Sage Extracts Research Articles

Immunomodulatory Effects of Plant Extracts from Salvia deserta Schang. and Salvia sclarea L.

Medicines, their safety, effectiveness and quality are indispensable factors of national security, important on a global scale. The COVID-19 pandemic has once again emphasized the importance of improving the immune response of the body in the face of severe viral infections. Plants from the Salvia L. genus have long been used in traditional medicine for treatment of inflammatory processes, parasitic diseases, bacterial and viral infections. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of plant extracts LS-1, LS-2 from Salvia deserta Schang. and LS-3, LS-4 from Salvia sclarea L. plants growing in southern Kazakhstan by conventional and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, respectively. The cytotoxic effects of the named sage extracts on neonatal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) were evaluated using the MTT assay. Immunomodulatory effects of the studied extracts were compared by examining their influence on pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and phagocytic activity of murine immune cells. Depending on the physiological state of the innate immune cells, sage extracts LS-2 and LS-3 had either a stimulating effect on inactivated macrophages or suppressed cytokine-producing activity in LPS-activated macrophages. The greatest increase in TNF-α secretion was found after treatment of spleen T lymphocytes with sage extract LS-2, obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction.

Sage extracts obtained with cold plasma improves beef quality

The aim of the study was to verify the effect of sage extracts obtained using cold plasma on the quality of ground beef. Patties with a different content of sage extracts (0.05% and 0.075%) obtained either by conventional extraction (S0.05, S.0.075) or with cold plasma assistance (SP0.05, SP0.075) were packed under a modified atmosphere (80%O2) and stored in cold conditions for 8 days. Sage extracts addition had no impact on pH, weight loss, colour, content of each myoglobin form, texture, aroma and overall acceptability of raw meat measured on the last storage day (P < 0.05). However, lipid oxidation was inhibited the most in meat with the highest share of sage extract obtained using cold plasma (P < 0.05). This group was also characterized by the highest amount of n-3 fatty acids at the end of storage (P < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of sage at 0.075% prevented hexanal formation in samples. Thus, cold plasma extracts may be introduced in the meat industry.

Potential therapeutic applications of infusions and hydroalcoholic extracts of Romanian glutinous sage (Salvia glutinosa L.).

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Salvia glutinosa, also known as the glutinous sage, has been used in Romanian folk medicine in the treatment of inflammation, injuries, and mild infections. However, there is no direct scientific evidence to demonstrate these activities. Aim of the Study: The present research was based on evaluating antioxidant, antiproliferative, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of S. glutinosa extracts, as well as the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: Infusions and 70% (v:v) ethanol solution extracts of S. glutinosa stems and leaves, collected from two different locations in Romania, were prepared. Ten phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using the LC-DAD-ESI/MSn method, and total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined. A rat model of induced inflammation with turpentine oil was used for the examination of in vivo effects of the extracts, using diclofenac as an anti-inflammatory control. Results: The highest inhibitory α-glucosidase activity was determined to be IC50 = 0.546 mg/ml for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material collected on the road to Sighișoara. The highest cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell line was determined to be GI50 = 131.68 ± 5.03 μg/ml, for the hydroalcoholic extract made with plant material from Sighișoara. In vivo administration of extract (200 mg lyophilized powder/ml) showed a significant reduction of NO production. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that S. glutinosa extracts exhibit antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, as well as a modest cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line. By in vivo administration, the extracts show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which correlates with the traditional use of the species. The environmental conditions seemed to induce important changes in the chemical composition and the bioactivity of the herbal preparations derived from S. glutinosa.

Epigenetic active phytoceuticals activate immune relevant miRNAs important in virus response systems

Background: Viruses significantly affect global health. The few available viricidal and antiviral therapies are expensive and often associated with unwanted side effects. Functional foods as plant extracts (nutraceuticals) are epigenetically active, and multi-target antiviral compounds that affect several steps of the viral life cycle and host proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate host and viral gene expression and are responsible for the fine-tuning of gene expression by controlling the expression of their target messenger RNAs (mRNA) in host cells and viruses. Several plant ingredients have been proven to be active against RNA virus infections. Obviously, miRNAs play a central role in the regulation of gene transcription in viral replication and host immune defense. A healthy diet and nutraceuticals can support the fine-tuning of miRNAs. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of epigenetic active phytoceuticals and/or functional foods on immune relevant miRNAs and mRNAs in a healthy human study population. Methods: In a 2-month human intervention study (n=80), a mix of plant extracts (sage extract, green tea extract, berberine, apple extract, onion extract, elderberry extract, and grape skin extract) with proven activity against RNA viruses were examined for the change of miRNA and mRNA patterns involved in virus response systems. Lifestyle and nutritional behavior, including self-reported stress levels, as well as infection frequency as potential cofounders have been raised. Results: The intervention with secondary plant extracts could modulate the expression of miRNAs involved in the virus defense (miR-30e, miR-877, miR-150) and the expression of NF-κB. The intervention also increased miRNA expression patterns associated with a positive lifestyle. The intervention adapted miRNAs that correlate with an increased risk of infection, smoking, stress, and processed meat products.Conclusion: Plant extracts can enhance the beneficial effects of a healthy nutrition and lifestyle by modulating miRNAs. MiRNAs are promising drug targets for maintaining immune homeostasis.Keywords: antiviral, epigenetic active nutraceutical, miRNA, secondary plant extracts, virus response, plant ingredients, functional foods

Antioxidant and antimicrobial chitosan films enriched with aqueous sage and rosemary extracts as food coating materials: Characterization of the films and detection of rosmarinic acid release

Chitosan films containing aqueous extracts of sage and rosemary were prepared as a potential food coating material with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The effect of adding extracts at different concentrations on the mechanical, physical, and optical properties of the films was investigated. The addition of the extracts significantly increased Young's modulus values of the films compared to the chitosan film, and a significant decrease was observed in the swelling percentage and water vapor permeability of the films. Since all the prepared films were ionically cross-linked, the increase in water solubility of the films with the addition of the extract was at a low level. The release of rosmarinic acid, which is found in significant amounts in both plants, from the films was monitored by the capillary electrophoresis. The antioxidant properties imparted to the films by the addition of plant extracts were determined by DPPH and FRAP methods. The addition of plant extracts increased the antimicrobial property of chitosan films against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Films containing sage and rosemary extracts showed potential for use as food coating materials.

Experimental research on the development of the composition of the transdermal therapeutic system of anti-inflammatory action based on composition of natural substances

The aim of the work is to develop the composition of the transdermal therapeutic system of anti-inflammatory action based on active pharmaceutical ingredients of natural origin. Materials and methods. Selection of adhesive materials, plasticizers and solvents, the effect of introduction to the base of active pharmaceutical ingredients, determination of optimal temperature and drying time, pharmacological screening was performed by physicochemical, biopharmaceutical and biological research methods. Results. The composition of the hydrophilic adhesive composition, which includes polyvinylpyrrolidone, eudragit (adhesives), PEO-400 (plasticizer), isopropyl alcohol (solvent) 50: 8: 12: 30, respectively. This composition has excellent organoleptic properties, is easily applied to the polymer base, holds its shape well (does not flow beyond the base), is applied in a thin layer and evenly distributed on the base. The optimal mode of drying of the adhesive composition based on PVP is 75 °C for 30 min, based on PVA – 75 °C for 35 min, the composition containing eudragit - 50 °C for 10 min. It is established that the addition of active substances to the adhesive composition does not adversely affect its properties. The study of antiexudative activity using different combinations of substances of natural origin as API and found that the best anti-inflammatory properties (25 %) have a sample No. 4, which includes dry extracts of white willow bark and sage leaves and quercetin 3:1:3 in accordance. Conclusions. Based on physicochemical, biopharmaceutical and pharmacological studies, the composition of the transdermal therapeutic system of anti-inflammatory action with active pharmaceutical ingredients of natural origin has been developed

Hypoglycaemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Alcoholic Extract of Common Sage (Salvia Officinalis) In Streptozotocin –Induced Diabetic Rabbits

The hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effect of alcoholic extract of common sage (Salvia officinalis) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbits was evaluated. Twenty-five male rabbits were used and grouped as follows: - Group A- Diabetic control, Group B - Diabetic rabbits + glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), Group C - Diabetic rabbits + alcoholic leaf extract at 250 mg/kg and Group D - Diabetic rabbits + leaf extract at 500 mg/kg. Group E- served as normal non-diabetic control. The animals were given a standard diet and water ad libitum. Diabetes was induced in the rabbits by a single intra-peritoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin 50 mg/kg b.w. followed by 120 mg/kg of nicotinamide in 0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5 in a volume of 0.5 ml/kg b.w. Blood samples were collected on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days from the marginal ear vein of the animals and analysed for blood glucose and lipid profile levels. The standard/investigational drugs treated rabbits showed a marked decrease in the level of blood glucose when compared with the diabetic control at a significant level of p &lt; 0.001. The alcoholic extract of common sage leaf (at 250mg/dl and 500mg/dl) showed a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.05) in blood glucose compared with the diabetic control rabbits. The administration of the leaf extract at 250mg/dl and 500mg/dl to the animals prevented gross alterations in the lipid profile levels

Fabrication and characterization of gas-assisted core-shell hydrogel nanofibers as a drug release system with antibacterial activity

In this research, fabrication and characterization of core-shell hydrogel nanofibrous mats containing Polylactic acid/Sage extract in the core and Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Polyvinyl alcohol in the shell, utilizing a novel gas-assisted coaxial electrospinning technique was investigated. The use of an extra gas blowing system allowed to increase core and shell flow rates remarkably and contributed to the higher production of nanofibers in a very short time. To construct the core-shell structure, first, the core solution containing Polylactic acid 8 wt% and Sage extract 10 wt% was prepared. Then the shell solution including Polyvinylpyrrolidone 20 wt% and Polyvinyl alcohol 9 wt% was made and citric acid 2.5 wt% was added as the crosslinking agent. The core and shell solutions were loaded separately in a coaxial spinneret and the gas-assisted coaxial electrospinning was conducted. In the end, the electrospun mats were cured in an oven to obtain core-shell hydrogel nanofibers. The kinetics of the swelling, the release of Sage extract, and the effects of various amounts of crosslinker on the swelling and release process were investigated for core-shell hydrogel nanofibers and then compared to that of the single-core and shell systems. Moreover, the antibacterial assay was performed on the fabricated core-shell hydrogel nanofibers to assess the antimicrobial properties of the electrospun mats. Further evaluations were performed through SEM, TEM, FTIR, DSC, and TGA analyses to determine the morphology and structure of individual systems. The electrospun mats can find excessive applications in biomedical fields as antibacterial dressings for superficial wounds.

Enterocin 7420 and Sage in Rabbit Diet and Their Effect on Meat Mineral Content and Physico-Chemical Properties.

Rabbit meat has outstanding nutritional characteristics—it is a lean meat with low fat, cholesterol and sodium content, with high-biological-value proteins, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, iron and vitamin B12 level. The dietary inclusion of natural bioactive compounds can improve the quality of rabbit meat. The present study evaluated the effect of enterocin 7420 (Ent 7420) and sage (Salvia officinalis) extract on the quality and mineral content of rabbit meat. A total of 96 Hyla rabbits (aged 35 days) were divided into E (Ent 7420; 50 µL/animal/d), S (sage extract; 10 µL/animal/d), E + S (Ent 7420 and sage in combination) and control (C) groups. Additives were administrated in drinking water for 21 days. A significant increase in meat iron (p < 0.01) content was noted; phosphorus and zinc levels were also elevated in experimental groups, compared with control data. Ent 7420 and sage treatment reduced the calcium and manganese (p < 0.01) contents. The physico-chemical traits of rabbit meat were not negatively influenced by treatment. Based on these results, diet supplementation, mostly with Ent 7420 but also in combination with sage, could enhance the quality of rabbit meat mineral, with a focus on its iron, phosphorus and zinc contents.

MO348: Methylene Blue Beneficial Effect in Treatment of Renal Calculi in Patient With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Assessment of efficacy of fixed combination of cranberry and sage extract with methylene blue (MBC) in dose of 30 mg twice daily in the prevention and management of chronic renal calculous disease. METHOD In 87 patients who complained recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)—55 pts with pyelonephritis and 32 with cystitis—at least three episodes in 12 months, the impact of 3 months treatment of MBC with on renal calculi was investigated. All patients were older than 18 years without any biochemical or congenital kidney abnormalities, coagulopathies with size of renal stone over 10 mm. Simultaneous administration of phenothiazine derivatives, SSRI, MAO, tricyclic or any other antidepressants we excluded. A total of 39 (45%) of the patients with a history of nephrolithotomy in the past were included. RESULTS In most cases, patients were supervised during 12 months with 2–3 courses of MBC during the year. A total of 18 pts (21%) have passed no further stones with dramatic improvement of quality of life, and 47 (54%) have improved clinically with reduction of calculi size. A total of 79 pts (91%) reported overall clinical improvement of UTI symptoms and quality of life. The main disadvantage during MBC administration could be discoloration of the urine in light blue or green color. No side or adverse effects were observed during the whole period of the trial. CONCLUSION Methylene blue could be a promising solution in the management of patients with multiple small renal calculi, especially with necessity to reduce the level of concomitant infection without antibiotic and may be useful in the prevention of new stone formation.

Assessing the Influence of Salvia triloba on Memory Deficit Caused by Sleep Deprivation in the Context of Oxidative Stress.

Learning and memory deficit has been reported to be correlated to oxidative mutilation in the hippocampus. Moreover, sleep deprivation (SD) mitigates memory via distressing oxidative stress balance. In the current report, the prospective neuroprotective role of oral sage (Salvia triloba) extract on cognitive impairment induced by chronic SD was investigated. The SD was induced in adult male Wistar rats employing a modified multiple platform (8 h/day; for six weeks). Simultaneously, S. triloba extract (375 mg/kg, orally) was administered for six weeks. Thereafter, the Radial Arm Water Maze test was utilized to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Moreover, activities of different hippocampal antioxidant parameters: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured in rats' hippocampus. Moreover, the level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was assessed. Current results illustrate that chronic SD significantly compromised both memories, shortand long-term, while sage extract inhibited these consequences. Moreover, sage extract remarkably stabilized the antioxidant enzyme levels, which were decreased by SD, such as: SOD, catalase, and GPx (P < 0.05), and remarkably augmented the GSH/GSSG ratio in SD rats (P < 0.05). However, no substantial alterations of GSH, TBARS or BDNF levels (P > 0.05) were seen with sage extract administration. Chronic treatment with sage extract (S. Triloba) precluded SD-induced memory impairment by regularizing antioxidant parameters levels in rats' hippocampus.

Effect of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract in antioxidant status and intestinal morphology of pulmonary hypertensive chickens.

The effects of dietary sage on the growth performance, antioxidant status, intestinal mucosa morphology, and pulmonary hypertensive response were investigated in broiler chickens with pulmonary hypertension. Chicks (Ross 308) were reared under cold stress for 35 days and treated with 0.05% vitamin C (positive control) and 0 (control), 0.1 or 0.2% sage extracts, then performance, oxidant and antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology were evaluated. The index of pulmonary hypertension (RV:TV) was decreased, and weight gain (days 22-35) was increased in all treatments (except for sage 0.1%) compared with control (P<0.05). Lipid peroxidation was decreased, whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPX, CAT, and SOD) was increased in the sage 0.2% group compared with control (P<0.05). In the lung, SOD, CAT, and GPX transcripts were decreased in the sage 0.2% group compared with control (P<0.05). In the right ventricle of the heart, SOD and CAT transcripts were increased in the sage 0.2% group compared with other groups of chickens, whereas GPX transcript was decreased (P<0.05). The jejunal villus length in the chickens fed sage was significantly lower than in control (P<0.05). The ileal villus width, villus surface area, and lamina proporia thickness in the chickens fed sage (0.2%) were increased compared with control (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation of sage (0.2%) could modulate pulmonary hypertensive response, improve antioxidant status (enzymatic activity), intestinal morphometry, and absorptive surface in the broiler chickens.

Development of encapsulated sage extract powder: Inter-comparison with commercially available powder for physical properties and metabolites composition

Encapsulated Salvia officinalis L. powder (SESP) was developed from extract obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and it was compared with commercial sage powder of hydro-distillation extract (HESP). The optimised conditions of 30 MPa at 50 °C for laboratory scale SFE extraction were found to generate the highest yield at 40.96 ± 0.84%. The conditions were later applied in the upscaled extraction, which yielded about 30.10 ± 1.33% extract. Large particle size distribution at 118.46 ± 6.63 µm for SESP was notified as compared to 66.80 ± 1.50 µm for HESP. Outcomes of crystallographic analysis demonstrated that abundant metabolites from various groups existed in both powders. About 25 and 43 metabolites were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) in HESP and SESP, respectively. In HESP, organic acids were found to be the major group identified, while terpenoids were the largest group found in SESP.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Salvia stepposa Extracts Isolated using Microwave Extraction, Growing Wild in Kazakhstan

The studies on antibacterial activity of 16 samples of Salvia stepposa (steppe sage) ethanolic extracts, an indigenous plant of Central Kazakhstan, against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) were assayed. Leaves and flowers of Salvia stepposa were extracted by ethanol 30, 40, 70 and 90 % using conventional and microwave extraction. Antibacterial screening performed by disc-diffusion method was conducted, the concentration of all extracts was 100 mg/mL. The results revealed that the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis have leaves and flowers extract of steppe sage in all solvents except 70 % microwave leaf extract. The only extract that showed antibacterial activity against all strains of microorganisms used is 40 % microwave leaf extract of steppe sage with growth inhibition zones for Staphylococcus aureus 23.5 0.65 mm, for Bacillus subtilis 38 1.3 mm, for Escherichia coli 16.5 1.72 mm, for Candida albicans 16 2.6 mm, respectively. Was found that 70 % of leaf extract of the steppe sage obtained under microwave irradiation has the lowest activity. The MIC values for tested extracts were evaluated too.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; Salvia stepposa is a widespread plant on the territory of Kazakhstan the properties of which still remain unexplored&#x0D; Antibacterial activity and MIC of 16 examples obtained different methods was evaluated&#x0D; MAE is an interesting alternative to CE of extracting plant raw materials, which can reduce extraction time and energy consumption&#x0D;

Plebeian Sage (Salvia plebeia R. Br) Extract Ameliorates Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis Rats

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent articular disease with the clinical syndrome of joint pain accompanied by varying degrees of functional limitation, reduces the quality of elderly life. In this study, the effects of Plebeian sage extract (PS) on anti-inflammatory and anti-articular cartilage degradation activities were evaluated in rats with surgically induced OA. PS supplement for 12 weeks significantly decreased Mankin scores, including inflammatory cell numbers, and improved surface cartilage damage and mean femur and tibia articular cartilage (AC) thicknesses in OA rats. PS diminished IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, as well as lipocalin-2 levels in serum or cartilage, which were increased due to OA. The results suggested that PS decreased joint inflammation and loss of articular cartilage by suppressing provocative responses and synovial tissue decimation in the OA model. Thus, PS may be used as a novel potential therapeutic regime for OA in the elderly.

The Structuring of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Extract-Incorporating Edible Zein-Based Materials with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Functionality by Solvent Casting versus Electrospinning.

In this study, in order to develop zein-based, edible, functional food-contact materials in different forms incorporating sage extract (10, 20, and 30%), solvent casting and electrospinning were employed. The study aimed to assess the effects of the applied techniques and the extract’s incorporation on the materials’ properties. The solvent casting generated continuous and compact films, where the extract’s incorporation provided more homogenous surfaces. The electrospinning resulted in non-woven mats composed of ribbon-like fibers in the range of 1.275–1.829 µm, while the extract’s incorporation provided thinner and branched fibers. The results indicated the compatibility between the materials’ constituents, and efficient and homogenous extract incorporation within the zein matrices, with more probable interactions occurring during the solvent casting. All of the formulations had a high dry matter content, whereas the mats and the formulations incorporating the extract had higher solubility and swelling in water. The films and mats presented similar DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical scavenging abilities, while the influence on Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium bacteria, and the growth inhibition, were complex. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the materials were more potent after the extract’s incorporation. Overall, the results highlight the potential of the developed edible materials for use as food-contact materials with active/bioactive functionality.

Bioactive composition and antibacterial activity of three herbal extracts (lemongrass, sage, and guava leaf) against oral bacteria: An in vitro study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to estimate the antibacterial activity of three different herbal extracts against oral bacteria and their bioactive composition. MethodsUsing the disk diffusion technique, the antibacterial activities of three different extracts (lemongrass, sage, and guava leaf) were evaluated against oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis). Additionally, the bioactive components of the herbal extracts were assessed by employing the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. ResultsThe sage, lemongrass, and guava leaf extracts suppressed the proliferation of all three tested bacterial strains at different rates. The phytochemical analysis revealed that sage extract possessed the highest content of antioxidants, phenols, and flavonoid compounds. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the tested plants revealed the presence of vital bioactive compounds. ConclusionsLemongrass, sage, and guava leaf extracts have potent antibacterial activities, are rich in bioactive compounds, and could be utilized as natural remedies for the prevention of oral diseases.

