Herbal Tea Extracts Research Articles

Toxicological evaluation of a herbal tea made from the leaves of Setaria megaphylla, Ageratum conyzoides and Chromolaena odorata

The toxicological effect of an herbal tea made from leaf extracts of Ageratum conyzoides, Chromolaena odorata, and Setaria megaphylla, plants traditionally used in Nigeria for malaria treatment was studied. Hot aqueous extracts of the ternary combination (1:1:1 ratio) of the plants were administered in varying doses (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) to assess impact on hepatic, renal and haematologic function parameters, and liver and kidney tissue histology of forty male albino rats divided into four groups of ten animals each. The tea extracts were administered orally daily for 60 days. Biochemical analyses revealed that the extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced ALT (25.91 ± 2.35 to 6.84 ± 0.31 U/L), AST (36.39 ± 1.96 to 19.24 ± 1.19 U/L), and ALP (21.94 ± 3.51 to 11.06 ± 2.76 IU/L) activities, with no significant (p>0.05) changes in bilirubin, protein and albumin concentrations, suggesting non-hepatotoxic property. Among the kidney function, significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increases was observed only in serum urea ranging from 23.09 ± 0.79 mg/dl (Control group) to 34.90 ± 0.52 mg/dl (200 mg/kg treated group). Increase in WBC count was observed indicative of a possible immune response, while other blood parameters remained stable. Histopathological examination confirmed that lower extract doses were relatively safe, whereas higher doses presented early signs of organ stress. These findings suggest that this herbal tea extract has a favourable safety profile at moderate doses, though higher doses may pose risk of organ toxicity, warranting further studies on dose optimization and elucidation of its folkloric therapeutic potential.

Modulation of UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) utilising unfermented rooibos and honeybush aqueous extracts

Exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can trigger a diverse array of biological responses that have the potential to contribute to the onset of skin cancer. Natural compounds, such as tea polyphenols, have been shown to protect against UVB-induced damage by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cell proliferation. The chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties of South African rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) herbal teas have been shown to mainly target the early stages of cancer development through mechanisms that involve intracellular interleukin-1α (IL-1α) inhibition. Thus, the aim was to investigate the preventive effects of unfermented rooibos and honeybush aqueous extracts against UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HaCaTs. Honeybush was found to reduce the accumulation of UVB-induced IL-1α while maintaining cell viability and without affecting apoptosis. Furthermore, only honeybush extract was able to decrease the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) caused by UVB exposure. Honeybush and rooibos extracts significantly decreased the secretion of UVB-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8). Except for rooibos extract at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, both extracts restored the expression of antioxidant genes to levels observed prior to UVB exposure. The anti-inflammatory effects of these herbal tea extracts are likely attributed to the antioxidant properties of their polyphenolic constituents, which modulate the oxidative stress-induced pathways governing inflammatory responses.

DESIGN OF INQUIRY LEARNING MODEL INTEGRATED ETHNO-STEM FOR PROFILE ANALYZING THE AROMA COMPOUND FROM HERBAL TEA EXTRACT

The purpose of this research is to find a Design of an Inquiry Learning Model Integrated Ethno-Stem for Profile Analyzing the Aroma Compound from Herbal Tea Extract from tropical forest plants in Indonesia to accelerate student conservation literacy. This research is a basic research to find an Ethno-STEM integrated inquiry learning model and analysis of Aroma Compound profiles of herbal tea extracts from tropical forest plants in Indonesia. The research was conducted at the Department of Chemistry in the Natural Materials course. The research subjects are UNNES chemistry education students for the 2021/2022 academic year. The research instruments were tests, questionnaires, observation sheets, and aroma compound profile test data for herbal teas from Indonesian tropical forest plants. Trapping of aroma compound compounds from herbal teas from tropical forest plants uses Arduino sensors type MQ-9, MQ135, TGS 2602, and 2620. The stage of Development of the Ethno-STEM Integrated Inquiry Learning Model usees the Analysis, Design, Development, and Implementation. The results of the research found an Ethno-STEM integrated inquiry learning model with the Sudarmin stages. The results of the analysis of aroma compound profiles from tropical forest plants are hydrogen, propane, carbon monoxide (CO), alcohol, carbon dioxide (CO2), toluene, ammonia, acetone, heptane, and acid sulfide gas.

