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Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the Pistacia lentiscus and Pistacia atlantica extracts
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Background/Objectives: Nanomaterials possess unique properties, but the way they were designed may cause adverse effects. These adverse effects are issues for the establishment of regulatory frameworks for their safe use. Materials and... more
Background/Objectives: Nanomaterials possess unique properties, but the way they were designed may cause adverse effects. These adverse effects are issues for the establishment of regulatory frameworks for their safe use. Materials and Methods: Nanostructures able to interact with biological molecules via several mechanisms. However, the dramatic benefits of their applications lately create a potential safety concern of their possible effects on human healthand environment. These potential harms that may follow, lead to the need of a hazard assessment procedure to determine the safety of nanomaterials. Therefore, two main approaches have been designed: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and chemical Risk Assessment (RA). Findings: The Risk assessment/Risk management framework developed by the U.S. National Research Council consists of three components: research, risk assessment and risk management. The aim of this framework is to collect data in order to determine whether an agent has a po...
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The results of an examination of the content of certain heavy metals in lime flowers (Tiliae fios) from urban environment were presented. Samples of lime flowers, collected from different locations in the city of Skopje, Republic of... more
The results of an examination of the content of certain heavy metals in lime flowers (Tiliae fios) from urban environment were presented. Samples of lime flowers, collected from different locations in the city of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, were divided into three groups: I. flowers from lime trees growing as a kind of decoration at the avenues, close to the busy streets in the city, exposed to pollution from motor cars; II. flowers from trees that grow at the parking areas in the city and III. flowers from trees that grow at parks and gardens in the city. Mineralization of the plant material was carried out by wet procedure. The contents of Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Zn and Fe were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained point out that the samples from group contained much more quantity of heavy metals examined, especially Pb, Cd, Cr and Fe, while the contents of Mn and Zn were in almost same amounts in each of the sample.
A new method for determination of cadmium in plants, particularly in species of genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, has been established. The influence of the matrix present in the samples on the... more
A new method for determination of cadmium in plants, particularly in species of genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, has been established. The influence of the matrix present in the samples on the absorbance of cadmium was examined. In the samples with higher potassium concentration correction for cadmium was applied. In the analysed samples of genus Thymus cadmium ranges from 0.07 to 0.42 Jl9/g with some exceptions. High values of cadmium in some samples indicate air pollution originating from the existing industrial activity in this area.
Determination results of trace elements: Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in some representatives of genus Thymus L. by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry are presented in this paper. Two procedures of mineralization (wet and dry) are... more
Determination results of trace elements: Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in some representatives of genus Thymus L. by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry are presented in this paper. Two procedures of mineralization (wet and dry) are suggested. Procedures were checked by a method of standard addition. Recover y values for examined elements ranged from 92.7% to 105.7% for wet Macedonia and from 93.3% to 105.5% for dry procedure (except for Cd and Pb ranging from 67.4% to 87.9%). Repre sentatives of genus Thymus in the flora of the contain following trace elements: Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd, Considerable variations in the amounts of some elements are probably dependent upon a particular season of the plant collection, site of its origin, as well as upon differences of the species included in the examination. Trace elements content probably depends upon climatic, ecological, pedological and other factors.
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A simple method for the determination of propiconazole residues in tomatoes, grown in greenhouses, has been developed. Two procedures for extraction (acetone/cyc\ ohexane; tartaric acid/ethanol) of the analyte from the sample matrix are... more
A simple method for the determination of propiconazole residues in tomatoes, grown in greenhouses, has been developed. Two procedures for extraction (acetone/cyc\ ohexane; tartaric acid/ethanol) of the analyte from the sample matrix are suggested. Silica gel and ...
