Neurological disorders are becoming more common, and there is an intense search for molecules that can help treat them. Several natural components, especially those from the flavonoid group, have shown promising results. Ginkgetin is the first known biflavonoid, a flavonoid dimer isolated from ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.). Later, its occurrence was discovered in more than 20 different plant species, most of which are known for their use in traditional medicine. Herein we have summarized the data on the neuroprotective potential of ginkgetin. There is evidence of protection against neuronal damage caused by ischemic strokes, neurotumors, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Beneficial effects in ischemic strokes have been demonstrated in animal studies in which injection of ginkgetin before or after onset of the stoke showed protection from neuronal damage. AD protection has been the most studied to date. Possible mechanisms include inhibition of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of β-secretase, inhibition of Aβ fibril formation, amelioration of inflammation, and antimicrobial activity. Ginkgetin has also shown positive effects on the relief of PD symptoms in animal studies. Most of the available data are from in vitro or in vivo animal studies, where ginkgetin showed promising results, and further clinical studies should be conducted.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β cells or reduced insulin secretion and action, and is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Its incidence is increasing at a high rate, resulting in enormous social costs. Various drugs show their effectiveness by improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing glucose production in the liver or other tissues. Several preclinical studies on diabetes-induced in animals using surgical, pharmacological or genetic methods demonstrated the effectiveness of these drugs. The anti-diabetic activity of plants has been attributed to the occurrence of primary and secondary metabolites characterized by many beneficial effects with advantages over chemical treatments. A number of studies have demonstrated the potential health benefits of phytocomponents in treating DM by acting on multiple molecular targets. Therefore, it is important to test in vitro assays. This review includes methods for the evaluation of preclinical anti-diabetic activities and summarizes the potential of natural resources to prevent and/or treat diabetes. In addition, the database contains information including the plant name, useful plant parts, active compounds, and their mechanisms of action, in which in vitro and in vivo methods were studied.

This study aims to determinate in vitro anthelmintic activity of the plant extracts from the aerial part of five different Artemisia L. species (A. absinthium L., A. abrotanum L., A. annua L., A. incana (L.) Druce, A. tournefortiana Rchb.) growing in Turkiye. Depending on the ethnobotanical usage, the aqueous plant extracts were prepared by decoction and maceration methods. The anthelmintic activity of the plant extracts on Haemonchus (H.) contortus eggs and larvae was assessed using in vitro test methods. The extracts were prepared in five concentrations (50; 25; 12.5; 6,25; 3.125 and 1.5625 mg/mL) by using PBS for egg hatch and larval motility inhibition assay. In comparison to the negative control group, the extracts had significant anthelmintic effect on H. contortus eggs and larvae (p<0.05). In the egg hatch assay, all plants were found to be fully effective in the concentration range studied. In the analysis of larval motility, the activity was correlated with the quantities of the plant extracts. When the concentration-activity values of the plants were examined for both extraction methods, the highest activity was in A. annua and the lowest activity was observed in A. tournefortiana. Due to the development of resistance to anthelmintic drugs, natural sources such as Artemisia species can be considered as an alternative for the treatment of nematodes.

This study focuses on the development of functional nanocapsules via the coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization (electrospraying) method. These nanocapsules can manipulate nonwoven surface functionality in terms of antibacterial characteristics for medical textile purposes. Electrosprayed nanocapsules were produced from Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer and Plumbago europaea plant extract. Here, we employ optimized solution and process parameters (needle to collector distance, electrical field, application time, and needle dimension) for the coaxial electrospraying process. Different Plumbago europaea extract concentrations and co-fluids' flow rates were investigated as part of the study. Also, the effect of these parameters on capsule morphology and dimension were investigated. After the formation of PLA nanocapsules, morphological and dimensional characteristics were analyzed through SEM, FESEM, TEM images in addition to FTIR and nanosize measurements. According to our findings, a lower co-fluids' flow rate gives the smaller nanocapsules with narrow-sized distribution and desired spherical morphology. Antibacterial efficiency doesn't show any significant difference except the lowest plant extract concentrations. After characterizing the nanocapsules' structures, the core-sheath structure can be clearly identified. Consequently, the desired capsule morphology and size for nanocapsules were accomplished. The antibacterial efficiency of covered surfaces with nanocapsules is up to 80% for Staphylococcus aureus and about 31% for Escherichia coli, even with low pick-up ratios. Even for a very low amount of extract usage, good antibacterial efficiency can be achieved. The application has endless potential in terms of higher concentration and a wide range of chemical usage.

Verbascum L. species are mainly used for inflammatory diseases and against malaria in traditional medicine. Therefore, we aimed to assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and in vitro antimalarial activity of Verbascum latisepalum Hub.-Mor., Scrophulariaceae. The active methanolic extract was fractionated, and the anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions was evaluated using a carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. In addition, a p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test was employed in mice for the assessment of antinociceptive activity. Two saponin glycosides, ilwensisaponin A and C, and three iridoid glucosides, aucubin, catalpol, and ajugol, in addition to a phenylethanoid glycoside, verbascoside, were isolated from the active fraction. The possible mechanisms of action were evaluated through molecular docking studies. Antimalarial properties of the methanolic extract were also tested in vitro by the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay against Plasmodium falciparum, but any activity was detected.

Background and Aims: Chelidonium majus is known as "kirlangicotu" in Turkey and the different plant parts, especially the latex and aerial parts have been used as folk medicines for different purposes such as digestion, hemorrhoids, jaundice, liver, eye, and skin diseases. Despite the traditional uses of Chelidonium, there have been no detailed anatomical studies related to this species. Methods: The description and distribution map of C. majus was expended according to herbarium materials and an anatomical study was made using fresh materials. The information related to traditional uses and local names of this species was evaluated from ethnobotanical literature in Turkey. For anatomical studies freehand sections were prepared using razor blades and sections were double-stained with Astra blue and safranin. Results: In the anatomical study, epidermal sections containing trichome and stomata characters were elucidated. The leaves are bifacial and hypostomatic. The stomata are anomocytic in the paradermal section. The cross-section of the stem showed multi-layered parenchymatous cells in the cortex and a single-layered endodermis with simple eglandular trichomes. The cross-section of the root showed that the epidermis was replaced with the periderm. Under the phloem, which had few layers, the xylem was composed of tracheary elements surrounded by sclerenchymatous cells. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the morphological and anatomical characters alongside articulated laticifers and latex properties provide useful tools for the identification of this taxon from the other genera in the Papaveraceae family.

Epidemic diseases have been observed in every period of human history, and the treatment process has taken time. Causative microorganisms reproduce as biofilm and contribute to the emergence of various infectious diseases. The process that starts with respiratory disorders causes serious lung infections due to bacteria and viruses that accumulate and multiply. The biofilms are difficult to eliminate and show increased resistance to available antimicrobial agents. There is a need to identify and develop potential resources used in treatment. The search for novel biological agents from plants is gaining popularity due to the high abundance, accessibility with consequent lower cost for discovery, and lesser side effects and toxicity. Saponins found in some plants can be alternative to antibiotics, with antimicrobial activities. This review focused on the potency of saponin-containing plants with antimicrobial properties as antibiofilm agents against these infections. For this purpose, keywords were scanned in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google academics databases, and the related literature was compiled. Approximately, 25 plant taxa belonging to 18 families traditionally used in the treatment of respiratory diseases are listed. These taxa mostly belong to Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, and Asparagaceae families, respectively. Most of these taxa have antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory activities. Especially, plants with antibiofilm activity that can be effective against many microorganisms are compiled in this study. These plants can prevent or treat upper respiratory tract diseases caused by bacteria due to the phytochemicals they contain, especially saponins.

Epidemic diseases have been observed in every period of human history, and the treatment process has taken time. Causative microorganisms reproduce as biofilm and contribute to the emergence of various infectious diseases. )e process that starts with respiratory disorders causes serious lung infections due to bacteria and viruses that accumulate and multiply. )e biofilms are difficult to eliminate and show increased resistance to available antimicrobial agents. )ere is a need to identify and develop potential resources used in treatment. )e search for novel biological agents from plants is gaining popularity due to the high abundance, accessibility with consequent lower cost for discovery, and lesser side effects and toxicity. Saponins found in some plants can be alternative to antibiotics, with antimicrobial activities. )is review focused on the potency of saponin-containing plants with antimicrobial properties as antibiofilm agents against these infections. For this purpose, keywords were scanned in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google academics databases, and the related literature was compiled. Approximately, 25 plant taxa belonging to 18 families traditionally used in the treatment of respiratory diseases are listed.)ese taxa mostly belong to Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, and Asparagaceae families, respectively. Most of these taxa have antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory activities. Especially, plants with antibiofilm activity that can be effective against many microorganisms are compiled in this study. )ese plants can prevent or treat upper respiratory tract diseases caused by bacteria due to the phytochemicals they contain, especially saponins.

