Search Results (18)

Natural resources rich in polyphenols from plants belonging to the Asteraceae family remain largely unexplored. The main goal of this study was to characterize under-studied Asteraceae plants in terms of different bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, and chemical profile. Twenty-three samples from 19 plant species were analyzed using conventional solid/liquid extraction, and the contents of total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (TF), flavonols (FL), hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) and condensed tannins (CT), as well as extraction yield were determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, and five plant samples were subjected to LC-MS analysis. Extraction yields ranged from 0.57% to 1.74%. Solidago virgaurea had the highest TP and FL contents, while Tanacetum vulgare showed the highest TF and HCA levels. The highest CT content was found in the roots of Helianthus tuberosus. Asteraceae species such as S. virgaurea, Tussilago farfara, Cota tinctoria, T. vulgare, and Inula ensifolia demonstrated the greatest antioxidant potential, with about 130 different identified compounds. Given the promising chemical richness of these under-researched species, future studies should focus on enhancing extraction of bioactive compounds using novel techniques and incorporating extracts as natural, non-synthetic preservatives in various products to improve their nutritional and biological properties. Full article

This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of 70% ethanol extracts from six medicinal plants (Chenopodium album, Cassia tora, Cudrania tricuspidata, Dioscorea polystachya, Lonicera japonica, Solidago virgaurea subsp. gigantea) through their antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory activities, targeting applications in aquaculture. All extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity (MIC ≤ 10 μg/mL) against Aeromonas spp. and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae, but limited efficacy against Streptococcus parauberis. C. tricuspidata (CTR) and C. tora (CTO) demonstrated superior antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1292 μg/mL and IC₅₀ = 227 μg/mL, respectively), correlating with high polyphenol content (1498 and 1409 mg GAE/g). CTR displayed significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 904.2 μg/mL), while C. album (CA) promoted cell proliferation (132.3% viability). In LPS-stimulated CHSE-214 cells, D. polystachya (DP) induced the highest IL-8 expression (207-fold), followed by Chenopodium album (CA) (194-fold IL-8, 49-fold TNF-α) and CTR (245-fold RIPK2), activating NF-κB, MAPK, and NOD-like receptor pathways critical for teleost immunity. Lonicera japonica (LJ) suppressed TNF-α (0.4-fold) and IRF1 (0.3-fold), indicating anti-inflammatory potential, while S. virgaurea subsp. gigantea (SV) showed biphasic TNF-α modulation (79-fold at 10 μg/mL, 5-fold at 100 μg/mL). These diverse bioactivities, particularly the robust immunomodulatory effects, highlight the promise of these extracts as natural therapeutic agents for fish health management in aquaculture. Full article

Chymotrypsin inhibitors were initially considered mainly as anti-nutritional factors. However, the potential for their use as therapeutics has been recognized, particularly in the control of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory processes. The search for new, effective, and safe chymotrypsin inhibitors has become important not only for food and feed safety reasons, but also in the search for new compounds with potential for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Oxidative stress is also an integral etiological factor in the development of the aforementioned pathological conditions. Antioxidants supplied with food can have an impact on reducing the probability of developing these diseases. Herbaceous plants are a valuable reservoir of biologically active chemical compounds, which can show both inhibitory effects against a number of enzymatic reactions and have antioxidant activity. The compounds found within them are also often characterized by higher bioavailability and safety than their synthetic analogs. In the present study, phytochemical characterization of plant materials Galium aparine L., Galium verum L., Solidago virgaurea L. and Solidago canadensis L. was performed, in order to search for new, potential substances with chymotrypsin inhibitor and antioxidant properties. Antioxidant and inhibitory activities against chymotrypsin were determined using effect-directed HPTLC. The total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and antioxidant activity were also determined in UV-Vis spectrophotometric tests. Both plant species showed antioxidant and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity. Among the methanol and methanol:water extracts, the extracts from Solidago sp. showed stronger inhibitory and antioxidant activity. However, in the case of dichloromethane extracts, Galium aparine inhibited chymotrypsin activity in a stronger manner than Solidago sp. The results indicate the application potential of compounds obtained from these plants as chymotrypsin inhibitors and antioxidant agents. Full article

