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The present study evaluated three green extraction methods, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and laser irradiation extraction (LE), for the polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C extraction of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna fruit extracts. The polyphenols and vitamin C of extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), and antidiabetic activity were also studied. The antidiabetic activity was examined by the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and in vitro on a beta TC cell line (beta-TC-6). The results showed significant differentiation in the extraction yield between the methods used, with the ASE and LE presenting the highest values. The C. mas fruit extract obtained by ASE exhibited the best antioxidant activity, reaching an IC50 value of 31.82 +/- 0.10 mu g/mL in the DPPH assay and 33.95 +/- 0.20 mu g/mL in the reducing power assay. The C. mas fruit extracts obtained by ASE and LE also have the highest inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with metabolic disorders: alpha-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 +/- 0.02 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 0.11 +/- 0.01 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50 of 77.1 +/- 3.1 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 98.2 +/- 4.7 mu g/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm). The evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the treatment with C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts obtained using ASE stimulated the insulin secretion of beta-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and hyperglycemic conditions, as well. All results suggest that C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts are good sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity.

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Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract. The obtained nanoparticles were supported on SBA-15 mesoporous silica (S), before and after immobilization of 10% TiO2 (Degussa-P25, STp; commercial rutile, STr; and silica synthesized from Ti butoxide, STb). The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The plasmon resonance effect, evidenced by UV-Vis spectra, was preserved after immobilization only for the sample supported on STb. The immobilization and dispersion properties of AgNPs on supports were evidenced by TEM microscopy, energy-dispersive X-rays, dynamic light scattering, photoluminescence and FT-IR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the supported samples significantly exceeded that of the sage extract or AgNPs. Antimicrobial tests were carried out, in conditions of darkness and white light, on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Higher antimicrobial activity was evident for SAg and STbAg samples. White light increased antibacterial activity in the case of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In the first case, antibacterial activity increased for both supported and unsupported AgNPs, while in the second one, the activity increased only for SAg and STbAg samples. The proposed antibacterial mechanism shows the effect of AgNPs and Ag+ ions on bacteria in dark and light conditions.

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The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (beta-TC-6) by the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH center dot scavenging (EC50 = 105.2 +/- 1.1 mu g/mL) and reducing power activities (EC50 = 40.98 +/- 0.2 mu g/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on alpha-amylase (IC50 = 23.9 +/- 1.2 mu g/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 +/- 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest alpha-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 +/- 0.9 mu g/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 +/- 0.7 mu g/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of beta-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential.

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Lately, there has been increased interest in the development of phytochemical alternatives for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, the alternatives that are able to reduce or prevent glucose absorption by inhibiting digestive enzymes. In this context, this study aims to analyze the inhibitory alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities of Artemisia abrotanum and Symphytum officinale polyphenolic compound-rich extracts obtained by membrane technologies (micro- and ultrafiltration). Polyphenols and flavones content, HPLC-MS polyphenolic compounds profiling, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic potential of these herbs were determined. Major phenolic acid compounds were chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The flavone content was higher in the case of A. abrotanum extracts, and the major compounds were rutin and umbelliferone. The polyphenolic-rich extract of A. abrotanum had the highest quantities of polyphenols, 977.75 mu g/mL, and flavones, 552.85 mu g/mL, as well as a pronounced alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 1881.21 +/- 1.8 mg/mL), a value close to acarbose inhibitory activity (IC50 1110.25 +/- 8.82 mg/mL) that was used as the control for both enzymes. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity was higher for both herb extracts, more pronounced for S. officinale polyphenolic-rich extract (IC50 291.56 +/- 2.1 mg/mL), a value higher than that of acarbose (IC50 372.35 +/- 3.2 mg/mL). These plants show potential as a complementary therapy for type 2 diabetes management.

