Wort Herb Research Articles

IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF FLAVONOIDS IN MEDICINAL PLANTS GROWING IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Introduction. In recent years, the popularity of herbal medicine has been increasing. One of the most numerous classes of biologically active substances of plant origin are flavonoids, which have a wide range of biological activities: anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective effects, and also capable of stimulating the damaged body tissues regeneration processes. The relevant area of the research is the search for medicinal plants with a high content of flavonoids for the development of herbal remedies with wound-healing activity. This problem can be solved through the use of plant raw materials from the Republic of Uzbekistan, which have a high content and a wide range of biologically active substances, thanks to the sharply continental climate of the country with consistently hot summers and increased levels of ultraviolet radiation. The purpose of the research is to select medicinal plant raw materials as a source of flavonoids for the development of wound healing agents. Material and methods. The object of the study was medicinal plant raw materials harvested on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan: oregano herb, sage leaves, St. John's wort herb, sandy everlasting flowers, bur beggar-ticks herb. Identification and quantification of flavonoids in the studied samples of medicinal plants was carried out using thin-layer chromatography, absorption spectrophotometry in the visible region using reaction with aluminum chloride and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results. It has been established that the content of flavonoids in the herb of oregano, leaves of medicinal sage, St. John's wort herb, flowers of sandy everlasting, harvested in the Republic of Uzbekistan, is significantly higher than in medicinal plant materials harvested in the territory of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation. Using the method of thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, kaempferol-3-β-D-glucopyranoside was identified in the extract of sandy everlasting flowers, and isoquercitrin was identified in the extract of St. John's wort herb. Conclusions. As a result of the research, sandy everlasting and St. John's wort, growing on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, were selected as the sources of flavonoids (glycoside kaempferol and isoquercitrin) with regenerating properties for the development of wound healing agents.

Bioassay-Guided Assessment of Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts from Medicinal Plants via High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography.

Natural products and their analogues have contributed significantly to treatment options, especially for anti-inflammatory and infectious diseases. Thus, the primary objective of this work was to compare the bioactivity profiles of selected medicinal plants that are historically used in folk medicine to treat inflammation and infections in the body. Chemical HPTLC fingerprinting was used to assess antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid content, while bioassay-guided HPTLC was used to detect compounds with the highest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The results of this study showed that green tea leaf, walnut leaf, St. John's wort herb, wild thyme herb, European goldenrod herb, chamomile flower, and immortelle flower extracts were strong radical scavengers. Green tea and nettle extracts were the most active extracts against E. coli, while calendula flower extract showed significant potency against S. aureus. Furthermore, green tea, greater celandine, and fumitory extracts exhibited pronounced potential in suppressing COX-1 activity. The bioactive compounds from the green tea extract, as the most bioactive, were isolated by preparative thin-layer chromatography and characterized with their FTIR spectra. Although earlier studies have related green tea's anti-inflammatory properties to the presence of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the FTIR spectrum of the compound from the most intense bioactive zone showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity can be attributed to amino acids and heterocyclic compounds. As expected, antibacterial activity in extracts was related to fatty acids and monoglycerides.

Non-Alcoholic Functional Drinks Containing Natural Raw Materials

The purpose of research was comprehensive research to clarify the feasibility and possibility of using non-traditional raw materials and metal complexes in functional food products.The realization of the possibilities of using collagen base in food products as a carrier of biologically active substances is of great interest. The joint use of collagen in the design of functional products with components of plant raw materials and biocomplexes seems rational for people suffering from a deficiency of minerals, dietary fiber, vitamins, etc. and contributes to an increase in shelf life.Methods. The objects of the study were: succinic, ascorbic and nicotinic acids; biologically active medicinal substances; salts of 3D-metals, coordination compounds of metals; extracts of St. John's wort herb (Hyperici herba), inflorescences of marigolds prostrate (Tagets patula L), Calendula officinalis and fruits of common cherry (Prúnus pádus). Compositions of functional soft drinks with collagen.Results. It has been established that biocomplexes have pronounced antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, exhibit an antihypoxic effect comparable to comparison drugs in collagen-based polymer systems, which opens up broad prospects for their use as biologically active compounds in the food industry. One of the objectives of the study was to develop the composition and technology for producing a functional jelly-like drink using biocomplexes and herbal medicinal raw materials, which made it possible to obtain soft drinks with a high content of biologically active substances: esters, minerals, trace elements, alkaloids, biogenic amines and other biologically active substances.Conclusion. Drinks with high organoleptic characteristics that persist for a long time, high nutritional and biological value and reduced contamination, contributing to the improvement of metabolic processes, were obtained. The proposed soft drinks can be recommended for dietary and therapeutic and preventive nutrition to various groups of people suffering from a deficiency of minerals, dietary fiber, which manifests itself in diseases of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems, violation of human cardiovascular functions.

Methods of obtaining hypericaceae herb extract for the food industry

Hypericaceae herb contains biologically active compounds, flavonoids (1.5–5%), naphthodianthrons, phloroglucins, tannins (10-13%), essential oil (0.1–0.33%) and other compounds. In accordance with the patent RU 2,067,452 C1, St. John's wort extract is obtained using a solvent system acetone-70% ethanol – 30% ethanol. Hypericaceae is extracted with acetone. The raw materials remaining after extraction are dried and extracted with 70% ethanol at a ratio of 1:10 by percolation. The extracts obtained from the extracts are combined and dried. Extracts of St. John's wort herb can be obtained using a two-phase solvent system. As an extraction system, a mixture of solvents is used - chloroform: ethanol: water (8:10:10). There is the following way. Solvents are used in ethanol, methanol, isopropanol (each in a concentration of 40%, 70% and undiluted) and in water, using ultrasound. Samples are extracted within 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Extraction in water using ultrasound is comparably close to screening with alcohols in terms of the percentage of biologically active components given off, but does not require purification. For food production, the method of obtaining St. John's wort herb extract according to the patent RU 2 265 448 C2 will be relevant. Where the laser-treated mass is suspended in water. Suspension is carried out so that for 1 liter of water there are from 50 to 300, preferably from 100 to 250 g of laser-treated mass of St. John's wort grass. The suspension of crushed plants should be carried out at a temperature of 10 to 40 ° C, although higher or lower temperatures are not excluded. Then the suspension is kept from 5 to 20 days, preferably from 7 to 15 days at a temperature of 2 to 10 ° C, preferably from 4 to 8 ° C. Food products enriched with St. John's wort herb extract have longer shelf life.

Application of water-honey extract of St. John’s wort herb to improve biotechnological and rheological properties of wheat dough

Experimental studies of the effect of water-honey extract of St. John's wort grass fermented by lactic acid bacteria Str.lactis and Str.cremoris on microorganisms causing microbiological deterioration of wheat flour bakery products showed a positive effect of the introduced component on the rheological and biotechnological parameters of wheat dough. By adding additional nutrients that activate the vital activity of the fermenting microflora, the gas-forming ability of the dough increased by 20%, the fermentation activity improved by 35%, and the desired dough acidity of 3.0 deg. was reached within 120 minutes, i.e. the fermentation process reduced by 60 minutes.

Geleneksel tıp uygulamalarında kullanılan sarı kantaron (Hypericum perforatum l.) yağının standardizasyonunun belirlenmesine yönelik yürütülen bazı kalite analizlerinin incelenmesi

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) plant is among the medicinal plants used as pharmaceutical raw material with traditional methods for more than 2000 years. St. John's Wort plant and its medicinal oil (maserate) obtained from it, usage area is increasing day by day in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries thanks to the important bioactive components. The pharmacologically important component of the plant is known as hypericin. This study was carried out in Selcuk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Medical and Endemic Plants Training and Research Farm, and examined the effect of different holding environments (sun, shade), harvest periods (25% flowering period, 50% flowering period and full flowering period) and drying methods (wet herb, faded herb and dried herb) on the amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort and its medicinal oil. According to the results of the analysis, the highest amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort herb was determined as 0.32% in full flowering period. The highest amount of hypericin in St. John's Wort oils was determined as 271.92 mg/L in fresh herb during the full flowering period. According to the results of the research, the harvesting periods are effective on the amount of hypericin, and it can be suggested that the wet herb, which is harvested in full bloom and hold, should be macerated with olive oil in the sun to obtain St. John's Wort oil with high hypericin content.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ЭКСТРАГИРУЕМОСТИ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИ АКТИВНЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ ИЗ ТРАВЫ ЗВЕРОБОЯ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ СЕРИЙ

