Alchemilla Mollis Research Articles

Supplement to Faroe Islands botanical list with 64 species or subspecies including rare, new and potentially invasive species with comments

The supplementary botanical list features 64 species of vascular plants which are new, rare or forgotten records from the Faroe Islands. They are the cumulative notes produced from numerous excursions over the two last decades. The new species are described with notes of who discovered them, and literature references are given where appropriate. Some plants are not new discoveries for the Faroes but have been found in new localities or have been missed in most recent botanical lists. The plants are also categorized to relevant land management practice such as infield or outfield, altitude, and whether they show spreading potential, in the hope that this may guide future management and conservation of the rare and extinction prone species found in the Faroes. Fifteen non‐native taxa in the list have been categorized as showing ‘spreading potential' and may become invasive, e.g. Schedonorus arundinaceus, Alchemilla mollis, Epilobium komarovianum, Fuchsia magellanica, Reynoutria japonica and Mimulus/Erythranthe spp.

Development of Quality Control Parameters for Standardization of Herb of the Cultivated Plant <i>Alchemilla mollis</i> (Buser) Rothm.

Introduction. Alchemilla herb is proposed for introduction into pharmaceutical practice, for obtaining extracts with various pharmacological activity. To expand, resource base of Alchemilla it has been proposed to use a high biomass cultivated plant – Alchemilla mollis (Buuser) Rothm. In terms of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the chemical composition Alchemilla mollis herb is comparable to the samples of raw materials of wild-growing Alchemilla. The presence of chemotaxonomic features necessitates the preparation of regulatory documentation for the introduction of this plant as a source of medicinal raw materials.Aim. Development of a methodology for assessing the main group of biologically active substances and the quantitative determination of flavonoids in Alchemilla mollis herb.Materials and methods. As objects of study, we used Alchemilla mollis herb harvested from plants cultivated in the Perm Krai. The chromatographic parameters of raw material authenticity were determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC). To develop the parameters for the quantitative determination of flavonoids in Alchemilla mollis herb, a modification of the method proposed for Alchemilla herb was carried out.Results and discussion. During chromatographic study of Alchemilla mollis herb were identified cinaroside, rutin, and quercetin. Cynaroside was referred to the marker substances. Ethyl acetate : acetic acid (85 : 15) was chosen as the optimal chromatographic system. A modification and validation of the method for the quantitative determination of flavonoids in Alchemilla herb was carried out. The change of the extractant, particle size, time and frequency of extraction for sample preparation and the optimal use of cynaroside as a standard substance are substantiated. The optimal conditions for the reaction of complex formation with aluminum chloride are established.Conclusion. To determine the authenticity of Alchemilla mollis herb, it was proposed to use the identification of cynaroside by TLC. The modified method for the quantitative determination of flavonoids in terms of cynaroside for the Alchemilla mollis herb, reproducible, correct and can be used for standardization. When testing the methodology on samples of raw materials harvested in the Perm region, a range of values for the content of flavonoids was 3.14–4.84 %, with an average level of variability.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HERB CULTIVATED ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS AND WILD-GROWING ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS

Plants of the genus Alchemilla are being researched as perspective sources of medicinal plant materials in order to obtain substances with various pharmacological properties. The problem of using the agamic-sexual complex Alchemilla vulgaris L.s.l, which has a high variability of morphological characteristics and chemical composition, can be solved by using a Alchemilla culture. Now, Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm is grown in territory of Russia as an ornamental plant. This microspecies is a representative of the flora of southern Europe and, according to the literature, accumulates a large amount of biologically active substances, and also has a high biomass indicators. To assess the possibility of expanding the raw material base of the aerial part of the Alchemilla, was researched content of the main groups of biologically active substances in cultivated A. mollis and wild A. vulgaris in the conditions of the Middle Urals. As a result of the research, phenol carboxylic acids, flavonoids (flavones and flavonols), isoflavones, aurones, catechins, cyanidins, coumarins, condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, ascorbic acid, amino acids, polysaccharides were found in the aerial parts of A. mollis and A. vulgaris. A quantitative analysis showed that the aerial part of A. mollis accumulates a significantly more tannins (with a predominance of condensed forms) and a significantly less ascorbic acid, in comparison with the aerial part of A. vulgaris; differences in the accumulation of polysaccharides and flavonoids were not found. Alchemilla mollis, cultivated in the conditions of Middle Urals, can be proposed as a source of the base of aerial part of the Alchemilla, taking into account the chemotaxonomic features of this microspecies.

Сравнительный фитохимический анализ настоев травы манжетки обыкновенной и травы манжетки мягкой

The research data revealed the existence of various pharmacological effects of Alchemilla vulgaris herb infusions and confirmed the prospects of introducing these infusions into medical practice. Biologically active substances (BAS) in the Alchemilla herb are of high variability, which adversely affects the phytochemical composition of the infusion and its pharmacological properties. The expansion of the raw material base of Alchemilla is possible due to Alchemilla mollis, which is a micro-specie with a stable chemical composition. Objective: a comparative analysis of the phytochemical composition of infusions of A. mollis and A. vulgaris herbs to assess the possibility of expanding the raw material base of the aerial part due to the cultivated micro-specie A. mollis. Materials and Methods. The objects of the study are A. vulgaris herb infusion (AVI) and A. mollis herb infusion (AMI). The harvesting of raw materials was being produced during the period of mass flowering from cultivated Alchemilla mollis (Buuser) Rothm and wild-growing Alchemilla vulgaris L. s. I. Preliminary qualitative analysis was performed by conventional methods. The content of tannins, polysaccharides, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids were quantified. Results. A preliminary qualitative analysis showed the similarity of the studied infusions, including the presence of phenolic compounds, markers of the genus Alchemilla (caffeic acid, luteolin and quercetin derivatives). The peculiarity of AMI is the predominant content of condensed tannins, which is consistent with the data on the accumulation of this group of biologically active substances in A. mollis herb. Significant higher amounts of tannins (p<0.05) and ascorbic acid (p<0.05) were found in BAS; no differences were found in the amount of polysaccharides and flavonoids. Conclusion. The conducted study indicates the similarity of the chemical composition of the studied infusions, which allows the use of AMI similarly to AVI, and A. mollis herb to expand the raw material base of the herb.

Bioactivities of Alchemilla mollis, Alchemilla persica and Their Active Constituents

The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial activities of Alchemilla mollis, Alchemilla persica as well as ellagic acid and miquelianin against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans by using microbroth dilution method and anti-inflammatory activity by using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method. Microbroth dilution method was used to determine the antimicrobial activities. Extracts possessed activity having MIC values of 2.5-5-10mg/ mL, compounds possessed activity having MIC values of 1.25-2.5-4-5mg/mL. A.mollis aerial parts displayed the highest anti-inflammatory activity (IC50=1.22±0.07mg/mL). Ellagic acid and miquelianin were also determined as anti-inflammatory agents with 0.57±0.01mg/mL and 1.23±0.02mg/mL IC50 values, respectively. Total phenolic content and tannin content of the A.mollis and A.persica were determined as 357.00±75.80mg, 282.50±28.70mg PGE/g plant material and 18.02%, 18.63% respectively according to the method described by European Pharmacopoeia. Ellagic acid, miquelianin and catechin were analyzed by HPLC. The highest catechin content was detected in A.persica roots (6.69±0.05g/100g plant material). A.mollis aerial parts contain higher miquelianin (0.39±0.02g/plant material) and ellagic acid (1.56±0.01g/ plant material) than A.persica.

Evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of aerial part Alchemilla mollis infusion

Evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of aerial part Alchemilla mollis infusion

CYTOTOXIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS (BUSER) ROTHM. AND ITS CONTITUENTS; HYPEROSIDE AND ISOQUERCETIN

Objective: Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) is widely distributed in Europe, North Anatolia, Caucasus, North Iran. A commercial drug, "Herba Alchemillae" is obtained from aerial parts of A. mollis, is used for its astringent, diuretic, antispazmodic properties as well as for treatment of excessive menstruation and wounds in Bulgarian and Turkish folk medicine. Previous studies have reported that hyperoside, isoquercetin, miquelianin, cis-and trans-tiliroside, sinocrassoside D2 and rhodiolgin were detected in A. mollis. Present study is aimed to evaluate in vitro antioxidant effects and cytotoxic activities of A.mollis methanolic extract and its constituents, hyperoside and isoquercetin, on K562 leukemia cell line. Material and Method: Spectrophotometric MTT assay and NO radical scavenging assay have been used to test the cytotoxic effects and antioxidant activities, respectively. Result and Discussion: Results showed that A.mollis methanolic extract reduced cell viability of K562 cells at concentrations higher than 0.02 mg/ml whereas the compounds did not exhibit any cytotoxicity at same concentration range. Additionally, significant inhibition on NO radical production was observed for all tested materials.

Sivas İli Doğal Florasından Toplanan Sarı Kantaron (Hypericum scabrum L.) ve Aslan Pençesi (Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm) Bitkilerinin Bazı Kalite Kriterlerinin Belirlenmesi

Bu çalışmada Sivas ilinde doğal olarak yetişen sarı kantaron (Hypericum scabrum) ve aslan pençesi (Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm) bitkilerinin antioksidan aktivite ve makro-mikro besin içerik değerlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler makro ve mikro besin elementleri açısından değerlendirildiğinde, her iki bitkide de Mg, Ca, Zn ve Cu (mg kg-1) normal düzeylerde yer alırken Fe ve Mn oranlarının oldukça yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Sarı kantaron bitkisinde major bileşen olarak 3-keto-urs-12-ene (%11.99) belirlenirken, aslan pençesinde Phytol (%34.84) majör bileşen olarak tespit edilmiş her iki bitki de orta derecede antioksidan aktivite göstermiştir.

Indications of Susceptibility to Calonectria pseudonaviculata in Some Common Groundcovers and Boxwood Companion Plants

Knowing the host range of a pathogen is critical to developing and implementing effective disease management programs. Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) is known to attack a number of species, varieties, and cultivars in the genus Buxus as well as three Pachysandra species (Pachysandra terminalis, Pachysandra procumbens, and Pachysandra axillaris) and several Sarcococca species, all in the Buxaceae family. The objective of this study was to evaluate non-Buxaceae groundcovers and companion plants commonly associated with boxwood plantings for their susceptibility to Cps. Twenty-seven plant species belonging to 21 families were exposed to different levels of inoculum: 50 to 300 conidia per drop for detached leaf assays and 30,000 to 120,000 conidia per 1 ml for whole-plant assays. Inoculated plants were incubated in humid environments for at least 48 h to facilitate infection. Cps infection and sporulation were observed on 12 plant species: Alchemilla mollis, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Brunnera macrophylla, Epimedium × youngianum, Galium odoratum, Geranium sanguineum, Phlox subulata, Tiarella cordifolia, Callirhoe involucrata, Iberis sempervirens, Mazus reptans, and Vinca minor. These results suggest that there may be more hosts of Cps commonly grown in nurseries and landscapes. If corroborated by observations of natural infection, these findings have implications for the Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program instituted by the National Plant Board and for planning disease mitigation at production and in the landscape.

Plants Recovery Performance from Water Stress

Recovery of plants after water stress events represents their high suitability for the urban condition areas. Reaction to drought and recovery of woody plants Cornus mas L., Lonicera caerulea L. and perennials Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm., Geranium maculatum L., Geranium x magnificum Hyl. ‘Rosemoor’ and Geranium ‘Philippe Vapelle’ were evaluate. Within a pot experiment the non‑destructive methods of monitoring: measurement of chlorophyll content using chlorophyll meter CL‑01, leaf stomatal conductance using Delta T Leaf porometer AP4 and modulated chlorophyll fluorescence using Hansatech FMS 1 were chosen. Based upon our results we may demonstrate different protective mechanisms of plants in water stress conditions. An increase in the chlorophyll concentration in stress‑exposed tissues and recovery of stomatal conductance in Cornus mas L. and in Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. were observed. In Cornus mas L. and Lonicera caerulea L. the early recovery of parameter ɸPSII (after 2 days of re‑watering) and the delayed recovery (after 6 days of re‑watering) in Geranium plants and Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm.) were shown.

Frequency of plant visits by the generalist ant Lasius niger depends on the surface microstructure of plant stems

The aim of this study was to analyze the visiting frequency of generalist ants to plants with different surface textures of their stems. We performed an experiment in which Lasius niger ants were attracted by sweet drops to flower stems of five plant species bearing different surface structures: Alchemilla mollis (wax projections and long tread-shaped trichomes), Lilium lancifolium (without wax, with ribbon-shaped trichomes and cuticular folds), Salvia nemorosa (without wax, with trichomes of various lengths and cuticular folds), Tulipa gesneriana (wax projections, no trichomes), and Paeonia lactiflora (neither of above surface features). As control samples, dry, smooth bamboo sticks were placed in the vicinity of experimental plant stems. Using cryo scanning electron microscopy, the micromorphology of stem surfaces was examined. The present study demonstrates that, on the one hand, ants avoid climbing wax-covered stems, if trichomes are lacking. On the other hand, some trichome-bearing stems having specific trichome micromorphologies were also ignored by ants. The strongest attractiveness was revealed in glossy stems and stems covered with soft/floppy trichomes. This experiment supports the hypothesis that when exposed to a diversity of plant stems in the field, generalist ants choose substrates where their locomotion is less hampered by obstacles or slipperiness of surface. Presumably, additional locomotory efforts needed to master climbing on “greasy” or “spiny” stems lead to an increase of costs-to-benefits ratio. However, since every type of stem surface was visited at least once during the experiment, it does not automatically mean that ants are not capable of walking on such challenging surfaces.

Colorimetric detection of Listeria monocytogenes using one-pot biosynthesized flower-shaped gold nanoparticles

The present study described a novel fast, simple and green one-pot synthesis approach of flower-shaped gold nanoparticles (flower-shaped AuNPs) by using antioxidant plant extracts. The AuNPs synthesized by Alchemilla mollis extract showed maximum absorbance at 610 nm and were polydispersed flower-shaped with average size (±SD) of 68.7 ± 2.8 nm. We have explored a colorimetric sensing assay for rapid detecting Listeria monocytogenes by using single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) conjugated flower-shaped AuNPs. ssDNA were used as probe for DNA detection and the synthesized flower-shaped AuNPs were used as indicators. The limit of detection for hlyA gene and genomic DNA of Listeria monocytogenes were 48.4 ng and 100.4 ng, respectively. The proposed assay is fast and specific for Listeria monocytogenes detection, with the improved color change and stability.

Protective effect of dietary Alchemilla mollis on UVB-irradiated premature skin aging through regulation of transcription factor NFATc1 and Nrf2/ARE pathways

BackgroundAlchemilla mollis (lady's mantle) is a common ingredient in skin care products. However, the protective mechanism of A. mollis against skin problems has not been elucidated. PurposeThis study was to investigate the effects of A. mollis ethanolic extract (AM) on UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and hairless mice. MethodsThe in vitro anti-photoaging effect of AM was performed in NHDFs. The antioxidant activities were assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), IL-6, procollagen type I, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by kits. The protein levels of p-c-Jun, p-c-Fos, Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, nuclear NFATc1 and cytosolic p-NFATc1 were evaluated by western blotting. In in vivo, H&E and Masson's trichrome staining were carried out. Skin texture was analyzed using the roughness parameters. The expression of MMP-1, procollagen type I, TGF-β1 and elastin were measured by western blot. ResultsAM included gallic acid as an active constituent. AM exhibited a strong antioxidant effect by inhibiting DPPH and ABTS free radicals, as well as ROS production. It was also found to upregulate transforming growth factor β1, type I procollagen and elastin expression, and to downregulate matrix metalloproteinase-1 and interleukin-6 expression in AM-treated NHDFs under UVB irradiation. These effects were attributed to AP-1 and Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways. Significantly, it was demonstrated that AM regulated the UVB-induced NFATc1 dephosphorylation in nucleus. Based on dietary data, AM was effective for the prevention of wrinkle formation, skin thickening, water loss, and erythema in UVB-exposed mouse skin. ConclusionOur data indicate that A. mollis provides protection from UVB exposure in both hairless mice skin in vivo and NHDFs in vitro. AM might therefore be useful as a cosmetic material and functional food for the prevention of UVB-induced human skin photoaging.

Phenolic Composition, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm.

The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) aerial parts extracts. Chemical composition was analyzed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic (HPLC) techniques. The antioxidant properties assessed included DPPH· and ABTS·+ radical scavenging, β-carotene-linoleic acid co-oxidation assay. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated with disc diffusion and micro dilution method. In order to evaluate toxicity of the extracts, with the sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay L929 cell line (mouse fibroblast) was used. The anti-inflammatory activities of the potent antioxidant extracts (methanol, 70% methanol, and water extracts) were determined by measuring the inhibitory effects on NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α levels in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. 70% methanol and water extracts which were found to be rich in phenolic compounds (184.79 and 172.60 mg GAE/g extract) showed higher antioxidant activity. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside was the main compound in the extracts. Ethyl acetate and 70% methanol extracts showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis with MIC value of 125 μg/ml. 70% methanol extract potentially inhibited the NO and TNF-α production (18.43 μm and 1556.22 pg/ml, respectively, 6 h).

Evaluation of hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activity of Alchemilla mollis.

Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm aerial part and root methanolic-water extracts were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity and hypoglycemic activity on alloxan-induced diabetic mice. None of the tested extracts exhibited effects on blood glucose levels. However hepatoprotective activity results have revealed that serum ALT levels were significantly lowered by both the aerial part and root extracts at doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that A. mollis aerial parts and roots induced significant recovery from cellular damage; when compared to the carbon tetrachloride group, the most significant activity was observed with A. mollis aerial part extracts at a dose of 200mg/kg. There is evidence of a hepatoprotective activity of A. mollis on the phenolic content of the plant, especially in the case of flavonoids, which have potent antioxidant properties.

The effect of growth regulators on post-harvest Alchemilla mollis (Bauser) Rothm. leaf longevity

Abstract Leaves of Alchemilla mollis (Bauser) Rothm. were the subject of the study. The leaves were harvested early in the morning from the department’s ornamental plant collection. Selected leaves were fully-developed and showed no signs of damage or discolouring. Gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyladenine (BA), meta-methoxytopolin (MemT) and its riboside (MemTR) at concentrations of 25, 50 and 75 mg dm−3 were applied in the form of solutions to four-hour leaf-conditioning in the room at a temperature of 18-20°C. After conditioning, the leaves were placed in distilled water. Leaves put into distilled water immediately after cutting served as the control. The post-harvest longevity of leaves of Alchemilla mollis was 7.2-11.8 days. The conditioning of leaves in gibberellic acid solutions at concentrations of 25-50 mg dm−3, benzyladenine at concentrations of 25 mg dm−3 and meta-methoxytopolin and its riboside at concentrations of 75 mg dm−3 extended the post-harvest longevity of leaves by 10.1-81.9%. The conditioning of leaves in gibberellic acid at a concentration of 50 mg dm−3 inhibited the degradation of chlorophyll, as indicated by the highest SPAD index values.

Effects of <i>Alchemilla mollis</i> and <i>Alchemilla persica</i> on the wound healing process

<p class="Abstract"><em>Alchemilla mollis</em>, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds and excessive menstruation. Aqueous methanol extracts of<em> A. mollis</em> and <em>A. persica</em> were evaluated for wound healing acivity by using linear incision and circular excision wound models along with hydroxyproline estimation and histopathological analysis. Anti-inflammatory effect was determined according to Whittle method. The extracts prepared from the aerial parts of <em>A. mollis</em> and <em>A. persica</em> exerted significant wound healing activity with the tensile strength values of 39.3% and 33.3%, respectively, and with the contraction values of 51.4% and 43.5%, respectively. Hydroxyproline estimation and histopathological analysis also confirmed the results. The extracts of <em>A. mollis</em> and <em>A. persica</em> showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with the values of 30.6% and 26.6% respectively. These results showed that <em>A. mollis</em> and <em>A. persica</em> possess significant wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities.</p><p class="Abstract"><strong>Video Clip</strong></p><p class="Subheading"><a href="https://youtube.com/v/k2Hz7f1e4SI">Circular excision wound model</a>: 2 min</p><p> </p>

Phytochemical analyses and effects of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in rat endometriosis model.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment potential of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in the experimentally induced endometriosis model in rats. Endometriosis was surgically induced in rats by autotransplanting endometrial tissue to abdominal wall. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups. The groups were orally treated with the methanol:water (80:20) extracts of aerial parts and roots of A. mollis and A. persica. Buserelin acetate (20 mg) was used as the reference drug. The phytochemical contents of the most active extracts were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The cystic formation was determined to be significantly decreased with the aerial part extract of A. mollis. A reduction in the endometrioma was also determined for the aerial part extract of A. persica group. However, significant reduction on the levels of cytokine were recorded for the A. mollis aerial part extract group. Therefore, the phytochemical contents of the aerial part extracts of A. mollis. and A. persica were analyzed. The results of the present study revealed that the aerial part extracts of A. mollis and A. persica could be beneficial in the treatment of endometriosis.

Effects of guttation prevention on photosynthesis and transpiration in leaves of Alchemilla mollis

The ecophysiological function(s) and consequences of guttation, a phenomenon by which water is exuded by and accumulated as droplets along the leaf margins under high humidity in many plants that grow in wet soil, has been poorly studied and remains largely unknown. Thus, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were examined, using two experimental approaches, in Alchemilla mollis plants under conditions that promoted guttation and those that prevented this phenomenon. Although results were variable, depending on the experimental approach, prevention of guttation effected reductions in photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as photochemical activity measured with fluorescence techniques. These findings lend partial support for a previously hypothesized function of guttation: prevention of excess water in leaves, yet they contradict those of several other studies. More work is required in order to adequately understand the function of guttation.

Antibacterial and antitumour activities of some plants grown in Turkey

Screening of antibacterial and antitumour activities of 33 different extracts prepared with three types of solvents (water, ethanol and methanol) was conducted. The extracts were obtained from 11 different plant species grown in Turkey: Eryngium campestre L., Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm., Dorycnium pentaphyllum Scop., Coronilla varia L., Onobrychis oxyodonta Boiss., Fritillaria pontica Wahlenb., Asarum europaeum L., Rhinanthus angustifolius C. C. Gmelin, Doronicum orientale Hoffm., Campanula glomerata L. and Campanula olympica Boiss. Antibacterial activity against six bacteria was evaluated: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis by using disc diffusion and well diffusion methods. S. aureus and S. epidermidis were most sensitive to the methanolic extract from A. europaeum. S. pyogenes was vulnerable to all used extracts of D. orientale. In addition, ethanolic or methanolic extracts of E. campestre, A. mollis, D. pentaphyllum, C. varia, R. angustifolius, C. glomerata and C. olympica displayed strong antibacterial activity against at least one of the tested gram-negative bacteria. The methanolic extract from R. angustifolius showed a broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Antitumour activity was evaluated with Agrobacterium-tumefaciens-induced potato disc tumour assay. Best antitumour activity was obtained with the aqueous extract from A. europaeum and methanolic extract from E. campestre (100% and 86% tumour inhibition, respectively).