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Recently, there has been increased interest in the discovery of new natural herbal remedies for treating diabetes and inflammatory diseases. In this context, this work analyzed the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum herbs, which have been studied less from this point of view. Therefore, extracts were prepared and processed using membrane technologies, micro- and ultrafiltration, to concentrate the biologically active principles. The polyphenol and flavone contents in the extracts were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of the polyphenolic compounds was performed via HPLC, identifying chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid and rutin in A. absinthium; chlorogenic acid, luteolin and rutin in A. vulgaris; and genistin in T. foenum-graecum. The antidiabetic activity of the extracts was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and the anti-inflammatory activity was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase. Thus, the concentrated extracts of T. foenum-graecum showed high inhibitory activity on a-amylase-IC50 = 3.22 +/- 0.3 mu g/mL-(compared with acarbose-IC50 = 3.5 +/- 0.18 mu g/mL) and high inhibitory activity on LOX-IC50 = 19.69 +/- 0.52 mu g/mL (compared with all standards used). The concentrated extract of A. vulgaris showed increased alpha-amylase inhibition activity-IC50 = 8.57 +/- 2.31 mu g/mL-compared to acarbose IC50 = 3.5 +/- 0.18 mu g/mL. The concentrated extract of A. absinthium showed pronounced LOX inhibition activity-IC50 = 19.71 +/- 0.79 mu g/mL-compared to ibuprofen-IC50 = 20.19 +/- 1.25 mu g/mL.

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The aim of this paper is to study the applications of enzymes, as ecological alternatives in the leather industry. The research proposes to create ecologic leathers/furs with additional functions (non-toxic, with high-quality of soft, well-degreased surfaces) through the use of original enzyme-based biotechnologies, as new additives for leather/fur processing intended for everyday use. Another application of the enzymes studied in this paper is the development of a novel technology based on enzymes and membrane technique, for purifying wastewaters from the leather industry. We selected and analytically characterized lipases, proteases, and also new enzymes: lysozyme, tryptophan deaminase for use in leather industry. The goal was to obtain leathers/furs for everyday use, with high-performance characteristics, by processing them with enzymes - as new additives that have not been used so far in the leather industry as an alternative to the use of potentially polluting chemical materials. Complex and original technologies of ecological bioprocessing of leather/furs were used. The innovation consists in developing new biotechnologies for leather/fur with enzymatic additives in order to achieve ecologic leathers or fur articles. These biotechnologies provided advanced performances for surface quality: intense and bright colors, soft, well-degreased, and resistant to abrasion and water. © 2023, Inst. Nat. Cercetare-Dezvoltare Text. Pielarie. All rights reserved.

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New bioemulsions were created using biotechnologies based on lavender extract (oil) and two surfactants: Tween® 20 and Tween® 80 mixture: E1 – lavender oil/Tween® 20/water; E2 – lavender oil/ Tween® 80/water; E3 – lavender oil/Tween® 20 and Tween® 80 (ratio 1:1)/water, for different concentrations (28.56%, 7.14%) of lavender oil, in order to improve surface properties with applications in leather industry. More concentrated emulsions with oil lavender (28.56%) were marked E1c, E2c, E3c. In the process of finishing the leathers by spraying with six types of emulsions obtained compared to an untreated leather, the aim was to improve the antifungal, antimicrobial properties as well as the softness, appearance of the leathers. The order of introducing components in the developed biotechnologies, the working conditions, and especially the choice of the concentration of surfactants >CMC, are essential in the solubilization of vegetable oils and obtaining the desired bioemulsions. Comparatively, bioemulsions were made for the version with two surfactants, but instead of lavender, immortelle was introduced, resulting in emulsions: Lemulsion, Iemulsion. The bioemulsions and leathers processed with them were analyzed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, DLS and microbiological tests. It can be seen that the leather with the largest amount of lavender after processing with concentrated emulsions is E3c (having the highest intensity over the entire spectral range) and the maximum absorption specific to lavender oil was found. The lavender oil is fixed better on the leathers than the immortelle oil, with the new bioemulsions created. © 2023 by the author(s).

