Bioactive compounds in herbal infusions

ArticleHerbal teas are very popular and known as important source of biologically active compounds. Some of popular Latvian herbal teas: Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), Matricaria chamomilla (Matricaria chamomilla), Lady's-mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), Jasmine (Jasminum officinale L.), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) and Linden flowers (Tilia spp.) were selected for analysis. This study was carried out with the aim to investigate the effect of extraction time (10, 15, 20 min) on the content of total flavonoids and total phenols as well as antioxidant activity of herbal tea extracts. The infusions were prepared by usual domestic preparation technique using ground air-dried plant materials and boiling deionized water (0.055 µS cm-1 ) for extraction. Content of total flavonoids, total phenols and antioxidant activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Dry matter content was determined in lyophilized herbal infusions. The obtained results indicated that extraction time did not affected the content of biologically active compounds in the herbal infusions significantly (P > 0.05). The highest level of flavonoids was found in Jasmine and Lady's-mantle infusions (average 104.98 ± 9.21 mg quercetin equivalent 100 g -1 and 115.28 ± 5.25 QE mg 100 g -1 respectivelly), while the lowest was determined in Matricaria chamomilla extract – (average 70.10 ± 4.68 QE mg 100 g -1 ). Lady's-mantle tea contained the largest amount of total phenols (average 4126.62 ± 26.24 mg gallic acid equivalents 100g-1 ), the lowest – Calendula tea 1828.04 ± 10.37 mg GAE 100 g -1 ). Data analysis showed a close linear positive correlation between the content of total flavonoids and total phenols in herbal infusions (R2 = 0.872; r = 0.934) with the probability of 99%. In general, all samples tested in this study, demonstrated high level of antioxidant activity (from 75.04 to 91.54 mmol Trolox equivalents 100 g-1 ). Results of the present experiments demonstrated that content of dry matter in analysed herbal teas was significantly different (P < 0.05)

Drivers of peat accumulation rate in a raised bog : impact of drainage, climate, and local vegetation composition

We used variation partitioning to assess the relative importance of drainage, climate and local vegetation composition for the development of a raised bog. As a case study we selected Teici (Teici) Bog in Latvia (north-east Europe). Explanatory variables together explained 74 % of the variation in peat accumulation and only the residue of 26 % remained unexplained. Our study showed that the local vegetation composition and dominant Sphagnum species significantly influence peat accumulation rates. The results of linear models revealed that, under natural conditions, minor drainage and even strong drainage of the peat is associated with a positive growth balance of the system. However, drainage systems can have a measurable impact on peatland ecosystems situated farther away. Our study demonstrates that the average peat accumulation rate in Teici Bog over the last 150 years was 3.5 mm per year. Although the peat accumulation rate has been affected by drainage over the last half-century, it is still 2.8 mm per year. There was no strong correlation with the historical climate record, suggesting that the bog area has buffered the influence of climate change over the last 150 years.Peer reviewe

Germline MC1R status influences somatic mutation burden in melanoma

The major genetic determinants of cutaneous melanoma risk in the general population are disruptive variants (R alleles) in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene. These alleles are also linked to red hair, freckling, and sun sensitivity, all of which are known melanoma phenotypic risk factors. Here we report that in melanomas and for somatic C>T mutations, a signature linked to sun exposure, the expected single-nucleotide variant count associated with the presence of an R allele is estimated to be 42% (95% CI, 15-76%) higher than that among persons without an R allele. This figure is comparable to the expected mutational burden associated with an additional 21 years of age. We also find significant and similar enrichment of non-C>T mutation classes supporting a role for additional mutagenic processes in melanoma development in individuals carrying R alleles

Reconstruction of palaeovegetation and sedimentation conditions in the area of ancient Lake Burtnieks, northern Latvia

Palaeobotanical investigations were carried out with the aim of reconstructing the development of palaeovegetation and formation of sediments in the northeastern area of ancient Lake Burtnieks. Pollen and plant macroremain studies provide information on vegetation development in the surroundings of the lake, including Stone Age settlements of Braukšas I and Braukšas II. Results of the investigations indicate that the development of vegetation together with sedimentation conditions in the palaeolake have changed since the Younger Dryas until today. Vegetation composition varies in different parts of the ancient Lake Burtnieks area due to past changes in lake water level which reached different sites at different times. Data from the northern part of ancient Lake Burtnieks indicate its gradual overgrowing since the Preboreal. Deposition of minerogenic lacustrine sediments (silt, clayey silt and sand) lasted until the Boreal or the Atlantic time, depending on the water depth of the lake locality. Clastic sediments were overlain by gyttja, which in turn was later covered by well-decomposed fen (sedge, sedge–grass) peat that started to form at the end of Atlantic time. Pollen and plant macroremain composition of lacustrine sediments and fen peat sequences suggests that people have inhabited the area since Preboreal–Boreal times. However, weak traces of possible presence of people are found already at the very end of the Younger Dryas.Fluctuating curves of broadleaved tree pollen, a significant amount of pollen of cultivated plants and charcoal dust in sediments indicate activities of an early man and refer to start of crop growing in the area in the second half of the Atlantic chronozone

Konference berns un vide Tezu krajums

Available from Latvian Academic Library / LAL - Latvian Academic LibrarySIGLELVLatvi

Republikaniska zinatniski metodiska konference &quot;Jaunrade - studentu speju attistitaja&quot; Referatu tezes

Available from Latvian Academic Library / LAL - Latvian Academic LibrarySIGLELVLatvi