Luteolin Glycosides Research Articles

Temporal biosynthesis of flavone constituents in flax growth stages

Previous studies showed that chalcone synthase (chs) silencing in flax (Linum usitatisimum) induces a signal transduction cascade that leads to extensive modification of plant metabolism. Result presented in the current study, performed on field grown flax plants – (across the whole vegetation period) demonstrates that, in addition to its role in tannin and lignin biosynthesis, the chs gene also participates in the regulation of flavone biosynthesis during plant growth. Apigenin and luteolin glycosides constitute the flavones, the major group of flavonoids in flax. Alterations in their levels correlate with plant growth, peaking at the flower initiation stage. Suppression of chs gene expression causes significant changes in the ratio of flavone constituents at the early stage of flax growth. A significant correlation between flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) gene expression and accumulation of luteolin glycosides has been found, indicating that flavone biosynthesis during flax growth and development is regulated by temporal expression of this gene. The lack of such a correlation between the flavone synthase (FNS) gene and flavone accumulation in the course of plant growth suggests that the main route of flavone biosynthesis is mediated by eriodictyol. This is the first report indicating the ratio of flavone constituents as a potent marker of flax growth stages and temporal expression of F3′H, the key gene of their biosynthesis.

An endophytic fungi-based biostimulant modulated lettuce yield, physiological and functional quality responses to both moderate and severe water limitation

Modulation of the water availability for the plants can be a sustainable option to reduce agricultural water demand and stimulate the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, information on the reduction of water availability while maintaining yield and functional quality are scarce and fragmentary. This research aimed at elucidating the agronomical, physiological and functional quality (ascorbic acid, phenolic acids and flavonoids) responses triggered by a microbial-based biostimulant containing two strains of arbuscular mychorrizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma koningii of greenhouse grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under well watered (WW), moderate (MDI) or severe deficit irrigation (SDI) regimes. Reducing water availability from WW to MDI did not affect yield, phenolic acids and flavonoids concentration, but reduced both AMF and Trichoderma presence in the roots and soil, respectively, along with plant Mg and Zn concentration by 12.4% and 26.8%, respectively, and almost halved net photosynthetic rate and transpiration. Further reduction in water availability also reduced yields, along with ascorbic acid, total phenols and quercetin. The biostimulant application increased a wealth of traits, including P, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn by 20.8%–97.4% and various phenolic acids compared to the non-inoculated control. This effect occurred irrespective of the water availability. In addition, the microbial-based biostimulant increased plant yield, Ca and Cu, and isochlorogenic acid concentrations, but such effects were evident under WW and MDI, only. Luteolin glycoside, that is frequently associated to a plant reaction to water deficit but also to a microbial stimulation, did not vary at reducing water availability in non-inoculated control and progressively increased in the biostimulant inoculated plant. These results suggest that the biostimulant effect on lettuce nutritional and functional quality was mostly independent of the water availability, whereas its effect on fresh marketable and dry yields were evident in WW and MDI, only, through a modulation of the biosynthesis of secondary compounds rather than nutrient uptake. These results have a high practical implication when aiming to improve both plant yield and product quality while reducing water availability.

Development of surrogate standards approach for the determination of polyphenols in Vernonia amygdalina Del.

This paper describes an analytical approach for polyphenol components determination in Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) using surrogate standards, extracts of green coffee and Achillea asplenifolia 9602, and rutin as an internal standard. HPLC–PDA fingerprint profiles of the polyphenol complex of VA and surrogate standards were developed. By comparison between the chromatographic and spectral characteristics of VA and the surrogate standards using the relative retention times towards rutin, it was possible to identify the polyphenol components in VA. Additionally, peak identity was confirmed by HRMS spectra, to verify the truthfulness of the procedures. Recoveries of rutin, LOD, LOQ, and RSD% were determined, to validate the method as highly accurate and applicable. The polyphenol complex of VA contained dicaffeoylquinic acids and luteolin glycosides as main components. A method using Nucleosil C18 provided the best separation of 1,5- and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids in VA. Their amount reached up to 1.49 ± 0.21 mg g−1. The content of 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid was 0.35 ± 0.04 mg g−1. Luteolin glycosides and luteolin were found at 0.40 ± 0.04 mg g−1 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg g−1, respectively. The presence of luteolin 4′-O-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-rutinoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside and apigenin as minor constituents in VA is reported for the first time. Results suggest the implementation of the surrogate standard approach in food analytical practice as highly advisable.

