Volume 64 (2018): Issue 4 (December 2018)

Introduction: The Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants (INF&MP) is involved in the protection of the genetic resources of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). In 1998–2000, the INF&MP conducted research titled “Collection and evaluation of flax and hemp cultivars and ecotypes”. Poland participates in the programme, financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development because our country has signed the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Objective: The objective of the research was the evaluation of the genetic resources of 23 accessions of flax. The characteristics data for flax accessions are presented according to traditional methodology and according to the methodology for developing the International Flax Data Base.

Methods: Field trials were carried out in 1998–2000 in the experimental station in Wojciechów, located in the Opolskie region. The objective was to evaluate the morphological traits, biological features and seed yield of 23 accessions of flax. The research included the following genotypes of Linum usitatissimum L. according to type of use: 12 linseed varieties, three landraces, one accession of unknown type of use, six fibre varieties and one genotype of both types of use.

Results: The total plant length of Linum was short for 12 accessions of flax, medium short (7) and medium (4). The technical length was short (17 accessions), medium short (3) and medium (3). The stem thickness for all accessions was medium, i.e. between 1.2 and 2.0 mm. The panicle length was short (12 accessions), medium (10) and long (1). A number of primary lateral branches of the stems of all flax accessions was medium (4–8 branches). The 1000 seed weight was low for 21 accessions of flax and very low in two genotypes: Currong and UKR 97 104. The size of the corolla (flower) was small (9), medium (12) and large (2) – varieties: Martin and Maxigold. The petal colour of the corolla was blue (11), light blue (8) and white (4) – Crystal, Hella, Kreola, Achay.

Conclusions: Morphological characterisation of the stamen showed that accession K-1390 was segregating because the anther colour was bluish and greish. The highest resistance to lodging was observed for Abby, Peak and Olinette. The following accessions of flax were very resistant to Fusarium: Martin, UKR 97269, Kijewskij and Ukraińskij 3; resistant to Fusarium: Abby, Peak, Olinette, Crystal, Gold Merchant, Currong and Ukraińskij 2. The following varieties were very susceptible to Fusarium: Hella, Kreola, Maxigold and Achay. These varieties should not be used for cross breeding. The best average seed yield in 1998–2000 in Wojciechów was found in the following accessions of flax: Abby (191%), Gold Merchant (162%), Currong (161%), Olinette (151%), PEAK (148%), UKR 97269 (148%), Crystal (138%), Ukraiński 3 (132%), Martin (130%), Pacific (110%) and Ukraiński 2 (103%). These varieties are particularly valuable for flax breeders.

Introduction: Antioxidants, isolated from different plant parts, are widely used due to their ability to prevent the development of so-called oxidative stress. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is one of the plants with expected antioxidant properties.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of ethanolic, methanolic and acetonic extracts of H. rhamnoides leaves, ripe and unripe fruits obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Methods: To estimate the antioxidant potential of the extracts the DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and Folin-Ciocalteu methods were applied. Moreover, the influence of the extrahent, as well as extraction time, on this activity was evaluated.

Results: Sea buckthorn leaf extracts showed higher activity, contrary to the fruit extracts. Moreover, higher activity of ripe fruit extracts compared to unripe material extracts was found. To obtain the highest content of antioxidants in the extracts, ultrasound-assisted extraction for 60 min with methanol should be applied.

Conclusions: The presented in vitro results could lead to the conclusion that H. rhamnoides seems to be a valuable source of antioxidants to be applied in various branches of industry.

Introduction: Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) is a plant of which both the fruits and the leaves are sources of compounds with antioxidant potential. Such activity could be helpful to prevent the development of so-called oxidative stress.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of ethanolic, methanolic and acetonic extracts of mature and immature quince fruits, as well as leaves.

Methods: The extracts were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction, for 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) methods.

Results: Antioxidant activity of all of the evaluated extracts were observed. The highest potential determined with each method was found for leaf extracts. Moreover, higher activity of unripe fruit extracts compared to ripe fruit was observed. Taking into account the applied extractants, the highest antioxidant capacity was found for methanolic extracts, extracted for 60 and 30 minutes. By contrast, the lowest potential was observed mainly for ethanolic extracts (extraction time 15 minutes).

Conclusion: Quince extracts, particularly alcoholic extracts of leaves, seem to be a valuable source of anti-oxidants. Factors as extraction time, the type of solvent and degree of fruit maturity may influence the antioxidant activity of extracts.

Introduction:Rhodiola rosea (RR) and Rhodiola kirilowii (RK) are well known for their influence on central nervous system, however their impact on the development of alcohol tolerance has not yet been proven.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the ability of RR and RK roots extracts to inhibit the development of alcohol tolerance in vivo, both, peripheral (metabolic) and central ones.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated with RR and RK extracts (p.o.) and ethanol (i.p.) for ten consecutive days. On the first, third, fifth and eighth days the hypothermic action of ethanol was measured, while on the ninth day the loss of righting reflex was examined. On the tenth day rats were treated with assigned extract and sacrificed 1 h after the ethanol injection.

