Sambucus Nigra Research Articles

Impact of unemployment on cardiovascular mortality in united states: a nationwide county-level analysis 2010–2019

Abstract Background Unemployment has been linked with a myriad of adverse health outcomes; however, its population-level impact on cardiovascular mortality (CVM), particularly amongst various demographic subgroups, remains understudied. Purpose To determine the impact of county unemployment levels on CVM rates, in overall and between different demographic subgroups. Methods We utilized the CDC WONDER database tool to retrieve county-level CVM rates for U.S. counties between 2010 and 2019. The County Health Rankings project was used to retrieve data on unemployment levels in each county as well as other characteristics used in an adjusted multivariate model. Generalized linear mixed models using Poisson regression were used to estimate the impact of unemployment on county-level CVM using relative (incidence rate ratios; IRR) and absolute (additional yearly deaths; AYD) measures. Results From 2010 to 2019, a total of 2904 U.S. counties (64.2% white; 50.81% female) with data available on CVM and unemployment levels were analyzed. In a multivariate model adjusted for demographic composition, CV risk, socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare-access factors, unemployment was significantly associated with higher levels of CVM (IRR: 1.026; 95% CI: 1.018 to 1.033; 6.00 AYD). The relative impact of unemployment was strongest in elderly Blacks (IRR: 1.051; 95% CI: 1.029 to 1.074), middle-aged whites (IRR: 1.050; 95% CI: 1.032 to 1.067), and middle-aged females (IRR: 1.046; 95% CI: 1.018 to 1.075). The absolute impact of unemployment was highest in elderly Blacks (AYD: 94.70), elderly Whites (AYD: 35.30), and elderly females (AYD: 32.70). On a relative basis, the impact was more pronounced in the middle-aged (IRR: 1.030; 95% CI: 1.015 to 1.044) compared to the elderly (IRR: 1.022; 95% CI: 1.014 to 1.030), females (IRR: 1.026; 95% CI: 1.017 to 1.036) compared to males (IRR: 1.022; 95% CI: 1.014 to 1.031), and Blacks (IRR: 1.036; 95% CI: 1.016 to 1.057) compared to Whites (IRR: 1.030; 95% CI: 1.022 to 1.038). Conclusion(s) Unemployment is significantly associated with county-level CVM, and this impact is most pronounced in vulnerable demographic subgroups, namely females and Blacks. Efforts to reduce unemployment levels may significantly lower the burden of cardiovascular disease, particularly in groups most strongly affected by health disparities. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

IgG Glycosylation Profiling of Peripheral Artery Diseases with Lectin Microarray.

Background: Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of atherosclerotic plaque for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation could modulate immunological effector functions and has been explored as biomarkers for various diseases. Methods: Lectin microarray was applied to analyze the expression profile of serum IgG glycosylation in patients with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (LEPAD), carotid artery stenosis (CAS), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and healthy controls. Lectin blot was performed to validate the differences. Results: SNA (Sambucus nigra agglutinin) binding (preferred sialic acid) was significantly higher in the LEPAD (3.21 ± 2.06) and AAA (3.34 ± 2.42) groups compared to the CAS (2.47 ± 1.45) group. Significantly higher binding levels of ConA (Concanavalin A) (preferred mannose) and PSA (Pisum sativum agglutinin) (preferred fucose) were also observed in LEPAD compared to CAS patients. Among LEPAD patients, a significant lower binding level of Black bean crude (preferred GalNAc) was present for dyslipidemia patients. A higher binding level of MNA-M (Morniga M agglutinin) (preferred Mannose) and Jacalin-AIA (Artocarpus integrifolia agglutinin) (preferred Galβ3GalNAc) was observed for Fontaine severe patients. Higher binding levels of PHA-E (Phaseolus vulgaris Erythroagglutinin) and PHA-L (Phaseolus vulgaris Leucoagglutinin) (preferred Galβ4GlcNAc) were observed for diabetic patients, and higher binding of ASA (Allium sativum agglutinin) (preferred Mannose) was present in patients with hypertension. The level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was positively associated with LTL (Lotus tetragonolobus lectin) (r = 0.44), PSA (r = 0.44), LCA (Lens Culinaris agglutinin) (r = 0.39), SNA (r = 0.57), and CSA (Cytisus sscoparius agglutinin) (r = 0.56). For CAS, symptomatic patients had lower binding levels of AAL (Aleuria aurantia lectin) (preferred fucose) and IAA (Iberis amara agglutinin) (preferred GalNAc). Blood total cholesterol level was positively associated with SNA-I (r = 0.36) and SBA (Soybean agglutinin) (r = r = 0.35). Creatinine levels were positively associated with lectins including, but not limited to, MNA-M (r = 0.42), CSA (r = 0.45), GHA (Glechoma hederacea agglutinin) (r = 0.42), and MNA-G (Morniga G agglutinin) (r = 0.45). Conclusion: LEPAD patients had increased IgG binding levels of SNA and ConA compared to CAS, which could provide potential diagnostic value. Fontaine severity was associated with Mannose-rich IgG N-glycan, while diabetic LEPAD correlated with bisecting GlcNAc. The levels of hsCRP and creatinine were positively associated with IgG fucosylation and galactosylation. Changes in IgG glycosylation may play important roles in PAD pathogenesis and progression.

