Crataegus Oxyacantha Research Articles

Ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological potential of Crataegus oxyacantha Linn. – A review

Traditional herbal medicines are practiced in the entire world and their ethnopharmacological records reveal that most of the people of the world have been using plants, animals, micro-organisms and minerals for treating various diseases. Crataegus oxyacantha (C. oxyacantha) Linn. (Rosaceae) commonly known as Hawthorn is an official plant in Homeopathic System of Medicine to treat various conditions of cardiovascular system. In recent times, this drug has been subjected to phytochemical, pharmacological, pre-clinical and clinical investigations and many new investigations have been indicated. Current review finds ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological potential of leaves, flowers, berries, bark etc. for exploring the immense medicinal potential of Hawthorn. At the same time, studies to evaluate the dosage, toxicity and interactions with drugs and herbs on simultaneous use, which is imperative for optimal and safe utilization of this plant, are explained. There are few comprehensive reports available on clinical use of Hawthorn in chronic heart failure patients have shown promising results.

Effect of long-term application of Crataegus oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias in rats.

The effect of long-term application of Crataegus oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias was investigated in Wistar rats on the heart in situ and on Langendorff preparations. Seventeen rats were fed for 8 weeks with 0.5 g/kg b.w. Crataegus extract per day, standardised to 2.2% flavonoids. Twenty age-matched untreated rats served as controls. In the hearts in situ as well as in the Langendorff preparations the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was ligated for 20 min and subsequently reperfused for 30 min. ECG was continuously recorded and the time spent between start of ischemia and onset of arrhythmias was measured. In addition, during ischemia and reperfusion the number of ventricular premature beats and bigemini and the duration of salvos and ventricular flutter and fibrillation were determined. The ischemic area was evaluated in all experiments and coronary flow was measured in Langendorff preparations. In the present experiments, no cardioprotective effects of Crataegus oxyacantha could be detected, neither in the heart in situ nor in the Langendorff preparations. Although the ischemic areas were identical, arrhythmias occurred even earlier in the Crataegus collectives than in the controls. Also the number and duration of ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias tended to occur longer and more frequently in the Crataegus collectives, whilst coronary flow remained unchanged. The phenomenon that Crataegus rather aggravates than prevents arrhythmias may be reduced to a Crataegus induced increase in intracellular Ca(2+)-concentration proven true for the positive inotropic effects of Crataegus.

HPLC-MS and NMR spectroscopy: two integrative analytical tools for the quality control of plant extracts, the case of a commercial blend sold as dietary supplement

In this study HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, HPLC-ESI-MSn and 2D NMR techniques were applied for the quality control of a herbal supplement. Several reports were received by the pharmacovigilance system by patients who fainted after consuming „)Olivis(lrquor)), a dietary supplement for the integrative treatment for hypertension. Declared components of this product are extracts from Olea europaea L., Crataegus oxyacantha L., Fumaria officinalis L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. „)Olivis(lrquor)) sample was subjected, after lyophilization, to direct 2D NMR and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analyses to identify the marker constituents of the different Herbal Drugs. Comparison of the NMR and chromatographic profiles of the product with those of the marker compounds of the declared plant species, (such as oleuropein, protopine), showed the lack of the latter. Samples of the declared plant species were taken into consideration as well. Comparison of these samples with the commercial product revealed marked differences in their content. Further, HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS analyses showed the presence of Rauwolfia sp. type indole alkaloids, while HPLC-ESI-MSn analyses revealed the presence of reserpine. Parallel phytochemical fractionations led to the isolation of ajmaline. Quantitation studies showed that (i) the content of reserpine in the product was in the therapeutic range and therefore responsible for the collapses of the patients; (ii) ajmaline prevailed against reserpine indicating that a Rauwolfia species other than R. serpentina was used. The present study shows the importance of extensive controls using combined analytical tools of the botanical products on the market to assure their quality and as a consequence their safety profiles.

