Chemical composition and potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic efficacy of Cistus albidus L.

This study aims to assess the chemical composition of the aqueous extract of Cistus albidus L. leaves, as well as the potential of aqueous and hydroethanol extracts of the leaves and seeds as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agents. The contents of phenolics and inorganic constituents were determined in C. albidus seeds and leaves; antioxidant capacity was assessed by 3 complementary and diverse tests. The carrageenan-induced paw edema technique was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, and albumin denaturation to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect in vitro. The acetic acid-induced contortion test, the tail-flick test, and the plantar test were used to assess the analgesic efficacy in vivo. Chemical analysis was performed by UPLC-MS/MS to quantify several phenolic compounds including catechin (1,627.6 mg kg–1), quercitrin (1,235.8 mg kg–1) and gallic acid (628. 2 mg kg–1). The ICP analysis revealed that potassium and calcium were the main inorganic components in the seeds and leaves of C. albidus. The hydroethanolic extract of the leaves showed the highest content of polyphenols/flavonoids, whereas the highest value of proanthocyanidins was detected in the aqueous extract of the seeds. All extracts showed potent antioxidant activity related to different phenolic compounds (quercetin, gallic acid, astragalin, catechin, and rutin). The aqueous extract of the leaves strongly inhibited paw edema (76.1 %) after 6 h of treatment and showed maximal inhibition of protein denaturation (191.0 µg mL–1 for 50 % inhibition) and analgesic activity in different nociceptive models. The presented data reveal that C. albidus extracts potentially show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities that could confirm the traditional use of this plant

Plant-based remedies for wolf bites and rituals against wolves in the Iberian Peninsula: therapeutic opportunities and cultural values for the conservation of biocultural diversity

Combined approaches to local knowledge and folk plant use improve awareness and promote effective strategies for the conservation of significant biocultural patrimony. Moreover, the information reported might be the basis for further appropriate phytochemical and pharmacological research. Therefore we provide an insight into traditional herbal remedies and practices for healing bite injuries in humans and domestic animals caused by the Iberian wolf. Wolf bites are associated with inflammatory processes and rabies is a potential complication AIMS: This paper describes and summarises the medicinal-veterinary empirical and ritual uses of the Iberian flora for wolf injuries and reviews the ethnopharmacological data of specific plants that are already published. The Iberian wolf is a critically endangered subspecies of the grey wolf. Livestock attacks attributed to wolves are increasingly frequent in the Iberian Peninsula, resulting in serious social problems. Interesting strategies for Iberian wolf conservation might be related to traditional grazing practices that are deeply linked with empirical knowledge and local practices passed on by oral tradition, which are also vulnerable now.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Halophytic herbs of the Mediterranean basin: an alternative approach to health

Wild native species are usually grown under severe and stressful conditions, while a special category includes halophytic species that are tolerant to high salinity levels. Native halophytes are valuable sources of bioactive molecules whose content is higher in saline than normal conditions, since the adaptation to salinity mechanisms involve apart from changes in physiological functions the biosynthesis of protectant molecules. These compounds include secondary metabolites with several beneficial health effects which have been known since ancient times and used for medicinal purposes. Recent trends in pharmaceutical industry suggest the use of natural compounds as alternative to synthetic ones, with native herbs being strong candidates for this purpose due to their increased and variable content in health promoting compounds. In this review, an introductory section about the importance of native herbs and halophyte species for traditional and modern medicine will be presented. A list of the most important halophytes of the Mediterranean basin will follow, with special focus on their chemical composition and their reported by clinical and ethnopharmacological studies health effects. The review concludes by suggesting future requirements and perspectives for further exploitation of these valuable species within the context of sustainability and climate change.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Φυτοχημική μελέτη εκχυλισμάτων ειδών του γένους Cistus με αντιοξειδωτικές και αντιμικροβιακές ιδιότητες

