The effect of pro-ecological procedures and insect foraging on the total content of phenol compounds in winter wheat.

In laboratory conditions, the effect of pro-ecological procedures (application of effective microorganisms and Asahi SL biostimulator) and foraging by insects [cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopa L.) and bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)] on the total content of phenolic compounds in winter wheat, was studied. Correlations between the total content of phenolic compounds (determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method) expressed as the amount of pyrogallol in wheat plants: undamaged, damaged by O. melanopa, damaged by R. padi, the length of feeding scar left by cereal leaf beetle and the number of pricks made by actively feeding insects of bird cherry-oat aphid were analysed. The wheat was treated by EM inoculant and a biostimulator. The mode of application of the preparations used had a significant effect on level the total phenolic compounds in the undamaged wheat and the wheat exposed to foraging by the above-mentioned insects. The plants not exposed to insects foraging contained greater amounts of phenolic compounds than those exposed to the insects. The correlation between the total content of phenols in the wheat damaged by the insects in the 'no-choice' conditions, proved insignificant.

Flavonoids and phenolic acids of Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Becker) Balb. (Lamiaceae).

Luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, luteolin 7-O-glucurono-(1-->6)-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucuronide as well as free aglycones luteolin and apigenin have been isolated from lemon catnip herb (Nepeta cataria L. var citriodora). Luteolin 7-O-glucurono-(1-->6)-glucoside is probably a new compound, for the first time described. Two minor constituents of flavonoid fraction have been identified as apigenin 7-O-glucoside and luteolin 7-O-glucoside by means of HPLC method. The percentage of total flavonoids determined by use of spectrophotometric method was in the range from 0.30 to 0.46% of dry mass. In phenolic acid fraction, caffeic, rosmarinic and p-coumaric acids have been identified. Total amount of phenolic acids determined by spectrophotometric method was in the range of 0.75% to 1.4 % and the content of rosmarinic acid quantified by HPLC method fluctuated in the wide range from 0.06% to 0.15% depending on the sample. The results of the investigations showed that the composition of flavonoid compounds and phenolic acids in lemon catnip are similar to those in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). The amount of flavonoids are similar in both plants, and the percentage of rosmarinic acid is about ten times lower in lemon catnip than in lemon balm. The presence of luteolin, apigenin and their glycosides, caffeic acid as well as the previously described terpenoids (ursolic acid, citral, nerol. geraniol) suggests the possibility of the use of lemon catnip herb as a constituent of phytopharmaceutical preparations with mild sedative, antispasmodic, antioxidative and antiinflammatory action.

[Turkish (Aztec) tobbaco (Nicotiana rustica L.) unnoticeable danger?]. / Tyton bakun (Nicotiana rustica L.) niedostrzegane zagrozenie?

Tobacco harmful influence on men's health is usually linked with smoking cigarettes. Alternative ways of intake tobacco are also dangerous. Nicotine and tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines with carcinogenic activity are not only present in tobacco smoke but also of nicotine-rich product for chewing. There are some internet sources about Turkish (Aztec) tobacco (Nicotiana rustica L.) as easy available material for home-made tobacco mixtures. A some reports about dangerous effects connected with chewing tobacco and similar to smoking-related disorders are present in current literature.

Terpenoids and sterols from Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Lamiaceae).

Isolation and GC/MS quantitative determination of ursolic acid in the herb of Nepeta cataria var. citriodora have been performed. The content of this compound was in the range 0.95-1.30%. Daucosterol (beta-sitosterol 3-O-beta-D-glucoside) was also isolated from the plant, in addition to small amounts of beta-sitosterol, campesterol, alpha-amyrin and beta-amyrin. The content and composition of essential oil in samples of the Nepeta cataria var. citriodora herb have been analysed as well.

[Carotenoids as components of dietary supplements recommended for smokers and persons passively exposed to cigarette smoke]. / Karotenoidy jako skladniki suplementów diety zalecanych palaczom tytoniu i osobom biernie narazonym na kontakt z dymem papierosowym.

Smoking is a very common addiction and a reason of many serious diseases of cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems and also a cancer. Active and passive smokers are exposed to nicotine and many carcinogenic products of tobacco smoke. Carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene, lycopene) as natural, plant-derived antioxidants may decrease a risk of diseases connected with smoking. In accordance with literature, low level of carotenoids in blood plasma of smokers was observed and diet supplementation by carotenoids may compensate their deficit. However there are some reports in the literature that supplementation by high doses of beta-carotene may be dangerous for smokers.