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In this study, the antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging, ferric-reducing, iron (II)-chelating), anti-inflammatory (LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell line), and cytotoxic activities (Du145 and A549 cell lines) of raw fruit, ripe fruit and leaves of the Lycium ferocissimum species were examined. By using high-pressure liquid chromatography, p-OH benzoic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were detected in the ethanol and water extracts. For the most active raw fruit ethanol extract, the IC50 in terms of the DPPH-scavenging activity was 0.57 mg/mL, and the ABTS inhibition percentage was 88.73% at a 3 mg/mL concentration. The raw fruit ethanol extract exhibited significant inhibition of viability in the Du145 cell line in the concentration range of 62.5–1000 µg/mL. Additionally, the extract effectively reduced the LPS-induced inflammation parameters (TNF-α, IFN-γ, PGE 2, and NO) at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The biological activities of L. ferocissimum, which have been elucidated for the first time, have yielded promising results.

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens L. is valuable for its therapeutic benefits, so this study aimed to determine the synergistic effect of the combination of the essential oil of this plant with antibiotics instead of the extracts prepared with various solvents. In addition, the second goal of this study was to determine whether the essential oil combined with various antibiotics increased the overall killing activity in mouse macrophage cells with the aim of introducing an immunotherapeutic approach to the infection treatments used today. Herein, the volatile profile of Geranium oil (G.O) was analyzed using GC/MS. The current study sought to assess the synergistic characteristics of several antibiotic combinations using G.O against pneumococci, as well as the oil’s antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The major components of the oil were citronellol, geraniol, and isomenthone. In the combinations of G.O and antibiotics, the synergism of the Streptococcus pneumoniae to antibiotics advanced. When the time-kill data were evaluated, G.O + antibiotic combinations quickly diminished the viable cell count of S. pneumoniae from the 6th h. In this study, the combined use of existing antibiotics used in infection treatments with G.O could improve antibiotic effectiveness and thus prevent bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance.

Schinus molle is a perennial tree commonly known as “Pirul” in Mexico. This aromatic plant belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and the antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and cytotoxic activities of its bioactive essential oils have been previously investigated. Locally, the plant is mainly used as an analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial, purgative and diuretic agent. In this study, the plant, which is generally grown as an ornamental plant on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, was evaluated in terms of its cytotoxic properties based on its secondary metabolites. Raw and ripe fruits, together with the plant’s leaves, were collected and extracted using different solvents. Both 70% methanol and water extracts of leaves, ripe fruits and raw fruits were prepared. The six different extracts obtained were tested in cell lines of humans’ most common cancer types (Du-145 prostate cancer, CaCo-2 colon cancer and MCF-7 breast cancer). As a result, methanol extracts prepared from the ripe fruits of the plant decreased the viability of three different cancer cells, especially MCF-7 and Du-145 cell lines, at low concentrations below 50%. Particularly in the MCF-7 cell line, the viability at 15 µg/mL was calculated as 46.03 ± 1.19%. While the cell line which was least effected by the extracts was CaCo-2, the extracts with the most negligible antiproliferative effect were the water extracts of the leaves and the raw and ripe fruits.

Centaurea pichleri subsp. pichleri, Conyza canadensis, and Jasminum fruticans are traditionally used plants grown in Turkey. Methanol extracts were obtained from these plants and pharmacological activity studies and phytochemical analyses were carried out. To evaluate the phytochemical composition, spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques were used. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH●, ABTS●+ radical scavenging, and FRAP assays. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were investigated on DU145 prostate cancer and A549 lung cancer cell lines. The anti-inflammatory effects of extracts were investigated on the NO amount, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and PGE 2 levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. The richest extract in terms of phenolic compounds (98.19 ± 1.64 mgGAE/gextract) and total flavonoids (21.85 ± 0.64 mgCA/gextract) was identified as C. pichleri subsp. pichleri methanol extract. According to antioxidant activity determinations, the C. pichleri subsp. pichleri extract was found to be the most active extract. Finally, the C. pichleri subsp. pichleri methanol extract was revealed to be the most effective inhibitor of viability in the cytotoxic activity investigation, and the extract with the best anti-inflammatory action. The findings point to C. pichleri subsp. pichleri as a promising source of bioactive compounds in the transition from natural sources to industrial uses, such as new medications, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. (Asteraceae), which has a wide distribution area in Turkey, is a medicinally important plant. Eighty percent methanol extracts of the leaf, flower head, and root parts of A. minus were prepared and their sub-fractions were obtained. Spectrophotometric and chromatographic (high-performance liquid chromatography) techniques were used to assess the phytochemical composition. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity by diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radical (DPPH●), 2,2′-Azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS●+) radical scavenging, and β-carotene linoleic acid bleaching assays. Furthermore, the extracts were subjected to α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition tests. The cytotoxic effects of extracts were investigated on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. The richest extract in terms of phenolic compounds was identified as the ethyl acetate sub-fraction of the root extract (364.37 ± 7.18 mgGAE/gextact). Furthermore, chlorogenic acid (8.855 ± 0.175%) and rutin (8.359 ± 0.125%) were identified as the primary components in the leaves’ ethyl acetate sub-fraction. According to all methods, it was observed that the extracts with the highest antioxidant activity were the flower and leaf ethyl acetate fractions. Additionally, ABTS radical scavenging activity of roots’ ethyl acetate sub-fraction (2.51 ± 0.09 mmol/L Trolox) was observed to be as effective as that of flower and leaf ethyl acetate fractions at 0.5 mg/mL. In the β-carotene linoleic acid bleaching assay, leaves’ methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant capacity (1422.47 ± 76.85) at 30 min. The enzyme activity data showed that α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition of leaf dichloromethane extract was moderately high, with an 87.12 ± 8.06% inhibition value. Lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition was weakly detected in all sub-fractions. Leaf methanol extract, leaf butanol, and root ethyl acetate sub-fractions showed 99% tyrosinase enzyme inhibition. Finally, it was discovered that dichloromethane extracts of leaves, roots, and flowers had high cytotoxic effects on the MDA-MB-231 cell line, with IC50 values of 21.39 ± 2.43, 13.41 ± 2.37, and 10.80 ± 1.26 µg/mL, respectively. The evaluation of the plant extracts in terms of several bioactivity tests revealed extremely positive outcomes. The data of this study, in which all parts of the plant were investigated in detail for the first time, offer promising results for future research.

Nepeta is one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family. Nepeta species are commonly employed in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, as well as food additives. In addition, they also come to the fore with their rich phytochemical content. In the present study, the quantitative phytochemical content of methanolic extracts and infusions prepared from the aerial parts of 14 Nepeta taxa collected from Turkey and their cytotoxic effects on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, were investigated by using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl))-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide) test. According to HPLC-PDA analysis, N. racemosa methanolic extract had the highest ursolic acid content with 165.9 mg/g extract. Total sterol, total iridoid, and total triterpenoid content were determined to be greatest in the methanolic extracts of N. meyeri, N. trichocalyx and N. phyllochlamys. The MTT experiment demonstrated that certain Nepeta species suppressed the growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the cytotoxic effects of the extracts and their triterpene content. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study are important in terms of forming a basis for advanced anticancer activity studies on breast cancer with Nepeta sp.

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments synthesized by plants, algae, fungi and microorganisms. They are responsible for the coloration of different photosynthetic organisms. Although they play a role in photosynthesis, they are also present in non-photosynthetic plant tissues, fungi, and bacteria. These metabolites have mainly been used in food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to their utilization as pigmentation, they have significant therapeutically applications, such as improving immune system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Primarily, they have attracted attention due to their antioxidant activity. Several statistical investigations indicated an association between the use of carotenoids in diets and a decreased incidence of cancer types, suggesting the antioxidant properties of these compounds as an important factor in the scope of the studies against oxidative stress. Unusual marine environments are associated with a great chemical diversity, resulting in novel bioactive molecules. Thus, marine organisms may represent an important source of novel biologically active substances for the development of therapeutics. Marine carotenoids (astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene, lutein but also the rare siphonaxanthin, sioxanthin, and myxol) have recently shown antioxidant properties in reducing oxidative stress markers. Numerous of bioactive compounds such as marine carotenoids have low stability, are poorly absorbed, and own very limited bioavailability. The new technique is nanoencapsulation, which can be used to preserve marine carotenoids and their original properties during processing, storage, improve their physiochemical properties and increase their health-promoting effects. This review aims to describe the role of marine carotenoids, their potential applications and different types of advanced nanoformulations preventing and treating oxidative stress related disorders.

Combretastatins are a class of closely related stilbenes (combretastatins A), dihydrostilbenes (combretastatins B), phenanthrenes (combretastatins C) and macrocyclic lactones (combretastatins D) found in the bark of Combretum caffrum (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze, commonly known as the South African bush willow. Some of the compounds in this series have been shown to be among the most potent antitubulin agents known. Due to their structural simplicity many analogs have also been synthesized. Combretastatin A4 phosphate is the most frequently tested compounds in preclinical and clinical trials. It is a water-soluble prodrug that the body can rapidly metabolize to combretastatin A4, which exhibits anti-tumor properties. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies on combretastatins have determined that these compounds also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Nano-based formulations of natural or synthetic active agents such as combretastatin A4 phosphate exhibit several clear advantages, including improved low water solubility, prolonged circulation, drug targeting properties, enhanced efficiency, as well as fewer side effects. In this review, a synopsis of the recent literature exploring the combretastatins, their potential effects and nanoformulations as lead compounds in clinical applications is provided.

Salvia aramiensis Rech. f. is a species that grows only in Hatay, Turkey and is used as a traditional stomachic tea. Neither the chemical composition nor the potential bioactivity of the plant has been investigated before. Antioxidant activity (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl Radical (DPPH●) and 2,2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+●) radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation) of 70% methanol, 70% ethanol extracts, and 2% infusion obtained from S. aramiensis aerial parts were determined. The effect of 70% methanol extract on collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibition and its chemical composition via chromatographic methods (LC-MS/MS and HPLC) were analyzed. Nanoliposomes were developed with 70% methanol extract, were characterized, and were evaluated. The key parameters for the most active 70% methanol extract included the following DPPH•EC50: 28.4 µg/mL, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/ABTS: 1.77 ± 0.09 mmol/L/Trolox. Furthermore 70% methanol extract showed more than 50% inhibition on collagenase and elastase enzymes at all the concentrations. The main component of the extract, rich in phenolic compounds, has been identified as rosmarinic acid; 83.7 µg/mL extract was released from the nanoliposomal formulation. The extract and its formulation are found to be nontoxic on the L929 fibroblast cell line. This study successfully developed a long-term antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory formulation containing S. aramiensis, which has been used safely among the public for years.

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) shows strengthen immune system, antioxidant and anticancerogenic effect. In this research, the effects of Wolfberry's extract fractions, cultivated in Kayseri, investigated on Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) using in vivo and in vitro techniques. For in vivo study, 200 mg/kg fractions of Wolfberry extract (above and below 50 kDa) were injected ip to EAT injected Balb/C mice. EAT cells were also cultured in the presence of Wolfberry's extract fractions (1500, 2000 µg/ml) to examine cell vitality and apoptosis using the Muse Cell Analyzer. Histopathological examination of intra-abdominal organs showed that there were decrease in the EAT cells adherence in the Wolfberry applied tissue groups when compared to the control. According to in vitro results, the both extract fractions (above and below 50 kDa) increased apoptosis in cancer cells. However, total apoptotic cell percentage was higher and statistically significant in groups above 50 kDa (1500, 2000 mg/ml) (p < 0.05). Previous literature and the results of the present study reveal that the consumption of wolfberry—which is also produced in Turkey—might be effective in preventing the formation of cancer and the deceleration of its progress.

Achillea millefolium L. an herbaceous perennial plant from Asteraceae family which has antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the effects of the different extracts of A. millefolium on breast cancer with in vitro cytotoxicity assay. Within the scope of this study, the compositions of extracts prepared with water, 30% ethanol, 60% ethanol, 90% ethanol and absolute ethanol obtained from the above-ground parts of A. millefolium, was investigated by Folin-Ciocalteu method for total phenolics, AlCl3 colorimetric method for total flavonoid content. Cytotoxic effects on MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line) cell line were studied with MTT assay. It has been elucidated that 60% ethanol extract is rich in total phenolics content and 90% ethanol extract is rich in total flavonoid content. Water extract was found to be most cytotoxic extract with 30.67 ± 2.27 µg/mL IC50 value on MCF7 cell line.

Cancer is a significant public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Phytotherapy studies have gained importance due to the side effect of standard cancer therapy protocols. Viburnum opulus, belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, is used in the treatment of various diseases. Anticarcinogenic effects of Viburnum opulus have also been reported. The aim of this study is to compare the cytotoxic effect of Gilaburu juice extract given at various doses against EAT cell in culture. The juice of the fermented Gilaburu fruit were centrifuged filtered through a 50 kDa filter and the fraction below 50 kDa was lyophilized. The EAT cells in the ascitic fluid from the previously prepared stock animal were counted and plated on 96 well plates. The first group of five was determined as the control group and the other groups were given 50–100–200 μg/mL Gilaburu extract. At the end of 3, 24 and 48 h cultured periods, the cells were counted and the number of viable and dead cells was noted. The number of dead and alive cells in control and experimental groups did not change after 3 hours period but there were 50% dead cells in experimental groups after 24 h culture period.

Alchemilla is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the Rosaceae, with the common name Lady’s Mantle. Aerial part of the plant which is used medicinally, traditionally used for skin irritations, wounds, female conditions such as menorrhagia, menopause and painful periods. Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. which grown in Black Sea Region of Turkey were investigated for its cytotoxic activities on MCF 7 cell line with SRB method A. mollis herb material was extracted with, methanol using a Soxhlet apparatus for 8 h. and separately A. mollis herb material was extracted with water using reflux for 3 h. Deodorized water extract of A. mollis was prepared using Clevenger apparatus. Results clearly demonstrated that the water extract of A. mollis has the highest cytotoxic effect among the other extracts. Water extract was significantly cytotoxic between the 62.5–1000 µg/mL concentrations (p < 0.05). The IC50 value of the water, deodorized water and methanol extracts are 59.34 ± 3.41 µg/mL, 87.37 ± 25.15 µg/mL, 68.18 ± 6.12 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic activity on MCF7 cell line of the A. mollis was first studied by us and the results are promising. Further studies are needed to confirm in vivo anti-tumorgenicity and subsequent chemical characterization of the active molecule(s).

Paclitaxel (PTX), cytotoxic agent extracted from Taxus brevifolia has significant antineoplastic activity against breast cancer. Poly d,l-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) has been widely used for the preparation of nanoparticles carrying cytotoxic drug agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PTX solution and paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PTX-PLGA-NPs) on MCF-7 cell line. PTX was encapsulated within PLGA nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method as described by Fessi et al. (1989). Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles were investigated. Cytotoxic effects of the various concentrations of PTX and PTX-PLGA-NPs on MCF-7 cell line were determined by MTT assay. The cells were treated with various PTX and PTX-PLGA-NPs concentrations (1–10 µg/mL) for 24 h. Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were found as 267 ± 14 nm, 0.29, −28 ± 3 mV and 76% respectively. According to MTT results, the cytotoxic effect of PTX-PLGA-NPs on MCF-7 cells significantly increased in comparison to PTX solution at all concentrations. This can be attributed to adsorption of PLGA nanoparticles on to the MCF-7 cells to serve a drug reservoir around the cell membrane. It can be concluded that PTX-PLGA-NPs can be promising carriers for anticancer drug delivery.

The Apiaceae (previously known as the Umbelliferae) is one of the largest plant families in the world. This family comprises approximately 450 genera and 3700 species worldwide. The members of this family are well known as vegetables, culinary and medicinal plants. Members of Apiaceae possess various compounds with many biological activities. Some of the main properties are ability to induce apoptosis, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, vaso-relaxant, cyclooxygenase inhibitory and antitumor activities. In this study, 70% methanol extract prepared from the aerial parts of Eryngium billardieri, which belongs to Apiaceae family, and ethyl acetate, n-butanol fractions obtained from this extract were investigated by MTT method for cytotoxic effect on MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line) cell line. In result, the methanol extract was found more cytotoxic than fractions with 99.50 µg/mL IC50 value on MCF7 cell line.

Therapeutic efficacy and low toxicity makes natural compounds important for anticancer studies. Cousinia, is one of the most diverse genera of Asteraceae family. There are 6 sections of this genus in Turkey. One of them is Stenocephalae Bunge. Section including the species C. davisiana, C. foliosa, C. ramosissima and C. stenocephala. In this study, the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of species were evaluated. Activity tests were carried out on methanol extracts of these plants. As a result, for antioxidant activity, C. davisiana and for cytotoxic activity C. stenocephala were selected as the guide plants due to their potent activity and sub-extracts were prepared, more active sub-extracts were also identified by activity tests. Bioactivity guided fractionations of extracts were evaluated on A549, Beas-2b and Colo205 cell lines and were carried out on dichloromethane sub-extract (IC50 = 130 μg/mL on CoLo 205 cell line) of C. stenocephala and n-butanol sub-extract of C. davisiana. LC-MS/MS and NMR results revealed that the n-butanol sub-extract was found to be rich of with flavonoids and phenolics, dichloromethane sub-extract was found to be rich of with steroidal and triterpenic compounds.

Cancer cells are refractory to most forms of chemotherapy. Conventional and alternative drugs, such as herbal extracts, have been developed to target cancer cells. This study aims to test the cytotoxic effects of Pelargonium endlicherianum root extracts on prostate cancer cells. In vitro cytotoxic activities of the methanolic and ethanolic root extracts (0–150 µg/mL) were screened against androgen dependent independent (PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Ethanolic root extract induced a significant decrease in cell viability characterized by 100 < IC50 < 150 µg/mL. The results of this study support the efficacy of P. endlicherianum as an anticancer agent for prostate cancer and a potential adjuvant treatment to current chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of prostate tumors. Further studies of the effects of individual flavonoids alone and in combination with each other and with currently used therapies are needed.

Abstract: Paclitaxel (PTX) is a cytotoxic agent derived from Taxus brevifolia used for lung cancer. Poly d,l-lactide- co-glycolide (PLGA) is an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer used for preparation of nanoparticles carrying cytotoxic drug agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of PTX solution and paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PTX-PLGA-NPs) on A549 cells. PTX-PLGA-NPs were prepared using nanoprecipation technique as described by Fessi et al. Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles were measured. Cytotoxic effects of the various concentrations of PTX and PTX-PLGA-NPs on A549 cell line were determined by MTT assay. The cells were treated with various PTX and PTX-PLGA-NPs concentrations (1–10 µg/mL) for 24 h. Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential values and encapsulation efficiency were found as 267 ± 14 nm, 0.29, −28 ± 3 mV and 76% respectively. According to MTT results, the cytotoxicity effect of PTX-PLGA-NPs on A549 cells significantly increased in comparison to PTX solution at all concentrations. The enhancement of cytotoxicity can be explained by the sustained release of the PTX from the PLGA nanoparticles and the increase in PTX amount inside the A549 cells. It can be concluded that PTX-PLGA-NPs can be promising systems for anticancer therapy.

Magnetic and dielectric materials can be blended to enhance absorption properties at microwave frequencies, although the materials may have relatively weak attenuation capabilities by themselves. The specific goal of this work is to enhance microwave absorption properties of materials with interesting dielectric behavior by blending them with magnetic materials based on transition metals. The synthesized Mn1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0.0 and 1.0) spinel ferrite nanoparticles (MZF NPs) were blended with commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in various proportions with a binder matrix of paraffin. This simple and efficient process did not cause a significant variation in the energy states of MWCNTs. MZF NPs were synthesized with a citric acid assisted sol–gel method. Their electromagnetic characteristics and microwave absorption properties were investigated. These properties were derived from the microwave scattering parameters measured via the transmission line technique by using a vector network analyzer (VNA) in conjunction with an X band waveguide system. The return loss (RL) values of the samples were obtained from the electromagnetic constitutive parameters (permittivity and permeability). The results indicate that the minimum RL value and the bandwidth change significantly with the amount of ferrite material in the blend. These results encourage further development of MWCNTs blended with ferrite nanoparticles for broadband microwave applications.