Ένας από τους κύριους στόχους του Εργαστηρίου Φαρμακογνωσίας και Χημείας Φυσικών Προϊόντων είναι η μελέτη χερσαίων και θαλάσσιων οργανισμών με σκοπό την ανακάλυψη βιοδραστικών φυσικών προϊόντων και την ανάδειξη σημαντικών εφαρμογών στους τομείς της φαρμακευτικής, της κοσμετολογίας, των τροφίμων και της γεωργίας. Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διπλωματικής εργασίας, σκοπός ήταν η μελέτη του φυτοχημικού προφίλ εκχυλισμάτων ειδών Cistus της Ελληνικής Χλωρίδας. Τα είδη του γένους Cistus, τα οποία είναι γνωστά με την κοινή ονομασία λαδανιά, αποτελούν αντικείμενο μελέτης της ερευνητικής μας ομάδας στα πλαίσια της γενικότερης προσπάθειας για την ανάδειξη των αρωματικών και φαρμακευτικών φυτών της ελληνικής παραδοσιακής θεραπευτικής. Σκοπός λοιπόν της παρούσας εργασίας αποτέλεσε αρχικά η σύγκριση του φυτοχημικού προφίλ εκχυλισμάτων των υπέργειων τμημάτων των ειδών Cistus salviifolius, C. creticus subsp. creticus, C. parviflorus, C. monspeliensis και C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, πραγματοποιήθηκε η παραλαβή των εκχυλισμάτων με την τεχνική της επιταχυνόμενης εκχύλισης (ASE) και στη συνέχεια ακολούθησε η συγκριτική μελέτη τόσο του φυτοχημικού τους προφίλ με Χρωματογραφία Λεπτής Στοιβάδας Υψηλής Απόδοσης (HPTLC), όσο και της αντιοξειδωτικής (TPC, TFC, ABTS, DPPH) και αντιμικροβιακής τους δράσης. Με βάση τα αποτελέσματα των προαναφερόμενων ελέγχων επιλέχθηκε το μεθανολικό εκχύλισμα του είδους Cistus monspeliensis για περαιτέρω φυτοχημική μελέτη, καθώς παρουσίασε σημαντική αντιοξειδωτική ικανότητα και πλούσιο φυτοχημικό προφίλ. Αρχικά, πραγματοποιήθηκε κλασμάτωση του μεθανολικού εκχυλίσματος με φυγόκεντρο χρωματογραφία κατανομής (FCPC), ενώ τα κλάσματα που προέκυψαν αναλύθηκαν περαιτέρω με τη χρήση διαφόρων χρωματογραφικών τεχνικών, όπως είναι η υγρή χρωματογραφία στήλης (LC), η χρωματογραφία μοριακού αποκλεισμού (Sephadex) και η παρασκευαστική χρωματογραφία λεπτής στοιβάδας (prep-TLC). Με τη χρήση της φασματοσκοπίας πυρηνικού μαγνητικού συντονισμού (NMR) ταυτοποιήθηκαν 16 δευτερογενείς μεταβολίτες, εκ των οποίων 8 εντοπίστηκαν για πρώτη φορά στο γένος Cistus, ενώ 3 εξ αυτών αποδείχθηκαν νέα φυσικά προϊόντα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα ταυτοποιήθηκαν: 9 φλαβονόλες και συγκεκριμένα η 3, 7, 4’, 5’–τετρα-Ο-μεθυλομυρικετίνη (cm1), pachypodol (3,7,3’-τριμεθυλ-αιθέρας της κερκετίνης) (cm2), η 5–Ο–γλυκοπυρανοσυλο–2–(4, 5–διμεθοξυ-3-υδροξυφαινυλο)–3,7–διμεθοξυχρωμεν–4–όνη (cm4), η 5–Ο–γλυκοπυρανοσυλ–2–(3-μεθοξυ-4-υδροξυφαινυλο)-3,7–διμεθοξυ-5-υδροξυχρωμεν–4–όνη (cm5), η ισοκερκετίνη (cm6), ο υπεροσίδης (cm7), ο 3-Ο-β-D-αραβινοσίδης της μυρικετίνης (cm9), ο 3–Ο-β-D–γλυκοπυρανοσίδης της μυρικετίνης (cm10) και ο 3–Ο-β-D–γαλακτοπυρανοσίδης της μυρικετίνης (cm11) από τις οποίες 4 ταυτοποιούνται για πρώτη φορά στο γένος Cistus (cm2, cm4, cm5, cm9) ενώ 2 (cm4, cm5) αποτελούν νέα φυσικά προϊόντα. 