The influence of dietary supplementation with <i>Melissa officinalis</i> and combination of <i>Achillea millefolium</i> and <i>Crataegus oxyacantha</i> on oxidative stability of stored poultry meat

1. Effect of dietary ethanol extracts of mango (Mangifera indica L.) on lipid oxidation and the color of chicken meat during frozen storage Ednardo Rodrigues Freitas, Ângela da Silva Borges, Ana Lúcia Fernandes Pereira, Virgínia Kelly Gonçalves Abreu, Maria Teresa Salles Trevisan, Pedro Henrique Watanabe Poultry Science CrossRef

Effect of dietary supplementation of Melissa officinalis and combination of Achillea millefolium and Crataegus oxyacantha on broiler growth performance, fatty acid composition and lipid oxidation of chicken meat

This experimental study investigated the effect of feeding of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and combination of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) on growth performance of chicken, meat composition, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability. Ninety one-day-old commercial broiler chicks (ROSS 308) were divided into 3 groups, and fed 41 days, as follows: control (C) with standard diet without antioxidants supplementation; second group (L) with standard diet supplemented with ground lemon balm (2%) and third group (HY) with standard diet supplemented with ground hawthorn (1%) and yarrow (1%). Final body weight and total feed intake were not influenced by plant supplementation. However, feed conversion ratio was the lowest (P<0.05) at HY. Carcass yields were not affected (P>0.05) by plants supplementation, but the proportions of various carcass parts (breast and leg) were higher in L and HY groups. Feeding of plants had no effect on the chemical composition of thigh meat. However, in breast meat fed by HY diet higher content of dry matter and crude protein (P<0.05) was found. In breast (L) the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportion was increased compared with control group (P<0.05). In thigh HY the proportion of saturated fatty acids was increased and PUFA was decreased compared with control. Results of thiobarbituric value method showed that supplementation with lemon balm, and mainly combination of hawthorn and yarrow in the diet significantly influenced reduction of lipid oxidation processes in thigh during chilling storage (4°C, 11 days).

Oxidative stability of chilled chicken meat after feeding of selected plants

The effect of feeding of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, L) and combination of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L) and hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L) on oxidative stability and sensory properties of produced poultry meat was investigated. Sixty one-day-old commercial broiler chicks (ROSS 308) were used in our experiment, divided into 3 groups, and fed 41 days, as follows: control (K) was fed with standard diet without supplementation of plants; second group (M) was fed with standard diet supplemented with grounded lemon balm in concentration 2 % per 1 kg; and third group was fed with standard diet supplemented with grounded yarrow (2 %) and hawthorn (1 %). Results showed that supplementation with lemon balm, and mainly combination of yarrow and hawthorn in the diet significantly caused reduction of lipid oxidation processes in thigh meat during chilling storage of samples. In addition, supplementation of plants in the diet had positive effect on sensory quality of meat of broiler chickens.

Study finds no benefit of Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) on chronic heart failure

Focus on Alternative and Complementary TherapiesVolume 15, Issue 1 p. 16-18 Study finds no benefit of Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) on chronic heart failure First published: 06 April 2010 https://doi.org/10.1211/fact.15.1.0007Read the full textAbout ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume15, Issue1March 2010Pages 16-18 RelatedInformation

Immunomodulatory effect of Hawthorn extract in an experimental stroke model.

BackgroundRecently, we reported a neuroprotective effect for Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) ethanolic extract in middle cerebral artery occlusion-(MCAO) induced stroke in rats. The present study sheds more light on the extract's mechanism of neuroprotection, especially its immunomodulatory effect.MethodsAfter 15 days of treatment with Hawthorn extract [100 mg/kg, pretreatment (oral)], male Sprague Dawley rats underwent transient MCAO for 75 mins followed by reperfusion (either 3 or 24 hrs). We measured pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), ICAM-1, IL-10 and pSTAT-3 expression in the brain by appropriate methods. We also looked at the cytotoxic T cell sub-population among leukocytes (FACS) and inflammatory cell activation and recruitment in brain (using a myeloperoxidase activity assay) after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Apoptosis (TUNEL), and Bcl-xL- and Foxp3- (Treg marker) positive cells in the ipsilateral hemisphere of the brain were analyzed separately using immunofluorescence.ResultsOur results indicate that occlusion followed by 3 hrs of reperfusion increased pro-inflammatory cytokine and ICAM-1 gene expressions in the ipsilateral hemisphere, and that Hawthorn pre-treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.01) lowered these levels. Furthermore, such pre-treatment was able to increase IL-10 levels and Foxp3-positive cells in brain after 24 hrs of reperfusion. The increase in cytotoxic T cell population in vehicle rats after 24 hrs of reperfusion was decreased by at least 40% with Hawthorn pretreatment. In addition, there was a decrease in inflammatory cell activation and infiltration in pretreated brain. Hawthorn pretreatment elevated pSTAT-3 levels in brain after I/R. We also observed an increase in Bcl-xL-positive cells, which in turn may have influenced the reduction in TUNEL-positive cells compared to vehicle-treated brain.ConclusionsIn summary, Hawthorn extract helped alleviate pro-inflammatory immune responses associated with I/R-induced injury, boosted IL-10 levels, and increased Foxp3-positive Tregs in the brain, which may have aided in suppression of activated inflammatory cells. Such treatment also minimizes apoptotic cell death by influencing STAT-3 phosphorylation and Bcl-xL expression in the brain. Taken together, the immunomodulatory effect of Hawthorn extract may play a critical role in the neuroprotection observed in this MCAO-induced stroke model.

