A multifunctional key to open a new window on the path to natural resources-lessons from a study on chemical composition and biological capability of Paeonia mascula L. from Turkey

The genus Paeonia has gained great interest from the scientific community for exploration as a source of bioactive compounds. The current work focused on the chemical characterisation and biological properties of Paeonia mascula L. from Turkey. The chemical characterisation of the extracts was analysed by LC-DAD-ESI and LC-APCI-MS. The antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and anticancer properties were evaluated in vitro. The methanol extract was the most effective as antioxidant, metal chelator and was the most effective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and tyrosinase. The chloroform extract showed highest inhibition of butrylcholinesterase (BChE) and amylase. Ethyl acetate extract displayed glucosidase inhibition. The most abundant compounds were hexagalloyl glucose, penta galloyl glucose, gallic acid, tetragalloyl glucose, paeoniflorin and the most abundant flavonoid was quercetin-3-O-glucoside. β-sitosterol was the most abundant phytosterol. The anticancer effect of P. mascula was evaluated by using HELA cells evaluating different pathways. The possible inhibition effect of P. mascula on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway was controlled by performing the advanced glycation end product (AGE). To determine the effect of P. mascula on active molecular pathways in the HELA cancer cell line, the levels of Phospho-NF-Kβ p65, AGE receptor RAGE protein, antiapoptotic BCL-2, proapoptotic BAX and P-53 proteins were checked, respectively. Phospho-NF-Kβ p65, RAGE and BCL-2, which are both ROS inducers and play an active role in cancer prognosis, were found to have decreased levels after the application of P. mascula. Our findings provide a scientific basis for Paeonia mascula, which may serve as a source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds for healthpromoting applications

The Chemical and Biological Properties of Propolis

The term propolis comes from two Greek words, pro (which means for or in defence of) and polis (which means the city); thus, propolis means in defence of the city or beehive. Propolis is a sticky resinous substance, which is gathered from buds and the bark of trees. It is also known as "bee glue" as bees use it to cover surfaces, seal holes and close gaps in their hives, thus providing a sterile environment that protects them from microbes and spore-producing organisms, including fungi and molds. It can be considered to be a potent chemical weapon against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms that may invade the bee colony. Also, bees use propolis as an embalming substance, to mummify invaders such as other insects, that have been killed and are too heavy to remove from the colony. Thus, propolis is important for bee health but it also has activity against many human diseases. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and can modulate the activity of reactive oxygen species within the human body. The most studied aspect of propolis is its anti-bacterial activity, which is almost always present at a moderate to high level depending on the exact type of propolis. It is in general more active against Gram positive than Gram negative bacteria, but activity against Gram negative bacteria has been observed. Propolis has been found to be active against a range of viruses and also is almost always active against protozoa such as Tryanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani. Propolis also shows activity against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and has immunomodulatory effects. Anti-cancer activity has also been observed. In summary, propolis is remarkable for its range of biological activities and for the variety of its chemical composition. It may be of great importance both to bees and humans