Pedicularis L. Genus. Systematics, botany, phytochemistry, chemotaxonomy, ethnopharmacology, and other

In this review, the relevance of the plant species belonging to the Pedicularis L. genus has been considered from different points of view. Particular emphasis was given to phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology, since several classes of natural compounds have been reported within this genus and many of its species are well known to be employed in the traditional medicines of many Asian countries. Some important conclusions on the chemotaxonomic and chemosystematic aspects of the genus have also been provided for the first time. Actually, this work represents the first total comprehensive review on this genus

Leucosceptosides A and B. Two phenyl-ethanoid glycosides with important occurrence and biological activities

In this review paper, the occurrence in the plant kingdom, the chemophenetic value and the biological activities associated with two specific phenyl-ethanoid glycosides, i.e., leucosceptoside A and leucosceptoside B, were reported. This is the first work ever conducted on such a subject. Analysis of the literature data clearly led to three important conclusions: leucosceptoside A is much more common in plants than leucosceptoside B; leucosceptoside A exerts more biological activities than leucosceptoside B even if nothing can be generally concluded about which one is actually the most potent; neither of these compounds can be used as a chemophenetic marker. These three aspects and more are discussed in more depth in this work

Nor-lignans. Occurrence in plants and biological activities. A review

In this review article, the occurrence of nor-lignans and their biological activities are explored and described. Nor-lignans have proven to be present in several different families also belonging to chemosystematically distant orders as well as to have many different beneficial pharmacological activities. This review article represents the first one on this argument and is thought to give a first overview on these compounds with the hope that their study may continue and increase, after this

Phytochemical analysis and In vitro antileukemic activity of alkaloid-enriched extracts from Vinca sardoa (Stearn) Pignatti

Vinca sardoa (Stearn) Pignatti, known as Sardinian periwinkle, is widely diffused in Sardinia (Italy). This species contains indole alkaloids, which are known to have a great variety of biological activities. This study investigated the antileukemic activity against a B lymphoblast cell line (SUP-B15) of V. sardoa alkaloid-rich extracts obtained from plants grown in Italy, in Iglesias (Sardinia) and Rome (Latium). All the extracts showed a good capacity to induce reductions in cell proliferation of up to 50% at the tested concentrations (1–15 g/mL). Moreover, none of the extracts showed cytotoxicity on normal cells at all the studied concentrations

I funghi (Cap.26)

Il capitolo tratta della morfologia, fisiologia e classificazione dei funghi

Il Regno Vegetale

Origine ede evoluzione delle piante, loro fisiologia e morfologia

Functional foods: Traditional use and European legislation

The concept of functional foods was born in Japan in the 1980s. They are foods that were developed specifically to promote health or reduce the risk of disease. Functional foods have not already been defined by the legislation in Europe. Generally, they are considered as those foods which are intended to be consumed as part of the normal diet and which contain biologically active components which offer the potential of enhanced health or reduced risk of disease. Attention concerning this category of foods has grown, new products have appeared in the European market and interest has turned to define the standards and guidelines for the development and promotion of this kind of foods. In the European Union, there is harmonised legislation on health claims, while compounds, ingredients, plants are still regulated only at national level. The question of traditional use and the role of European Food Safety Authority as European Authority for Food Safety will be examined

- Productions of ochratoxin A by a strain of Aspergillus ochraceus on different seeds

The production of OTA A was studied using selected seeds as sterile food substrates for A. ochraceus

Iridoids from Dipsacus ferox (Dipsacaceae)

[No abstract available