Glechoma Hederacea Research Articles

Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs.

Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the antifibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) and plant extracts that contain RA, as observed in various experimental models. RA, as well as the extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Melissa officinalis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Lycopus lucidus, Ocimum basilicum, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Perilla frutescens, have been shown to attenuate fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and abdomen in experimental animal models. Their antifibrotic effects were associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrogenic gene expression. RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions.

Biodiversity of the spruce forest of the Tsuman Forestry (Kivertsi National Nature Park "Tsumanska Pushcha", Ukraine)

According to the results of field research during the vegetation period of 2022, 60 species of vascular plants and representatives of 35 taxa of invertebrates during the vegetation period of 2022 were found in the spruce forest of the Tsuman Forestry in the Kivertsi National Nature Park «Tsumanska Pushcha», Volyn Region. Three sites survey in sq. 4, ed. 18 of Tsuman forestry were carried out on 14.05.2022, 28.05.2022, 11.06.2022 and 25.09.2022. The tree layer was represented by Picea abies (L.) Karst. plantation in adding of Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L. The shrub layer was poorly developed, represented by singles Corylus avellana L. and Rubus idaeus L. In the grass layer of the test-аrea 16 Dentaria bulbifera L. was common, while in micro-lowering Geum rivale L., Myosoton aquaticum (L.) Moench, Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt as well as Galeobdolon luteum Huds. were spread. In test-areas 17–18 Oxalis acetosella L. with constant for this area species Urtica dioica L., Glechoma hederacea L. and Chelidonium majus L. were spread. The research area remoteness both from the town of Tsuman and highways contributed to the plant covering preservation. All types of forest plants were represented by aboriginal flora with typical nemoral (31 species; 51.8% of all plants under research) and boreal (15 species; 25.0%), boreal-nemoral species (5 species; 8.3%). The synanthropic fraction was represented by only 9 species (15.0%), among which 8.3% belonged to apophytes, 3.3% belonged both to archaeophytes and chenophytes. To sum up, this indicates significant preservation of the spontaneous flora. The eudodominant group of invertebrates were representatives of various orders of the class Insecta (41.65 %) from the total number of collected specimens. Dominant (DI ≥ 10.00 %) were Collembola (19.46 %) of the orders Poduromorpha and Symphypleona, sarcoptiform mites Sarcoptiformes (19.06 %), in particular shell mites Oribatida, Araneae. The subdominants (DI 1 – 9.99 %) include Myriapoda such as millipedes and centipedes, Arachnida are represented by harvest spiders Opiliones. Insects of this group include Aphidoidea, Heteroptera, Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Curculionidae, Hymenoptera and Diptera. Recedents (DI ≤ 1,00 %) are earthworms Lumbricidae, crustaceans Malacostraca, in particular woodlices Oniscidea, false scorpions Pseudoscorpiones. Among the insects, that occasionally fell into soil traps were Lepismatidae, Blattellidae, Neuroptera, Cicadellidae, Forficulidae, трипси Thysanoptera, Psocidae, Cerambycidae, Geortupidae, Elateridae, Chrysomelidae, Buprestidae, Raphidioptera, Hystrichopsyllidae from the genus Palaeopsylla and Lepidoptera. The greatest faunal diversity according to the Margalef index (3,74 та 3,72) is characteristic of the illuminated areas of the spruce forest within the dry area and the "window". The highest index of fauna similarity is found in areas of spruce forest with oak admixture and in the spruce forest "window".

Development, bioactive and sensory analysis of the honey-filled chocolate pralines infused with ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) extract