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Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of MacedoniaThe aim of this study was to determine and compare Ba, Cr, Cd, Fe, Sr, Pb, and Zn content in medicinal herbsUrtica... more
Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of MacedoniaThe aim of this study was to determine and compare Ba, Cr, Cd, Fe, Sr, Pb, and Zn content in medicinal herbsUrtica dioicaL.,Taraxacum officinale, andMatricaria recutitagrowing in polluted and unpolluted areas of the Republic of Macedonia. The metal content was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). In the unpolluted area of Mt. Plačkovica the metal content inTaraxacum officinalewas in the descending order: Fe>Sr>Zn>Ba>Cr, while Pb and Cd were below the limit of detection. In the polluted area of Veles, the order was as follows: Fe>Zn>Sr>Pb>Ba>Cd>Cr. Our results suggest that quality assurance and monitoring of toxic metals is needed for plants intended for human use and consumption. Medicinal plants should be picked in areas free of any contamination sources.
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The presence in the DNA “fingerprint” of any variable RAPD profiles can be evidence for genotoxicity and used for hazard identification of environmental pollutants like xenobiotics. Plant bioassays can effectively detect the genotoxic... more
The presence in the DNA “fingerprint” of any variable RAPD profiles can be evidence for genotoxicity and used for hazard identification of environmental pollutants like xenobiotics. Plant bioassays can effectively detect the genotoxic effects and might be useful tool for biomonitoring.
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The present study describes the ability of different extracts of H. plicatum obtained from flowers, stems and leaves, to act as natural antioxidants in different in vitro experimental models in which free radical reactions are involved:... more
The present study describes the ability of different extracts of H. plicatum obtained from flowers, stems and leaves, to act as natural antioxidants in different in vitro experimental models in which free radical reactions are involved: inhibition of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl) radical, inhibition of hydroxyl radicals and protection of β-carotene-linoleic acid model system. Investigate extracts showed radical scavenging activity with IC50 from 6 to 11 mg/ml. The extracts are capable to reacting with OH• radical with inhibition of its production ranged between 33-58%. The high preventive activity against the bleaching of beta-carotene (15-49% of initial value after 120 minutes) was also observed. The antioxidative activity of the extracts in the experimental systems was compared with that of reference substances: luteolin, quercetin, BHA, BHT and sylimarin (the main agent of the well-known milk thistle – Silybum marianum L.). Results of this study suggest that Helichrysum p...
Copyright © 2013 Darinka Gjorgieva et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work... more
Copyright © 2013 Darinka Gjorgieva et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Heavy metals have the potential to interact and induce several stress responses in the plants; thus, effects of heavy metal stress on DNA damages and total antioxidants level in Urtica dioica leaves and stems were investigated. The samples are sampled from areas with different metal exposition. Metal content was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES), for total antioxidants level assessment the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was used, and genomic DNA isolation from frozen plant samples was performed to obtain DNA fingerprints of investigated plant. It was found that heavy metal contents in stems generally changed synchronously with those in leaves of the plant, and extraneous ...
The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of different extracts (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) obtained from Teucrium species (T. chamaedrys, T. montanum, T. polium) were investigated in this work. Phytochemical... more
The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of different extracts (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) obtained from Teucrium species (T. chamaedrys, T. montanum, T. polium) were investigated in this work. Phytochemical screening of the plant extracts proved the presence of flavonoids luteolin, apigenin and/or diosmetin. The chemical composition of extracts was evaluated by HPLC and spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using three complementary in vitro assays: inhibition of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, inhibition of hydroxyl radicals and protection of �-carotene-linoleic acid model system. In the first two assays, strong inhibitory activity was shown by T. montanum and T. chamaedrys extracts. In the �-carotene-linoleic acid model system, extracts from T. polium showed remarkable activity. These findings demonstrated that Teucrium species possess free radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as well as antiox...
