Geopoetics: A mindfulness (sati) site-specific performance practice

The supplementary video files for this thesis will be uploaded shortly but will be embargoed due to legal restrictionsIn autumn of 2010 the phenomenon of ‘Greek crisis’ was aggressively developed to a new experience of Greece. As a theatre practitioner from Athens, the specific historical time pushed me to question big-scale narratives of identity, home and belonging-ness. I relocated my training outdoors. My aim was to create a site-specific performance process that investigates place as a psychophysical experience and the ways through which it integrates with the cultural practices embedded in situ. The thesis builds around a Geographical/Buddhist framework where a cultural landscape epistemology outlined by Mitch Rose and John Wylie (2006) is realised through the practice of samatha vipashyana. The accounts of Rose and Wylie organise the examination of space as a body-landscape interrelationship. The Buddhist notion of mindfulness (sati) structures the investigation of the experience in space through theatre and dance disciplines in situ. The Buddhist concept of selflessness (anatta) permeates the performance practice in situ as a discipline of presence. Designated as Geopoetics, the practice of thesis applies meditation practices of breathing and walking to explore site through movement, feeling and activity. It further extends such a process via the disciplines of Somatics, Grotowski-based actor training and Dilley’s ‘dance.art.lab’. It employs the notions of ‘story’ from the Six Viewpoints system and ‘living myth’ of Anna Halprin to formulate a devising process of site-specific performance as an enactment of interrelationship between subject(s) and space. Geopoetics creates experiential containers within which the participant/ watcher is enabled to contemplate and re-examine her political, perceptual and emotional present. Based on its methodology of mindfulness (sati) notions of ‘identity’, ‘home’ and ‘sense of belonging’ are seen as individual or collective modes of attachment which altogether co-formulate the event of landscape. The practice of Geopoetics suggests an inquiry of place through the body for site-specific devisers and performers. It also relates to the discipline of architects, geographers and planners as a practice which investigates space’s contextual paradoxes and dynamics through the body.Onassis Foundatio

Modulation of Cox-1, 5-, 12- and 15-Lox by popular herbal remedies used in southern Italy against psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Acanthus mollis (Acanthaceae), Achillea ligustica, Artemisia arborescens and Inula viscosa (Asteraceae) are used in Southern Italy against psoriasis and other skin diseases that occur with an imbalanced production of eicosanoids. We here assessed their in vitro effects upon 5-, 12-, 15-LOX and COX-1 enzymes as well as NFκB activation in intact cells as their possible therapeutic targets. All methanol crude extracts inhibited both 5-LOX and COX-1 activities under 200 µg/mL, without significant effects on the 12-LOX pathway or any relevant in vitro free radical scavenging activity. NFκB activation was prevented by all extracts but A. mollis. Interestingly, A. ligustica, A. arborescens and A. mollis increased the biosynthesis of 15(S)-HETE, an anti-inflammatory eicosanoid. A. ligustica (IC50 =49.5 µg/mL) was superior to Silybum marianum (IC50 =147.8 µg/mL), which we used as antipsoriatic herbal medicine of reference. Its n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions had also inhibitory effects on the LTB4 biosynthesis (IC50 s=9.6, 20.3 and 68 µg/mL, respectively) evidencing that the apolar extracts of A. ligustica are promising active herbal ingredients for future phytotherapeutical products targeting psoriasis

Essential oil of Acinos mayoranifolius (Mill.) Šilić (Lamiaceae) from Montenegro

Acinos mayoranifolius (Mill.) Silic is endemic, spread across the western border area of Croatia and Herzegovina and the western part of Montenegro. It is a distinctly Mediterranean mountainous species. It inhabits open limestone rocky terrains, rims of karst forests, on heights between 20 and 1400m (Silic, 1979, 1984). A. majoranifolius is distinguished from the rest of the Acinos species by its aroma, and therefore the composition of its essential oil is presented in this work. We have studied the essential oils of three populations of A. majoranifolius collected from different localities in Western Montenegro: mountain Orjen, Njegusi and Lijeva Rijeka. The samples were gathered in the flowering period. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation from the dried aerial parts of the plants. The analyses of the oils were carried out using GC/MS. The identification of the compounds was based on comparison of their Kovats indices (KI), their retention times (RT) and mass spectra with those obtained from authentic samples and/or the MS library (Adams, 1995). The yield of the essential oils was between 0.5% and 0.6%. Pulegone was the main component of all the oils (65.4%-81.3%). The Mt. Orjen and Njegusi populations had a high content of isomenthone (11.4% and 15.4%), while this compound was detected only in traces in the Lijeva Rijeka population.Isopulegone and caryophyllene oxide were found in similar concentrations in all populations