Chocolate is consumed largely worldwide and it is known as one of the most craved foods. The market of chocolate products is growing steadily and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The aim of the present study was to formulate chocolate pralines with enriched sensory and bioactive attributes by incorporating different types of honey (false indigo, buckwheat, rapeseed, mandarin and sage) and ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) extract as ingredients of the filler. The honey samples were subjected to physico-chemical analysis, sugar analysis using the HPLC-RID methodology, as well as to evaluation of antioxidant capacity. The bioactive and sensory properties and sugar composition of the formulated pralines were determined. Bioactive characterization included the determination of phenolic profile by HPLC-PAD methodology. Buckwheat honey showed the most pronounced antioxidant capacity with the value of 3.21 and 2.06 µmol Trolox/g dmb, determined by ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively, while the lowest values were measured for mandarin honey (0.41 and 0.32 µmol Trolox/g dmb). Specific bioactive compounds of cocoa: epicatechin, theobromine and caffeine, were detected in all formulated chocolate pralines, as well as the most predominant phenolic compounds of ground ivy: chlorogenic, caffeic, rosmarinic acid and rutin. Such enriched bioactive composition contributed to the pronounced antioxidant capacity of chocolate pralines. Finally, chocolate pralines prepared with mandarin honey were sensory evaluated as the sweetest and gained the highest scores for the overall acceptability.

Suppressive Activity of Glechoma hederacea Extracts against the Phytopathogenic Oomycete Plasmopara viticola, and First Screening of the Active Metabolites

Plasmopara viticola is a destructive oomycete that affects grapevines, causing significant economic losses worldwide. This study highlights how the plant Glechoma hederacea might be at the basis for the development of biofungicides to control P. viticola. The aqueous extract obtained from G. hederacea aerial parts showed strong inhibition activity against P. viticola, comparable to that of copper hydroxide. The bioguided purification of the extract by chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of six pure metabolites, identified as the aromatic compounds carvacrol, caffeic acid and methyl caffeate, the flavonoids cirsimaritin and apigenin and the polyphenolic acid rosmarinic acid by spectroscopic methods. This is the first report about the isolation of methyl caffeate and cirsimaritin from G. hederacea. Caffeic acid and methyl caffeate showed the highest disease severity reduction, while carvacrol, cirsimaritin and apigenin also showed moderate activity against P. viticola. The inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract could suggest synergetic or additive action of caffeic acid and methyl caffeate together with other compounds contained in the extract. This study provides insights into the potential of G. hederacea as an allelopathic tool for developing control methods against P. viticola, revealing the combined action of different metabolites involved in the mechanism of action of the active compounds.

Effect of guar gum-based carriers on the physical and bioactive properties of spray-dried delivery systems of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.)

The aim of the present study was to develop, for the first time, highly efficient spray-dried encapsulation systems of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) polyphenols using partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) and its binary systems with collagen hydrolyzates, carboxymethyl cellulose, nutriose, mucin and xylan. All carriers were subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to estimate their thermal behavior and stability. In the formulated spray-dried particles, the influence of different carriers on their physical-chemical (wettability, bulk density, zeta potential, morphology, size and FT-IR spectroscopy) and bioactive (encapsulation yield and simulated gastrointestinal digestion) properties were determined. The addition of each of the polymers used to the PHGG system increased the process yield and affected most of the physical parameters, with the exception of the diameter of the particles. The highest encapsulation yield (94.64%) for the most dominant phenolic compound - rosmarinic acid, was observed for particles made of PHGG and mucin, while PHGG-carboxymethyl cellulose particles showed controlled and continuous release in simulated gastrointestinal digestion, that can be associated with the highest values for wettability (2553.5 s) and water contact angle (87°).

Studying the Functional Potential of Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) Extract Using an In Vitro Methodology

Glechoma hederacea L., known as ground ivy, has a long history of use in folk medicine. The main bioactive compounds in ground ivy are polyphenolic compounds known for their potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and thus have high potential as functional ingredients against bacterial infections and the occurrence of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress in the human body. The aim of the present study was to determine the biological activity of ground ivy extract on selected human cell lines, including hepatic (HepG2), tongue (CAL 27), gastric (AGS) and colon (Caco-2) cancer cell lines by evaluating cytotoxicity, formation of reactive oxygen species and genotoxicity. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was additionally evaluated using cellular model macromolecules of protein and DNA, bovine serum album and plasmid phiX174 RF1 DNA. The effect of ground ivy extract on representatives of human microflora, including L. plantarum, E. coli and S. aureus, was also studied. The cytotoxicity of the extract depended on the type of cells treated, and the pro-oxidant effect generally decreased with increasing exposure time. The most pronounced genoprotective effect against hydroxyl radical damage was monitored in model plasmid DNA and occurred at the highest tested concentration (0.25 mg mL−1), with 95.89% preservation of the supercoiled form of the plasmid. This concentration also had the most significant antioxidant activity on the model protein—14.01% more than the positive control prepared using Trolox. The ground ivy extract showed high antimicrobial potential against the pathogenic bacteria E. coli and S. aureus.

