Densitometric TLC analysis for the control of tropane and steroidal alkaloids in Lycium barbarum.

Thin layer chromatographic methods for quantitative determination of nightshade-specific tropane (l-hyoscyamine, scopolamine) and steroidal alkaloids (α-solanine, α-chaconine) in goji berries (L. barbarum L., Solanaceae) were developed. The analysis of tropane derivatives included separation on silica gel-coated HPTLC plates using mobile phase consisted of chloroform:methanol:acetone:25% ammonium hydroxide (75:15:10:1.6 v/v/v/v), derivatization with Dragendorff reagent and scanning densitometry at λ - 520nm in reflectance/absorption mode. Steroidal alkaloid analysis employed silica gel-coated TLC plates, mobile phase composed of chloroform:methanol:water:25% ammonium hydroxide (70:30:4:2 v/v/v/v), derivatization with Carr-Price reagent and video densitometry under white light in the reflectance mode. Both methods were validated with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy and sensitivity, enabling reliable detection of tropane derivatives and α-solanine at 1.20 and 7.84mgper100g fresh material, respectively. None of the analyzed compounds were detected in fruits, leaves, stems and roots of three L. barbarum varieties ('No. 1', 'New Big' and 'Amber Sweet Goji').

Mangiferin: A promising therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia and progressive joint destruction. Despite aggressive treatment with anti-rheumatic drugs, progressive destruction of joints continues to occur in RA patients, who subsequently require joint surgery. A lot of evidence suggest that fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) play crucial role in joint degradation and the propagation of inflammation in RA. The expansion of fibroblast populations in the joint results primarily from the inhibition of pro-apoptotic pathways, rather than large scale proliferation. Because multiple factors, which contribute to fibroblast activation and enhance their destructive potential, are under control of transcription factor NF-κB, this pathway presents an interesting target for RA therapy. However, due to the lack of specificity, NF-κB inhibitors may exert severe side effects. Given the above, there has recently been more interest in natural substances of plant origin which are regarded as a safe alternatives for synthetic drugs. Mangiferin, the naturally occurring polyphenol with excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, exhibits strong pro-apoptotic effect toward synoviocytes isolated from human synovia. Moreover, it shows no cytotoxicity toward cultivated chondrocytes and reduces the levels of matrix metalloproteinases. Considering that mangiferin is a natural constituent of foods and traditional herbal medicines, showing fewer adverse effects and low toxicity, we hypothesize that it may prove effective in the treatment of RA and prevention against joint destruction.

Honeybush (Cyclopia sp.) - a rich source of compounds with high antimutagenic properties.

The genus Cyclopia (Fabaceae family) includes a number of shrubs endemic to Cape Fynbos region of South Africa. The most common of these plants is Cyclopia intermedia E. Mey., used together with other Cyclopia species (mainly C. subternata and C. sessiliflora) to manufacture the honeybush herbal tea which has been produced in South Africa roughly since the beginning of the 19th century. Honeybush infusions are gaining popularity due to their characteristic honey-like flavour, low tannin content, absence of caffeine and potential health effects related to their antimutagenic and antioxidant properties. The presented review summarizes information concerning botany, chemistry, biological activity and application of Cyclopia plants.