Ballota Nigra Research Articles

Development of the composіtіon and technology of the herbal mixture with the cerebroprotectіve actіon

Aіm. To determine the prospects for using the plant raw material for the creation of herbal medicines with the cerebroprotective effect, as well as to develop the composition and technology of a new medicine of natural origin. Materіals and methods. The study objects were black horehound (Ballota nigra L.) herb, white dead nettle (Lamium album L.) herb, and Austrian wormwood (Artemisia austriaca) herb. Experimental studies were conducted using modern physical, physicochemical, pharmacotechnological, and mathematical methods of analysis. Results and dіscussіon. Based on the analysis of scientific sources on the situation with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and the range of drugs for their treatment, it has been proven that to improve the quality of therapy, it is rational to conduct a complex pharmacotherapy with the use of herbal medicines. We have proposed a new drug with the cerebroprotective action based on the plant raw material. The medicinal product was obtained in the form of the herbal mixture, which included black horehound herb, white dead nettle herb, and Austrian wormwood herb. The rational technology of the drug has been theoretically and experimentally substantiated. A block diagram of the herbal mixture has been developed, and the critical parameters of its production have been determined. The pharmacotechnological studies of the plant raw material and the drug obtained have been conducted. Conclusіons. Based on the results of the work conducted, the data scientific sources on the spread of CVD have been analyzed and summarized; the expediency of using the plant raw material in medicines for a complex pharmacotherapy of CVD has been proven; the composition and technology of the drug from black horehound herb, white dead nettle herb, and Austrian wormwood herb in the form of the herbal mixture with the cerebroprotective action for internal use have been developed.

Screening of Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Cytotoxic Activities of Some Medicinal Plants from Balıkesir Province, Türkiye: Potential Effects of Allium paniculatum Flower.

Plant extracts are important natural resources that may have antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against pathogens. This study was conducted to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts of some medicinal plants (Achillea nobilis subspecies neilreichii (A. Kern.) Velen., Aetheorhiza bulbosa (L.) Cass, Allium paniculatum L, Asphodelus aestivus Brot., Ballota nigra L., Cistus laurifolius L., Cistus salviifolius L., Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick and Wilkin, Galium verum L., Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra, Paliurus spina-christi Mill., Primula vulgaris Huds. subspecies rubra (Sm.) Arcang., Ranunculus arvensis L. and Teucrium polium L.) from Balıkesir province in Türkiye. Preliminary antimicrobial activity screening was conducted for all extracts. Antibiofilm activity studies were conducted on mature Candida albicans biofilms. Moreover, the cytotoxicities of A. paniculatum flower extract on A549 and Vero cell lines were determined using a colorimetric tetrazolium-based assay. A. paniculatum flower, P. vulgaris root, C. laurifolius, C. salviifolius, and A. nobilis displayed good activity [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC): 9.75, 156, 312, 312 and 312 μg/mL, respectively] against C. albicans American Type Culture Collection 10231. Biofilm studies were conducted on these plant extracts. The methanol extract of A. paniculatum flower decreased the number of C. albicans [colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL] in mature biofilm statistically at 32 x MIC and higher concentrations (p < 0.01). A. paniculatum flower extract had a cytotoxic effect (killing more than 50% of cells) at high concentrations, and its effect on Vero cells was similar to that on A549 cells. This study demonstrated the importance of the methanol extract of A. paniculatum flower as a natural alternative against C. albicans infections, including biofilms.

The genome sequence of black horehound, Ballota nigra L. subsp. foetida (Lam.) Hayek (Lamiaceae).

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Ballota nigra (black horehound; Tracheophyta; Magnoliopsida; Lamiales; Lamiaceae). The genome sequence is 1186.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Three mitochondrial chromosomes were assembled, with lengths of 148,17, 121,67 and 125,74 kilobases. The chloroplast genome has been assembled and is 151.91 kilobases in length.

Modulation of Nrf2 expression in human neutrophils by Ballota nigra extract

Modulation of Nrf2 expression in human neutrophils by Ballota nigra extract

Сообщества с Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. в Курской области

Сообщества с Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. в Курской области

Mild Salinity Stimulates Biochemical Activities and Metabolites Associated with Anticancer Activities in Black Horehound (Ballota nigra L.)