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New structured emulsions were obtained by innovative technologies based on sea buckthorn extract (oil) and two surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate and Tween® 80 mixture: Es – sea buckthorn oil/sodium dodecyl sulfate/water; Et – sea buckthorn oil/Tween® 80/water; Est – sea buckthorn oil/sodium dodecyl sulfate and Tween® 80 (ratio 1:1)/water, for different concentrations of sea buckthorn extract oil, in order to improve surface properties with applications in leather industry. Sea buckthorn extract (oil) has a strong antimicrobial and antifungal effect due to its content in: vitamins C and E, phytosterols, fatty acids, antioxidants and amino acids. The order of introduction of the components in innovative technologies, the working conditions and especially the choice of the concentration of surfactants >CMC, are essential in the solubilization of sea buckthorn oil and in obtaining the structured emulsions. The emulsions were characterized by optical microscopy with sea buckthorn oil at 23-50°C. The changes in the aggregation process were observed for each type of emulsion, the influence of temperature and the solubilization of sea buckthorn oil. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for the emulsions showed the stability, concentration, particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential. The antimicrobial properties were analyzed by microbiological tests. FTIR measurements highlighted the interaction mechanism of surfactants with sea buckthorn oil from the structured emulsions. The leather samples were microbiologically tested, and antimicrobial and antifungal effects were observed. The new structured emulsions are original due to the successful inclusion of sea buckthorn extract (oil) with high potential for improved surface properties with applications in the leather industry. © 2023 by the author(s).

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This study presents the preparation of hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on poly(1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone), polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and SBA-15 mesoporous silica. Laser treatment of polymeric solutions to enhance the hydrophilicity and performance of membranes was investigated. The membranes' structure was characterized using scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy and contact angle measurements. The addition of PAN in the casting solution produced significant changes in the membrane structure, from finger-like porous structures to sponge-like porous structures. Increased PAN concentration in the membrane composition enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface, which also accounted for the improvement in the antifouling capabilities. The permeation of apple pomace extract and the content of polyphenols and flavonoids were used to evaluate the efficacy of the hybrid membranes created. The results showed that the hybrid nanofiltration membranes based on PPEES/PAN/PVP/SBA-15: 15/5/1/1 and 17/3/1/1 exposed to laser for 5 min present a higher rejection coefficient to total polyphenols (78.6 +/- 0.7% and 97.8 +/- 0.9%, respectively) and flavonoids (28.7 +/- 0.2% and 50.3 +/- 0.4%, respectively) and are substantially better than a commercial membrane with MWCO 1000 Da or PPEES-PVP-based membrane.

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Sustainable economy means reducing the carbon footprint and minimizing the amount of waste released from productive activities. This paper presents the characterization of composites obtained from by-products of the leather industry based on collagen and keratin extracts. The protein composites have specific properties for the agricultural field and industrial applications in accordance with the current recommendations for a sustainable economy. Chemical-enzymatic hydrolysis of leather and wool by-products was performed for protein extraction. The composites were obtained by addition and crosslinking of collagen and keratin extracts with tannins from vegetable byproducts. The characterization of composites was performed based on the results of analytical investigations by physico-chemical methods: volumetry, potentiometry, Texture Analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering, colorimetry, microscopy. It has been found that new collagen and keratin extracts contain small and medium components size, useful for the biostimulation of agricultural crops, but also contain large size components which give adhesive and film-forming properties, useful in industrial applications. © 2022 Toate drepturile asupra acestei ediţii sunt rezervate editorilor.

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The aim of the paper is to obtain new byproducts based on surfactants (gemini – polymethylene-α, ω-bis (N, N-dialkyl-N-deoxy-d-glucitolammonium iodides or bolaform – demecarium bromide) and protein hydrolysates (keratin and collagen) with micro and macro nutrients for applications in agriculture. A method was developed to include micro and macronutrients in keratin and collagen hydrolysates, in order to obtain new byproducts-bioemulsions (stable because of surfactants), with final goal of application as a new class of root fertilizers for cereals (e.g., corn). The newly obtained byproducts (bioemulsions based on surfactants) were characterized by: dynamic light scattering measurements, contact angle, optical microscopy and microbiological tests against fungal attack of Fusarium spp. and Botrytis cinerea. Better results were obtained for Gemini surfactant based on sugar – polymethylene-α, ω-bis (N, N-dialkyl-N-deoxy-d-glucitolammonium iodides) due to the properties such as: biodegradability, nontoxicity and adherence to surfaces. The new fertilizer created in this research – bioemulsions based on surfactants, can support the general structure of the grains as well as the chlorophyll content, increasing the growth yield. The fertilizer is indicated for any type of crops and soils, with recommended use as additional fertilizer for plants (cereals) in the vegetation and growth phases, with a maximum need for nutrients. © 2022 Toate drepturile asupra acestei ediţii sunt rezervate editorilor.

