Flavonoid Fraction Research Articles

Phylogenetic analysis and protective effects of thymol and its chromatographic fractions from a novel wild mushroom in combating oxidative stress

Mushrooms are good sources of phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects. This study identified a unique isoform of 18S rRNA gene (864bp) from a novel wild mushroom (SMK-1) (GenBank accession number: SUB3267363). Thin layer chromatographic (TLC) profiling of the methanolic extract of the dried mushroom fruiting bodies of SMK-1 revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid fractions with retention factor (Rf) values of 0.955 and 0.927 respectively. The GC/MS chromatograms of the SMK-1 methanolic extract identified the main bioactive compound was phenol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl) (74.00%) (thymol). The radical scavenging activity for the flavonoid fraction was greater than the phenolic fractions (Rf–phenolics fractions>Rf–flavonoid fractions) with the antioxidant activity more than that of standard ascorbic acid. Also, the phenolic and flavonoid fractions of SMK-1 expressed cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells with IC50 values ranging from 5μg/mL to 80μg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. This present research highlights the presence of high thymol concentration in a novel wild mushroom that has antioxidant and anti-poliferative potential with therapeutic benefits. The application of thymol natural products from novel mushroom SMK-1 as nutrition supplements could inhibit oxidative stress triggered by numerous pathologies that may pave the way to develop a new therapeutic natural drug.

Ameliorative potential of Operculina turpethum against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: biochemical and histopathological studies.

The study aimed to investigate the acute toxicity, antidiabetic potential (in-vitro and in-vivo) of the Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso at fraction level. The plant was fractionated into different fractions, i.e., flavonoid fraction (OTFF), tannin fraction (OTTF), saponin fraction (OTSF). In-vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay revealed that OTFF was found to be more potent than standard Acarbose. The plant fractions were evaluated by MTT assay at different concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000µg/ml. All the fractions were further evaluated for their safety profile, and the biochemical, hematology and histopathology result exhibits that the OTFF fraction produces mild toxicity at organ level at a concentration of 2000mg/kg in albino mice. The in-vivo antidiabetic study was carried out on Sprague-Dawley rats using high-fat diet (HFD) feeding streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic model, and the biochemical, histopathology research findings represent that OTFF at a concentration of 500mg/kg, p.o. was found to be highly significant among all the fractions and found to be more potent than the standard Acarbose. LC-MS characterization of the bioactive fraction OTFF showed the presence of rutin with m/z 610.52 in 50.50% and Apigenin 7-O-6'' acetyl-glucoside with m/z 475.42 in 24.10%; from molecular docking study, it is predicted that the fraction primarily acts as an alpha-amylase inhibitor and PPAR gamma agonist. In conclusion, the plant's OTFF fraction acts as a potential therapeutic agent for Type II diabetes mellitus.

PHLEBOPROTECTORS BASED ON FLAVONOIDS: DOSAGE FORMS, BIOPHARMACEUTICAL CHARACTERISTICS, TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES

Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is the original phlebotropic drug. Its marketed form (Detralex®) consists of 90% diosmin and 10% of other flavonoids. Calculated as hesperidin, it is the most widely used drug today. Diosmin and hesperidin, which are parts of the majority of venoactive drugs, are sparingly water-soluble compounds, and this feature can effect on their clinical efficacy. One of the ways to increase the solubility of these compounds leading to an increase in bioavailability, is the micronization of the active ingredients.The aim of the investigation is a comparative determination of the dynamics and dissolution efficiency of the drugs containing bioflavonoid fractions in the dissolution test, as well as the analysis of the micronization degree and its impact on technology and biopharmaceutical parameters.Materials and methods. A biopharmaceutical release profile was determined using HPLC. Disintegration, characteristics of the shape and size of the tablets’ particles were determined according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia of the XIV-th edition.Results. The objects created with the use of diosmin and hesperidin, have been considered in detail. The role of technological solutions in relation to the corresponding dosage forms is notified. Detailed biopharmaceutical characteristics have been established with a choice of HPLC-based release control methodology. All the drugs in this group have a low water solubility leading to the maximum bioavailability for Detralex® which is about 1.26%; and no more than 0.2% for other analyzed models.Conclusion. Detralex® dominates among the analyzed objects (tablets) in terms of the release rate. With regard to the overall quantitative indicators of release, the actual numbers are quite low, which is associated with the poor water solubility of the active substances.