Anti-Glycation Effect of Mixed Herbal Extract in Individuals with Pre-Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study to assess the anti-glycation effect of mixed herbal extract (MHE) in individuals with pre-diabetes mellitus. MHE was produced using hot water extraction from Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile), Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn berry), Houttuynia cordata (dokudami), and Vitis vinifera (grape leaf). We also assessed whether MHE showed favorable effects on one's quality of life (QOL).Design: The subjects consisted of 26 volunteers (male: 21; female: 5; age: 50.5 ± 8.5 years) with pre- diabetes mellitus (HbA1c: 5.5 - 6.7%). They were divided into two groups, the Test Group (13 subjects, age: 52.8 ± 8.2 years) and the Control Group (12 subjects, age: 49.3 ± 7.8 years). The Test Group was administered 1,200 mg of MHE (solid substance) per day for 8 weeks. The Control Group was administered a placebo.Results: The inter-group analysis using the Anti-Aging QOL Common Questionnaire (AAQol) showed that the score for the parameters, “muscular pain/stiffness”, “headache”, “easily angered”, “reluctance to talk with others”, “memory lapse”, and “inability to readily make judgments” was significantly improved in the Test Group (p ‹ 0.05). In terms of sugar metabolism, no significant variation was observed in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, glycoalbumin, and insulin. A significant variation was not observed in the Test Group with regard to 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG), an intermediate of glycation, and Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and pentosidine, advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), in blood after 8 weeks. However, in the subjects with HbA1c of equal to or higher than 5.9%, the subclass inter-group analysis showed that the supplementation of MHE significantly inhibited (p ‹ 0.05) an increase of CML in the Test Group, while CML increased in the Control Group. There was no significant variation in the Test Group regarding the oxidative stress markers, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and isoprostane in urine. The skin elasticity index (R2) obtained by using the cutometer started to decrease significantly in the Control Group after 4 weeks (p ‹ 0.05), while the index showed a tendency that the skin elasticity was successfully maintained in the Test Group. There was no adverse event which was associated with the test product.Conclusion: These results suggest that MHE may improve the symptoms related to QOL as well as inhibit the generation of CML, one of AGEs, in individuals with abnormal sugar metabolism. Furthermore, the 8 weeks supplementation of MHE was considered to be safe.

Vitality and Healthiness of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Seeds Treated with Plant Extracts

The aim of presented experiments was to determine the usefulness of plant extracts for dressing of cereal seeds. Water ex- tracts (macerations, infusions) prepared from different morphological parts of 39 plant species were used as dressing preparations. Non-disinfected seeds of two cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Rudzik (brewing barley) and Stratus (common barley) were used for the purpose of dressing. The experiment was conducted as a filter paper test (PN-94 R-65950) while determining the germina- tion viability (1st date) and the germination capacity (2nd date) as well as the healthiness of the seeds. A significant differentiation of the effect of the extracts on vitality and healthiness of seeds was demonstrated depending on the origin of the extract (plant species), the way it was prepared and an interaction between these factors. The germination viability of seeds of brewing barley was influenced mostly by infusions from fruits of Coriandrum sativum, from seeds of Linum usitatissimum, from bark of Quercus robur, from roots of Levisticum officinale, from roots of Arctium lappa and from flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme. The most favourable activity on germination capacity was revealed using the infusions from seeds of L. usita- tissimum, from roots of A. lappa, from fruits of C. sativum and macerations from roots of A. lappa, from fruits of C. sativum and from bark of Q. robur. The infestation of seeds by microflora was reduced by macerations from leaves of Betula verrucosa, from seeds of L. usitatissimum, from fruits of Juniperus communis, and infusions from flowers of Crataegus oxyacantha, from seeds of L. usitatissimum, from leaves of B. verrucosa. The most favourable impact on viability of the seeds of common barley was revealed for infusions from roots of L. officinale, from stig- mas of Zea mays, from flowers of C. oxyacantha and macerations from flowers of Lavandula vera, from leaves of Mentha piperita and from roots of L. officinale. A positive effect on the germination capacity was exerted by infusions from the stigmas of Z. mays, from flowers of C. oxyacantha, from rhizomes of Acorus calamus, from bark of Frangula alnus, and macerations from bark of F. alnus, from leaves of M. piperita, from flowers of C. oxyacantha and from herb of Marrubium vulgare. The contamination of the seeds by microflora was reduced most effectively with infusions from young sprouts of Pinus sylvestris, from roots of Inula helenium, from leaves of Juglans regia, from herb of M. vulgare, from stigmas of Z. mays and macerations from rhizomes of A. calamus, from herb of M. vulgare, from leaves of J. regia, from seeds of L. usitatissimum and from flowers of L. vera.