Aim. To study extractability of a complex of active and related substances and flavonoids from St. Johns Wort herb of various series and anufacturers and identification of factors affecting the quality of aqueous extracts from St. Johns Wort herb. Materials and Methods. The object of study was St. Johns Wort herb of four series of two manufacturers, and aqueous extracts obtained from these series of St. Johns Wort herb. Aqueous extracts were made in the infusion mode in accordance with the requirements of the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation №751n of October 26, 2015. The ratio of raw materials and extractive solvent was 8:100. The obtained aqueous extracts were evaluated by color and smell parameters. A complex of biologically active and related substances extracted from St. Johns Wort herb was evaluated by the solid residue index. Quantitative determination of flavonoids in recalculation for rutin was performed by spectrophotometric method on Bio-RADSmartSpecPlus spectrophotometer at 410 nm wave length. Results. Raw materials of different series differ in external characteristics and fineness. Raw materials of 221218 series contain 17.46% of particles larger than 3 mm, and raw materials of 20218 series – 4.92%. Raw materials of 221218 series include more particles of the coarse parts of the plant. Raw materials of 10119 series have a more uniform distribution of particles by fractions, but a rather large number of small particles. The maximal solid residue was obtained from raw materials of 20218 series – 1.7716%, the minimal – from raw materials of 221218 series – 0.6183%. The maximal flavonoid content was found in aqueous extract obtained from raw materials of 20218 series – 1.988%, the minimal content – from raw materials of 221218 series – 0.6183%. A sufficiently high yield of flavonoids in the aqueous extract was established for raw materials of 10119 series – 1.9711%. Conclusions. It was found that raw materials containing more soft parts of plants and characterized by the presence of a higher percent of fine fractions of particles, have the best extractability. At present, in the SP (Russia) of the 14th edition, only fractions of St. Johns Wort herb with a particle size of more than 7 mm and less than 0.18 mm are normalized. In our opinion, it is reasonable to include requirements to particle size and their content for the main fractions of the feedstock.

Quorum Sensing Suppression of Chromobacterium Violaceum when exposed to combinations of dry plant extracts

The study of density dependent chemical communication in bacteria called the quorum sensing is a promising area in science since most microorganisms that can cause infectious diseases use QS to realize their pathogenic potential. Currently, there is an extensive search for drugs that can inhibit QS dependent processes. Medicinal plants and their components are of particular interest. The main methodological approach aimed at studying the QS inhibitory activity of the studied compounds in this work was the use of a strain of Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 31532, which is able to respond to potential QS inhibitors by synthesis of violacein pigment. The object of the study is dry extracts of oak bark (Quercus cortex), birch leaves (Folia betulae) and St. John’s wort herb (Hyperici herba). The QS inhibitory activity of dry extracts of oak bark, birch leaves and St. John’s wort herb is shown. For the first time, it is justified to use compositions based on oak bark and birch leaves, as well as oak bark and St. John’s wort to suppress the quorum sensing in pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic bacterial microflora.

Integrated treatment of cattle in fasсiolosis

One of the reasons for the unprofi tability of dairy cattle breeding is fasciolose invasion. This disease can cause signifi cant economic damage in the form of a decrease in the milk production of cows, a decrease in the growth of young animals and a negative impact on the reproduction and renewal of the herd. The domestic veterinary market is saturated with a large number of various anti-trematode drugs of both foreign and domestic production, however, the price/eff ectiveness of anthelmintics remains a key aspect for animal owners. However, against parasitic drugs, they only destroy the parasite in the body of sick animals, without pouring in on the processes of recovery of the body after invasion. Longterm use of the same drugs, violation of the instructions for use of the latter leads to an increase in the number of reports of scientists from around the world about the increase in the number of cases of development of fasciol resistance in anthelmintics. That is why the search and testing of new therapeutic combinations that ensure the release of cattle from trematodes and helped restore disturbed physiological functions remain relevant today. The study presents the results of testing the use of a combination of rafenzene emulsion and infusion of St. John's wort on cattle fascioliasis in the conditions of the dairy industry of the Kyiv region. The purpose of the study was to study the therapeutic effi cacy of a combination of aetiotropic and pathogenetic therapies of calves for fasciulosis - rafenzol emulsion and infusion of herbs with St. John's wort. The young cattle of the black-bred breed, aged 12-18 months, were examined and their faeces sampled. The calves were monitored for 30 days during the experiment. They paid attention to the general condition. Heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate were measured. Studies of individual organs and systems were performed according to conventional methods. Coprological studies were performed on the 10th and 30th day of observation. Used the method of sequential fl ushing faces. Calves, one of which was a control, was formed to study the eff ectiveness of antitrematodes measures. In each of them there were 5 animals, aff ected by fascioles, selected on the principle of analogues. The calves of the fi rst group were administered rafenzol emulsion at a dose of 0.75 ml of the preparation per 10 kg of body weight inside once, the animals of group 2 used the drug similar to the fi rst group. Previously they were fed with infusion of herbs St. John's wort. The control group was not treated.The results of the study indicate that the young is large aff ected with fascioles and the average invasion intensity is 48% and the intensity is 17 copies of eggs, respectively. Complex use of rafenzol emulsion with infusion of herbs with St. John's wort, according to the scheme, after 80 days revealed 80% of the extent and intensity. After 30 days, the indicator improved to 100%. Extensibility and intensifi cation of one rafenzol emulsion, after 10 days was 40%, for 30 days the effi ciency increased to 80%. St. John's wort improves the regeneration of tissue-damaged fasciolosis. It contributes to the absorption of feed and restore productivity. Therefore, treatment and prevention of fasciulosis in the farm is best done comprehensively. Key words: rafenzene emulsion, st. John's wort herb infusion, fasciolosis, disease intensity and intensity, effi cacy and drug intensity.

Antioxidant activity of St. John’s Wort extracts obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction

Abstract Introduction: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a plant from the Hypericaceae family commonly occurring in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. It is used for medical purposes, for example in depression, viral or bacterial diseases, as well as diseases of the digestive system. St. John’s Wort is a source of hypericin as well as flavonoids useful to reduce the harmful effects of free radical action. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of H. perforatum. Materials and methods: St. John’s Wort extracts were prepared in ethanol, methanol and isopropanol (each of 40%, 70% (v/v) and undiluted) and in water, with ultrasound-assisted extraction. Plant samples were extracted for 15, 30 and 60 min, and the antioxidant potentials of the extracts evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) aand ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP). Results: All the extracts showed antioxidant activity. In the case of the DPPH evaluation, the results ranged 2.42–4.37 mg trolox/g of raw material, which corresponds to 53.89–91.98% radical scavenging activity (RSA). The highest results were obtained for samples extracted for 60 min, with the antioxidant activity of most of them above 4.00 mg trolox/g of raw material. In the case of FRAP evaluation, the reducing power of the extracts ranged 1.40–37.82 mg FeSO4/g of raw material, with the highest results found for samples prepared in undiluted methanol. In contrast, the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extracts was low. Conclusions: St. John’s Wort herb showed high antioxidant activity. In most cases, higher potentials were found for the extracts prepared in undiluted alcohols. The type of solvent used and the extraction time influenced the antioxidant properties of the extracts.

VARIATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MEDICINAL HERBS OF DIFFERENT PRODUCERS

The paper goal was to measure the content of bioactive substances, such as hypericins, some flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, and concentrations of chemical elements, including essential macro- (K, Mg and Na), microelements (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ni and Co), as well as toxic metals (Pb and Cd), in samples of St. John's wort herbs of four different producers. High-performance liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy were used; sample preparation was based on the procedures described in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine. Significant variation in the content of organic compounds was detected: The difference between the maximum and minimum concentrations reaches a factor of 5 for hypericins, 10 for rutin and 2 for hyperoside. The concentration of quercetin was more stable than those of other flavonoids, and its fluctuations did not exceed 30%. The measured concentrations of hypericin and hyperoside, which are regulated by the Pharmacopoeia, were found to be lower than the norms. Elemental composition is also characterised by variability. Changes in the concentration of essential macroelements (K, Mg and Na) and some of the microelements (Zn, Cu and Ni) do not exceed 30-40%. The concentration of other essential microelements (Fe, Mn, Co and Cr) varies in much wider limits - from a factor of 2 (Mn) to 6 (Fe). In most cases, the measured concentrations of Pb and Cd fluctuate in the ranges of 0.15-0.25 μg/g and 0.25-0.35 μg/, respectively. However, some samples are enriched to 0.7-0.75 μg/g with both toxic metals. The measured concentrations are lower than the WHO norm for Pb (10 μg/g) in all samples and exceed the norm for Cd (0.3 μg/g) in three out of four studied samples. Statistically significant positive or negative correlations were found between the concentrations of certain elements (K, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cd) and the content of organic substances (rutin, hyperoside, hypericin and rosemary and chlorogenic acids). From a practical viewpoint, the most important are positive correlations of Fe with rutin, as well as negative correlations between Mn and hyperosid, and Cd and chlorogenic acid. Existing requirements and norms for medicinal plants in Ukraine do not guarantee the stability of the chemical composition of plants that are sold in the pharmacy network and, accordingly, the stability of their therapeutic properties.

Voltammetric Determination of Flavonoids in Medicinal Plant Materials Using Electrodes Modified by Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Surfactants

Methods for the voltammetric determination of flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) using electrodes modified with CeO2 nanoparticles and various surfactants have been developed . The voltammetric characteristics of analytes are most properly recorded on a glassy carbon electrode modified with CeO2 nanoparticles dispersed in anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate. The electro-oxidation of quercetin and rutin is adsorption-controlled and proceeds with the participation of two electrons and two protons. Under conditions of differential pulse voltammetry in a Britton–Robinson buffer solution with pH 2.0, the analytical ranges are 0.01–1.0 and 1.0–250 µM for quercetin and 0.10–100 µM for rutin with the limits of detection (S/N = 3) of 2.9 and 28 nM, respectively. The proposed approaches were tested in analyzing water and alcohol extracts from medicinal plant materials (St. John’s wort herb, marigold flowers, and bearberry leaves). The conditions for the extraction of flavonoids from raw materials with ethanol are found. The results of the voltammetric determination of quercetin and rutin in plant raw materials correlate with the total flavonoids according to spectrophotometry: r = 0.929 with rcrit = 0.521 for n = 11 in the case of quercetin and r = 0.951 at rcrit = 0.729 for n = 6 for rutin.

Identification and quantitative determination of the flavonoids of the complex dense extract of st. john's wort herb and pot marigold flowers

Common Saint-John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) are rich in such biologically active substances (BAS) as carotene, ascorbic acid, essential oils, vitamins, tannin and resinous substances, as well as flavonoids that bear evident wound healing properties and antiulcerous properties.
 The object of this study was BAR composition of the complex dense herb extract of St. John's wort and flowers of marigolds (1:10). In order to introduce a new herbal substance into medical practice, it is necessary to develop methods for its identification and quantification.
 The TLC [thin layer chromatography] method was used to identify the BAR in the extract under study, and the method of absorption spectrophotometry was proposed for quantification of the content of flavonoids.
 As a result of the conducted research, there were selected characteristic substances - identification markers of the extract, the choice of which was in accordance with the requirements of the SPF on the quality of the herb of St. John's wort and the flowers of pot marigold, and there was indicated the position and coloring of the zones in the chromatographic profile of the tested extract solution. Such approach will enable objective identification of the extract as a substance and as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the formulation.
 The criterion for quantitative standardization of the complex dense extract is the content of the amount of flavonoids not less than 1.5% in terms of hyperoside and dry substance.