2 ακετοφαινόνες και συγκεκριμένα η 2, 4–διυδροξυ–6–μεθυλακετοφαινόνη (cm3) και η 2–Ο–γλυκοπυρανοσυλο-2,4–διυδροξυ–6–μεθυλοακετοφαινόνη (cm12), οι οποίες ταυτοποιούνται για πρώτη φορά στο γένος Cistus, ενώ 1 εξ αυτών (cm12) αποτελεί νέο φυσικό προϊόν. μία φλαβανόλη, η γαλλοκατεχίνη (cm8). η 1-Ο-γλυκοπυρανοσυλο-3-Ο-μεθυλοφλορογλουκινόλη (cm13). ο 3-O-β-D-γλυκοπυρανοσίδης του πρωτοκατεχικού οξέος (cm14), ο οποίος εντοπίζεται για πρώτη φορά στο γένος Cistus. η αρβουτίνη (cm15), η οποία εντοπίζεται για πρώτη φορά στο γένος Cistus, και τέλος, το σικιμμικό οξύ (cm16).One of the main purposes of the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products is the study of terrestrial and marine natural products that aim to research and development of important applications in the fields of medicine, cosmetics, food and agriculture. In the context of this diploma thesis, the aim was to study the phytochemical profile of extracts of Cistus species belonging to the Greek Flora. The species of the genus, known by the common name ladania, for which there are references from antiquity for their uses and properties, are subject of study of our research team in the context of the general effort to promote the aromatic and medicinal plants of the Greek traditional therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare the phytochemical profile of extracts of the aerial parts of the species Cistus salviifolius, Cistus creticus subsp. creticus, Cistus parviflorus, Cistus monspeliensis, and Cistus creticus subsp. eriocephalus. More specifically, there was initially performed extraction from each Cistus species by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and then a systematic comparative study of both their phytochemical profile with HPTLC and their antioxidant (TPC, TFC, ABTS, DPPH) and antimicrobial activity. The methanolic extract of Cistus monspeliensis was then selected for further phytochemical analysis as it showed significant antioxidant capacity and a rich phytochemical profile. First, the fractionation of the methanolic extract by centrifugal distribution chromatography (FCPC) was performed, and the resulting fractions were further analyzed using various chromatographic techniques, such as column chromatography, Sephadex, and preparative thin layer chromatography (prep-TLC). A total of 16 secondary metabolites were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1D &2D NMR), 8 of which were for the first time detected in the genus Cistus, and 3 of them affording new natural compounds. As far as secondary metabolites are concerned, there were identified: 9 flavonols; more specifically 3, 7, 4’, 5’– tetra-Ο-methylmyricetin (cm1), pachypodol (cm2), 5–Ο-glucopyranosyl–2–(4,5–dimethoxy-3-hydroxyphenyl)–3,7–dimethoxychromen–4–one (cm4), 5–Ο–glucopyranosyl–2–(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7–dimethoxy-5-hydroxychromen–4–one (cm5), isoquercetin (cm6), hyperoside (cm7), myricetin 3-Ο-β-D-arabinoside (cm9), myricetin 3–Ο-β-D–glucopyranoside (cm10) and myricetin 3–Ο-β-D–galactopyranoside (cm11), 4 identified for the first time in the genus Cistus (cm2, cm4, cm5, cm9), 2 of which (cm4, cm5) are new natural products. 2 acetophenones; more specifically 2, 4–dihydroxy–6–methyl-acetophenone (cm3) and 2–Ο–glucopyranosyl-2,4–dihydroxy–6–methyl-acetophenone (cm12), identified for the first time in the genus Cistus, 1 of which (cm12) is a new natural product. a flavanol; gallocatechin (cm8). 1-Ο-glucopyranosyl-3-Ο-methylphloroglucynol (cm13). Protocatechuic acid 3-glucoside (cm14); detected for the first time in the genus Cistus. Arbutine (cm15); also for the first time detected in the genus Cistus, and finally, shikimic acid (cm16)