First report of Puccinia glechomatis, a rust fungus of creeping charlie, in Minnesota.

In 2020 and 2021, at four locations around the Twin Cities, Minnesota (Sep. 2021: 44.980, -93.319; Aug 2021: 44.989, -93.186; Sep 2020: 45.000, -93.138; Sep. 2020: 44.870, -92.779), a rust fungus was observed infecting creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea), a weed of Eurasian origin (Hutchings and Price, 1999). Within stands, severity ranged from 1 to 30 % leaf loss. Telia were reddish-brown when young, starting small (0.1 to 0.5 mm), and growing into round but irregular sori measuring 1 to 5 mm, sometimes coalescing to form larger sori (Fig 1A). Sori are primarily abaxial, forming depressions on the adaxial surface, and sometimes occurring along stems and leaf petioles. Partial leaf necrosis occurs with high foliar infection and leaf dieback with high infection of petioles. Thin-walled, colorless leptosporic teliospores, or leptospores, (Fig 1B) were present in samples. Dark, thick-walled teliospores were not noted. Leaves bearing leptospores were soaked in water for four hours and suspended over young plants in a dew chamber at 20 °C for 16 hours. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 20-22 °C. After three weeks, nascent telia were observed on inoculated plants. The ITS region and a segment of EF1-α were selected for sequencing for the samples from the first two listed locations. For the ITS, the primers ITS1rustF10d (Barnes and Szabo, 2007) and ITSRu1 (Rioux et al., 2015) were used, and for EF1-α, a reaction was conducted following van der Merwe (2007). Amplicons were barcoded and sequenced on an Oxford Nanopore MinIon following manufacturer instructions (kits EXP-PBC001 and SQK-LSK109 with R9 flow cells). Reads (PRJNA802185) were filtered for quality (> Q16), sorted and separated by length, and aligned. A consensus sequence was generated for each amplicon with >50x coverage. BLAST searches of the EF1-α sequences OM489402 and OM489403 from the first two locations respectively showed 99.3 % (643/647) and 99.7 % (645/647) similarity with Puccinia glechomatis (EF560587). ITS sequences had not been reported for P. glechomatis, and there are no matches with >96 % homology in GenBank for the sequences OM470970 or OM470969, from the same samples. Morphological and life cycle traits are consistent with this identification. Creeping charlie is a common weed of turf, gardens, orchards, forests, and meadows. It is present in 46 of the lower 48 United States but is most common east of the Great Plains, in the Pacific Northwest, and in neighboring regions of southern Canada (Böllman and Scholler, 2004). P. glechomatis was recorded for the first time in 1992 in north-central Pennsylvania (Böllmann and Scholler, 2006). Examination of herbarium specimens and surveys established its distribution across the eastern U.S. and in a small area in the Pacific Northwest by the early 2000s, and in 2001 its presence was recorded in southern Wisconsin (Böllmann and Scholler, 2006). The basidiospores likely do not travel far, but the fungus may move long distances through plant matter and establish in new locations (Böllmann and Scholler, 2006). P. glechomatis is not known to affect native plants and may have a positive ecological effect, reducing the vigor of its undesirable host. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. glechomatis in Minnesota. It is evidence of the continued westward spread of this rust in North America (Böllmann and Scholler, 2006). Sequenced samples were submitted to the Arthur Fungarium at Purdue University (PUR N24012 and PUR N24013, respectively).