Medicines with active pharmaceutical ingredient diosmin: plaining of sample preparation

BACKGROUND: Most drugs in the form of tablets contain diosmin in the micronized flavonoid fraction. This is the reason for the low level recovery by means of solid-liquid extraction.
 AIM: to determine optimal conditions for sample preparation of some drugs with active pharmaceutical ingredient diosmin with the use of mathematical experiment planning (Box-Behnken design).
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects were tablets Detralex 1000 mg, Venarus 900 mg, Detravenol 1000 mg, Flebaven 1000 mg, Phlebopha 600 mg, Phlebodia 600 mg. Estimation of diosmin recovery by the method of solid-liquid extraction was made according to the algorithm of full factorial design with three level factors (Box-Behnken design).
 RESULTS: The effect of some factors determining the extraction of diosmin from tablets Detralex 1000 mg, Venarus 900 mg, Detravenol 1000 mg, Flebaven 1000 mg, Phlebopha 600 mg, Phlebodia 600 mg was estimated. Mathematical (regression) models of solid-liquid extraction of diosmin for each drug were developed. The most significant factor determining the diosmin recovery from drugs (tablet formulation) is the sodium hydroxide concentration. Other factors (acetonitrile concentration, extraction time, centrifugation time, addition of ammonium sulfate) fail to exert significant effect. The optimal value of sodium hydroxide concentration is 0.02 mol/l. Diosmin recovery doesnt increase after the increase of the sodium hydroxide concentration above 0.02 mol/l.

Systematic literature review and network Meta-analysis of sulodexide and other drugs in chronic venous disease.

To assess the clinical efficacy of sulodexide, including a comparison with venoactive drugs (VAD) (micronized purified flavonoid fraction, MPFF; hydroxy-ethyl-rutosides, HR; calcium dobesilate;Ruscus extract combined with hesperidin methyl chalcone and vitamin C, Ruscus+HMC+VitC; horse chestnut seed extract, HCSE) and pentoxifylline in patients with chronic venous disease. We performed a literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Proportion of patients with complete venous ulcer healing was the primary outcome and lower leg volume, foot volume, ankle circumference and symptoms were the secondary outcomes. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was perfomed with random effects models using only RCTs. A meta-analysis of observational studies was performed for sulodexide because no RCT could be included in NMA for symptoms or signs. Forty-five RCTs and eighteen observational studies were identified. Sulodexide was included only in a single NMA for the proportion of patients with complete ulcer healing and it showed to have the highest probability of being the best treatment (48%) compared with pentoxifylline (37%) and MPFF (16%). MPFF was the most effective treatment in reducing lower leg volume, CIVIQ-20 score and pain VAS scale while calcium dobesilate and Ruscus+HMC+VitC were the most effective in reducing foot volume and ankle circumference respectively.Meta-analyses of observational studies for sulodexide showed that it improves significantly the scoring of pain, feeling of swelling, heaviness and parasthesiae measured by Likert scales. Sulodexide is at least as effective as pentoxifylline and more effective than MPFF in improving the rate of ulcer healing in patients with CVD. VADs are effective in improving venous symptoms and signs, as was also shown by sulodexide in the meta-analysis of observational studies. The relative effectiveness of sulodexide and VADs needs to be evaluated by an RCT in order to better inform clinical practice.

ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTIVITY OF FLAVONOID FRACTION OF RAMANIA LEAF EXTRACT (Bouea macrophylla Griffith) AGAINST Porphyromonas gingivalis

