Characterizations of White Mulberry, Sea-Buckthorn, Garlic, Lily of the Valley, Motherwort, and Hawthorn as Potential Candidates for Managing Cardiovascular Disease-In Vitro and Ex Vivo Animal Studies.

Cardiovascular diseases are a broadly understood concept focusing on vascular and heart dysfunction. Lack of physical exercise, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thromboembolism, and kidney and lung diseases all contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel dysfunction. Although effective and important, traditional treatment with diuretics, statins, beta blockers, calcium inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and anti-platelet drugs remains a second-line treatment after dietary interventions and lifestyle changes. Scientists worldwide are still looking for an herbal product that would be effective and free from side effects, either taken together with or before the standard pharmacological intervention. Such herbal-originated medication therapy may include Morus alba L. (white mulberry), Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson (sea-buckthorn), Allium sativum L. (garlic), Convallaria majalis L. (lily of the valley), Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort), and Crataegus spp. (hawthorn). Valuable herbal raw materials include leaves, fruits, seeds, and even thorns. This short review focuses on six herbs that can constitute an interesting and potential therapeutic option in the management of cardiovascular disorders.

In quest for improvement of dyeing properties using agriculture waste: utilization of Oleaster as new bio-mordant for wool yarns.

Agricultural waste is an unwanted material that is not only unmarketable, but also has secondary costs such as environmental pollution. Oleaster, also known as olive Russian fruit, has various uses, but it also produces waste such as seeds and peels. Oleaster fruit and all its parts are tannin rich, which can be utilized as natural mordant. Improvement of fastness and color properties of natural dyed fibers is obtained by using mordant. The employing of this mordant is effective in reducing agricultural waste and the production of dyeing chemical waste. Reseda extract was utilized as natural dye to investigate the color characteristics. The study of the phenolic percentage of different components of the Oleaster fruit, including peel, seed, and flesh, showed that each of these materials can be used as natural mordant. The formation of physical bonds in the presence of all kinds of mordant was investigated using the FTIR method, and the results showed that their performance is similar and they are effective in surface treatment of wool. Investigation of color characteristics of the yarns showed that the color strength increases in the presence of mordant. Studying the fastness of yarns dyed with ISO methods showed that the samples have high washing fastness.

Co-fermentation Approach of Fructose and Glucose to Ethanol from Chinese Elaeagnus angustifolia Fruit (EAF).

The soluble and fermentable carbohydrate contents was detected over 47% of glucose and fructose in Chinese Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit powder (EAF), being over 47 wt% sugar content more than that of grape. Ethanol was therefore fermented directly from EAF, and different submerged fermentation modes were comparatively employed to optimize ethanol harvest. The results indicated that glucose has certain competitive inhibition on fructose bio-utilization, as well as the EAF solid residue involved fermentation mode also hindered the fermented-ethanol titer. Pectinase addition and in situ hydrolysis seemed to assist somewhat the fermentation. The water-solute fermentation mode is preferable, and glucose and fructose components were completely consumed and converted to 80.96 g/L ethanol at 87.6% ethanol yield even under tannin and pectin inhibition. The fermentation result could provide some experimental data and an approach to not only new biomass resource explores of bioethanol and alcohol beverage production, but also the technological development on valorization commercials of EAF in global draught areas.

Isolation, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activity of the Two Acidic Polysaccharides from the Fruits of the Elaeagnus angustifolia Linnaeus.

Elaeagnus angustifolia Linnaeus is a medicinal plant and its fruit has pharmacological activity such as antiinflammatory, antiedema, antinociceptive, and muscle relaxant functions, etc. Two acidic homogeneous polysaccharides (EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2) were isolated from the fruits of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. through DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-75 column chromatography, and the physicochemical, structural properties, and biological activities of the polysaccharides were investigated. Both EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2 were composed of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Glc, and Gal with the molar ratios of 13.7:20.5:23.3:8.8:33.4 and 24.8:19.7:8.2:8.4:38.6, respectively, and with the molecular weights of 705.796 kDa and 439.852 kDa, respectively. The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the polysaccharide nature of the isolated substances. Congo red assay confirmed the existence of a triple-helix structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2 had irregular fibrous, filament-like surfaces; and both had crystalline and amorphous structures. Bioactivity analysis showed that the crude polysaccharide, EAP-H-a1, and EAP-H-a2 had clear DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity, and could promote the secretion of NO and the phagocytic activities of RAW 264.7 and THP cells, which showed clear antioxidant and immuno-regulatory activity. These results indicated that Elaeagnus angustifolia L fruit acidic polysaccharides may have potential value in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