Promenljivost osobina etarskog ulja vrste Clinopodium pulegium (Lamiaceae) u zavisnosti od fenološke faze

The variability of essential oil characteristics in different phenological stages of Clinopodium pulegium from its natural habitat (Svrljiški Timok gorge, Serbia) and from cultivated plants (Niš, Serbia) was determined. The essential oils were obtained from aerial parts of the plants by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. These are the first data on the essential oil characteristics of plants of the population from the Svrljiški Timok gorge. Samples originating from both natural and cultivated populations were characterized by high amounts of essential oils in all stages of development (0.8% - 1.4%). Twenty-one compounds were identified, representing 95.3-99.6% of the total oils. Differences in the essential oil composition were more quantitative than qualitative. The quality of the essential oil was stable and did not vary with differences in environmental conditions. Dominance of the main components was modified by phenological stage. Pulegone was dominant in the vegetative (76.1% wild population, 62.7% cultivated population) and the flowering (49.5%, 64.6%) stages, while menthone (48.5%, 65.3%) displaced pulegone (34.7%, 18.4%) at the fruiting stage. Cultivated plants in the vegetative and flowering stages can be considered a significant source of pulegone, and in the fruiting stage a significant source of menthone. Careful selection of the developmental stage of the plant is a potential tool which could be employed to obtain the preferred chemical composition of C. pulegium for commercial use.U radu je praćena promenljivost količine i sastava etarkog ulja Clinopodium pulegium kroz različite stadijume razvoja biljke (vegetativni, stadijum cvetanja i plodonošenja). Materijal je sakupljan iz samonikle (klisura Svrljiškog Timoka) i gajene (Niš) populacije. Etarsko ulje je izolovano iz nadzemnih delova biljaka destilacijom vodenom parom i analizirano GC-MS metodom. Ovo su prvi podaci o osobinama etarskog ulja biljaka populacije iz klisure Svrljiškog Timoka. Svi uzorci kako iz samonikle tako i iz gajene populacije su se odlikovali velikim sadržajem ulja (0.8% - 1.4%) u svim stadijumima razvoja. Dvadeset jedna komponenta je identifikovana što predstavlja 95.3-99.6% ukupnog etarskog ulja. Razlike u sastavu ulja su bile više kvantitativne nego kvalitativne. Kvalitet etarskog ulja je bio stabilan a variranja uslovljena promenom sredine relativno mala. Dominacija glavnih komponenata je bila uslovljena promenama fenoloških faza. Pulegon je bio dominantan u vegetativnoj (76.1% u ulju biljaka samonikle populacije, 62.7% u ulju biljaka gajene populacije) i fazi cvetanja (49.5%, 64.6%), dok je menton bio dominantan (48.5%, 65.3%) u fazi plodonošenja. Rezultati su pokazali da se biljke u vegetativnoj i fazi cvetanja mogu smatrati značajnim izvorom pulegona, a u fazi plodonošenja značajnim izvorom mentona. Pažljivim odabirom razvojnog stadijuma biljke moguće je dobiti etarsko ulje željenog sastava koje bi se moglo upotrebiti u komercijalne svrhe

Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil from the underground parts of Laserpitium zernyi Hayek (Apiaceae)

