Konopie siewne Cannabis sativa L. – jeden z najstarszych gatunków roślin użytkowych

The species Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) includes fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L. var. sativa) and indian hemp (narcotic) (Cannabis sativa L. var. indica), differing in the level of cannabinoids, mainly Δ9THC, which in fiber hemp is below 0.2%. Fiber hemp is a plant widespread around the world, cultivated mainly for its fiber, used for a variety of purposes. The seeds are used in the food, cosmetic industries and birds food. The medicinal use of cannabis has been known for over 5,000 years. The pharmacological properties of the cannabinoids dominant in indian hemp make them useful in the treatment of various diseases. The presence of the psychoactive Δ9THC is controversial.

Aktywność biologiczna ekstraktów z propolisu

Introduction. Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a resinous material collected by honeybees with numerous biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Due to its health-promoting properties, propolis is a component of many products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics and healthy food. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts, as well as to compare the biological activity of propolis extracts, depending on the solvent used – ethyl alcohol or propylene glycol. Material and methods. Two propolis extracts were used in the research – the first was prepared in ethyl alcohol, and the second in propylene glycol. The antimicrobial activity of the examined extracts was determined against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The antioxidant activity was determined on the basis of the evaluation of their antiradical activity in the DPPH· test and Fe2+ chelating activity. Moreover, the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the tested extracts was determined using the colorimetric method. Results. The tested propolis extracts, regardless of the solvent used (ethyl alcohol or propylene glycol), showed high antibacterial (against S. aureus), antifungal (against C. albicans) and antioxidant (antiradical activity in the DPPH· test and ferrous iron chelating potency in the ferrozine test) activity. Moreover, both tested extracts were characterized by a high and similar content of bioactive compounds – phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Conclusions. The results of the conducted tests showed that the solvent used did not affect determined biological activity and the content of bioactive substances in the tested propolis extracts.

Arnika górska jako roślina lecznicza

The pharmacological properties of arnica flowers are mainly due to the action of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of Arnicae flos (in vitro studies) is based on the inhibition of the release of pro-inflammatory factors: NF-κB, NF-AT and metabolic products of arachidonic acid. This herbal substance is used only externally in blunt injuries (contusions, sprains, bruises), as well as in muscle and rheumatic pains. Strong antimicrobial properties, equal to the activity of antibiotics, justify the use of arnica flowers in dermatoses.

Wpływ olejku jodłowego (Abietis aetheroleum) na grzyby drożdżopodobne z rodzaju Candida

Introduction. Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) grows in mountainous areas all over Europe. The tree reaches a height of 40 to 60 m. Essential oils obtained from the needles, cones and fir wood by steam distillation differing in composition. The oil obtained from the needles mainly contains L-α-pinene, L-limonene, santene, L-bornyl acetate and laurel aldehyde. In the oil obtained from cones L-limonene, L-α-pinene, borneol and L-bornyl acetate dominated. Fir oil has antioxidant, disinfecting and antiseptic properties. Aim. The aim of the research was to determine the activity of fir oil against yeast-like fungi. Material and methods. 61 strains of yeast-like fungi isolated from the oral cavity and 9 reference strains were used for the study. Susceptibility of yeast-like fungi to fir oil was determined by serial dilution in Sabouraud agar. The inoculum containing 105 CFU/drop was transferred with a Steers replicator to agar plates. The concentrations of the tested oil (Semifarm, Gdańsk) were 20.0, 15.0, 10.0, 7.5, 5.0 and 2.5 mg/ml. The oil-free agar was used to control the growth of the strains. Incubation was carried out in aerobic conditions at 37°C for 24-48 hours. The lowest concentration of oil that completely inhibited the growth of yeast-like fungi was assumed as the MIC. Results. The results of the research carried out indicate that fir oil showed moderate activity against fungi tested. Concentrations in the range ≤ 5.0-7.5 mg/ml inhibited the growth of 10 (16.3%) strains. However, 7.5-15.0 mg/ml of the oil was active against 48 (78.7%) strains. Only 3 (5%) strains were sensitive to 20.0 mg/ml oil or more. The C. utilis strains turned out to be the most sensitive (MIC = 2.5 mg/ml). Higher concentrations (≤ 2.5-10.0 mg/ml) inhibited the growth of C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. C. krusei and C. kefyr strains were sensitive to 5.0-15.0 mg/ml of oil, C. guilliermondii to 7.5-10.0 mg/ml, C. lusitaniae to 7.5-≥ 20.0 mg/ml and C. humicola to 15.0 mg/ml. The oil was less active against C. tropicalis (MIC ≤ 2.5-≥ 20.0 mg/ml). Conclusions. Fir oil showed the greatest activity against strains of yeast-like fungi of the C. utilis species. C. glabrata strains were characterized by moderate susceptibility. The oil showed moderate activity against C. albicans, which is often involved in infections.

