Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction (impaired vasodilation, prothrombotic, proinflammatory and prooxidant states) is involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, stroke) and vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Reduced production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, increased release of endothelium-derived constricting factors, prothrombotic molecules and inflammatory mediators, upregulation of growth factors and adhesion molecules play a crucial role in the development and progression of endothelial dysfunction. Phytochemicals belonging to different chemical classes (alkaloids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids) were reported to prevent and/or reverse endothelial dysfunction in different experimental models. Many of them showed a multitarget activity which is a great advantage in tackling endothelial dysfunction and thereby, they may serve as lead compounds for novel drug development. Salvianolic acid B, caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and rosmarinic acids, resveratrol, luteolin are only some examples of phytochemicals modulating multiple mechanisms associated with endothelial dysfunction. Obviously, extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of phytochemicals in improving endothelial function and also their safety. In addition, formulation strategies to enhance bioavailability and afford an endothelium-targeted delivery should be explored.

Abstract

The emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens is a great challenge to the medical field and a major global health threat requiring novel therapeutic strategies. Among plant products, essential oils have significant antimicrobial properties that make them promising agents in the fight against drug resistant human pathogens. The aim of the present review was to highlight the most important essential oil-based antimicrobial strategies as revealed by recent studies. Synergistic interactions between essential oils or their bioactive compounds in combination with known antibiotics are presented. Also, nanoformulation approaches to boost the antimicrobial activity of essential oils are reviewed in terms of bioefficiency, stability and design of the nanostructured delivery systems. The focus was mainly put on the antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens, also called ESKAPE organisms (Enterococcusspp.,Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiellaspp.,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andEnterobacterspp.). Thus, essential oils in combinatorial and nano-based strategies may cope with infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria and may offer possibilities for reducing antibiotic use. Research on thein vivoefficacy and safety of such strategies is required for further clinical antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this regard, the understanding of the interactions between essential oil-based strategies and biological interface is essential.

Abstract

Ajuga genevensis and Ajuga reptans are medicinal plants often used as remedies in the Romanian traditional medicine for their benefic properties. They are also credited with astringent, tonic and diuretic activities. Although these species are common for the wild flora in our country, our investigation was conducted on specimens harvested from the experimental fields of Stejarul Biological Research Centre, Piatra Neamt, Romania. Their introduction in culture as a source of bioactive compounds is intended for pharmaceutical purposes. Their chemical profile was assessed on hydro-alcoholic extracts by spectrophotometry and RP-UPLC techniques. The in vitro biological effects of the samples were investigated against lipoxygenase, butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase. For the in vivo biological activities, the extracts (25 and 75 mg/kg bw) were administered in a 6-hydroxidopamine Parkinsonian rat model. The results confirmed the taxonomic and chemical variability between the investigated samples. In terms of compound profile, the polyphenols (flavonoid and polyphenolic acids) were in a higher amount in Ajuga genevensis (168.3 mg % and 230.4 mg % respectively), whereas Ajuga reptans contained higher quantities of iridoids (1860 mg % as compared to 1250 mg %). Harpagide and its acetylated derivative were the main iridoids identified in both extracts. The biological activity confirmed the antioxidant and protective properties of both extracts. Moreover, the anti-amnesic activity was significantly increased for Ajuga reptans as compared to Ajuga genevensis. Such results confirm a direct correlation between the concentration or iridoids and neuroprotective capacity of the extract obtained from A. reptans.

Abstract

Thymus species are important aromatic, medicinal and culinary plants with a significant economic value. This study evaluated for the first time the chemical composition and in vitro bioactivities of the essential oils (EOs) from five Moldavian Thymus species (T. vulgaris, T. x citriodorus, T. calcareus) and cultivars (T. vulgaris 'Faustini', T. citriodorus 'Aureus'). The main compounds in Thymus EOs were: thymol in T. vulgaris and T. calcareus EOs (55.44% and 55.45%, respectively), lavandulol in T. x citriodorus EO (54.27%), and geraniol in T. citriodorus 'Aureus' and T. vulgaris 'Faustini' EOs (60.31% and 31.45%, respectively). T. vulgaris and T. calcareus EOs showed the most potent antioxidant activities (EC50=0.003 mg/mL in ABTS radical cation scavenging assay) and exhibited significant inhibitory effects against aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus fungus (MIC=0.25 mu L/mL). At doses that provided micromolar concentrations of thymol, T. vulgaris and T. calcareus EOs acted genoprotective at preventive and interventional levels against H2O2-induced genomic damage in V79 cells, the former being more active (6.21% and 5.52% vs. 25.13% and 7.26% tail DNA in pre- and post-treatment protocols, respectively). The genoprotective effects may be ascribed to antioxidant potential and, possibly, to stimulation of DNA repair processes. The Moldavian Thymus species are valuable resources of bioactive EOs for pharmaceutical and food industries (T. vulgaris, T.calcareus) but also for flavor industry and perfumery (T. x citriodorus, T. citriodorus 'Aureus', T. vulgaris 'Faustini').