The use of Solidago virgaurea extract as a raw material for cosmetics production fits the eco-tendency prevalent in the cosmetic industry for many years now perfectly. The study reported in this paper included an evaluation of the potential of the above-mentioned plant extract as a natural cosmetic ingredient applied in the form of cosmetic macroemulsions. The physicochemical parameters (pH, viscosity, particle size distribution) and physical stability (multiple light scattering) of the cosmetic formulations containing Solidago virgaurea (1.0 wt.%) were studied. An in vivo study was carried out on a group of 20 female volunteers. The results showed a high compatibility of the tested extract with the other components in the macroemulsion in the form of a serum for the body, which was the formulation containing Sorbitan Stearate as an emulsifier. Analysis of the results revealed a relation between the compatibility of the investigated herbal extract with the components of the cosmetic base and the effectiveness of this extract as an active substance. As a result of an improvement in the application parameters, an over 70% increase in the level of epidermis moisturization was observed along with other beneficial changes in the parameters of skin macrorelief and topography. Full article

Solidago virgaurea L., or European goldenrod, has a long tradition in folk medicine due to the wide range of its biological activity. This paper aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidative potential of S. virgaurea essential oil and hydrolates obtained by traditional and novel extraction techniques. For that purpose, hydrodistillation, microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and solvent-free extraction were performed. Analysis of the composition of essential oils indicated the presence of 59 different compounds with cyclocolorenone, germacrene D and spathulenol being the dominant in all essential oil samples. Antimicrobial activity was detected in all the analyzed samples, with higher effect on Gram-positive microorganisms compared to Gram-negative. Regarding the type of performed extraction process, the introduction of microwaves induced higher antimicrobial and antioxidative potential in both essential oils and hydrolates. Hydrolates obtained in microwave-assisted processes had pronounced antioxidative activity, which creates a good basis for further investigation of this side product’s potential use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

A clear trend of replacing synthetic cosmetic ingredients with natural ones can be observed in modern cosmetology. This entails the need to search for bioactive ingredients in the natural environment, especially in plants. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of dermatological, cosmetic, and pharmacological properties of highly potent plants, namely Acmella oleracea (A. oleracea), Centella asiatica (C. asiatica), Psoralea corylifolia (P. corylifolia), Plantago lanceolata L. (P. lanceolata L.), and Solidago virgaurea L. (S. virgaurea L.). Biological activity and phytochemical constituents are presented for all plants, but special attention is paid to ingredients of particular value to the cosmetics industry. The advantages of spilanthol and bakuchiol as a replacement for the popular botulinum toxin and retinol are discussed. Natural habitats, ethnomedical importance, cultivation area, as well as extraction methods of active plant ingredients are presented in detail. A wide spectrum of biological activity indicates the enormous potential of the presented plants in formulating new cosmetic and dermatological preparations. Full article

The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (β-TC-6) by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH• scavenging (EC₅₀ = 105.2 ± 1.1 µg/mL) and reducing power activities (EC₅₀ = 40.98 ± 0.2 µg/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 23.9 ± 1.2 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 ± 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential. Full article

The high environmental importance of invasive goldenrod has prompted research to find potential benefits that can be derived from these species. This study aimed to identify differences in root phenolic profiles among five Solidago species, thus providing valuable information on their potential applications and the botanical origin of the raw material. The roots of native S. virgaurea L., two alien species S. gigantea Aiton and S. canadensis L. and their hybrids S. ×niederederi Khek and S. ×snarskisii Gudž. & Žaln. were sampled from mixed-species stands in Lithuania. A complex of twelve phenolic acids and their derivatives was identified and quantified in methanol–water root extracts using the HPLC-PDA and LC/MS systems. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed by ABTS. The chemical content of the roots of S. virgaurea, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi were statistically similar, while the roots of S. canadensis and S. ×snarskisii contained lower amounts of compounds than the other species. The PCA score-plot models of the phenolic profiles only partially confirmed the identification of S. ×niederederi and S. ×snarskisii as crosses between native and alien species. The findings from the phenolic profiles and the observed radical-scavenging activity of root extracts of Solidago species provide valuable insights into their potential applications in various fields. Full article