ABSTRACTBackground: Chronic periodontitis is a periodontal disease with 80% of all cases of periodontitis. The major causes are the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. The dominant bacteria in chronic periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis. Treatment of chronic periodontitis can be done by scaling and root planing and supporting therapy by using mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% which is the gold standard in the treatment of periodontal disease. Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% has disadvantages so that nowadays research on herbal plants is being done to find alternative medicines that are more effective. Ramania (Bouea machropylla Griffith) leaf contains flavonoids that have antibacterial properties. Objective: To analyze the antibacterial effectivity of the flavonoid fraction of Ramania leaf extract against Porphyromonas gingivalis that causes chronic periodontitis. Method: True experimental study and post-test with control group design consisting of 5 treatment groups, namely flavonoid fraction of ramania leaf extract with concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% as a control positive and aquadest as a negative control. Each group was repeated 6 times. Antibacterial tests using the dilution method with inhibitory rates calculated using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and killing rates were calculated using a Colony Counter. Results: The average difference in absorbance values obtained inhibitory rates at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. One Way Anova Test showed a significance value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). The average number of colonies after 24 hours incubation showed the results of a kill rates in the concentration group of 0.3%, 0.5%, and positive control. The Kruskal Wallis test showed a significance value of 0,000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained at a concentration of 0.1% and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was obtained at 0.3% concentration.Keywords: Flavonoid Fraction, MBC, MIC, Porphyromonas Gingivalis, Ramania Leaf Extract.

Evaluation of Acute toxicity, In-vitro, In-vivo Antidiabetic Potential of the Flavonoid Fraction of the plant Chenopodium album L

Evaluation of Acute toxicity, In-vitro, In-vivo Antidiabetic Potential of the Flavonoid Fraction of the plant Chenopodium album L

Micronized purified flavonoid fraction in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease.

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is common in adults. Treatment is largely conservative, although more invasive procedures may be required. Venoactive drugs such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) are widely used, but a recent and comprehensive review of supporting evidence is lacking. In acute HD, MPFF can reduce HD symptoms such as bleeding, pain, anal discomfort, anal discharge and pruritus. In patients undergoing surgery, postoperative adjunct MPFF consistently reduces pain, bleeding durationand use of analgesia. MPFF treatment is appropriate and effective both as a first-line conservative treatment and as a postoperative adjunct treatment. MPFF reduces the duration of hospital stay following surgery, facilitating a return to normal activity and improving quality of life. MPFF may also prevent HD recurrence.

Flavonoid fractions of diosmin and hesperidin mitigate lead acetate-induced biochemical, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations in Wistar rats.

This study aims at investigating the protective effects of flavonoid fractions of diosmin and hesperidin in mitigating sub-chronic lead acetate-induced biochemical, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations in adult male Wistar rats. Forty animals were randomly assigned into five groups, each consisting of eight animals. Group I animals was treated with deionised water only, group II, IV, and V were administered lead acetate 90mg/Kg body weight (1/20th of the LD50), groups III, and IV was administered Daflon (100mg/Kg), while group V was administered Daflon (200mg/Kg), 30min prior treatment with lead acetate. All treatments lasted for 42days. Blood lead levels, electrolyte parameters, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and histopathology of vital organs, were evaluated following standard practice. Sub-chronic lead acetate exposure induced a decrease in levels of serum electrolytes, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, while blood lead levels, ZPP, and malondialdehyde levels were increased. Lead exposure also instigated marked variation in histopathology of vital organs. Conversely, co-treatment with graded doses of daflon improved the levels of blood lead, electrolytes, ZPP, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and histopathology of vital organs. Data obtained from the current study indicate that rats exposed to sub-chronic doses of lead acetate show increased blood lead levels, electrolyte imbalance, alongside impairment in ZPP levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and histopathology, while pretreatment using daflon mitigated the ensued perturbations. This, therefore, suggests that consumption of foods enriched with flavonoid fractions of diosmin and hesperidin may be beneficial for individuals inhabiting lead-polluted environments.

Efficacy of Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction-Based Venoactive Therapy After Endovenous Mechanochemical Obliteration: Prospective Comparative Study