Laserpitium zernyi Hayek is Scardo-Pindic endemic plant distributed in the mountain regions of C. Balkans. It was treated earlier as a subspecies, L. siler L. subsp. zernyi (Hayek) Tutin [1,2]. Root of L. siler is traditionally used as tonic, diuretic, emenagogue, in gynecology and externally for toothache treatments [3]. Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil from the underground parts (roots and rhizomes) of L. zernyi were investigated. Air-dried and powdered plant material was hydrodistilled using n-hexane as a collecting solvent. Pale blue oil yielded 1.2l% (w/w). The essential oil was analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Forty-three compounds were identified (94.3% of total oil). Oil was characterised by similar content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (52.9% and 41.4%, respectively). The main constituents were α-pinene (3 1.6%) and α-bisabolol (30.9%). The antimicrobial activity was tested using the microdillution method [4] against Gram(+) bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Gram(-) bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae NCIMB 9111, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and two strains of yeast Candida albicans (ATCC 10259 and 24433). Laserpitium zernyi oil showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC 31.83 µg/ml), S. aureus and Micrococcus luteus (MICs 63.67 µg/ml). For all other tested microorganisms MIC values were higher than 100.00 µg /ml. The studied essential oil isolated from the underground parts of L. zernyi had a remarkably different composition than the previously tested oils from flower and herb of this plant, and also showed a much higher antimicrobial activity [5].The 80th anniversary of the publication of Turrill’s “Plant life of the Balkan peninsula

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Octacosanol from the Leaves of Sabicea grisea var. grisea in Mice

Sabicea species are used in the Amazon for treatment of fever and malaria, which suggests that its chemical constituents may have some effect on pain and inflammation. Phytochemical analysis of the hexane fraction obtained from the crude ethanol extract from Sabicea grisea var. grisea Cham. & Schltdl (Rubiaceae), an endemic plant in Brazil, resulted in the isolation of octacosanol. This study investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the octacosanol in different experimental models. The crude ethanolic extract and hexane fraction obtained from the leaves of S. grisea produced an inhibition of acetic acid-induced pain. Moreover, octacosanol isolated from the hexane fraction produced a significant inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid. Pre-treatment with yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, notably reversed the antinociceptive activity induced by octacosanol in the abdominal constriction test. Furthermore, mice treated with octacosanol did not exhibit any behavioral alteration during the hot plate and rota-rod tests, indicating non-participation of the supraspinal components in the modulation of pain by octacosanol with no motor abnormality. In the formalin test, octacosanol did not inhibit the licking time in first phase (neurogenic pain), but significantly inhibited the licking time in second phase (inflammatory pain) of mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of octacosanol was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy. The octacosanol significantly reduced the total leukocyte count and neutrophils influx, as well as TNF-α levels in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy. This study revealed that the mechanism responsible for the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the octacosanol appears to be partly associated with an inhibition of alpha 2-adrenergic transmission and an inhibition of pathways dependent on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, these results demonstrated that the octacosanol from the leaves of S. grisea possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be of relevance for the pharmacological control of pain and inflammatory processes

Avaliação do efeito do eucaliptol nas convulsões induzidas por pentilenotetrazol em camundongos