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A simple method for the determination of propiconazole residues in tomatoes, grown in greenhouses, has been developed. Two procedures for extraction (acetone/cyc\ohexane; tartaric acid/ethanol) of the analyte from the sample matrix are... more
A simple method for the determination of propiconazole residues in tomatoes, grown in greenhouses, has been developed. Two procedures for extraction (acetone/cyc\ohexane; tartaric acid/ethanol) of the analyte from the sample matrix are suggested. Silica gel and Florisil column chromatography were used for purification of sample solution. The technique used for detection was Capillary Gas Chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector. GCMSwas usedas a confirmatorymethod.The recoveriesrangedfrom97.5-99.1 % for acetone/cyc\ohexane extraction and from 92.4 -98.8 % for tartaric acid/ethanol extraction. Tomatoes treated with propiconazole using commercial fungicide formulation -Tilt 250 EC were analyzed using both procedures. There are differences between the test results obtained by the two procedures at 5% significance level. The acetone/cyc\ohexane extraction is recommended for use at determination of propiconazole in tomatoes.
Research Interests: Biology and Ergosterol
Summarizing the results, it can be concluded that T. officinale, U. dioica and R. pseudoacacia may be considered as bioaccumulator species for Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn and and can be used as bioindicators for pollution with these metals, while... more
Summarizing the results, it can be concluded that T. officinale, U. dioica and R. pseudoacacia may be considered as bioaccumulator species for Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn and and can be used as bioindicators for pollution with these metals, while M. recutita is a metal avoider. The investigated elements are very important essential and toxic substances and their presence in the environment is important to be followed. The analysis of heavy metal concentration in plants is necessary also in the case of plants use for phytotherapeutical purposes.
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The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of different extracts (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) obtained from Teucrium species (T. chamaedrys, T. montanum, T. polium) were investigated in this work. Phytochemical... more
The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of different extracts (diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) obtained from Teucrium species (T. chamaedrys, T. montanum, T. polium) were investigated in this work. Phytochemical screening of the plant extracts proved the presence of flavonoids luteolin, apigenin and/or diosmetin. The chemical composition of extracts was evaluated by HPLC and spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using three complementary in vitro assays: inhibition of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, inhibition of hydroxyl radicals and protection of beta-carotene-linoleic acid model system. In the first two assays, strong inhibitory activity was shown by T. montanum and T. chamaedrys extracts. In the beta-carotene-linoleic acid model system, extracts from T. polium showed remarkable activity. These findings demonstrated that Teucrium species possess free radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as well as ...
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Antioxidant activity of five Thymus L. (Lamiaceae) species from Macedonian flora was investigated. Ether and ethyl acetate extracts from overgrown herbal parts were prepared and added to the antioxidant and peroxide-free lard. The Wheeler... more
Antioxidant activity of five Thymus L. (Lamiaceae) species from Macedonian flora was investigated. Ether and ethyl acetate extracts from overgrown herbal parts were prepared and added to the antioxidant and peroxide-free lard. The Wheeler method was used to monitor the oxidative stability of lipids. The progress of oxidation was observed by measuring the peroxide value. It was found that all of the investigated taxa showed some antioxidant activity, in poor dependence on their total flavonoid content. The ethyl acetate extract of Thymus moesiacus was found to be the most active.
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Urtica dioica is an annual herb that belongs to the family Urticaceae. It is known in traditional therapy as acute diuretic, natriuretic and hypotensive. Different parts of this plant have also been used in the treatment of hypertension,... more
Urtica dioica is an annual herb that belongs to the family Urticaceae. It is known in traditional therapy as acute diuretic, natriuretic and hypotensive. Different parts of this plant have also been used in the treatment of hypertension, stimulation of proliferation of human lymphocytes, immunostimulation on neutrophilis, beneficial effect on the prostate tissue and antirheumatic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible prophylactic effect of Urtica dioica seed extracts pre-treatment on prevention of oxidative stress generated by CCl4 in rats. A dose of 25 mg/kg of Urtica dioica extracts was administered i.p. to the test groups of female Wistar rats. The positive control group received CCl4 and the negative control group received normal saline. In this investigation the level of lipid peroxidation and serum liver enzyme activities were measured. Histopathological examinations were also carried out. The CCl4 treatment of rats increased the lipid peroxidatio...
