Determination of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity in some endemic Sideritis L. (Lamiaceae) species grown in Turkey

In this study, total phenolic, total flavonoid and antioxidant activities of the some endemic species Sideritis rubriflora Hub.-Mor., Sideritis libanotica Labill. subsp. violascens (P.H.Davis) P.H.Davis, Sideritis erythrantha Boıss. Et Heldr. Apus Bentham var. cedretorum P.H.Davis, Sideritis congesta P. H. Davis Et Hub.-Mor., Sideritis brevidens P.H.Davis and Sideritis vuralii H. Duman Et Başer, which were collected from Anamur district of Mersin province in Turkey, were analyzed. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total antioxidant capacity (DPPH), (ABTS), (FRAP) of the ground surface parts were evaluated. As a result of the study, the highest TPC value was observed in S. erythrantha subsp. cedretorum and S. rubriflora extracts as being 366.9 and 328.3 mg/g DW, respectively; the highest TFC value was observed in S. rubriflora extract as being 155.7 mg/g; the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in S. congesta and S. brevidens extracts as being 39.1% and 38.9%, respectively; the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity was observed in S. erythrantha subsp. cedretorum and S. rubriflora extracts as being 54.9% and 51.9%, respectively; the highest FRAP value was observed in S. libanotica subsp. violascens extract as being 1500.2 µmol/g. In the light of the acquired findings, it is suggested that Sideritis species used in the study can be used as a possible natural source in the pharmaceutical and food industries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.466007

Ethnobotanical study on the medicinal plants in the Manyas province (Balıkesir, Turkey)

The variation in geology, land forms and climate in Anatolia has led to huge plant diversity. This study performed to provide a comprehensive documentation on ethnomedicinal herbs and traditional knowledge in Manyas (Balıkesir) province. Ethnobotanical records were documented using structured and semi-structured interviews (n=115) and focus group discussions (n=17) with key informants. The informant consensus factor (IFC) and use value (UV) were calculated to see the relative importance of species known. Seventy-five medicinal herbs belonging to 69 genera and 40 family used as treatment of human diseases were recorded. Among these taxa, 61 species were wild and 14 species were recorded as cultivated plant. It is revealed that the most frequently used ethnomedicinal plant families were Lamiaceae (>13%), Asteraceae (>12%), Rosaceae (>8%); the most frequently used preparations methods were infusion and decoction. A total of 122 ethnomedicinal practices were recorded. The traditional herbs have been commonly used for the cure of respiratory system disorders (18%), gastro-intestinal complaints such as ulcers and stomachache abdominal pain (13%), wounds and cut (11%), diabetes (7%), hemorrhoids (5%), heart and vascular disorders (4%). The present study showed that the area was rich in medicinal plant knowledge. The traditional knowledge reported by the indigenous people of Manyas region is valuable for further research and protected ethnobotanical heritage.

Ethnobotanical study on the medicinal plants in the Manyas province (Balıkesir, Turkey)

83-91The variation in geology, land forms and climate in Anatolia has led to huge plant diversity. This study performed to provide a comprehensive documentation on ethnomedicinal herbs and traditional knowledge in Manyas (Balıkesir) province. Ethnobotanical records were documented using structured and semi-structured interviews (n=115) and focus group discussions (n=17) with key informants. The informant consensus factor (IFC) and use value (UV) were calculated to see the relative importance of species known. Seventy-five medicinal herbs belonging to 69 genera and 40 family used as treatment of human diseases were recorded. Among these taxa, 61 species were wild and 14 species were recorded as cultivated plant. It is revealed that the most frequently used ethnomedicinal plant families were Lamiaceae (>13%), Asteraceae (>12%), Rosaceae (>8%); the most frequently used preparations methods were infusion and decoction. A total of 122 ethnomedicinal practices were recorded. The traditional herbs have been commonly used for the cure of respiratory system disorders (18%), gastro-intestinal complaints such as ulcers and stomachache abdominal pain (13%), wounds and cut (11%), diabetes (7%), hemorrhoids (5%), heart and vascular disorders (4%). The present study showed that the area was rich in medicinal plant knowledge. The traditional knowledge reported by the indigenous people of Manyas region is valuable for further research and protected ethnobotanical heritage

Olea europaea leaf extract alters microRNA expression in human glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and the most lethal form of primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system. There is an increasing need for the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these patients. One of the most attractive cancer therapy methods to date is the induction of tumor cell death by certain phytochemicals. Interestingly, bioactive compounds have been shown to alter micro RNA (miRNA) expression involved in several biological processes at the posttranscriptional level. The present study aimed to evaluate whether Olea europaea leaf extract (OLE) has an anticancer effect and modulates miRNA expression in GBM