Assessment of allelopathic potential of Solidago gigantea Aiton on dry weight of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. and Amaranthus retroflexus L.

Laboratory analyses using the 1st generation bioassay were conducted in the years 2013-2014 to investigate the allelopathic potential of wateralcoholic and aqueous extracts from dry weight of rhizomes and roots as well as stems and leaves of Solidago gigantea. Analysed acceptors were two weed species, i.e. monocotyledonous Echinochloa crus-galli and dicotyledonous Amaranthus retroflexus. When the acceptors (E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus) reached the 2-leaf stage (BBCH 12) they were sprayed with wateralcoholic and aqueous extracts (at concentrations of 12.5%, 10%, 5% and 2.5%) obtained from the donor, i.e. S. gigantea. Results indicate an inhibitory effect of wateralcoholic extracts from aboveground parts (leaves and stems) of S. gigantea in relation to dry weight of E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus. The volume of dry weight reduction in acceptors was dependent on the concentration of extracts produced from the donor plant S. gigantea. Dry weight of E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus was reduced most effectively by two concentrations: 12.5% and 10%. In turn, aqueous extracts from rhizomes and roots of S. gigantea, irrespective of the applied concentration, caused an increase in dry weight of E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus. Only aqueous extracts produced from leaves and stems of S. gigantea, irrespective of their concentration, reduced dry weight in only E. crus-galli

Screening Papaveraceae as Novel Antibiofilm Natural-Based Agents

The antimicrobial properties of herbs from Papaveraceae have been used in medicine for centuries. Nevertheless, mutual relationships between the individual bioactive substances contained in these plants remain poorly elucidated. In this work, phytochemical composition of extracts from the aerial and underground parts of five Papaveraceae species (Chelidonium majus L., Corydalis cava (L.) Schweigg. and Körte, C. cheilanthifolia Hemsl., C. pumila (Host) Rchb., and Fumaria vaillantii Loisel.) were examined using LC-ESI-MS/MS with a triple quadrupole analyzer. Large differences in the quality and quantity of all analyzed compounds were observed between species of different genera and also within one genus. Two groups of metabolites predominated in the phytochemical profiles. These were isoquinoline alkaloids and, in smaller amounts, non-phenolic carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds. In aerial and underground parts, 22 and 20 compounds were detected, respectively. These included: seven isoquinoline alkaloids: protopine, allocryptopine, coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine; five of their derivatives as well as non-alkaloids: malic acid, trans-aconitic acid, quinic acid, salicylic acid, trans-caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol; and vanillin. The aerial parts were much richer in phenolic compounds regardless of the plant species. Characterized extracts were studied for their antimicrobial potential against planktonic and biofilm-producing cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The impact of the extracts on cellular metabolic activity and biofilm biomass production was evaluated. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts introduced to the polymeric carrier made of bacterial cellulose was assessed. Extracts of C. cheilanthifolia were found to be the most effective against all tested human pathogens. Multiple regression tests indicated a high antimicrobial impact of quercetin in extracts of aerial parts against planktonic cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, and no direct correlation between the composition of other bioactive substances and the results of antimicrobial activity were found. Conclusively, further investigations are required to identify the relations between recognized and unrecognized compounds within extracts and their biological properties

Changes in weed infestations on plantations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) cultivated on black soil near Wrocław in 1989–1995 and 2006–2012

Field studies were carried out in 1989–1995 and 2006–2012 on plantations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris). During this period, 542 phytosociological relevés were made using the Braun-Blanquet method. In total, 46 weed species were found. In 1989–1995, the occurrence of 36 segetal species was reported. The highest cover indices were determined for Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus. Galium aparine, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Elymus repens were the dominant species, as well. Analysis of the frequency of occurrence revealed one constant species (Chenopodium album), two frequent species (Amaranthus retroflexus and Galium aparine), and two medium-frequent species (Echinochloa crus-galli and Matricaria maritima ssp. inodora). In 2006–2012, the occurrence of 40 weed species on the sugar beet plantations was recorded. The plantations were clearly dominated by Chenopodium album, accompanied by Polygonum persicaria and Polygonum lapathifolium ssp. lapathifolium. Other dominant species comprised Setaria viridis, Galinsoga parviflora, Brassica napus ssp. napus, and Fallopia convolvulus. The Chenopodium album was a constant component of the sugar beet plantations. In turn, no frequent species were observed and six medium-frequent species were found (Setaria viridis, Galinsoga parviflora, Brassica napus ssp. napus, Echinochloa crus-galli, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Capsella bursa-pastoris). Noteworthy, the presence of previously unreported species, e.g., Abutilon theophrasti, Hyoscyamus niger, or Artemisia vulgaris, was revealed. These species are rare components in sugar beet crops. A reverse phenomenon, i.e., the disappearance of some species such as Euphorbia helioscopia, Malva neglecta, Rumex acetosella, Sinapis arvensis, or Sisymbrium officinale, was also observed