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The influence of a classical surfactant – palmitoyl-glycylglycine and bola amphiphilic – demecarium bromide upon the elastin membrane preparation and separation mechanism of turmeric from aqueous solutions was studied by: UV-VIS spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and separation rates. The tensile strength and hydrophobic property were improved by introducing a surfactant (classic or bola). In this research the influence of surfactants upon the microporous structure and retention of turmeric from aqueous solutions was studied. The biomembranes were produced by a casting-solvent evaporation technique. The elastin powder was dissolved in a water-acetic acid (70:30 v/v) solution with and without plasticizer: glycerol and surfactant (classic or bola), constant continuous stirring for 5-7 hrs. at 60°C, then degassed the solution for 2 hrs. The solution was poured and afterwards maintained in the oven at 45-55°C for 5-8 hrs. Ecological biomembranes are obtained from a biodegradable biopolymer – elastin, and can be used successfully in removing turmeric from wastewaters. © 2022 by the author(s).

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New bioemulsions structured like “networks” were created by innovative technologies based on: elastin/zinc hydroxide/ (bolaamphiphiles mixture: bis [2-butyl (sodium bis-thioacetate) sodium dicarboxylate 1,10 decanediyl ester] and/or sucrose diester)/ acetic acid/water, for improved surface properties development with applications in leather industry. We used in this research two “bolaamphiphiles”. Bolaamphiphilic molecules contain a hydrophobic skeleton (e.g., one, two, or three alkyl chains, a steroid, or a porphyrin) and two water-soluble groups on both ends. The interaction of surfactants with biopolymers in aqueous medium results in the formation of different association structures. There are various morphologies of biopolymer-surfactant association complexes depending on the molecular structure of the biopolymer and surfactant, on the nature of interaction forces between solvents and surfactant or biopolymer. The innovation consists in the technologies for obtaining novel micro and nanostructured bioemulsions, and the compatibilisation with film forming polymers for leather surface finishing. Elastin/zinc hydroxide micro and nanocomposites have been stabilized with bolaamphiphilic surfactants mixture: bis [2-butyl (sodium bis-thioacetate) sodium dicarboxylate 1,10 decanediyl ester and sucrose diester in a 1:1 acetic acid/water ratio, to increase the uniformity of nanocomposites. Micro and nanostructured composites like “networks” developed as a result of biopolymer-surfactants interactions for elastin/zinc hydroxide/surfactants mixture couple in acetic acid/water system are reported by SEM microscopy and DLS analysis. A special class of micro and nanoarchitectures is represented by structures organized as “network” assemblies. The novel micro and nanocomposites can provide the hybrid film with increased resistance to rubbing and water, and to deformation. Environmentally-friendly substrates with smart multifunctional features can be obtained for various applications. © 2022 by the author(s).

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Bum injuries have a major impact on population health, an optimal bum wound dressing with both healing and antibacterial effect being needed. Our purpose was to assess the healing efficacy of chitosan supports containing different quantities of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from Impatiens noli-tangere and Symphytum officinale, in a rat bum wound model. The antibacterial effect of the extract was also assessed. The efficacy of topical daily administration of the supports and of silver sulphadiazine was evaluated by measuring the thermal lesion area. In addition, tissular hydroxyproline content and IL-6, TNF-alpha plasmatic levels were measured. The chitosan support with the highest content of plant extract showed the most pronounced healing effect. The mixed extract was shown to possess a moderate antibacterial effect, the most sensitive microorganism being S. aureus.

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The nanofiltration composite membranes were obtained by incorporation of KIT-6 ordered mesoporous silica, before and after its functionalization with amine groups, into polyphenylene-ether-ether-sulfone (PPEES) matrix. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into PPEES polymer matrix was evidenced by FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy. SEM images of the membranes cross-section and their surface topology, evidenced by AFM, showed a low effect of KIT-6 silica nanoparticles loading and functionalization. The performances of the obtained membranes were appraised in permeation of Chaenomeles japonica fruit extracts and the selective separation of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The obtained results proved that the PPEES with functionalized KIT-6 nanofiltration membrane, we have prepared, is suitable for the polyphenolic compound's concentration from the natural extracts.