Anti-inflammatory effects of N-Acetylcysteine and Elaeagnus angustifolia extract on acute lung injury induced by λ-carrageenan in rat.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and acts as a free radical scavenger. Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is a plant native to the western part of Iran, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study been taken evaluated the protective effect afforded by EA and NAC extracts on carrageenan-induced acute lung injury in Wistar rats. In this study, 42 rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. NAC and EA extracts were orally administered once/day for 21 continuous days. Pulmonary damage was induced by intratracheal injection of 100 µl of 2% λ-Carrageenan on day 21. Twenty-four hours post-surgery, the rats were euthanized and the samples were collected. Pretreatment with NAC and EA extracts reduced the total and differential cell accumulation as well as IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines. Antioxidant indicators demonstrate that in the groups receiving NAC and EA extract, MDA decreased while thiol and antioxidant capacity elevated. Treatment with NAC and EA significantly reduced Carrageenan-induced pathological pulmonary tissue injury. NAC and EA extract has protective effects on acute carrageenan-induced lung injury.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Elaeagnus angustifolia L. leaf extracts and their multiple in vitro biological applications.

Due to their versatile applications, ZnONPs have been formulated by several approaches, including green chemistry methods. In the current study, convenient and economically viable ZnONPs were produced using Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) leaf extracts. The phytochemicals from E. angustifolia L. are believed to serve as a non-toxic source of reducing and stabilizing agents. The physical and chemical properties of ZnONPs were investigated employing varying analytical techniques (UV, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, SEM, TEM, DLS and Raman). Strong UV-Vis absorption at 399 nm was observed for green ZnONPs. TEM, SEM and XRD analyses determined the nanoscale size, morphology and crystalline structure of ZnONPs, respectively. The ZnONPs were substantiated by evaluation using HepG2 (IC50: 21.7 µg mL-1) and HUH7 (IC50: 29.8 µg mL-1) cancer cell lines and displayed potential anticancer activities. The MTT cytotoxicity assay was conducted using Leishmania tropica "KWH23" (promastigotes: IC50, 24.9 µg mL-1; and amastigotes: IC50, 32.83 µg mL-1). ZnONPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial potencies against five different bacterial and fungal species via the disc-diffusion method, and their MIC values were calculated. ZnONPs were found to be biocompatible using human erythrocytes and macrophages. Free radical scavenging tests revealed excellent antioxidant activities. Enzyme inhibition assays were performed and revealed excellent potential. These findings suggested that EA@ZnONPs have potential applications and could be used as a promising candidate for clinical development.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activity of Phenolic Preparations of Diverse Composition, Obtained from Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson Leaf and Twig Extracts.

Although the major components of various organs of sea buckthorn have been identified (particularly phenolic compounds), biological properties of many of these phytochemicals still remain poorly characterized. In this study, we focused on the chemical composition and biological activity of preparations that were obtained from sea buckthorn twigs and leaves. The objective was to investigate cytotoxicity of these preparations against human fibroblast line HFF-1, using MTT reduction assay, their anti- or pro-oxidant activities against the effects of a biological oxidant -H2O2/Fe-on human plasma lipids and proteins in vitro (using TBARS and carbonyl groups as the markers of oxidative stress). Antimicrobial activity of the tested preparations against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), as well as against fungi (Candida albicans, C. glabrata) by the EUCAST-approved broth microdilution method, followed by growth on solid media, were also assessed. Our analysis showed significant differences in chemical composition and biological properties of the tested preparations (A-F). All tested preparations from sea buckthorn twigs (D-F) and one preparation from sea buckthorn leaves (preparation C) may be a new source of phenolic antioxidants for pharmacological and cosmetic applications.

Anti-Platelet Properties of Phenolic and Nonpolar Fractions Isolated from Various Organs of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson in Whole Blood.

Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) is a shrub growing in coastal areas. Its organs contain a range of bioactive substances including vitamins, fatty acids, various micro and macro elements, as well as phenolic compounds. Numerous studies of sea buckthorn have found it to have anticancer, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Some studies suggest that it also affects the hemostasis system. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of six polyphenols rich and triterpenic acids rich fractions (A-F), taken from various organs of sea buckthorn, on the activation of blood platelets using whole blood, and to assess the effect of the tested fractions on platelet proteins: fraction A (polyphenols rich fraction from fruits), fraction B (triterpenic acids rich fraction from fruits), fraction C (polyphenols rich fraction from leaves), fraction D (triterpenic acids rich fraction from leaves), fraction E (polyphenols rich fraction from twigs), and fraction F (triterpenic acids rich fraction from twigs). Hemostasis parameters were determined using flow cytometry and T-TAS (Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System). Additionally, electrophoresis was performed under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Although all tested fractions inhibit platelet activation, the greatest anti-platelet activity was demonstrated by fraction A, which was rich in flavonol glycosides. In addition, none of the tested fractions (A-F) caused any changes in the platelet proteome, and their anti-platelet potential is not dependent on the P2Y12 receptor.

