Highest Quercetin Content Research Articles

Antiallergic activities of eleven onions (Allium cepa) were attributed to quercetin 4′-glucoside using QuEChERS method and Pearson's correlation coefficient

The antiallergic activity (type I hypersensitivity) of eleven onions (eight cultivars, three different geographical origins) used for daily meals was comparatively determined using RBL-2H3 cells. A large variation of antiallergic activity (IC50 = 20.8 to 310.1 µg/mL) was found in the edible parts. Among the eight cultivars, Satsuki showed the highest activity (IC50 = 89.1 µg/mL), and among the geographical origins Hokkaido was the most effective (20.8 µg/mL). The correlation coefficient between the antiallergic activities and thirty-four peaks in HPLC chromatograms of eleven onion extracts isolated using the QuEChERS method indicated that quercetin 4′-glucoside has a highly-positive correlation (r = 0.91) with the antiallergic activity. Indeed, quercetin 4′-glucoside was found in high concentration (140.1 mg/kg) in Hokkaido onions, and the isolated compound showed high antiallergic activity (IC50 = 3.0 µg/mL). Therefore, Hokkaido onions were the best inhibitors of type I allergy, possibly due to their high content of quercetin 4′-glucoside.

Investigation of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Interactions of Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica in Human Liver Microsomes.

Withania somnifera is commonly used as a rejuvenator, whereas Centella asiatica is well known for its anxiolytic and nootropic effects. The present study aims at investigating the effect of crude extracts and principal phytoconstituents of both the medicinal plants with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzyme activity in human liver microsomes (HLM). Phytoconstituents were quantified in the crude extracts of both the medicinal plants using reverse phase HPLC. Crude extracts and phytoconstituents of W. somnifera showed no significant interaction with both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes in HLM. Of the crude extracts of C. asiatica screened in vitro, methanolic extract showed potent noncompetitive inhibition of only CYP3A4 enzyme (Ki-64.36 ± 1.82 µg/mL), whereas ethanol solution extract showed potent noncompetitive inhibition of only CYP2D6 enzyme (Ki-36.3 ± 0.44 µg/mL). The flavonoids, quercetin, and kaempferol showed potent (IC50 values less than 100 μM) inhibition of CYP3A4 activity, whereas quercetin alone showed potent inhibition of CYP2D6 activity in HLM. Because methanolic extract of C. asiatica showed a relatively high percentage content of quercetin and kaempferol than ethanol solution extract, the inhibitory effect of methanolic extract on CYP3A4 enzyme activity could be attributed to the flavonoids. Thus, co-administration of the alcoholic extracts of C. asiatica with drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes may lead to undesirable herb-drug interactions in humans.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ НАКОПЛЕНИЯ ФЛАВОНОИДОВ В ОРГАНАХ НАДЗЕМНОЙ ЧАСТИ RHEUM COMPACTUM L.

Features of the flavonoids accumulation in the organs of aboveground parts of the plants Rheum compactum L. was investigated by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method. The flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, rutin, astragalin and flavone luteolin identified in the ethanol extract of the reproductive organs, stems and leaves of R. compactum.It was revealed, that the flavonols quercetin, kaempferol rhamnetin, rutin, astragalin contain in all the organs. The extract from the fruit is different by the presence of flavone luteolin. Buds (13,06%), inflorescence (6,92%) and leaves in the phases of vegetation (5,28%) and budding (6,23 %) may be a source of rutine. Least of all rutin accumulates in the petioles (0,16–0,40%).The content of the other phenolic compounds identified in the extracts from the aboveground organs R. compactum less than 1%. The higher content of quercetin in the inflorescences (0,55%) and buds (0,22%), astragalin and kaempferol – in the buds (0,19 and 0,44%, respectively) and in the leaves in the phases of vegetation (0,14 and 0,26%), and rhamnetin – in the leaves in the phases of vegetation (0,24%) and buds (0,15%). The petioles contain less flavonoids than in the leaves and reproductive organs.