Black horehound (Ballota nigra L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants, as a rich source of health-promoting essential oils and metabolites. Salinity stress affects plant development and alters antioxidant activity and plant metabolite composition. The present research aimed to study the effect of salinity on physiological and biochemical changes and metabolites of B. nigra under greenhouse and in vitro culture conditions. The plants were treated with different concentrations of NaCl (25, 50, 75, 100 mM), and morphological characteristics of the plant were measured. The growth-related traits and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) were decreased both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, increased salt concentration negatively affected the cell membrane integrity. The total phenolic content and flavonoids of plants growing in the greenhouse increased by 21% at 50 mM of NaCl, but the amounts decreased significantly at higher stress levels (100 mM of NaCl). Antioxidant activity was also measured. Among the NaCl treatments, the most increased DPPH scavenging activities (IC50) under greenhouse and in vitro conditions were detected at mild salinity stress, but the activity significantly decreased in higher salinity treatments (i.e., 75 and 100 mM). In general, with increasing the salinity level to 75 mM, the activities of CAT and APX were significantly upregulated in both greenhouse and in vitro culture conditions. A correlation between total phenolics and flavonoids contents as well as antioxidant activity was obtained. Salinity level caused a shift in the metabolite expression. Mild salinity stress elevated the metabolites involved in anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, such as β-ionone and caryophyllene oxide. However, the higher salt stress resulted in a significant reduction in their expression. Differential expression of metabolites to various levels of salt stress can be further exploited for the in vitro biosynthesis of metabolites.

The Effect of Cold Plasma Pretreatment on Water-Suspended Herbs Measured in the Content of Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, Volatile Compounds and Microbial Count of Final Extracts.

Cold plasma is a new technology of promising potential to use as a part of technological extraction lines constructed to implement green chemistry solutions or simply to reduce resources in solvent-based extraction lines. The present study was undertaken to verify the effect of nitrogen cold plasma pre-treatment conducted for 8 min (20 kHz) on the content of antioxidants, antioxidant activity, the profile of volatile compounds, microbial count, pH and color measured in herb extracts (12 herbs: Echinacea purpurea; Salvia officinalis; Urtica dioica; Polygonum aviculare; Vaccinium myrtillus; Taraxacum officinale; Hypericum perforatum; Achillea millefolium; Sanguisorba officinalis; Leonurus cardiaca; Ballota nigra; Andrographis paniculata) obtained with its usage. The surface morphology of extracted herbs was examined as well. Herbs used for extraction were ground and suspended in water before cold plasma treatment, which is a novel approach not studied before. Most plasma-treated extracts were characterized by a higher content of polyphenols (11 out of 12). Content of flavonoids and anthocyanins increased in four extracts and in the case of anthocyanins was significantly higher in comparison to control (up to 77%). The antioxidant activity measured at least by one method (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP) was also higher in nine plasma-treated solutions. Moreover, plasma decreased total aerobic bacteria, affected the color and increased pH of the extracts. The surface structure of the plant material after the extraction process was significantly damaged, which probably led to a higher extraction yield of bioactive compounds and in consequence to the higher antioxidant activity of extracts obtained with the cold plasma treatment.

Ballota nigra L. – an overview of pharmacological effects and traditional uses

Abstract Ballota nigra, also known as black horehound is a common medical herb used in folk medicine around the world. First reported mentions of its medical properties and use goes as far as the 13th century. The use of black horehound depends on regions and countries. It is used mostly to treat e.g. mild sleep disorders, nervousness, upset stomach, wound healing. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antifungal drug. Moreover, it has been reported as a potential cancer drug. This extensive usage is particularly interesting for us. The aim of this review is to present available data on B. nigra pharmacological effects and known traditional uses gathered from a wide range of scientific articles published in 1997–2020.