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Aflatoxins (AFs) are type of mycotoxins produced by certain Aspergillus species. In the livers of cows, the aflatoxin В1 (AFB1) ingested with contaminated food is metabolized in carcinogenic aflatoxin М1 (AFM1) which is then excreted in... more
Aflatoxins (AFs) are type of mycotoxins produced by certain Aspergillus species. In the livers of cows, the aflatoxin В1 (AFB1) ingested with contaminated food is metabolized in carcinogenic aflatoxin М1 (AFM1) which is then excreted in the milk and poses a serious risk to the health of the consumers. In January of 2019, twenty five (25) samples of milk were collected from local farms in the surrounding area of Kumanovo, Republic of North Macedonia. The samples were analysed in the Centre for Public Health, Kumanovo. A method MKC EN ISO 14501:2007 for analysis of AFM1 by HPLC with fluorescence detection was applied. This method is selective, precise and applicative. The final analytical result has shown AFM1 below the LOD in any of the analyzed samples. Due to the well-known fact that AFM1 is toxic, i.e. carcinogenic and the fact that milk is widely used as staple food, continuous development as well as introduction of new, more sensitive methods for detection of AFM1 are required. ...
To evaluate the capacity of the tolerance mechanisms of plants to metal contamination in the environment, bean seedlings were exposed to two different concentrations (150 and 350 mg L-1) of selected heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd and... more
To evaluate the capacity of the tolerance mechanisms of plants to metal contamination in the environment, bean seedlings were exposed to two different concentrations (150 and 350 mg L-1) of selected heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd and Zn). Element analysis (by ICP-AES), and FRAP (Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay were performed. Also, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis was used in order to evaluate the variation at the DNA level. We hope that the results of our research may provide a new insight into understanding metal phytotoxicity and use of plant bio-assays as sensitive tool for detecting genotoxicity.
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Medicinal plants are a source of biologically important elements, which may play a part in th e observed therapeutic uses of these plants. It is therefore of major interest to establish the levels of som e elements in common herbal plants... more
Medicinal plants are a source of biologically important elements, which may play a part in th e observed therapeutic uses of these plants. It is therefore of major interest to establish the levels of som e elements in common herbal plants because, at elevated levels, these elements can also be dangerous and toxic. It was therefore imperative to explore the present status of local plants Urtica dioica L. Taraxacum officinale, Robinia pseudoacacia and Matricaria recutita, in terms of selected heavy metals and macronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ca, K, Li, Mg and Na). All the elements were accumulated to greater or lower extents by all 4 plant species studied. Elemental studies of the plants showed that they contained large amounts of nutrients and were rich in Mg, Ca and K.
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... Titre du document / Document title. HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN LIME FLOWERS FROM URBAN ENVIRONMENT. Auteur(s) / Author(s). KULEVANOVA S. ; KADIFKOVA-PANOVSKA T. ; STAFILOV T. ; LAZARU A. ; Revue / Journal Title. Farmacija ISSN 0428-0296 ...
During the intensive research in past decades, the scientific community and regulatory agencies also, focused their interest on measuring contaminant levels in tissues and environmental samples and on understanding the mechanisms of... more
During the intensive research in past decades, the scientific community and regulatory agencies also, focused their interest on measuring contaminant levels in tissues and environmental samples and on understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of different and pervasive contaminants. Among them, metals were always in focus because of possible detrimental and long lasting effects on living organisms. The current study was designed to assess the effects of long term, high metal exposition (cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and zinc) on DNA damage.