Inhibitory Effect of Elaeagnus umbellata Fractions on Melanogenesis in α-MSH-Stimulated B16-F10 Melanoma Cells.

When skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes produce melanin. Excessive melanin production leads to skin pigmentation, which causes various cosmetic and health problems. Therefore, the development of safe, natural therapeutics that inhibit the production of melanin is necessary. Elaeagnus umbellata (EU) has long been widely used as a folk medicinal plant because of pharmacological properties that include anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity and melanogenesis inhibitory effects of EU fractions in B16-F10 melanoma cells. EU fractions showed a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity in radical scavenging activity. In addition, we evaluated the effect of EU fractions on tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced B16-F10 melanoma cells. EU was noncytotoxic at 12.5-50 µg/mL. EU fractions effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis, suppressed the phosphorylation of CREB and ERK involved in the melanogenesis pathway, and down-regulated expression of melanogenesis-related proteins. Interestingly, the anti-melanogenesis effect was most effective at a concentration of 50 µg/mL EU, and the effects of the fractions were superior to those of the extract. Therefore, our study suggests that EU has potential as a safe treatment for excessive pigmentation or as a natural ingredient in cosmetics.

Anti-ulcerogenic effect of methanolic extract of Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. seeds in Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. (Elaeagnaceae) is a subtropical shrub mainly native to India, Vietnam, Malaysia and South China, whose various parts are used for treatment of diabetes, gastric ulcers, pain, oxidative stress and pulmonary disorders. Though the other parts of the plant have been reported for their ethnic use i.e. fruits as astringent locally and for cancer systemically, leaves for body pain and flowers for pain in chest and the seeds are mentioned as edible, there is no report per se on the medicinal use of seeds. Based on the fact that seeds of closely resembling species i.e. Elaeagnus rhamnoides has demonstrated significant anti-gastroulcerative property, the probability of the seeds of E. conferta possessing similar activity seemed quite significant. AIM OF THE STUDY: Phytochemical investigation and assessment of pharmacological mechanism(s) involved in anti-ulcer effect of methanolic extract of the seeds of E. conferta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bioactive phytoconstituents were isolated by column chromatography. These were identified by spectroscopic techniques including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Methanolic extract (MEC) of the seeds was prepared by cold maceration and its anti-ulcerogenic potential was evaluated using indomethacin (50 mg/kg) and water immersion stress models in male rats. The animals were pre-treated with different doses of MEC (400 and 800 mg/kg) and the therapeutic effect was compared with standard drug i.e. ranitidine (RANT; 50 mg/kg). The ameliorative effects of MEC were investigated on gastric juice pH, total acidity, free acidity and ulcer index. The assays of malionaldehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and pro-inflammatory cytokines i.e. interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were carried out to find out the possible mechanism(s) of protection. Further, histopathological changes were also studied. RESULTS: Chromatography studies and further confirmation by spectroscopic techniques revealed the presence of four different compounds in MEC i.e oleic acid (1), stearic acid (2), ascorbic acid (3) and quercetin (4). MEC exhibited anti-ulcerogenic effect in dose dependent manner which may be attributed to suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and MDA (112.7%), and up-regulation of protective factors such as CAT (90.48%), SOD (92.77%) and GSH (90.01%). Ulcer inhibition, reduction in total and free acidity and increase in gastric juice pH were observed in MEC treated rats as compared to disease control animals. Histopathological findings confirmed decreased cell infiltration, less epithelial cell damage and regeneration of gastric mucosa in dose dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-ulcer effect of MEC may be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals and anti-inflammatory property via suppression of TNF-α and IL-6, thus offers a complete and holistic approach for management of peptic ulcer.

