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AbstractPropolisis produced by bees and is reported to have several pharmaceutical properties. Its antibacterial activity against strains causing upper respiratory tract infections is particularly important: Propolismight be used as a therapeutic agent to prevent the bacterial infections that sometimes overlap viral infections.In this study the in vitroactivity of both an alcoholic solution and a hydroglyceric extract of Propolisas well as its active principles, was tested against bacteria responsible for respiratory infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalisand Streptococcus pyogenes).We also evaluated the in vitroactivity of a combination of propolis and its active principles and some beta-lactams, macrolides and fluoroquinolones. Our results, though not demonstrating a clearly synergistic activity between antibiotics and Propolisand its constituents, show the possibility of using natural preparations, due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, to enhance antibacterial therapy.

The effects of Cd++ concentration increment in soil and/or in atmosphere, on germination, growth and alkaloid contents of Datura metel L. were investigated. We observed a significant reduction of growth following addition of Cd++ in soil. Minor effects on growth were evident when the plants were sprayed with CdCl2 solution (10mgCd++/l).Scanning electron microscope observation showed stomata widely open and conspicuous cuticular striations in the foliar epidermis of polluted plants.GLC analysis of extracts evidenced a significant variation in active principle content among plants undergoing different treatments.

Vernoniaroot is a herbal remedy used in Mali folk medicine for treatment of gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer. The clinical trial conducted in Mali on a small number of patients gave encouraging results. In our studies, the aqueous extract of Vernonia, administered before or after an ulcerogenous agent, reduces the number and severity of ethanol-induced ulcers. The extract does not produce changes in volume, pH and total acid output in pyloric-ligated animals.

Alcohol Extracts Of Leaf and Fruit Trichome Of Mucuna Pruriens Dc, An African Traditional Plant, Were Screened For Analgesic and Antipyretic Activity In The Rat. The Extracts Were Administered By Gavage and Found To Increase The Pain Threshold and Decrease Body Temperature, When Pyrexia Was Induced By Injecting A Yeast Suspension. The Extracts Also Showed Anti-Inflammatory Activity, As They Were Able To Inhibit Carrageenin-Induced Edema.

Cu is a microelement that plays an exclusively catalytic role in plants in numerous enzymes and acts in nitrite reduction as a component of nitrite-reductase. Copper compounds are used in agriculture against a large number of parasitic fungi so that very high concentrations of Cu can be found in the aerial parts of plants and in the soil. The effects of repeated spraying with copper oxychloride solution on the development and active principle content of Datura metel L. were studied.

Astragalus siculus Biv. (endemic to Sicily) is used in popular medicine. Various extracts of Astragalus siculus Biv. showed marked anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities in rats and mice. The extracts also showed antimicrobial effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.

A study on the composition and biological activity of the seed fatty oil of Delphinium staphisagria L. has been carried out. The sterols isolated from the fatty oil after saponification, and the effects of the administration of the oil on Swiss mice, are reported.

This study was performed in the rabbit to evaluate the tolerability of the methanol extracts of D. gnidium bark and leaves in single topical application, after repeated application and after UV exposure, as these preparations prove to have good antibacterial and antimycotic activities. The results of the acute primary irritation, phototoxicity and sensitization tests show that D. gnidium leaf extract has a good cutaneous tolerability, while the bark extract could not be used by topical application due to its capability to induce photochemical skin damage. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study was performed in the rabbit to evaluate the tolerability of the methanol extracts of D. gnidiumbark and leaves in single topical application, after repeated application and after UV exposure, as these preparations prove to have good antibacterial and antimycotic activities. The results of the acute primary irritation, phototoxicity and sensitization tests show that D. gnidiumleaf extract has a good cutaneous tolerability, while the bark extract could not be used by topical application due to its capability to induce photochemical skin damage. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The antibacterial activity of Rhus coriarialeaf methanol extract was assayed against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria; antimycotic activity was assayed against some Candidaspecies. MICs were determined by a broth microdilution assay in microlitre plates using Mueller–Hinton medium. MBCs were determined by plating 0.01 mL samples from clear 1 mL tubes onto agar plates. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The antibacterial activity of Rhus coriaria leaf methanol extract was assayed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; antimycotic activity was assayed against some Candida species. MICs were determined by a broth microdilution assay in microlitre plates using Mueller–Hinton medium. MBCs were determined by plating 0.01 mL samples from clear 1 mL tubes onto agar plates. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.