Renewable chemicals and bioproducts: a potential for agricultural diversification and economic development

Renewable chemicals are a new category of novel products: building blocks and ingredients for the production of chemicals produced from renewable feedstock and sustainable advanced manufacturing processes, leaving a smaller environmental footprint than traditional petrochemicals. Biologically based products are mainly non-food products derived from biomass. Renewable chemicals represent a market opportunity predicted to grow from US$2.8 billion in 2011 to US$98.5 billion by 2020, driven by consumers demanding safer and more environmentally friendly products and the creation of a market advantage by using novel products in the manufacturing process. Renewable chemicals are a sustainable diversification option for rangeland irrigation precincts, where cold chain management, distance to markets and market competitiveness are negatively influencing traditional horticultural production. As most of the plant species suitable for renewable chemical production are perennials, production may also sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing petrochemicals. This scoping study has identified several plant species that have potential for growing under rangeland irrigation in Western Australia. Moringa oleifera was one of the species with the highest potential because of its multiple uses, with applications in the food, health, animal feed and chemical industry. The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) initiated an investigation into the commercial use of M oleifera leaf protein as a substitute for animal protein in food — a rapidly growing market, forecast to reach US$43 billion in 2020 — and the impact of plant growth stimulants extracted from M. oleifera on wheat yield.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1276/thumbnail.jp

Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of the Chemically Characterized Essential Oil from Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Analysis

This thorough examination explores the various biological characteristics present in the essential oil derived from Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens (CNEO), a subspecies previously unrecognized and indigenous to the eastern part of Morocco. This subspecies is distinguished from C. nepeta by the distinctive feature of having purple or pale pinkish-white flowers. The study initiates with a thorough scrutiny of the phytochemical composition of CNEO via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing a nuanced spectrum of 24 terpene compounds. Among these, noteworthy constituents such as linalyl acetate (23.28%), Trifluoroacetyl-α-terpineol (13.66%), camphor (13.28%), and menthol (9.22%) are identified. These compounds, acknowledged for their notable biological and pharmacological attributes, serve as focal points for subsequent analyses. Beyond compositional elucidation, the study systematically investigates the diverse biological activities of CNEO. The essential oil exhibits substantial antioxidant potential, as substantiated by robust total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 315.07 μg AA/mg and effective inhibition of DPPH free radicals (IC50 = 112.97 ± 2.67 µg/ml). Demonstrating promising antibacterial efficacy against various strains, occasionally surpassing gentamicin, positions CNEO as a potential antibacterial agent. Equally notable antifungal efficacy, surpassing that of cycloheximide, with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) is obtained, underscoring its potent antifungal properties. The antidiabetic potential of CNEO manifests through significant inhibition of xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 30.82 ± 0.78 µg/ml), α-amylase (IC50 = 40.13 ± 1.60 µg/ml), and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 45.30 ± 0.69 µg/ml) activities, suggesting therapeutic prospects in glycemic regulation. Furthermore, the essential oil showcases compelling anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 29.78 ± 1.01 µg/ml), indicating potential dermatoprotective applications in melanin regulation. The implications of these findings provide a robust foundation for future investigations, unraveling the full therapeutic potential of CNEO within medical, cosmetic, and industrial contexts