USE OF ELDER (SAMBUCUS NIGRA L.) IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY: STATE AND FURTHER PROSPECTS. OVER-VIEW

A steady trend towards a healthy lifestyle contributes to a significant increase in consumer demand for natural food products for functional and preventive purposes. Such products have a balanced chemical composition, provide a balanced diet, promote health, improve physical and mental performance, increase the body's resistance to adverse environmental influences. In order to meet the needs of the consumer, the food industry develops new food products and makes changes to the recipes of traditional products. Over the past decades, many natural sources of raw materials have been explored that can significantly increase the nutritional value of food products and fully replace synthetic food additives. Numerous studies confirm that black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) has high antioxidant activity and is a good source of many important biologically active compounds. Therefore, in many countries, elderberry is used in the food industry as a raw material and food additive. The high content of anthocyanins, as well as other polyphenols and vitamins in elderberry, confirms that it can be used not only as a dye, but also as an antioxidant. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds in elderberry, its use in food production as a raw material component will allow obtaining functional products with a high antioxidant capacity. However, it is necessary to study and correctly use the required amount of elderberry additive and the technology of adding elderberries to food in order to ensure a positive effect on the nutritional and technological properties of the finished food product, without worsening the organoleptic characteristics of food products. The purpose of this article is to review the main biologically active compounds present in elderberry, as well as its potential use in the food industry.

Screening of cherry leaf roll virus in Sambucus nigra plants in Ukraine

Goal. Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) infects naturally a wide range of herbaceous and woody plants, different species of trees, shrubs, horticultural, ornamental, weed plants and causes significant economic losses in many hosts and countries. CLRV on elderberry species was reported in Europe, USA, Iran and North America. Recently this virus has been detected in sour and sweet cherry fruit orchards in Ukraine. Testing of other hosts than Prunus was performed in Ukraine only recently. The aim of the study was to test the black elderberry plants (Sambucus nigra L.). for the presence of CLRV in the Poltava region and Kyiv regions.
 Methods. Sampling was carried out in the summer–autumn period in 2019—2021 in the territories of the Poltava and Kyiv regions and in Kyiv city. Samples of healthy elderberry plants were also analyzed. Visual diagnostics, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in DAS-ELISA modification, total RNA extraction, RT-PCR with primers for a 412 bp fragment of the 3’ untranslated region of the CLRV genome, and statistical data analysis were used in this research. PCR products were separated on an 1.5% agarose gel. Commercial CLRV preparations were used for positive controls in DAS-ELISA.
 Results. Thirty three elderberry samples with symptoms of leaf rolling and mosaics of varying degrees were selected in the territory of the Poltava and Kyiv regions and in Kyiv city in 2019 and 2021 and used in the study. ELISA and RT-PCR results showed that 82% of the tested black elderberry samples were infected by CLRV.
 Conclusions. The presence of CLRV, its harmfulness for elderberry plants, and Sambucus potential to serve as a reservoir for the virus indicate the necessity of testing a wider range of plant species for сherry leaf roll virus in Ukraine.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) wine as a novel potential functional food product

