Panciu Corina-Maria

A. europaeum is a well mentioned Unani herb, belonging to Aristolochiaceae family and indigenous to the Eastern and Southern Europe. A. europaeum has traditionally been utilised in Unani medicine to treat respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological diseases, hepatic chaos, genitourinary disorders, snake poisoning, vector-borne infections, and epidemic prophylaxis. This review aims to compile the previous and present available information concerning about the ethno-botanical aspects, phyto-chemical constituents, isolated metabolites, and pharmacological profiling of this herb correlating the principles of Unani doctrine, thereby may offer series of valuable data for researchers and pharmaceuticals to develop novel therapeutic ways. Material and methods: A detailed literature review has been conducted on A. europaeum in various electronic databases, including Pub Med, Web of Science, Wiley, Science Direct, Elsevier, Google Scholar, ACS publications, Springer Link etc. Furthermore, books (Unani ancient classical books) were consulted in Urdu, Arabic, Persian and English to collate the particulars. Results: The present literature survey incorrigibly illustrated the usage of A. europaeum as a prophylactic drug in several diseases such as chicken pox, plague, and viral fevers, including COVID-19 and therapeutically, aid in managing bronchitis, epilepsy, hepatitis, ascites, amenorrhoea, paralysis, sciatica, lumbago, and urolithiasis. It has been well documented its usage in the form of powder, decoction, syrup, extract, and oil as a single drug or in compound formulations with the amalgamation of other herbs. Phyto-chemical analysis from various sections of the plant revealed the presence of varied chemical constituents for example essential oils (with four chemotypes), flavonoids, phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamins, terpenes and sesquiterpenes. It has also been evaluated through in vitro, in vivo, in silico, preclinical and clinical trial models for the diverse pharmacological activities named as antibacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-proliferative activities etc. Still, only sporadic herb studies have been published so far. Conclusion: The current paper highlights botany, ethno pharmacology, phyto-chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology in depth. Preliminary pharmacological studies on different extracts and fractions of support the claim of Unani scholars that it is useful in the treatment of various diseases. However, immediate efforts must be made to determine its mechanism of action, efficacy, dosage, and safety in combating various pathological states. The study will undoubtedly serve as the basis for future research to further demonstrate the ethno medicinal and therapeutic potential for health-care product improvement. Ethno pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, safety profile, prophylactic aspects, and therapeutic potential of Asarum europaeum L. in Unani medicine: An evidence-based appraisal

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of Commiphora molmol extract (CME) and its effects on body weight and blood lipids. Materials and Methods: The analgesic effect was assessed using thermal (hot plate test) and chemical (writhing test) stimuli to induce central and peripheral pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined using formalin-induced paw edema in rats. For anti-hyperlipidemic effect, 25 rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5). Group 1 was fed on basal diet (normal control), while the other four groups were fed on high-fat diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity and hyperlipidemia. Thereafter, Group 2 was kept obese hyperlipidemic, and Groups 3, 4 and 5 were orally given CME in doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg for 6 weeks, respectively. Body weight gains of rats were calculated, and blood samples were collected for analysis of blood lipids. Results: CME produced a dose-dependent analgesic effect using both hot plate and writhing tests in mice. The hot plate method appeared to be more sensitive than writhing test. CME exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity as it decreased volume of paw edema induced by formalin in rats. The extract decreased body weight gain; normalized the high levels of blood lipids and decreased atherogenic index low-density lipoprotein/ high-density lipoprotein in obese hyperlipidemic rats. Conclusion: The results denote that C. molmol extract (myrrh) has significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic effects and reduces body weight gain and improves blood lipids profile. These results affirm the traditional use of C. molmol for the treatment of pain, inflammations, and hyperlipidemia. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of Commiphora molmol extract (Myrrh)

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of Ammi visnaga L. essential oil to provide a scientific basis for the use of this plant in the traditional pharmacopoeia. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the volatile constituents present of the oil. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and the reducing power assays. For the in vivo tests, oral administration of Ammi visnaga L. oil (600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight) was performed in Swiss albino mice treated with acetaminophen (400 mg/kg). The toxic effect of acetaminophen and the action of the essential oil were measured by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidneys homogenates. The major components identified were butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, pentyl ester, (Z)-β-ocimene, D-limonene, linalool, pulegone and lavandulyl-butyrate. The in vitro DPPH and reducing power assays showed moderate to low free radical scavenging activity and the antioxidant power was positively correlated with the polyphenols’ concentration. In vivo, the Ammi visnaga L. essential oil showed a high antioxidant capacity at both concentrations (600 and 1200 mg/kg), effectively increasing the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and significantly reducing the lipid peroxidation. The results obtained from this study suggest that Ammi visnaga L. could represent a source of molecules with antioxidant potential in the prevention of free radical-related diseases. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Ammi visnaga L. Essential Oil

The present study was designed to explore the neuroprotective properties of Aconitum napellus (Ranunculaceae). The plant detoxification was done using either water, or cow or goat milk as per the Ayurvedic shodhana method. The evaluation of the neuroprotective role of A. napellus was performed on diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Body mass, blood sugar level, oral glucose tolerance test, hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, motor co-ordination test, and locomotor activity, oxidative biomarkers (TBARS, reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and sciatic nerve histomorphology were assessed. The in vitro studies were done on human neuroblastoma cell line SHSY-5Y and used an MTT assay to assess the antiproliferative activity of different extracts. Results suggest that the goat milk treated chloroform extract has less percentage of aconitine. After administration of the detoxified chloroform extract to the diabetic animals, there was a significant improvement in the myelination and degenerative changes of the nerve fibers along with behavioral changes (p < 0.05 as compared with diabetic control group). The findings of the in vitro research show an effective neuroprotective role of A. napellus. This suggests that A. napellus should be further investigated for its effect in diabetic pathology. Neuroprotective Effects of Dried Tubers of Aconitum napellus

Ononis spinosa L. is a plant traditionally used as folk remedy. There are numerous studies regarding chemical constituents and health beneficial properties of Ononidis Radix. The following study was designed to investigate chemical composition and antifungal potential of the methanolic extract obtained from the O. spinosa L. herb. Chemical analyses regarding phenolic compounds of O. spinosa were performed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI/MSn). Antifungal activity, antibiofilm properties and antifungal mode of action of the extract were evaluated, as well as cytotoxicity. Chemical analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, isoflavonoids and phenolic acids in O. spinosa, with kaempherol-O-hexoside-pentoside being the most abundant compound (5.1 mg/g extract). Methanolic extract was active against all of the tested microfungi with Penicillium aurantiogriseum being the most sensitive to the extract inhibitory effect at 0.02 mg/mL; and effectively inhibited biofilms formed by Candida strains. Minimum fungicidal concentrations of extract rose in the presence of ergosterol and leakage of cellular components was detected. The extract showed no cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cells. This study significantly contributes to overall knowledge about medicinal potential of O. spinosa herbal extract and enlightens previously unrevealed properties. O. spinosa aerial parts seem to be an interesting candidate for the development of antifungal preparations, non-toxic to human cells. Methanolic Extract of the Herb Ononis spinosa L. Is an Antifungal Agent with no Cytotoxicity to Primary Human Cells

Essential oils from plants have been proven safe as natural antioxidants, and few are already marketed as digestive enhancers as well as in prevention of several degenerative diseases. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity of seed and shell essential oils of Abrus precatorius (L), a herb used for ethno-medicinal practices in Nigeria. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation. The ability of the oils to act as hydrogen/electrons donor or scavenger of radicals were determined by in-vitro antioxidant assays using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH.) scavenging; 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging; lipid peroxide and nitric oxide radicals scavenging assays. The IC50 of the seed and shell oils (2.10 mg/mL and 1.20 mg/mL respectively) showed that antioxidant activity is higher than that for the standard drugs (3.20 mg/mL and 3.40 mg/mL) for the nitric oxide scavenging assay. The lipid peroxidation radical activity of the oils were similar to vitamin C, weak DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were discovered in comparison to vitamin C and rutin. Generally, in the four antioxidant assays, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the oils and percentage inhibition of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The composition of A. precatorius essential oils reported earlier may account for their antioxidant capacity. This study shows that besides the traditional uses of the plant extract, the essential oils extracted from A. precatorius seeds and shells have good antioxidant potential, and could probably replace synthetic antioxidants in further studies. Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Seed and Shell Essential Oils Extracted from Abrus precatorius (L)

Helleborus purpurascens Waldst. & Kit. (Helleborus purpurascens L.) from the Ranunculaceae family has been used as a medicinal plant in Romanian and European ethnomedicine for centuries . One of the first mentions of the therapeutic effect of this plant occurs in Diseases of Women by Hippocrates. Also, the use of the plant in Dacian medicine is reported in De Materia Medica. In traditional European medicine, hellebore is used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, cardiotonic, analgesic, antiseizure, laxative and other effects. Modern Romanian studies from the end of the last century have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of the plant in the treatment of severe forms of rheumatism. Recent research has confirmed their unique antitumor and immunomodulating activity. The undertaken study describes the low-molecular-mass metabolite profiling of Helleborus purpurascens growing wild in Romania. The biological activities of each category of phytoconstituents were discussed. Furthermore, a new phyto-carrier system (hellebore-AgNPs system) with unique physical–chemical characteristics and high antioxidant activity was prepared. The encapsulation potential of the plant samples (i.e., hellebore) and new phyto-carrier system (hellebore-AgNPs system) in chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) was evaluated. The development of two new phyto-nanocarriers, HC and HAgC, was confirmed through FTIR, EDX, XRD, DLS and SEM studies. The thermal stability was investigated. Several different antioxidant assays (DPPH, Folin–Ciocalteu, phosphomolybdate (total antioxidant capacity) and iron(III)-phenanthroline antioxidant) were carried out to ensure that HC and HAgC exhibited potent antioxidant activity. Collectively, this study shows the potential advantages of these phyto-nanocarriers encapsulated as selective therapeutic delivery systems. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary to investigate the in vitro release, biological properties and bioavailability of these new phyto-nanocarriers. Wild-Grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Approach to Novel Chitosan Phyto-Nanocarriers—Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Properties

Origanum vulgare L. (oregano, wild marjoram), an herbaceous Mediterranean species of the Lamiaceae family, comprises several subspecies such as hirtum Ietsw., vulgare L., viridulum (Martrin-Donos) Nyman, glandulosum (Desfontaines) Ietswaart, gracile (Koch) Ietsw., virens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Ietsw., and viride L.. In Romania, the most widespread O. vulgare species is O. vulgare ssp. vulgare . In terms of chemical composition, research on O. vulgare species from various countries have previously been reported: Italy , Greek , Serbia, Egypt , Pakistan , China , India , Iraq , Macedonia . Representatives of the following important classes of active principles were revealed: essential oil (with carvacrol and/or thymol, linalool, and p-cymene), polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids), triperpenoids, and sterols . European oregano has been traditionally used since ancient times for its carminative, stomachic, emmenagogue, and expectorant effects to treat cramps, flatulence, coughs, or menstrual problems . Origanum vulgare’s longstanding use in traditional medicine attracts even greater interest in designing new pharmaceutical formulations in various areas. New investigations have shown many therapeutic properties: antimicrobial , antiviral , antioxidant , anti-inflammatory , antispasmodic, antiurolithic, antiproliferative , neuroprotective, etc. Because of its high antioxidant activity, O. vulgare is an important natural source for the preservation of different food or cosmetics . This study provides data on the chemical and biological characterization of the spontaneous Romanian Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare. In the ethanolic extract of oregano, four phenolic acids (gentisic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric and rosmarinic acids) and six flavonoids (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin and luteolin) were identified by HPLC-MS. The biological effects, particularly the antioxidant, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective, were significant. The antioxidant activity, evaluated using CUPRAC, FRAP, inhibition of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c, and SO scavenging assays, indicated that O. vulgare extract had a high antioxidant potential, in line with the total polyphenolic content.Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare: Chemical Composition and Biological Studies

The demographic situation of the last few decades is characterized by the increased numbers of elderly and senile people, i.e., by the aging of the population. In humans, ageing is closely associated with the enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), development of systemic inflammation and related vascular atherosclerotic alterations and metabolic disorders, like obesity, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. As these age-related alterations are directly associated with up-regulation of ROS production and development of chronic oxidative stress, their onset can be essentially delayed by continuous daily consumption of dietary antioxidants—natural products of plant origin. Such antioxidants (in the form of plant extracts, biologically active complexes or individual compounds) can be supplemented to functional foods, i.e., dietary supplementations for daily diet aiming prolongation of active life and delay of the senescence onset. Thereby, use of widely spread medicinal plants might essentially improve cost efficiency of this strategy and availability of antioxidant-rich functional foods. Therefore, here we addressed, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the antioxidant activity of the extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Filipendula ulmaria and Alnus glutinosa growing in the Kaliningrad region of Russia, and assessed the contents of the biologically active substances underlying these properties. It was found that the extract prepared with the leaves of Filipendula ulmaria and female catkins of Alnus glutinosa demonstrated high antioxidant activity, although the former plant was featured with a higher antioxidant potential. The highest antioxidant activity detected in the methanol extracts of Alnus glutinosa reached 1094.02 ± 14.53 µmol TE/g, radical scavenging of activity was 584.45 ± 35.3 µmol TE/g, reducing capacity at interaction with iron complex—471.63 ± 7.06 µmol TE/g. For the methanol extracts of Filipendula ulmaria the antioxidant activity reached 759.78 ± 19.08 µmol TE/g, antioxidant activity for free radical removal was 451.08 ± 24.45 µmol TE/g and antioxidant activity for restorative ability with iron complex was 332.28 ± 10.93 µmol TE/g. These values are consistent with the total yields of the extracts and their content of ellagic acid. The ethyl acetate extracts of the both plants showed just minimal antioxidant activity. Thus, the considered extracts have an essential potential. This creates good prospects for the further use of herbal extracts of Filipendula ulmaria and Study of the Antioxidant Properties of Filipendula ulmaria and Alnus glutinosa as a source of natural antioxidants.

Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady’s mantle) was used for centuries in Europe and Balkan countries for treatments of numerous conditions and diseases of the reproductive system, yet some of the biological activities of lady’s mantle have been poorly studied and neglected. The present study aimed to estimate the potential of A. vulgaris ethanolic extract from Southeast Serbia to prevent and suppress tumor development in vitro, validated by antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. A total of 45 compounds were detected by UHPLC–HRMS analysis in A. vulgaris ethanolic extract. Measurement of antioxidant activity revealed the significant potential of the tested extract to scavenge free radicals. In addition, the analysis of micronuclei showed an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. A. vulgaris extract strongly suppressed the growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors (MCF-7, A375, A549, and HCT116). The observed antitumor effect is realized through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. In addition, this medicinal plant exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties . In the context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, plant drugs and extracts are considered potent antibacterial agents without the risk of a further increase in resistance to standard antimicrobial agents. A recent study targeting the effects of the lady’s mantle infusion after hypoxic exposure indicated the neuroprotective properties of the plant drug . Neagu et al. , demonstrated the acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory effect of Alchemilla vulgaris extract, and therefore it was assumed that the species could be used in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases . The results of this study strongly support the historically collected data about the healing potential of Alchemilla vulgaris L. from Southeast Europe, which was traditionally used as a medicinal plant for centuries. This study confirmed that the ethanolic extract of Alchemilla vulgaris L. represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds with multiple beneficial biological properties, including strong antitumor activity and remarkable genoprotective features resulting, at least partly, from the strong antioxidant potential of this plant.Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro

Aristolochia is the largest genus of the Aristolochiaceae family which is widespread throughout the North Africa and Europe Asia. In the traditional systems of Indian medicine, Aristolochia clematitis is used as stomachic, an astringent in dentistry, used against gastric disorders, headache, snake bite poisoning, toothache and fever. In addition, the decoctate of the plant is used for the treatment of the ulcer (Iserin et al., 2001). Furthermore, Theophraste (372-286 before J.-C.) reported that A. clematitis is popularly used for treating uterus dysfunction, snake bite, stomach complaints and the wound. Moreover, this plant is used for a long time as disinfectant and helps in childbirth. In South Algeria, and in addition to the medicinal uses of A. clematitis described above, the population uses this plant as antitumor and anticancer. Chemically, the plants of the genus Aristolochia L. are known to contain phenanthrene derivatives of which predominantly aristolochic acids cause fagocytosis of leukocytes and also reveal antitumour (Wall et al., 1987) and genotoxic (Mengs and Klein, 1988) activities. Moreover, phenylpropane derivatives (Lopes et al., 1987) and alkaloids belonging to bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine (Chakravarty et al., 1988, Rücker and Mayer, 1985) groups were reported in this family. The plant A. clematitis L. has been known to contain several constituents such as aristolochic acids, aristolactam N-ß-D-glucoside, magnoflorine iodide, aristolone, β-sitosterol, sitosterol β-D-glucoside, ferulic (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic), 4-coumaric (4-hydroxycinnamic) acids, and methyl ester (Kostalova et al., 1991). In vitro antioxidant activity was carried out with tannins and methanolic extracts by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The IC50 value was determined for each extract. From the results of the DPPH method, it was found that tannin extract displayed strong antioxidant activity as ascorbic acid and methanolic extract. In this study, DPPH radical scavenging activity of tannins and methanolic extracts were applied to determine their kinetic behaviour. The tannin extract showed very fast kinetic action compared to the methanolic extract, which is probably a result of the different kinetic behaviour of antioxidants present in A. clematitis roots. The main conclusion is that extracts under study are effective as scavengers of free radicals and can be used as a source of new low cost antioxidants. In vitro antioxidant activity was carried out with tannins and methanolic extracts by the DPPHradical dot free radical scavenging method. The IC50 value was determined for each extract. From the results of the DPPH method, it was found that tannin extract displayed strong antioxidant activity as ascorbic acid and methanolic extract. In this study, DPPHradical dot radical scavenging activity of tannins and methanolic extracts were applied to determine their kinetic behaviour. The tannin extract showed very fast kinetic action compared to the methanolic extract, which is probably a result of the different kinetic behaviour of antioxidants present in A. clematitis roots. The main conclusion is that extracts under study are effective as scavengers of free radicals and can be used as a source of new low cost antioxidants.