BackgroundEndovenous interventions and minimally invasive open procedures are effective in the management of varicose veins, but can result in post-operative pain/discomfort.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of micronized purified flavonoid fraction venoactive therapy for postoperative pain, vein-specific symptoms, and quality of life in patients with varicose veins following an endovenous mechanochemical ablation procedure.MethodsThis prospective, observational, single-center study allocated patients into two groups: Group A, micronized purified flavonoid fraction 1000 mg once daily for 30 days; Group B, no venoactive drug prescribed (control). The Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification system for chronic venous disorders was used to assess varicose veins; a 10-point Visual Analog Scale assessed pain syndrome intensity; the Venous Clinical Severity Score measured overall varicose vein severity; and the Chronic Venous Insufficiency QoL Questionnaire measured total quality of life.ResultsThe study enrolled 58 patients (mean age 36.9 ± 4.1 years; 24 men) with varicose veins of C2–C4 who underwent truncal mechanochemical ablation plus mini-phlebectomy or foam sclerotherapy. Group A had significantly lower pain syndrome at days 14 and 30 compared with Group B (1.76 vs 2.20, p = 0.039; 1.38 vs 2.07, p = 0.003, respectively), and clinical symptom severity at day 30 (2.67 vs 3.13, p = 0.05). Significant differences in quality-of-life scores existed between groups at days 14 and 30 (15.21 vs 18.75, p = 0.008; 12.98 vs 16.33, p = 0.001). No micronized, purified flavonoid, fraction-related adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsMicronized purified flavonoid fraction-based venoactive adjuvant therapy after mechanochemical ablation alleviated pain, reduced the severity of symptoms, and improved the quality of life in patients with varicose veins.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-021-00249-4.

Anti-proliferative Activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Calyx Flavonoid Extracts on Cervical Cancer Cells using Flow Cytometry

Background: Impairment of the normal progression of the cell cycle affects the growth and development of the daughter cells, which may result in cancer cell proliferation. Herein, we investigate the effect of flavonoid fractions of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx on cell cycle progression in cervical cancer cells. Methods: Flavonoids (bound and free), lipids and aqueous fractions were extracted from a methanolic extract of H. sabdariffa calyx using ethyl acetate, diethyl ether and petroleum ether. Each of these fractions were used to treat HeLa cervical cancer cells and monitored using a flow cytometer. Results: The cells exposed to the extract and its fractions had higher percentages of inactive cells (no cell division) at the quiescent (G0) and gap one phases (G1) of the cell cycle in comparison to control cells. The highest values were obtained from cells treated with the bound and free flavonoid fractions. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that HeLa cervical cancer cell proliferation is significantly inhibited by H. sabdariffa flavonoid fractions. Daily consumption of beverages consisting of H. sabdariffa may therefore prevent the early stages of cervical cancer and inhibit the progression of the disease once it is established.

A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of Two Different Phlebotonic Therapies as a Bridge to Surgery in Patients with Advanced Hemorrhoidal Disease.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two different phlebotonic therapies, preoperatively administered in advanced hemorrhoidal disease (HD) patients with recommendation for surgery, and to assess patient satisfaction after treatment. In this prospective observational study, 100 patients were preoperatively treated either with micronized purified flavonoid fraction (group A) or sublingual nano-emulsion flavonoid (group B). HD symptoms, local inflammation signs and patients’ satisfaction were evaluated at baseline visit (T0), after 4 weeks of therapy (T1) and 8 weeks after its discontinuation (T2). In group A, a significant improvement for all HD symptoms and inflammation signs was observed after therapy (T1), followed by a reduction of efficacy in T2, except for itching and edema. In group B, therapy had a significant benefit on symptoms and local inflammation at T1, which persisted after its discontinuation for all symptoms, and edematous hemorrhoids. In both groups, the satisfaction rate was “good” in 60% of patients and patients were statistically significant more satisfied at T1 compared with T2 (p = 0.0001). No adverse events were recorded. Preoperative treatment was safe and useful to optimize patients’ clinical condition prior to surgery.

Obtainment of the spray-dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (H.B.K.) using different atomization temperatures: physicochemical characterization and technological development for pharmaceutical applications.

