Vincenzo De Feo

Potential allelochemicals from the essential oil of Ruta graveolens

The essential oil of aerial parts of Ruta graveolens was obtained by hydrodistillation with a 0.74% yield on a dry weight basis. Thirty-eight components were identified by GC and GC-MS analyses. 2-Ketones predominated in the essential oil, with undecan-2-one (46.8%) and nonan-2-one (18.8%) as the main constituents. The essential oil and some of its constituents were tested for their allelopathic activity in vitro on radish germination and radicle growth in light and darkness. The essential oil and some of its minor constituents were effective and dose-dependent inhibitors of both the germination and radicle growth; 2-ketones are not active. The possible allelopathic activity of rue essential oil and some its isolated constituents is reported.

Regulatory T-cell number is increased in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients and correlates with progressive disease

Regulatory T-cells (Treg) actively maintain immunological self-tolerance and play a significant role in the progression of cancer. Treg cell numbers have been evaluated in 80 patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and in 40 normal healthy volunteers. Treg cells are higher in CLL patients than in controls and correlate with disease status (more advanced clinical stage, peripheral blood B-cell lymphocytosis, absolute CD38+ B-cell number, and more elevated LDH levels). No correlation was found with ZAP-70 expression, IgVH mutational status and cytogenetic abnormalities. This data shows that Treg cell number is abnormal in CLL patients.

Medicinal plants and phytotherapy in the Amalfitan Coast, Salerno Province, Campania, southern Italy

This paper reports the results of an investigation carried out from April 1990 to October 1991 in the Amalfitan Coast, Salerno Province (Southern Italy). One hundred and twenty-five species are used in traditional medicine, belonging to 53 families; some of these were unknown in Italian phytotherapy or present an unknown therapeutic use. For each species, the vernacular name, the formulation and the popular use are presented.

Traditional phytotherapy in the Peninsula Sorrentina, Campania, Southern Italy

A study on the wild and cultivated medicinal plants used in the Peninsula Sorrentina (southern Italy) is reported; 129 plants distributed among 53 different families beloning to Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms are used in the treatment of various human diseases. The use of some species is reported for the first time in this paper.

Preservation of Chicken Breast Meat Treated with Thyme and Balm Essential Oils

The present study evaluated the effects of thyme and balm essential oils on the 3-wk storage of fresh chicken breast meat at 4 °C. Thyme and, to a lesser extent, balm essential oils reduced DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical formation in the meat (25% to 30% and 20%, respectively). Treatment with the 2 essential oils also limited lipid peroxidation and the deterioration of sarcoplasmic proteins, helping to preserve the meat even after 2 wk of storage. Thyme and balm essential oils decreased the natural microflora present in the meat; total microbial content decreased down to 50% in comparison to the control samples. In addition, a clear effect on lactic acid bacterial growth was recorded. Balm essential oil significantly limited the growth of Salmonella sp., whereas thyme essential oil effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli. Our data demonstrate that these 2 essential oils effectively reduced deteriorative processes in chicken meat and extended the shelf life of this fresh product. Practical Application: The essential oils of thyme and balm can protect the chicken meat from decomposition during the storage time.

Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its extracts

Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of extracts and chromatographic fractions of Uncaria tomentosa bark are reported. The plant extracts and fractions show no mutagenic effect in different strains of Salmonella typhimurium with and without metabolic activation. However, the plant extracts and fractions show a protective antimutagenic effect in vitro against photomutagenesis induced by 8-methoxy-psoralen (8-MOP) plus UVA in S. typhimurium TA 102. A decoction of U. tomentosa ingested daily for 15 days by a smoker decreased the mutagenicity induced in S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 by the subjects urine.

The Antigerminative Activity of Twenty-Seven Monoterpenes

Monoterpenes, the main constituents of essential oils, are known for their many biological activities. The present work studied the potential biological activity of twenty-seven monoterpenes, including monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated ones, against seed germination and subsequent primary radicle growth of Raphanus sativus L. (radish) and Lepidium sativum L. (garden cress), under laboratory conditions. The compounds, belonging to different chemical classes, showed different potency in affecting both parameters evaluated. The assayed compounds demonstrated a good inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent way. In general, radish seed is more sensitive than garden cress and its germination appeares more inhibited by alcohols; at the highest concentration tested, the more active substances were geraniol, borneol, (±)-β-citronellol and α-terpineol. Geraniol and carvone inhibited, in a significant way, the germination of garden cress, at the highest concentration tested. Radicle elongation of two test species was inhibited mainly by alcohols and ketones. Carvone inhibited the radicle elongation of both seeds, at almost all concentrations assayed, while 1,8-cineole inhibited their radicle elongation at the lowest concentrations (10−5 M, 10−6 M).

Compositional Studies: Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew

Capparis decidua is one of the traditional remedies used for various medicinal treatments in Pakistan. This study presents the determination of proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, glucosinolate and phenolic content in extracts obtained from different aerial parts of C. decidua, as well as their antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. All examined extracts were prominently rich in phenolics and glucosinates, and they showed potent antidiabetic and antihemolytic activity. The present study could be helpful in developing medicinal preparations for the treatment of diabetes and related symptoms.

Phytotoxic activities of Mediterranean essential oils.

Twelve essential oils from Mediterranean aromatic plants were tested for their phytotoxic activity, at different doses, against the germination and the initial radicle growth of seeds of Raphanus sativus, Lactuca sativa and Lepidium sativum. The essential oils were obtained from Hyssopus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Majorana hortensis, Melissa officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae), Verbena officinalis (Verbenaceae), Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare and Carum carvi (Apiaceae). The germination and radicle growth of tested seeds were affected in different ways by the oils. Thyme, balm, vervain and caraway essential oils were more active against both germination and radicle elongation.

Ethnomedical field study in northern Peruvian Andes with particular reference to divination practices

The results of a field study carried out in August and September 1988, in the northern Peruvian Andes are described. The area of investigation extends from Ayabaca City (about 2900 m above sea level) to Haughtiness Lagunas (about 3800 m above sea level) in the Ayabaca District, Department of Piura. This is the first time that this location has been the subject of an ethnobotanical investigation. We have collected 46 plant species, belonging to 20 families, used in the treatment of various diseases. For each plant, we report the common/local names, the crude drug formulation, method of preparation, dosage and claimed toxicity. The disease concept of this Andean population concerning the “hot” and “cold” aspects of diseases and the plants to treat them, is also discussed. Very important appear to be the use and knowledge of psychoactive plants, in particular “cimoras,” Brugmansiaand Trichocereus species.