Ethnopharmacological survey and phytochemical investigation of Maasai traditional medicinal plants from north-eastern Tanzania

In this study, an ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Arusha and Manyara regions of north-eastern Tanzania. The objective of the survey was a detailed investigation and documentation of commonly used Maasai medicinal plants in the area. A total of 65 consented traditional medicinal practitioners (TMPs) were interviewed. Information was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire interview. Four commonly used medicinal plants were investigated, namely Myrica salicifolia (Myricaceae), Pappea capensis (Sapindaceae), Flacourtia indica (Salicaceae) and Vangueria apiculata (Rubiaceae). Documentation on plant parts used, drug preparation, traditional medicinal uses, drug administration and overdose management was achieved. A number of diseases were reported to be cured by the four plants. The most mentioned diseases to be treated by M. salicifolia were gonorrhoea (81%) and running nose (73%). P. capensis was mainly used for the enhancement of libido (89%) and to treat blood loss (72%). F. indica was applied to treat fever (92%), malaria (90%) and jaundice (87%). The most mentioned applications for V. apiculata were eye infection (73%) and diarrhoea (66%). Moreover, all four plants were reported to cure further disorders and diseases like joints pain, back pain, gouts, diarrhoea, stomach upset, etc. Furthermore, the survey revealed that barks and roots were the most utilized plant parts. Drug administration was observed not to be uniform, in terms of concentration, time and dose. Phytochemical investigation of a crude methanolic extract of M. salicifolia bark was performed following its documented ethnopharmacological survey data. The phytochemical investigation resulted in isolation of 31 compounds belonging to different compounds classes: 8 proanthocyanidins, 1 ellagitannin, 17 cyclic diarylheptanoids, 3 methylated ellagic acid glycosides and 2 further compounds. 10 of the isolated compounds from M. salicifolia were identified to be completely new, not described in the literature yet. Additionally, the existence of a new class of compounds to the genus Myrica was also discovered, the so called methylated ellagic acid glycosides (MEAG). It was further noticed that the methanolic extract of M. salicifolia contained mainly proanthocyanidins and cyclic diarylheptanoids in large quantity compared to other compound classes. Moreover, taxonomic relationship of M. salifolia to other reported Myrica species was demonstrated by the compounds isolated from M. salicifolia. Some of the compounds were also reported from other Myrica species, for example myricanol (11) and myricanone (12). These two compounds are found in almost every Myrica species which has been phytochemically investigated. Finally, the objective of the work was accomplished to a great extent, however further investigations are recommended for the future. Due to time constraints, the isolated compounds were not investigated for their pharmacological activities. However, existing literature data on in-vitro and/or in-vivo biological activity of the mentioned classes of compounds isolated from other plants species and also from Myrica provide a preliminary indication of a healing potential of this plant. To provide scientific confirmation of the healing potential of M. salicifolia bark, prospective in-vitro and/or in-vivo pharmacological investigations of the isolated compounds should be conducted by using assays which adhere to the diseases claimed to be treated by M. salicifolia bark. Also further phytochemical investigation of M. salicifolia bark should be conducted to achieve the complete phytochemical composition of the bark. The future phytochemical investigation should focus on the non-polar extracts (dichloromethane and ethylacetate extracts) which could not be investigated in this research work. But also the polar extracts (methanol 100% and methanol 50% extract) should be further processed. In the methanolic fraction are still a great number of compounds not isolated as they were found in very small amounts. In addition, there are further compounds that would have a good yield, but due to time limitations they were not isolated yet. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of the remaining three medicinal plants F. indica, P. capensis and V. apiculata should be performed in the same way as for M. salicifolia. Lastly, dissemination of the results is essential and should be done to increase awareness of the four medicinal plants. This should be done in Arusha and Manyara regions, where the ethnopharmacological survey was conducted, but also in all other parts of Tanzania. Moreover, results dissemination should be done in different languages in such a way that every Tanzanian would understand and be in position to utilize the knowledge whenever in need