Spray-dried extracts are prepared as powders or granules after solvent removal, which can be obtained in the presence or absence of pharmaceutical adjuvants. This work aimed to optimize the process of obtaining dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (HBK) by spray drying. The characterization of the extract was performed by thermal analysis, specific surface area, particle size and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); then, capsules were developed for antimicrobial treatment, evaluating four bench lots by the determination of the angle of repose and time of flow, scanning electron microscopy, porosity and physicochemical quality control. There were no significant differences between the extracts obtained by spray drying at atomization temperatures of 140°C, 160°C and 180°C, which was confirmed by thermal analysis. Specific surface area varied inversely with the mean particle size. Regarding the marker content by HPLC, no significant differences were found between the samples, although the flavonoid fraction was more stable at 160°C. Bench lots (I to IV) were developed using the diluents Flowlac®, Starch® 1500, microcrystalline cellulose 250 and Cellactose® 80. Based on the results, the bench lot I, containing Flowlac®, was selected. The results of physicochemical quality control demonstrated that the selected formulation meets the pre-established parameters, and proving to be economically viable.

Comparative Metabolite and Gene Expression Analyses in Combination With Gene Characterization Revealed the Patterns of Flavonoid Accumulation During Cistus creticus subsp. creticus Fruit Development.

Cistus creticus L. subsp. creticus (rockrose) is a shrub widespread in Greece and the Mediterranean basin and has been used in traditional medicine as herb tea for colds, for healing and digestive hitches, for the treatment of maladies, as perfumes, and for other purposes. Compounds from its flavonoid fraction have recently drawn attention due to antiviral action against influenza virus and HIV. Although several bioactive metabolites belonging to this group have been chemically characterized in the leaves, the genes involved in their biosynthesis in Cistus remain largely unknown. Flavonoid metabolism during C. creticus fruit development was studied by adopting comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches. The present study highlights the fruit of C. creticus subsp. creticus as a rich source of flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and proanthocyanidins, all of which displayed a decreasing trend during fruit development. The majority of proanthocyanidins recorded in Cistus fruit are B-type procyanidins and prodelphinidins, while gallocatechin and catechin are the dominant flavan-3-ols. The expression patterns of biosynthetic genes and transcription factors were analyzed in flowers and throughout three fruit development stages. Flavonoid biosynthetic genes were developmentally regulated, showing a decrease in transcript levels during fruit maturation. A high degree of positive correlations between the content of targeted metabolites and the expression of biosynthetic genes indicated the transcriptional regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis during C. creticus fruit development. This is further supported by the high degree of significant positive correlations between the expression of biosynthetic genes and transcription factors. The results suggest that leucoanthocyanidin reductase predominates the biosynthetic pathway in the control of flavan-3-ol formation, which results in catechin and gallocatechin as two of the major building blocks for Cistus proanthocyanidins. Additionally, there is a decline in ethylene production rates during non-climacteric Cistus fruit maturation, which coincides with the downregulation of the majority of flavonoid- and ethylene-related biosynthetic genes and corresponding transcription factors as well as with the decline in flavonoid content. Finally, functional characterization of a Cistus flavonoid hydroxylase (F3′5′H) was performed for the first time.

Prospective comparative study evaluating the role of flavonoids after endovenous thermal ablation.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of flavonoids in the improvement of post-operative symptoms after endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA). A prospective comparative study of 120 consecutive patients undergoing EVTA of the greater saphenous vein associated with phlebectomies was undertaken. Patients were grouped in those receiving micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF- 60 patients) agent 500 mg Bid 7 days pre- and 30 days post- operatively (MPFF group) and those in the control group (60 patients) who did not. Demographics, intra-operative details, Clinical -Etiology- Anatomy- Pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical class, 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CΙVIQ-20) were recorded. Primary outcome was the postoperative pain assessement using the VAS scale and CIVIQ pain score. Secondary outcomes included assessement of VCSS and CΙVIQ-20 scores. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding demographics, clinical and procedural characteristics. Patients in MPFF group reported significantly lower VAS pain levels than control group at 7- (-3.6 ± 1.2 vs -2.7 ± 1.9, p < .0001) and 30- post-operative day (-4.9 ± 0.1 vs -4.2 ± 1, p < .0001). MPFF group also showed better outcome in terms of CIVIQ pain score at 7- (-3.7 ± 1.3 vs -3.5 ± 1.8, p = .008) and 30- post-operative day (-5.3. ± 1.1 vs -4.4 ± 1, p = .017). Both groups showed a significant improvement in VAS pain score (p = .047), global CIVIQ-20 (p = .009) and VCSS (p = .008) at 7- and 30-days post-operatively. Administration of flavonoids in patients undergoing EVTA associated with phlebectomies reduces pain by a small amount during early postoperative period.