Approximately 70% of the world’s population has been using medicinal herbs as a complementary or alternative medicine that has grown tremendously in both developed and developing countries over the past 20 years (World Health Organization Drugs Strategy 2002–2005). This increase in consumer demand for medicinal plants continues, although scientific data are rare to create safety and efficacy profiles. Its popularity is also related to easy availability, cost-effectiveness leading to better purchasing power, and various factors that perceive that they are generally safe. Herbs are often administered simultaneously with therapeutic drugs for the treatment of major ailments, and herb-drug interactions (HDIs) increase their potential. The main routes proposed for HDIs include cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated inhibition or induction and transport and flow proteins. In our review, we highlighted herbal medicines used for the treatment of various diseases with pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic analysis and case reports together with their adverse effects and herb-drug interactions. Therefore, this review can be used as a quick reference database for physicians and healthcare professionals involved in therapy, aiming to maximize clinical outcomes by reducing the negative and toxic effects of plants along with avoiding herb-drug interactions.

Many anticancer active compounds are known to have the capacity to destroy pathologically proliferating cancer cells in the body, as well as to destroy rapidly proliferating normal cells. Despite remarkable advances in cancer research over the past few decades, the inclusion of natural compounds in researches as potential drug candidates is becoming increasingly important. However, the perception that the natural is reliable is an issue that needs to be clarified. Among the various chemical classes of natural products, anthraquinones have many biological activities and have also been proven to exhibit a unique anticancer activity. Emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, is a natural compound found in the roots and rhizomes of many plants. The anticancer property of emodin, a broad-spectrum inhibitory agent of cancer cells, has been detailed in many biological pathways. In cancer cells, these molecular mechanisms consist of suppressing cell growth and proliferation through the attenuation of oncogenic growth signaling, such as protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), HER-2 tyrosine kinase, Wnt/-catenin, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). However, it is known that emodin, which shows toxicity to cancer cells, may cause kidney toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity especially at high doses and long-term use. At the same time, studies of emodin, which has poor oral bioavailability, to transform this disadvantage into an advantage with nano-carrier systems reveal that natural compounds are not always directly usable compounds. Consequently, this review aimed to shed light on the anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties of emodin, as well as its potential toxicities and the advantages of drug delivery systems on bioavailability.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. (Anacardiaceae, syn: Rhus cotinus L.) is known as "boyaci sumagi, sari boya, duman agaci" in Turkish and "smoke tree" in English. It is commonly grown in Southern Europe and Anatolia. The leaves have been used due to its antiseptic, hemostatic, antipyretic, and wound healing effects as a 5% infusion in traditional medicine. It has also been reported to be used against skin disorders in Russia. Based on this information, the ethanol extracts prepared from the pedicels and leaves of C. coggygria were investigated for their elastase, collagenase, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects, which are enzymes related to anti-aging, using ELISA microtiter assays. Based on our results, the ethanol extracts prepared from the leaves and pedicels of C. coggygria had low elastase (28.16% +/- 2.91 and 25.76% +/- 1.71, respectively), moderate collagenase (47.78% +/- 4.90 and 46.51% +/- 3.15, respectively), and tyrosinase (57.94% +/- 0.67 and 46.20% +/- 0.92, respectively) inhibition at final concentration (666mg/mL). The ethanol extract prepared from the pedicels of C. coggygria was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation, which led to isolation of methyl gallate, astragalin, isoquercetin, and hyperoside from the active fractions. In addition to the enzyme assays, in order to understand the inhibition mechanisms of the compounds inside the ligand-binding domains, the interactions were simulated and the key amino acids contributing to the hydrogen bonds and non-polar interactions with the ligands were reported. (c) 2020 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Since Cucurbita pepo L. seeds have been reported to have beneficial effects in folk medicine for many years, in this study, in vivo wound healing activities of diethyl ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts prepared from C. pepo seeds were evaluated by linear incision wound model, and hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, the extracts were screened for anti-inflammatory activity based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced capillary permeability. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest inhibitory effect on acetic acid-induced capillary permeability, but the rest of the extracts didn’t display significant anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, according to the activity using linear incision wound model as well as hydroxyproline content of the treated tissue, all three extracts did not indicate wound healing activity. [Med-Science 2020; 9(2.000): 381-4]

Chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the aerial parts of Ferula caspica M. Bieb. were tested for their antioxidant capacities by CUPRAC, ABTS, FRAP, Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods and for antimicrobial activities by the broth microdilution method. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Three known sesquiterpene derivatives; 1-(2',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7,11-trimethyl-3-vinyl-6(E),10-dodecadien-1-one (1), 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-2-[4',8'-dimethyl-3',7'-nonadienyl]-furo[3,2,c]coumarin (2), 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-3-[4',8'-dimethyl-3',7'-nonadienyl]-furo[3,2,c]coumarin(3); phenylpropanoid; laserine/2-epilaserine (4/5) and steroid mixtures; stigmasterol and β-sitosterol (6/7) were isolated from chloroform extract; three known flavonoids; kaempferol-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (8), kaempferol-3-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (9), quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (10), and one benzoic acid derivative; 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (11) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Antiviral, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the 1% sterile solutions of Ilwensisaponin A and C isolated from the methanolic extract of the flowers of Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor. were investigated. Antiviral activities of sterile solutions were evaluated against Bovine Herpes Virus Type-1 (BHV-1) (Cooper strain). Both solutions showed cytotoxic effects. However, none of the sterile solutions showed antiviral activity with CPE values. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive response were obtained at doses of 100 mg/kg. The results of the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activities induced by carrageenan showed that these sterile solutions possess active constituents and diminish cyclooxygenase activitiy. In addition, antinociceptive activities using p-benzoquinone-induced writhing model in mice of tested solutions were found to show notable activity in statistical analysis without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first investigation of antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of sterile solutions of Ilwensisaponin A and C isolated from Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor. growing in Turkey.

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Verbascum mucronatum Lam.’ın sekonder metabolitlerinin belirlenmesi ve antimikrobiyal aktivitelerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: İzole edilen metabolitlerin, bakteri (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213) ve mantarlara (Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 90018) karşı antimikrobiyal aktiviteleri sıvı mikrodilüsyon yöntemiyle belirlenmiştir. Bulgular: V. mucronatum Lam.’ın çiçekli kısımlarının metanol ektresinin suda çözünen kısımlarından, dört iridoit glikoziti, ajugol (1), okubin (2), lasiantozit I (3), katalpol (4); iki triterpenik saponin, ilvensisaponin C (5), ilvensisaponin A (=mimengozit A) (6) ve bir feniletanoit glikoziti, verbaskozit (=akteozit) (7) izole edilmiştir. Sonuç: Elde edilen bileşikler içinde ajugol ve ilvensisaponin A, özellikle mantarlara karşı zayıf antimikrobiyal aktivite göstermiştir. Anahtar kelimeler: Scrophulariaceae, Verbascum mucronatum Lam., sekonder metabolitler, antimikrobiyal aktivite Objectives: To determine the secondary metabolites from Verbascum mucronatum Lam. and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activities of the isolated metabolites were determined using broth microdilutions against the bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213) and fungi (Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 90018). Results: Four iridoid glycosides; ajugol (1), aucubin (2), lasianthoside I (3), catalpol (4), two triterpenic saponins; ilwensisaponin C (5), ilwensisaponin A (=mimengoside A) (6), and one phenylethanoid glycoside; verbascoside (=acteoside) (7) were isolated from the water soluble parts of the methanolic extract gained flowery parts of V. mucronatum Lam. Conclusion: Within the obtained compounds, ajugol and ilwensisaponin A showed moderate antimicrobial activity, especially against fungi.

Objectives: To determine the secondary metabolites from Verbascum mucronatum Lam. and evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activities of the isolated metabolites were determined using broth microdilutions against the bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213) and fungi (Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 90018). Results: Four iridoid glycosides; ajugol (1), aucubin (2), lasianthoside I (3), catalpol (4), two triterpenic saponins; ilwensisaponin C (5), ilwensisaponin A (=mimengoside A) (6), and one phenylethanoid glycoside; verbascoside (=acteoside) (7) were isolated from the water soluble parts of the methanolic extract gained flowery parts of V. mucronatum Lam. Conclusion: Within the obtained compounds, ajugol and ilwensisaponin A showed moderate antimicrobial activity, especially against fungi.