Pelargonium Sidoides Research Articles

Plants of Commercial Importance in Lesotho: Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Insights

Several plants have been processed in Lesotho to manufacture various commercial prodcts, ranging from cosmetics and beverages (juice, tea) to traditional herbal mixtures and crafts. Even though plants of commercial importance have been documented in different regions and countries, this is not the case in Lesotho. Therefore, the aim of the study is to record plant species commonly used in the country for development of commercial products. A physical survey was undertaken in different places in the Maseru District of Lesotho between January 2019 and October 2021, taking a record of existing commercial products and identifying plants used in their development. A total of 15 plants of commercial importance in the country are recorded in the current study, namely Agave americana, Aloe ferox, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Hemannia depressa, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Leudeboria cooperi, Mentha spp., Merxmuellera spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Opuntia ficus-indica, Rosa rubiginosa and Urtica urens. Most of the plants are used for production of commercial products in the country, whereas some are exported as raw materials, mainly to countries such as Germany, South Africa, Australia and America. The latter are C. sativa, Merxmuellera spp., P. sidoides and R. rubiginosa. Profiling of the plants provides important information about their commercial potential. However, conservation of the plants is encouraged to ensure their sustainable utilisation.

Growth patterns and biological activities of Pelargonium sidoides DC. hairy root cultures: A commercially-feasible industrial scale-up to improve yields

Pelargonium sidoides DC. (Geraniaceae), a broadly investigated perennial herb native to South Africa, contains numerous medicinal coumarins in its roots with confirmed anti-viral properties in both clinical and in vitro studies. Transgenic hairy root lines (HRLs) of P. sidoides mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain C58C1 (pRiA4) were established in the present study. The established hairy root cultures (HRCs) were treated with different subculture cycles during culture growth (35 days). The maximum specific growth rate (μ = 0.091) of HRCs was recorded on day 14, corresponding to doubling times (tD= 9.17 days) based on the exponential growth model. The harvested times were then considered to test the efficiency of biological and antioxidant activities of hairy root (HR) extracts for functional and correlation analysis. Among the three selected HRLs, HRL4 significantly showed higher content of total phenols (474.80 ± 22.34 mg GAE/g FW) and total flavonoids (0.323 ± 0.036 mg QE/g FW) on day 19 of culture. The maximum malondialdehyde (MDA) content was achieved by all studied HRLs at the end of the culture period (21–35 days). The potential of the HRL extracts to scavenge DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals was measured in the range from 25.46 ± 3.13% to 48.56 ± 1.50%. The greatest β-carotene/linoleic acid (β-car) bleaching activity was found in HRL10 (94.52 ± 3.14%) on day 28 of culture. A significant positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content was observed in HRLs. These findings can be considered for the commercial production of pharmaceutically important compounds of P. sidoides through the selection of high-yielding HRLs in biotechnological production systems.

Herbal Medicines for Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

To analyze and compare the effects of herbal medicines (HMs) for treating different forms of rhinosinusitis. Forty-seven randomized controlled trials evaluating 18 HMs in six different rhinosinusitis populations were included in the network meta-analysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. For the common cold, Pelargonium sidoides offered the most beneficial effect on symptom improvement (moderate certainty of evidence). For acute post-viral rhinosinusitis, Cineole and Pelargonium sidoides were the most effective treatments for controlling symptoms (moderate certainty), while Spicae aetheroleum was most effective for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improvement (moderate certainty). For chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), Origanum vulgare was the most beneficial treatment for improving symptoms and HRQoL (low certainty). Evidence of HMs for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and unclassified chronic rhinosinusitis was restricted to a limited number of studies. Adverse events should be of concern in some HMs, such as Spicae aetheroleum or Mytorl. Several HMs improved patient-important outcomes, above minimal clinically important differences, in treating common cold, acute post-viral rhinosinusitis, and CRSsNP. Further studies with adequate sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are warranted to support the current evidence. PROSPERO ID: CRD42022328265 May 10, 2022.

The perspectives of using Pelargonium sidoides hybrids

Aim. The Pelargonium sidoides DC. is a valuable medicinal plant, and its irrational use in nature may lead to the species receiving rare status in the future. Obtaining P. sidoides hybrids with a higher content of phenolic compounds will expand the range of plants used in the pharmaceutical industry and reduce the pressure on natural resources. The purpose was to improve methods of growing P. sidoides in greenhouse conditions, obtain hybrids of this species, and research them for the content of various phenolic compounds in vegetative organs. Methods. Light microscopy, spectrophotometry (determination of the total content of phenols and flavonoids, the content of phenolic antioxidants and phenolic acids). Results. The anatomical structure of the leaves and roots of the obtained hybrids did not differ significantly from those of the pure species. It has been found that growing P. sidoides and its hybrids in greenhouse conditions with high summer temperatures increase the synthesis and accumulation of phenolic substances in all vegetative organs. It is important to emphasize that high levels of flavonoids and phenol carboxylic acid have been detected in the leaves, so it is advisable to use them as raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry also. Conclusion. The cultivation methods of the studied plants have been improved. The use of hybrid plants for obtaining flavonoids is more effective for the pharmaceutical industry but less practical in getting other phenolic compounds compared to P. sidoides have been found. The revealed difference in the localization and amount of secondary metabolites indicates the need for a detailed study of other substances of a phenolic nature in the leaves and roots of these pelargoniums.

Оптимізація лікування гострого тонзилофарингіту в дитячому віці

Acute tonsillopharyngitis (ATP) in children is an actual and not fully solved problem, which has interdisciplinary importance and requires optimization of diagnosis and treatment to improve the prognosis of the disease and the quality of life of children. Purpose - to optimize the tactics of treatment of children with ATP by supplementing the complex of therapy with drugs of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action with the evaluation of clinical and immunological markers of the effectiveness of the proposed treatment. Materials and methods. We monitored 51 hospitalized children with a clinical diagnosis of ATP. All children underwent a complex clinical and paraclinical examination with the determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood serum upon admission to the hospital, and on the 7th day of treatment, the serum concentration of interleukin (IL) -4, -6, -8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interferon-γ (γ-IFN) as markers of therapy effectiveness. The patients were randomly divided into 2 clinical groups: the Group 1 was formed by 28 patients (average age - 8.0±0.9 years, the share of boys - 53.5±6.1%) with ATP, who received standard treatment and standardized extract of Pelargonium sidoides EPs® 7630 (Umckalor) and the complex homeopathic drug Tonsilotren in age-related doses according to the instructions. The remaining 23 children formed the clinical Group 2 (average age - 8.7±1.0 years (p>0.05), the share of boys - 56.5±8.3% (p>0.05), and received the same standard treatment for ATP and served as a comparison group. The groups were matched for the main clinical characteristics. Results. We obtained significantly better results of treatment of children with ATP when using the combination of the drugs Umckalor and Tonsilotren in complex therapy, which are proven by the presence of statistically reliable chances of a milder clinical course of the disease on the 3rd day of treatment (assessment of the severity of ATP - <26 points): attribute risk - 59.8%, relative risk - 2.8 (95% CI: 1.1-7.2), odds ratio - 25.6 (9.0-72.6). The effectiveness of the proposed therapy was confirmed on the 7th day of treatment by the probably lower content of pro-inflammatory markers IL-8 (15.2±5.4 pg/ml vs 37.6±7.6 pg/ml) and γ-IFN (21.8±2.3 pg/ml vs. 30.0±1.2 pg/ml) compared to standard treatment, as well as twice lower TNF-α concentration (2.1±0.5 pg/ml vs. 4.5±2.5 pg/ml). The use of the combination of the drugs Umckalor and Tonsilotren was accompanied by a statistically significant reduction in the risk of maintaining a high serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CRP - >10.0 mg/l, γ-IFN and IL-8>10.0 pg/ml) in relation to the standard treatment: absolute risk reduction - 20.8%, relative risk reduction - 32.3% with the minimum required number of patients to treat - 3.1. Conclusions. In the complex treatment of children with ATP, the use of a combination of the standardized extract of Pelargonium sidoides EPs® 7630 (Umckalor) and the complex homeopathic drug Tonsilotren demonstrated better effectiveness compared to the same standard treatment. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Biopiracy: Crying wolf or a lever for equity and conservation?

Access and benefit sharing (ABS) is a central approach to address biopiracy – the misappropriation of genetic resources and traditional knowledge without consent or compensation, often tied to patenting. Benefit-sharing agreements comprise a core element of ABS and are intended to leverage greater social and economic justice, create incentives for biodiversity conservation, and strengthen the rights of indigenous and local communities. However, emerging evidence suggests otherwise. Through review of four cases of biodiversity commercialization in South Africa – Hoodia gordonii, Aspalathus linearis (rooibos), Sceletium tortuosum (kougoed) and Pelargonium sidoides, each with histories of biopiracy charges and associated benefit-sharing agreements, this paper aims to explain this apparent contradiction. The cases reveal that while ABS has succeeded in recognizing holders of traditional knowledge, the wider political and economic struggles faced by communities remain neglected. Power relations and economic disparities have not changed, and control remains vested in land, with ownership remaining highly skewed towards industry partners who have market dominance; and intellectual property, the benefits of which are disassociated from traditional knowledge holders and biodiversity custodians. ABS processes have also led to a clamor for representation, favoring groups that are politically connected, well organized and resourced, while excluding more marginalized groups who are less capacitated. Moreover, despite significant biodiversity concerns in each case, there are few conservation benefits. Such trends, combined with new forms of “digital biopiracy” and opportunities opening through the post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasize the need to reconceptualize ABS to leverage more equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Are South African Wild Foods the Answer to Rising Rates of Cardiovascular Disease?

The rising burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa gives impetus to managerial changes, particularly to the available foods in the market. Since there are many economically disadvantaged groups in urban societies who are at the forefront of the CVD burden, initiatives to make healthier foods available should focus on affordability in conjunction with improved phytochemical diversity to incentivize change. The modern obesogenic diet is deficient in phytochemicals that are protective against the metabolic products of sugar metabolism, i.e., inflammation, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial fatigue, whereas traditional southern African food species have high phytochemical diversity and are also higher in soluble dietary fibres that modulate the release of sugars from starches, nurture the microbiome and produce digestive artefacts that are prophylactic against cardiovascular disease. The examples of indigenous southern African food species with high horticultural potential that can be harvested sustainably to feed a large market of consumers include: Aloe marlothii, Acanthosicyos horridus, Adansonia digitata, Aloe ferox, Amaranthus hybridus, Annesorhiza nuda, Aponogeton distachyos, Bulbine frutescens, Carpobrotus edulis, Citrullus lanatus, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dovyalis caffra, Eleusine coracana, Lagenaria siceraria, Mentha longifolia, Momordica balsamina, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium sidoides, Pennisetum glaucum, Plectranthus esculentus, Schinziophyton rautanenii, Sclerocarya birrea, Solenostemon rotundifolius, Talinum caffrum, Tylosema esculentum, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna subterranea. The current review explains the importance of phytochemical diversity in the human diet, it gives a lucid explanation of phytochemical groups and links the phytochemical profiles of these indigenous southern African foods to their protective effects against cardiovascular disease.

Antimicrobial Activity In Vitro of Cream from Plant Extracts and Nanosilver, and Clinical Research In Vivo on Veterinary Clinical Cases

The antimicrobial effect of a cream containing extracts of African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides DC.), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in colloidal nanosilver (AgNPs) at a concentration of 30 ppm, denoted as SILVER STOP® cream (SS® cream), was examined in vitro. The research was performed with Escherichia coli (ATCC and two clinical isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC and two clinical strains), and Candida albicans (ATCC and two clinical isolates). The agar-gel diffusion method and suspension tests for determination of the time of antimicrobial action of SS® cream were used. SS® cream showed significant antimicrobial activity. The Gram-negative microorganisms tested died in a much shorter time than the Gram-positive ones. In suspension with a density of 104 cells·mL−1, E. coli died for 1 min, the oval fungus C. albicans—after 10 min and S. aureus—after 60 min of exposure to SS® cream. The highest sensitivity was found in E. coli. The curative effect of SILVER STOP® cream was also examined in vivo in dogs with different skin diseases. The results showed successful healing of the diseases and a very good curative effect of the cream.

Anti-Quorum Sensing and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Pelargonium × hortorum Root Extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Combinatorial Effect of Catechin and Gallic Acid.

HPLC-UV was used to compare the major constituents of two Pelargonium × hortorum cultivars and Pelargonium sidoides root extract. It revealed the presence of catechin and gallic acid in high concentrations and the absence of umckalin in P. × hortorum root extracts. The antibacterial activity of these extracts was screened against 19 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. P. × hortorum root extracts showed the lowest MIC values (512-1024 µg/mL). This activity was concluded to be attributable to the high concentrations of catechin and gallic acid. The anti-biofilm activity of catechin, gallic acid, and their combination was examined by a crystal violet assay. The combination reduced the percentage of strong and moderate biofilm-forming isolates from 52.63% to 5.26%. The impact on lasI and lasR genes expression using qRT-PCR and simultaneous docking against LasR protein was explored. The combination downregulated lasI and lasR gene expression in eight and six P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively, and showed the greatest docking score. Additionally, the in vivo protection capability of this combination in infected mice showed enhancement in the survival rate. Our study revealed the potential biofilm and quorum-sensing-inhibitory activity of the catechin and gallic acid combination as a novel alternative to inhibit bacterial pathogenicity.

Pelargonium sidoides Root Extract: Simultaneous HPLC Separation, Determination, and Validation of Selected Biomolecules and Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Activity.

This study aimed to establish a validated HPLC-UV analytical method for the determination of gallic acid, catechin, scopoletin, and umckalin in phytoformulations containing P. sidoides. Also, to assess the anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of P. sidoides and these biomolecules in vitro. An HPLC-UV method was developed and verified by testing the commercial forms, Kalobin® and Umca®. It revealed low detectable scopoletin and high umckalin levels. Pelargonium sidoides exhibited a significant reduction of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells (IC50 13.79 μg/mL and selectivity index, SI 6.3), whereas scopoletin showed a remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with better selectivity (IC50 17.79 μg/mL and SI 14.22). An in-silico prediction of the drugability indicated that the studied biomolecules are under the acceptable norms of Lipinski’s rule, water-soluble, and showed high GIT absorption and bioavailability. Docking study towards the essential molecular targets for viral replication and entry of SARS-CoV-2 indicated good binding affinity of scopoletin (−6.4 Kcal/mol) towards the interface region between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD and the ACE2 surface receptor indicating the probability of interference with the viral entry to the human cells and showed H-bonding with His-41 in the active site of the main protease which may explain its high antiviral activity.

Rational phytotherapy as an alternative treatment for acute respiratory tract infections

Acute respiratory tract infections in children are the most common reason for primary care appointments. Although the vast majority of cases are viral, antibiotic therapy, which involves more risks than benefits in these patients, is still overused, contributing to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. Almost all recommendations indicate avoiding such approach and use symptomatic treatment supplemented with plant-based formulations instead. There is abundance of different medicinal plants that contain compounds with proven antiviral, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, which effectively support the combat against respiratory infections, especially if combined in one product (synergism). Contemporary rational phytotherapy assumes a scientific approach to plant-derived formulations, and it should be emphasised that the registration of herbal medicines is subject to the same restrictions as in the case of synthetic drugs. The paper discusses the composition and activity of compounds contained in medicinal plants and their role in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, with main focus on Pelargonium sidoides and elderberry, the properties of which have so far been the most thoroughly investigated and described. Their efficacy and safety in different forms of respiratory tract infections were discussed, showing that the use of products based on these plants significantly reduces disease duration and severity of clinical symptoms, as well as the need to use other agents, including antibiotics. The reasons for the use of Pelargonium sidoides preparations in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 were also presented.

Effects of Botanicals on Growth and Phytochemistry of the Nematode-Infected Pelargonium sidoides and GC–MS Profiling of Cucurbita maxima Seeds

Effects of Botanicals on Growth and Phytochemistry of the Nematode-Infected Pelargonium sidoides and GC–MS Profiling of Cucurbita maxima Seeds

Attitudes and approaches towards COVID-19 management among the public and pharmacists in Northern Cyprus

Purpose: To study the attitudes and approaches towards COVID-19 management among the public and pharmacists in Northern Cyprus.Method: Questionnaire were administered face-to-face and online to volunteer pharmacists and othermembers of the public, after receiving approval from the Near East University Ethics Boards. Responses to the questionnaire were evaluated statistically.Results: The pharmacists who quickly learned and adopted the necessary protection measures againstCOVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic were young professionals under the age of 30 years who had less than 5 years of professional experience (p < 0.05). Most pharmacists who prepared magistral disinfectants/antiseptic solutions and lotions for irritation caused by excessive hand washing were agedabove 60 years, with more than 30 years of professional experience (p < 0.05). The people who responded in the questionnaires asked for products derived from Echinacea, Sambucus nigra, propolis, ginger and Pelargonium sidoides to boost their immune system. Approximately 22.6 % of the respondents received COVID-19-related information from doctors, while 33.4 % got theirs from pharmacists. However, 6.7 % of the respondents got information from social media groups which they created (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Cooperation between pharmacists and health care organizations is increasingly crucial forpublic health, since there are still gaps in the successful control of COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it would be beneficial and even necessary to add a course on "management and solidarity in pandemics and other disasters" to the undergraduate education programs in pharmacy and all other healthcare disciplines.

Non-antibiotic Prophylaxis of Infections

Non-antibiotic Prophylaxis of Infections Abstract. The increasing resistance to antibiotics makes the search for non-antibiotic alternatives for the treatment and prevention of - above all - respiratory and urinary tract infections crucial. Potential non-antibiotic approaches include phytopharmaceuticals (Echinacea purpurea, Pelargonium sidoides, cranberry extract), zinc, immunostimulants (OM-85 BV, OM-89), and behavior modifications. Some of these approaches are promising options; however, a high level of evidence is required before specific recommendations for their use can be made.

The Importance of Flavonoids and Phytochemicals of Medicinal Plants with Antiviral Activities

Abstract: In this mini-review article, we have mentioned the key roles of some of the most important herbal plants medicine containing flavonoids and phytochemicals with antiviral activities. All relevant information was searched by using the terms, influenza, phytochemicals, SARS, SARSCov- 2, flavonoids, and traditional medicinal plants uses, from reliable databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The most important medicinal herbs which contain flavonoids with antiviral activities are Limonium densiflorum, Oroxylum indicum, Tribulus terrestris L., Paulownia tomentosa Steud., Allophylus africanus, Houttuynia cordata, Moslea Herba, Mosla scabra, Scutellaria baicalensis, Berries, Genus Psoralea, Sophora tonkinensis, Trollius chinensis, Tilia cordata, Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Seabuckthorn), Paulownia tomentosa steud, and C. swietenia. Phytochemicals are chemicals of plant origin produced by plants through primary or secondary metabolism. The most important medicinal plants, which contain phytochemicals with antiviral activities are Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), Forsythia suspense, Ligustrum lucidum, Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao), Banlangen (Radix Isatidis), Lysiphyllum strychnifolium, Phellinus baumii, Mesona chinensis, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Isatis indigotica, Pelargonium sidoides, Entada Africana Guill., Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Lychee fruit extract, Lycoris radiate, Cistus incanus, Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne (Chinese quince), Geranium sanguineum L., and Tea polyphenols. Natural products from traditional herbal medicines, especially traditional Chinese and Persian medicines, have been found to exert antiviral impacts against influenza and human coronaviruses. The natural plant-derived compounds that have been used for treating various diseases are flavonoids and phytochemicals.

Interaction of Pelargonium sidoides Compounds with Lactoferrin and SARS-CoV-2: Insights from Molecular Simulations.

(1) Background: Pelargonium sidoides extracts and lactoferrin are two important natural, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agents, which can interfere with the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches have been applied to check for the occurrence of interactions of the Pelargonium sidoides compounds with lactoferrin and with SARS-CoV-2 components. (2) Methods: Computational methods have been applied to confirm the hypothesis of a direct interaction between PEL compounds and the lactoferrin protein and between Pelargonium sidoides compounds and SARS-CoV-2 Spike, 3CLPro, RdRp proteins, and membrane. Selected high-score complexes were structurally investigated through classical molecular dynamics simulation, while the interaction energies were evaluated using the molecular mechanics energies combined with generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation method. (3) Results: Computational analyses suggested that Pelargonium sidoides extracts can interact with lactoferrin without altering its structural and dynamical properties. Furthermore, Pelargonium sidoides compounds should have the ability to interfere with the Spike glycoprotein, the 3CLPro, and the lipid membrane, probably affecting the functional properties of the proteins inserted in the double layer. (4) Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Pelargonium sidoides may interfere with the mechanism of infection of SARS-CoV-2, especially in the early stages.

Treatment of sore throat and hoarseness with Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630: a meta-analysis

Treatment of sore throat and hoarseness with Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630: a meta-analysis

Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus sp. strain YC2, an Isolate from the South African Medicinal Plant Pelargonium sidoides.

ABSTRACTA rhizosphere-associated Bacillus species was isolated from Pelargonium sidoides DC (Geraniaceae) tubers, whose commercial extracts are used in respiratory tract infection treatment. Genomic data for Bacillus isolates associated with Pelargonium sidoides is lacking. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Bacillus sp. strain YC2.

English

South African indigenous plants have been predominantly studied for their antibacterial abilities, overlooking their antipathogenic and antivirulence (also known as antiquorum sensing) potential. Hence, this study explored the selected medicinal plants as possible agents capable of interfering with bacterial growth, quorum sensing and biofilm formation and identified their respective bioactive compounds. Ten medicinal plants were extracted with varied solvents. Melianthus comosus (dichloromethane, aqueous and methanol), Pelargonium sidoides (aqueous) and Vachellia karroo (aqueous and methanol) extracts showed potent minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.19 to 0.78 mg/ml against the tested bacterial pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli. Reduced violacein production (up to 38.34%) in Chromobacterium violaceum was noted for Melianthus comosus, Plectranthus ecklonii and Pelargonium sidoides extracts. Treatment of five MDR bacterial pathogens with active extracts for anti-adhesion and biofilm development showed up to 66.34 and 31.82% inhibitory effects, respectively. Chemical characterization of active extracts revealed compounds such as α-D-glucopyranoside, methyl, linalool, octadecanoic acid and hexadecanoic acid. The biological assays validated the tested plant extracts as having antibacterial and antipathogenic potentials that could be used against multidrug resistant bacteria. Key words: Antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition, chemical characterization, multidrug resistance, phytochemicals, quorum sensing inhibition.

Evaluation of food effects on the pharmacokinetics of Pelargonium sidoides and Coptis with each bioactive compound berberine and epicatechin after a single oral dose of an expectorant and antitussive agent UI026 in healthy subjects.

UI026 is an expectorant and antitussive agent which is a new combination of Pelargonium sidoides extract and Coptis extract. The bioactive compounds of Pelargonium sidoides and Coptis extracts were identified as epicatechin and berberine, respectively. This study evaluated the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of UI026. A randomized, open-label, single-dose, 2-treatment, parallel study in 12 healthy male subjects was performed. Subjects received a single oral dose of UI026 (27 mL of syrup) under a fed or fasted condition according to their randomly assigned treatment. Blood samples for the PK analysis were obtained up to 24 hours post-dose for berberine and 12 hours post-dose for epicatechin. The PK parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis. In the fed condition, the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last observed time point (AUClast) for berberine were approximately 33% and 67% lower, respectively, compared with the fasted condition, both showing statistically significant difference. For epicatechin, the mean Cmax and mean AUClast were about 29% and 45% lower, respectively, compared to the fasting condition, neither of which showed a statistically significant difference. There were no drug-related adverse events. This finding suggests that food affects the systemic exposure and bioavailability of berberine and epicatechin.Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003451