Agnieszka Najda

Natural products against cancer angiogenesis

The process of angiogenesis is quite well-known nowadays. Some medicines and extracts affecting this process are already used routinely in supporting the conventional treatment of many diseases that are considered angiogenic such as cancer. However, we must be aware that the area of currently used drugs of this type is much narrower than the theoretical possibilities existing in therapeutic angiogenesis. Plant substances are a large and diverse group of compounds that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. They also have different anticancer properties. The aim of this literature review article is to present the current state of knowledge concerning the molecular targets of tumor angiogenesis and the active substances (polyphenols, alkaloids, phytohormones, carbohydrates, and terpenes) derived from natural sources, whose activity against cancer angiogenesis has been confirmed.

Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Caraway Roots (Carum Carvi L.)

Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Caraway Roots (Carum Carvi L.) Zdolność znoszenia rodnika DPPH przez ekstrakty z korzeni kminku zwyczajnego wzrastała wprost proporcjonalnie do długości okresu wegetacji, zawartości flawonoidów i stężenia ekstraktów. Zawartość Flawonoidów i Aktywność Antyoksydacyjna Korzeni Kminku Zwyczajnego (Carum Carvi L.) Oznaczono zawartość flawonoidów oraz określono aktywność antyoksydacyjną ekstraktów z korzeni kminku zwyczajnego odmiany ‘Kończewicki’ w pierwszym roku uprawy. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań wykazano istotną zależność pomiędzy zawartością związków flawonoidowych a wiekiem korzeni kminku. Podczas sezonu wegetacyjnego poziom flawonoidów w badanych korzeniach stopniowo wzrastał i kształtował się na poziomie średnio od 0,153 mg·g-1 p.s.m. w czerwcu do 0,512 mg·g-1 p.s.m. w październiku. Najwięcej tych związków zawierały korzenie roślin uprawianych w roku 2006 (średnio 0,312 mg·g-1 p.s.m.).

Comparative analysis of secondary metabolites contents in Fragaria vesca L. fruits

Fragaria vesca (wild strawberry) belongs to the Rosaceae family. Besides the leaves (Fragariae folium) and roots (Fragariae radix), the aromatic fruits (Fragariae fructus) of wild strawberry are also herbal materials used in medicine. The aim of this study was to compare the value of phytochemical and antioxidant activity of wild strawberry fruits (Fragaria vesca L.). The fruits were analyzed regarding their secondary metabolites contents (flavonoids, sum of phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, DPPH), depending on the origin of the raw material (from natural habitats vs. cultivation). According to the obtained results, raw material originating from natural habitats contained significantly more flavonoids (0.559 mg∙g(-1)), compared to fruits harvested from cultivation (0.472 mg∙g(-1), on average). Mean concentration of phenolic acids ranged from 1.648 mg∙g(-1) - 2.348 mg∙g(-1), although the wild form was characterized by higher levels of examined substances. Tannins are an important fraction of phenolic compounds; their content in studied fruits ranged from 2.2% (from cultivation) - 3.0% (from natural habitats). When comparing the average contents of anthocyanins in the studied materials, it was revealed that remarkably more of these compounds were recorded in wild strawberry fruits harvested from natural habitats vs. those from cultivations: 132 mg∙100 g(-1) vs. 90 mg∙100 g(-1). A difference was indicated with respect to the ability of DPPH radical reduction to diphenylpicrylhydrazine by extracts made of examined fruits.

The Content of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Wild Strawberry Fruit (Fragaria vesca L.)

Chemical analyses carried out in 2011–2013 aimed at evaluating the contents of flavonoids, free phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (%) by means of DPPH radical neutralization ability in fresh and air-dried fruits of three wild strawberry cultivars. Examinations revealed differences in contents of biologically active substances determined in raw versus dried material depending on the cultivar. Mean concentrations of flavonoids and tannins were highest in raw fruits of “Baron von Solemacher” cv., which amounted to 1.244 mg·g−1 and 6.09%, respectively. Fresh fruits of “Regina” cv. were characterized by the highest average content of phenolic acids and anthocyanins: 4.987 mg·g−1 and 0.636 mg·100 g−1. The pattern of mean contents of biologically active substances analyzed in air-dried fruits was similar. Significant differences in abilities to neutralize the DPPH radical to diphenylpicrylhydrazine by extracts made of examined wild strawberry fruits were also indicated.

Essential oils from buds and leaves of two hazelnut (Corylus L.) cultivars with different resistance to filbert big bud mite (Phytoptus avellanae Nal.) and filbert aphid (Myzocallis coryli Goetze)

