Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants

Biography

Marcin Stocki is PhD student from the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry at the University of Bialystok in the field of chemistry. In 2013, he completed postgraduate studies in "Analytics in environmental protection - chromatography and separation techniques in various variants of trace determinations" at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. He is assistant at Faculty of Forestry of Bialystok University of Technology.

Abstract

Birch buds (Gemmae Betulae) are widely used in traditional medicine mainly as a diuretic and diaphoretic agent but also as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Despite the long history of therapeutic use of birch buds in folk medicine, the existing information on their chemical composition and pharmacological effects is insufficient. This circumstance warrants further study of the chemistry and pharmacology of birch buds. The present study was designed to investigate (a) the chemical composition of buds from two species of white birch and (b) the in vitro cytotoxic effect of extracts from these sources on selected tumour cells.

Extracts from Betula pubescens Ehrh. and Betula pendula Roth buds were obtained using three different methods: carbon dioxide supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), washing of exudate covering whole buds, and extraction of milled buds with diethyl ether. Chemical composition of the buds of these extracts was examined with chromatographic methods. Twenty three pure compounds were isolated and some were identified in mixtures with GC-MS method. The major components of both sources were terpenoids and methoxylated flavonoid aglycones, derivatives of flavane, flavone and flavonol. For the first time were isolated glycosides (+)-catechin 7-O-glucopyranoside, hyperoside and avicularin and identified procyanidins in butanol extracts. The comparative quantitative examinations showed that buds from B. pubescens are richer in flavonoids and phenolic acids than from B. pendula.

Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay, and cell proliferation was determined by [³H]thymidine uptake in cancer cells and normal skin fibroblasts. The highest cytotoxic activity demonstrated bud exudates and SFE extracts obtained from both Betula species. The rich chemical composition of birch buds suggests the possibility of a wider spectrum of biological activity than previously thought. Birch bud extracts could be a promising source of compounds with cytotoxic activity against various cancers.

Biography

Nikola Stojanovic (born in 1990) obtained his MD degree at the Department of Medicine (Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia) and was awarded as the best graduated student for the graduation year 2014/2015. He began his research work during the second year of his studies (8 years ago) and he is now doing a large number of specialized in vivo and in vitro experiments in the fields of pharmacology, toxicology, biology, immunology and microbiology of active natural/synthetic compounds. His main focus currently involves the effects of essential oils on the levels of anxiety in both humans and animals. Besides that, Nikola Stojanovic is an author and coauthor of a number of publications in highly esteemed peer-reviewed journals.

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric diseases, with around ¼ of the World population suffering from these disorders during their lifetimes [1,2]. Besides psyche-related symptoms, these patients can have a large number of somatic symptoms as well. Although the treatment of these disorders is mainly focused on resolving its mental component, one cannot neglect the need for the treatment of accompanying somatic symptoms. Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm), in various formulations, has been extensively used as an ethnomedicinal remedy for the treatment of different psyche-related symptoms and its use is considered relatively safe [3]. In the present study, the potential activity of M. officinalis essential oil was evaluated in several in vitro models and in vivo animal studies mimicking or involving anxiety-related somatic symptoms. Effects of M. officinalis essential oil on BALB/c mice motor activity was estimated using an open field, rotarod and horizontal wire tests. The performance of mice treated with 25 mg/kg of the oil showed a statistically significant decrease in the motor impairment arising from acute anxiety (open field test), while there was a prolonged latency and a reduction of the frequency of falling from a rotating rod and/or a horizontal wire (signs of muscle weakness/spasms). Additionally, the essential oil was assayed for its potential in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and was found to be a very weak enzyme inhibitor. The potential beneficial properties of the essential oil on the function of the gastrointestinal system were evaluated in the models of spontaneous and induced isolated mouse ileum contractions. Concentrations of the essential oil higher than 1 μg/ml were found to inhibit both spontaneous and induced ileum contractions. The observed activity of the essential oil could be attributed to a large number of different constituents of the oil, most probably the monoterpenes which represent more than 50% of the oil

Biography

Eleni Stavraki has graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University of Bratislava (SK). Four years working experience as a pharmacist influenced her on phytochemistry and the value of herbal medicines. Therefore, she participated in the master program of the Division of Pharmacognosy and Chemistry of Natural Products, Dept. of Pharmacy, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR), and devoted her research on medicinal mushrooms. In the framework of this study, she had the opportunity to learn phytochemical  methods on the isolation, structural elucidation and further applications of bioactive natural products

Abstract

In the framework of our phytochemical studies on edible mushrooms, we report  herein, the chemical analyses of selected species of truffles (Tuber aestivum, T. melanosporum, T. mesentericum, T. magnatum, T. borchii, T. brumale and T. uncinatum) and Ganoderma lucidum growing wild in North Greece (all truffles) and Lesvos island respectively. Truffles are the fruiting bodies of mychorrhizal filamentous fungi well-known and valuable, as food, since antiquity [1] regarding to their unique taste and peculiar aroma. G. lucidum is the most appreciated and widely used medicinal mushroom in Asia, since last 2400 years [2]. The aim of this study was to qualify and quantify their aroma profile, by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) οn fresh, frozen and dried samples, comparing them with five (5) commercial truffle olive oils of the Greek market.. Isolation procedures through different extractions and analytical techniques were further evaluated and the isolated metabolites were structurally determined by modern spectral means. All studied samples were compared regarding their total phenolic content by Follin Ciocalteau. Their antioxidant and in vitro enzyme inhibitory properties were determined using free radical scavenging (DPPH, ABTS), reducing power (FRAP, CUPRAC), phosphomolybdenum and ferrous ion chelating assays, while they were also evaluated against cholinesterases, α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes [3,4,5]. Finally, their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against a panel of human pathogenic bacteria and fungi, showing an interesting profile.

Biography

Demet Akalgan has PhD. on Pharmacognosy, Pharmacognosic Researches on Petroedmondia Syriaca (Boıss.) Tamamsch (Ph. D. Thesis) and Master of Science on Phytotherapy, Determination of Parthenolide in Tanacetum argenteum (Lam.) Willd. Subsp. Argenteum (M.Sc Thesis). 16 years of experience at Ministry of Health on regulatory affairs and regulations of medical devices, medicinal products, clinical trials and cosmetics. She has various certifications and training on European Union structure and ICH Guidelines (GMP, GDP, GCP). Ms. Akalgan is Head of Pharmacogmosy Department Girne American University, Faculty of Pharmacy and lecturing on Pharmacognosy. She has publications on breast cancer and migraine. She provides scientific support and consultation to private industry.

Abstract

Biography

Hulya Kayhan after graduating from Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy, she went to London to make a Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Technology. During her graduate studies at King's College, she took alternative therapies covering aromatherapy and phytotherapy. Aromatherapy attracted a lot of her interest and she began to intensify its work in this area. She took lessons from the greatest instructors of aromatherapy and meticulously scanned all resources in different languages, reinforced her mastery of aromatherapy, decided to create a brand. Today, she is the owner of “Art de Huile” which is the most popular brand on aromatherapy. She continues her works by organizing conferences on aromatherapy as well as by giving trainings to pharmacist colleagues and doctors and by joining panels. Medical aromatherapy in Turkey, has led doctors to enter prescriptions.

Abstract

Essential oils are also have long been known to have antimicrobial properties and these properties have been reviewed in the past studies as having strong antimicrobial effects. Wilkins and Board also reported that more than 1,340 plants are known to be potential sources of antimicrobial compounds. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of plant extracts is frequently due to the essential oil fraction, or to sulfur-containing compounds in the aqueous phase. These compounds are also responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor of the spices.. The antimicrobial activity of plant oils and extracts has formed the basis of many applications, including raw and processed food preservation, pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine and natural therapies

This study was designed to investigate antimicrobial properties of natural essential oils including; citronella, cinnamon, palmarosa, niaouli, clove, lavender, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, petitgrain, peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus from different oil sources. Datas taken from the disk diffusion assay indicate that cinnamon, niaouli, lavender, petitgrain and the tea tree oils have the most intense antibacterial effects on related microorganisms at the concentration %100 (direct usage). Endpoints confirm results reported in the past studies including the MIC assays on the related natural oils. Overall, natural oils have been used safely for many decades on the cosmetic formulations and this experiment emphasizes one more time the importance of the natural oils usage in industry.