Identification and quantification of flavonoid aglycones in rape bee pollen from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau by HPLC-DAD-APCI/MS

For identification and quantification of flavonoid aglycones in rape bee pollen (RBP) collected from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation method with diode array detector (DAD) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometric (APCI/MS) detection and four extraction methods (i.e. microwave-assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction, cold-soaked extraction, and heat reflux extraction) were developed in this study. The identification of flavonoid aglycones was based on retention time and mass spectra by comparison with standards. Results demonstrated that this method showed excellent reproducibility and correlation coefficient, and offered the detection limits of 0.77–15.50pmol at signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Quercetin and kaempferol were presented in RBP, and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was superior to the other three methods in terms of efficiency, convenience and high content of quercetin (1.37±0.059mg/g) and kaempferol (23.44±0.544mg/g). Our work indicated that: 1) the proposed HPLC-DAD-APCI/MS was an accurate and precise analysis method to identify and quantify the flavonoid aglycones in RBP; and 2) MAE was efficient to extract flavonoids from RBP with short extraction time, low solvent consumption, and homogeneous extraction conditions.

Metabolites of dietary quercetin: Profile, isolation, identification, and antioxidant capacity

The study of the profile, isolation and antioxidant capacity of pig quercetin metabolites after onion dry skin intake was performed. Onion dry skin contain very high content of quercetin, which occurred mainly in aglycone form (87%). Urine was collected from seventeen pigs before and within 2-6 hours after intake of onion dry skin providing quercetin. Quercetin metabolites profile was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Upon quercetin intake, quercetin was absorbed and occurred in pig urine in methylated, glucuronided, sulfated and combined derivatives. Among 12 quercetin metabolites identified, quercetin monoglucuronides were predominant. Quercetin metabolites were isolated and purified by Amberlite XAD-16 column chromatography and on HPLC C18 semi-preparative column. Quercetin metabolites mixture showed higher radical-scavenging activities compared to native quercetin derivatives of onion skin. Results indicated that the profile of quercetin metabolites in pig reflects that in a humans. Moreover, quercetin metabolites present in systemic circulation after quercetin intake still acted as antioxidants.

A new “functional” pasta containing tartary buckwheat sprouts as an ingredient improves the oxidative status and normalizes some blood pressure parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Epidemiological studies have reported that some foods, particularly those rich in (poly)phenols, may reduce cardiovascular risk and metabolic disorders such as hypertension. Buckwheat sprouts have been suggested as a new raw material for the production of functional foods due to their high content of healthy compounds such as rutin and quercetin. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the biological hypotensive and antioxidant responses of pasta containing tartary buckwheat sprouts (TBSP) on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In this study, dry tartary buckwheat sprouts were milled to obtain a powder that was used in the production of pasta containing 30% dry buckwheat sprouts and 70% durum wheat semolina. Afterwards, we analyzed the in vitro TBSP features compared with the control (durum wheat flour pasta, DWFP), and the in vivo effects of TBSP on SHR and their normotensive counterpart, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY rats). The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were higher in TBSP compared to DWFP. The results showed that SHR fed TBSP exhibited higher plasma levels of the endogenous vasodilators bradykinin (BK) and nitric oxide (NO), a lower level of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1), and an improved antioxidant capacity. These data suggest that TBSP may help reduce hypertension and oxidative stress in vivo.

Quantitative analysis of flavonoids, sugars, phenylalanine and tryptophan in onion scales during storage under ambient conditions.

A comprehensive quantitative analysis of flavonoids, sugars, phenylalanine, and tryptophan have been carried out in different onion scales during storage at ambient temperature (20-23°C) and relative humidity (60-80%). Depending on the length of storage, dry matter content and composition shows variation inside the onion bulbs. Inner sprouts were observed on longitudinally cut bulbs after 2months and visible sprouts appeared after 5months of storage. The bulbs lost 20 to 30% of their weight at the end of the storage. Higher dry matter content was observed in the inner scales. Significantly high content of quercetin in inner scales and high level of quercetin-3,4'-O-diglucoside and quercetin-4'-O-monoglucoside in outer scales was observed during a 7months storage. During storage period, high content of fructose and glucose was observed in the middle scales while sucrose was high in the inner scales. There was no particular trend observed within analyzed amino acids. However, the content of phenylalanine was higher than tryptophan.

