyanin monomeric pigments content. The encapsulated extract into MCM-41 silica, as well as Zn-MCM-41 and Mg-MCM-41 matrices showed an enhanced radical scavenger activity assessed by DPPH procedure developed for solid samples. The cytocompatibility tests performed on HaCaT keratinocyte human cells demonstrated a good cytocompatibility for the Cabernet Saugvinon and grape skins extracts free and encapsulated into MCM-41-type matrices.

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In this study, we aimed to obtain gelatin from the marine snail Rapana venosa using acidic and enzymatic extraction methods and to characterize these natural products for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Marine gelatins presented protein values and hydroxyproline content similar to those of commercial mammalian gelatin, but with higher melting temperatures. Their electrophoretic profile and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed protein and absorption bands situated in the amide region, specific for gelatin molecule. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed significant differences in the structure of the lyophilized samples, depending on the type of gelatin. In vitro studies performed on human keratinocytes showed no cytotoxic effect of acid-extracted gelatin at all tested concentrations and moderate cytotoxicity of enzymatic extracted gelatin at concentrations higher than 0.5 mg/mL. Also, both marine gelatins favored keratinocyte cell adhesion. No irritant potential was recorded as the level of IL-1 alpha and IL-6 proinflammatory cytokines released by HaCaT cells cultivated in the presence of marine gelatins was significantly reduced. Together, these data suggest that marine snails are an alternative source of gelatins with potential use in pharmaceutical and skincare products.

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The aim of this study was to improve the bovine colostrum biological function through fermentation with kefir grains enhanced with selected yeasts, for developing new nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. It was found that fermentations with co-culture of 2.5 g% artisanal kefir grains and selected yeast strains (10(6) CFU/100 mL) increased the functional quality of the fermented products compared to the product obtained only with kefir grains. Fresh fermented products obtained with a consortium based on kefir grains and Candida lipolytica MIUG D67 demonstrated an increased antioxidant activity of 2.69 mM Trolox Equivalent/g, after 48 h of fermentation. Instead, peptide fractions with MW<10 kDa isolated by membrane filtration from lyophilized fermented products, based on colostrum fermentation with kefir grains enhanced with Candida lipolytica MIUG D99 starter, presented markedly increase in vitro of ABTS radical scavenging activity, similar to a concentration of 2 nM captopril. These results indicated their possible application in enhance of the quality of the fermented products in order to increase the postbiotic composition with functional impact in vivo.

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Bionanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), plasticized with commercial tributyl o-acetyl citrate (ATBC) and containing hydrolyzed collagen (HC) up to 10 wt% and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), were prepared by a melt mixing procedure. The properties of antimicrobial PLA based formulations were investigated in terms of morphology (atomic force microscopy, AFM), mechanical, thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), spectral (by attenuated total reflectance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), cell proliferation (by flow cytometry) and immunohistochemical properties induced by collagen. The incorporation of HC into antimicrobial PLA biocomposites led to the slight reduction both in mechanical properties and the degree of crystallinity with respect to those of PLA/ATBC sample. These properties can be attributed to the smooth surface improvement of the bionanocomposite. In vitro testing using L929 fibroblasts in the presence of PLA-based bionanocomposites showed that all samples presented good biocompatibility, as it was indicated by the cell cycle distribution and DNA content analyses. Furthermore, these new biocomposites induced an increase of collagen production in vitro. Overall, PLA/HC5/AgNPs and PLA/HC10/AgNPs bionanocomposites showed very good in vitro biocompatibility, and therefore, could be considered as valuable materials for medical devices, such as tubes, catheters, drains or connectors, with a relatively long service life.