Throughout human civilization, elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has been used as a traditional drug and addition to various dishes. Although it is a widespread plant species, it is still being researched and rarely used to obtain new products. In this study, we focused on the chemical and phytochemical composition and biological and pharmacological effects of elderberry wine, obtained by applying different temperature treatments (without temperature treatment – W1; 60 °C, 5 min – W2; 60 °C, 10 min – W3; and 70 °C, 5 min – W4). HPLC-MS/MS and spectrophotometric techniques determined the chemical and phytochemical profiles of obtained wines. The main compounds in analyzed wines were p-Hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic and chlorogenic acids, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, and rutin. To assess the biological potential, antioxidant, neuroprotective (acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition), antityrosinase, and antidiabetic (amylase inhibition and glucosidase inhibition) abilities were examined. Wine W4 showed the strongest antioxidant activity, which correlated well with the high phenol content. The best inhibitory effect of β-glucosidase was observed in wine W3. However, the most potent tyrosinase inhibitor was wine W4. The presented results prove elderberry wine's high biological and industrial potential and open new avenues for formulating new products that could be brought to market.

“Elutriating therapeutic prospective of natural pharmacological agents of Renatus Nova”

Poly-herbal formulations have shaken some most fruitful trees, herb –herb combinations are being used worldwide for various diseases and illness which are life threatening. Several, researchers, scholars and medicinal practitioners believe synergistic involvements of herbs and trees targets therapeutics of various diseases in innumerable ways. This review paper discusses twelve very essential ingredients used in agglomerated formulation named “Renatus Nova”. Past yearsof Researches have been explored and scrutinised for herbs targeting antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti mitotic, antiinfective, antiangiogenic, anticarcinogenic activities. The ingredients vizGarciniamangostana, Eleutherococcussenticosus, Boerhaviadiffusa, Chlorophytum borivilianum, Sambucus nigra, Vaccinium myrtillus, Withaniasomnifera, Moringa oleifera, Asparagus racemosus, Gingko biloba, Tribulus terrestris, and Rubia cordifolia.are detailed in the present review proclaiming their life saving properties. Medicinal herbs are active in effecting disease treatments by the presence of their unique phytoconstituents in suitable amounts, any formulation of drug requires thorough study on phytoconstituents this review will act as platform for understanding role of analytes in drug synthesised.

The Association between Clusterin Sialylation Degree and Levels of Oxidative-Antioxidant Balance Markers in Seminal Plasmas and Blood Sera of Male Partners with Abnormal Sperm Parameters.

Nearly 30% of infertility cases are caused by male factor. This study aimed at checking the associations between the sialylation degree of glycoprotein clusterin (CLU) and levels of oxidative–antioxidant balance markers in infertile men. Using lectin-ELISA with biotinylated lectins specific to α2,6-linked (Sambucus nigra agglutinin, SNA) and α2,3-linked (Maackia amurensis agglutinin, MAA) sialic acid (SA), the CLU sialylation in 132 seminal plasmas (SP) and 91 blood sera (BS) were analyzed. Oxidative–antioxidant status was measured by determining Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Sirtuin-5 (SIRT5), total antioxidant status (TAS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels. We indicate that multiple sperm disorders are associated with decreased expression of MAA-reactive SA in SP. Decreased SP SIRT3 concentrations may be associated with teratozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. ROC curve and cluster analysis revealed that SP relative reactivity of CLU glycans with MAA, the value of MAA/SNA ratio, and SIRT3 and SIRT5 concentrations may constitute an additional set of markers differentiating infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients (OAT) from normozoospermic (N), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT) and teratozoospermic (T). The multinomial logistic regression analysis confirmed the potential utility of SIRT3 determinations for differentiation between N and OAT groups as well as between N and T groups for SIRT3 and SIRT5. For BS, based on ROC curve and cluster analysis, relative reactivities of CLU glycans with SNA, MAA, SIRT3 and FRAP concentrations may be useful in the differentiation of normozoospermic patients from those with sperm disorders. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the SNA relative reactivity with CLU glycans significantly differentiated the N group from AT, OAT and T groups, and FRAP concentrations significantly differed between N and AT groups, which additionally confirms the potential utility of these biomarkers in the differentiation of infertile patients with abnormal sperm parameters. The knowledge about associations between examined parameters may also influence future research aimed at seeking new male infertility therapies.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry-Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp.

