Dpph Radical Scavenging Activity and Phenolic Compound Content in Different Leaf Extracts from Selected Blackberry Species

We used DPPH scavenging assays to study the antioxidant activity of three native Polish species of blackberry leaves (Rubus kuleszae Ziel., R. fabrimontanus (Sprib.) Sprib. and R. capitulatus Utsch.). All the studied extracts (methanolic, water, methanolic-water) showed high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 450.0–186.0 μg/ml). The most effective of the studied species was Rubus kuleszae. Total content of phenolic compounds (70.50–136.04 mg GAE/g) and phenolic acids (14.70–38.26 mg CAE/g) was determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity correlated positively with total content of phenolic compounds and phenolic acids

DPPH radical scavenging activity and phenolic compound content in different leaf extracts from selected blackberry species

We used DPPH scavenging assays to study the antioxidant activity of three native Polish species of blackberry leaves (Rubus kuleszae Ziel., R. fabrimontanus (Sprib.) Sprib. and R. capitulatus Utsch.). All the studied extracts (methanolic, water, methanolic-water) showed high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 450.0–186.0 μg/ml). The most effective of the studied species was Rubus kuleszae. Total content of phenolic compounds (70.50–136.04 mg GAE/g) and phenolic acids (14.70–38.26 mg CAE/g) was determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity correlated positively with total content of phenolic compounds and phenolic acids

Variability of leaf morphology from generative and vegetative shoots of Rubus capitulatus and R. kuleszae (Corylifolii section, Rosaceae)

Leaves from generative and vegetative shoots of Rubus capitulatus and R. kuleszae of Corylifolii section were investigated. The study was to demonstrate the variability of leaves of both types of shoots, and at the same time an examination on the contents of polyphenols and phenolic acids in their blades carried out. Selected blade traits, such as was: length, width, elongation, perimeter, dissection index, area, rectangularity and circularity were measured using computer program and statistically analysed. Additionally, fresh and dry leaves were weighed and the percentage of preserved mass of particular samples was calculated. A statistical analysis revealed the area to be the most variable feature in both species and both types of shoots. Leaves from vegetative shoots were the most similar to each other and the length, width, perimeter and area were the most strongly correlated traits to each other. The leaves of generative shoots of both species contained less water than the leaves of vegetative ones

Endothelia-targeting protection by Escin in decompression sickness rats

© The Author(s) 2017. Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of decompression sickness (DCS) and contributes substantively to subsequent inflammatory responses. Escin, the main active compound in horse chestnut seed extract, is well known for its endothelial protection and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential protection of escin against DCS in rats. Escin was administered orally to adult male rats for 7 d (1.8 mg/kg/day) before a simulated air dive. After decompression, signs of DCS were monitored, and blood and pulmonary tissue were sampled for the detection of endothelia related indices. The incidence and mortality of DCS were postponed and decreased significantly in rats treated with escin compared with those treated with saline (P < 0.05). Escin significantly ameliorated endothelial dysfunction (increased serum E-selectin and ICAM-1 and lung Wet/Dry ratio, decreased serum NO), and oxidative and inflammatory responses (increased serum MDA, MPO, IL-6 and TNF-a) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The results suggest escin has beneficial effects on DCS related to its endothelia-protective properties and might be a drug candidate for DCS prevention and treatment