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Skin wound dressings are commonly used to stimulate and enhance skin tissue repair. Even if wounds seem easy to repair for clinicians and to replicate in an in vitro set-up for scientists, chronic wounds remain currently an open challenge in skin tissue engineering for patients with complementary diseases. The seemingly simple process of skin healing hides a heterogenous sequence of events, specific timing, and high level of organization and coordination among the involved cell types. Taken together, all these aspects make wound healing a unique process, but we are not yet able to completely repair the chronic wounds or to reproduce them in vitro with high fidelity. This review highlights the main characteristics and properties of a natural polymer, which is widely used as biomaterial, namely collagen and of its denatured form, gelatin. Available wound dressings based on collagen/gelatin and proposed variants loaded with bioactive compounds derived from plants are presented. Applications of these composite biomaterials are discussed with emphasis on skin wound healing. A perspective on current issues is given in the light of future research. The emerging technologies support the development of innovative dressings based exclusively on natural constituents, either polymeric or bioactive compounds. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Composite materials containing natural biocompatible polymers, specific for the extracellular matrix present in the periodontal tissue, are prepared by mixing type I soluble collagen (COL) and fibronectin (FN) as fibrillar proteins and chondroitin sulfate (CS) as polysaccharidic component. The threedimensional porous structure is obtained by freeze-drying process and it is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Specific techniques of immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to investigate the distribution and interaction between polymeric components within the scaffold. Light and electron microscopy observations are also performed on solutions of CS and FN to reveal their structural and morphological properties. The cytocompatibility of composite material is tested in gingival fibroblasts and osteoblast cell cultures using quantitative assays of cell viability. The results demonstrate that COL-CS-FN composite material has optimal characteristics for further testing as device for oral tissue wound healing.

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The aim of this study was to develop three-dimensional porous composites of collagen (Col) incorporating polyphenolic-rich wormwood extract and to investigate their interaction with human skin cells, in order to optimize wound healing treatments. The scaffolds' ultrastructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and biodegradability and bioactive compounds release were investigated in physiologic environment. Interaction of composites in direct and indirect contact with human skin cells was evaluated using two in vitro experimental models. ColWE scaffolds presented high porosity, swelling degree, and increased stability against enzymatic degradation, compared to Col scaffold. Composite scaffolds incorporating higher quantities of wormwood extract allowed better control of polyphenolics release. ColWE 0.5 variant favored the attachment and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocyte cells. In addition, the composite scaffold stimulated the synthesis of skin extracellular matrix components. All these results demonstrated that ColWE composites with improved physico-chemical and biological properties could be used in advanced wound healing applications.

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Cytological responses in different organs of sentinel organisms have proven to be useful tools for characterizing the health status of those organisms and assessing the impact of environmental contaminants. Our study shows that nickel (II) accumulated in both germ cells (oogonia and developing oocytes) and somatic cells (muscle cells, follicle cells) in the Astacus leptodactylus ovary. Muscle cells from ovarian wall show disorganization and the disruption of cytoplasmic microtubules and pyknosis of the cell nucleus. Follicle cells, both those that surround the developing oocytes and also those that are not associated with the oocytes contained within the cytoplasm vacuoles of different sizes, degenerated mitochondria, myelin bodies, disorganized microtubules, and pyknotic nuclei. The most evident pathological phenomenon was the alteration and disorganization of the basal matrix, which separates the ovarian interstitium from ovarian follicles compartment. Exposure to nickel induces cytoplasmic vacuolation in oogonia and developing oocytes, structural alteration of the developing yolk granules and condensation of the nucleoli. Ultrastructural autometallography has shown grains of silver-enhanced nickel inside the cytoplasm of the muscle cells with altered morphology, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and basal matrix of the follicle cells, and in intracisternal granules and developing yolk granules of the oocytes.