Method development for the determination of elements in Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) herb and preparations using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and microwave digestion.

A method was developed to analyze St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) herb and preparations using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine the quantity of 11 elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn). This study includes the evaluation of digestion acids and calibration methods, as well as instrumental parameters such as choice of nebulizer and emission wavelength. Two nebulizers (Conikal and SeaSpray) performed similarly for most elements, and two optimum wavelengths were determined for each element. Five acids were evaluated for the digestion of the Polish Certified Reference Material Tea Leaves (INCT-TL-1), while three were taken forward to use for the different St John's wort formulations (i.e. herb, capsule and tablet). A simple protocol using 5 ml HNO3 was sufficient in most cases; however, variability was observed for elements often bound in silicates (e.g. Al, Fe and Zn). An external weighted calibration was also found to be preferential over unweighted, and the use of standard addition affected some concentration values up to 20%. Therefore, this paper presents the development and optimized method parameters to be used with ICP-OES that will allow the analysis of 11 key elements present in St John's wort herb and preparations.

Primena biljnih lekovitih proizvoda u terapiji depresije

For dry hydroalcoholic extracts of St. John's wort herb, Hyperici herba (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae), it was demonstrated in clinical trials that in the treatment of mild to moderate (but not severe) major depression, they are more effective than placebo, and as effective as some standard antidepressants. These extracts represent complex mixtures of structurally diverse constituents with various mechanisms of action. The quantity of active components can vary among different extracts. The Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products of the European Medicines Agency (EMA/HMPC) published monograph on St. John's wort herb, Hyperici herba, according to which these extracts are the components of herbal medicinal products with well-established medicinal use of the active substance, intended for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive episodes and for the short term treatment of symptoms in mild depressive disorders. These herbal drugs are characterized by good tolerability. Compared to synthetic antidepressants, they cause less undesirable effects. However, they exhibit interactions with the large number of drugs, due to the induction of the isoenzymes of cytochrome P450 system (CYP, primarily CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein, as well as the potentiation of serotonergic effects. Because of mentioned interactions, for these herbal drugs appropriate contraindications, special warnings and precautions for use were established.

Assessment of Total Polyphenol Compounds in the Complex Phytopreparations Angionorm and Prostanorm Using the Folin-Ciocalteu Method

Original article submitted February 8, 2016. Studies reported here evaluated the applicability of the Folin-Ciocalteu method for assessing total phenolic compounds in the complex phytopreparation Angionorm, which is based on dry extract of a mixture of medicinal herb substances (MHS), i.e., seeds (fruits) of the common horse chestnut, licorice roots, hawthorn fruits, and dog rose fruits at a ratio of 30:15:20:35, and preparation Prostanorm, consisting of a 50% aqueous-alcoholic extract of a mixture of four MHS, i.e., St. John’s wort herb, Canadian goldenrod herb, licorice root, Echinacea rhizomes and roots in equal proportions by weight, and a preparation consisting of a dry extract based on this mixture. The method was adapted to analysis of total polyphenol content in medicinal formulations using these preparations. The method was validated in terms of specificity, correctness, linearity, and similarity, and satisfied the suitability criteria. Total polyphenol contexts were assayed as gallic acid equivalents. A decolorization method using the cationic radical ABTS was used to determine the antiradical activity of Angionorm and Prostanorm in trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) units and in terms of the IC50 (the concentration inhibiting activity by 50%). A correlation was found between the total content of phenolic compounds and antiradical activity.

Effects of brewing process on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of herbs.

Traditionally used medicinal plants contain a wide range of polyphenolic compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. The content of phenolic compounds in the infusions and decoctions of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), which are traditionally used medicinal herbs, was evaluated via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. To obtain relevant antioxidant/reducing capacity of the prepared extracts, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and Folin-Ciocalteu assay were applied. Rutin and apigenin were the major flavonoids in the aqueous extract of chamomile, whereas the predominant phenolic compounds of St. John's wort water extracts were rutin and catechin followed by chlorogenic acid. A longer time of infusion and decoction of St. John's wort herb significantly affected the rutin content. The increase of extraction time had very little impact on the antioxidant activities for chamomile but considerably higher impact on those for St. John's wort.

Preparation and Characterization of St. John’s Wort Herb Extracts Using Olive, Sunflower and Palm Oils

Summary The aim of the study was to obtain St. John’s wort herb extract (drug:extract ratio 1:5), in a traditional way, using different solvents (sunflower, olive and palm oils) with or without antioxidants (0,02% alpha-tocopherol and 0,01% butylhydroxyanisol). Their characterization was done (organoleptic features, relative density, refractive index, acid number) immediately after the preparation, and during the period of 12 months (the samples were stored at room temperature, 22±2°C). The type of oil used for the extraction of St. John’s wort herb has a significant influence on organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of extracts. Oil extracts had approximately the same values for refractive index and relative density as solvents used for extraction. The acid numbers of extracts were slightly higher compared to the used oils. Using the antioxidants for preparing the St. John’s wort oil liquid herb extracts did not change the acid number of extracts made using sunflower and palm oils, while oil extracts made using olive oil and tocopherol or BHA had lower acid number values. During the period of 12 months, only extracts which were made using three different vegetable oils, with the use of antioxidants, showed satisfactory physicochemical, chemical and microbiological stability (with no significant changes in organoleptic properties, relative density, refractive index, acid number value and microbiological safety), which points to the necessity of using antioxidants in the preparation of St. John’s wort oil herb extracts, using the traditional method.

Quantitative determination of biologically active substances with the antimicrobial action in gastric teas

Herbal teas with the astringent, anti-inflammatory, antihemorragic, reparative and antimicrobial activity are often used for treatment of gastric diseases. Two teas have been suggested – gastric tea and gastric tea No.3. Gastric tea consists of chamomile flowers, yarrow herb, calendula flowers, St. John’s wort herb and peppermint leaves. Gastric tea No.3 contains buckthorn bark, nettle leaves, peppermint leaves, valeriana rhizomes with roots and sweetflag rhizomes. Gastric herbal teas can be used for a long time for treating chronic gastro-intestinal system diseases and as a complex treatment of acute pathology. Biologically active compounds of these teas contain essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, compounds of the terpenoid origin and mineral elements. The results of quantitative determination of essential oil and the amount of polyphenolic compounds in gastric tea and gastric tea No.3 are given; these specific classes of compounds exactly show the antimicrobial activity. The quantitative content of essential oil was determined with the help of hydrodistillation, and the content of the amount of polyphenolic compounds – by spectrophotometry. According to the results obtained the essential oil content in gastric tea was 0.85%, in gastric tea No.3 – 0.98%. The polyphenolic compounds content in gastric tea was 7.46%, in gastric tea No.3 – 8.34%. This particular content of the biologically active substances determines the antimicrobial activity of gastric teas. The data obtained shows the prospects for further research of the biologically active substances of gastric teas revealing the antimicrobial activity.

Pflanzliches Trio in der Behandlung nervöser Unruhe bei Kindern

SummaryEmotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents are no exception. To what extent a fixed plant extract combination is able to support children suffering from nervous agitation due to agitated depression among others for approximately 2 years has been investigated in a multicenter, prospective observational study (2008) with 115 children between 6 and 12 years. Assessments of the parents showed a distinct improvement in children who had attention problems, showed social withdrawal, and/or were anxious/depressive. Based on the physicians’ assessment, 81.6–93.9 % of the affected children had no or just mild symptoms at the end of observation concerning nine of thirteen evaluated symptoms such as depression, school/examination anxieties, further anxieties, sleeping problems, and different physical problems. Therapeutic success was not influenced by additional medication or therapies. The treatment was well tolerated. The used plant extracts have been gained from St. John’s Wort herb, valerian root, and passionflower herb.