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Biomonitoring should act as an early warning system providing information about the seriousness of the pollution by sensitive assays, especially for existing potential genotoxic problem assessment, since most polluting substances have... more
Biomonitoring should act as an early warning system providing information about the seriousness of the pollution by sensitive assays, especially for existing potential genotoxic problem assessment, since most polluting substances have shown genotoxic effect. A further consideration is that changes in the DNA fingerprints obtained may be used to identify target genes for particular genotoxic agents. Characterisation of these DNA molecules using DNA sequencing techniques may enable the identification of specific sequences that are hotspots for mutation by particular agents; this will open up possibilities of designing specific assays for detection of specific agents and may help explain the presence in the genome of preferential mutation points.
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Aromatic plants used as culinary herbs contain phytochemicals with distinct properties affecting the population that utilizes them, yet there is still insufficient data on their bioactive profile. The present study investigated the... more
Aromatic plants used as culinary herbs contain phytochemicals with distinct properties affecting the population that utilizes them, yet there is still insufficient data on their bioactive profile. The present study investigated the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of five aromatic herbs: Allium schoenoprasum L. (ASPR), Allium ursinum L. (AUR), Anthriscus cerefolium L. Hoffm. (ACH), Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum (CAF) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill (FVH). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined by Folin- Ciocalteu method and AlCl 3 method. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was examined by 2,2’-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Non- site-specific-degradation (NSSOH) and Site-specific-deoxyribose-degradation (SSOH) assays. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated by Brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). Considerable variations were observed for TPC values from 65.03 to 253.74 mg GAE/g crude extra...
A total of eight elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ca, K, Li and Mg) were determined in different organs (leaves and stems) from Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), sampled from Plackovica Mountain, by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively... more
A total of eight elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ca, K, Li and Mg) were determined in different organs (leaves and stems) from Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), sampled from Plackovica Mountain, by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES).
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Detection of genotoxic effect using RAPD involves the comparison of profiles generated from control (unexposed) and treated (exposed) DNA. Events observed following the metal exposure were a variation in the disappearance and appearance... more
Detection of genotoxic effect using RAPD involves the comparison of profiles generated from control (unexposed) and treated (exposed) DNA. Events observed following the metal exposure were a variation in the disappearance and appearance of new bands. These unique bands clearly differentiated the samples exposed to heavy metal stress, and would be act as marker for assessment of environmental exposition of these metals.
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The new Law on Inspection Supervision (Official Gazette 50/2010, implementation as of 1.04.2011) was passed in April 2010 with the aim of improving the quality of inspection in the pharmaceutical sector, as well. The new Law covers the... more
The new Law on Inspection Supervision (Official Gazette 50/2010, implementation as of 1.04.2011) was passed in April 2010 with the aim of improving the quality of inspection in the pharmaceutical sector, as well. The new Law covers the spectrum of weaknesses recognized over time. The system of quality inspection encompasses a set of commonly required quality management process, objectives, conditions, policies, formal rules and procedures. The organizational scheme addresses all aspects of inspection activity. The inspection service has to assure that its personnel are not under any undue internal or external commercial, financial or other kind of pressure and influence that may adversely affect the quality of their work. Moreover, the inspection service needs a sufficient number of employees with the necessary education, training, technical knowledge and experience to perform inspection activities according to specified requirements and standards. An inspector’s engagements have to...
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The crucial changes have taken place in the role of pharmacy profession in the past decade. All these changes have been systematically evolved and adopted to support professional quality improvement aspect. In general, the worldwide... more
The crucial changes have taken place in the role of pharmacy profession in the past decade. All these changes have been systematically evolved and adopted to support professional quality improvement aspect. In general, the worldwide professional and national authorities have been committed to develop the professional competencies, credentialing and continuing professional development; to emphasis the maintenance of high standards of professional development and in response to changes which occurred to pharmacy education and national health regulation policy. The constantly evolving health regulatory environment in each country will shape the progress of this process in the future. This article provides a review of existing concepts for professional competences, credentialing and continuing professional development in pharmacy profession in an attempt to understand and clarify the complexity encountered in this comprehensive domain. It can also serve as a platform for the local inter...