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Due to the increase of the incidence of type II diabetes nowadays there are attempts to find phytotherapeutic alternatives for the prophylaxis of this disease by inhibiting the enzymes involved in glucose uptake. Thus, in this study the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of some hydroalcoholic Apium graveolens and Agropyrum repens extracts (50% EtOH, v/v, 10% weight) were analysed. Extracts were processed by membranare processes, microand ultrafiltration for obtaining rich-polyphenolic extracts. The polyphenols and flavones content and antioxidant activity of them were analysed. The extracts of both plants have shown inhibitory activities on the two digestive enzymes. © 2019 Editura Academiei Romane. All rights reserved.

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This study was focused on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Anchusa officinalis and Melilotus officinalis polyphenolic-rich extracts obtained by nanofiltration. The high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid were the main phenolic acids in both extracts. The main flavonoid compound from A. officinalis extracts is luteolin, whereas rutin and isoquercitrin are the main flavonoids in M. officinalis. M. officinalis polyphenolic-rich extract had the highest alpha-amylase (from hog pancreas) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.30 +/- 0.06 mu g/mL) and alpha-glucosidase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inhibitory activity (IC50 = 92.18 +/- 1.92 mu g/mL). However, both extracts presented a significant alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the hyaluronidase inhibition of polyphenolic-rich extracts also proved to be stronger (IC50 = 11.8 +/- 0.1 mu g/mL for M. officinalis and 36.5 +/- 0.2 mu g/mL for A. officinalis), but there was moderate or low lipoxygenase inhibition. The studies on the fibroblast cell line demonstrated that both A. officinalis and M. officinalis polyphenolic-rich extracts possess the cytotoxic effect at a concentration higher than 500 mu g/mL. The experimental data suggest that both extracts are promising candidates for the development of natural antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory food supplements.

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This study evaluated the biological activities of Eryngium planum and of Cnicus benedictus extracts enriched in polyphenols obtained by nanofiltration. The HPLC-MS analysis showed that E. planum contains mainly flavonoids, especially rutin, while in C. benedictus extracts show the high concentration of the phenolic acids, principally the chlorogenic acid and sinapic acid. Herein, there is the first report of ursolic acid, genistin, and isorhamnetin in E. planum and C. benedictus. C. benedictus polyphenolic-rich extract showed high scavenging activity (IC50=0.0081 mg/mL) comparable to that of standard compound (ascorbic acid) and a higher reducing power (IC50= 0.082 mg/mL), with IC50 having a significantly lower value than IC50 for ascorbic acid. Both extracts were nontoxic to NCTC cell line. Among the investigated herbs, E. planum polyphenolic-rich extract showed the highest inhibitory activities with the IC50 value of 31.3 g/mL for lipoxygenase and 24.6 g/mL for hyaluronidase. Both polyphenolic-rich extracts had a higher inhibitory effect on -amylase and -glucosidase than that of the acarbose. The synergistic effect of ursolic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, genistin, and daidzein identified in polyphenolic-rich extracts could be mainly responsible for the pharmacological potentials of the studied extracts used in managing inflammation and diabetes.

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Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) coated with biopolymers are already known for their enormous benefits, as a pharmaceutical matrix, in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. Here, we report the preparation of two types of hybrid matrices, containing SBA-15-MSNs covered with mucilaginous polysaccharides extracted from Althaea officinalis folium in natural and acid pH conditions and polyphenols fraction from Betonica officinalis, respectively. The analysis of phenol composition reveals a selective polysaccharides fraction immobilized on SBA-15-MSNs and evidences higher concentration of polyphenols in Althaeae extract obtained in natural conditions. The acid pH of the extraction conditions favored immobilization of polyphenols on the surface of silica support compared to those obtained under natural conditions. The results regarding the two plant extracts cytotoxicity against the tumour cell line Hep-2 suggest that if Althaeae folium extract is able to reduce the viability of Hep-2 cancer cells likely by reducing the accessibility of the tumour cells to nutrients from the medium, Betonica officinalis extract has the capacity to reduce Hep-2 tumour cell viability by interfering with inner metabolism of the cell. Given these, new effective antiproliferative material biocomposites are expected when combining Althaeae and Betonica extracts.