Fitozwiązki i substancje naturalne wspomagające leczenie COVID-19

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 a severe acute respiratory syndrome, causes the global mortality and burden of the blockade. The COVID-19 disease, said to be of zoonotic origin, has quickly become the pandemic responsible for the current global health crisis. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Over the past year, there has been a continued increase in the number of published articles on COVID-19, including reports of infected cases, deaths, disease severity, and disease susceptibility. The goal of many recently published articles is to draw the attention of physicians and pharmacists to the importance of natural products and nutraceuticals in the treatment of COVID-19. It is emphasized that, in the absence of specific drugs for COVID-19, there is an urgent need to find alternative approaches to strengthen the resilience of the general population and pave the way for the development of drugs that can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

Zioła zalecane przez świętą Hildegardę w pielęgnacji skóry

The aim of this study is to present the current data on the herbs recommended by Saint Hildegard in skin care. The plants particularly appreciated by Saint Hildegard include: damascus rose (Rosa damascene Mill.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), lavender narrow-leaved (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), white lily (Lilium candidum L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), thyme (thymus; Thymus vulgaris L.), sweet violet (Viola odorata L.) and violet tricolor (Viola tricolor L.). Saint Hildegard of Bingen, thanks to her original recipes, knowledge of plants and a unique philosophy of life, found her way to beauty, which is used continuously until the present day.

Badania wyciągów z owocników grzyba Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.)

Introduction. Laetiporus sulphureus is a species of fungus that decomposes both living trees and wooden structures. The fruiting bodies grow from May to September. They most often attack deciduous trees, most often oaks, poplars, robins and willows, apple trees, plum trees, less often maples and alders, very rarely they attack conifers. They are annuals; initially bulbous, then semicircular, fan-shaped and corrugated, color from sulfur-yellow to golden-orange or orange. Only the young and juicy fruiting bodies are suitable for consumption; they have a delicate “mushroom” taste and goes well with vegetables. It can be made in breadcrumbs, marinated in honey and spice, added to soups or stewed. The mushroom can be made in breadcrumbs, marinated in honey and spice, added to soups and stewed. Aim. Determination of the content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in water, methanol and methanol-water extracts and examination of the composition of the chloroform extract from Laetiporus sulphureus fruiting bodies collected from three natural areas. Material and methods. The tests were carried out on three samples of Laetiporus sulphureus (A, B and C) dried in the air. Water, methanol and methanol-water extracts were prepared for the tests. The colorimetric method with the use of the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) reagent was used to determine the total sum of polyphenols in the tested extracts. The antioxidant activity was determined by methods with the DPPH radical and the reduction of iron (III) ions (FRAP). The qualitative analysis of the chloroform extract using the GC-MS method was performed. Results. Total polyphenols (expressed as caffeic acid) in analyzed samples ranged from 0.07% to 0.88%, with the highest content of polyphenol was present in the aqueous extracts, followed by a methanol-water and methanol. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were as follows: parameter IC50 (for the DPPH radical method) ranged from 238 to 69.1 (mg/ml), and the parameter I0.5 (for the FRAP method) ranged from 106.6 to 24.6 (mg/ml). A total of 42 from 49 chemical compounds were identified trough GC-MS analysis of chloroform extracts from the three sets of fruiting bodies Laetiporus sulphureus: A, B and C. Among the identified compounds were the substances with a proven health benefits as thymol, niacin, unsaturated fatty acids: oleic and linoleic acids, and squalene. Conclusions. All tested extracts prepared from the fruiting bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus show antioxidant activity, however, they differ in strength depending on the type of extract and the place of harvesting the fruiting bodies. The analysis of the chloroform extract using the GC-MS method allowed for the identification of compounds such as thymol, niacin, oleic acid, linoleic acid and squalene with proven pro-health properties.

Skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo stosowania korzenia Symphytum officinale L. – przegląd danych literaturowych

Comfrey root – Symphyti radix has been present in medicine since ancient times. Nowadays, European Medicine Agency (EMA) restricts its only for external use, in short therapies not exceeding 10 days. The last decade has been characterized by the progress in research on the chemical composition and metabolism of biologically active compounds present in the root and leaves. The result is the presence of herbal medicinal products containing comfrey root extracts with reduced content or free of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids on the European market of herbal products. Moreover, the medicinal properties of leaves from another Symphytum species, namely Russian comfrey, are also in the use. The results of clinical trials indicate the beneficial effects of plant raw materials obtained from comfreys in musculoskeletal system disorders – comfrey root and skin inflammations – leaves of Russian comfrey. The paper presents the history of use, chemical composition, therapeutic effect and toxicity of comfrey, as well as characterizes clinical trials on products containing comfrey extracts from root and leaves.

Przeciwnowotworowe działanie składników propolisu. Cz. 3. Związki o różnej strukturze chemicznej

The paper reviews the research on the antitumor activity of propolis components belonging to different, previously (Part 1 and 2), not discussed chemical groups. The in vitro (human and animal cancer cell lines) and in vivo tests performed showed differentiated cytotoxic activity of the tested compounds (IC50 from 2 to > 100.0 g/ml), including weak, moderate or strong (IC50 = 4.0 μg/ml). The strongest cytotoxic activity was shown by prenylated aromatic acids (artepillin C), isoflavones (mucronulatol) and prenylated benzophenones (nemorosan and plukenethione). The studies also showed a reduction in the degree of neoplastic metastases to various organs under the influence of the test substances (83.0%), as well as inhibition of neoplastic cells (90%) compared to control cultures.