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Current procedures used for skin injury reepithelization have yet to improve. At present, stem cell-based therapies provide great potential in repairing different damaged tissues due to the multipotent character of these cells. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro differentiation capacity of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) into epidermal cells and to evaluate their interaction with HaCaT keratinocytes in coculture experimental models that mimicked the living environment of human skin. The mesenchymal phenotype of isolated stem cells was indicated by their spindle-shaped morphology and the expression of specific surface markers CD73, CD90, and CD105. After 21 days of cultivation in specific induction medium, the epidermal keratinocyte phenotype of differentiated ASCs was demonstrated by the expression of cytokeratin 19 and involucrin markers, at both the protein and gene level. Significant (P < 0.05) proliferation of ASCs and HaCaT cells was recorded by an MTT assay in a Transwell system coculture as compared with control cells. Flow cytometry of HaCaT-ASC direct coculture showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in DNA content in the G2/M and S phases and a decrease in the G0/G1 phase. All these data demonstrated that ASCs could be useful in future cell-based therapies for skin wound healing.

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Smart drug delivery systems with controllable properties play an important role in targeted therapy and tissue regeneration. The aim of our study was the preparation and in vitro evaluation of a collagen (Col) matrix embedding a liposomal formulation of chondroitin sulfate (L-CS) for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Structural studies using Oil Red O specific staining for lipids and scanning electron microscopy showed an alveolar network of nanosized Col fibrils decorated with deposits of L-CS at both periphery and inner of the matrix. The porosity and density of Col-L-CS matrix were similar to those of Col matrix, while its mean pore size and biodegradability had significantly higher and lower values (P < 0.05), respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the matrix system induced high cell viability and stimulated cell metabolism in L929 fibroblast cell culture. Light and electron micrographs of the cell-matrix construct showed that cells clustered into the porous structure at 72 h of cultivation. In vitro diffusion test indicated that the quantity of released CS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) after embedment of L-CS within Col matrix. All these results indicated that the biocompatible and biodegradable Col-L-CS matrix might be a promising delivery system for local treatment of inflamed site.

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Several plant products are used as antioxidant agents to treat inflammation-related disorders. In recent years, encapsulation of biologic active compounds in lipid vesicles was shown to improve their bioavailability and transdermal delivery. The aim of this study was to prepare two arnica extracts of polyphenols (Pf) and polysaccharides (Pz) and their liposomal formulations (L-Pf, L-Pz) and to characterize their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Cytocompatible concentrations of Pf (50 mu g/ml), Pz (0.5 mu g/ml), L-Pf and L-Pz were tested for cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity in a model of hydrogen peroxide-stressed fibroblast cell culture by assessment of lactate dehydrogenase activity, cell morphology and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. The results demonstrated that L-Pf and L-Pz protected better the cell membrane against oxidative damage and had significantly (p<0.05) higher anti-inflammatory activity compared to their non-encapsulated forms. All these findings showed that the liposomal formulations of arnica extracts could be useful in topic treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

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The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants has a long tradition in the Calarasi - Silistra region. In this area, 81 species of medicinal and aromatic plants - from the cultivated and spontaneous flora - were identified as a result of a study we performed. Of those, 16 species were experimentally cultivated in two pilot cultures, one in Calarasi County and one in Silistra District, and were analyzed from the point of view of the active principles they contain. The following compound categories were identified during the study: aminoacids, proteins, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, vitamins A and E. The results of the study allowed the identification of species with a high content of active principles and led to recommendations for local cultivators of medicinal plants. A database was also created, containing information about the most common medicinal plants found in the area and their active principles content (www.medplanet.dbioro.eu).