CORRECTION OF MORPHOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS IN EXPERIMENTAL PREECLAMPSY BY COMBINED USE OF TRIMETAZIDINE AND PURIFIED MICRONIZED FLAVONOID FRACTION AS WELL AS THEIR COMBINATIONS WITH METHYLAMPSY

The aimof the experiment was to determine the effectiveness of the combined use of trimetazidine and a purified micronized flavonoid fraction, as well as their combinations with methyldopa, in comparison with monotherapy with the same drugs in the correction of morphofunctional disorders arising in the conditions of experimental preeclampsia. An integrated/multimethodology approach is the most effective way of treatment for preeclampsia. Therefore, an urgent task of modern pharmacology is to study the effectiveness of new drugs when used in combinations, as well as the drugs included in the standards for treatment.Materials and methods. The study was carried out at the Research Institute of Pharmacology of Living Systems of Belgorod State National Research University. The experiment was performed on 200 female Wistar rats, weighing 250–300 g, in which an ADMA-like model of preeclampsia had been reproduced. To assess the degree of correction of emerging morphological and functional disorders, the following parameters were involved: blood pressure, a coefficient of endothelial dysfunction, microcirculation in the placenta, proteinuria, fluid contents in the greater omentum, morphometric indicators of placental tissues and fetal height and weight parameters.Results. The combined use of trimetazidine (Preductal® MB) 6 mg/kg and a purified micronized flavonoid fraction (Detralex®) 260 mg/kg, as well as their combination with methyldopa (Dopegit®) 86 mg/kg, leads to a more pronounced decrease in the blood pressure, compared with a decrease in the coefficient of endothelial dysfunction by 2.22, 2.19 and 1.94 times, respectively, in relation to “untreated” animals. There was an increase in microcirculation indices in the placenta by 2.35, 2.21 and 2.03 times, respectively. In addition, there was an improvement in morphological parameters in the placenta and fetuses.Conclusion. The results of the study showed a greater effectiveness of the combined use of the studied drugs in experimental preeclampsia compared to their monotherapy. This indicates the prospects for the use of trimetazidine and purified micronized flavonoid fraction in the complex therapy for preeclampsia and the need for further research in this direction.

Efficacy of two micronized purified flavonoid fraction dosing regimens in the pelvic venous pain relief.

The venoactive drug treatment regimen for pelvic venous disorders (PeVDs) is not finally established. The study aimed at assessing the efficacy of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in a standard or double dose in the pelvic venous pain (PVP) relief in PeVD. We analyzed the treatment efficacy in 125 female patients with PeVD, who were allocated to two groups with MPFF treatment in a regular dose of 1000 mg once daily (OD) for 2 months (N.=65; group 1) or double dose of 1000 mg twice daily for 1 month and then 1000 mg OD for 1 month (N.=60; group 2). Patients underwent clinical examination along with an assessment of the PVP severity using the visual analogue scale (VAS) ranged from 0 to 10 scores, transvaginal and transabdominal duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of the pelvic veins with in vivo-labelled red blood cells (RBCs). The groups were different at baseline in the PVP severity (3.4±1.2 vs. 7.3±0.5 scores in groups 1 and 2, accordingly; P=0.012). DUS and SPECT were used to evaluate diameters of gonadal, parametrial, and uterine veins, to assess the presence of reflux in them, to measure blood flow velocity in the internal iliac veins (V<inf>lin IIV</inf>), and to calculate the coefficient of pelvic venous congestion (C<inf>PVC</inf>). The treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the PVP score from 3.4±1.2 to 1.2±0.2 (P=0.03) when using the standard dose for 2 months and from 7.3±0.5 to 0.8±0.1 (P=0.001) when using the double dose in the 1st month. The PVP relief was achieved on average after 13.7±0.6 and 3.1±0.8 days in groups 1 and 2, accordingly (P=0.0001 between the groups). At month 2, the C<inf>PVC</inf> reduction was found to be significantly greater in group 2 compared to group 1 (46.6% vs. 25%; P=0.018). Side effects (gastralgia, flatulence) were reported by only 2 (3.3%) patients of group 2. The venoactive drug therapy with MPFF is an effective and safe option for the PVP relief in female patients with PeVD. The use of double dose in the 1st month seems to be appropriate in patients with greater PVP severity but is associated with an increased rate of side effects.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Greek Oregano (O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) and Common Oregano (O. vulgare L. subsp. vulgare).