(1) Background: The intestinal microbiome has emerged as a central factor in human physiology and its alteration has been associated with disease. Therefore, great hopes are placed in microbiota-modulating strategies. Among various approaches, prebiotics, substrates with selective metabolization conferring a health benefit to the host, are promising candidates. Herein, we studied the prebiotic properties of a purified extract from European black elderberries, with a high and standardized content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. (2) Methods: The ELDERGUT trial represents a 9-week longitudinal intervention study divided into 3 distinct phases, namely a baseline, an intervention and a washout period, three weeks each. The intervention consisted of capsules containing 300 mg elderberry extract taken twice a day. Patient-reported outcomes and biosamples were collected weekly. Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S amplicon metagenomics. (3) Results: The supplementation was well tolerated. Microbiome trajectories were highly individualized with a profound shift in diversity indices immediately upon initiation and after termination of the compound. This was accompanied by corresponding changes in species abundance over time. Of particular interest, the relative abundance of Akkermansia spp. continued to increase in a subset of participants even beyond the supplementation period. Associations with participant metadata were detected.

Structure and Biological Properties of Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins and Lectins from Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Leaves.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a group of proteins with rRNA N-glycosylase activity that catalyze the removal of a specific adenine located in the sarcin–ricin loop of the large ribosomal RNA, which leads to the irreversible inhibition of protein synthesis and, consequently, cell death. The case of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is unique, since more than 20 RIPs and related lectins have been isolated and characterized from the flowers, seeds, fruits, and bark of this plant. However, these kinds of proteins have never been isolated from elderberry leaves. In this work, we have purified RIPs and lectins from the leaves of this shrub, studying their main physicochemical characteristics, sequences, and biological properties. In elderberry leaves, we found one type 2 RIP and two related lectins that are specific for galactose, four type 2 RIPs that fail to agglutinate erythrocytes, and one type 1 RIP. Several of these proteins are homologous to others found elsewhere in the plant. The diversity of RIPs and lectins in the different elderberry tissues, and the different biological activities of these proteins, which have a high degree of homology with each other, constitute an excellent source of proteins that are of great interest in diagnostics, experimental therapy, and agriculture.

A Computational approach in identifying the herbal compounds as Lactation inducer

Lactation disorder (i.e. insufficient lactation) is one of the major problems faced by 60%-80% of the females in this generation during post-pregnancy period. A mother who has insufficient lactation is prescribed drugs to boost the production of prolactin hormone and studies on these drugs reported that they cause some adverse effects for the women as well as infants. Over the past decade the herbal products hold special attention in modern medicine after its efficacy and safety well established in clinical trials, because of its easy availability and standardization procedure. The aim of this research work is to identify the natural bioactive compounds with galactagogue property among the five renowned medicinal plants such as Sambucus nigra, Melissa officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Urtica dioica, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. In this study the bioactive compounds present in the plants were identified through literature survey and these compounds were screened for its drug likeness properties. Those compounds which satisfy the drug likeness properties were further analysed for its Prolactin inducing activity through computational approaches. The result of this study concluded that the natural bioactive compound holds good inducing activity towards the protein Prolactin when compared with the common prescribed drugs. In future this study could be further designed to highlight the efficiency of prolactin inducing compound towards drug development process.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extracts promote anti-inflammatory and cellular antioxidant activity.

Despite the high value of Portuguese elderberries, recognized for decades by European markets, only a few studies address their beneficial effects at cellular level. Aiming to explore the anti-inflammatory and the cellular antioxidant potential characterized extracts from the three main Portuguese elderberry cultivars (Sabugueiro, Sabugueira, Bastardeira) were used. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells pre-exposed to elderberry extracts exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide release, evidencing anti-inflammatory activity. Concerning cellular antioxidant protection, HepG2 and Caco-2 cells pre-exposure to elderberry extracts (50µg/mL) prevented up-to 90% of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH)-induced toxicity. In Caco-2 cells, elderberry extracts prevented glutathione depletion, reactive oxygen species production, abnormal morphological changes and DNA fragmentation, in response to t-BOOH oxidative insult. Results demonstrated that elderberries have high potential in reducing cellular oxidative stress as well as in preventing inflammatory processes. Thus, elderberries have high potential as health promoters, acting as functional foods or as sources of nutraceuticals.

Use of Nutraceuticals in Elderly to Fight Inflammation and Immuno-Senescence: A Randomized Case-Control Study.