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) control with boron and iron in Kentucky bluegrass turf

AbstractGround ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) is a perennial broadleaf weed in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is commonly found in turf in the temperate climates of the United States. Cultural practices that maintain dense turf are the best way to reduce weeds; however, cultural control methods alone cannot provide complete weed control. Herbicides are commonly used to control weeds in the turfgrass industry, but interest in alternative control methods is increasing. Applications of iron‐based products are an alternative chemical weed control option in turfgrass systems, but other micronutrients, such as boron, may also be a viable option. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a chelated iron product as well as different boron‐based products for ground ivy control and also determine if these products injure Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). The products evaluated included borax, boric acid, Solubor (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate), and Fiesta (FeHEDTA) with a low and high rate tested for each. Ground ivy cover was reduced 77% or more from a single October application of all boron sources at the high rates and the high rate of Fiesta when evaluated 9 months later. The high rate of all boron‐containing products caused unacceptable turfgrass injury (<7) and reduced turf quality below acceptable levels (<6). No turfgrass injury or reduction in turf quality was observed in the Fiesta‐treated plots. These results indicate that applications of the micronutrient boron can be used to control ground ivy, but not without causing injury to Kentucky bluegrass.

Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea L., Lamiaceae) habitats in NE Slovenia

Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) is a widespread stoloniferous plant that grows in several ecologically diverse habitats: in the open, at the forest edge, and in understorey. The vegetation of ground-ivy habitats was studied in NE Slovenia in terms of floristic richness and diversity, biological spectrum, phytogeography and syntaxonomy. We identified five clusters of ecologically distinct habitats with the occurrence of ground-ivy, differentiated according to environmental conditions and flora composition: eutrophic forest edges, trampled habitats, forests, which are divided into two groups with different soil moisture, and meadows. The habitats were assessed using Ellenberg indicator values, thus confirming the ecological differentiation of ground-ivy habitats. Ground-ivy coexists with 169 plant species from 49 families. The highest plant species richness and Shannon diversity is found in meadows (100 plant species), while the lowest diversity is found in trampled habitats (12 plant species). Plant species coexisting with ground-ivy belong to 10 geoelements of which circumboreal, sub-cosmopolitan, Euro-Caucasian and Eurasian geoelements are represented in all habitats. The most represented life form is the hemicryptohytes with up to 88 % of all species per relevé. The syntaxon Molino-Arrhenatheretea dominates in the meadows, the shrub species of the forest edges belong to the syntaxon Rhamno-Prunetea, while Querco-Fagatea predominates in the forests. Ruderal species of the syntaxon Stellarietea mediae occurred in all habitats except in the understorey where light is a limiting factor. A non-negligible proportion of species belongs to Galio-Urticetea, a community characteristic of eutrophic forest edges, an optimal habitat for ground-ivy.

Vertical plants: Plant design of Living walls – evaluation of 34 perennials in a textile based Living wall over a three years experiment

IntroductionUrban green can be complemented by Living walls (LW). Knowledge of LW, including technique or their cooling effects, is well discussed, but little published data on plant diversity, design and development in LWs exists. The plants themselves determine whether LWs achieve their intended benefits. However, LW plants are exposed to extreme conditions such as temperature or drought stress.Material and methodsTherefore, we observed plant development in a textile-based LW (mat) over a three-year experiment under a temperate oceanic climate in the south west of Germany. The aim was to establish higher plant diversity for use in LWs. We chose 34 perennials (shrubs, ferns, grasses, and geophytes) that require high soil moisture. The mat was soil-free and had to be overwatered with a nutrient solution. The perennials were grouped in the plant module “cascade” (tall, hanging plants) and “ground cover” (low-spreading plants). We created four experimental walls exposed to the south, north, west, and east and adapted the plant modules to the lighting conditions of the experiment wall. The modules were pre-cultivated and attached to the experimental walls in a randomised design and repetition of four. We determined the visual attractiveness and additional parameters of individual plants.ResultsWe observed that Tellima grandiflora ‘Rubra’, Waldsteinia ternata, Pachysandra terminalis, and Heuchera Hybride ‘Purple Petticoats’ were the most attractive all year. Ajuga tenorii ‘Mauro’, Alchemilla caucasica, Hosta sieboldii ‘Harry van Trier’, Glechoma hederacea, and Geum coccineum ‘Carlskaer’ showed a nice ornamental effect and flowering during summer. The ferns and Waldsteinia ternata showed delayed growth but nice leaf texture gradually.Discussion and conclusionWe saw differences in winter survival rates depending on minimum temperature in winter. The tested plants developed a special vertical growth form and height. We observed various results at different expositions but found suitable species for each exposition. With these results, we derived a table of plants along with their suitability for LWs and determining conditions.