Analysis of Student Responses to Downstream of the Inquiry Learning Model Integrated Ethno-STEM for Aroma Compounds from Indonesian Herbal Tea to Give a Conservation Character

This research is related to downstream research from an innovative learning model. This research aims to (a) downstream the Ethno-STEM integrated inquiry learning model, (b) analyze the profile of aroma compounds from herbal tea extracts in Indonesia, and (c) analyze student responses to the downstream of the Ethnoscience and STEM (Ethno-STEM) integrated inquiry learning model. STEM). Research was conducted at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The research subjects were students of chemistry education at UNNES for the 2022/2023 academic year. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, questionnaires, and observation sheets from the test results of Indonesian herbal tea aroma compounds. In this research the trapping of tea aroma compounds uses Arduino sensors. Data obtained from questionnaires and data on Indonesian herbal tea aroma compounds were analyzed descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of the research concluded that (a) the integrated Ethno-STEM inquiry learning model that was down streamed was the Sudarmin syntactic model, (b) Indonesian herbal tea aroma compounds consisted of hydrogen compounds, propane, carbon monoxide (CO), alcohol, carbon dioxide (CO2), toluene, ammonia, acetone, heptane, and sulfuric acid gas, and (c). students respond well to the integrated Ethno-STEM inquiry learning model that was developed, and this model is able to increase the Conservation character.

Formulation of herbal tea using Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare and Murraya koenigii and its anti-obesity potential

ObjectivesThe term ‘herbal tea’ refers to a beverage made from the medicinal plants, herbs and spices. Herbal teas are non-caffeinated and consumed worldwide due to their therapeutic and healing properties. The present study aimed at the development of herbal tea formulation using Cymbopogon citratus leaves, Foeniculum vulgare seeds and Murraya koenigii leaves and its qualitative and quantitative evaluation. MethodsSensory evaluation of tea was carried out using 9point headonic Scale. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity using DPPH assay and antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion method was carried out. In addition to this molecular docking of different chemical compounds present in Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare and Murraya koenigii was performed against Alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase also called at mass and obesity-associated protein FTO. ResultsFormulation 1 possessed better sensory attributes than other formulations. Physicochemical analysis of extracts indicated the presence of 20–22% moisture content and 13–18% ash content in all tested extracts. Phytochemical analysis of extracts indicated the presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids etc. in all tested extracts. Antioxidant potential of extracts increased with the increasing volume of extracts. All tested extracts possessed higher antimicrobial potential against S. aureus as compared to E. coli. It was found that herbal tea extract possessed highest antimicrobial potential against both tested strains as compared to individual plant extracts. FTIR analysis of extracts indicated the presence of various functional groups in the extracts. In silico analysis of compounds indicated that tested compounds possess good binding affinity with FTO protein and show a possible good replacement as synthetic drugs to prevent and treat obesity. ConclusionThe Cymbopogon citratus leaves, Foeniculum vulgare seeds and Murraya koenigii leaves could become a good source of constituents for formulation of herbal tea which was acceptable to consumers and possess good antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-obesity potential.

Pharmacological Approach to Glycemic Treatment Using Black, Green and Herbal Tea Extracts

Tea is the second most widely used drink all over the world after water. It has several health benefits. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of black, green and herbal teas for the treatment of hyperglycemia and its associated complications were investigated. Nine tea samples including black, green and herbal teas namely Lipton black tea (LBT), Supreme black tea (SBT), Tapal black tea (TBT), Jasmine green tea (JGT), Lemon grass green tea (LGrT), Lemon green tea (LGT), Berginia ciliata, Bistorta affinis and Paeonia emodi were selected for the study. Total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), antioxidant properties including inhibitory activity against 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical (ABTS•+), iron chelation and enzymes inhibitory potential for alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase were analyzed based on in vitro assays. The percentage yield of extracts was in the range of 7.2 to 47 %. Methanolic extracts showed greater TPC values (μg GAE/g) while aqueous extracts showed greater TFC values (μg Rutin E/g). The aqueous extracts of most of the studied tea samples showed strong biological activities with very low IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values (0.2-69.0 μg/ml) for ABTS•+ radical scavenging, Fe2+ chelation and alpha glucosidase inhibition assays. For amylase inhibition activity, some aqueous extracts including LBT, SBT, JGT and P. emodi exhibited greater IC50 values. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 491-498, 2021 (September)

Influence on the oxidized protein hydrolase (OPH) activity of herbal tea extract.

Influence on the oxidized protein hydrolase (OPH) activity of herbal tea extract.