Assay of flavonoids in extracts of seven Thymus L. (Lamiaceae) species from Macedonia including identification and quantification was performed. Extracts obtained after hydrolysis of air dried samples (A1) were analyzed by thin layer... more
Assay of flavonoids in extracts of seven Thymus L. (Lamiaceae) species from Macedonia including identification and quantification was performed. Extracts obtained after hydrolysis of air dried samples (A1) were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Luteolin and apigenin were identified in comparison to authentic standard substances. The content of total flavonoids in plant samples determined by UV-Vis spectrometry (with AlCl3) ranged from 0.05-0.13 %. Two other extracts were prepared by extraction with a mixture of ethanol:water (7:3, V/V), evaporation until only water remained and extraction first with diethylether (A2) and secondly with ethyl acetate (A3). The content of flavonoids in diethyl-ether and ethyl acetate extracts ranged from 52.5-244.4 mg·ml-1 and 48.7 -117.5 mg·ml-1, respectively. For quantification of luteolin and total flavonoids the HPLC method was applied, using reverse phase column C18, mobile phase consist...
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Methanolic extracts from Juniperus communis L. berries collected from five different localities in the Republic of Macedonia were evaluated for their cytotoxicity by Brine shrimp lethality assay. The obtained cytotoxic activity is... more
Methanolic extracts from Juniperus communis L. berries collected from five different localities in the Republic of Macedonia were evaluated for their cytotoxicity by Brine shrimp lethality assay. The obtained cytotoxic activity is descending as follows: Pelister (128 μg/ mL) > Jakupica (221 μg/mL) > Prilep (662 μg/mL) > Demir Hisar (863 μg/mL) > Makedonski Brod (969 μg/mL). Berries collected from mountain areas (Pelister and Jakupica) demonstrated prominent cytotoxic effects, while berries collected from localities near urban areas exhibited lower cytotoxicity. Variations in their bioactivity are probably due to their complex phytochemical composition, which may vary with different ecological and geographical conditions.
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Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Chenopodium botrys L. (Amaranthaceae) collected from six different locations in Republic of Macedonia was performed. Several methods were used for testing the antioxidative... more
Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Chenopodium botrys L. (Amaranthaceae) collected from six different locations in Republic of Macedonia was performed. Several methods were used for testing the antioxidative activity: 1) 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2) ferric reduction power assay (FRAP), 3) inhibition of H2 O2 activity, 4) non-sitespecific hydroxyl radical-catalyzed 2-deoxy-D-ribose degradation (NSSOH) and 5) site-specific hydroxyl radical-catalyzed 2-deoxy-D-ribose degradation (SSOH). The IC50 values ranged from 0.26-3.10 mg/mL, 3.01-12.71 mg/mL and 2.60-12.29 mg/mL, for DPPH, NSSOH and SSOH assays, respectively. The H2 O2 inhibition activity and the ferric reducing power capacity were from 28.84-46.56% and 26.14- 43.40%, respectively. The obtained data establish the antioxidant potency in concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, total phenols (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined. The estimated va...
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Many natural products could serve as the starting point in the development of modern medicines because of their numerous biological and pharmacological activities. However, some of them are known to carry toxicological properties as well.... more
Many natural products could serve as the starting point in the development of modern medicines because of their numerous biological and pharmacological activities. However, some of them are known to carry toxicological properties as well. In order to achieve a safe treatment with plant products, numerous research studies have recently been focused on both pharmacology and toxicity of medicinal plants. Moreover, these studies employed efforts for alternative biological assays. Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay is the most convenient system for monitoring biological activities of various plant species. This method is very useful for preliminary assessment of toxicity of the plant extracts. Rapidness, simplicity and low requirements are several advantages of this assay. However, several conditions need to be completed, especially in the means of standardized experimental conditions (temperature, pH of the medium, salinity, aeration and light). The toxicity of herbal extracts using this assa...