New Aspect of Composition and Biological Properties of Glechoma hederacea L. Herb: Detailed Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anticoagulant Activity and Toxicity in Selected Human Cells and Plasma In Vitro.

It is known that phenolic compounds can alleviate the negative impact of oxidative stress and modulate hemostasis. However, the effect of extracts and phenolics from Glechoma hederacea L. on the biomarkers of these processes is not well documented. The aim of our study was to investigate the in vitro protective effects of one extract and three fractions (20, 60, and 85% fraction) from G. hederacea L. on oxidative stress and hemostasis. Phytochemical analysis showed that aerial parts of G. hederacea L. are rich in both phenolic acids (such as rosmarinic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid) and flavonoids (mainly rutin and glycoside derivatives of apigenin, quercetin, and luteolin). We observed that the 85% fraction (at three concentrations: 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL) inhibited protein carbonylation. Moreover, the extract and 85% fraction (at the concentration of 50 μg/mL) could reduce lipid peroxidation. All fractions and the extract were very effective at decreasing H2O2-induced DNA damage in PBM cells. The 85% fraction had the strongest protective potential against DNA oxidative damage. We also observed that the extract and fractions decreased PBM cell viability to a maximum of 65% after 24 h incubation. Our results indicate that the 85% fraction showed the strongest antioxidant potential. The main component of the 85% fraction was apigenin (26.17 ± 1.44 mg/g), which is most likely responsible for its strong antioxidant properties.

Species and quantitative composition of weeds in wheat agrophytocenosis in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Trans-Urals

The article analyzes the species and quantitative composition of weeds in wheat agrophytocenosis. From 16 species of weeds in different years prevailed: from perennial – Cirsium arvense, Glechoma hederacea, Convolvulus arvensis, Sonchus arvensis, from juvenile wintering – Erodium cicutarium, Matricaria perforata, Viola arvensis, Thlaspi arvense. From spring juveniles – Amaranthus retroflexus, Spergula arvensis, Galeopsis speciosa, Chenopodium album, Fumaria officinalis, Galium aparine, Stellaria media. Field observations in 2017-2020 made it possible to establish some features in the change in the composition and abundance of different biological groups of weeds during the growing season. It is necessary to study the species composition of weeds in order to control, predict and regulate their abundance. In the tillering phase, the number of weeds in different years of research varied from 15.3 to 16.1 pcs/m2, which, according to the scale of determining the degree of clogging of fields, corresponds to a weak degree of clogging of 2.55-13.4%. Before cleaning, the degree of clogging increased by 0.2% in 2018, by 0.15% in 2019, and in 2017 and 2020, the degree of clogging remained at the same level – 3.4%, which was also characterized by a weak degree. Comparison of the contamination over different years allows us to identify the dynamics of the quantitative and specific composition of weeds in crops and adjust the system of measures to combat them.

Prevention and treatment of diabetes in the Jablanica District (Serbia)