Elderly people are at high risk of suffering from infection and being affected by severe forms of disease because their immunosystem suffers from aging. The alteration of normal immune functions causes the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines which can expose these people to increased risk of developing pathologies as cancer, diabetes, and/or arthritis. Some supplements could be helpful for restoring normal immune functions. We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the efficacy of a supplement containing Sambucus nigra, zinc, tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C to improve the inflammatory levels (IL-6 and CRP) and to modulate the lymphocytes growth. Additionally, we analyzed wellness by self-questionnaire. This study had two control group: a young group and an elderly one. Our study showed that treating elderly patients with the supplement for 30 days improved IL-6, CRP, and lymphocytes levels; the result was independent from the dosage of the supplements used. Elderly patients, despite the improvement, were not able to reach the same conditions of young patients; however, most of the patients (>70%) claimed to “feel better” after the use of the supplement. The use of this supplement should be considered at a low dosage for a prolonged period to reduce inflammation and modulate immune senescence in patients over 60 years old.

A Review with Updated Perspectives on the Antiviral Potentials of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Their Prospects in Antiviral Therapy

Exploration of the traditional medicinal plants is essential for drug discovery and development for various pharmacological targets. Various phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants were extensively studied for antiviral activity. This review aims to highlight the role of medicinal plants against viral infections that remains to be the leading cause of human death globally. Antiviral properties of phytoconstituents isolated from 45 plants were discussed for five different types of viral infections. The ability of the plants’ active compounds with antiviral effects was highlighted as well as their mechanism of action, pharmacological studies, and toxicological data on a variety of cell lines. The experimental values, such as IC50, EC50, CC50, ED50, TD50, MIC100, and SI of the active compounds, were compiled and discussed to determine their potential. Among the plants mentioned, 11 plants showed the most promising medicinal plants against viral infections. Sambucus nigra and Clinacanthus nutans manifested antiviral activity against three different types of viral infections. Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea augustofolia, Echinacea pallida, Plantago major, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Camellia sinensis, and Cistus incanus exhibited antiviral activity against two different types of viral infections. Interestingly, Nicotiana benthamiana showed antiviral effects against mosquito-borne infections. The importance of phenolic acids, alkamides, alkylamides, glycyrrhizin, epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), protein-based plant-produced ZIKV Envelope (PzE), and anti-CHIKV monoclonal antibody was also reviewed. An exploratory approach to the published literature was conducted using a variety of books and online databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed Central, with the goal of obtaining, compiling, and reconstructing information on a variety of fundamental aspects, especially regarding medicinal plants. This evaluation gathered important information from all available library databases and Internet searches from 1992 to 2022.

Urban park layers: Spatial variation in plant community structure

Horizontal structure of natural plant communities attracted the attention of researchers for a long time, while the problem of horizontal structure of urban park plantations was not studied sufficiently. Species richness of different tiers of park plantation in the large industrial city of Dnipro (Ukraine) was revealed in this study. Also features of variation in the structure of plant communities at different spatial levels were revealed, the influence of park plantation canopy on the understory and herbaceous layer of the park. There were 30 plant species in the tree layer of the park plantation. The most common species were Robinia pseudoacacia L., Acer platanoides L., A. negundo L., Gleditsia triacanthos L., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Populus carolinensis Moench. The variance-to-mean ratio revealed that 13 tree species were randomly distributed throughout the park, and 14 species were aggregated. The number of occurrences of a given tree species per site and variance-to-mean ratio were positively correlated. The numerous tree species showed a tendency of aggregated distribution within the park. Sixteen plant species were found in the understory. Among them, the most abundant species were Acer platanoides L., A. negundo L., A. pseudoplatanus L., Sambucus nigra L., Robinia pseudoacacia L. Eight species were found to be randomly distributed over the park area, and eight species showed an aggregate distribution. The number of species encountered in the understory and variance-to-mean ratio were positively correlated. In the herbaceous stand, 99 plant species were found, of which Chelidonium majus L., Viola odorata L., Impatiens parviflora DC., Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch., Geum urbanum L. predominated. The variance-to-mean ratio of all species was significantly less than unity, indicating regular spatial distribution. The values of alpha- and gamma-diversity of the plant community in separate layers are very different. The highest gamma diversity was found for the herbaceous stand, while the diversity of the tree stand and understory was significantly lower. Alpha biodiversity of the tree stand and the understory did not practically differ. Beta diversity values between the layers are very close, and beta diversity is practically equal for tree stand and herbaceous layer. Thus, we can assume that the mechanisms of species turnover for the plant communities of different layers are determined by the common causes. The spatial broad-scale component was able to explain 8.2% of community variation, the medium-scale component was able to explain 4.2% of community variation, and the fine-scale component was able to explain 0.7% of community variation. The understory is the most sensitive to the environmental factors, the herbaceous stand is somewhat less sensitive, and the tree stand is the least sensitive to the environmental factors. The environmental factors in this study are represented by a set of variables. The spatial variation of the stand is predominantly influenced by the factors of trophicity and moisture of the edaphotope. These same factors also act on the herbaceous stand and understory, but along with them are included the environmental variables, which are determined by the architectonics of the crown space and thus the light regime, which is regulated by the tree stand. It is important to note that the variation of the communities of the different layers of the park plantation is subject to spatial patterns. The herbaceous and understory variation is more spatially structured than the tree stand variation. The spatial patterns can arise as a result of the influence of spatially structured environmental factors and as a result of factors of a neutral nature. The latter aspect of variation is best described by the pure spatial component of community variation.