Varietal Differences in the Flavonol Content of Mulberry (Morus spp.) Leaves and Genetic Analysis of Quercetin 3-(6-Malonylglucoside) for Component Breeding

The varietal differences in the flavonol glycosides rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol 3-(6-rhamnosylglucoside), quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside), astragalin, quercetin 3-(6-acetylglucoside), and kaempferol 3-(6-malonylglucoside) contained in mulberry leaves were elucidated. This information was used for breeding mulberry cultivars with a high concentration of functional components. The flavonol content, composition, and proportion in leaves varied widely. 'Kobuchizawa 1' had the highest level of total flavonols (1819 mg/100 g of dry weight), 5 times higher than that of 'Mikurasima 15' (393 mg/100 g of dry weight). Quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside) was the most abundant flavonol, although it was not found in all cultivars. Quercetin 3-(6-acetylglucoside) was only found in 'Keguwa'. From the quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside) content in crossbred offspring, malonyltransferase, an enzyme involved in quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside) synthesis, was acquired according to Mendelian inheritance. An offspring with a higher quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside) level than both parents was obtained from the crossing. This suggested that crossbreeding was effective for acquiring cultivars with a higher content of quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside).

Sambucus ebulus - from traditional medicine to recent studies

Sambucus ebulus L. (Dwarf elder) is an herbaceous plant well-known in traditional medicine of Bulgaria and other countries from Central Europe to the Middle East. It is used for treatment of inflammation-related gastrointestinal disorders, influenza, kidney and lung diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis as well as of wounds, snake and insect bites. Recent research of Dwarf elder shows a high content of total polyphenols, anthocyanin, quercetin and vitamin C, which may be related to its antioxidant activity. Compounds with antiinflammatory and antinociceptive action such as chlorogenic and ursolic acids in the herb have been established, too. Some studies reveal anticancer properties of the herb, and plant ebulins are considered as the main compounds with anticancer properties. Fruit extracts modulate the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in a preadipocyte cell culture model. Data available indicate that Dwarf elder is a good source of phytotherapeutic means to treat pathological conditions related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2013; 45(2): 36-42.

Seasonal Difference in Antioxidant Capacity and Active Compounds Contents of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Leaf

Leaf of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EU) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine and a functional food in China. Antioxidant contents of EU leaves, which were collected monthly during the period of May–October in three years, were determined. Samples’ antioxidant capacity was characterized by DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, ferrous chelating ability, and antioxidant capacity in linoleic acid emulsion and in rapeseed oil assays. The results showed that contents of some active compounds and antioxidant activity were related to a certain time of the year. Samples collected in August showed high content of phenolics, and the samples collected in May contained higher amount of flavonoids than other samples. Leaves collected in May or June exhibited high contents of rutin, quercetin, geniposidic acid and aucubin. The August leaves showed stable and high DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ferrous chelating ability. May samples showed strong inhibitory effects on oxidation of rapeseed oil and linoleic acid. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was related to the total phenolics content. Flavonoids played an important role in the inhibitory effects on rapeseed oil and linoleic acid oxidation. Therefore, August and May were indicated as the best months to harvest EU leaves for industry.

Flavonoids in white and yellow perianths and yellow anthers of tulips (Tulipa gesneriana L.)

