Response of human blood platelets to preparations from leaves of Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112.

Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112, also called the Oxytree, is a fast-growing hybrid of two trees belonging to the Paulowniaceae family - P. elongata and P. fortunei. It demonstrates a wide range of biological effects (including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective) due to the high concentration of secondary metabolites. Our previous results showed an in vitro antioxidant and antiplatelet activity of the extract and four fractions (A-D) from the leaves of Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112 in human plasma and washed blood platelets. Here, we used a microchip flow chamber-based thrombus formation analysis system (T-TAS) and flow cytometry to assess the anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity of the extract and four fractions with different chemical content (A-D) from Paulownia Clon in Vitro 112 leaves in human whole blood. Two tested fractions: fraction C and D (at the concentrations of 5 and 50 µg/mL) inhibited the exposition of the active form of GPIIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbß3) on the surface of blood platelets stimulated by ADP and collagen. The antiplatelet activity of fraction C is likely due to its high verbascoside content and the presence of apigenin's derivatives. Fraction D contains triterpenoids, including ursolic, pomoleic, and maslinic acid, which could be responsible for decreased activation of ADP- and collagen-stimulated blood platelets. These results suggest that fractions C and D might be promising sources of phytochemicals with antiplatelet activity, which are important for prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with hyperactivation of blood platelets. However, further research is needed to ascertain which exact compounds and mechanisms are responsible for this phenomenon.

A Review of the Effect of Preparations from Vegetables of the Asteraceae Family and Cucurbitaceae Family on the Cardiovascular System and Its Diseases.

Cardiovascular (CV) system dysfunction can result in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a key cause of death around the world. For many people, the most common treatment choices are still based on various plants used in traditional and folk medicine. Interestingly, many of these plants demonstrate various biological activities and pro-health properties; as such, there has been growing scientific interest in their use as medicines, including treatments for CVDs. Due to their varied biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential, the members of the Asteraceae and Cucurbitaceae have long been used in traditional medicine. These properties are believed to derive from the chemical composition of the plants, which includes various flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. Although many of their pro-health properties have been well described, their effect on the cardiovascular system and CVDs remains unclear. The present work reviews the current literature about the effects of preparations of vegetables of the Asteraceae and Cucurbitaceae families on the cardiovascular system and CVDs. Various species from the two families demonstrate antioxidant and antiplatelet activities in vitro and in vivo, which play key roles in the prophylaxis and treatment of CVDs. Additionally, some species have been evaluated for their anticoagulant activity. This review also describes the biological properties of these vegetables and discusses their anti-hyperlipidemic action, and their potential for obesity prevention and body weight control.

Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Activity of Isorhamnetin and Its Derivatives Isolated from Sea Buckthorn Berries, Measured in Whole Blood.

Blood platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process responsible for keeping blood flowing in the circulatory system. However, unnecessary platelet activation can lead to aggregation at the site of atherosclerotic plaque rapture and the formation of a thrombus, which promotes atherothrombotic diseases. Various dietary components, such as phenolic compounds, are known to demonstrate antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, and it is possible that these could form an important element in the prophylaxis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Our present study examined the biological activity of isorhamnetin (1) and two isorhamnetin derivatives, (2): 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnoside and (3): 3-O-beta-glucoside-7-O-alpha-(3″'-isovaleryl)-rhamnoside, isolated from the phenolic fraction of sea buckthorn fruit, against human washed blood platelets and human whole blood in vitro. The anti-platelet and anticoagulant potential was determined using (A) flow cytometry, (B) the thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) and (C) colorimetry. The results of the T-TAS test indicate that the AUC10 (Area Under the Curve) of the tested phenolic compounds (compounds 1, 2 and 3; 50 µg/mL) was markedly reduced compared to the control values. Moreover, flavonol demonstrated anti-platelet potential, including anti-adhesive activity, with these effects being more intense in compound 2 than isorhamnetin. Different actions of flavonol on platelet activation may depend on their binding ability to various receptors on blood platelets. However, the mechanism of their anti-platelet potential requires further additional studies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Beneficial In Vitro Effects of a Low Myo-Inositol Dose in the Regulation of Vascular Resistance and Protein Peroxidation under Inflammatory Conditions.

Oxidative stress induces functional changes in arteries. Therefore, the effect of myo-inositol, a possible anti-inflammatory/antioxidant agent was studied on human plasma and rat thoracic arteries. Aortic rings from male Wistar rats (3 months of age) were incubated with myo-inositol (1, 10 and 100 µM, 120 min) and analyzed using the gas chromatography (GC) method. In another experiment, aortic rings were protected first with myo-inositol (1 µM, 60 min) and then subjected to a thromboxane receptor agonist (U-46619, 0.1 nM, 60 min). Therefore, these four groups under the following conditions were studied: (i) the control in the vehicle; (ii) myo-inositol; (iii) the vehicle plus U-46619; (iv) myo-inositol plus U-46619. The hemostatic parameters of human plasma and an H2O2/Fe2+ challenge for lipid and protein peroxidation were also performed. Myo-inositol was not absorbed into the pre-incubated aortic rings as measured by the GC method (0.040 µg/mg, p ≥ 0.8688). The effect of myo-inositol was more significant in the impaired arteries due to U-46619 incubation, which resulted in an improved response to acetylcholine (% Emax: 58.47 vs. 86.69), sodium nitroprusside (logEC50: −7.478 vs. −8.076), CORM-2 (% Emax: 44.08 vs. 83.29), pinacidil (logEC50: −6.489 vs. −6.988) and noradrenaline (logEC50: −7.264 vs. −6.525). This was most likely a possible response to increased nitric oxide release (×2.6-fold, p < 0001), and decreased hydrogen peroxide production (×0.7-fold, p = 0.0012). KCl-induced membrane depolarization was not modified (p ≥ 0.4768). Both the plasma protein carbonylation (×0.7-fold, p = 0.0006), and the level of thiol groups (×3.2-fold, p = 0.0462) were also improved, which was not significant for TBARS (×0.8-fold, p = 0.0872). The hemostatic parameters were also not modified (p ≥ 0.8171). A protective effect of myo-inositol was demonstrated against prooxidant damage to human plasma and rat thoracic arteries, suggesting a strong role of this nutraceutical agent on vasculature which may be of benefit against harmful environmental effects.

The in vitro anti-platelet activities of plant extracts from the Asteraceae family.

Foods prepared from the Asteraceae family are known to exert in vitro antioxidant activity. For example, roots and fruit extracts from dandelion were found to possess antioxidant and anti-platelet potential in two in vitro models (washed blood platelets and whole blood). However, little is known of other extracts from the Asteraceae, such as chicory leaves, green lettuce leaves, red lettuce leaves, and Jerusalem artichoke roots, on the hemostatic system. Of all the tested extracts from the Asteraceae, dandelion root extract and dandelion fruit extracts appear to have the strongest anti-platelet potential in whole blood, while red lettuce leaves and Jerusalem artichoke roots demonstrated the strongest anti-platelet activity in washed blood platelets. Our results suggest that the members of the Asteraceae family, especially red lettuce leaves and Jerusalem artichoke roots, possess compounds that may exert beneficial anti-platelet effects. However, although Asteraceae plant organ extracts were found to demonstrate activity in vitro, further in vivo studies are needed to determine their true effects on cardiovascular disease.

Preparations from selected cucurbit vegetables as antiplatelet agents.

Increased blood platelet activation plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Recent experiments indicate that certain fruits and vegetables, including onion, garlic, and beetroot, have anti-platelet potential and therefore may reduce the likelihood of CVDs. While vegetables from the Cucuritaceae family are known to exerting beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, their effects on blood platelet activation are poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect on platelet adhesion of preparations from selected cucurbits: pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo; fruit without seeds), zucchini (Cucurbita pepo convar. giromontina; fruit with seeds), cucumber (Cucumis sativus; fruit with seeds), white pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. patisoniana; fruit without seeds) and yellow pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. patisoniana, fruit without seeds). It also evaluates the activity of these preparations on enzymatic lipid peroxidation in thrombin-activated washed blood platelets by TBARS assay. The study also determines the anti-platelet properties of these five cucurbit preparations in whole blood by flow cytometry and with the total thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS) and evaluates the cytotoxicity of the tested preparations against platelets based on LDH activity. The results indicate that the yellow Cucurbita pepo var. patisoniana preparation demonstrated stronger anti-platelet properties than the other tested preparations, reducing the adhesion of thrombin-activated platelets to collagen/fibrinogen, and inhibiting arachidonic acid metabolism and GPIIb/IIIa expression on 10 µM ADP-activated platelets. None of the preparations was found to cause platelet lysis. Our findings provide new information on the anti-platelet activity of the tested cucurbit preparations and their potential for treating CVDs associated with platelet hyperactivity.

Antioxidant and hemostatic properties of preparations from Asteraceae family and their chemical composition - Comparative studies.