Abstract

In consideration of the hazards associated with the presence of the textile azo-dye and their biotransformation products in the environment, the goal of this work was to study bioremediation process by the yeast strain Pichia kudriavzevii CR-Y103 related to the ability to degrade and detoxify the sulfonated Reactive Orange 16 azo-dye. In experimental conditions, the optimal inoculum/dye concentration ratio required for complete decolorization (100%) of culture medium and biomass within 24 h has been 1 g L-1 yeast cell (dry weight)/50 mg L-1 Reactive Orange 16. In the presence of 400 mg L-1 of Reactive Orange 16 (RO16), 95% of the dye was removed after 72 h of incubation. Also, the yeast strain could decolorize other eight textile dyes (56.48-99.98% decolorization within 24 h). NADH-DCIP reductase and azo reductase activities were significantly increased (ca. 5.4 times and ca. 37 times, respectively) during the decolorization process. UV-VIS spectra, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of new biotransformation products in extracted metabolites, highlighting the partial biodegradation of the dye by the new yeast isolate. The phytotoxicity evaluation strongly supported the decreased toxicity of biodegraded products as minor inhibition on germination (%), root and shoots elongation of T. pratense L. and T. aestivum L. seedlings. Increasing of mitotic index value and decreasing the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in tested plant meristem cells treated with biodegraded products, compared with RO16 treatment (500 ppm), confirmed their slightly toxic nature. A cell viability assay also confirmed the reduced toxicity of biodegraded products on healthy monkey kidney cells (Vero cells).

Abstract

Ramaria largentii Marr & D. E. Stuntz (orange coral mushroom) is a wild edible mushroom whose chemical composition and bioactivity have not been investigated. Herein, we present a study on the phenolic constituents, antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of a hydromethanolic extract of the fruiting bodies. Total phenolic content, estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, was found to be 42.33 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g. Protocatechuic and vanillic acids were detected by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. The extract showed good free radical scavenging and reducing capacities (EC50 = 64.3 ± 0.2 and 61.54 ± 0.46 μg/mL, respectively). In normal Vero cells, the extract (100, 200 and 300 μg/mL) showed no genotoxic potential and moreover, almost completely protected DNA against H2O2-induced damage (2.09–7.91% tail DNA) (24 and 48 h pre-treatment). Taken together, the results of our study show that Ramaria largentii extract is devoid of genotoxicity and has a remarkable DNA protective activity against H2O2-induced damage. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Abstract

Ramaria largentii Marr & D. E. Stuntz (orange coral mushroom) is a wild edible mushroom whose chemical composition and bioactivity have not been investigated. Herein, we present a study on the phenolic constituents, antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of a hydromethanolic extract of the fruiting bodies. Total phenolic content, estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, was found to be 42.33 +/- 0.18 mg GAE/g. Protocatechuic and vanillic acids were detected by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. The extract showed good free radical scavenging and reducing capacities (EC50 = 64.3 +/- 0.2 and 61.54 +/- 0.46 mu g/mL, respectively). In normal Vero cells, the extract (100, 200 and 300 mu g/mL) showed no genotoxic potential and moreover, almost completely protected DNA against H2O2-induced damage (2.09-7.91% tail DNA) (24 and 48 h pretreatment). Taken together, the results of our study show that Ramaria largentii extract is devoid of genotoxicity and has a remarkable DNA protective activity against H2O2-induced damage. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Lavandula species are one of the most useful aromatic and medicinal plants with a great economic value for pharmaceutical, food and flavor industries, cosmetics, perfumery, and aromatherapy. The pleasant fragrance, physiological effects, and commercial significance are due to the their essential oils, with a highly variable composition dependent on the genetic, environmental and processing factors. This paper provides a systematic view on the chemistry of lavender essential oils especially considering the studies in the last 15 years. The review presents the characteristic chemical constituents and chemotypes of seventeen Lavandula species. The intra- and interspecific variability is primarily discussed dependent on the geographic area, onto-and morphogenetic factors, and extraction methods. In addition, biosynthesis of lavender terpenes is presented.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of the crude hydromethanolic extract from the aerial parts of European Dracocephalum moldavica L. (Moldavian dragonhead). The total phenolic content estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay was 289.55 +/- 2.63 mg of GAE/g of dry extract, and rosmarinic acid was the major polyphenol of Dracocephalum moldavica extract (107.11 +/- 0.83 mg/g of dry extract). In vitro antioxidant assays revelead remarkable scavenging effects against DPPH (EC50 = 23.10 +/- 0.10 mu g/mL), ABTS (EC50 = 8.0 +/- 0.10 mu g/mL) and superoxide anion radicals (EC50= 445.5 +/- 2.3 mu g/mL). The extract showed a high ferrous ion chelating activity (EC50 = 35.70 +/- 0.40 mu g/mL), a considerable reducing capacity, and good hydroxyl radical scavenging properties. Dracocephalum moldavica extract reduced, in a concentration-dependent manner, DNA damage induced by bleomycin in normal human dermal fibroblasts as measured by comet assay and micronucleus test. Exposure of dermal fibroblasts to Dracocephalum moldavica extract (100 mu g/mL) after preincubation with bleomycin (10 mu g/mL) resulted in the most significant antigenotoxic activity. The protective effects may be due to the free radical scavenging activity, iron-chelating properties and the possible intervention on DNA repair processes. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract