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In this study, an HPLC-DAD method with high separation efficiency, detection sensitivity, and selectivity was developed and validated for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion) in Rumex acetosella L. and Rumex crispus L. plants collected at different regions and times. Optimal method conditions were determined by studying different mobile phases, mobile phase compositions, flow rates, column, column temperatures, injection volume, and wavelength of the compounds. Validation studies were carried out to prove the validity of the developed method. The correlation coefficients for all compounds were found to be in the range of 0.9991–0.9997, and the calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0 μg/mL. The limits of detection and quantification values were calculated in the range of 0.014–0.017 and 0.017–0.057 μg/mL, respectively. The developed and validated method indicated that it is effective and suitable for determining aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion in extracts of Rumex plants. In addition, the antioxidant activities of the plant extracts were determined using the Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical assays, revealing their antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study, synthesis, and application of nanomaterials in medicine have grown exponentially in recent years. An example of this is the understanding of how nanomaterials activate or regulate the immune system, particularly macrophages. In this work, nanoparticles were synthesized using Rumex hymenosepalus as a reducing agent (AgRhNPs). According to thermogravimetric analysis, the metal content of nanoparticles is 55.5% by weight. The size of the particles ranges from 5–26 nm, with an average of 11 nm, and they possess an fcc crystalline structure. The presence of extract molecules on the nanomaterial was confirmed by UV-Vis and FTIR. It was found by UPLC-qTOF that the most abundant compounds in Rh extract are flavonols, flavones, isoflavones, chalcones, and anthocyanidins. The viability and apoptosis of the THP-1 cell line were evaluated for AgRhNPs, commercial nanoparticles (AgCNPs), and Rh extract. The results indicate a minimal cytotoxic and apoptotic effect at a concentration of 12.5 μg/mL for both nanoparticles and 25 μg/mL for Rh extract. The interaction of the THP-1 cell line and treatments was used to evaluate the polarization of monocyte subsets in conjunction with an evaluation of CCR2, Tie-2, and Arg-1 expression. The AgRhNPs nanoparticles and Rh extract neither exhibited cytotoxicity in the THP-1 monocyte cell line. Additionally, the treatments mentioned above exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by maintaining the classical monocyte phenotype CD14++CD16, reducing pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-6 production, and increasing IL-4 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are commonly used in folk medicine. Research indicates that the mechanisms of biological activity of plant extracts may be essential in the treatment of various diseases. In this respect, we decided to test the ethanolic extracts of Bidens tripartita herb (BTH), Galium verum herb (GVH), and Rumicis hydrolapathum root (RHR) on angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and their total polyphenols content. In vitro studies using endothelial cells were used to see tested extracts' angiogenic/angiostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The DPPH assay and FRAP analysis were used to detect antioxidant properties of extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu analysis was used to determine the content of total polyphenols. The results of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was also presented. In vitro study demonstrated that BTH, GVH, and RHR ethanolic extracts significantly increased cell invasiveness, compared with the control group. Increased endothelial proangiogenic invasiveness was accompanied by reduced metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) and raised in metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Only BTH and GVH significantly reduced cell proliferation, while BTH and RHR facilitated migration. Additionally, tested extracts reduced the production of proangiogenic platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The most potent anti-inflammatory capacity showed BTH and GVH, reducing proinflammatory interleukin 8 (CXCL8) and interleukin 6 (Il-6), compared to RHR extract that has slightly less inhibited CXCL8 production without affecting IL-6 production. Moreover, we confirmed the antioxidant properties of all examined extracts. The highest activity was characterized by RHR, which has been correlated with the high content of polyphenols. In conclusion, the modifying influence of examined extracts can be promising in disorders with pathogenesis related to angiogenesis, inflammation and free radicals formation. BTH is the best choice among the three tested extracts with its antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among biological methods, green synthesis of the nanomaterials using plant extracts was shown to be an environmentally friendly, economical, and simple approach. In the current study, the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using the leaf extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus, in order to prevent the contamination of the tissue culture media and induce callus growth. The nanostructures of the fabricated AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta size, and zeta potential techniques. Our results indicate that The UV–vis spectrum of AgNPs exhibited an absorption band at 415 nm. The FTIR analysis identified the functional groups which could involve in the reduction of silver ions to AgNPs, this was also confirmed by the (hkl) diffraction peaks in the XRD diffractogram. Moreover, the TEM analysis showed a spherical nanoparticle with a size ranging from 21 and 26 nm. Thereafter, the potential antibacterial and antifungal activity of the biogenic AgNPs was evaluated against Bacillus pumilus and Alternaria alternata which were isolated from the in vitro culture media and identified based on 16S rDNA and ITS rDNA sequences, respectively. The results showed that the AgNPs significantly inhibited the growth of Alternaria alternata and Bacillus pumilus at all applied concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L). Compared to the control more fungal radial growth reduction (42.59%,) and bacterial inhibition (98.12%) were registered in the plates containing high doses of AgNPs (40 mg/L). Using Rumex nervosus explants, the biosynthesized AgNPs were tested for their impact to promote callus growth. The obtained results showed a significant effect of AgNPs on callus fresh weight at all applied doses. Moreover, AgNPs treatments showed a polymorphism of 12.5% which was detected by RAPD markers. In summary, the results revealed that AgNPs (40 mg/L) can be effectively added to the in vitro culture media for reducing microbial contamination and improving callus growth while greatly maintaining its genetic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The form and distribution of trace elements in tissues and fluids of the body have become key details in life sciences and medicine, and they may be used to discover disease biomarkers. In the current study, concentrations of twelve elements in Rumex nepalensis, Inula Discoidea, Tripleurospermum callosum, and Thymus migricus plants samples were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). All elements the range of correlation coefficient (R) obtained from 0.993 to 1. For R. nepalensis plant extract Zn (45.457 µg ml-1), Mn (41.357 µg ml-1), and Cu (13.628 µg ml-1); for I. Discoidea plant extract Zn (62.175 µg ml-1), Mn (53.288 µg ml-1), and Cr (16.904 µg ml-1); for T. callosum plant extract Mn (50. 594 µg ml-1), Cu (12.712 µg ml-1), and Cr (2.662 µg ml-1); for T. migricus plant extract Mn (53.893 µg ml-1), Zn (23.768 µg ml-1), and Cu (9.568 µg ml-1) were identified as the most intensive elements. These plants extracts could be a novel source of mineral constituents in various industries and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rumex nervosus is a plant found and used in Saudi Arabia as traditional herbal medicine. Various types of plant extracts with inherent synergistic properties are being used against oral diseases. Thus, in the present study, the anti-microbial activity of Rumex nervosus extracts was studied against six common oral pathogenic bacterial strains and a pathogenic fungus. Materials and Method: Plants of R. nervosus were collected and air-dried, and extracts from various plant parts were obtained. Six clinical isolates of bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. sanguis, E. faecalis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus), and one pathogenic Candida (C. albicans) were obtained. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of R. nervosus was determined using the Kirby-Bauer agar disc diffusion method. Zones of inhibition were recorded after 48 h of incubation. Data collected were analyzed. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Methanol extract from leaves were highly effective against S. aureus, with a mean inhibition zone of 33 mm, followed by a 28-mm zone of inhibition using an extract from roots and a minimum inhibition zone using an extract from stems. Zones of inhibition using methanol extract from roots were effective against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, E. faecalis, and L. acidophilus, with mean inhibition zones being 19, 17, 33, and 31 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The study has provided insight into a new potential herbal anti-microbial agent that may benefit dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was focused on synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Russelia equisitiformis plant (RelAgNps) and flower extracts (RefAgNps). Thus, the nanoparticles synthesis was confirmed using UV spectrometry and the FT-IR results showed the presence of similar compounds in the plant extract and FESEM-EDAX reveals the size, shape, and elemental composition of synthesized nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity of the RefAgNps from flower extract and RelAgNps from leaf extract was observed at the concentration of 25 μg/mL but the percentage of antioxidant activity of flower extract was comparatively higher than the leaf extract. This plant is also known to have antidiabetic activity and thus leaf extract and flower extract mediated nanoparticles is also known to have alpha amylase inhibition activity at the concentration of 12.5 and 100 μg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking of the plant compounds10-O-cinnamoyl sinuatol and rehmaglutin B were docked with alpha amylase enzyme proves the same with the binding energy of −9.1 kcal/mol. Thus, to the best of our knowledge this is the first-time nanoparticles have been synthesized using R. equisitiformis flower and leaf extract and observed to have potent antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • RP-UHPLC–DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS and MS/MS analysis of Hydromethanol extracts of Rumex tunetanus flowers and stems was performed. • 60 compounds from 12 families were tentatively identified for the first time in Rumex tunetanus. • Flavonoids and tannins were the principal groups. • Results suggest the potential of Rumex tunetanus as a source of bioactive ingredients. Abstract Rumex tunetanus is an untapped resource with no available information about their chemical composition. That is why, the present study has conducted comprehensive metabolites profiling of the hydromethanol extracts of the Rumex tunetanus flowers and stems using RP-UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. As results, 60 compounds were characterized for the first time in Rumex tunetanus between them, 18 photochemical were firstly identified in the Polygonaceae family in negative ionization mode. In this regard, quercetin-3- O -glucuronide and (−)-epicatechin gallate were the most abundant phenolic compounds in flowers and stems, respectively. Moreover, positive correlations were found between the antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and FRAP assays with the total phenolic compounds (r = 0.98; r = 0.99, respectively) and the abundance of some phenolic subfamilies such as hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonols and flavones with r > 0.86. The compounds displaying significant (P < 0.01) and good correlations with the antioxidant activity (r > 0.93) were hydroxybenzoic acid, rutin, quercetin-3- O -glucuronide, quercetin-3- O -glucoside, quercetin and luteolin-7- O -rutinoside. In conclusion, Rumex tunetanus flowers and stems showed different bioactive compound profiles and significant antioxidant properties and could be further used in food and nutraceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, allelopathic activity of Euphorbia hirta was investigated against Rumex dentatus and Avena fatua. E. hirta extract was prepared in dH2O (10 g:100 mL w/v) as 100% extract concentration. Lower concentration (50%) was prepared by adding dH2O to 100% extract. The allelopathic activity of E. hirta was evaluated by growing R. dentatus and A. fatua either alone or grown side by side with wheat plants in pots. There were 5 treatments viz., dH2O, half dose herbicide, full dose herbicide, 50% plant extract, and 100% plant extract. In in vivo bioassays, the effect of 50% and 100% plant extract of E. hirta on shoot dry biomass of A. fatua and wheat was nonsignificant in general, while there was 50% and 67% significant decline in shoot dry biomass of R. dentatus, respectively, when grown alone. Moreover, when R. dentatus was grown side by side with wheat, there was 71% and 86% decrease in shoot dry weight of R. dentatus at 50% and 100% extract concentrations of E. hirta, respectively. The reference herbicides, Sulfosulfuron, at full dose, significantly inhibited shoot dry weight of A. fatua by 14%, while, Fluroxypyr Meptyl + Florasulam + MCPA Isooctyl, completely eradicated R. dentatus, when planted side by side with wheat. The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of E. hirta extract depicted the presence of a number of potent allelochemicals, notably quercetin, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, β-sitosterol, afzelin, gallic acid, neophytadiene, stigmasterol, trans,trans- 2,6- Dimethyl-2,6- Octadiene-1,8-Diol, and 2,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrrole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Some of the synthetica dyes, used in leather dyeing, are carcinogenic. Hence an eco‐benign dyeing is made for leather based on mekmeko (Rumex abyssinicus) extract that contains the anthraquinones, a natural dyeing constituent containing bioactive compounds. It is the first time where this material is tried for dyeing application in leather manufacture. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is supported by a thermodynamic model and is augmented using intra‐particle diffusion model. The optimum concentration of the extract for dyeing was 20% based on the weight of the undyed crust leather (dry). For the modeling and optimization studies of mekmeko‐based dyeing process, response surface methodologies and artificial neural network were used. The pH, temperature, and time effects on exhaustion of the dye were studied. The optimized conditions were found to be pH 4.5, temperature 60 °C, and duration 5.5 hr. The exhaustion level of mekmeko extract in dyeing process under optimized conditions was found to be 72%. Kinetic models explain adsorption using different adsorption isotherms. The leathers were treated with different pre‐ or post‐mordants dyeing with mekmeko, and multiple colors were obtained depending on the types of mordants used. The overall results in this study indicated that the mekmeko‐dyed leathers exhibit good fastness and organoleptic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, CuO nanoparticles supported on the seashell (CuO NPs/seashell) was prepared using Rumex crispus seeds extract as a chelating and capping agent. The prepared nanocomposite was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of CuO NPs on the seashell sheets was in the range of 8-60 nm. Catalytic ability of CuO NPs/seashell was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and Congo red (CR). It was observed that catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Rumex vesicarius L. (Polygonaceae), an edible plant, is reported to have many bioactive phytochemicals, especially flavonoids and anthraquinones with antioxidant and detoxifying properties. Objective: This study evaluated the methanolic extract