Asteraceae, known as sunflower family, is one of the largest flowering plants family around the world. Sunflower family contains numerous phytochemical compounds. The aim of this study was to describe phytochemical characteristics and investigate the effect of four sunflower vegetable preparations (extracts): chicory leaves (Cichorium intybus), green lettuce leaves (Lactuca sativa), red lettuce leaves (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) and sunchoke roots (Helianthus tuberosus) on different biomarkers of oxidative stress in human plasma in in vitro model. The antioxidant potential was also tested using the DPPH method. The phytochemical composition of the tested preparations was determined by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. All the tested extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity in human plasma. We have observed chicory's and sunchoke's extracts had strongest antioxidant properties in the used models with human plasma. None of the tested vegetables changed ORAC and TAC in vitro. The obtained results suggest that sunflower vegetables might help to prevent oxidative stress related with cardiovascular diseases.

Multifunctional compounds in the extract from mature seeds of Vicia faba var. minor: Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity and cellular safety in human selected blood cells in in vitro trials.

BACKGROUND: The field bean (Vicia faba) is a valuable fodder plant of the Fabaceae family, grown as a main crop for its seed yield. Its phytochemical profile is characterized by the presence of a range of compounds with various biological activities. PURPOSE: The present study investigates the phytochemical profile of the extract from mature seeds of Vicia faba var. minor and examines its impact on preventing oxidative damage to various lipids, protein and DNA molecules in vitro. METHODS: Human plasma was treated with H2O2/Fe (an OH. donor) to induce oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and the plant extract was then added. As oxidative stress may influence the biological activity of plasma, e.g. coagulation, and influence cardiovascular disease, the study also examined the effect of the plant extract on coagulation and monoamine oxidase activity (MAO, EC 1.4.3.4). RESULTS: The tested extract exerted a protective effect on plasma lipids and proteins treated with H2O2/Fe. However, while it appears to effectively protect the DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from oxidative damage, it did not induce changes in the coagulation process, and significantly reduced MAO activity when applied at 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL. It is possible that the observed antioxidant potential may be due to the complex chemical composition of the extract: the phytochemical profile demonstrated a range of phenolic compounds, including catechins. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that extract from mature seeds of V. faba var. minor may be a promising source of antioxidants in multiple applications, including diseases associated with oxidative stress; however, more studies based on in vitro and in vivo models are needed to determine its biological properties.

The Plants of the Asteraceae Family as Agents in the Protection of Human Health.

The Asteraceae family is one of the largest flowering plant families, with over 1600 genera and 2500 species worldwide. Some of its most well-known taxa are lettuce, chicory, artichoke, daisy and dandelion. The members of the Asteraceae have been used in the diet and for medicine for centuries. Despite their wide diversity, most family members share a similar chemical composition: for example, all species are good sources of inulin, a natural polysaccharide with strong prebiotic properties. They also demonstrate strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, as well as diuretic and wound healing properties. Their pharmacological effects can be attributed to their range of phytochemical compounds, including polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, acetylenes and triterpenes. One such example is arctiin: a ligand with numerous antioxidant, antiproliferative and desmutagenic activities. The family is also a source of sesquiterpene lactones: the secondary metabolites responsible for the bitter taste of many plants. This mini review examines the current state of literature regarding the positive effect of the Asteraceae family on human health.

Antioxidant and anticoagulant effects of phenylpropanoid glycosides isolated from broomrapes (Orobanche caryophyllacea, Phelipanche arenaria, and P. ramosa).

Holoparasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae, including Cistanche, Orobanche, and Phelipanche spp, are known for their richness of phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs). Many PPG compounds have been found to possess a wide spectrum of activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-enhancing. To better explore the bioactivity potential of European broomrapes (O. caryophyllacea - OC, P. arenaria - PA, P. ramosa - PR) and ten single isolated phenylpropanoid constituents, we investigated their antiradical action, protective effect against oxidation in plasma in vitro system, and influence on coagulation parameters. The tested extracts showed a scavenging activity of 50-70% of Trolox's power. The OC extract, rich in acteoside, had over 20% better antiradical potential than PR extract which was the only one containing PPGs lacking a B-ring catechol moiety in the acyl unit. Moreover, it was found that only eight tested PPGs demonstrated antioxidant potential in human plasma treated with H2O2/Fe; however, the three tested PPGs possessed anticoagulant potential in addition to antioxidant properties. It appears that the structure of PPGs, especially the presence of acyl and catechol moieties, is mainly related to their antioxidant properties. The anticoagulant potential of these compounds is also related to their chemical structure. Selected PPGs exhibit the potential for treating cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Hemostasis by Flavonoids from Lentil Aerial Parts.