In vitro and in vivo relaxation and anti-inflammation of natural flavonoids from Elaeagnus pungens leaf via L-type calcium channel and targeting MAPK signal pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the leaf of Elaeagnus pungens Thunb. (Family Elaeagnaceae) is a herb documented as an antiasthmatic remedy to treat the severe asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases in the early material medica "Bencao Gangmu" (Ming dynasty, about 442 years ago). AIM OF THE STUDY: This work is purposed to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanism of total flavonoids from Elaeagnus pungens leaves (FLA) on asthma in vivo and vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of OVA with aluminum hydroxide and intranasal challenged with OVA. After treatment with FLA (10, 20 mg/kg p.o.), the behaviors of mice were observed by score evaluation. Enumeration of total cells and OVA-specific IgE assay in the blood were measured as well as enumeration of total cells and cytokines assay in the BALF. Furthermore, histopathological analysis was performed by HE staining. The in vitro relaxing action on muscle force of FLA (0.0316-10.0 mg/ml) was evaluated using isometric tension in tracheal rings, and VDLCC currents were recorded to explore the relaxation mechanism in the isolated tracheal rings and mouse ASM cells, respectively. In vitro anti-inflammatory actions were assessed with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The production of inflammatory mediators and MAPK signaling pathway was estimated using ELISA and Western blotting analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The high dose of flavones from E. pungens leaf (20 mg/kg) can significantly improve the symptom of asthma breakout and relieve the lung swelling. FLA treatment decreased eosinophils and leukocytes numbers in blood and BLAF with a dosedependent manner. Furthermore, the inhibiting effect of FLA on the level of Ig E and inflammatory-related cytokines including TNF-α, IL-5 showed dose-independent. FLA relaxed high K + -induced contraction in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal relaxation produced by FLA was 99.7% (IC 50 = 0.46 mg/ml). The whole-cell VDLCC currents were abolished by FLA (3.16 mg/ml) and FLA significantly decreased the maximal amplitude of VDLCCs. No cytotoxic effect of FLA was observed in RAW264.7 cells under the tested concentrations (1-300 µg/mL). The increased IL-6 and NO by the stimulation of LPS in RAW264.7 cells were significantly inhibited by FLA in the dosedependent manner. Treatment with LPS in the presence of FLA, LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK was inhibited in the macrophages. CONCLUSION: FLA from Elaeagnus pungens leaf can alleviate the inflammation symptom via reducing the eosinophils and leukocytes numbers as well as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This anti-inflammatory effect is related to the modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. FLA can relax the precontracted TRs by blocking the VDLCCs, which interrupts extracellular Ca 2+ influx and inhibit the rise of [Ca 2+ ]i. It strongly suggests that these flavonoids components are the substances basis of Elaeagnus pungens leaves for allergic action, bronchospasm and inflammation in asthma.

Multidirectional effects of saponin fraction isolated from the leaves of sea buckthorn Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson.

Many studies show that saponins isolated from various plants have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells inducing apoptosis and autophagy. On the other hand, saponins also exhibit a number of beneficial properties, such as antioxidant properties. Thus, saponins can be considered both in terms of their therapeutic and protective effects during anticancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of the saponin fraction isolated from sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) leaves on the viability of HL-60 cancer cells using resazurin assay and its ability to induction of apoptosis with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. Moreover, we studied its effect on the oxidative stress induced by H2O2, and anti-platelet and anticoagulant potential in whole blood using T-TAS, a microchip-based flow chamber system. We observed that the saponin fraction significantly decreased the viability of HL-60 cells at the concentration above 50 µg/mL and induced apoptosis at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. Moreover, we observed that saponin fraction used at lower concentrations, such as 0.5 and 1 µg/mL, stimulated HL-60 cells and increased their viability. The saponin fraction also decreased the level of free radicals and reduced oxidative DNA damage measured by the comet assay. However, at high concentration of oxidant H2O2 equal 5 mM, we noticed that the saponin fraction at 50 µg/mL increased the level of free radicals in HL-60 cells. We also demonstrated anticoagulant potential of the saponin fraction at the concentration of 50 µg/mL. Our results indicate that the saponin fraction obtained from sea buckthorn leaves can show both chemotherapeutic and chemoprotective potential.

Chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antidiabetic potential of essential oil of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.