of R. vasicarius (MERV) for hepatoprotective activity in rats against CCl4-induced liver damage. Materials and methods: The whole plant extract was prepared and investigated for its hepatoprotective activity. Rats were pretreated with MERV (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 d prior to the induction of liver damage by CCl4. Animals were then sacrificed 24 h after CCl4 administration for the biochemical (AST, ALT, and ALP activity in serum; lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels in liver tissue) and histological analyses. Results: CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by an increase ( p < 0.05) in serum AST (4.55-fold), ALT (3.51-fold), and ALP (1.82-fold) activities. CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity was also manifested by an increase ( p < 0.05) in LPO (3.88-fold) and depletion of reduced glutathione (3.14-fold) activity in liver tissue. The multiple dose MERV administration at 200 mg/kg showed promising hepatoprotective activity as evident from significant decrease levels of serum AST (230.01 ± 13.21), serum ALT (82.15 ± 5.01), serum ALP (504.75 ± 19.72), hepatic LPO (3.38 ± 0.33), and increased levels of hepatic glutathione (0.34 ± 0.04) towards near normal. Further, biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological changes as compared with CCl4-intoxicated rats. Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained from this study indicate hepatoprotective activity of Rumex plant against CCl4-induced liver toxicity; hence, it can be used as a hepatoprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: In recent years, more attention has been devoted to herbal medicines. Up to now, many compounds with therapeutic effects has been extracted from the herbs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and the antimicrobial effect of Rumex Alveollatus L. and to partially identify the effective compounds in this plant. Materials & Methods: Extraction was performed by using maceration method for dried flower sample. Then, the antimicrobial effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts on eight bacterial sp. and two fungi were tested using disc diffusion method. The antioxidant effect was also determined through ferric reducing potency and phosphomolybdenum followed by total phenol determination. Finally, partial detection of bioactive compounds was conducted using chemical and calorimetric methods. Results: The results showed that ethanolic extract had the most antimicrobial effect; while aqueous extract weakly affected bacterial and fungal strains. Antioxidant experiments also revealed that ethanol extract had more antioxidant effects than aqueous extract. The most content of total phenolic compounds was found in ethanol extract. The results of the plant chemical determination showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, tannins, glycosides, and reducing sugars. Conclusion: Considering that few reports about the therapeutic effect of Rumex alveollatus L. has been published, this study could be considered as a valuable report about the important role of this plant on preventing infections and neutralizing oxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: In recent years, more attention has been devoted to herbal medicines. Up to now, many compounds with therapeutic effects has been extracted from the herbs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and the antimicrobial effect of Rumex Alveollatus L. and to partially identify the effective compounds in this plant. Materials & Methods: Extraction was performed by using maceration method for dried flower sample. Then, the antimicrobial effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts on eight bacterial sp. and two fungi were tested using disc diffusion method. The antioxidant effect was also determined through ferric reducing potency and phosphomolybdenum followed by total phenol determination. Finally, partial detection of bioactive compounds was conducted using chemical and calorimetric methods. Results: The results showed that ethanolic extract had the most antimicrobial effect; while aqueous extract weakly affected bacterial and fungal strains. Antioxidant experiments also revealed that ethanol extract had more antioxidant effects than aqueous extract. The most content of total phenolic compounds was found in ethanol extract. The results of the plant chemical determination showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, tannins, glycosides, and reducing sugars. Conclusion: Considering that few reports about the therapeutic effect of Rumex alveollatus L. has been published, this study could be considered as a valuable report about the important role of this plant on preventing infections and neutralizing oxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many active components derived from edible natural resources such as plant extracts have recently attracted attention for their potential use as functional foods or drugs for preventing and treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes. To obtain a novel modulator of glucose metabolism, we conducted screening of a small compound library in cultured L6 myotubes. We identified nepodin that stimulated glucose uptake dose-dependently in differentiated L6 myotubes. The stimulatory effect of nepodin on glucose uptake was abrogated by a 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor. In addition, nepodin stimulated the phosphorylation of AMPK. Nepodin also stimulated the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in L6 myoblasts transfected with a Glut4 cDNA-coding vector and in differentiated L6 myotubes. In in vivo study, nepodin suppressed the increases in fasting blood glucose levels and improved the glucose intolerance of C57BL/KsJ- db/db mice, a type 2 diabetic animal model. Nepodin rescued the impaired phosphorylation of AMPK in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice. These results suggest that nepodin has an antidiabetic effect, which is at least partly mediated by stimulation of GLUT4 translocation via AMPK activation by nepodin. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(4):436-447, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was planned to investigate the possible antipyretic activity of methanolic leaves extract of Rumex vesicarius against various protocols of experimentally induced pyrexia in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Ninety healthy adult albino rabbits were divided into three groups (A, B, C), 30 rabbits in each group. Pyrexia was induced by three different protocols, i.e. boiled milk (0.5 ml/kg body weight, intra-peritonealy), Brewer's yeast (10 ml/kg, subcutenously) and D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), to the groups A, B and C respectively. Each group was further subdivided into five sub groups (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) each having 6 animals. Sub group-1 served as positive control group; sub group-2 was treated with aspirin (10 mg/kg, orally) standard antipyretic agent; sub group-3, 4 and 5 were treated orally with methanolic leaves extract of Rumex vesicarius at dose rate of 80, 120 and 160 mg/kg body weight respectively. The hypothermic effect was observed at different time intervals in each protocol. Results: Rumex vesicarius L. significantly (p<0.05) lowered the elevated temperature in all scenarios. Maximum antipyretic effect was observed at 3h of post induction pyrexia in group A and at 4h after pyrexia in the groups B and C. Moreover, the antipyretic effect was concentration dependent and comparable to the standard aspirin at higher doses. Conclusion: The leaves of Rumex vesicarius have the antipyretic action in dose dependent manner, based upon this scientific validation, the claims of the local communities are true. The exact mode of action of this plant is still not clear, however, a single or a number of bioactive compounds of the plant may be responsible for its antipyretic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is considerable interest in alternative approaches for eradication of infections causes by pathogenic bacteria especially resistant bacteria. Methanol and ethanol extracts of Rumex alveollatus leaves were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Materials and Methods: In this empirical-experimental study, the agar plate well diffusion method was used for antibacterial assay of different sample. Broth microdilution method was used for evaluate Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of extracts. Results: All extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effect against selected bacterial strains. There were statistically significant correlations between antibacterial activity and concentration of the extracts (p<0.05). The MIC values of the extracts ranged from 31.3 mg/ml to 62.5 mg/ml whereas the MBC values ranged from 62.5 mg/ml to 125.0 mg/ml. . Conclusion: Result from these finding suggest that methanol and ethanol extracts of Rumex alveollatus leaves may be used as natural antibacterial for treatment of some diseases, especially local skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In-vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of various concentrations ranging from 150 to 500 μg/ml of alcoholic (methanol and ethanol) extracts of Rumex dentatus were analyzed on different clinical bacterial strains (Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal strains (Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus flavus, Acremonium spp., Penicillium dimorphosporum, Candida albicans, Candida kruesie, Candida parapsilosis) using agar disk diffusion method and broth dilution method (MIC and MBC determination) for antimicrobial activity and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, Riboflavin photo-oxidation assay, deoxyribose assay, lipid peroxidation assay for antioxidant activity. The extracts showed maximum inhibitory effect against K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa with no activity against S. typhimurium from among the bacterial strains while as in case of the fungal strains the maximum effect was observed against C. albicans by both the extracts. MIC and MBC values determined for active fractions of the extracts against some bacterial strains (S. flexneri, K. pneumonia and E. coli) revealed that the test organisms were inhibited by all the extracts with methanol showing lower values of both MIC and MBC indicating it as a better antimicrobial agent. The antioxidant activity showed that the extracts exhibited scavenging effect in concentration-dependent manner on superoxide anion radicals and hydroxyl radicals leading to the conclusion that the plant has got a broad spectrum antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and could be a potential alternative for treating various diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background/Aims: In this study, we investigated the gastroprotective effect of extract including quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (EIQ) from Rumex aquaticus herba against the ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into eight groups composed of a non-ethanol group, only EIQ (10 mg/kg) group, groups with absolute ethanol after pretreatment with various doses of EIQ (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg), rebamipide (10 mg/kg), stillen (40 mg/kg) and a control receiving only absolute ethanol. Ethanol-induced gastric lesions, lipid peroxidation, neutrophil infiltration and glutathione level were measured. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity were assessed by an assay kit. Protein expression of SOD, catalase or hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) was assessed by western blotting analysis. Results and Conclusion: In the absolute ethanol treated group, gastric lesion and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased with enhanced myeloperoxidase activity. Administration of EIQ 1 h prior to ethanol treatment significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions and the elevation of the malondialdehyde levels with myeloperoxidase activity. In addition, pretreatment with EIQ significantly increased the level of glutathione, and elevated the activity and protein expression of radical scavenging enzymes, such as SOD, catalase and HO-1. EIQ may exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects against ethanol-induced gastric injury through the reduction of lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase activity and free radicals. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment we tested the effects of some vegetable extracts (biopreparations) of Polygonum aviculare L.(knotgrass) and Polygonum bistorta L.(meadow bistort), from the Polygonaceae family, on some vital organs, in experimental rats. The duration of experiment was of 10 days, when we have daily gavaged a group of femal Wistar rats, with 1 ml vegetable extract of Polygonum aviculare, prepared from plant's aerial part and the other group also received 1 ml vegetable extract of Polygonum bistorta, from the caudices of the plant. After 10 days rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken for determination of serum transaminases activity (GPT and GOT). Also, were removed samples of brain - hipotalamus, adrenal glands, liver, kidney and thin gut (duodenum). From adrenals was determined the cholesterol content. At the analyzed organs level was made the histology with help of hematoxylin - eosine staining emphasizing the neuro - endocrine - pituitary - adrenal axis reaction. The metabolic organs as the liver, kidney and duodenum were also investigated through the determination of some enzymes activity such are: lactate dehidrogenase, succinat-dehidrogenase, Mg-dependent adenosine triphosphatase, cytochromoxidase. The obtained results were grouped analyzed, after methodologies. Thus, on the biochemical plans, the GPT level doesn't have a significantly modification, but diminishes the GOT level into treated groups. The cholesterol content in adrenals doesn't modify. As concern the histologic structure of analized organs we point out, in forerank, at the pituitary level, an easier stimulation of neuro-endocrine secretion at the neuron level and on the axonal route, but without any pathologically signification. In the remainder, the structure of the analyzed organs there is any pathological modifications in adrenals, liver, kidney and duodenum. As concern analyzed histochemical and histoenzymological activity it doesn't modify in vegetable extracts treated groups compared with control group, with a little exception, namely, in the treated groups at the duodenum level the ATP-ase activity is easier increased compared with the control group. In conclusion, the administration of Polygonum aviculare and Polygonum bistorta extracts don't produces any pathological effects at the neuro-endocrine axis level and in the metabolic studied organs. There are no differences between the action of those two vgetable extracts obtained from different species, at least in our experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The room-temperature synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles from aqueous solution of AgNO3 and HAuCl4 respectively, using Rumex roseus (RR) plant extract as a reducing agent, is reported here for the first time. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The formation of nanoparticles with spherical-shaped morphology was verified by TEM and confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy through the analysis of Ag and Au plasmon resonance peak and DLS measurements. New electrochemical sensors have been developed by employing the synthesized Ag and Au nanoparticles as modifiers of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), respectively. The AgNPs-modified GCE was investigated for the electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Further enhancement of electrochemical performances was obtained using a nanocomposite made of AgNPs and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-modified GCE. The AuNPs-SPCE sensor was instead tested in the electrochemical sensing of riboflavin (RF). To our knowledge, this is the first paper reporting Rumex roseus plant extract as a source for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and their use for developing simple, sensitive and reliable electrochemical sensors for H2O2 and RF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Extracts of roots of Rumex nepalensis, Berberis aristata, Arnebia benthamii, bark of Taxus wallichiana, Juglans regia and petals of Jacquinia ruscifolia were tested for their antifungal activity against twelve different fungal pathogens. Ethanolic extracts of R. nepalensis and J. ruscifolia extracts showed a broad spectrum of activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]