Results: Both extracts inhibited development of tolerance to the hypothermic action of ethanol. The observed effect seems to be specific since none of the extracts affected body temperature in water-treated animals. RK extract also prolonged the hypnotic action of ethanol. RR-treated rats had higher blood-ethanol concentrations, in contrast to RK ones.

Conclusions: RR and RK extracts inhibited the development of tolerance to the hypothermic action of ethanol. Prolongation of the hypnotic action of ethanol by RK extract may be associated with influence on the central nervous system, while the RR one also inhibited the development of metabolic tolerance.

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease is a chronic debilitating disease and many patients use Levodopa as a major treatment. However, this drug in long-term use causes a serious condition that is known as Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Berberis vulgaris (BV) has been known to be a good potential medication for neurologic diseases such as movement disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness of BV for LID in mice.

Material and methods: In this study, 48 adult male mice were randomly divided into six groups: 1) saline group, 2) MPTP + LID, 3) MPTP + LID + BV (5 mg/kg), 4) MPTP + LID + BV (10 mg/kg), 5) MPTP + LID + BV (20 mg/kg). MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) (30 mg/kg/day/i.p.) was used to induce Parkinson’s disease and Levodopa (50 mg/kg/day/i.p.) was used to induce LID. After induction of LID, mice received intraperitoneally (i.p.) different dosages of BV for 25 days. To investigate movement disorder improvement (dyskinesia), AIMS (Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale) and cylinder tests were used.

Results: Mice that received BV at dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day showed improvement in AIMS and the cylinder test.

Conclusion: BV is a useful drug for treating LID. So, parkinsonian disease patients may get a beneficial effect after treatment with BV for LID.

Introduction: Fresh herbs of poison hemlock (Conii maculati herba) are used in homeopathy. The plant is also used in pharmacological and toxicological studies. There are few articles on seed germination capability in available literature.

Objective: The aim of the research was evaluation of Conium maculatum seed germination.

Methods: Germination studies of C. maculatum L. were carried out according to methodology by ISTA.

Results: It was confirmed that the germination capability of the described species is dependent on access to light and temperature fluctuations. In the first year after harvest, the highest percentage of germinating seeds was found in the winter months (January–February).

Conclusion: The seeds stored in an unheated room still germinated in the fifth year after harvest.

Introduction: Shankhpushpi has been widely used in traditional Indian systems of medicine as a brain and memory boosting tonic. There are a variety of botanicals reported to be used as sources of Shankhpushpi in various parts of India. For instance, Canscora decussata Schult, Clitorea ternatea Linn., Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. and Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. are most commonly used as sources of Shankhpushpi by practitioners of Ayurveda in different parts of the country.

Objective: When it comes to using Shankhpushpi in herbal formulations, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the correct botanicals in the formulation decides its pharmacological effectiveness. Scopoletin and mangiferin are proven bioactive markers identified in Shankhpushpi botanicals in our previous studies. Hence the study is aimed at providing a simple analytical method for the identification of the correct variety of Shankhpushpi using proven markers.

Methods: In this study, a High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the estimation of scopoletin and mangiferin levels in four botanicals of Shankhpushpi and their marketed formulations.

Result: A simple analytical method was developed which proved to be very crucial in estimating concentrations of mangiferin and scopoletin in various test samples. This method can be used to identify the correct botanicals of Shankhpushpi present in any Ayurvedic formulation or raw material or processed powder by evaluating the content of scopoletin or mangiferin as markers.

Conclusion: The developed HPLC method is a quick and reliable method for the quantitative monitoring of mangiferin and scopoletin in herbal extracts and marketed formulations of Shankhpushpi.

Plant-origin oils are an essential element of the diet, affecting the preservation of health, but also of significant importance for the care of skin and its appendages. Among fats of plant origin, oils from fruit seeds are an important group. They are a rich source of fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols and other bioactive compounds that have positive effect in relation to specific functions of the human body. Fruit seed oils play an important role in health prophylaxis, because they prevent the development of diseases of civilisation, alleviate the effects of stress and slow down the ageing process of the body. Due to the beneficial effects on the skin, they are also used in cosmetology. In formulations of cosmetic preparations, plant oils are the basis for the administration of other active ingredients, but they are also used due to their biological properties. The article discusses in detail the composition, dietary and cosmetic importance of oil from the seeds of raspberries, blackcurrants, rose hips and grapes.

The white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach is an edible mushroom of top economic significance. In recent years the consumption of fruiting bodies of this species has been increasing in Poland. The article characterises the chemical composition and health-promoting properties of white button mushrooms. The latest scientific research confirms that the fruiting bodies of white button mushroom have high nutritional value. They contain good quality proteins, necessary unsaturated fatty acids, fibre, some vitamins and numerous minerals. Apart from that, white button mushroom fruiting bodies contain a wide range of bioactive substances, which have a positive influence on health, such as polysaccharides, glyco-proteins, tocopherols, polyphenols and other antioxidants, e.g. ergothioneine. Apart from the antioxidant properties, the white button mushroom also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and anti-atherosclerotic activities.