The increasing disparity between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the development of new antimicrobials continues to pose a significant global health concern. However, plant extracts have shown promise in combating this issue either through their inherent antimicrobial activity or by serving as potential reservoirs of effective antimicrobial compounds. These compounds have the ability to target pathogenic biofilms and inhibit the production of extended-spectrum $\beta$ -lactamases (ESBLs). However, there is limited research available on the antibacterial properties of goldenrod extract. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of S. virgaurea (SV) extract on the viability and ability to form biofilms of ESBL-Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023. The broth microdilution method was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the (SV) extract. Subsequently, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined based on the MIC values obtained. The antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria was evaluated using the Kirby disk diffusion assay and an Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) card in conjunction with the Vitek-2 compact system. Biofilm formation was evaluated using Congo red and a 96-well Elisa plate, while the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) was estimated by measuring the reduction of nitrocefin at a wavelength of 390 nm. In addition, treatment of biofilm and ESBL activity with SV extract using 96-well Elisa plate and nitrocefin hydrolyzing, respectively. The resistance rates of P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested antibiotics were as follows: Levofloxacin 33%, Ciprofloxacin 40%, Amikacin 49%, Meropenem 50%, Cefepime 70%, Ceftazidime 75%, Cefotaxime 85%, Piperacillin-Tazobactam 90%, Amoxiclav 97%, Ampicillin 99%, Ceftriaxone 100%. The prevalence of MDR-P. aeruginosa, XDR-P. aeruginosa, PDR-P. aeruginosa and non-MDR-PA were 40% (n = 40), 7% (n = 7), 3% (n = 3) and 50% (n = 50), respectively. From the GC–MS results, it was observed that the presence of Octadecane, Clioquinol, Glycerol tricaprylate, hexadecanoic acid, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid and Propanamide were the major components in the Solidago extract. In the determination of plant crude extracts, the values ranged between 0.25 and 64 mg/mL against bacteria. The resulting activity of the extract showed a significant statistical relationship at a p-value ≤ 0.01 against ESBL production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. The S. virgaurea extract exhibited effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation and combating P. aeruginosa strains that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Full article

Native to N. America, Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant and quickly spread here and in other parts of the world. The rapid spread of the plant is due to several reasons: phenotypic plasticity, broad climatic tolerance, propagation via underground rhizomes and seeds that mature in large numbers, etc. Additionally, the success of Canadian goldenrod’s invasion is determined by its allelochemicals that affect seed germination, root formation and whole growth of nearby plants. Allelopathy of various extracts and essential oils (EOs) of S. canadensis on seed germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and garden pepper cress (Lepidium sativum L.) was evaluated and compared with other Solidago species (S. virgaurea, S. × niederederi) collected from the same growing locality in Lithuania. Soil characteristics (conductivity, pH and major elements) of the collecting site were determined. Aqueous flower extracts of all studied Solidago species showed the highest inhibitory effect on model plants. Canadian goldenrod leaf water/diethyl ether extract showed highest inhibitory effect in all relative concentrations (1.0; 0.1; 0.01) suppressing growth of L. sativa (from 0 to 2.3 mm compared with 22.7 mm for control samples) and L. sativum (from 0.5 to 16.8 mm compared with 35.3 mm in control). It was noticed that garden pepper cress was more susceptible to Solidago spp. inhibitory effects than lettuce. S. canadensis root EOs comprised mainly of limonene (35.0%) and β-pinene (26.2%) and inflorescence oils containing α-pinene (21.6%), germacrene D (15.1%), limonene (10.2%) and lupenyl acetate (9.8%) exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on lettuce and garden pepper cress growth. Relative germination and vigor index of model plants was conducted. Chemical composition of extracts and EOs was determined by HPLC/DAD/TOF and GC/MS techniques. Full article

Plants of the Asteraceae family have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Now, forgotten for some time, they are gaining popularity again. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the proximate composition and antioxidant activity of inflorescences and leaves of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. (common dandelion), Tanacetum vulgare L. (tansy) and Solidago virgaurea L. (European goldenrod). The content of dry matter, crude protein, crude ash and crude fat was determined according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The content of total polyphenols was determined using methanol extracts. Antioxidant activity was determined by three methods. The protein content was the highest in Taraxacum officinale. The fat and ash content increased in the sequence of Solidago virgaurea < Tanacetum vulgare < Taraxacum officinale. The total content of polyphenols in the material and its antioxidant activity (AA) were different between species. Changes were also observed in the morphological parts of the plants. The results of the research encourage the use of not only those parts of plants known but also inflorescences or leaves, which can be excellent ingredients for drugs and other preparations used in medicine or cosmetology and also in the food industry. Full article