Comparative study of polyphenolic composition and anti-inflammatory activity of Thymus species

The polyphenolic composition and anti-inflammatory activity of selected Thymus species (T. longicaulis C. Presl, T. praecox Opiz subsp. polytrichus (A. Kerner Ex Borbas) Jalas, T. pulegioides L., T. serpyllum L. subsp. serpyllum and T. striatus Vahl) was studied in comparison with T. vulgaris, as an officinal medicinal plant, to evaluate the biomedical potential of these Croatian wild-growing species. This paper provides a first insight into the polyphenolic profiles of T. praecox subsp. polytrichus and T. striatus. Also, some flavone and hydroxycinnamic derivatives were at first identified in the other studied species by LC-DAD-ESI–MS/MS analysis. Rosmarinic acid and glycosides of scutellarein and luteolin were found to be the most abundant polyphenolic constituents. The Thymus extracts inhibited Src tyrosine kinase activity and they reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 in Balb/C mice splenocytes. The obtained results highlighted T. longicaulis as a potential source of herbal drugs with anti-inflammatory properties and/or novel functional food rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Anti-Aging Activity of Lavandula angustifolia Extract Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus DK1 Isolated from Diospyros kaki Fruit in UVB-Irradiated Human Skin Fibroblasts and Analysis of Principal Components.

The effects of Lavandula angustifolia extract fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus DK1 on UVB-mediated MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in human skin fibroblasts were determined, and the conversion of its components was also analyzed. Fermentation was performed at varying L. angustifolia extract and MRS medium concentrations, and optimal fermentation conditions were selected. L. angustifolia extracts showed decreased cytotoxicity after fermentation in the fibroblasts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed MMP-1 expression 8.2-14.0% lower than that in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with non-fermented extract. This was observed even at fermented extract concentrations lower than those of non-fermented extracts. Fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed 20% less reduction in collagen production upon UVB irradiation than those treated with non-fermented extracts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extracts showed 50% higher inhibition of ROS generation than those treated with non-fermented extract. Luteolin and apigenin glycosides of L. angustifolia were converted during fermentation, and identified using RP-HPLC and LC/ESI-MS. Therefore, the effects of L. angustifolia extract on MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts were increased through fermentation by P. pentosaceus.

Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical Studies of Enhalus acoroides (L.F.) Royle (Rhizome)

Introduction: The rhizome of Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle is used in traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases e.g. muscle pains, wounds and stomach problems where pharmacognostical studies are lacking. Many chemical constituents; luteolin, apigenin, luteolin glycosides, stigmasterol, daucosterol have been reported. The aim of this work was to perform a pharmacognostical evaluation. Methods: Macroscopical, microscopical and physicochemical parameters were assessed. Results: E. acoroides has characteristic morphology. Microscopical studies indicated the presence of vessels, fiber, parenchyma cells, sclereids, tracheids and trichomes. Physicochemical parameters of E. acoroides rhizome; foreign matter, loss on drying and total ash content were measured. As well as chemical investigation through TLC and HPLC were specified. Conclusion: The present study of E. acoroides rhizome provides useful information that can serve as a diagnostic tool for the standardization of E. acoroides and will be helpful in characterization of the crude drug in the market.

The Relationship between Main Polyphenol Components and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants

This study investigates the relationships between the main polyphenols and DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA) in extracts from some of the most common wild and cultivated species from the Achillea millefolium group, Mentha, Chenopodium botrys, Clinopodium vulgare and Artemisia vulgaris. Another aspect of the study is the effects of choosing an extraction solvent, highlighting the importance of selecting an appropriate one for obtaining extracts with maximum manifested bioactivity. Chemical characterization of compounds is performed. It is based on HPLC-PDA fingerprint profiles, obtained from 70% aqueous methanol extracts. Hydroxycinnamic acids, glycosides of luteolin (LG), apigenin (AG), their aglycones and methoxyflavones are found to be the most abundant components, which have the highest impact on radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the extracts. The data allow supposing high correlation relationships between caffeoylquinic acids and RSA of extracts from four A. millefolium group species and cv. Proa. Cl. vulgare methanol extract, rich in rosmarinic acid, LG and AG, showed the highest RSA with IC50 10.37μg.mL-1. In contrast, extracts of Ch. botrys which lack phenolic acids, contain low amount of glycosides and are rich in methoxyflavone aglycones, possess very weak RSA. For multicomponent analysis, our data suggest 70% methanol as the most appropriate solvent for extraction of compounds belonging to the polyphenol complex. Based on the high quantities of rosmarinic acid, luteolin and apigenin glycosides, 66% ethanol solvent is found to be the best choice for medicinal consumption extracts.

Chemical characterization and bioactive properties of decoctions and hydroethanolic extracts of Thymus carnosus Boiss.

Thymus carnosus Boiss. is an endangered species endemic to Portugal. Studies on its phytochemical composition and bioactivity would increase its use and protection, as no data is available. LC-MS analysis of T. carnosus decoction and hydroethanolic extracts allowed the identification of a salvianolic A isomer, which has not been described in Thymus genus before, rosmarinic and salvianolic K acids as the main phenolics. Luteolin, apigenin and eriodictyol glycosides were identified in lower amounts. Oleanolic and ursolic acids were present only in hydroethanolic extracts. Decoction extracted 32.4% of the phenolic compounds obtained by exhaustive hydroethanolic extraction. Both extracts reduced the viability of three cancer cell lines (human breast: MCF-7, BT-474; murine macrophage: Raw 264.7), with hydroethanolic extracts showing a higher activity. T. carnosus extracts possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities and may be suggested as a new potential source of natural antioxidants and their decoctions as a novel functional food.

Apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by the phenolics of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves and their antitumor effects in H22 tumor-bearing mice

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum leaves (THL), a popular anticancer functional food in China, are used as nutrient or dietary supplement. However, the anticancer effects and the underlying mechanism of THL are still unknown. Thus, the phenolic profiles and anticancer activities of THL purified extract were investigated by a combination of chemical assays, LC-QTOF-MS/LC-QqQ-MS techniques, cell cultures and tumor-bearing mice model. It has been indicated that the TPC/TFC (421.63 and 343.38 mg/g DW) of THL extract were obviously increased after SPE purification, and the main phenolic components were apigenin and luteolin glycosides. Besides, THL could induce apoptosis by both of extrinsic death receptor pathway and intrinsic mitochondria pathway in HepG2 cells as well as inhibit the tumor growth, regulate Bcl-2 family proteins, and active the caspase family proteins in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Summarily, the findings clearly demonstrated that THL could be a potential functional food for the treatment and prevention of liver cancer.

Phenolic Composition of Leaf extracts of Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) with Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity Equivalent to Standard Antibiotics

Extracts of fresh and dry Ailanthus altissima leaves from Croatia were evaluated for their phenolic composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The methanolic extract had a higher concentration of total phenolics, flavonoids and non-flavonoids, as well as a higher antioxidant capacity than water extracts. Flavonoids identified in A. altissima leaves belong to two groups: flavones (glycosides of apigenin and luteolin) and flavonols (glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol). They were mainly present as glycosides, quercetin-3- O-glucoside was the predominant flavonoid. Only traces of aglycones were detected even after extract hydrolysis. Caffeic acid was the predominant phenolic acid both before and after hydrolysis, followed by chlorogenic acid after hydrolysis. The concentration of chlorogenic acid significantly increased soon after tissue fragmentation suggesting this compound is involved in rapid response against mechanical wounding in A. altissima. Therefore, to increase the chlorogenic acid concentration, mechanical wounding could be applied. The acetone leaf extract was as active against Escherichia coli as the positive control gentamicin. Both acetone and methanol:dichloromethane extracts had a higher activity against Candida albicans than a standard drug amphotericin B. Therefore, A. altissima could serve as a valuable resource for antimicrobial activity, which makes this species interesting for further investigation and possible pharmaceutical application.

Solid bioprocess of tarbush (Flourensia cernua) leaves for β-glucosidase production by Aspergillus niger: initial approach to fiber-glycoside interaction for enzyme induction.

Commercial cellulase production has increased in recent years and consistent research has been carried out to improve levels of β-glucosidase. Bioprocesses have been successfully adapted to produce this enzyme, with solid-state fermentations as the best-suited technique involving fungi. The aim of this study was to use leaves of tarbush (Flourensia cernua), an abundant shrub of the Chihuahuan Desert, as a carbon source for β-glucosidase production by Aspergillus niger. During the solid bioprocess, this enzyme reached its peak production at 36h of culture with 3876.6U/L. There is a particular interest in the substrate composition because of the possibility of phenolic glycosides having an important role in β-glucosidase production. HPLC-MS analyses showed that glycosides were present with the highest accumulation at 36h of fungal culture. Luteolin and apigenin glycosides [1.8 and 2.4 absorbance units, respectively] were also detected and showed their highest point of detection alongside the highest β-glucosidase activity. No apparent changes in cellulose were observed, while hemicellulose content decreased, which could be related to production and activity of β-glucosidase. This study shows that leaves of F. cernua are an important raw material for β-glucosidase production and give a source of compounds of added value which also may have an important role for β-glucosidase production.

Metabolite Profile and Antiproliferative Effects in HaCaT Cells of a Salix reticulata Extract.

Phenolic constituents of Salix reticulata (Salicaceae) and antiproliferative activity of an extract and individual compounds were investigated in immortalized human non-tumorigenic keratinocytes (HaCaT). A MeOH extract from aerial parts afforded several flavonoids, including luteolin and apigenin glycosides (2-5 and 9) and catechin (1), two procyanidin fractions, and the phenolic glucosides picein (6), triandrin (7), and salicortin (8). In an adenosine triphosphate assay, the MeOH extract reduced cell viability by approximately 60 % at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Cell proliferation was assessed with a BrdU incorporation ELISA assay. The extract inhibited proliferation of HaCaT cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with approximately 50 % inhibition at 100 µg/mL. In time-lapse assays, the extract showed distinct inhibitory effects on cell migration at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL. The activity of selected constituents was also determined. Luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide (3) significantly inhibited cell proliferation at concentrations of 10 and 50 µM. In contrast, luteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (2) and a procyanidin fraction (P1) had only weak effects, while picein (6) and salicortin (8) did not affect cell proliferation. Luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide (10 µM) and, to a lesser extent, the procyanidin fraction (10 µg/mL) also inhibited cell migration.

LC/DAD/MSn and ICP-AES Assay and Correlations between Phenolic Compounds and Toxic Metals in Endemic Thymus alsarensis from the Thallium Enriched Allchar Locality

Samples of Thymus alsarensis Ronniger, an endemic species for the Allchar locality, were evaluated for their polyphenolic composition and heavy metals. Allchar district is an abandoned antimony-arsenic-thallium deposit in the north-west of Kožuf Mountain, R. Macedonia, with a unique mineral composition affecting the mineral composition of the flora. A systematic method for phenolic compounds characterization was developed using mass spectrometry coupled to HPLC/DAD. Analyses were focused on the polyphenolic compounds to establish a possible correlation to the region specific heavy metals As and TI in the different organs of T. alsarensis. Twenty-seven polyphenols: phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides of luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol were detected; contents were higher in the leaves and flowers compared with stems and roots. Quinic acid (1), prolithospermic acid (6), salvianolic acid B (7), salvianolic acid A (8), monomethyl lithospermate (9), luteolin dihexoside (12), luteolin pentosyl-hexoside (14), luteolin acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (16), luteolin acetyl hexoside (17), luteolin dipentoside (21), luteolin pentoside (24), luteolin acetyl dipentoside (25), kaempferol pentosyl-hexoside (19) and kaempferol acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (22) were detected in T. alsarensis for the first time. To assay the content of As and TI, root, stem, leaf and flower samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Significant accumulation of As and TI was observed with As content from 0.25 to 140 mg/kg and TI from 0.10 to 496 mg/kg. The content of As was much higher in the roots, while the content of TI was significantly higher in the roots, flowers and leaves in all T. alsarensis specimens. Comparison of the results obtained for total polyphenols and for As and TI content does not suggest any correlation (positive or negative) between the total phenolic content and the content of TI and As. On the other hand, it is evident that the soil rich with specific heavy metals (TI and As) affects the type of polyphenolic compounds produced in different organs, compared with other Thymus species growing on soil that is not contaminated.

Phenolic composition profiling of different edible parts and by-products of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by using HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn

Fruits and vegetables are an important source of dietary antioxidants and epidemiological studies show that their regular intake in the diet may decrease the risk of several chronic diseases. Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm or dates) is an important crop, widely used in the Arabian region and in other parts of the world as a food and also in folk medicine, due to its health-promoting properties. Antioxidant phytochemicals present in plant foods are partly responsible for such health benefits. The antioxidants present in dates are mainly phenolics, like flavonoids and phenolic acids. The fruits of dates have been widely studied with regard to their phenolic composition. However, few studies are available in the bibliography regarding other, non-edible parts of the date palm tree. In this context, in the present work the phenolic components of different parts of P. dactylifera (cv. Medjool or Mejhool) - namely, fruit pulp and skin, fronds (leaves), clusters, and pollen - have been investigated using HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn in the negative ionization mode. The overall analysis of the phenolic compounds revealed that there was a qualitative similarity among the different dates parts analyzed. The method used provided tentative identification of 52 compounds: mainly flavonoid glycosides of quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, chrysoeriol, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, 3-methyl-isorhamnetin, sulfates, and malonyl derivatives. In the present work, more than 30 phenolic derivatives are described for the first time in dates. To the best of our knowledge, kaempferol glycosides and malonyl derivatives have not been described previously in P. dactylifera. The results highlight the importance of P. dactylifera L. as a promising source of functional ingredients and boost its potential use in the food and nutraceutical industries. The MS data, MSn fragmentation pattern, and UV information obtained have been of great help in the interpretation of the compounds detected and in their structural identification.

The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Mandevilla moricandiana Induces NO-Mediated Vascular Relaxation.

Natural products extracted from plants represent a valuable source of new bioactive substances. Many studies describe the potential of plant products for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Species of the Mandevilla genus have been studied for their biological activities, mainly as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasorelaxant. However, the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of Mandevilla moricandiana have not been investigated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vasodilator effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of M.moricandiana, as well as its chemical profile. Chemical analysis and quantification of major compounds were performed by HPLC analysis. Total flavonoid content was quantified based on rutin equivalents, and major compounds were identified based on HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. M.moricandiana leaf extract-induced vasodilation was investigated in rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine. The total flavonoids were quantified as 3.25 ± 0.11 % w/w of the hydroalcoholic leaf extract, and HPLC-DAD-MS allowed for the identification of luteolin and quercetin glycosides. The maximal relaxant effect of the hydroalcoholic leaf extract was 86.07 ± 1.68 % at a concentration of 30 µg/mL (p < 0.05; n = 6). The concentration of hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of M.moricandiana necessary to reduce phenylephrine-induced contractions of the endothelium-intact aorta by 50 % was 0.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL. M.moricandiana leaf extract-induced vasodilation was abolished in aortas pretreated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-α]quinoxalin-1-one. In addition, diphenhydramine partially inhibited the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of M.moricandiana. Thus, M.moricandiana-induced relaxation depends on the endothelium and on the activation of the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway, with the involvement of endothelial histamine H1 receptors. Luteolin and quercetin glycosides seem to contribute to the extract activity.

Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities in Various Parts of Sonneratia caseolaris (L.).

Cork tree, (Sonneratia caseolaris L.), family Sonneratiaceae, is a typical plant in mangroves. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical tideland throughout the World. It is reported to possess many medicinal properties. For searching new pharmacological activities of Cork tree, the total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities and the electric eel acetylcholinesterase inhibitions and the kinetics of extracts of various plant parts were determined. The graphs of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power of all extracts showed good linearity with P-value of slopes less than 0.05. The methanol extract of calyxs by maceration method and methanol extract of stamen by soxhlet method presented moderate trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values. For ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, all extracts gave fair to low antioxidant activities. The tacrine, stamen extract and seed extract by maceration using methanol showed noncompetitive inhibition on acetylcholinesterase activity. While, luteolin, luteolin glycoside and calyx extract and seed extract by boiling using water presented partial noncompetitive inhibition on acetylcholinesterase activity.

Health attributes of ethnic vegetables consumed in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey: Antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties

BackgroundFour ethnic vegetables from the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, Malva neglecta Wallr., Plantago lanceolata L., Cichorium intybus L. and Eryngium bornmuelleri Nab. are commonly used by the local population for food preparation. This study aimed at understanding their potential health attributes. MethodsHydrophilic extracts obtained from roots, stems, leaves and flowers were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities [total phenolics (TP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays] and suppression of two isolated key enzymes relevant to metabolic syndrome: α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. Phytochemical composition of extracts was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). ResultsThe evaluated extracts exhibited pronounced antioxidant capacities, comparable to those of common spices and herbs, and effectively suppressed the activities of isolated α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes. These activities correlated well with total phenolics contents. Plantago lanceolata was an effective inhibitor of α-glucosidase and C. intybus of pancreatic lipase enzyme. High performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analyses revealed the dominance of luteolin glycosides in P. lanceolata. The same compound was present in C. intybus, where it was accompanied by significant amounts of cichoric, chlorogenic and caftaric acid. Malva neglecta and E. bornmuelleri contained the lowest levels of phenolic compounds and exhibited the lowest antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. ConclusionsAmong the investigated ethnic vegetables, P. lanceolata and C. intybus represent a valuable source of antioxidant phytochemicals of phenolic nature that modulated in vitro the activities of digestive enzymes. These ethnic food sources diversify diet and enhance health attributes of foods.

Polyphenol composition and in vitro antiproliferative effect of corm, tepal and leaf from Crocus sativus L. on human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2)

Saffron is cultivated for production of the saffron spice. Nevertheless, a huge amount of saffron by-products including corms, tepals and leaves with little or no commercial value are generated during the processing of the spice. This biomass contains bioactive compounds whose exploitation can increase the profitability and sustainability of this traditional crop. A significant amount of polyphenols, mainly glycosides of kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin, have been determined in tepals and leaves of saffron. Proliferation of Caco-2 cells was greatly inhibited by the tepal and leaf extracts (ED50 0.42 mg/ml), while the corm extract caused some signs of toxicity and completely abolished proliferation (ED50 0.05 mg/ml). To our knowledge, these are the first data reporting the inhibition of the proliferation of Caco-2 cells by extracts from tepals and leaves of saffron, and polyphenols could be responsible for this effect.

Protective Role of Flavonoids and Lipophilic Compounds from Jatropha platyphylla on the Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Inflammation in Macrophage Cells

Seventeen polyphenols (e.g, apigenin, genistein, and luteolin glycosides) and 11 lipophilic compounds (e.g., fatty acids, sterols, and terpenes) were detected by LC-MS/MS-ESI and GC-MS, respectively, in Jatropha platyphylla. Extracts from pulp, kernel, and leaves and fractions were studied to know their effect on some pro-inflammatory mediators. Phenolic and lipophilic extracts showed significant inhibitory effects on ROS and NO production while not affecting mitochondrial activity or superoxide generation rate in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In addition, NO production was also diminished by lipophilic leaf fractions F1 and F2 with the latter fraction showing a greater effect and composed mainly of sterols and terpene. Furthermore, total extracts showed nonselective inhibitions against cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 activities. All together, these results suggest that J.platyphylla extracts have potential in treating inflammatory diseases and their activity is mediated by flavonoids and lipophilic compounds.

Дослідження флавоноїдів первоцвіту веснчного (primula veris l.)

Резюме . Встановлено наявність та визначено кількісний вміст суми флавоноїдів у листках і квітках первоцвіту&lt;br /&gt;весняного. Методом ВЕРХ у досліджуваних об’єктах ідентифіковано аглікон лютеолін та його глікозиди, глікозиди&lt;br /&gt;кверцетину, флавоноли – рутин, гіперозид, ізокверцитрин.&lt;br /&gt;Ключові слова : первоцвіт весняний, флавоноїди, високоефективна рідинна хроматографія, спектрофотометрія.