While specific metabolites of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) seeds and their biological activity have been well described, other organs of this plant have attracted little scientific attention. In recent years, green parts of lentils have been shown to contain diverse acylated flavonoids. This work presents the results of the research on the effect of the crude extract, the phenolic fraction, and seven flavonoids obtained from aerial parts of lentils on oxidative damage induced by H2O2/Fe to lipid and protein constituents of human plasma. Another goal was to determine their effect on hemostasis parameters of human plasma in vitro. Most of the purified lentil flavonoids had antioxidant and anticoagulant properties. The crude extract and the phenolic fraction of lentil aerial parts showed antioxidant activity, only at the highest tested concentration (50 µg/mL). Our results indicate that aerial parts of lentils may be recommended as a source of bioactive substances.

Comparative Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Haemostatic Studies of Preparations from Selected Vegetables from Cucurbitaceae Family.

The aim of this study was to provide detailed insight into the chemical composition and activity of five cucurbit vegetable preparations (pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber, white and yellow pattypan squash), each containing various phytochemical compounds with potential use against oxidative stress induced by the hydroxyl radical donors in human plasma in vitro. We studied the antiradical capacity of vegetable preparations using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. As oxidative stress may induce changes in hemostasis, our aim included the determination of their effect on three selected hemostatic parameters of plasma, which are three coagulation times: PT (prothrombin time), APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and TT (thrombin time). However, none of used vegetable preparations changed APTT, PT or TT compared to the control. The phytochemical composition of the tested preparations was determined by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. In our in vitro experiments, while all five tested preparations had antioxidant potential, the preparation from yellow pattypan squash showed the strongest potential. All cucurbit vegetable preparations inhibited lipid peroxidation. Only zucchini did not have an effect on protein carbonylation and only yellow pattypan squash inhibited thiol oxidation. The antioxidant activity of cucurbits appears to have triggered significant interest in multiple applications, including CVDs (cardiovascular diseases) associated with oxidative stress, which can be treated by supplementation based on these vegetables.

Vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family and their products: Positive effect on human health.

The Cucurbitaceae family is a large group of crops with more than 800 species known worldwide. Vegetables from this family have been used for centuries, not only for consumption, but also for their medicinal value. The most characteristic cucurbits are pumpkin and cucumber, which are cultivated and consumed in many parts of the world. Seeds from cucurbits have many health benefits and are a popular snack. Cucurbit plants are rich in carotenoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phytochemicals. Vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family have a positive influence on human health, and various studies have clearly indicated that cucurbit vegetables have antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and purgative properties. This mini review evaluates the current literature about vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family and their products, in addition to their positive effect on human health.

Anti-Platelet Properties of Phenolic Extracts from the Leaves and Twigs of Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson.

Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) is a small tree or bush. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family, and has been used for many years in traditional medicine in both Europe and Asia. However, there is no data on the effect of sea buckthorn leaves and twigs on the properties of blood platelets. The aim of the study was to analyze the biological activity of phenolic extracts from leaves and twigs of sea buckthorn in blood platelets in vitro. Two sets of extracts were used: (1) phenolic compounds from twigs and (2) phenolic compounds from leaves. Their biological effects on human blood platelets were studied by blood platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, arachidonic acid metabolism and the generation of superoxide anion. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated against platelets. The action of extracts from sea buckthorn twigs and leaves was compared to activities of the phenolic extract (a commercial product from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa (Aronox®) with antioxidative and antiplatelet properties. This study is the first to demonstrate that extracts from sea buckthorn leaves and twigs are a source of bioactive compounds which may be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular pathologies associated with blood platelet hyperactivity. Both leaf and twig extracts were found to display anti-platelet activity in vitro. Moreover, the twig extract (rich in proanthocyanidins) displayed better anti-platelet potential than the leaf extract or aronia extract.

Comparative phytochemical, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and haemostatic studies of Taraxacum officinale root preparations.

Although the majority of potentially bioactive components of dandelion root have been described, revealing the presence of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) and sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), new compounds are still being discovered, an example of which are the recently characterized 4-hydroxyphenylacetate inositol esters (PIEs). In this work, the dandelion root was separated into five preparations (A-E) differing in chemical content. A detailed LC-MS and chemical investigation of dandelion fractions allowed the identification of about 100 phytochemicals, including new compounds for the genus Taraxacum, and the plant kingdom, such as amino acid-SL adducts. In the DPPH● test, two preparations characterized by high content of HCAs (D and E) showed the highest free radical scavenging activity, while other demonstrated weaker action. In turn, in blood plasma, the best overall protective effect against oxidation by H2O2/Fe was obtained in the presence of preparations A (SL-amino acid adducts enriched fraction) and C (PIEs enriched fraction). A stronger anticoagulant effect was demonstrated for two preparations enriched with HCAs (D and E). None of dandelion root preparations caused the lysis of blood platelets, at all tested range (0.5-50 µg/mL). Our results demonstrate that dandelion roots are a safe and valuable source of different class natural compounds possessing antioxidant, anticoagulant and anti-platelet activities.