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In this work we aimed to examine the influence of the main abiotic factors (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure) on the synthesis of active compounds (phenolics, flavonoids), with antioxidant and therapeutic effect of two herbs - Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd's purse) and Marrubium vulgare (horehound) collected from two different areas of Romania: Dobrogea (Constanta) and Muntenia (Bucharest). The studies have shown that biogenesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites that gives the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. In this work we aimed to determine the profile of concentrations of biologically active compounds from the studied herbs depending on the harvest time period and variability of the environmental factors. The medicinal herbs had harvested in autumn (September, 2013) and in spring (May – June, 2014); the alcoholic and aqueous extracts were analyzed in terms of composition: In main biologically active compounds (phenolics, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity as DPPH and ABTS, and spectral data analysis by FTIR. Experimental data obtained showed a significantly higher phenolics and flavonoids content and also a higher antioxidant activity in herbs harvested from the Dobrogea (Constanta) area, for the herbs studied. © 2019, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania. All rights reserved.

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In this study several investigations and tests were performed to determine the antioxidant activity and the acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of Pulmonaria officinalis and Centarium umbellatum aqueous extracts (10% mass) and ethanolic extracts (10% mass and 70% ethanol), respectively. Moreover, for each type of the prepared extracts of P. officinalis and of C. umbellatum the content in the biologically active compounds – polyphenols, flavones and proanthocyanidins was determined. The antioxidant activity was assessed using two methods, namely the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power assay. The analyzed plant extracts showed a high acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity in the range of 72.24–94.24% (at the highest used dose – 3 mg/mL), 66.96% and 94.03% (at 3 mg/mL), respectively correlated with a high DPPH radical inhibition – 70.29–84.9% (at 3 mg/mL). These medicinal plants could provide a potential natural source of bioactive compounds and could be beneficial to the human health, especially in the neurodegenerative disorders and as sources of natural antioxidants in food industry. © 2016

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In the present study the antioxidant and cytostatic capacities of some 8% Geranium robertianum (geranium) aqueous extracts processed by membrane procedures (micro- and ultrafiltration) were determined. The extracts were purified by microfiltration and then concentrated by successive ultrafiltrations using Millipore membranes with 10,000 and 1000 Da cut-off. Two methods were used to establish the extracts' antioxidant activity: DPPH and ABTS; the cytostatic capacity was evaluated on HEp-2p cell lines, by a qualitative method (cytochemical stain with Giemsa solution) and quantitative one (MTT test). Four concentrations of Geranium aqueous extracts were used to test cell viability: 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 mu g/mL, 24 and 48 h, against the control culture (100% viability). The concentrated samples had the highest content of total polyphenols and the strongest antioxidant effect, having also the biggest impact upon cell viability. (C) 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.

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The objectives of this study were to define the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts from Betonica officinalis and Salvia officinalis herbs used in traditional medicine. The results indicated that the extract inhibits scavenges stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cation radicals. In the present study, Salvia officinalis was potent antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extracts inhibited cyclooxygenase (COX-1) and denaturation of protein, which suggests these species might be a potential source of plant-derived anti-inflammatory substances. Our study, for the first time, revealed the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of the Betonica officinalis herb. The results of this study could be helpful to develop medicinal preparations and uses of this species as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent.

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In the current work, ethanol and water extracts of Verbascum phlomoides and Solidago virgaureae were examined for their inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase, as well as for their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and a reducing power assay. The total content of phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, and the high-performance liquid chromatography profile of the main phenolic compounds were also determined. Generally, ethanol extracts showed the strongest antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, both of which were related to the total phenolic content. The V. phlomoides ethanol extract showed the highest inhibitory activity against both acetylcholinesterase (IC50= 0.086 +/- 0.005 mg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50= 0.109 +/- 0.092 mg/mL). These results reveal that V. phlomoides and S. virgaureae are potential sources of active metabolites with acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects. As a result they could be considered for dietary food supplements for preventing neurodegenerative diseases. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, anti-amylase and anti-glucosidase activities of polyphenolic-rich extracts from Betonica officinalis and Impatiens noli-tangere and to analyze their chemical composition by HPLC-MS. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of the two medicinal herbs were processed by microfiltration and ultrafiltration for concentrating the polyphenolic compounds. Phenolic acid, mainly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the dominant compounds of B. officinalis extracts, while the extracts from L nolitangere contain mainly flavonoids, especially isoquercitrin. The polyphenolic-rich extract (retentate UF fraction) from B. officinalis exhibited the most potent DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities. The IC50 value of the alpha-amylase inhibitory effect was 4.20 +/- 0.30 mg/mL for the B. officinalis polyphenolic-rich extract, slightly higher than that of I. noli-tangere polyphenolic-rich extract of 4.01 +/- 0.25 mg/mL. The polyphenolic-rich extract from I. noli-tangere showed remarkable a-glucosidase inhibition activity (IC50 0.47 +/- 0.02 mg/mL), compared to the acarbose (IC50 0.38 +/- 0.02 mg/mL). However, I. noli-tangere extracts displayed a stronger inhibitory activity than B. officinalis extract fractions. Our study, for the first time, revealed the anti-diabetic potential of the B. officinalis and I. noli-tangere herbs. The results of this study could be helpful to develop medicinal preparations or functional foods for diabetes. (C) 2015 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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The feasibility of using laccase from Trametes versicolor for degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons has been investigated. In the experiments, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was used. Laccase was immobilized onto mesoporous micelle-templated silica such as Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) and hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) as well as corresponding amino-functionalized supports. The best results were obtained for SBA-15 mesoporous silica however the HMS support could be as well considered for this type of application. The reusability of laccase immobilized into both silica supports was tested for five reaction cycles and the conversion reached about 70% of the initial value.