Estudo de toxicologia clínica de um fitoterápico contendo Passiflora incarnata L., Crataegus oxyacantha L., Salix alba L. em voluntários saudáveis

O Pasalix® e um produto fitoterapico contendo uma associacao de tres plantas medicinais: Passiflora incarnata, Salix alba e Crataegus oxyacantha. Sua principal indicacao e para o tratamento da ansiedade e insonia. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a toxicologia clinica dessa formulacao em voluntarios saudaveis. Para isso realizou-se um ensaio clinico nao aleatorio, aberto, com 24 voluntarios sadios do sexo masculino, que receberam ambulatorialmente dois (2) comprimidos revestidos do fitoterapico duas vezes ao dia, durante 28 dias ininterruptos. Os voluntarios foram incluidos no estudo somente quando considerados saudaveis apos avaliacao clinica, exame fisico e exames laboratoriais que antecederam o estudo. A avaliacao laboratorial incluiu analise hematologica, bioquimica e sorologica. A avaliacao clinica e laboratorial foi repetida apos a 1a, 2a, 3a e 4a semanas de tratamento e 7 dias apos a ultima administracao. O Pasalix® foi bem tolerado pelos 24 voluntarios nao apresentando eventos adversos graves. Os exames clinicos, eletrocardiograficos e laboratoriais efetuados antes, durante e apos o ensaio nao evidenciaram sinais de toxicidade nos diversos orgaos e sistemas avaliados, confirmando a seguranca da preparacao para utilizacao em ensaios de eficacia terapeutica.

Pharmacological evaluation of a phytotherapeutic product - CPV (dry extract of Crataegus oxyacantha L., Passiflora incarnata L. and Valeriana officinalis L.) in laboratory animals

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the central effects of the phytotherapeutic product-CPV (dry extract of Crataegus oxyacantha, Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis) in animals models. In order to investigate the psychopharmacological profile of CPV extract, an evaluation toward anxiolytic effect of this extract on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) was carried out. Other effects such as neuroleptic (blockade of the stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine), analgesic (hot plate; acetic acid writhing and tail-flick tests) and on the memory (passive avoidance test) were also analyzed. CPV extract (430 and 860 mg/ kg) presented an anxiolytic effect on rats (increased the number of entries into the open arms in the EPM) and, furthermore, a tendency of slight amnesic effect for the doses (430 and 860 mg/kg), but less intense when compared to diazepam (1.5 mg/kg). The extract did not show neuroleptic or analgesic effects.

Preclinical toxicological assessment of a phytotherapeutic product – CPV (based on dry extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha L., Passiflora incarnata L., and Valeriana officinalis L.)

Associations of plants have been widely used, for centuries, in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicine and have been increasingly acknowledged in Western medicine. The objective of this study is to assess the level of toxicity of an association of three plants: Crataegus oxyacantha, Passiflora incarnata, and Valeriana officinalis (CPV extract). This association was administered to rats, mice, and dogs, both acute and chronically for 180 days. The tests used in the acute experiments were: observational pharmacological screening, LD(50), motor coordination and motor activity. Chronic tests carried out were: weight gain/loss and behavioral parameters in rats and in mice; estrus cycle, effects on fertility, and teratogenic studies in rats and of mutagenic features in mice, in addition to the Ames test. The following parameters were assessed in dogs: weight gain/loss, general physical conditions, water/food consumption and anatomopathological examination of the organs subsequent to the 180 days of treatment. All of the results were negative, showing that CPV administered in high doses and over a long period of time presents no toxicity, suggestive of the fact that this is an association devoid of risk for human beings.