The study on the prevention and treatment of diabetes was conducted on the territory of the Jablanica District, in the municipalities of Leskovac, Vlasotince, Lebane, Bojnik and Medveđa. The research involved 59 respondents, 27 men, and 32 women. Research indicated that waist circumference was an important indicator. The highest values of this parameter were within the people with T2D. Body mass index (BMI) might be an indicator of this disease, too. One-third of people with T2D were with BMI values above 30, which indicates adiposity. Taraxacum officinale (15%), Urtica dioica (11%), Vaccinium myrtillus (10%), Betula pendula (8%), and Mentha x piperita (8%) were the plant species the most frequently cited in the prevention and treatment of diabetes by the respondents. Apium graveolens, Rubus spp., Phaseolus vulgaris, Artemisia absinthium, and Trigonella foenum-graecum were cited in frequency with 3% of respondents’ answers, and with 2% of answers each: Glechoma hederacea, Matricaria chamomilla, Centaurium erythraea, Juniperus communis, Foeniculum vulgare, Inula helenium, Petroselinum crispum, while the following plant species were mentioned in the frequency of 1% of responses: Aronia melanocarpa, Arctium lappa, Helianthus tuberosus, Cichorium intybus, Morus nigra, Zingiber officinale, Rhamnus frangula, Linum usitatissimum. Most of the listed plants were said to be used in tea form, except for the plant species Apium graveolens and Helianthus tuberosus which were used fresh, while Foeniculum vulgare and Rhamnus frangula were used in tincture form.

Flora of the former Kolokolnikov estate (Tyumen)

The article presents for the first time data on the species diversity of vascular plants growing on the territory of the former estate of the Kolokolnikovs, which has a history of formation for a century and a half and is today a place of rest for the citizens of Tyumen. In 2021, most of the study area was classified as a natural monument of regional significance «Lesopark (Parkland) Zatyumensky». For the spring-summer period 2021, 182 species of vascular plants belonging to 136 genera, 56 families were identified. Among the leading families: Asteraceae (22 species), Rosaceae (21), Poaceae (19), Fabaceae (14), Brassicaceae (9), Salicaceae (8), Caryophyllaceae (7), Apiaceae (6), Ranunculaceae (5), which accounted for 61 %. The arboreal layer is dominated by Betula pendula and Tilia cordata, and the grass-shrub layer is dominated by Aegopodium podagraria, Centaurea scabiosa, Geranium sibiricum, Glechoma hederacea, and Poa pratensis. On the territory there are species listed in the Red Book of the Tyumen region: Tilia cordata and Cerasus fruticosa (Prunus fruticosa). In a comparative analysis with herbarium funds, 33 plant species were not identified in the modern flora of the study area. According to the biomorphological analysis according to the system of life forms of K. Raunkier, most plants belong to hemicryptophytes (40.7 %), I. G. Serebryakova - long-rhizomatous polycarpics (21.5 %), O. V. Smirnova et al. - mono-centric type (52.2 %).

IgG Glycosylation Profiling of Peripheral Artery Diseases with Lectin Microarray.

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

Optimization of the Extraction Procedure for the Phenolic-Rich Glechoma hederacea L. Herb and Evaluation of Its Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Potential

The dried Glechoma hederacea L. herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its therapeutic potential is related to the presence of phenolic compounds. To optimize extraction efficiency the effect of the use of different techniques (HRE—heat reflux extraction, I/ME—infusion combined with maceration, UE—sonication and SE—Soxhlet extraction), various solvents (water and ethanol) and processing time (15 min to 2 h) on phenolics content was investigated. The HPLC method was applied to determine and compare the content of phenolic acids (rosmarinic, chlorogenic, protocatechuic) and flavonoids (rutin, isoquercetin) in the extracts. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was examined for the first time against human cancer and normal cells of skin origin (A375, HTB140, HaCaT) and gastrointestinal origin (Caco-2 and HT-29, HepG2). In addition, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP method. The I/ME-water and HRE/ethanol procedures turned out to be optimal for obtaining extracts of dried G. hederacea L. herb rich in bioactive phenolics. These extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, correlated with the content of the compounds analyzed. Furthermore, the extracts of the dried Glechoma herb were not toxic to normal human cells, indicating its safe use both internally and externally.

Development, Characterization and Incorporation of Alginate-Plant Protein Covered Liposomes Containing Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) Extract into Candies.