Potentilla anserina L. (silverweed) is a low-growing herbaceous plant of the Rosaceae family. It is found in the temperate zone around the globe and most commonly on sandy or rocky clay soils in Europe, Siberia, the Far East, and Central Asia. Remedies containing P. anserina total herb are widely used in various folk and medical systems, particularly in traditional Tibetan medicine and folk medicine. In Tibetan medicine, P. anserina herb is used for infectious diarrhea with fever, while its roots and rhizomes are applied as an antiseptic remedy. In Yakutian medicine, the tincture from P. anserina flowers in vodka is used as an antidiarrheal remedy; the water decoction from flowers and leaves is applied for kidney and liver diseases, respectively. The gruel from the fresh leaves is used as a wound-healing agent . In Chinese medicine, the whole plant is applied for the treatment of hematemesis . Traditionally, Mongolian arats (cattle-breeders) applied P. anserina as an astringent and bactericidal remedy for treatment of enterocolitis and dyspepsia . Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the significance of the mean difference was determined by Duncan’s multiple range test. Differences at p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results are presented as mean values ± SD (standard deviations) of the three replicates. At the present study, a new rapid microcolumn RP-HPLC-UV method has been developed to simultaneously determine seven major phenolic compounds in the Potentilla anserina L. herb. The method showed a good linearity, precision, and accuracy, so it was suitable for quality control of the commercial samples of P. anserina L. herb. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was successfully employed to optimize the extraction, and several experimental parameters have been evaluated. The best combination of response functions was 60% acetone, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 40:1, and an extraction of 30 min at 40 °C under ultrasound irradiation of 100 W. In addition, 12 samples collected in different Siberian regions and two commercial herbs and preparations have been analyzed. The results warrant further discussion of the appropriate quality control of P. anserina pharmaceuticals. Phenolic Profile of Potentilla anserina L. (Rosaceae) Herb of Siberian Origin and Development of a Rapid Method for Simultaneous Determination of Major Phenolics in P. anserina Pharmaceutical Products by Microcolumn RP-HPLC-UV

Digitalis heywoodii is a subspecies (ssp) of Digitalis purpurea L. that has not been thoroughly investigated. Differences and similarities exists between D. purpurea spp. heywoodii and D. pupurea from botanical (Silva and Silva, 1959; Werner, 1966; Valdes, 1987; Ayuso et al., 1991) and phytochemical (Lungeanu et al., 1963; Lungeanu, 1968) perspectives. This subspecies was discovered by Silva and Silva in 1959, however, no pharmacological study has been carried out on this taxon until now because of its small habitat. The presence of steroid glycosides in leaves of D. purpurea spp. heywoodii, was described by Langeanu et al., in 1963. Eight compounds have been isolated: lanatoside A, lanatoside B, purpurea glycoside A, purpurea glycoside B, glucoevatromonoside, glucolanatoside, digitalinum verum and strospeside. Although pharmacological effects of the plant extracts have been found previously (Ayuso et al., * Corresponding author. 1993; Navarro et al., 1994), it was decided to broaden the understanding about their cardiovascular activity. In 1930 Smith investigated an alternative plant source, the Digitalis lanata, and isolated from it the compound digoxin that is now commonly used when a cardiac glycoside is required. When in 1933 Stoll and Kreis crystallised digilanids, lanatosides A, B and C from D. lanata, the major components of both D. purpurea and D. lanata had been characterised (Stoll and Kreis, 1933). From a methanolic extract of leaves of D. purpurea spp. heywoodii we have identified four cardenolides: digitalinum verum, strospeside, purpureaglycoside A, and lanatoside A by its relative R as well as by direct comparison with authentic samples. On the other hand, a quantitative relationship does appear to exist between the cardiac action of extract and its emetic activity. The emetic potency of extract and digoxin was similar with doses 0.5 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. In conclusion, early results of the pharmacological activity of methanolic extract of D. purpurea spp. heywoodii demonstrate that this plant has an interesting biological activity, due to the digitalis compounds present on it. There is a good methanolic extract: digoxin relationship with respect to the dose-response obtained with the different tests and the presence of gitoxin derivatives (digitalinum verum, strospeside). These compounds have been very rarely mentioned in the pharmacological literature (Abiko et al., 1965; Abiko and Ito, 1967; Abiko, 1967). Cardiovascular activity of a methanolic extract of Digitalis purpurea spp. heywoodii