GC and GC-–MS Analysis of Volatile Compounds From Ballota nigra subsp. uncinata Collected in Aeolian Islands, Sicily (Southern Italy)

In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oils from aerial parts of Ballota nigra subsp. uncinata (Bég.) Patzak collected in Sicily was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. The main components of the oil were ( E)-phytol (20.0%), α-pinene (9.0%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (5.7%), and α-selinene (5.1%). Cluster analysis of the essential oil compositions of all the taxa belonging to B. nigra s.l. group was performed.

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry profile and antimicrobial activities of Ballota bullata Pomel and B. nigra L. subsp. uncinata (Fiori & Bég.): A comparative analysis

This study was carried out to compare for the first time, the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from two Ballota species growing wild in different regions of Tunisia. The volatile oils obtained by hydro-distillation of Ballota bullata Pomel and Ballota nigra L. subsp. uncinata (Fiori & Bég.) Patzak were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to investigate the variations in chemical profiles. The results showed a significant difference in terms of essential oil yields and characteristic aroma. Valerianol (18.3%), α-muurolol (7.9%) and spathulenol (7.1%) were identified as the major odorants in B. bullata, while B. nigra subsp. uncinata oil was mainly composed of hexadecanoic acid (31.8%) and linoleic acid (17.9%). In addition, oxygenated sesquiterpenes were found to be the principal constituents of B. bullata essential oil (42.1%), whereas long chain oxygenated hydrocarbons form the main class in B. nigra (49.7%). Moreover, the antimicrobial activities were tested in vitro against five bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and the yeast Candida albicans. B. bullata essential oil showed stronger antibacterial effects comparing to B. nigra oil. Consequently, B. bullata essential oil holds promising antimicrobial potential, confirming its traditional medical use.

МЕЛИТТОФИЛЬНЫЙ КОМПЛЕКС РАСТЕНИЙ, ОБЕСПЕЧИВАЮЩИХ КОРМОВУЮ БАЗУ МЕДОНОСНЫХ ПЧЕЛ (APIS MELLIFERA) В ГОРНО-ЛЕСНОЙ ЗОНЕ КРЫМА

For the first time, in the mountain-forest ecosystems of Crimea of parcel organization level adjacent to the beehives of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), a species composition of plants representing the melittophilic complex has been identified which provides honey bees with pollen and nectar during the entire warm season. The complex includes 57 species of plants where the honey bees that collect pollen or nectar have been registered. The core of the melittophilic complex consisted of 35 species of plants, the proportion of simultaneously flowering (in any period of the season) flowers of each one exceeded 2.5 % of the total number of flowers of all flowering species at this time. In early spring, the list of such species included 15 plant species belonging to 14 genera and 12 families. In this period, the decisive forage value (species whose flower share exceeded 10 % of all flowering flowers) was represented by 4 plant species: Cornus mas L., Corylus avellana L., Dentaria quinquefolia M. B. and Prunus divaricata Ledeb., the important value (the flowers share made &lt;10 %, but &gt;2.5 %) had 4 species: Ficaria verna Huds., Galanthus plicatus M. Bieb., Primula vulgaris Huds. and Scilla bifolia L. In spring, the forage base made up 20 plant species belonging to 18 genera and 7 families. Four species had decisive forage value: Cerasus avium L., Malus sylvestris L., Prunus spinosa L. and Pyrus elaeagrifolia Jacq., 7 species had important value: Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Fragaria vesca L., Lamium purpureum L., Crepis pulchra L., Prunus domestica L., Thlaspi arvense L. and Trifolium ambiguum M. Most of the species belonged to the Rosaceae family (10 species). In summer period, the forage basis comprised 20 species of melittophilic plants belonging to 19 genera and 9 families. 5 species had decisive value: Cichorium intybus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Echium vulgare L., Medicago sativa L. and Trifolium ambiguum M., the important value had 7 species: Achillea millefolium L., Betonica officinalis L., Ballota nigra L., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Clematis vitalba L., Linaria vulgaris Mill. and Onobrychis sativa Lam. The representatives of the Asteraceae family (7 species) dominated; the representatives of Fabaceae (5 species) and Lamiaceae (4 species) also played a significant role. In autumn, there were the following food sources for honey bees: Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Erýngium campéstre L., Carduus crispus L., and on the steppe slopes of the mountains: Scilla autumnalis L. and Crocus speciosus M. B. It has been established that the greatest number of melittophilic plant species in the studied mountain-forest biogeocenoses grow on parcels of forest edges and glades, steppe slopes of the mountains in their natural state. Oak-hornbeam and floodplain tree-shrub parcels have a smaller variety of species, but are essential for bees in early spring and spring..

Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil and Hydrosol Extract of Ballota nigra L. and their Protective Effects Against the Black Rot of Tomatoes

Background: Bellota species are used to treat various diseases in traditional folk medicine. Objectives: This study aimed to chemically characterize the essential oils and the hydrosol extract and regional specificity of the major components of Ballota nigra essential oil and to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities. Methods: Essential oils were obtained by a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). The antifungal activities were tested to three phytopathogenic stains (Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata). Results: Altogether, 38 compounds were identified in the essential oils, representing 92.1-96.8% of the total oil composition. Their main constituents were E-β-caryophyllene (4.8-24.6%), E-β-farnesene (3.3-22.9%), β-bisabolene (7.6-30.2%), α-humulene (2.1-13.3%) and geranyl linalool (1.1-8.2%). The statistical methods deployed confirmed that there is a relation between the essential oil compositions and the harvest locations. Hydrosol extract was constituted by seven components, represented principally by methyl eugenol (75.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (12.5%). The results of in vitro antifungal activity with essential oil and hydrosol extract have shown very interesting antifungal activities on Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternata strains with percentage reductions up to 80%. Additionally, in in vivo assays, Ballota nigra essential oil and hydrosol extract significantly reduce decay in artificially inoculated tomato by Alternaria alternata. Conclusion: The essential oil and hydrosol extract can be used as a potential source of sustainable eco-friendly botanical fungicides to protect stored tomatoes from pathogens, saprophytic fungi causing bio-deterioration to a variety of food commodities.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ДЛЯ НАДАННЯ ПРИРОДООХОРОННОГО СТАТУСУ ДІЛЯНКАМ ЛІСОВИХ НАСАДЖЕНЬ ЗА УЧАСТІ ВІКОВИХ ДЕРЕВ QUERCUS ROBUR L. НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ ДЕРЖАВНОГО ПІДПРИЄМСТВА «ВОЛОДИМИР-ВОЛИНСЬКЕ ЛІСОМИСЛИВСЬКЕ ГОСПОДАРСТВО» (ВОЛИНСЬКА ОБЛАСТЬ, УКРАЇНА)

The forest plantations in q. 38 and q. 49 of Gubinsky forestry of the State Enterprise «Volodymyr-Volynsky Forest-Hunting Economy» in Volyn region were researched during the study. It was revealed that the edificatory tier is formed by centuries-old trees Quercus robur L., the undergrowth tier – by Carpinus betulus L., Q. robur, Populus tremula L. The shrubs are well expressed and formed by Sorbus aucuparia L., Corylus avellana L., Swida alba ( L.) Opiz., Euonymus europaea L., E. verrucosa Scop., Sambucus nigra L. It was found out that Q. robur of 150-180 years old grow on sod-slightly podzolic soils mainly in the 2nd class of growth class in two types of forest plant conditions – fresh hornbeam-oak-pine sugrudy in the q. 38 and fresh hornbeam sudubrava in q. 49, and are characterized by a wide range of completeness – 0.3–0.89. 70 species of vascular plants belonging to 5 divisions, 6 classes, 25 orders, 40 families and 63 genera were found in the studied territory. Magnoliophyta make up 90.0% of the total species. The most abundant species are Rosales (11 species; 15.7%), Lamiales (7 species; 10.0%), Asparagales, Poales (6 species each; 8.6 % each); such families as Rosaceae (7 species; 10.0%), Asparagaceae (4 species; 5.7%). We revealed the habitat of 4 rare species of plants of the state-level protection (Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich., Lilium martagon L., Galanthus nivalis L. with the conservation status «invaluable» and Lycopodium annotinum L. with the protection status «vulnerable» associated with finding the species on the border of the area). Of the adventitious (outlandish) species at the edge of the forest there are Ballota nigra L. s.l., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Stenactis annua (L.) Nees., Solidago canadensis L. The results of the analysis of forestry at q.38, ss. 29, 33; q.49, ss. 29, 36, 48, 49 of Gubinsky forestry of SE «Volodymyr-Volynsky FHE» and the forest inventory information have become the basis for scientifically substantiated conclusions of the expediency of protection of the investigated forest plantations.