Differential effect of herbal tea extracts on free fatty acids-, ethanol- and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in FL83B hepatocytes

In recent years, herbal tea consumption becomes popular because of the potential health benefits and attractive flavors. However, there is also a growing concern that herbal supplements contribute to the drug-drug/drug-herb interactions and hepatotoxicity. In this study, FL83B mouse hepatocytes were used as an in vitro mode of hepatotoxicity induced by free fatty acids, including palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA), ethanol, and acetaminophen. Herbal tea extracts were obtained from eight common herbal plants, including Verbena officinalis L., Hyssopus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L., Urtica dioica L., Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L., Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, and Ficus formosana Maxim. MTT assay was used to evaluate the impact of these herbal tea extracts on hepatoxocitity. We found that these herbal tea extracts per se did not exhibit hepatotoxicity, and had no effect on OA-induced hepatotoxicity. However, extracts from Verbena officinalis L., Hyssopus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L., and Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L. exhibited protective effect against PA-induced hepatotoxicity. In addition, herbal tea extracts from Verbena officinalis L., Hyssopus officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L., Urtica dioica L., Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L., and Ficus formosana Maxim. exhibited protective effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Interestingly, all these herbal tea extracts enhanced ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results suggest that herbal tea extracts have differential effects on different modes of hepatotoxicity.

Antidiabetic activity of herbal green tea extract from white mangrove (Avicennia marina) leaves towards blood glucose level of diabetic wistar rats (Rattus novergicus)

Green tea Camellia sinensis contains polyphenol that has antidiabetic activity. Mangrove leaves also contain polyphenol which potentially gives these leave antidiabetic activity. The aim of this research was to determine the ability of herbal green tea extract from white mangrove ( Avicennia marina ) leaves to decrease blood glucose level of diabetic Wistar rats ( Rattus novergicus ). The method used was experimental and involved giving a herbal green tea extract from white mangrove leaves with concentration of 100, 200 and 300 mg/200g BW/day, and positive control, i.e. glybenclamid (0.09 mg/200 g BW/day), to diabetic rats injected with Streptozotocin (STZ) and Nicotinamide (NA). The rats were observed on day 0, 5, 10 and 15. The results showed that the herbal green tea extract from white mangrove leaves decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats. The effective extract dose that decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats was 300 mg/200 g BW, which is comparable to the effect produced by glybenclamid (antidiabetic medicine). This dose could decrease the blood glucose level of diabetic rats to reach a normal blood glucose level after 20 days.

Antidiabetic activity of herbal green tea extract from white mangrove (Avicennia marina) leaves towards blood glucose level of diabetic wistar rats (Rattus novergicus)

Green tea Camellia sinensis contains polyphenol that has antidiabetic activity. Mangrove leaves also contain polyphenol which potentially gives these leave antidiabetic activity. The aim of this research was to determine the ability of herbal green tea extract from white mangrove (Avicennia marina) leaves to decrease blood glucose level of diabetic Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus). The method used was experimental and involved giving a herbal green tea extract from white mangrove leaves with concentration of 100, 200 and 300 mg/200g BW/day, and positive control, i.e. glybenclamid (0.09 mg/200 g BW/day), to diabetic rats injected with Streptozotocin (STZ) and Nicotinamide (NA). The rats were observed on day 0, 5, 10 and 15. The results showed that the herbal green tea extract from white mangrove leaves decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats. The effective extract dose that decreased the blood glucose level of diabetic rats was 300 mg/200 g BW, which is comparable to the effect produced by glybenclamid (antidiabetic medicine). This dose could decrease the blood glucose level of diabetic rats to reach a normal blood glucose level after 20 days.

Antibacterial and Phytomical Potential of Green Tea Combination with Natural Herbs against Diarrheal Pathogens

This study was performed in order to produce green tea with new formulation and to identify antibacterial, antioxidant against diarrheal pathogens. Totally five strains of E. coli were isolated from diarrheal pathogens. Identification was carried out using biochemical tests. Branded Organic Green Tea, Citrus lemon , Gingiber officinale , Hibiscus rosa sinensis , Brown sugar and Branded Honey samples were choosen for tea preparation. From the results it can be concluded that the Herbal tea extract ( Hibiscus rosasinensis, Camellia sinensis , Brown sugar, Zingiber officinale , Citrus lemon , Honey) was rich in phytonutrients and have the high efficacy against diarrheal pathogens. The results suggest that aqueous extract would be very promising natural antioxidant honey as well as alternative antibacterial agent in therapeutics.

Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Different Herbal Tea Extracts from Turkey

: The aim of the present study is to determine the total phenolic contents (TPC), DPPH radical scavenging activities, and reducing power of commercially consumed herbal teas including sage tea (ST), blackberry tea (BT), apple tea (AT), Echinacea tea (ET), lime tea (LT), rosehip tea (RT), and green tea (GT) in Turkey. For this purpose, various solvents were used for extraction of the tea samples and the results were compared in terms of total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities, as well. Hot water is found as the best solvent for the extraction of total phenolics from ST, BT, AT, and RT, respectively. On the other hand, the highest TPC values are obtained with the extraction of ET, LT, and GT in the presence of aqueous acetone (50%) solvent system. Generally all samples gave high DPPH radical scavenging activities depending on their extraction solvents. The highest radical scavenging activity was found as 94.92 ± 0.01 % for ST in ethanol, while the lowest activity was obtained as 5.98 ± 0.14 % for BT with water extract. Ferric reducing antioxidant assay results are closed each other and the highest activity (0.27 ± 0.74 mM Trolox) was observed in the ethanol extract of ST. Antioxidant activities and TPC of the herbal tea samples varied depending on the extraction solvent. Water or aqueous organic solvent extracts of sage tea and green tea samples gave high TPC values and antioxidant activities.

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia species) modulate the oxidative stress associated injury of diesel exhaust particles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BackgroundPrevious evidence show foods and beverages rich in polyphenolic compounds to have favourable effects on the cardiovascular system. HypothesisThe current study assessed the modulation of oxidative stress and associated inflammation induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP - SRM 2975) by pre-treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with aqueous extracts of rooibos [fermented (FR) as well as green form (GR)] and honeybush [fermented form (FH)]. Study designHUVEC are either exposed to DEP (10 µg/ml) for 4 h or pre-treated with 40 and 60 µg/ml of FR or GH or FR, or 50 µg/ml orientin (OR) for 6 h prior to DEP exposure. MethodsIn vitro antioxidant capacity of the extracts was assessed and the polyphenol contents were also assessed by HPLC. ROS, cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase leakage, lipid peroxidation, GSH:GSSG ratios, conjugated diene and protein carbonyl levels were determined as indices of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to assess inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant genes expression. ResultsDEP caused a dose and time-dependent increase in ROS production, significant (p < 0.001) increase in protein carbonyl (PC) formation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and conjugated dienes levels (p < 0.01) and a significant reduction in glutathione (GSH) redox status. Pre-incubation with either the herbal extracts or orientin attenuated these effects. The significant increase in IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, VCAM-1 and ATF4 gene expression caused by DEP (10 µg/ml) were also attenuated by the presence of the FR, GR and FH extracts, and OR . Pre-treatment with the rooibos extracts or flavone orientin enhanced cell viability, reduced LDH leakage, enhanced mRNA expression of NQO1 and Nrf2, but repressed CYP1B1 mRNA induced by DEP. Western blot showed both the herbal tea extracts and orientin to enhance NQO1 and γGSC protein induction by DEP. ConclusionTaken together, the herbal extracts offer protection against DEP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Visualization of Aspalathin in Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Plant and Herbal Tea Extracts Using Thin-Layer Chromatography.

Aspalathin, the main polyphenol of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), is associated with diverse health promoting properties of the tea. During fermentation, aspalathin is oxidized and concentrations are significantly reduced. Standardized methods for quality control of rooibos products do not investigate aspalathin, since current techniques of aspalathin detection require expensive equipment and expertise. Here, we describe a simple and fast thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method that can reproducibly visualize aspalathin in rooibos herbal tea and plant extracts at a limit of detection (LOD) equal to 178.7 ng and a limit of quantification (LOQ) equal to 541.6 ng. Aspalathin is a rare compound, so far only found in A. linearis and its (rare) sister species A. pendula. Therefore, aspalathin could serve as a marker compound for authentication and quality control of rooibos products, and the described TLC method represents a cost-effective approach for high-throughput screening of plant and herbal tea extracts.