BACKGROUND: Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. (autumn olive) is a high valued medicinal plant. It belongs to Elaeagnaceae family and is widely distributed in Himalayan regions of Pakistan. In the present study essential oil were extracted from the fruit of this plant and their antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antidiabetic potentials were also evaluated. METHODS: Essential oils were extracted from the fruit of E. umbellata using hydro-distillation method and were characterized by GC-MS. The extracted oil were tested for its antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antidiabetic potentials using standard protocols. RESULTS: About 68 compounds were identified by GC-MS. The extracted oil exhibited a fairly high free radical scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals with IC50 values of 70 and 105 µg/mL respectively (for ascorbic acid, used as standard, the IC50 values were 32 and 29 µg/mL, respectively against the mentioned radicals). The essential oil also exhibited anticholinesterase activities with IC50 values of 48 and 90 µg/mL respectively against AChE and BChE (for galantamine used as standard, the IC50 values were 25 and 30 µg/mL respectively). The essential oil also exhibited antidiabetic potential with IC50 values of 120 and 110 µg/mL respectively against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 values for standard acarbose = 28 and 30 µg/mL respectively). CONCLUSION: Essential oil extracted from the fruits of E. umbellata exhibited reasonable antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antidiabetic potentials that could be used as alternative medicine in treating diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. However, further studies are needed to isolate responsible compounds and evaluate the observed potential in animal models.

Novel bioactive properties of low-polarity fractions from sea-buckthorn extracts (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) - (in vitro).

Due to the richness of bioactive substances and easy accessibility, sea-buckthorn can be an ingredient of currently popular functional food supporting anti-cancer therapy. Low-polarity fractions from fruit (OL), twigs (GL) and leaves (LL) were investigated. Compared to the previous scientific reports a more detailed analysis of the chemical composition of individual fractions was performed. Cytotoxicity of low-polarity fractions has been investigated and activity compared in human tumor and normal cells cultured in vitro. The genotoxicity and pro-apoptotic properties of low-polarity fractions were also followed on selected cell lines that had proved to be the most sensitive. In the proposed research model being tested, low-polarity fractions act cytotoxically, even 3 times more strongly in cancer cells than normal ones. Measurement of caspase 3/7 activity indicated that cell death occurs through apoptosis. Furthermore, high concentrations of low-polarity fractions have moderate genotoxic properties. Data obtained on the biological properties of low-polarity fractions from sea-buckthorn show that these fractions can potentially support cancer cells elimination. Phytotochemical analysis indicates the key role of the triterpenoids in this process.

Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Elaeagnus angustifolia and its Application as Tartrazine Sensor.

This article has introduced and examined a novel and green approach for the very first time, which had been developed for the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) and performed through the utilization of Elaeagnus angustifolia (E. A) as a natural carbon source. This straightforward procedure has been based upon a hydrothermal treatment with a quantum yield of 16.8% that had been designed to synthesize water-soluble CDs in one step and result in a satisfying fluorescence. Additionally, we have attempted to assess the sensing system that had been exerted through the usage of CDs for the detection of food colorant tartrazine, since they can function as a fluorescent sensor due to the interplay that occurs among tartrazine and CDs leading to the quenching of their fluorescence. The detection limit has been measured to be equaled to 0.086 µM (86 nM) and the linear range has been observed to be 0.47-234 µM. The proposed highly sensitive and simple method has exhibited an excellent selectivity and proved to be effectively applicable for distinguishing the tartrazine of real samples.

The Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia): A Comprehensive Review on Its Composition, Ethnobotanical and Prebiotic Values>.

BACKGROUND: Oleaster or Elaeagnus angustifolia is a deciduous plant from Elaegnacea family and is well-known for its remedial applications. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a comprehensive review of the potential application of Oleaster's flour incorporated in some food products. Emphasis is given to the physicochemical, biochemical, and functional properties of Oleaster's flour. METHODS: A comprehensive search was carried out to find publications on Oleaster's flour and its application as a prebiotic. The results of the related studies were extracted and summarized in this paper. RESULTS: Oleaster's flour as a prebiotic ingredient enhances antioxidants, polyphenols, fiber, flavonoids, Sterols, carbohydrates, and protein content of food products. CONCLUSION: Further advanced investigations on Oleaster and its functional ingredients revealed that these are efficacious and can be applied as a substitute source in pharmacological industries for medical applications.

Catechol-Type Flavonoids from the Branches of Elaeagnus glabra f. oxyphylla Exert Antioxidant Activity and an Inhibitory Effect on Amyloid-ß Aggregation.