Feasibility of Preparing Nesting Box and Luring Large Solitary Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa Valga

Abstract Xylocopa valga, commonly called the carpenter bee and the largest bee with metallicviolet hair cover, is extremely rarely observed in Poland. We hypothesize that a stable and possibly long-term population of X. valga can be maintained in Poland through the creation of suitable nesting conditions. X. valga has been observed since the spring of 2014 in Wisznice (south-eastern Poland). A nesting box made out of 25 wooden blocks with drilled holes was hung about 2.5 meters above the ground. X. valga were interested in the blocks made of willow wood but did not nest in the beech, alder and pine. The carpenter bees chose holes made with drill bits of 10, 15, 20 mm in diameter and a length of 10, 15 and 20 cm. X. valga flying in the same direction most often visited the flora taxa: Aquilegia vulgaris, Ballota nigra, Consolida ajacis, Delphinium consolida, Deutzia scabra, Catalpa spp., Wisteria spp., Robinia ambigua, Stachys spp. and Trifolium pretense. X. valga is a solitary bee, but unlike most other solitary bees it demonstrates aspects of social behavior. It was observed to display cohabitative behavior involving the use of a single hole by more than one female. The females showed aggressive defensive behavior and if approached too closely started buzzing loudly. The information obtained during the long-term observation shows that X. valga can be maintained in partly artificial conditions to increase and stabilize the bee population.

Compositions of the essential oils of Ballota nigra subsp. uncinata and subsp. anatolica from Turkey

3rd Mediterranean Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MESMAP) -- APR 13-16, 2017 -- Girne, CYPRUS

Preliminary analysis of Phyto-constituents from the Leaf Extracts of Ballota nigra Linn

Currently, World is witnessing an inimitable growth in the practice of herbal medicines. Ballota nigra Linn (Black horehound) of the family Lamiaceae, was found to possess large number of pharmacological values like antioxidants, Neurosedative effect, Hypoglycemic effect, Antimicrobial, insecticidal effect and Anticholinesterase activities. To the best of our knowledge this is first new report on the plant Ballota nigra in india. Hence, the objective of the study is to analyse the bioactive constituents from the leaves of Ballota nigra. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leaf extract was carried out with five different solvents of increasing polarity (Hexane, Chloroform, Ethyl Acetate, Methanol, and Aqueous).Qualitative phytochemical analysis of all the extracts was performed by standard methods and it reveals the presence of wide range of Phytoconstituents like Carbohydrates, Tannins, Saponin, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Quinones, Terpenoids, Glycosides, Triterpenoids, Phenols, Coumarins, Acids, Proteins, Cardiac glycosides and Phytosterols in different deliberations. However, richness of Phytochemicals was observed in methanolic leaf extract. Initial studies will serve as base for further research in evaluating therapeutic potentials of the plant compounds by in vitro studies.

Computational Screening of the Phytocompounds from the Plant Ballota nigra Linn against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) E6

Cancer is major cause of death rate in world wide. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, where the cancer develops at lower part of the uterus. Literature studies clearly depicts that the mainstream of the human cervical cancers are caused by high risk HPV infections. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein was the most prevalent high risk oncogene causing cervical cancer and still there is no proficient drug against this disease. Many researchers are involved to combat this cancer using phytodrugs. The current research was to identify the potential plant based drug against the cervical cancer using docking studies. Docking studies of eighteen phyto compounds from the plant Ballota nigra of the family Lamiaceae were carried out using Argus Lab. From the results, Ballotinone and Ballonigrin were found to have a best binding efficiency with the active site residues of the protein. The binding energies of the 2 compounds were -12.0691 Kcal/mol and -10.2564 Kcal/mol. This study provides promising anti-cervial cancer inhibitor for further drug development.