A lemon myrtle extract inhibits glucosyltransferases activity ofStreptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium found in human oral biofilms (dental plaques) that is associated with the development of dental caries. Glucosyltransferases (GTFs) are key enzymes involved in dental plaque formation, and compounds that inhibit their activities may prevent dental caries. We developed a screening system for GTF-inhibitory activities, and used it to profile 44 types of herbal tea extracts. Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) extract exhibited the highest GTF-inhibitory activity, with an IC50 for GTF in solution of 0.14mg mL-1. Furthermore, lemon myrtle extracts had the third-highest polyphenol content of all tested extracts, and strongly inhibited S. mutans biofilm. Interestingly, lemon myrtle extracts did not inhibit cell growth.

In situ green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles on herbal tea extract (Stachys lavandulifolia)-modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as antibacterial agent and their 4-nitrophenol catalytic reduction activity

For first time, we designed an environment friendly technique novel hybrid magnetic nanocomposite with the potency of both reducing and stabilizing agent for immobilization of metal nanoparticles. Stachys lavandulifolia extract having a lot of carbonyl and phenolic hydroxyl functional groups can be applied in the Fe3O4 NPs modification. Furthermore, in aqueous solution, the complexation feasibility of polyphenols with silver ions can enhance the capacity and surface properties of the Fe3O4@S. lavandulifolia NPs for sorbent and in situ reduction of silver ions. So, as both the stabilizing and reducing agent, the novel magnetic nano-sorbent (Fe3O4@S. lavandulifolia NPs) has potential ability for silver nano particles immobilization to create a novel magnetic silver nanocatalyst. So that, no additional reductants, toxic reagents and intricate instruments are needed to prepare the catalyst. The morphology, structure, and physicochemical properties were elucidated by several analytical methods like, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FT-IR spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). As recyclable nanocatalyst, Fe3O4@S. lavandulifolia/Ag indicated high catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction at ambient temperature. Ultimately, the Fe3O4@S. lavandulifolia/Ag antibacterial properties was examined against two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus (Staph. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli)) and indicated its antibacterial activities against gram negative (E. coli) bacteria and gram positive (Staph. aureus).

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aspalathus linearis and Cyclopia spp. Extracts in a UVB/Keratinocyte (HaCaT) Model Utilising Interleukin-1α Accumulation as Biomarker

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is one of the major predisposing risk factors of skin cancer. The anticancer and photoprotective effects of unoxidized rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia) herbal teas, containing high levels of dihydrochalones and xanthones, respectively, have been demonstrated in skin cancer models in vivo. In the current study, the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol and aqueous extracts of these herbal teas were investigated in a UVB/HaCaT keratinocyte model with intracellular interleukin-1α (icIL-1α) accumulation as a biomarker. Extracts of green tea (Camellia sinensis) served as benchmark. Both extracts of green tea and rooibos, as well as the aqueous extract of C. intermedia, enhanced UVB-induced inhibition of cell viability, proliferation and induction of apoptosis, facilitating the removal of icIL-1α. The underlying mechanisms may involve mitochondrial dysfunction exhibiting pro-oxidant responses via polyphenol-iron interactions. The methanol extracts of honeybush, however, protected against UVB-induced reduction of cell growth parameters, presumably via antioxidant mechanisms that prevented the removal of highly inflamed icIL-1α-containing keratinocytes via apoptosis. The dual antioxidant and/or pro-oxidant role of the polyphenolic herbal tea constituents should be considered in developing preventive strategies against UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis. The indirect removal of UVB damaged keratinocytes by herbal tea extracts via apoptosis may find application in the prevention of photo-induced inflammation.

High antiviral effects of hibiscus tea extract on the H5 subtypes of low and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.

Viral neuraminidase inhibitors are widely used as synthetic anti-influenza drugs for the prevention and treatment of influenza. However, drug-resistant influenza A virus variants, including H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), have been reported. Therefore, the discovery of novel and effective antiviral agents is warranted. We screened the antiviral effects of 11 herbal tea extracts (hibiscus, black tea, tencha, rosehip tea, burdock tea, green tea, jasmine tea, ginger tea, lavender tea, rose tea and oak tea) against the H5N1 HPAIV in vitro. Among the tested extracts, only the hibiscus extract and its fractionated extract (frHibis) highly and rapidly reduced the titers of all H5 HPAIVs and low pathogenic AIVs (LPAIVs) used in the pre-treatment tests of Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells that were inoculated with a mixture of the virus and the extract. Immunogold electron microscopy showed that anti-H5 monoclonal antibodies could not bind to the deformed H5 virus particles pretreated with frHibis. In post-treatment tests of MDCK cells cultured in the presence of frHibis after infection with H5N1 HPAIV, the frHibis inhibited viral replication and the expression of viral antigens and genes. Among the plants tested, hibiscus showed the most prominent antiviral effects against both H5 HPAIV and LPAIV.

Abstract 5540: Antitumor efficacy of synthetic formulations of active components in Arum palaestinum extracts in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a propensity for aggressive growth and metastasis, with high morbidity and low 5-year survival rates. Despite advances in treatment, the overall survival rate has only modestly improved over the past several years. Herbal tea extract from the root and leaves of Arum palaestinum has been used to prevent and facilitate treatment of cancer in Palestine. Very few studies have addressed the mechanisms and antitumor efficacy of this neutraceutical. Here we tested the antitumor efficacy of synthetic formulations of Arum palaestinum extract (GZ17-S, -05.00 and -06.02) in preclinical models of HNSCC. Our preliminary data demonstrates that these formulations have antitumor efficacy in several tumor types including HNSCC, lung and ovarian cancer cells. We hypothesized that GZ17-06.02 inhibits phosphorylation of key molecules that mitigate HNSCC progression and induce apoptotic cell death. Cytotoxicity of all the formulations was investigated on two HNSCC cell lines, OSC19 and UMSCC1. The GZ17-06.02 and -05.00 were found to be highly efficacious with low ED50 values (11.85 μg/ml and 16.40 μg/ml, respectively) for OSC19 and (10.86 μg/ml and 11.60 μg/ml, respectively) UMSCC1 cells at 72h. We determined the efficacy of GZ17 formulations in mitigating HNSCC invasion and migration. Among the formulations tested, GZ17-06.02 was most efficacious in significantly reducing invasion (37.33%) and migration (12.66%) of OSC19 cells compared to vehicle control (p&amp;lt;0.001). Further, GZ17-06.02 induced cytotoxicity through Caspase-3 and PARP cleavage in HNSCC cells. Flow cytometric analyses of GZ17-06.02 treated HNSCC revealed a significant reduction in cells in the G1 phase and increased apoptosis compared to vehicle control treated cells. In order to determine the molecular mechanism regulating these effects, we assessed the levels of phosphorylated proteins. It was observed that phosphorylation of several signal transducing molecules including MAPK, EGFR, Akt 1/2/3, checkpoint kinase (chk2), proto oncogene tyrosine-kinase (Src) and signal transducer and activator of transcription2 (STAT2) were reduced in OSC19 cells treated with GZ17-06.02 compared to vehicle control. Further, we tested the in vivo antitumor efficacy of all formulations on HNSCC xenografts. All formulations demonstrated antitumor efficacy up on intratumoral administration of 15 mg/kg/d. GZ17-06.02 was most efficacious in significantly reducing the tumor volume compared to the vehicle control treated tumors (p&amp;lt;0.001). All formulations were well tolerated. We are now testing the antitumor efficacy of GZ17-06.02 on systemic delivery (oral gavage) in a patient-derived xenograft model of HNSCC. In conclusion, the synthetic versions of Arum Palaestinum demonstrate potent therapeutic potential in HNSCC through down-regulation of key signaling molecules and the induction of apoptosis. Citation Format: Vikalp Vishwakarma, Kyle Crooker, Vusala Snyder, Jeffrey Straub, Caitlin Cole, Annie Lee, Lisa Stehno Bittel, Sufi Thomas. Antitumor efficacy of synthetic formulations of active components in Arum palaestinum extracts in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5540. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5540

Green and effective route for the synthesis of monodispersed palladium nanoparticles using herbal tea extract (Stachys lavandulifolia) as reductant, stabilizer and capping agent, and their application as homogeneous and reusable catalyst in Suzuki coupling reactions in water

A simple and eco‐friendly procedure has been devised for the green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles, using the aqueous extract of herbal tea (Stachys lavandulifolia), a renewable and nontoxic natural phyto‐exudate. The water‐soluble components of the extract act as reducing agent and stabilizer. This green route does not require a surfactant or capping agent for the growth of palladium nanoparticles. The generated nanoparticles were analysed using UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and inductively coupled plasma. The palladium nanoparticles having spherical shape and dimensions of between 5 and 7 nm were employed as a homogeneous catalyst for Suzuki coupling reactions conducted in water under mild conditions. Good yields of products, a facile work‐up, no evidence of leached palladium from the catalyst surface and smooth recovery of the catalysis by adding ethyl acetate, which could be reused at least eight times, confirm the very good efficiency of the catalytic reaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.