The aim of this study was to identify the allelopatic effect of the components of a mixture of essential oils (EO) contained in the buds and leaves of hazel (Corylus L.) on herbivores. We examined the effect of these compounds on the choice of plants of two different hazel cultivars by Phytoptusavellanae Nal. (filbert big bud mite) and Myzocalliscoryli Goetze (filbert aphid), which are the most important pests of hazel in Poland and throughout the world. Our results show that plants of cv. ‘Mogulnus’ were more resistant than those of cv. ‘Barra’ to the feeding of mites and aphids in all study years. Using gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry methodology, we determined the qualitative and quantitative composition of EO in the buds and leaves of plants of these two hazel cultivars. The EO obtained from the analysed materials was a mixture of mono- and sesquiterpenes. The emission of volatile organic compounds from plants is known to repel or attract pests. The mixture of EO present in the hazel buds of cv. ‘Mogulus’, which is resistant to filbert big bud mite, was characterized by a high content of nerol, α-campholenol, methyl salicylate, spatulenol, β-caryophylene and δ-cadinene. In contrast, the leaves of this cultivar, colonized by filbert aphid but to a relatively small extent, contained greater quantities of nerol, α-campholenol, p-cymene, α-terpineol and germacrene D, than the leaves of cv. ‘Barra’, which is more accepted by aphids. However, the leaves of cv. ‘Barra’ were characterized by a considerably high content of menthol, limonene, isomenthone, methyl salicylate and L-menthone.

Oxidative and microbial stability of poultry meatballs added with coriander extracts and packed in cold modified atmosphere

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the effects of adding of coriander extracts to turkey meatballs. Meat samples were stored in modified atmosphere at 4°C ± 1°C for 9 days. The addition of coriander extract at 500 ppm level delayed the process of lipid oxidation for the period of 6 days of storage and growth inhibition of aerobic microorganisms for the period of 9 days of storage. The usage of a dose of 500 ppm as well as a dose of 200 ppm had no significant effect on the sensory features, but had an impact on colour parameters of the meatballs. In the groups with coriander extract, volatile terpenes were identified.

Antioxidant effect of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract on turkey meatballs packed in cold modified atmosphere

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the influence of sage extracts (0.02% and 0.05%) on the quality of turkey meatballs packed in a modified atmosphere (80% O2; 20% CO2) and stored at 4°C over a period of 9 days. Sage extract added to meatballs had a high antioxidant capacity due to a phenolic compounds: 47.92 mg of gallic acid (GAE)/100 g dw including high flavonoids contents (20.47 mg GAE/100 g dw) and phenolic acids (8.14 GAE/100 g dw) contents. During the storage, lipid oxidation and microbial growth increased rapidly and the results showed that the influence of sage extract on meatballs was the most noticeable on the last day of storage. Furthermore, analysis of the volatile compounds indicated that the addition of sage extract delayed formation of lipid-derived products of oxidation through storage of the turkey meatballs. Sage extract has a potential as a natural preservative in the meat industry.

EFFECT OF ROOTSTOCK ON YIELD QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF GRAPEVINE ‘REGENT’ IN SOUTH-EASTERN POLAND

Globally, the application of rootstocks for grapevine cultivation has been a standard, while in the northern regions, like in Poland where the viticulture tradition is relatively short, the selection of the most suitable rootstock types requires multi-year observation and research. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of six following rootstock types: ‘101-14 Mgt’, ‘161-49C’, ‘125AA’, ‘5BB’, ‘SO4’, ‘SORI’, and own-rooted vines on yield quantity and quality of ‘Regent’ grapevine in south-eastern Poland. The three-year research period indicates that the vines on ‘125AA’ tended to produce not only the highest yields but had positive influence on the number and weight of clusters and berry weight as well. Whereas the vines grafted onto ‘161-49C’ gave the lowest yields and had the smallest number of clusters per vine. The fruit extract content in ‘Regent’ grapes on ‘101-14 Mgt’ rootstock was found to be significantly lowest among those under study. The extract content and yield of grapevines evaluated in the own-rooted vines and those grafted to the rootstocks which formed one group, did not differ.

Effect of environment fluctuations on biomass and allicin level in Allium sativum (cv. Harnas, Arkus) and Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum (GHG-L)

Climate variables such as temperature and precipitation are the major abiotic environmental factors determining the yields in crop plants. Given the observed trends in climate change, it is important to carry out analyses aimed at description and selection of plant species characterised by not only the best performance traits but also the best adaptation to climate changes. This study focused on phenological-morphological-biochemical investigations, comparing Allium sativum with A. ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum GHG-L. We present analyses of economically important traits (biomass and allicin levels) in garlic and GHG-L grown in ecological system and effect of environment fluctuations on these traits. Comparative analysis of the biomass and allicin level in the underground part of garlic and GHG-L revealed not only substantial differences between the species and cultivars, but also great impact of the climate variables on these traits. It was found that garlic and GHG-L cultivated in adverse conditions, exhibited lower yielding rates, but the content of allicin was inversely proportional to the biomass. It should be emphasised that, irrespective of the climate fluctuations, GHG-L produced higher biomass and exhibited higher allicin level than garlic grown in the same conditions, indicating that GHG-L is well adapted to adverse climate changes.

Influence of terms sowing and methods cultivation on the mas inflorences and seeds of two form moldavian dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.)

Acquaintance of dependence among time - limit of sowing anfd with manner of tillage and with beginning of blooming and with recent mass of inflorescence and also of seeds has essential meaning both for economies in apiary, efficiencies of crop of seeds, which can be raw material that time - limit of sowing how and manner of tillage have influence on recent mass of inflorescence how and of seeds investigated od from dragonhead. One ascertained, that plants from fifth time - limit of sowing former unripe. One showed also, that both recent mass of inflorence how and of seeds independently from time - limit of sowing and of manner of tillage depends from circumstances climatically and former different in investigated years.