Greek oregano and common oregano were compared in respect of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the corresponding essential oils and hydroethanolic extracts in relation with their chemical profile. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID, while extracts (phenolic acids and flavonoids fractions) were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Based on given volatiles, the investigated subspecies represented two chemotypes: a carvacrol/γ-terpinene/p-cymene type in the case of Greek oregano and a sabinyl/cymyl type rich in terpinen-4-ol in common oregano. Within non-volatile phenolic compounds, rosmarinic acid appeared to dominate in both subspecies. Lithospermic acid B, chlorogenic acid and isovitexin were present only in Greek oregano extracts. However, the total content of flavonoids was higher in common oregano extracts. The essential oil and extract of Greek oregano revealed visibly stronger antibacterial activity (expressed as MIC and MBC) than common oregano, whereas the antioxidant potential (determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) of these extracts was almost equal for both subspecies. In the case of Origanum plants, the potential application of essential oils and extracts as antiseptic and antioxidant agents in the food industry should be preceded by subspecies identification followed by recognition of their chemotype concerning both terpene and phenolics composition.

Antiradical activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoids extract and fractions of pumpkin (Cucurbita moshata Duch) leaves

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moshata Duch) is one of the Cucurbitaceae plants, which traditionally used to treat skin diseases, measles, jaundice, insomnia, cancer and enhances endurance. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the potential of pumpkin leaves as antiradical. This research aim was to examine the antiradical activity and total phenolic and total flavonoids of pumpkin leaves extract and its fractions using the DPPH method and determined the phenolic and flavonoid contents. Pumpkin leave powder was extracted with methanol. Furthermore, water was added into methanol extract, and be partitioned using n-hexane and ethyl acetate to obtain n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fractions. The antiradical activities of pumpkin leave extract and fractions were determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhidrazyl) method. Ethyl acetate fraction obtained higher antiradical activities (IC50 6.737±0.196 µg/mL). Correlation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents to inhibit DPPH radical showed that phenolic and flavonoid contents on pumpkin leaves could be inhibited DPPH radical R2 = 0.8994 and R2 = 0.9061, respectively. Extracts and fraction pumpkin leaves show strong antiradical activity with DPPH methods, so their potential as antiradical can developed and can be used as a functional food.

Flavonoid-rich fractions from Clerodendrum volubile and Vernonia amygdalina extenuates arsenic-invoked hepato-renal toxicity via augmentation of the antioxidant system in rats

<h2>Summary</h2> Arsenicosis remains a global health concern due to devastating health effects. <i>Clerodendrum volubile</i> and <i>vernonia amygdalina</i> have tremendous bioactivities against oxidative stress-related diseases. The study, therefore, appraised the effects of flavonoids fractions from C. volubile and V. amygdalina (FCV and FVA respectively) against arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (120 ± 10 g) were divided into six groups of five each; Control (distilled water), arsenic alone (40 ppm sodium arsenite), arsenic + FCV (100 mg/kg), arsenic + FVA (100 mg/kg), arsenic + FCV and FVA (50 mg/kg each), and arsenic + vitamin C (100 mg/kg). The treatment commenced after four-week long arsenic exposure and lasted another four weeks. Blood, liver and kidneys of the rats were collected after sacrifice following an overnight fast. Arsenic caused significant (p<0.05) reductions in the total thiols levels in the plasma, liver, and kidneys, as well as the lowering of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Contrariwise, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, as well as superoxide dismutase activities increased in the non-treated arsenic exposed group. FCV and FVA, both singly or in combination, abrogated the oxidative stress indices and enhanced the antioxidant species in the treated groups. Groups treated with vitamin C also showed improved antioxidant status with concomitant reductions in oxidative stress markers. This study concludes that flavonoids fractions from C. volubile and V. amygdalina could be a viable weapon against arsenic-induced hepato-renal oxidative stress in rats.