Primula vulgaris belongs to the genus Primula, members of which are frequently used in folk medicine. Various studies have investigated the cytotoxic effect of different Primula species, but there have been limited studies on the cytotoxic effect of P. vulgaris. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects, and possible mechanisms involved, of P. vulgaris flower extract on human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. The cytotoxic effect of the extract on HeLa cells was revealed using the MTT assay. Mechanisms involved in the extract's cytotoxic effect were then investigated in terms of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the cell cycle, using fluorometric methods. P. vulgaris flower extract exhibited selective cytotoxic effects against HeLa cells by arresting their cell cycle at the S phase, and inducing the number of apoptotic cells compared to normal fibroblast cells by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner. This is the first study to reveal the antiproliferative effect of P. vulgaris flower extract. Further studies are now needed to identify the cytotoxic molecules in the extract and their mechanisms. Gentamicin and trypsin/EDTA solutions were obtained from Biological Industries (Kibbutz Beit Haemek, Israel), Eagle's minimum essential medium (EMEM) from Lonza (Verviers, Belgium), and fetal bovine serum (FBS) from Biochrom (Berlin, Germany). All flow cytometry kits were purchased from Becton Dickinson (San Diego, CA, USA). The other principal chemicals used were obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO, USA). This is the first study to examine the mechanisms involved in the in vitro cytotoxic effect of P. vulgaris flower extract on HeLa cells. Further studies are now needed for a more detailed understanding of the exact interaction of the signaling pathways involved. Primula vulgaris extract induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human cervix cancer cells

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Capparis spinosa as a Medicinal Plant . C. spinosa is one of the most important economical species in the Capparidaceae family which has a wide range of diversity (i.e., about 40–50 genera and 700–900 species) . Capparidaceae has been known to be closely related to the family of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) that is rich in glucosinolates and flavonoids . C. spinosa is also known as Caper, wild watermelon (in China) . Cappero (in Italy), Alaf-e-Mar (in Persian) and Alcapparo (in Spain) . C. spinosa is a dicotyledonous perennial shrub which can grow up to 1 m high and has extensive root systems . It is native to the Mediterranean basin and widely distributed from Morroco to Crimea, Armernia, Iran . Several countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey have widely produced C. spinosa. C. spinosa which is an aromatic plant is usually cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions . The most common propagation of C. spinosa is vegetative cuttings . It can flourish under dry hot conditions in either well-drained or poor soils. Although many studies using various parts of C. spinosa have reported diverse pharmacological activities including anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive, there is still no conclusive information regarding the association between C. spinosa and its health benefits. This is because only a very few studies that involved human subjects examined the effect of C. spinosa consumption on human health. C. spinosa has the potential to be used for the treatment of hypertension. In a study of spontaneously hypertensive rats. A study by Gadgoli and Mishra evaluated the effects of C. spinosa on the antihepatotoxic on rats against paracetamol and carbontetrachloride induced toxicity in vivo. The underlying mechanism influencing human health by the consumption of C. spinosa still remains unclear. The effect of short- and long-term consumption of C. spinosa on human health therefore needs to be further evaluated. Furthermore, the role of the gut microbiota in the degradation of polyphenolic compounds present in the plant has not been considered. This aspect should be put forward in the perspectives .