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Background: Arnica montana L. and Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) are medicinal plants native to temperate regions of Europe, including Romania, traditionally used for treatment of skin wounds, bruises and contusions. In the present study, A. montana and A. absinthium ethanolic extracts were evaluated for their chemical composition, antioxidant activity and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in a mouse fibroblast-like NCTC cell line. Results: A. absinthium extract showed a higher antioxidant capacity than A. montana extract as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, Oxygen radical absorbance capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging activity, in correlation with its flavonoids and phenolic acids content. Both plant extracts had significant effects on the growth of NCTC cells in the range of 10-100 mg/L A. montana and 10-500 mg/L A. absinthium. They also protected fibroblast cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage, at the same doses. The best protection was observed in cell pre-treatment with 10 mg/L A. montana and 10-300 mg/L A. absinthium, respectively, as determined by Neutral red and lactate dehydrogenase assays. In addition, cell pre-treatment with plant extracts, at these concentrations, prevented morphological changes induced by hydrogen peroxide. Flow-cytometry analysis showed that pre-treatment with A. montana and A. absinthium extracts restored the proportion of cells in each phase of the cell cycle. Conclusions: A. montana and A. absinthium extracts, rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, showed a good antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effect against oxidative damage in fibroblast-like cells. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of A. montana and A. absinthium in treatment of skin disorders.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo biocompatibility of a new composite made from collagen and liposomes coated with plant derived polysaccharide using a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Histological observation has shown that after five days post-implantation, granulation tissue with vascular dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration was formed adjacent to the implanted scaffold. After two weeks post-implantation, scaffold was highly infiltrated with cells and many of multinucleated giant cells were found to be aligned along the implant/tissue interface. At four weeks the scaffold was completely infiltrated with cells and a fibrous connective capsule isolate the implanted scaffold from the surrounding tissue. The inflammatory response to the implanted scaffold was assessed by immunohistochemical staining for interleukin 1β. IL-1β was demonstrated early in the post-implantation period (five days), but after two weeks, the intensity of IL-1β staining was on the decline. In vivo studies based on histological and immunohistochemical observations showed that throughout the period of implantation, composite scaffold was well tolerated by the host animals and immune responses to the implant were moderate. The observations are consistent with the normal wound healing response to subcutaneous implantation of biomaterials. The results from the in vivo study indicate a good biocompatibility for porous scaffold made from collagen and liposomes coated with plant derived polysaccharide. © 2012 Materials Research Society.

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The aim of this study was to obtain four collagen based porous scaffolds and to assess their in vitro biocompatibility and biodegradability in order to use them for skin tissue engineering. We have prepared four variants of collagen-based biodegradable sponges by liophilization of type I collagen solution and three variants of collagen-agarose mixture in different ratios 2:1 (A), 1:1 (B) and 1:2 (C). These scaffolds had microporous structure with a higher than 98% porosity and a reduced biodegradation after their exposure to UV radiation. The incorporation of agarose into the collagen scaffolds has improved their structural stability. In vitro biocompatibility testing for the four types of sponges was performed on a stabilized fibroblast cell line and showed that both cell viability and morphology were not altered by collagen and collagen-agarose variants A and B sponges. These three porous sponges demonstrated potential for future application as cell scaffolds in skin tissue engineering.

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The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial and antifungal potential of some Romanian medicinal plants, arnica--Arnica montana, wormwood--Artemisia absinthium and nettle--Urtica dioica. In order to perform this antimicrobial screening, we obtained the vegetal extracts and we tested them on a series of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and also against two fungal strains. The vegetal extracts showed antimicrobial activity preferentially directed against the planktonic fungal and bacterial growth, while the effect against biofilm formation and development was demonstrated only against S. aureus and C. albicans. Our in vitro assays indicate that the studied plant extracts are a significant source of natural alternatives to antimicrobial therapy, thus avoiding antibiotic therapy, the use of which has become excessive in recent years.

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The aim of this study was the quantitative determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content for five ethanolic plant extracts (Urtica dioica, Artemisia absinthium, Arnica montana, Achillea millefolium and Helleborus purpurascens). Also, their antioxidant activity was evaluated by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidative Capacity (TEAC) assays. All the studied extracts showed a higher antioxidant activity than Trolox, used as standard. The values of antioxidant activity determined by both methods increased in the following order: H. purpurascens, U. dioica, A. montana, A. millefolium, A. absinthium. The relationship between the total phenolic and flavonoid content of plant extracts and their antioxidant activity was also studied. The obtained results showed that A. absinthium and A. millefolium extracts, which contained the largest amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds exhibited the highest level of total antioxidant capacity. Our in vitro assays indicate that the studied plant extracts are a significant source of natural antioxidants, which might be helpful in preventing the diseases caused by oxidative stress.

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