The developmental process of epilepsies involves diverse mechanisms that culminate in the hyperactivity of a population of neurons, resulting in a pattern of repeated and rhythmic depolarizations. Antiepileptic drugs act by increasing GABAergic neurotransmission, reducing the effects of glutamate, or blocking ion channels, and are endowed with serious adverse effects that make it difficult for patients to adhere to treatment. This fact has encouraged the search for compounds of natural origin with potential anticonvulsant effect. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of eucalyptol in seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). For this, male Swiss mice, orally treated with monotrepene, were used. The first protocol evaluated the toxicity and the estimated LD50 of the compound. Based on the value of LD50, the doses of terpene used in the behavioral and neurochemical tests were selected. For the behavioral tests, groups of mice were pretreated with saline (10 mL/kg, vol), diazepam (2 mg/kg, ip) and eucalyptol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, vol) and then with pentylenetetrazole 80 mg/kg, ip) and evaluated for the following parameters: seizure intensity, latency for first seizure and time of death. For neurochemical tests, groups of mice were pretreated with saline (10 mL/kg, v.o.) and eucalyptol (400 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently with pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg, i.p.); The determination of the concentration of neurotransmitters (monoamines - dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) and oxidative stress markers (nitrite and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARs) were the parameters evaluated. The results were analyzed by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls, and Dunns, respectively. Values of p <0.05 were considered significant. The results showed that oral administration of eucalyptol had low toxicity and the estimated LD50 was greater than 2000 mg / kg. In the PTZ-induced seizure test, only the higher dose of monoterpene (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced seizure intensity by 60%, increased latency for onset of the first seizure by 85% and time of death of the animals in 75% in relation to the control. Similarly, treatment with eucalyptol (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the concentration of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin by 50%, 33% and 70%, respectively, in relation to the PTZ-treated group (80 mg/kg). In addition, treatment with eucalyptol (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the concentration of TBARs by 33%, but not nitrite, relative to the PTZ treated group (80 mg/kg). Taken together, the results show that the monoterpene studied has low oral toxicity and an important anticonvulsant effect, since its administration is capable of attenuating the convulsions chemically induced by pentylenetetrazol with consequent reduction of the concentration of monoamines and the reactive substances of thiobarbituric acid, elements whose increase is associated with the epileptogenesis phenomenon.O processo de desenvolvimento das epilepsias envolve mecanismos diversos que culminam na hiperatividade de uma população de neurônios, resultando em um padrão de despolarizações repetidas e rítmicas. Os fármacos antiepilépticos agem através do aumento da neurotransmissão GABAérgica, da redução dos efeitos do glutamato, ou do bloqueio de canais iônicos, sendo dotados de efeitos adversos sérios que dificultam a adesão do paciente ao tratamento. Este fato tem incentivado a busca por compostos de origem natural com potencial efeito anticonvulsivante. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do eucaliptol nas convulsões induzidas por pentilenotetrazol (PTZ). Para tanto, foram utilizados camundongos Swiss machos, tratados oralmente com o monotrepeno. O primeiro protocolo realizado avaliou a toxicidade e a DL50 estimada do composto. Com base no valor da DL50, foram selecionadas as doses do terpeno utilizadas nos testes comportamentais e neuroqímicos. Para os testes comportamentais, grupos de camundongos foram previamente tratados com salina (10 mL/kg, v.o.), diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) e eucaliptol (100, 200 e 400 mg/kg, v.o.) e posteriormente com pentilenotetrazol (80 mg/kg, i.p.) e avaliados quanto aos seguintes parâmetros: intensidade das convulsões, latência para primeira convulsão e tempo de morte. Para os testes neuroquímicos, grupos de camundongos foram previamente tratados com salina (10 mL/kg, v.o.) e eucaliptol (400 mg/kg, i.p.) e posteriormente com pentilenotetrazol (80 mg/kg, i.p.); a determinação da concentração de neurotransmissores (monoaminas – dopamina, noradrenalina e serotonina) e dos marcadores de estresse oxidativo (nitrito e substâncias reativas do ácido tiobarbitúrico – TBARs) foram os parâmetros avaliados. Os resultados foram analisados por ANOVA ou Kruskal-Wallis, seguido dos testes de Student-Newman-Keuls, e Dunns, respectivamente. Foram considerados significativos os valores de p < 0,05. Os resultados mostraram que a administração oral do eucaliptol apresentou baixa toxicidade e a DL50 estimada foi superior a 2000 mg/kg. No teste das convulsões induzidas por PTZ apenas a dose maior do monoterpeno (400 mg/kg) reduziu de forma significativa a intensidade das convulsões em 60%, aumentou a latência para aparecimento da primeira convulsão em 85% e o tempo de morte dos animais em 75% em relação ao controle. De forma semelhante, o tratamento com eucaliptol (400 mg/kg) reduziu de forma significativa a concentração de noradrenalina, dopamina e serotonina, em 50%, 33% e 70%, respectivamente, em relação ao grupo tratado com PTZ (80 mg/kg). Além disso, o tratamento com eucaliptol (400 mg/kg) reduziu de forma significativa a concentração de TBARs em 33%, mas não de nitrito, em relação ao grupo tratado com PTZ (80 mg/kg). Tomados em conjunto, os resultados mostram que o monoterpeno estudado apresenta baixa toxicidade oral e importante efeito anticonvulsivante, visto que sua administração é capaz de atenuar as convulsões quimicamente induzidas por pentilenotetrazol com consequente redução da concentração de monoaminas e das substâncias reativas do ácido tiobarbitúrico, elementos cujo aumento está associado ao fenômeno da epileptogênese

Essential oil of thymus zygioides var. Lycaonicus from Greece

The essential oil of the aerial parts of Thymus zygioides var. lycaonicus from Greece was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-seven compounds representing 99.8% of the total oil were identified. The major constituents were p-cymene (19.4%), thymol (19.5%) and γ-terpinene (17.2%). © 2008, Taylor &amp; Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved