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The present work reports the application of powdered almond skin (PAS) for industrial bread production. Three trials were conducted involving seven bread shapes, including control production (CTR), and two experimental productions with PAS addition [5–10 % (w/w), 5-PAS and 10-PAS, respectively]. Sourdough inoculum determined the acidification of all doughs and the levels of lactic acid bacteria increased. Spore-forming aerobic bacteria, members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, and total coliforms were not detected until the end of the fermentation process. PAS addition determined a lower weight loss, an increase of firmness, a diminution of specific volume, and a different sensory profile of the breads. Mafalda was the most appreciated bread shape and was subjected to photothermal aging. 10-PAS sample, after nine-day stress, still showed a significant total phenolic compound TPC content (111.0 mg GAE/g extract). The radical scavenging potential increased with PAS with a final IC50of 103.3 μg/mL in 10-PAS breads. Experimental breads exhibited a notable enhancement in protection against lipid peroxidation. Mold-free shelf life assessment showed a 10-day shelf life for CTR breads, while a 12-day shelf life in presence of PAS. Collectively, the data suggest that PAS holds significant promise as a functional additive for industrial production of bread.

This study aims to examine the bioactivity of Calabrian extra virgin olive oil enriched with bergamot fruits (Citrus bergamiaRisso & Poiteau) harvested in Reggio Calabria province (Italy). To extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cvOttobratica 10 and 20 % of fresh fruit was added during crushing of the olives and 2 % by infusion of freeze-dried bergamot (CFVOOB10, CFVOOB20 and IFVOOB samples, respectively) was added. EVOO, bergamot extract and flavoured samples (FVOOs), were analysed throughout a one-year period. Total phenol content (TPC) as well as total chlorophyll (TChlC) and total carotenoid (TCC) contents were spectrophotometrically determined. In addition, the phenolic profile wasstudied by UHPLC. Free acidity (FA), peroxide values (PV), spectrophotometric indices, α-tocopherol, colour, and antioxidant activity were also assessed. The impact of bergamot addition on lipase, α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidase was estimated. Expert panellists evaluated the influence on the sensorial attributes, and CFVOOB10 was found to be the most pleasant. CFVOOB10 also showed the lowest PV and the highest FA after the storage. CFVOOB20 showed good protection against lipid peroxidation. Generally, all the FVOOs maintained a better inhibitory activity against the key enzymes related to obesity, compared to the EVOO. Data analyses confirmed that these FVOOs should be considered to be functional with a good sensory profile.

This study aimed to compare the effects of hot water and vacuum blanching methods on physico-chemical parameter, total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant activity of zucchini slices during 28 days storage. A significant decrease in Chroma parameter was observed over time, on the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the Hue angle ​​either between samples treated with the two blanching methods or during storage. A minimal reduction in the TPC was observed in all samples, independently by the applied treatment, compared to the value of untreated product whereas a more marked reduction in TFC compared to untreated zucchini slices was observed (− 39.91% and − 32.02% for vacuum blanched (ZS8) and hot water blanched (ZB8) zucchini treated for 8 min, respectively, respect the untreated zucchini samples at D0). First-order kinetic model was applied to monitor the effect of the two blanching processes on zucchini slices. The application of vacuum blanching allows for greater retention of bioactive compounds over time with a half-life time (t1/2) of 161 and 47 days for ZS8 versus 87 and 23 days for ZB8, respectively. Samples treated with both blanching procedure for 8 min exhibited a more markedly ABTS radical activity respect untreated one (IC50values of 17.55 and 14.98 μg/mL for ZS8 and ZB8, respectively vs 20.45 μg/mL for untreated zucchini). In general, the results obtained allow to identify in the vacuum treatment a method applicable to zucchini slices to maintain their qualitative characteristics over time.

Natural compounds have always played a key role in drug discovery. Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites belonging to the flavonoids family responsible for the purple, blue, and red colour of many vegetables and fruits. These phytochemicals have attracted the interest of researchers for their important implications in human health and for their use as natural colorants. Many in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the potential effects of anthocyanins and anthocyanins-rich foods in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This review reports the recent literature data and focuses on the potential role of anthocyanins in drug discovery. Their biological activity, analysis of structure-activity relationships, bioavailability, metabolism, and future prospects of their uses are critically described.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimumL.) leaves and flowers from Italian wild and cultivated populations were herein investigated for their content of carotenoids and tocopherols using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with the photodiode array and fluorimeter detectors to assess their functional value. Moreover, aqueous extracts were prepared to explore in vitrobioactivities never tested in this halophyte herb. Thus, chlorogenic acid-enriched sea fennel extracts were evaluated for their major bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, pancreatic lipase, and carbohydrate hydrolase inhibitors. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and α- and γ-tocopherols were identified. C. maritimumcan be considered a high source of lutein, vitamin A, and vitamin E up to 19.1, 1.85 and 52.81 mg/100 g of dried leaves, respectively. Despite a low TPC content, a promising ABTS+.radical scavenging activity (CON-L-WT, IC50value of 3.83 μg/mL) and the highest FRAP value were observed in the wild leaves extract of Conero Park of Marche Region. The water extract from the wild Sicilian leaves was the most active against pancreatic lipase. The evidence herein suggests that sea fennel extract might be potentially used in the formulation of nutraceuticals for the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemic conditions.

ABSTRACTIn this study, the essential oils obtained from the leaves of Myrtus communisL. stored in a collection orchard located at the experimental station ‘Orleans’ of the Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences of the University of Palermo (Italy) were investigated. The essential oils, analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene and myrtenyl acetate as dominant constituents. The neuroprotective effects of M. communisessential oils were investigated by analysing the antioxidant properties and cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase, AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE) inhibitory activity. Essential oils from Scopello accession possessed a promising radical scavenging potential with IC50values of 71.4 and 75.9 μg/mL for EO1 and EO2, respectively. Essential oil from Monte Pellegrino (EO5) showed the highest cholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50values of 96.0 and 87.9 μg/mL for AChE and BChE, respectively. Significant result was obtained also with EO1 against the BChE (IC50of 77.8 μg/mL). Data on essential oil together with antioxidant effects were used as variables to set a matrix for statistical analysis. Results suggest that M. communisleaves EO could be potentially used in pharmaceutical field.

Tyrosinase is a multifunctional copper-containing oxidase which catalyses the oxidation of tyrosine to produce melanin. The alteration in melanin biosynthesis occurs in many diseases. The pigment has a protecting role against skin photo-carcinogenesis, but anomalous melanin pigmentation is an aesthetic problem in human beings. Moreover, the formation of neuromelanin in human brain could contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. Finally, tyrosinase is also responsible for undesired browning in fruits and vegetables. These topics encouraged the search for new inhibitors of this enzyme for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and foods industries. This review is to report recent trends in the discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors from plant sources, to provide a rationale for the continued study of natural tyrosinase inhibitors, and to recognise the potential therapeutic rewards associated with the identification of these agents.

Background: Salvia species are known for their biological properties in many countries and might potentially provide novel therapeutic agents. This review provides an overview of the available literature on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Salvia species. Methods: Using bibliographic databases, particularly PubMed, this review aims to add new information to the list of Salvia species, including S. ceratophylla, S. chloroleuca, S. fruticosa, S. lachostachys, S. lavandulifolia, S. miltiorrhiza, S. mirzayanii, S. officinalis, S. plebeia, S. verbenaca, and S. virgata, and their main constituents as promising antiinflammatory and antioxidant agents, highlighting their mode of action. Results: Salvia species are sources of health-promoting phytochemicals that comprise polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes and several other constituents. Many studies have indicated that plants from the Salvia genus reduce the oxidative stress and may be able to prevent and/or to treat inflammatory diseases. These potential beneficial effects have been attributed to the presence of compounds that show antioxidant properties and that demonstrated to inhibit the molecular targets of pro-inflammatory mediators in inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Salvia species and their secondary metabolites may be potential agents to improve the quality of life in patients with inflammatory diseases.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated skin disease. It affects most races, does not have any sexual predilections and can manifest at any age of life. Psoriasis is more frequent in certain racial groups and geographical areas. For these reasons, both genetic and environmental factors could be considered. In this review, we discuss promising natural compounds, their molecular targets and mechanisms, which may help the further design of new anti-psoriasis agents. Literature documents the widespread use of herbal remedies worldwide, and the presence of some phytochemicals supports the efficacy of some botanical treatments. The research on natural products has greatly contributed to the progress in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis and many of these compounds are now being used. Understanding the mechanism of these molecules will contribute to the development of more specific preventive strategies for the treatment of psoriasis.

Dementia is becoming a major public health problem worldwide. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by a deficient cholinergic transmission, deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and neuro-inflammation that result in progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells and cognitive impairment. At present, AD cannot be prevented or cured, so the symptomatic relief obtainable by the use of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors is one of the therapeutic strategies. Accumulated evidence suggests that naturally occurring compounds may potentially improve memory and cognitive function, and prevent neurodegeneration. Even today the search for new neuroprotective agents of natural origin is very active. The neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants covering studies of the last years will be summarized and discussed in this review choosing a family classification with particular emphasis on extracts and isolated compounds as promising new drugs. The search of a multifunctional potential anti-AD agent able to act on different crucial targets, such as galanthamine, quercetin and timosaponin AIII, could be a useful approach to recognizing therapeutics against AD.

Extensive evidences has shown the promising effects of Ginkgo biloba consumption on several diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases, and ischemic stroke, etc. Several studies also have reported its beneficial role on motor activity and cognitive functions. This species contain a unique class of diterpenes, namely Ginkgolide B, which possess several pharmacological activities such as protective effect against cardiovascular disease; the most important causes of death worldwide. The promising effects of Ginkgolide B on stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, are suggested by an overwhelming body of scientific evidences. Many studies have shown that the increase of sirt1 expression, the suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-kB, the up-regulation of heme oxygenase 1, erythropoietin secretion and anti-apoptotic protein expression, the inhibition of pro-apoptotic proteins expression, and the improvement of endothelial NO synthesis are the main molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effect of Ginkgolide B on ischemic stroke. In this review, all the available data on the chemistry, mechanisms of neuroprotection and clinical impacts of Ginkgolide B are critically discussed.

In last decades, diet and dietary components have been regarded as important strategies to prevent the development or mitigate numerous chronic diseases, including inflammation, cardiovascular pathologies, cancer, etc. One of the most common dietary components of Asian population is soy. A plethora of research shows the promising effect of soy soy-based foodstuffs and genistein, which is one of the predominant isoflavone compounds, in the prevention and mitigation of stroke. Growing evidence shows that genistein, which is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, mitigates ischemic stroke-induced damages through the modification of oxidative stress and molecular pathways. The promising pharmacological role of genistein is attributed to its ability to suppress nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B and Akt signaling pathway, direct antioxidant action, and targeting estrogen and androgen-mediated molecular pathways which help to mitigate stroke damages and prolong cell survival. In this work, we systematically review the current reports on the therapeutic role of genistein against ischemic stroke and its molecular mechanism of actions.

Primary prevention through lifestyle interventions is a cost-effective alternative for preventing a large burden of chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the past decade, epidemiologic and preclinical evidence suggested that polyphenolic phytochemicals present in many plant foods possess chemopreventive properties against several cancer forms. Thus, there has been increasing interest in the potential cancer chemopreventive agents obtained from natural sources, such as polyphenols, that may represent a new, affordable approach to curb the increasing burden of cancer throughout the world. Several epidemiologic studies showed a relation between a soy-rich diet and cancer prevention, which was attributed to the presence of a phenolic compound, genistein, present in soy-based foods. Genistein acts as a chemotherapeutic agent against different types of cancer, mainly by altering apoptosis, the cell cycle, and angiogenesis and inhibiting metastasis. Targeting caspases, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)–associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, kinesin-like protein 20A (KIF20A), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), Wingless and integration 1 β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways may act as the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer, therapeutic effects of genistein. Genistein also shows synergistic behavior with well-known anticancer drugs, such as adriamycin, docetaxel, and tamoxifen, suggesting a potential role in combination therapy. This review critically analyzes the available literature on the therapeutic role of genistein on different types of cancer, focusing on its chemical features, plant food sources, bioavailability, and safety.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is one of the most common household herbs, used as spices in a variety of foods, and employed in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Rosemary is a rich source of active antioxidant constituents such as phenolic diterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid are the most important bioactive constituents. Rosmarinic acid is the ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid and is widely identified in different plant species. Chemical structure of rosmarinic acid contains two phenolic rings: one of them is derived from phenylalanine via caffeic acid and the other from tyrosine via dihydroxyphenyl-lactic acid. Its large-scale production is obtained from plant cell cultures of Coleus blumei Benth. It is easily absorbed through gastrointestinal tract as well as the skin. Rosmarinic acid is one of the most important and well known natural antioxidant compounds, which possesses neuroprotective effects in different models of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, as well as chemicalinduced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. Therefore, in present review, we aim to discuss about chemistry, sources, biotechnological production and neuroprotective actions of rosmarinic acid with emphasis on its possible molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection.

The search for improved cytotoxic agents continues to be an important line in the discovery of modern anticancer drugs. Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach is mentioned in ethnobotanical surveys as a medicinal plant used for the treatment of cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate and to compare the aerial parts of S. spinosum collected in Italy and Lebanon for their chemical composition and their antiproliferative activity against ACHN, C32, A375, MCF-7, LNCaP and HeLa human cancer cell lines using SRB assay. The main constituent tormentic acid was isolated by MPLC and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS). Non polar compounds were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. S. spinosum showed an interesting antiproliferative activity against ACHN and C32 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.4 and 2.7 g/ml for S. spinosum from Italy and Lebanon, respectively. Remarkable results were obtained also against A375 and LNCaP cell lines. The cytotoxicity against ACHN cell line could be partially attributed to tormentic acid that demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity than the positive control vinblastine. Close association between the radical scavenging activity (evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assay) and cytotoxicity was also demonstrated. This investigation demonstrated the potential cytotoxic activity of S. spinosum taking into account also that none of the tested extracts, fractions and isolated compound affected the proliferation of normal cell line 142BR. Tormentic acid, the major constituent isolated from S. spinosum, play an important role in the cytotoxicity exhibited by the extract.

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, and the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Ailanthus excelsa, a plant used in Egyptian traditional medicine. Chromatographic separation of a methanol extract of A. excelsa leaves yielded four fl avones, namely apigenin (1), apigenin 7-O-ß-glucoside (2), luteolin (3), and luteolin 7-O-ß-glucoside (4), and seven fl avonols, namely kaempferol (5), kaempferol 3-O-a-arabinoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-ß-galactoside (7), quercetin (8), quercetin 3-O-a-arabinoside (9), quercetin 3-O-ß- galactoside (10), and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (11). The A. excelsa extract tested in different in vitro systems (DPPH and FRAP assays) showed significant antioxidant activity. The potential antiproliferative activity of the A. excelsa extract and isolated flavonoids against five human cancer cell lines such as ACHN, COR-L23, A375, C32, and A549 was investigated in vitro by the SRB assay in comparison with one normal cell line, 142BR. The extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against C32 cells with an IC50value of 36.5 µg ml-1. Interesting activity against COR-L23 was found with 10 (IC50value of 3.2 µg ml-1). Compounds 1 and 3 inhibited cell growth in both amelanotic melanoma and malignant melanoma cells.

Hypertension is a common and progressive disorder that possesses a major risk for cardiovascular and renal disease. Recent data have revealed that the global burden of hypertension is an important and increasing public health problem worldwide and that the level of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension varies considerably among countries. Hypertension is often called a ‘silent killer’ because persons with this pathological condition can be asymptomatic for years and then have a fatal heart attack or stroke. The field of naturally occurring antihypertensive agent is a research area rapidly expanding due to the high potential of such molecules as new antihypertensive drugs. Recently, a great number of plant-derived substances have been evaluated as possible antihypertensive agents through different mechanisms of action such as alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. In this mini-review we will discuss the medicinal chemistry of these compounds.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate for the first time the in vitro cytotoxic activity of fractions and isolated flavonols from Salsola oppositifolia Desf. (Amaranthaceae). The nhexane fraction demonstrated an effective cytotoxic activity on the large lung carcinoma and amelanotic melanoma cell lines with IC50values of 19.1 µg/ml and 24.4 µg/ml, respectively. Also the dichloromethane fraction exhibited cytotoxic activity against COR-L23 (IC5030.4 µg/ml) and C32 (IC5033.2 µg/ml) cells, while the EtOAc fraction demonstrated a selective cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells (IC5067.9 µg/ml). The major active constituents of this fraction were isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (1) and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (2), which showed an interesting activity against the cell line MCF-7 with IC50values of 18.2 and 25.2 µg/ml, respectively. Compound 2 exhibited a strong activity against the hormonedependent prostate carcinoma LNCaP cell line with an IC50of 20.5 µg/ml. Constituents of S. oppositifolia were identified by GC-MS and NMR analyses.

Alzheimers disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorders. If more effective therapies than the ones currently available are not developed that either prevent AD or other neurodegenerative or block progression of the diseases in its very early stages, the economic and societal cost of caring for AD patients will be devastating. Besides the neuropathologic hallmarks of the diseases, namely neurofibrillary tangles and AD neuritic plaques, the disease is characterized neurochemically by a consistent deficit in cholinergic neurotransmission, particularly affecting cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain. AD and other forms of dementia could be treated by the use of agents which restore the level of acetylcholine through inhibition of both two major forms of cholinesterase: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Moreover, the inhibition of AChE holds a key role not only to enhance cholinergic transmission in the brain but also to reduce the aggregation of -amyloid and the formation of the neurotoxic fibrils in AD. Following this view, in recent years, an increased interest has emerged directed to finding drugs able to inhibit both of these events. This review summarizes and highlights recent advances in current knowdlege on natural products as cholinesterase inhibitors and how these compounds have also served as the starting points for semi-synthetic analogs with improved properties.

Iridoids represent a large group of cyclopenta[c]pyran monoterpenoids that occur wide-spread in nature, mainly in dicotyledonous plant families like Apocynaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Diervillaceae, Lamiaceae, Loganiaceae and Rubiaceae. Recently, more extensive studies revealed that iridoids exhibit a wide range of bioactivity, such as neuroprotective, antinflammatory and immunomodulator, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects. Anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, choleretic, antispasmodic and purgative properties were also reported. The aim of the present review is to discuss the recent developments on biological and pharmacological activities of iridoids, supporting the new therapeutic possibilities for the use of these compounds.

Alkaloid profiles of five Senecio species (Asteraceae), including S. ambiguus subsp. ambiguus, S. ambiguus subsp. nebrodensis, S. gibbosus subsp. bicolor, S. gibbosus subsp. gibbosus, and S. gibbosus subsp. cineraria, were studied. Eleven pyrrolizidine alkaloids were identified and their content was evaluated by GLC-MS and GLC analysis. Otosenine and florosenine were found to be the major alkaloids in all studied species. It is interesting that only S. ambiguus subsp. nebrodensis was characterized by a high content of the alkaloids jacobine, jacoline, jaconine, and jacozine

The flowers of Bombax ceibawere investigated for their chemical composition, antioxidant effects and antiproliferative activity against seven human cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative responses of diethyl ether (DE) and light petroleum (PE) extracts were evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against MCF-7, HeLa, COR-L23, C32, A375, ACHN, and LNCaP cells in comparison with a human normal cell line, 142BR. Moreover, extracts were characterized by GC-MS analysis and tested for their antioxidant properties by different in vitrosystems, namely DPPH, Fe-chelating activity and β-carotene bleaching test. Both PE and DE extracts showed the highest antiproliferative activity against human renal adenocarcinoma (ACHN) in a concentration-dependent manner. PE extract showed the highest radical scavenging activity against the DPPH radical, while DE extract was more active in the β-carotene bleaching test. The presence of β-sitosterol and some fatty acids may contribute to the bioactivity of B. ceibaflower extracts.

The antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase properties of Globularia meridional(Podp.) O. Schwarz (Globulariaceae) were investigated. G. meridionalisaerial parts and roots were extracted with methanol, and the total extract successively partitioned with n-hexane. The methanol fraction of the roots showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50values of 8.0 and 2.1 μg/mL in the DPPH and β-carotene bleaching tests, respectively. From this fraction, three flavonoids, namely pectolinarigenin 7-O-β-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-β-glucoside and luteolin, and two phenylethanoids, namely acteoside and isoacteoside, were isolated. Potential anti-cholinesterase effects were assessed through the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes inhibition assay. The n-hexane fraction of the roots exhibited the highest activity against both AChE and BChE with IC50values of 65.5 and 70.4 μg/mL, respectively.

This study aimed to investigate for the first time the chemical composition, the antioxidant properties and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Cordia gilletiiDe Wild (Boraginaceae). The essential oil, characterized by 23 constituents (90.1% of the total oil), was constituted by terpene derivatives (25.6%) and non-terpene derivatives (64.5%), among which aldehydes, fatty acids and alkanes were present with the percentage of 16.5%, 18.8% and 23.1%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of C. gilletiiessential oil was screened by two in vitrotests: DPPH and β-carotene bleaching test. The essential oil revealed antioxidant activity with an IC50value of 75.0 and 129.9 μg/mL on DPPH radical and β-carotene decoloration tests, respectively. Moreover, C. gilletiiinhibited AChE enzyme with an IC50value of 105.6 μg/mL.

Peptic ulcer, one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by ulceration in the regions of the upper gastrointestinal tract where parietal cells are found and where they secrete hydrochloric acid and pepsin. The anatomical sites where ulcer occurs commonly are stomach and duodenum, causing gastric and duodenal ulcer, respectively. Physiopathology of ulcer is due to an imbalance between aggressive factors, such as acid, pepsin, Helicobacter pyloriand non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and local mucosal defensive factors, such as mucus bicarbonate, blood flow and prostaglandins. Several drugs are widely used to prevent or treat gastro-duodenal ulcers. These include H2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and cytoprotectives. Due to problems associated with recurrence after treatment, there is therefore the need to seek alternative drug sources against ulcers. In recent years, a widespread search has been launched to identify new gastroprotective drugs from natural sources. The aim of the present review is to highlight the recent advances in current knowledge on natural products as gastroprotective and antiulcer agents and consider the future perspectives for the use of these compounds.

Extracts, linariin, isolinariin A and B obtained from Linaria reflexaDesf. (Scrophulariaceae) were tested for acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity using Ellman's method. A dose-response relationship was observed for all extracts and isolated compounds. Flavones exhibited IC50values ranging from 0.27 μM to 0.30 μM. The structure-activity relationship was briefly discussed.