Anti-inflammatory, Gastroprotective, Free-Radical-Scavenging, and Antimicrobial Activities of Hawthorn Berries Ethanol Extract

Hawthorn [Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Crataegus oxyacantha L.; sin. Crataegus laevigata (Poiret) DC., Rosaceae] leaves, flowers, and berries are used in traditional medicine in the treatment of chronic heart failure, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and various digestive ailments, as well as geriatric and antiarteriosclerosis remedies. According to European Pharmacopoeia 6.0, hawthorn berries consist of the dried false fruits of these two species or their mixture. The present study was carried out to test free-radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial activities of hawthorn berries ethanol extract. Phenolic compounds represented 3.54%, expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Determination of total flavonoid aglycones content yielded 0.18%. The percentage of hyperoside, as the main flavonol component, was 0.14%. With respect to procyanidins content, the obtained value was 0.44%. DPPH radical-scavenging capacity of the extract was concentration-dependent, with EC50 value of 52.04 microg/mL (calculation based on the total phenolic compounds content in the extract). Oral administration of investigated extract caused dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect in a model of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The obtained anti-inflammatory effect was 20.8, 23.0, and 36.3% for the extract doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. In comparison to indomethacin, given in a dose producing 50% reduction of rat paw edema, the extract given in the highest tested dose (200 mg/kg) showed 72.4% of its activity. Gastroprotective activity of the extract was investigated using an ethanol-induced acute stress ulcer in rats with ranitidine as a reference drug. Hawthorn extract produced dose-dependent gastroprotective activity (3.8 +/- 2.1, 1.9 +/- 1.7, and 0.7 +/- 0.5 for doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively), with the efficacy comparable to that of the reference drug. Antimicrobial testing of the extract revealed its moderate bactericidal activity, especially against gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus subtilis, and Lysteria monocytogenes, with no effect on Candida albicans. All active components identified in the extract might be responsible for activities observed.

Synergistic effect of tincture of Crataegus and Mangifera indica L. extract on hyperlipidemic and antioxidant status in atherogenic rats

This study was designed to address the synergistic effect of tincture of Crataegus (TCR) and Mangifera indica L. (MNG) extracts on the lipid and antioxidant parameters in the development of aortic lesions in diet-induced atherosclerosis in rats. TCR, is an alcoholic extract made from the berries of Hawthorn, Crataegus oxyacantha with flavanoids as the main constituent. MNG, is an alcoholic extract made from the stem bark of Mangifera indica L. with polyphenols as the main constituent. Simultaneous oral administration of these two extracts (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) to rats fed with an atherogenic (4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, 0.5% thiouracil) diet prevented the elevation of lipids in the serum and heart and also caused a significant decrease in lipid accumulation in the liver and aorta reverting the hyperlipidaemic condition of these rats. These extracts significantly restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione, thereby restoring the antioxidant status of the organism to almost normal levels. This effect could be attributed to the synergistic activity of flavonoids in TCR and polyphenols of MNG.

Wirtswechsel, Generationenfolge und reproduktive Isolation von Ovatus crataegarius (WALKER, 1850) und O. insitus (WALKER, 1849) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Although morphologically indistinguishable as fundatrices and living together on the same tree of Crataegus oxyacantha L. or Mespilus germanica L., Ovatus crataegarius (WALKER) and O. insitus (WALKER) are reproductively isolated. Apparently there exists any difference in sex pheromone production by the oviparous females because those of O. insitus bear on the hind tibiae much more pseudosensoriae than in the other species. Emigrantes of O. crataegarius settle without exception Mentha spp. whereas the secondary host of O. insitus is Lycopus europaeus L. The year cycle of both species has been examined in a field insectary.