Attitudes and approaches towards COVID-19 management among the public and pharmacists in Northern Cyprus

Purpose: To study the attitudes and approaches towards COVID-19 management among the public and pharmacists in Northern Cyprus.Method: Questionnaire were administered face-to-face and online to volunteer pharmacists and othermembers of the public, after receiving approval from the Near East University Ethics Boards. Responses to the questionnaire were evaluated statistically.Results: The pharmacists who quickly learned and adopted the necessary protection measures againstCOVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic were young professionals under the age of 30 years who had less than 5 years of professional experience (p < 0.05). Most pharmacists who prepared magistral disinfectants/antiseptic solutions and lotions for irritation caused by excessive hand washing were agedabove 60 years, with more than 30 years of professional experience (p < 0.05). The people who responded in the questionnaires asked for products derived from Echinacea, Sambucus nigra, propolis, ginger and Pelargonium sidoides to boost their immune system. Approximately 22.6 % of the respondents received COVID-19-related information from doctors, while 33.4 % got theirs from pharmacists. However, 6.7 % of the respondents got information from social media groups which they created (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Cooperation between pharmacists and health care organizations is increasingly crucial forpublic health, since there are still gaps in the successful control of COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it would be beneficial and even necessary to add a course on "management and solidarity in pandemics and other disasters" to the undergraduate education programs in pharmacy and all other healthcare disciplines.

Wild Edible Small Fruits in Turkey and their Fruit Characteristics

Abstract Wild fruits are essential genetic resources for fruit breeding and have either been domesticated or used to introgress disease resistance and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. Numerous studies have previously described the health benefits of wild berry fruits and reported their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Turkey has a rich plant biodiversity thanks to its geographic location and encirclement by three seas, leading to a wide variety of climates. The great ecological diversity of the wild berry species in Turkey is a significant bio-gene pool that is vital to human life and can serve as a source of agricultural development in the future. This review aims to introduce some of the wild edible berry species naturally occurring in Turkey such as Morus spp., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Viburnum opulus L., Rubus idaeus L., Rubus fruticosus L., Sambucus nigra L., Vaccinium spp., Arbutus unedo L., Ribes spp., and Fragaria vesca L., and describe their distribution, uses, and fruit characteristics. Conservation of these wild fruit genetic resources is necessary for use in breeding for novel traits.

ФОРМУВАННЯ АРОМАТУ ПЛОДОВО-ЯГІДНИХ ВИНОМАТЕРІАЛІВ

One of the important indicators of wine quality is the bouquet, which directly depends on the aroma of the constituents. Aromatic substances of wines can be represented by all classes of organic compounds in order to detect the effect of substances on the aroma and determine the activity of volatile components of the aroma (OAV) by dividing the concentration of the substance on its threshold concentration. If OAV> 1, means that the component already contributes to the flavor. For analysis, we took the results of studies of 25 samples of fruit and berry wine materials, in which the concentrations of volatile aromatic components were defined by chromatographic method. Threshold concentrations of components were detected from the literature and relevant databases. The activity of volatile aromatic components was calculated and analyzed, also the aroma of wine materials was determined. According to the activity of aroma components (OAV), apple wine materials have a fruity aroma, which may be accompanied by shades of pear associated with isoamyl acetate activity; pineapple – ethyl butyrate; roses and honey - phenylethyl alcohol; lilac - α -terpineol; exotic fruits - β-damascenone. The aroma of apple juice is influenced by aromatic aldehyde - trans-2-hexenal, β-damaskenone and vanillin. Pear wine materials are close to apple in terms of aroma activity and are characterized by fruit tones with strong pear tones due to the activity of isoamyl acetate and pineapple – ethyl butyrate. Gooseberry unfortified wine material from fruit species Krasen has a light red color and a clean fresh aroma with hints of fruit and pineapple. The aroma of blackcurrant wines was defined by the activity of volatile components that predetermine the fruit aroma as well as the activity of terpene alcohol α-terpineol. Wine materials contain 3-oxy-β-damascone (2.45-4.34 mg / dm3), 3-oxo-α-ionol (2.98-3.58 mg / dm3), linaloxide (0.90) and dehydro -3-oxo-α-ionol (1.05 mg / dm3), which obviously define their species flavor. Unfortified jostaberry wine materials have a red color and a distinctive delicate aroma reminiscent of pomegranate. In addition to α-terpineol, jostaberry wine material contains terpene alcohol cineole (0.84 mg / dm3), terpinene-4-ol (0.18 mg / dm3), these components may, together with α-terpineol, determine the species aroma of jostaberry wine materials. Butyrolactone gives tenderness to jostaberry and gooseberry wine materials in concentrations of 16.86 and 4.70 mg / dm3, respectively. Raspberry wine materials have an extremely pleasant aroma and bouquet, which is formed due to the activity of minor volatile components: β-ionone, linalool, α-terpineol. The nobility of the aroma is determined by the activity of δ-decalactone. Raspberry ketone (1.75 mg / dm3) is found in the wine material, which is contained in raspberries and definitely participates in the formation of the aroma of wine material. The aroma of elderberry juice is due to the activity of aromatic aldehyde trans-2-hexenal, vanillin, β-ion, β-damaskenone, linalool and α-terpineol, the activity of which is respectively 359, 300, 254, 107, 40 and 1.8. In wine materials it can be observed much higher activity of volatile components from elderberry: isoamyl and phenylethyl alcohols, as well as isoamyl acetate, which affects their aroma. Minor components of juice retain activity in wine materials: linalool and β-damaskenone. Wine materials from black elderberry are recommended for use in blended wines.

First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae' Infecting Hazelnut in Italy.

Italy is the second largest producer of hazelnuts in the world after Turkey. The Viterbo province (Latium region) is one out of the four main productive districts, accounting for approximately 30% of the total Italian production. Several pathogens can severely affect hazelnut trees (Corylus avellana), mainly fungi and bacteria that are commonly spread in all the growing areas. However, other pathogens such as phytoplasmas, are known to infect this crop worldwide. Among these, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae' (16SrXII-E) has been recently associated with the decline and death of hazelnut trees in UK where it was identified for the first time on this plant species (Hodgetts et al., 2015), and in Slovenia (Mehle et al., 2018; Mehle et al., 2019). In July 2020, a survey was carried out in two orchards located in the Viterbo province, where symptoms resembling those induced by phytoplasmas and consisting in yellowing and rolling of leaves and tree decline (Supplementary figure 1) were recorded by growers. To ascertain the possible presence of phytoplasma infections, leaf samples were collected from five symptomatic plants: one plant from orchard 1, cv. Tonda Gentile Romana and four plants from orchard 2, cv. Tonda di Giffoni. Samples from four non-symptomatic plants (two per each orchard) were also collected and used as negative controls in the detection assays. DNA was extracted from 0.6 g of leaf ribs homogenised in CTAB buffer according to Marzachì et al. (1999). DNA extracts were amplified by direct and nested PCR employing the universal primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R2 according to the EPPO Standard PM7/133(1) - Appendix 2 (EPPO, 2018). Nested amplicons of the expected size (1,250 bp) were obtained from the five symptomatic samples whereas no bands were observed for the symptomless ones. The R16F2n/R2 fragments were submitted to both Sanger sequencing and RFLP analysis for the phytoplasma identification. Nucleotide BLAST analysis (NCBI) of the obtained sequences showed an identity percentage ranging from 99.65% and 99.91% with numerous strains of 'Ca. Phytoplasma fragariae' (16SrXII-E). The RFLP analysis was performed with the MseI restriction enzyme, and the obtained profiles were compared in the Codon Code Aligner software to those virtually generated from reference sequences of phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrXII subgroups identified so far (Kazeem et al., 2021). All the five samples showed a common RFLP profile which was ascribable to that virtually generated from the 16SrXII-E reference sequence DQ086423 (Valiunas et al., 2006) (Supplementary figure 2). To our knowledge, this is the first finding of 'Ca. P. fragariae' on hazelnut in Italy since the previous records on woody plant hosts regarded Cornus sanguinea and Sambucus nigra (Filippin et al. 2008). Further surveys are ongoing to assess the spread of 'Ca. P. fragariae' in the Italian hazelnut orchards and to identify the putative insect vectors. The nucleotide sequences obtained in this study were deposited in GenBank NCBI database (accession numbers: MW767127, MW767128, MW767129, MW767130, MW767131).

Study of the antioxidant potential of oat drinks enriched with plant components

Oxidative stress, to which many modern people are subjected, promotes the development of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, inflammatory, oncological and other socially important diseases. The antioxidant system consisting in the endogenous and exogenous antioxidants exists in the body to regulate the action of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. The main source of exogenous antioxidants is food and this conditions an increase in the demand for functional foods. The market of functional drinks based on teas, cereal products, fruit and vegetable juices is developing especially actively. Drinks based on oat flakes with addition of plant components are distinguished by the high nutrition value being a rich source of dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. During the experiment, a functional drink based on oat flakes and enriched with bananas, blueberry berries and a powder of elder (Sambucus nigra L.) berries recognized for the high content of anthocyanins was developed. The antioxidant potential of the experimental product was assessed by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by the FRAP method and determining the antiradical activity (ARA) by the DPPH method. The TAC values for the aqueous and methanol extracts were 807.3±18.0 µmol quercitin equivalents /L and 948.7±47.9 µmol quercitin equivalents/L, respectively, which significantly exceeded the similar values in the control sample (by 2.44 and 1.69 times, respectively). The ARA of the methanol extract of the experimental drink was 86.49±2.01%, which was 1.9 times higher than the ARA of the control sample. It was established that about 10% of fat-soluble antioxidants are lost upon preparation of oat-based functional drinks with addition of elder berries.

Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally for Skin Related Problems in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean Region-A Review.

A review research was conducted to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medical practices for the treatment of skin disorders in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The geographical and ecological characteristics of the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea, along with the historical connection among those countries, gave rise to the development of a distinct flora and to the uses of common medicinal plants against various skin ailments, respectively. The review focuses on the detailed study of 128 ethnobotanical surveys conducted in these areas and the species used for skin ailments were singled out. The analysis showed that 967 taxa belonging to 418 different genera and 111 different families are used in the treatment of skin related problems. The majority of the plants belong to the families of Asteraceae (11.7%), Lamiaceae (7.4%), Rosaceae (6.7%), Plantaginaceae (5.4%), and Malvaceae (3.8%). Their usage is internal or external to treat ailments such as wounds and burns (22.1%), hemorrhoids (14.7%), boils, abscesses, and furuncles (8.2%). Beside specific skin disorders, numerous species appeared to be used for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic activity (9.1%). Literature evaluation highlighted that, the most commonly used species are Plantago major L. (Albania, Turkey), Hypericum perforatum L. (Greece, Turkey), Sambucus nigra L. (Cyprus, Greece), Ficus carica L. (Cyprus, Turkey), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Cyprus, Greece), and Urtica dioica L. (Albania, Turkey), while many medicinal plants reported by interviewees were common in all four countries. Finally, to relate this ethnopharmacological knowledge and trace its expansion and diversification through centuries, a comparison of findings was made with the use of the species mentioned in Dioscorides’ “De Materia Medica” for skin disorders. This work constitutes the first comparative study performed with ethnobotanical data for skin ailments gathered in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean areas. Results confirm the primary hypothesis that people in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey are closely related in terms of traditionally using folk medicinal practices. Nevertheless, more field studies conducted, especially in remote places of these regions, can help preserve the traditional medical knowledge, aiming at the discovery of new phytotherapeutics against dermatological diseases.