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) has been known as a medicinal plant in folk medicine for generations and, as a member of the Lamiaceae family, is characterized with a high content of rosmarinic acid. The aim of the present study was to formulate delivery systems containing bioactive compounds from ground ivy in encapsulated form and incorporated into candies. Liposomes were examined as the encapsulation systems that were additionally coated with an alginate–plant protein gel to reduce leakage of the incorporated material. Bioactive characterization of the ground ivy extract showed a high content of total phenolics (1186.20 mg GAE/L) and rosmarinic acid (46.04 mg/L). The formulation of liposomes with the high encapsulation efficiency of rosmarinic acid (97.64%), with at least a double bilayer and with polydisperse particle size distribution was achieved. Alginate microparticles reinforced with rice proteins provided the highest encapsulation efficiency for rosmarinic acid (78.16%) and were therefore used for the successful coating of liposomes, as confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Coating liposomes with alginate–rice protein gel provided prolonged controlled release of rosmarinic acid during simulated gastro-intestinal digestion, and the same was noted when they were incorporated into candies.

Terpenoids from Glechoma hederacea var. longituba and their biological activities.

Glechoma hederacea var. longituba (common name: ground ivy) has been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cholelithiasis, colds, and inflammation. In the present study, three new sesquiterpene glycosides (1–3), two new diterpene glycosides (4 and 5), and four known compounds (6–9) were isolated from its MeOH extract. A structure elucidation was performed for the five new compounds (1–5) using 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, DP4+ and ECD calculations, and chemical methods. All the isolates (1–9) were assessed for their antineuroinflammatory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 cells, nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion stimulation activities in C6 glioma cells, and cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT15). Compounds 2 and 5–7 exhibited inhibitory effects on the NO production with IC50 values of 52.21, 47.90, 61.61, and 25.35 μM, respectively. Compound 5 also exhibited a significant stimulating effect on NGF secretion (122.77 ± 8.10%). Compound 9 showed potent cytotoxic activity against SK-OV-3 (IC50 = 3.76 μM) and SK-MEL-2 (IC50 = 1.48 μM) cell lines, while 7 displayed a strong cytotoxic activity against the SK-MEL-2 (IC50 = 9.81 μM) cell line.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Glechoma hederacea Extracts Obtained by Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Using Different Extraction Conditions

Glechoma hederacea var. longituba is a herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, used in herbal medicine. In this work, we aimed to assess the total phenolic content, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of extracts obtained from G. hederacea via supercritical dioxide extraction with methanol as a co-solvent under different extraction conditions. The results showed that the activity of the obtained SC-CO2 extracts is strongly dependent on the extraction temperature. Significantly higher total polyphenol content, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity towards bacteria and yeasts, was observed in the extract obtained at 40 °C, compared to extracts obtained at 50 °C and 60 °C; however, antifungal activity against filamentous fungi was not dependent on the extraction conditions. Antimicrobial activity also depended on the microorganism type. Higher sensitivity was exhibited by Gram-positive bacteria than by Gram-negative bacteria, with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa being the most sensitive species among each group. The most susceptible fungi were Candida albicans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The antibiofilm activity was differentiated and depended on the extraction conditions, the microorganism and the method of biofilm treatment. All tested extracts inhibited biofilm formation, with the extract obtained at 40 °C showing the highest value, whereas only extract obtained at 60 °C efficiently removed mature biofilm.

Wild-Grown and Cultivated Glechoma hederacea L.: Chemical Composition and Potential for Cultivation in Organic Farming Conditions.

Glechoma hederacea L. is a medicinal plant that is known in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. This study evaluated the potential for commercial production of G. hederacea and compared the chemical composition and activity of 70% ethanol extracts and steam-distilled essential oils from wild-grown and cultivated G. hederacea collected in different harvesting periods. The main compounds identified in the 70% ethanol extracts were phenolic acids (chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids) and flavonoid O-glycosides. The essential oil varied in the three accessions in the range of 0.32–2.98 mL/kg−1 of dry weight. The extracts possessed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-treated bone-marrow-derived macrophages. The results of flow cytometry show that extracts from different vegetation periods reduced the conversion of macrophages to the proinflammatory phenotype M1. The chemical composition varied the most with the different harvesting periods, and the most suitable periods were the flowering and vegetative phases for the polyphenolic compounds and essential oils, respectively. G. hederacea can be successfully grown under organic farming conditions, and cultivation does not significantly affect the chemical composition and biological activity compared to wild-grown plants.