After all these endpoints, we can summerize that essential oils are gaining popularity within the supported antimicrobial results. As personal care and naturopathic remedies continue to provide alternative solutions for people desiring to take charge of their own health care, it is important to have a firm understanding of essential oils.

Biography

Abstract

Platelets play pivotal role in primary hemostasis and several cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in athero-thrombotic disease are associated with an increase in blood platelets aggregation. RT extracts was investigated for anti-aggregant activity induced by collagen in vitro and ex vivo by measuring the bleeding time and platelets count. Our finding demonstrated that RT extract showed a significant (P<0.001) inhibition of collagen induced platelets aggregation (1, 48±0, 76, n=3). This results correlate well with data of bleeding time and platelet count. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids which are may be implicated in this action.

Biography

Dr. CL. Ringmichon obtained a Ph.D degree (Science) in Botany from University of Mumbai, India. She was working as a Senior Research Fellow in Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi. She was teaching in Biology at North Point Higher Secondary School, Imphal and Little Angel’s English School, Manipur, she was also a Visiting Lecturer in Faculty (Botany) Dapoli Urban Bank Senior College, University of Mumbai. She has Published 08 research Papers and contributed 01 Chapter (Book Published on Ethnobotany of India, Volume-3, by Apple Academic Press Inc.). She had attended 15 International & National Conference, Seminar & Workshop; she had also 03 oral presentations and 07 Poster presentations in International and National Conference. Currently, she is working on Ethno medicinal plants of Manipur. Her Doctoral research focused on Pharmacognostic and Pharmacological studies on some Ethno medicinal Antipyretic Plants from Manipur. Her area of study is Botany, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Ethno medicine. She’s the member of the “Ethnobotany International Journal of the society of Ethnobotanists”. She has also received Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship (UGC) for her Research work.

Abstract

Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S. Moore belongs to the family Asteraceae. The herb is commonly known as “Preitharpu” by the locals of Manipur. It has been used as a folklore medicine. The fleshy leaves and stems are eaten as a vegetable in Manipur. The leaf juice is used on cuts and bruises to prevent bleeding and for relief from fever, pain and stomach disorders, etc. The current investigation deals with the Pharmacognostic standardization of the said leaf drug. The parameters used are macroscopic, microscopic, histochemistry, preliminary phytochemical screening, physicochemical studies, powder study and fluorescence analysis. The diagnostic characters of leaves are presence of anamocytic stomata, uniseriate multicelled trichomes, fibers with distinct lumen, annular type of vessels, single layer palisade tissue, prism shaped calcium oxalate crystals and tannin filled cells. Physicochemical studies revealed total ash (17.47%), acid insoluble ash (0.65%), water soluble ash (14.8%), water soluble extractive (13.77%), alcohol soluble extractive (2.64%) and chloroform soluble extractive (4.29%). These parameters will help in laying the pharmacopeial standards to authenticate the leaf drug.

Biography

Abstract

The aquous extract of Ocimum Canum. (Family: Lamiaceae) leaf was investigated for its antidiabetic effect in Wistar Albino rats. Diabetes was induced in Albino rats by administration of streptozotocin (45mg/kg, I.P). The aquous extractof Ocimum canum at a dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of body weight was administered to diabetes induced rats for a period of 28

days. The effect of aquous extractof Ocimum canum leaf extract on blood  glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated haemoglobin, serum lipid profile low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), atherogenic index and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of all groups were analyzed.Antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) , serum thiobarbituric (TBAR) were measured in the diabetic rats. The aquous extractof Ocimum canum leaf elicited significant reductions of blood glucose

(p<0.01), lipid parameters except HDL-C, serum enzymes and significantly increased HDL-C and antioxidant enzymes.From the above results it is concluded that aquous extractof Ocimum canum possesses significant antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.