Antioxidant properties of medicinal plants and their effect on microbial spoilage of semi-finished meat, poultry and fish

Plant extracts rich in polyphenols can be used in the food industry as natural preservatives, extending the shelf life of prepared and semi-finished foods without chemical preservatives. In this paper, we investigate the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties of herbal extracts as part of food systems. The research objects were knot grass (Polýgonum aviculáre), marjoram (Oríganum), bur beggar-ticks (Bídenstripartíta), thyme (Thymus), whortleberry leaves (Vaccínium ida vítis), calendula (Calendula), sage (Salvia), chamomile flowers (Matricāriachamomīlla), eucalyptus (Eucalýptus) and bearberry (Arctostáphylosúva-úrsi). We determined the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP methods; variations in the bacterial сontamination of animal raw materials over total bacterial count (TBC), coliform bacteria, yeast/fungi, salmonella and staphylococcus. Extracts of sage (1138±57 mg GA/100 g and 537±25 mg C/100 g), eucalyptus (1073±49 mg GA/100 g and 412±20 mg C/100 g), chamomile flowers (1002±36 mg GA/100 g and 493±22 mg C/100 g) and marjoram (1015±42 mg GA/100 g and 458±21 mg C/100 g) contain the largest amount of biologically active substances (phenols and flavonoids, respectively). Sage, eucalyptus and chamomile extracts demonstrate the highest antioxidant activity among the studied samples. Most of the studied extracts exhibit little or no effect on the organoleptic properties of finished products. In addition, chamomile flower, sage and eucalyptus extracts suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in foods under experimental conditions. The microflora growth is significantly reduced when treating animal raw materials with calendula flowers, marjoram and thyme extracts. Extracts of sage, chamomile flowers, calendula flowers, marjoram and thyme can be recommended as components of food raw materials.

Phytotoxic Effects of Selected Herbal Extracts on the Germination, Growth and Metabolism of Mustard and Oilseed Rape

The use of plants that have high allelopathic potential as natural herbicides in the form of aqueous extracts is gaining popularity in environmentally friendly agriculture. Usually, their effect on the germination and growth of weeds is investigated. However, less attention is paid to the effect of the allelopathic compounds from extracts on cultivated plants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of herbal extracts that have allelopathic properties on selected physiological and biochemical processes of two plants of great economic importance—white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera). The extracts were prepared from mountain arnica (Arnica montana L.), ribwort (Plantago lanceolata L.), hypericum (Hypericum perforatum L.), common milfoil (Achillea millefolium L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.). The germination of white mustard and oilseed rape was most inhibited by the extracts that were prepared from sage and sunflower. Additionally, in the germinating plants, the sunflower extracts increased the membrane permeability, which indicates membrane injuries. The metabolic changes in the plants were monitored using isothermal calorimetry and FT-Raman spectroscopy. The total heat production, which provided information about the metabolic activity of the white mustard and oilseed rape, was decreased the most by the sage extract but generally all of the tested extracts disturbed the shape of the heat emission curves compared to the water control. The impact of the allelopathic compounds that are present in the herbal extracts on the metabolism of the seedlings was clearly visible on the FT-Raman spectra—in the fatty acids and flavonoids range, confirmed using a cluster analysis. In conclusion, the herbal extracts from medicinal plants that have herbicidal activity could be used as a natural herbicide for weed control, but since they may also have negative impacts on cultivated plants, preliminary tests are advisable to find the extract from the species that has the least negative effect on a protected crop.

Evaluation of Fertility and Embryo Implantation in Rats After the Oral Administration of Salvia officinalis (Sage) Extract

In Saudi Arabia, it is widely believed that women with reproductive problems can use the extract of the sage plant as a tea drink. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of this herb on the fertility of female rats and embryo implantation. Forty-eight Wistar virgin female rats were divided into four groups at random, with 12 rats in each group. The control group received distilled water orally. The three treatment groups received different concentrations of sage extract: 15, 60, or 100 mg/kg for 14 days before mating, then mated with a male and sacrificed on the 7th day of gestation, the uterine horns removed, and photographed. The total body weight of mothers, weight of uteri and ovaries and number of fetuses were determined. Ovarian and uteri tissues were cut into 5 µ sections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Serum FSH, LH were determined by the ELISA method. The present study showed that low dose of sage (15 mg/kg) have no effects on serum concentration levels of FSH and LH hormones, also has no effect on the number of growing follicles. The present study showed a significant differences (P≤0.05) in body weight, ovary and uterus weight in the groups treated with high doses of Salvia officinalis as compared to control group. Also a significant differences (P≤0.05) found in FSH, LH hormones. Histological study showed overall histomorphological structural configurations including growing and matured graafian follicular countable changes, besides a number of corpora lutea and regressed follicles in the treated groups with high doses of Salvia officinalis as compared to control group. The researchers concluded that the extract of the sage plant with high doses can stimulate the growth graafian follicles and improve fertility in female rats.