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Chemical characterization of three Juniperus species: J. foetidisima (JF), J. excelsa (JE) and J. communis (JC) from Macedonian flora enclosed determination of yield and essential oil composition of the oils obtained by hydro-distillation... more
Chemical characterization of three Juniperus species: J. foetidisima (JF), J. excelsa (JE) and J. communis (JC) from Macedonian flora enclosed determination of yield and essential oil composition of the oils obtained by hydro-distillation of dried leaves and determination of the content of total phenols and total flavonoids in dried plant material. GC/FID/MS analysis showed mainly monoterpene profile of the JC oil and combined monoterpene/sesquiterpene profile of JF and JE oils. Sesquiterpene cedrol was found as an important constituent of the JF and JE, thus the JF oil was characterized by three main components (a-pinene, limonene and cedrol, in amount up to 67.63%, 27.11% and 33.91%, respectively) and JE oil by four components (a-pinene, sabinene, cis-thujone and cedrol, in amount up to 33.83%, 29.49%, 26.20% and 24.44%, respectively). The JC oil was free of cedrol, but contained relatively large sesquiterpene fraction (sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygen containing sesquiterpen...
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Chemical characterization was made of over-ground flowering parts of Sideritis scardica from R. Macedonia and S. raeseri from both R. Macedonia and R. Albania. GC/FID/MS investigation of the n-hexane extracts revealed more than 90... more
Chemical characterization was made of over-ground flowering parts of Sideritis scardica from R. Macedonia and S. raeseri from both R. Macedonia and R. Albania. GC/FID/MS investigation of the n-hexane extracts revealed more than 90 components, dominated by diterpenes and hydrocarbons. The most abundant components were hentriacontane, nonacosane and heptacosane, and two other components both with MW=286, probably diterpenes, which were not fully identified. In addition, the content of total phenols, made by the Folin-Cioclateu method, ranged up to 50.8 and up to 48.9 mg gallic acid/g for S. scardica and S. raeseri, respectively. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated by DPPH assay and the activity, presented as IC50 values, ranged from 3.2-8.9 mg/mL and 7.6-12.6 mg/mL for S. scardica and S. raeseri, respectively. The content of twenty minerals in dried over-ground parts of the plants and in water tea-infusions were determined by the ICP-AES method and some of them alternativel...
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A new and rapid HPLC method for identification and determination of myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and total flavonoids in ten herbal drugs of Macedonian origin is presented. Preparation of samples (Uvae ursi folim, Pruni spinosae flos,... more
A new and rapid HPLC method for identification and determination of myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and total flavonoids in ten herbal drugs of Macedonian origin is presented. Preparation of samples (Uvae ursi folim, Pruni spinosae flos, Sambuci flos, Betulae folim, Primulae flos, Herniariae herba, Centaurii herba, Tiliae flos, Robiniae pseudoacaciae flos, Bursae pastoris herba) included hydrolysis of glycosides and extraction of total aglycones with ethyl acetate. HPLC analysis with UV-diode array detection was carried out on RP C18 column, using 5% acetic acid and acetonitrile in agradient elution mode and column temperature of 30 o C. The monitoring of the elution is performed in the whole UV-range and the acquisition of data for quantitative analysis at 367 nm. Screening of the extracts showed presence of quercetin in nine, kaempferol in seven and myricetin in only one sample. The quantitative analysis showed that the content of quercetin ranged from 0.026-0.506 % (m/m), while ...
