PRELIMINARY CHROMATOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF FOUR STACHYS SPP. (LAMIACEAE) FROM OLTENIA FLORA

Concerning four Stachys spp. (Lamiaceae) from the Oltenia flora, the paper highlights the polyphenolic content of aerial parts through high-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with photodensitometry. Chlorogenic acid (CA) was identified and quantified in all 20% methanolic extracts of Stachydisherba. The highest CA amount was determined in S. recta (59.88 mg%), followed by S. sylvatica (32.90 mg%), S. officinalis (31.34 mg%), and S. germanica (25.16 mg%), respectively

HISTO-ANATOMICAL AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC RESEARCHES ON ZIZIPHORA CAPITATA L. (LAMIACEAE) SPECIES

Concerning Ziziphora capitata L. (Lamiaceae) species, the paper presents the histo-anatomical analysis of root, aboveground stem and leaf, along with the chromatographic investigations of the polyphenols in the aerial parts. Caffeic acid (126.2 μg/mL) and rutin (171.3 μg/mL) were identified in the 20% methanolic extract of Ziziphorae capitatae herba, by thin-layer chromatography coupled with photodensitometry

PRELIMINARY CHROMATOGRAPHICRESEARCH ON SOME SALVIA SPP. (LAMIACEAE)

Salvia genus, representative for the Lamiaceae family as it comprises approximately one thousand different species, is considered for a wide plethora of therapeutic actions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitumoral and antidiabetic activity. The paper presents the preliminary chromatographic investigations of the polyphenols in the aerial parts of some Salvia spp. Using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with photodensitometry, caffeic acid was identified and quantified in the 20% methanolic extracts of Salviaeherba, in descending order, as follows: S. nemorosa (3.096%) > S. verticillata (3.041%) > S. sclarea (2.663%) > S. glutinosa (1.962%) > S. aethiopis (0.926%)

HISTO-ANATOMICAL AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC RESEARCHES ON CAMPANULA PERSICIFOLIA L. (CAMPANULACEAE) SPECIES

The paper presents the histo-anatomical researches on root, rhizome, aboveground stem and leaf of Campanula persicifolia L. (Campanulaceae) species, together with the thin-layer chromatography analysis of the polyphenols content of Campanulae persicifoliae herba. Chlorogenic acid (108.6 μg/mL) was identified in the 20% methanolic extract of the aerial parts

Collagen-Nanoparticles Composites for Wound Healing and Infection Control

Nowadays, the world is facing a serious crisis represented by the rapid emergence of resistant bacteria, which jeopardizes the efficacy of antibiotics. This crisis has been attributed to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, as well as the cessation of new drug production by the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, bacterial strains with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes have appeared, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This review aims to provide an updated summary of the current approach to the treatment of infections due to resistant microorganisms, with a focus on the application of the antimicrobial effects of inorganic nanoparticles in combination with collagen to promote wound healing. In addition, the paper describes the current approaches in the field of functionalized collagen hydrogels capable of wound healing and inhibiting microbial biofilm production

Influence of Polymer Shell Molecular Weight on Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Morphology and In Vivo Biodistribution

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively used in different biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and magnetic properties. However, different functionalization approaches have been developed to improve their time-life in the systemic circulation. Here, we have synthesized IONPs using a modified Massart method and functionalized them in situ with polyethylene glycol with different molecular weights (20 K and 35 K). The resulting nanoparticles were characterized in terms of morphology, structure, and composition using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In vivo biodistribution was evaluated in Balb/c mice, the presence of IONP being evidenced through histopathological investigations. IONP morphological characterization showed a change in shape (from spherical to rhombic) and size with molecular weight, while structural characterization proved the obtaining of highly crystalline samples of spinel structured cubic face-centered magnetite. In vivo biodistribution in a mice model proved the biocompatibility of all of the IONP samples. All NPs were cleared through the liver, spleen, and lungs, while bare IONPs were also evidenced in kidneys

Silver Nanocoatings for Reducing the Exogenous Microbial Colonization of Wound Dressings

The aim of this work was to obtain an antimicrobial coating (NanoAg) for polyester-nylon wound dressings (WDs) for reducing the risk of exogenous wound related infections. The as-prepared NanoAg-WDs were characterized by XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SAED (Selected Area Electron Diffraction) and IRM (InfraRed Microscopy). Biological characterization consisted of in vitro evaluation of the interaction with fibroblast cell cultures and in vivo biodistribution studies of AgNPs on mice models. Then, specimens of commercial WDs were immersed in a glucose and NaOH solution of silver nanoparticles, followed by the subsequent dropwise addition of AgNO3 solution. The antimicrobial efficiency of the NanoAg-WDs was assessed by in vitro qualitative and quantitative analyses on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the tested nanoparticles utilized to coat WDs have a good biocompatibility, allowing the normal development of cultured human cells and revealing a normal biodistribution within a mouse model, without toxic effects. The modified and viable cells count analyses proved that the modified WDs exhibit an improved inhibitory activity of microbial colonization, attachment and biofilm growth. The reported data recommend this type of coatings to obtain modified WDs with antibacterial properties, able to prevent the exogenous microbial contamination of the wound tissue, colonization and further biofilm development

New Insights into Boron Essentiality in Humans and Animals

Boron (B) is considered a prebiotic chemical element with a role in both the origin and evolution of life, as well as an essential micronutrient for some bacteria, plants, fungi, and algae. B has beneficial effects on the biological functions of humans and animals, such as reproduction, growth, calcium metabolism, bone formation, energy metabolism, immunity, and brain function. Naturally organic B (NOB) species may become promising novel prebiotic candidates. NOB-containing compounds have been shown to be essential for the symbiosis between organisms from different kingdoms. New insights into the key role of NOB species in the symbiosis between human/animal hosts and their microbiota will influence the use of natural B-based colon-targeting nutraceuticals. The mechanism of action (MoA) of NOB species is related to the B signaling molecule (autoinducer-2-borate (AI-2B)) as well as the fortification of the colonic mucus gel layer with NOB species from B-rich prebiotic diets. Both the microbiota and the colonic mucus gel layer can become NOB targets. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the essentiality of the NOB species in the symbiosis between the microbiota and the human/animal hosts, with the stated aim of highlighting the MoA and targets of these species

Microbiota-Accessible Boron-Containing Compounds in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The microbiota–gut–brain axis has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its role in various health conditions, including neuroinflammatory disorders like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic neuropathic pain, and its etiology and pathophysiology remain elusive. Emerging research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function could play a significant role in CRPS development and progression. Our paper explores the implications of microbiota in CRPS and the potential therapeutic role of boron (B). Studies have demonstrated that individuals with CRPS often exhibit dysbiosis, with imbalances in beneficial and pathogenic gut bacteria. Dysbiosis can lead to increased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, contributing to the chronic pain experienced in CRPS. B, an essential trace element, has shown promise in modulating the gut microbiome positively and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies suggest that B supplementation may alleviate neuropathic pain and improve CRPS symptoms by restoring microbiota balance and reducing inflammation. Our review highlights the complex interplay between microbiota, inflammation, and neuropathic pain in CRPS and underscores the potential of B as a novel therapeutic approach to target the microbiota–gut–brain axis, offering hope for improved management of this challenging condition