The content of flavonoids in white and yellow perianths and yellow anthers of a few tulip cultivars were determined at the stage of full flowering. To analyses of flavonols a HPLC method was used. In anthers (yellow) of all analyzed cultivars (Oscar, Pax, Profesor Wóycicki, Biała Dama, White Virgin, Calypso, Diana) high content of quercetin (2,35 - 6,01 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> F.W.), kaempferol (1,09 - 9,47 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> F.W.) and apigenin (1,34 - 8,24 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> F.W.) was found. In analyzed white perianth of cvs. Oscar and White Virgin also high content of quercetin (1,3 - 1,80 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> F.W.) and kaempferol (1,90 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> F.W.) was documented and only traces of apigenin was found. In the yellow perianth of cv. Profesor Wóycicki the level of quercetin and kaempferol was much lower than in perianth of cvs. Oscar and White Virgin, and apigenin was absent. Thus, yellow anthers and white and yellow perianth of tulip cultivars are a rich source of flavonols.

Vplyv zdravotného stavu teliat na následný rast jalovíc a produkciu mlieka dojníc

The bioactive substances such as total polyphenols, anthocyanins, quercetin, chlorogen acid, pterostilbene and antioxidant activity in samples of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) from different natural localities of the Slovak Republic – Oščadnica and Liesek (northwestern Slovakia), Poprad, Kežmarok, Stará Ľubovňa (northeastern Slovakia) and one sample of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) from local supermarket was determined.The total of polyphenols ranged from 33772.5 ± 737.99 mg*kg-1 dw (Kežmarok) to 9685.0 ± 958.63 mg*kg-1 dw(supermarket). The content of total antocyanins was detected in a range from 5578.0 mg*kg-1 dw in a sample from the supermarket to 2887.75 mg*kg-1 dw from Kežmarok locality. The highest quercetin content was detected in the sample from Liesek locality (6.79 ± 0.36 mg*kg-1 dw), then in Stará Ľubovňa (6.03 ± 0.31 mg*kg-1 dw) and Kežmarok (5.83 ± 0.39 mg*kg-1 dw), respectively. The content of chlorogenic acid ranged from 53.19 ± 1.33 mg*kg-1 dw to 5.20 ± 0.16 mg*kg-1 dw. Higher amounts were detected in samples harvested from Poprad locality and the order follows: Poprad > Kežmarok > Stará Ľubovňa > Oščadnica > supermarket > Liesek. The content of pterostilben varied between 2.162 ± 0.217 mg*g -1 dwin the sample from the supermarket and 1.274 ± 0.312 mg*g -1 dw in the sample from Stará Ľubovňa. The highest values of antiradical activity were found in the sample from Kežmarok (81.180 ± 2.020 % inhibition). Based on these measures a conclusion is that geographical location of bilberry harvest was functional in relation to levels of bioactive substances, plus other factors such as weather, ripeness and harvest technique may have a contributory role. From these results, it can be determined, that bilberry contains a significant 357 Journal of Central European Agriculture, 2013, 14(3), p.357-366 DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/14.3.1328 357 Journal of Central European Agriculture, 2013, 14(3), p.357-366 DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/14.3.1328 357 Journal of Central European Agriculture, 2013, 14(3), p.357-366 DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/14.3.1328 357 Journal of Central European Agriculture, 2013, 14(3), p.357-366 DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/14.3.1328volume of bioactive substances – highly effective during preventive and supportive therapy of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and others.

Assessment of biochemical and antioxidant diversities in a shallot germplasm collection from Vietnam and its surrounding countries

The shallot is considered an important genetic resource for Allium breeding programs because, compared to the bulb onion, the shallot contains higher levels of several functional chemical compounds. However, there may be differences in content, composition and beneficial activity among shallot landraces. This study was carried out to characterize the differences in phenolic, quercetin, sugar, S-alk(en)yl-l-cystein sulfoxide (ACSO), and saponin contents and antioxidant capacities of a shallot germplasm including 31 strains derived from different regions of Vietnam and six other countries. A wide variation was observed in the quantitative analyses of the chemical contents. Shallots with high contents of polyphenols, saponins, and quercetins were found in the south of Vietnam and other low-latitude countries. Meanwhile, those possessing fairly high ACSO and sugar contents were observed in the north of Vietnam. Qualitative analysis of saponins via thin layer chromatography did not show clear variation among shallot strains, but polymorphism was observed between the shallot and other Allium species, such as A. roylei. The principal component analysis could clearly discriminate shallot strains by their geographical origins. All shallot strains showed potent antioxidant activities in a DPPH assay. The highest antioxidant capacity was in the strains possessing relatively high contents of polyphenol, quercetin, and saponin. Significant correlations were found between antioxidant capacity (IC50−1) and four groups of chemical compounds (polyphenols, quercetins, saponins, and ACSOs) (r = 0.40–0.59). A strong correlation was observed between IC50−1 and quercetin contents (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). The six Fusarium-inoculated shallot strains seemed to be adequately resistant against disease, and the levels of resistance may be related to the saponin content in the bulb tissues.

Flavonoid compounds and their antioxidant activity in extract of some tropical plants

The study was counducted to investigate flavonoids content and antioxidant activities in some tropical plants namely cabbage (Brassica oleracea), green chilli (Capsicum annum), red chilli (Capsicum annum), carrot (Daucus carota), red spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus), white radish (Raphanus sativus), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and turmeric (Curcuma longa). Total flavonoid (TF) content was observed to be highest in red chili (0.939 mg/g DW) and low content of TF was observed in red spinach (0.066 mg/g DW). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to identify and quantify the five important flavonoid components (quercetin, catechin, kaempferol, apigenin and rutin). High content of quercetin (0.639 mg/g DW), catechin (0.14 mg/g DW), apigenin (0.047 mg/g DW) and rutin (0.069 mg/g DW) was detected from red chilli and high content of kaempferol (0.13 mg/g DW) was detected from carrot. Red chilli with high flavonoid compounds showed highest antioxidant activity (78.66%) determined by the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results suggested a good potential of flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activity in red chilli and this plant could be useful for both food flavourings and in traditional medicine. Key words: Total flavonoid, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), red chilli, antioxidant activity.

어성초의 아임계수 추출물의 항산화 활성 및 Acetylcholinesterase 저해 활성

Houttuynia cordata Thunb powder (0.05 g) was placed in a stainless vessel containing 10 mL of water, and subcritical water (SCW) extraction was carried out at various temperatures (50, 100, 200, and ) for 10, 30, and 60 min. SCW treatment significantly affected physiologically important compounds, antioxidant activity, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of H. cordata Thunb extracts. H. cordata Thunb extracted at for 30 min had the highest quercetin content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, whereas the extract at for 10 min possessed the highest flavonoid content. The highest ABTS radical scavenging activity was found in H. cordata Thunb extracted at 200 and for 60 min. These results indicate that SCW extraction might be a useful processing method for obtaining valuable materials from H. cordata Thunb.

Quantitative Analysis of Quercetin in Euphorbia helioscopia L by RP-HPLC

Euphorbia helioscopia L is widespread in China and has a large number of flavonoids. Quercetin glycosides, having useful biological activities, are abundant in this plant, and no validated analytical method has so far been developed for their determination. We, therefore, standardized a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) assay for quercetin detection. For this, the plant was locally procured and identification was confirmed based on its morpho-histological characteristics. Ethyl acetate extracts of leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed by RP-HPLC using Agilent 1120 HPLC TC-C(18) column (250×4.6mm; 5μm) with UV-detector system. The mobile phase of methanol-0.2% phosphoric acid (65:35) solution was used with the flow rate of 1.0mlmin(-1) at 30°C, and the detection was performed at 360nm wavelength. Our data show that the linear range of quercetin was 0.025-0.150mg.ml(-1) (r=0.9995; n=6) with the recovery rate of 97.50-103.30% (average 100.40%; RSD=2.28%). The target component was baseline separated during only the period of 9min. The repeatability of RP-HPLC analysis was demonstrated with an RSD of 1.77% (n=6), and the highest quercetin content (average 1.42mgg(-1)dry-weight) was present in leaves. It was, therefore, concluded that RP-HPLC is a simple, rapid, accurate, and sensitive method for the detection of quercetin from Euphorbia helioscopia L.

Anti-inflammatory and Gastroprotective Properties of Hypericum Richeri Oil Extracts

Oil extracts of flowering tops of Hypericum richeri Vill. prepared in three different ways were evaluated for chemical composition, and anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities. An HPLC method was developed for determination of two dominant flavonoids, quercetin and I3,II8-biapigenin. The carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test was used for screening the anti-inflammatory activity, while indomethacin-induced rat gastric mucosa damage test was used for evaluation of gastroprotective activity. The oil extract prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by extraction with sunflower oil by heating on a water bath, exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory (38.4%) and gastroprotective activities (gastric damage score of 0.9). The same oil extract had the highest content of quercetin (49 microg/mL) and I3,II8-biapigenin (60 microg/mL). These results approve the usage of oil extracts of H. richeri as an anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective agent.

Antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of onion (Allium cepa L.) extracts

In the current study, we evaluated total phenolics, phenolic profile, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of onion (Allium cepa L.). The inhibitory activity of onion extracts against porcine pancreatic α-amylase and rat intestinal α-glucosidase was also investigated. Ethyl alcohol extract of onion skin had the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, ORAC value and total phenolic content, followed by water extract of skin, ethyl alcohol extract of pulp, and water extract of pulp. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the extracts was compared to selected specific phenolics detected in the extracts using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quercetin, a major phenolic compound in onion extract had high α-glucosidase inhibitiory activity. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the onion extracts correlated to the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extracts. These results suggest that onion which has high quercetin content has the potential to contribute as a dietary supplement for controlling hyperglycemia and oxidative stress-linked diabetes complications.

Total Phenolic Compounds, Flavonoids, and Radical Scavenging Activity of 21 Selected Tropical Plants

Free radical scavenging activity of 21 tropical plant extracts was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH). Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu and HPLC, respectively. Results of the study revealed that all the plants tested exhibited excellent antioxidant activity with IC(50) in the range of 21.3 to 89.6 microg/mL. The most potent activity was demonstrated by Cosmos caudatus (21.3 microg/mL) and Piper betle (23.0 microg/mL) that are not significantly different than that of -tocopherol or BHA. L. inermis extract was found to consist of the highest concentration of phenolics, catechin, epicatechin, and naringenin. High content of quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol were identified in Vitex negundo, Centella asiatica, and Sesbania grandiflora extracts, respectively. Luteolin and apigenin, on the other hand, were found in Premna cordifolia and Kaempferia galanga extracts. Strong correlation (R = 0.8613) between total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids (R = 0.8430) and that of antioxidant activity of the extracts were observed. The study revealed that phenolic, in particular flavonoids, may be the main contributors to the antioxidant activity exhibited by the plants. Potent antioxidant from natural sources is of great interest to replace the use of synthetic antioxidants. In addition, some of the plants have great potential to be used in the development of functional ingredients/foods that are currently in demand for the health benefits associated with their use.

Evaluation of Hypericum perforatum oil extracts for an antiinflammatory and gastroprotective activity in rats

Oil extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Oleum Hyperici) were prepared in three different ways according to the prescriptions from traditional medicine. Variability of constituents and biological activity were evaluated in the obtained oil extracts. The carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test has been used for screening the antiinflammatory activity, while the indomethacin-induced rat gastric mucosa damage test was used for evaluation of gastroprotective activity. All examined oil extracts possessed antiinflammatory and gastroprotective activity. Among them, the oil extract prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by extraction with sunflower oil by heating on a water bath (extract 2), in a dose of 1.25 mL/kg p.o., exhibited the highest antiinflammatory effect (95.24 +/- 11.66%) and gastroprotective activity (gastric damage score of 0.21 +/- 0.12). The same oil extract had the highest content of quercetin and I3,II8-biapigenin (129 +/- 9 microg/mL and 52 +/- 4 microg/mL, respectively). Quercetin and I3,II8-biapigenin exhibited antiinflammatory activity similar to those of indomethacin as well as significant gastroprotective activity. The results provide evidence for the usage of Oleum Hyperici as an antiinflammatory and gastroprotective agent, which has been based previously only on ethnopharmacological claims.