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The present study describes the ability of different extracts of H. plicatum obtained from flowers, stems and leaves, to act as natural antioxidants in different in vitro experimental models in which free radical reactions are involved:... more
The present study describes the ability of different extracts of H. plicatum obtained from flowers, stems and leaves, to act as natural antioxidants in different in vitro experimental models in which free radical reactions are involved: inhibition of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl) radical, inhibition of hydroxyl radicals and protection of β-carotene-linoleic acid model system. Investigate extracts showed radical scavenging activity with IC50 from 6 to 11 mg/ml. The extracts are capable to reacting with OH• radical with inhibition of its production ranged between 33-58%. The high preventive activity against the bleaching of beta-carotene (15-49% of initial value after 120 minutes) was also observed. The antioxidative activity of the extracts in the experimental systems was compared with that of reference substances: luteolin, quercetin, BHA, BHT and sylimarin (the main agent of the well-known milk thistle – Silybum marianum L.). Results of this study suggest that Helichrysum p...
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Different plant organs (leaves, flowers, stems, or roots) from four plant species—Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), and Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)—were evaluated as... more
Different plant organs (leaves, flowers, stems, or roots) from four plant species—Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), and Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae)—were evaluated as possible bioindicators of heavy-metal pollution in Republic of Macedonia. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Zn were determined in unwashed plant parts collected from areas with different degrees of metal pollution by ICP-AES.
This study was designed to assess the effects of long term, high metal exposition (cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and zinc) on DNA damage in four plant model systems [Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae),... more
This study was designed to assess the effects of long term, high metal exposition (cadmium, lead, copper, nickel and zinc) on DNA damage in four plant model systems [Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), Matricaria recutita L. (Asteraceae), Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae), and Urtica dioica (Urticaceae)]. DNA stability was investigated by a Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Agarose-gel electrophoresis revealed total of 37 bands with different molecular weights ranging from 1250 to 5000 bp. It generated distinctive polymorphism value of 72.97% (27 bands) total in four plant species investigated. The dendrogram constructed using NTSYSpc programme showed that there is grouping in separate clusters of the same plant model collected from two different areas (metal-exposed and control samples). The study concluded that the long term metal-exposing periods had genotoxic stress on macromolecules of plant model systems investigated and biomarkers used should be augmented for reliable estimates of genotoxicity after exposure of plants to metal stressors.
Research Interests:
Hepatoprotective activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium (L.) was investigated using rats with CCl4-induced liver damage. Specific biochemical parameters (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione... more
Hepatoprotective activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium (L.) was investigated using rats with CCl4-induced liver damage. Specific biochemical parameters (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and total antioxidative status) were estimated in blood and in liver homogenate. Lipid peroxidation in CCl4-intoxicated rats was evidenced by a marked increment in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Histopatological examinations of the liver were undertaken to monitor the liver status. Silymarin was used as a standard to compare the hepatoprotective activity of the extract. Some biochemical parameters in groups treated with the Teucrium polium extract at a dose of 25 mg kg-1, showed significantly different values than that of the CCl4-treated group. The liver biopsy of all experimental rat groups treated with the Teucrium polium ethyl acetate extract showed significant restoration of the normal histomorphological pattern of liver...
Research Interests: Chemistry, Free Radicals, Medicine, Liver diseases, Phytotherapy, and 15 moreLiver, Female, Animals, Glutathione, Glutathione Peroxidase, Lipid peroxidation, Ethyl Acetate, Plant extracts, Rats, Carbon Tetrachloride, Drug Induced Liver Injury, CCL, Reduced glutathione, Liver biopsy, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
The results from the investigation of lead content in lime flower collected from city of Skopje have been presented. Samples of lime flower (Tiliae flos) are collected from different localities in the city. Mineralization of the air-dried... more
The results from the investigation of lead content in lime flower collected from city of Skopje have been presented. Samples of lime flower (Tiliae flos) are collected from different localities in the city. Mineralization of the air-dried samples was performed by wet procedure. The content of lead was determined by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry. Obtained results pointed out that the concentration of lead in the samples originated from the more frequently part is several time over the concentration in those collected from the other localities. Concentration of lead in water extracts from certain samples is high and they are not recommended for preparation of common tea drinks.