Alkaline soils have fertility issues due to poor physical qualities, which have a negative impact on crop growth and output. Solidago is used in flower arrangements, bouquet filler, and traditional medicine. The possible biological fertilizers’ eco-friendly and cost-effective nature favours farmers because of the vital role in soil productivity and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was performed during two successive seasons to explore the effect of applying yeast extract (YE) at (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/L) and/or gibberellic acid (GA₃) at (control, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) on the morpho-physiological parameters, macronutrients, and biochemical constituents of Solidago virgaurea. The results emphasize that YE (1.5 g/L) and/or GA₃ (300 ppm) treatments show the highest significant increase in plant growth (i.e., plant height, no. of branches, fresh and dry weight of shoots); photosynthetic efficiency (i.e., chlorophyll (a), chlorophyll (b) and total carotenoids); macronutrient content (i.e., N, P, and K); and biochemical constituents (i.e., total soluble sugars, total phenolic, total flavonoids, and total glycosides). The study results recommend using YE and GA₃ in combination at concentrations of 1.5 g/L and 300 ppm, respectively, to improve Solidago production sustainability under alkaline soil conditions. Full article

The medicinal plant woundwort (Solidago virgaurea L.) characterizes by diuretic, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory activity and it has been applied for urinary tract, nephrolithiasis and prostate disorders treatment. The aim of the present study was to analyze the extraction kinetics of catechin, epigallocatechin and quercetin from Bulgarian woundwort extracts, to assess the antibacterial potential of the medicinal plant extracts against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus cereus), their antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging potential. The concentrations of the flavonoids in the extracts obtained at different extraction conditions (solvent, temperature, extraction time) were determined by newly-developed by the scientific team RP-HPLC-PDA methodologies. The agar well diffusion method was applied to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts. The 70% EtOH extracts at 20 °C displayed significantly higher antibacterial activity against the foodborne pathogenic bacteria S. aureus and P. aeruginosa as compared to the 70% and 98% EtOH extracts at 30 °C and 20 °C, respectively. The medicinal plant exhibited satisfactory antioxidant potential and radical-scavenging activity. Full article

Solidago virgaurea L. is a perennial plant used in European traditional medicine as a diuretic or a remedy for inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract but also for gout, especially in the Balkans. The present study was focused on a preclinical, in vivo evaluation of antihyperuricemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive effects of a dry extract from S. virgaurea L. (ESV). Colorimetric and HPLC–MS techniques were used to identify the main chemical constituents of ESV. Antihyperuricemic effect of ESV was assessed in a rat model of hyperuricemia induced by the administration of potassium oxonate. Antihypertensive effect of ESV was evaluated in hyperuricemic rats by monitoring systolic blood pressure with a non-invasive blood-pressure recording system. The anti-inflammatory effect of ESV was tested using a rat model of paw edema. The main chemical constituents of ESV were rutin and phenolic acids represented by chlorogenic and caffeic acid. ESV demonstrated significant antihyperuricemic effects in rats due to an uricosuric mechanism. Additionally, ESV reduced the progression of arterial hypertension in hyperuricemic rats and also showed anti-inflammatory properties slightly inferior to diclofenac. The results suggest that ESV could be a natural remedy for the treatment of gout and protection against endothelial dysfunction caused by hyperuricemia. Full article

European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.) has long been applied in traditional medicine and recommended in the prophylaxis of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, research describing the antibacterial properties of goldenrod is very limited. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of S. virgaurea extract on the survival and biofilm formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The interactions between the goldenrod extract and antibiotics used in UTIs were established. The influence of the extract on the duration of the post-antibiotic effects (PAE) and post-antibiotic sub-MIC effects (PASME) of amikacin and ciprofloxacin were determined. Extract composition was analyzed using coupled UHPLC/MS and the spectrophotometric method. The survival of bacteria was established using the serial dilution assay. The crystal violet assay for biofilm quantification was also used. PAE and PASME were investigated using the viable count method. The obtained results indicate that S. virgaurea extract limits the survival of planktonic forms of bacteria and reduces 24-h biofilm. However, the combination of S. virgaurea extract with antibiotics weakens their antibacterial activity and shortens the duration of PAE and PASME. Therefore, when deciding to use a combination of S. virgaurea extract and amikacin/ciprofloxacin, it is necessary to take into account their antagonistic activity. Full article