Phytochemical profile of three Ballota species essential oils and evaluation of the effects on human cancer cells

Three Ballota species, Ballota undulata, Ballota saxatilis and Ballota nigra ssp. foetida, were investigated for their cytotoxicity against two human cancer cells, hepatoma HepG2 cell line and breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, and for their antioxidant activity. The chemical composition of essential oils was studied by GC and GC–MS. Sesquiterpenes were the main constituents. The most antiproliferative essential oil against HepG2 cells was B. undulata with a percentage of inhibition of 81.36 ± 3.54 at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, while against MCF-7 cells essential oil from B. saxatilis was the most active with a percentage of inhibition of 24.18 ± 1.13 at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH test for all the oils. B. undulata showed the highest antiradical effect, with IC50 value of 529.7 ± 37.4 μg/mL.

The study of the chemical composition, effects on behavioural responses and the antihypoxic activity of the herbal tea and the dry extract on its basis

The chemical composition and pharmacological activity of the dry extract based on the herbal tea composed of black horehound (Ballota nigra) herb, white nettle (Lamium album) herb, wormwood (Artemisiae absinthii) herb in equal amounts have been studied. As a result of the chemical study of the main groups of biologically active substances in the herbal tea and the extract on its basis the presence of phenolic compounds such as derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid, hydroxycoumarins, flavonoids and their quantitative content have been determined. In the research objects aglycons of flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin) have been idenified. 70% ethanol provides a more complete extraction of phenolic compounds from the herbal tea: the content of hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoids is higher than in the infusion of the herbal tea, it is more than 60% and 80% re spectively; the total amount of phenolic compounds in the dry extract is greater than in the infusion – more than 10% (calculated with reference to a dry residue). The results of the pharmacological research suggest the presence of the sedative effect of the dry extract from the herbal tea in the dose of 400 mg/kg. The dry extract from the herbal tea exhibits the antihypoxic activity that exceeds the activity of Piracetam, thus proving its cerebroprotective action. In the last decades diseases associated with the human higher nervous dysfunctions remain one of the most important medical and social problems of most countries in the world, first of all, due to high prevalence and severe consequences for public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 6.7 mln. people die from cerebrovascular diseases annually in the world. Insult is the second most common cause of death; 6150000 inhabitants of the Earth (92 per 100 000) died from insult in 2008, i.e. 10.8% of the total mortality. In Ukraine 754 461 patients died in 2008: of them from insult – 42 422 (91.8 per 100 000 of the population, 5.6% of all the dead) [9, 10, 12]. For the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, in which pathogenesis hypoxia is of key importance, medicines of various groups are used: nootropic (piracetam), amino acid and peptidergic, acetylcholinergic (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine), glutamatergic; when using them a number of side effects appears. The use of herbal drugs in patients with cerebrovascular disease is one of the alternative therapies accelerating normalization of the functions of the nervous system [11]. Therefore, development of effective herbal medicines in cerebrovascular diseases is an important task. The aim of the work was to study the chemical composition, identify the effects on behavioural responses and the possible antihypoxic activity of the herbal tea and the dry extract on its basis.

Essential Oil Composition and Antifungal Activity of Aerial Parts of Ballota nigra ssp foetida Collected at Flowering and Fruiting Times

The present study reports the results of gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses of the essential oils from the aerial parts of Ballota nigra L. ssp foetida (Lamiaceae) collected at flowering and fruiting times, as well as their in vitro antifungal activity against nine plant pathogenic fungi. Moreover, the essential oils were evaluated for their antifungal activity using the agar dilution method, and also MICs (minimum inhibitory concentrations) and MFCs (minimum fungicidal concentrations) were determined. The major compounds identified in the flowering and fruiting aerial parts oils respectively were beta-caryophyllene (22.6% and 21.8%), caryophyllene oxide (18.0% and 20.5%) and germacrene-D (16.5 and 13.1%). The oils showed in vitro antifungal activity against some species of Fusarium, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria solani. Our study indicates that the oil of B. nigra ssp foetida could be used as a control agent for plant pathogenic fungi in natural formulations.