Herbal extracts inhibit Maillard reaction, and reduce chronic diabetic complications risk in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives: Accumulation of end-stage products of the Maillard reaction, also called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is a hallmark of aging and the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to determine whether safe and effective substances contained in four extracts of foodstuffs might slow the development of diabetic complications as well as slow the progression of aging.Design: We evaluated the in-vitro activity of four extracts of dried herbs available in Japan (Anthemis nobilis, Crataegus oxyacantha, Houttuynia coradata, Vitis vinifera) and a mixture of these to inhibit the Maillard reaction. We also assessed whether a 12-week feeding of mixed herbal extract (MHE) admixed in MF chow to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats prevented the development of diabetic complications.Results: Each of the four herbal extracts as well as the mixed extract dose-dependently inhibited the generation of Maillard reaction products in vitro with a potency similar to that of aminoguanidine (AG), a drug used for treating diabetic complications. Furthermore, after a 12-week, MHE supplemental feeding to STZ-induced diabetic rats, serum pentosidine and Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine levels and wet weight of the kidney tended to decrease. MHE elicited AG-like actions and produced an inhibitory effect on pentosidine generation at lower concentrations than those observed for AG.Conclusion: Through the inhibition of the Maillard reaction, MHE may slow the development of chronic diabetic complications as well as slow the progression of aging.

Herbal remedies for depression and anxiety

Herbal remedies are used by many people suffering from anxiety or depression. It is therefore important to know whether they generate more good than harm. A systematic review of the published literature revealed trial data for Ginkgo biloba, Lavandula angustifolia, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Crataegus oxyacantha, Eschscholzia californica, Matricaria recutita, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnate and Piper methysticum. Only two of these herbal remedies are supported by sound evidence: Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for mild to moderate depression and Piper methysticum (kava) for anxiety. Neither is free of risks. Our knowledge of herbal remedies is incomplete and the subject merits rigorous study.

Trophic habits of Muscardinus avellanarius (Mammalia Gliridae) as revealed by multiple stable isotope analysis

Multiple stable isotope analysis was used to investigate the diet of the common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius in a mixed Mediterranean forest. δ13C and δ15N values of dormouse tissues compared to those of the vegetal and animal sources available in the area showed that the isotopic composition of both adult and juvenile M. avellanarius could be explained by a mixture of vegetal and animal organic matter. The isotopic composition of the assimilated nitrogen was mostly explained by the organic matter from flora. Among the vegetal components, flowers of Fagus silvatica, Quercus robur, and the rarer Crataegus oxyacantha, berries of Ilex aquifolium and acorns of Q. robur were found in the adult diet, while juveniles relied mainly on flowers of F. silvatica and acorns of Q. robur. Organic matter from eggs of passerines (Parus caeruleus and P. major) sharing nest-boxes affected the carbon isotopic signals in the assimilated fraction. The common dormouse in the mixed holly forests of the northern Sicily feeds primarily on the vegetal species which are abundant in its habitat. However, the diet of this small arboreal mammal cannot be fully characterised without considering the contribution of animal organic matter represented by bird eggs.

Evaluation of the content and stability of the constituents of mother tinctures and tinctures: The case of Crataegus oxyacantha L. and Hieracium pilosella L.

As a part of our investigations on the content and stability of herbal drug preparations, we evaluated the content and stability of tinctures and mother tinctures of Hawthorn leaves and flowers and Hawkweed. Hawthorn preparations are mainly used by patients with cardiac diseases; Hawkweed is employed for the treatment of cellulitis and obesity due to its diuretic properties. Both tinctures (DER 1:5) and mother tinctures (DER 1:10) are herbal preparations reported in the European Pharmacopoeia. The first preparation is obtained using dried herbal drugs; the latter is a homoeopathic preparation obtained with fresh plant material, often used in substitution of tinctures. The aim of this work was to assess the qualitative and quantitative profile of the constituents of the investigated preparations and the chemical stability of their marker constituents from long-term testing using HPLC assays. Characteristic constituents of Hawthorn leaves and flowers are flavonoids such as vitexin-2″- O-rhamnoside and hyperoside and oligomeric procyanidins. Charcteristic constituents of Hawkweed are caffeoyl-quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids and a coumarin:umbelliferone. Our investigation showed that Hawthorn mother tincture had a higher concentration of procyanidins with respect to the tincture but the stability of these constituents were very low in both preparations. Total flavonoidic content was 3.33 mg/ml, about 1.5 times more than the content of mother tincture and the shelf-life t 90 was about 7 months for both preparations. For Hawkweed preparations a content of caffeoyl-quinic acid derivatives (ca. 4 mg/ml) was found, but their stability was good only in the tincture. The concentrations of flavonoids and umbelliferone were two times as much in the tincture with respect to the mother tincture. Stability of these two classes of constituents was good for both preparations over a 9-month period.