Elaeagnus glabra f. oxyphylla (Elaeagnaceae) is a small evergreen tree with narrow lanceolate leaves that is native to Korea. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of E. glabra f. oxyphylla branches (EGFOB) for the first time. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of the ethanol extract of EGFOB and each of its chemical components on key mediators of Alzheimer's disease (AD), namely, amyloid-ß (Aß) aggregation and oxidative stress. The ethanol extract of EGFOB decreased Aß aggregation (IC50 = 32.01 µg/mL) and the levels of the oxidative free radicals 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 11.35 and 12.32 µg/mL, respectively). Sixteen compounds were isolated from EGFOB. Among them, procyanidin B3 (8), procyanidin B4 (9), and helichrysoside (13) significantly inhibited Aß aggregation (IC50 = 14.59, 32.64, and 44.45 µM, respectively), indicating their potential as bioactive compounds to control Aß aggregation. Furthermore, these compounds markedly enhanced in vitro scavenging activity against ABTS (IC50 = 3.21-4.61 µM). In the DPPH test, they showed lower scavenging activity than in the ABTS test (IC50 ≥ 54.88 µM). Thus, these results suggest that EGFOB and specifically compounds 8, 9, and 13 may be beneficial in AD prevention and treatment through their antioxidant and anti-Aß aggregation activities.

Elaeagnus angustifolia Plant Extract Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Induces Apoptosis via HER2 Inactivation and JNK Pathway in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells.

Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is a medicinal plant used for treating several human diseases in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the outcome of EA extract on HER2-positive breast cancer remains nascent. Thus, we herein investigated the effects of the aqueous EA extract obtained from the flowers of EA on two HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines, SKBR3 and ZR75-1. Our data revealed that EA extract inhibits cell proliferation and deregulates cell-cycle progression of these two cancer cell lines. EA extract also prevents the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important event for cancer invasion and metastasis; this is accompanied by upregulations of E-cadherin and ß-catenin, in addition to downregulations of vimentin and fascin, which are major markers of EMT. Thus, EA extract causes a drastic decrease in cell invasion ability of SKBR3 and ZR75-1 cancer cells. Additionally, we found that EA extract inhibits colony formation of both cell lines in comparison with their matched control. The molecular pathway analysis of HER2 and JNK1/2/3 of EA extract exposed cells revealed that it can block HER2 and JNK1/2/3 activities, which could be the major molecular pathway behind these events. Our findings implicate that EA extract may possess chemo-preventive effects against HER2-positive breast cancer via HER2 inactivation and specifically JNK1/2/3 signaling pathways.

Comprehensive profiling of phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activities, anti-HepG2 cell proliferation, and cholinesterase inhibitory potential of Elaeagnus mollis leaf extracts.

The aim of this work was to enrich the knowledge on the potential applications of Elaeagnus mollis leaf extracts. For this purpose, the bioactive compounds (phenolic, flavonoid, alkaloid, proanthocyanidin, chlorophyll and carotene content), antioxidant activity, anti-HepG2 cell proliferation, and cholinesterase inhibitory potential (AChE and BChE) of E. mollis leaves which obtained from different habitats were quantitatively analyzed using various solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane). The results showed that the methanol extracts exhibited the strongest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and the water extracts showed the best antioxidant activity in the 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and reducing power (RP) assays. Moreover, the methanol extracts showed the best inhibitory activity against cholinesterase and HepG2 cancer cells. Correlation analysis revealed that the high antioxidant and anti-HepG2 cell proliferation activities were mainly attributed to the total phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins while AChE inhibition was attributed to the total alkaloid and carotene content. The statistical results showed that the effect of habitats was lower than that of different solvents used. Additionally, the metabolic profiles of E. mollis leaves were evaluated using HPLC-ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS, and a total of 1,017 chemical components were detected and classified into 23 classes. The organic acids and derivatives ranked the first, followed by flavone, amino acid and derivatives, and so on. In conclusion, the effects of different solvents were more significant than the effects of different habitats and the methanol extracts of E. mollis leaves could be used as an effective source of functional active components, provide benefits to physical health care and be applied to the food and pharmaceutical industries.

LC/MS Analysis of Saponin Fraction from the Leaves of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson and Its Biological Properties in Different In Vitro Models.

This study focuses on saponin fraction from sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) leaves. It has known that for example teas from sea buckthorn leaves have anti-obesity properties. The objective of our present experiments was to investigate both the chemical composition of saponin fraction, as well as their biological properties in different in vitro models (using human plasma, blood platelets, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)). We observed that saponin fraction reduces plasma lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation induced by H2O2/Fe. This fraction also decreased DNA oxidative damage induced by H2O2 in PBMCs. Regarding the cytotoxicity of saponin fraction (0.5-50 µg/mL) none was found to cause lysis of blood platelets, and PBMCs. Our results, for the first time indicate that saponin fraction from sea buckthorn leaves may be a new promising source of compounds for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.