Changes in weed infestations on plantations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) cultivated on black soil near Wrocław in 1989–1995 and 2006–2012

Field studies were carried out in 1989–1995 and 2006–2012 on plantations of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris). During this period, 542 phytosociological relevés were made using the Braun-Blanquet method. In total, 46 weed species were found. In 1989–1995, the occurrence of 36 segetal species was reported. The highest cover indices were determined for Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus. Galium aparine, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Elymus repens were the dominant species, as well. Analysis of the frequency of occurrence revealed one constant species (Chenopodium album), two frequent species (Amaranthus retroflexus and Galium aparine), and two medium-frequent species (Echinochloa crus-galli and Matricaria maritima ssp. inodora). In 2006–2012, the occurrence of 40 weed species on the sugar beet plantations was recorded. The plantations were clearly dominated by Chenopodium album, accompanied by Polygonum persicaria and Polygonum lapathifolium ssp. lapathifolium. Other dominant species comprised Setaria viridis, Galinsoga parviflora, Brassica napus ssp. napus, and Fallopia convolvulus. The Chenopodium album was a constant component of the sugar beet plantations. In turn, no frequent species were observed and six medium-frequent species were found (Setaria viridis, Galinsoga parviflora, Brassica napus ssp. napus, Echinochloa crus-galli, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Capsella bursa-pastoris). Noteworthy, the presence of previously unreported species, e.g., Abutilon theophrasti, Hyoscyamus niger, or Artemisia vulgaris, was revealed. These species are rare components in sugar beet crops. A reverse phenomenon, i.e., the disappearance of some species such as Euphorbia helioscopia, Malva neglecta, Rumex acetosella, Sinapis arvensis, or Sisymbrium officinale, was also observed

Greater Celandine's Ups and Downs−21 Centuries of Medicinal Uses of Chelidonium majus From the Viewpoint of Today's Pharmacology

As antique as Dioscorides era are the first records on using Chelidonium as a remedy to several sicknesses. Inspired by the “signatura rerum” principle and an apparent ancient folk tradition, various indications were given, such as anti-jaundice and cholagogue, pain-relieving, and quite often mentioned—ophthalmological problems. Central and Eastern European folk medicine has always been using this herb extensively. In this region, the plant is known under many unique vernacular names, especially in Slavonic languages, associated or not with old Greek relation to “chelidon”—the swallow. Typically for Papaveroidae subfamily, yellow-colored latex is produced in abundance and leaks intensely upon injury. Major pharmacologically relevant components, most of which were first isolated over a century ago, are isoquinoline alkaloids—berberine, chelerythrine, chelidonine, coptisine, sanguinarine. Modern pharmacology took interest in this herb but it has not ended up in gaining an officially approved and evidence-based herbal medicine status. On the contrary, the number of relevant studies and publications tended to drop. Recently, some controversial reports and sometimes insufficiently proven studies appeared, suggesting anticancer properties. Anticancer potential was in line with anecdotical knowledge spread in East European countries, however, in the absence of directly-acting cytostatic compounds, some other mechanisms might be involved. Other properties that could boost the interest in this herb are antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Being a common synanthropic weed or ruderal plant, C. majus spreads in all temperate Eurasia and acclimates well to North America. Little is known about the natural variation of bioactive metabolites, including several aforementioned isoquinoline alkaloids. In this review, we put together older and recent literature data on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies on C. majus aiming at a critical evaluation of state-of-the-art from the viewpoint of historical and folk indications. The controversies around this herb, the safety and drug quality issues and a prospective role in phytotherapy are discussed as well

Are Uropathogenic Bacteria Living in Multispecies Biofilm Susceptible to Active Plant Ingredient—Asiatic Acid?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a serious health problem in the human population due to their chronic and recurrent nature. Bacteria causing UTIs form multispecies biofilms being resistant to the activity of the conventionally used antibiotics. Therefore, compounds of plant origin are currently being searched for, which could constitute an alternative strategy to antibiotic therapy. Our study aimed to determine the activity of asiatic acid (AA) against biofilms formed by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The influence of AA on the survival, biofilm mass formation by bacteria living in mono-, dual-, and triple-species consortia as well as the metabolic activity and bacterial cell morphology were determined. The spectrophotometric methods were used for biofilm mass synthesis and metabolic activity determination. The survival of bacteria was established using the serial dilution assay. The decrease in survival and a weakening of the ability to create biofilms, both single and multi-species, as well as changes in the morphology of bacterial cells were noticed. As AA works best against young biofilms, the use of AA-containing formulations, especially during the initial stages of infection, seems to be reasonable. However, there is a need for further research concerning AA especially regarding its antibacterial mechanisms of action

Aktywność herbicydowa wyciągów wodnych z dwóch gatunków z rodzaju Solidago w stosunku do Thlaspi arvense i Stellaria media

W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań doświadczal- nych nad oceną aktywności herbicydowej wyciągów wodnych z dwóch gatunków z rodzaju Solidago w stosunku do Thlaspi arvense i Stellaria media. W warunkach laboratoryjnych przygo- towano wyciągi wodne z części podziemnych oraz nadziemnych Solidago gigantea i Solidago canadensis. Z wyciągów sporzą- dzono roztwory robocze o stężeniu 10%. Jako rozpuszczalnika użyto wody destylowanej. Roztworami opryskano rośliny Thla- spi arvense i Stellaria media, a następnie oceniono ich wpływ na wytwarzanie świeżej masy. Roztwory uzyskane z wyciągów wodnych z Solidago gigantea i Solidago canadensis hamowały wytwarzanie świeżej masy przez Stellaria media i Thlaspi arven- se. Reakcja tych gatunków była zróżnicowana. Większą wrażli- wość na działanie badanych wyciągów wodnych obserwowano w przypadku Thlaspi arvense. Zaobserwowana w doświadcze- niach aktywność herbicydowa badanych roztworów jest zbyt ni- ska do zastosowań praktycznych

Modulatory effect of Chelidonium majus extract and its alkaloids on LPS-stimulated cytokine secretion in human neutrophils

Due to certain differences in terms of molecular structure, isoquinoline alkaloids from Chelidonium majus engage in various biological activities. Apart from their well-documented antimicrobial potential, some phenanthridine and protoberberine derivatives as well as C. majus extract present with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. In this study, the LC–MS/MS method was used to determine alkaloids, phenolic acids, carboxylic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids. We investigated five individually tested alkaloids (coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, chelerythrine, and sanguinarine) as well as C. majus root extract for their effect on the secretion of IL-1\beta, IL-8, and TNF-\alpha in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils). Berberine, chelidonine, and chelerythrine significantly decreased the secretion of TNF-\alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. Sanguinarine was found to be the most potent inhibitor of IL-1\beta secretion. However, the overproduction of IL-8 and TNF-\alpha and a high cytotoxicity for these compounds were observed. Coptisine was highly cytotoxic and slightly decreased the secretion of the studied cytokines. The extract (1.25-12.5 \mug/mL) increased cytokine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, but an increase in cytotoxicity was also noted. The alkaloids were active at very low concentrations (0.625-2.5 \muM), but their potential cytotoxic effects, except for chelidonine and chelerythrine, should not be ignored

Image1_Greater Celandine's Ups and Downs−21 Centuries of Medicinal Uses of Chelidonium majus From the Viewpoint of Today's Pharmacology.TIF

<p>As antique as Dioscorides era are the first records on using Chelidonium as a remedy to several sicknesses. Inspired by the “signatura rerum” principle and an apparent ancient folk tradition, various indications were given, such as anti-jaundice and cholagogue, pain-relieving, and quite often mentioned—ophthalmological problems. Central and Eastern European folk medicine has always been using this herb extensively. In this region, the plant is known under many unique vernacular names, especially in Slavonic languages, associated or not with old Greek relation to “chelidon”—the swallow. Typically for Papaveroidae subfamily, yellow-colored latex is produced in abundance and leaks intensely upon injury. Major pharmacologically relevant components, most of which were first isolated over a century ago, are isoquinoline alkaloids—berberine, chelerythrine, chelidonine, coptisine, sanguinarine. Modern pharmacology took interest in this herb but it has not ended up in gaining an officially approved and evidence-based herbal medicine status. On the contrary, the number of relevant studies and publications tended to drop. Recently, some controversial reports and sometimes insufficiently proven studies appeared, suggesting anticancer properties. Anticancer potential was in line with anecdotical knowledge spread in East European countries, however, in the absence of directly-acting cytostatic compounds, some other mechanisms might be involved. Other properties that could boost the interest in this herb are antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Being a common synanthropic weed or ruderal plant, C. majus spreads in all temperate Eurasia and acclimates well to North America. Little is known about the natural variation of bioactive metabolites, including several aforementioned isoquinoline alkaloids. In this review, we put together older and recent literature data on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies on C. majus aiming at a critical evaluation of state-of-the-art from the viewpoint of historical and folk indications. The controversies around this herb, the safety and drug quality issues and a prospective role in phytotherapy are discussed as well.</p