Polyphenol characterization and skin-preserving properties of hydroalcoholic flower extract from Himantoglossum robertianum (Orchidaceae)

Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge is a Mediterranean orchid whose propagation in vitro has been achieved, making it eligible as a source of bioactive substances. Flowers were analyzed by light and SEM microscopy and used to obtain a polyphenol-rich, hydroalcoholic flower extract (HFE). HFE was characterized for total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, and for polyphenol profile by RP-LC-DAD. Antioxidant assays, in vitro collagenase and elastase inhibition, and MTT and cell motility assays on HaCaT keratinocytes were done. Microscopy showed epidermal cells containing anthocyanins in the flower labellum. Flavonoids (flavones and flavan-3-ols) represented the most abundant compounds (42.91%), followed by scopoletin (33.79%), and phenolic acids (23.3%). Antioxidant assays showed strong activities, rating ORAC > FRAP > TEAC > \u3b2-carotene bleaching > DPPH > iron-chelation. Biological assays showed elastase and collagenase inhibition (up to 42% and 78%, respectively), improvement of HaCaT cell viability after treatment with 500 \u3bcM H2O2 (from 30% to 84% of control), and stimulation of cell migration rate up to 210% of control. In summary, HFE counteracted different free radicals, while protective properties were shown by cell-free and cell-based bioassays, suggesting the possible use of H. robertianum flowers for skin-preserving, repair, and anti-aging applications

Honey, a Gift from Nature to Health and Beauty: A Review

Benefits of honey are contributed by the composition of its elements such as glucose, fructose, glucose oxidase, vitamins and phenolic compounds. For health, honey can be used to treat wounds due to the antibacterial activity conferred by the hydrogen peroxide produced by glucose oxidase in honey. Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, deodorizing and tissue regeneration activities in honey also help in the wound healing process. It can also be an alternative sweetener for diabetic patients to ensure compliance to a healthy diet. Moreover, honey exerts several effects such as lowering low density lipids and increasing high density lipids, thus reducing risk of atherosclerosis. In terms of beauty, honey can be used on skin and hair. It moisturizes skin through its natural humectant properties contributed by high contents of fructose and glucose. Honey treats acne on the skin due to its antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory action and tissue repair. The hair can benefit from honey in such a way that the hair has abundance, and becomes easier to comb. However, there have not been as many studies regarding the use of honey in skin in comparison to its use for health. Therefore, future studies on honey could research its use, action and benefits in both cosmetics and dermatology

Therapeutic properties of rice constituents and derivatives (Oryza sativa L.): A review update

Rice is used in traditional medicines as a remedy against inflammation, gastrointestinal ailments, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and skin diseases. Experimental and clinical evidence indicate that brown rice and bran oil reduce hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular risk, rice bran is anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory, the monacolin-rich red yeast rice regulates hypercholesterolemia, and the GABA-rich germinated brown rice has chemopreventive effects. The rice constituent \u3b3-oryzanol has been intensively investigated for cholesterol regulation and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities. Bran derivatives and other products are used for dermatologic and cosmetic applications. Pharmacologically relevant compounds could be extracted from rice byproducts, providing an economic boost to rice farming and processing

Wasteland bird use. Evidence from the NW Mediterranean coast (Genoa, Italy).

none4Borgo E.; Burlando B.; Cornara L.; Spanò S.Borgo, E.; Burlando, B.; Cornara, Laura; Spanò, S

Inhibitory effect of plant extracts on the cytotoxicity of eurytele nematocysts from Pelagia noctiluca

Some species of Cnidarians, well known venomous organisms, are able to induce serious health problems as well as economic and social trouble. A lot of data show that cnidarian venoms can be cytotoxic to cultured cells. Therefore, a priority of the research is to find tools which could counteract the damaging activity of venoms. In this connection, the modulatory effects exerted by extracts of plants Ananas comosus (L.) and Carica papaya (L.) on cytotoxicity of heterotrichous microbasic eurytele nematocysts isolated from the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca was evaluated. The nematocyst extract induced strong cytotoxicity at highest tested doses with reduction of cell survival below 40% and IC50 value of 40 7103 nematocysts/mL. Both plant extracts significantly improved the survival of cells, so that the IC50 resulted 74 7103 and 100 7103 nematocysts/mL in the presence of A. comosus and C. papaya extracts, respectively, both used at 10 and 100 \u3bcg/mL. Taking into account that heterotrichous microbasic eurytele nematocysts are present mainly in tentacles, which Pelagia noctiluca utilizes both for predation and defence, this result is particularly interesting from both ecological and sanitary point of view and demonstrates the potential of these plants extracts against cnidarian venoms

Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. extract as a skin preserving agent: From traditional medicine to scientific validation

Objective: Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. is a succulent perennial plant native to South Africa and grows invasively in the Mediterranean basin. It is commonly used for the treatment of various diseases, including skin wound healing and regeneration, for which experimental validation is lacking. We therefore evaluated the skin healing properties by testing a C. edulis aqueous leaf extract (CAE) on cell cultures and in enzymatic assays. Methods: Micro-morphological analysis of leaves was carried out using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Phytochemical features and antioxidant activity of CAE were evaluated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS), and in vitro cell-free assays. Biological activities were evaluated using keratinocytes and fibroblasts, as well as elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. Results: CAE showed high carbohydrates (28.59% \ub1 0.68%), total phenols ([101.9 \ub1 6.0] g gallic acid equivalents/kg dry extract [DE]), and flavonoids ([545.9 \ub1 26.0] g rutin equivalents/kg DE). RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS revealed the predominant presence of hydroxycinnamic acids (51.96%), followed by tannins (14.82%) and flavonols (11.32%). The extract was not cytotoxic, had a strong and dose-dependent antioxidant activity, and inhibited collagenase (> 90% at 500 \ub5g/mL) and hyaluronidase (100% at 1000 \ub5g/mL). In cell culture experiments, CAE increased wound closure and collagen production, which was consistent with its high polyphenol content. Conclusion: Our data support the use of the C. edulis for skin care and the treatment of skin problems. Moreover, use of C. edulis for skin care purposes could be an eco-friendly solution to reduce its invasiveness in the environment

Flavonoid Oligoglycosides from Ophioglossum vulgatum L. Having Wound Healing Properties

Two new glycosylated and acylated flavonols, viz. quercetin-3-O-[(6-caffeoyl)-\u3b2-glucopyranosyl (1\u21923)\u3b1-rhamnopyranoside]-7-O-\u3b1-rhamnopyranoside (2), and kaempferol-3-O-[(6-caffeoyl)-\u3b2-glucopyranosyl (1\u21923)\u3b1-rhamnopyranoside]-7-O-\u3b1-rhamnopyranoside (3), together with the known quercetin-3-O-methyl ether (1), were isolated from the aerial parts of the fern Ophioglossum vulgatum L. Their structures were established by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectra, as well as ESI\u2011MS and ESI-HRMS spectra. Compounds 1\u20133 were all found to be active in scratch-wound healing assays on keratinocytes, with 3 being the most active one and showing maximum activity at 20 \u3bcM

Cannabis-like activity of Zornia latifolia Sm. detected in\ua0vitro on rat cortical neurons: major role of the flavone syzalterin

Zornia latifolia is a plant suspected to possess psychoactive properties and marketed as a marijuana substitute under the name \u2018maconha brava\u2019. In this study, the effects of fractions obtained from a 2-propanol extract of aerial portions of the plant were determined by multielectrode array (MEA) analyses on cultured networks of rat cortical neurons. Lipophilic (ZL_lipo, mainly containing flavonoid aglycones), and hydrophilic (ZL_hydro, mainly containing flavonoid glycosides) fractions were initially obtained from the raw extract. ZL_lipo significantly inhibited mean firing rate (MFR) and mean bursting rate (MBR) of MEA recordings, while ZL_hydro induced no inhibition. Column chromatography separation of ZL_lipo yielded five fractions (ZL1-ZL5), among which ZL1 induced the strongest MFR and MBR inhibition. NMR and HPLC-MS analyses of ZL1 revealed the prevalence of the common flavonoids genistein (1) and apigenin (2) (in about a 1:1 ratio), and the presence of the rare flavone syzalterin (6,8-dimethylapigenin) (3) as a minor compound. Exposures of MEA to apigenin and genistein standards did not induce the MFR and MBR inhibition observed with ZL1, whereas exposure to syzalterin standard or to a 1:9 mixture syzalterin-genistein induced effects similar to ZL1. These inhibitory effects were comparable to that observed with high-THC hashish, possibly accounting for the plant psychoactive properties. Data indicate that Z. latifolia, currently marketed as a free herbal product, should be subjected to measures of control. In addition, syzalterin showed distinctive pharmacological properties, opening the way to its possible exploitation as a neuroactive drug