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

Pollen spectrum variations in the atmosphere of Cagliari, Italy

We report on airborne pollen sampling in the atmosphere of Cagliari (southern Sardinia) in the two-year period 1999–2000, with the aim of supplementing and extending the knowledge of the city air plankton. The total pollen grains was 23,087. They belong systemically to 52 families, including 32 trees and/or shrubs and 20 herbaceous essences. The families with the highest airborne pollen incidence were the Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Urticaceae, Anacardiaceae, Oleaceae, and the Polygonaceae. Compared to a previous monitoring, more families and fewer airborne pollen grains were observed in this study. In addition, one air pollen component was observed that had never been monitored in previous samplings. On comparing our data with national mean figures, the major anthesis is brought forward by a month as a result of the particular meteorological conditions that characterise the Sardinian climate. The studies carried out disclosed the relationship between air pollen concentration and meteorological factors. We also compiled a pollen calendar showing data on monthly pollen concentrations, from which a great deal of useful and important information has been obtained

Le piante medicinali utilizzate contro le patologie epidermiche in Ogliastra (Sardegna centro-orientale)

Medicinal plants used in Ogliastra inland (central eastern Sardinia) for the skin diseases. In this work the authors propose the results of an ethnobotanical survey developed in Ogliastra (central-eastern Sardinia). The 316 interviews allowed to enumerate 117 plants utilized in folk medicine for the skin diseases

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic actity of Asparagus acutifolius extract

Although many species of Asparagus have been studied scientifically and shoots are used in the diet of Sardinians, there is very little literature available on the medicinal uses of Asparagus acutifolius Linn. The acetone-ethanol (1:1) extract was screened for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic activities. The extract showed good anti-oxidant activity in DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide radical assays. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and adaptogenic activity in the milk induced leucocytosis assay in rats. The results of the present study suggest need to investigate other pharmacological activities of Asparagus acutifolius