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Three mesoporous silica (MCM-41, MCM-48 and SBA-15), with different surface properties, pore size and porous structure, were synthesized and used as supports for laccase immobilization. The supports were functionalized with 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxy-silane (GPTMS). Laccase immobilization was carried out through physical adsorption and covalent binding on functionalized mesoporous silica with different textural properties. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction at small angle, SEM and TEM microscopies, thermal analysis, N-2 adsorption-desorption, UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopies. Immobilization yield and relative activity of laccase varied with pore size, functionalization and support pretreatment. The best values for these parameters were obtained for SBA-15 support functionalized with GPTMS after its pretreatment with glutaraldehyde. The influence of pretreatment time was also evidenced. The obtained biocatalysts were tested in oxidation of anisole and phenol with H2O2. The obtained results sustain the effect of support and method of immobilization on catalytic performances and biocatalysts stability.

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Context: Eryngium planum, Geum urbanum and Cnicus benedictus plants are an endemic botanical from the Romanian used in folk medicine. Objective: The extracts from three Romanian medicinal plants were investigated for their possible neuroprotective potential. Materials and Methods: Within this study, in vitro neuroprotective activity of the extracts of E. planum, G. urbanum, and C. benedictus plants were investigated via inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and tyrosinase (TYR). Total content of phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins, high-performance liquid chromatography profile of the main phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were also determined. Results: Among the tested extracts, the best inhibition of AChE (88.76 +/- 5.2%) and TYR (88.5 +/- 5.2%) was caused by C. benedictus ethanol (EtOH) extract. The G. urbanum extracts exerted remarkable scavenging effect against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (IC 50, 7.8 +/- 0.5 mu g/mL aqueous extract, and IC50, 1.3 +/- 0.1 mu g/mL EtOH extract, respectively) and reducing power, whereas the EtOH extract of C. benedictus showed high scavenging activity (IC 50, 0.609 +/- 0.04 mg/mL), also. Conclusion: According to our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates in vitro neuroprotective effects of E. planum, G. urbanum and C. benedictus.

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The main objective of this study is to concentrate the antioxidant bioactive compounds from the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyllitis scolopendrium through the poly(1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone) (PPEES) ultrafiltration membrane. The PPEES membrane was prepared using the phase inversion method. The total content of phenolics and flavonoids, HPLC profile of the main phenolic compounds, and antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities were also determined in the microfiltrate, permeate and concentrate. When the PPEES membrane is used the concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids is higher, reaching the retention index of 0.785 and of 0.683, respectively, than that measured in the case of processing the feed through the PSF membrane. PPEES membranes showed a higher concentration towards anti-tyrosinase compounds (71.9 +/- 4.3%), compared with the PSF membranes (58.7 +/- 2.9%). The obtained results proved that the PPEES membrane we have prepared is suitable for the bioactive compound's concentration from the herbal extracts. This could result in their wide application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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Medicinal plants represent an important source of active biological compounds that could be used for new drugs development. The present work aims the assessment of two Romanian medicinal plants that were not well studied Alchemilla vulgaris and Filipendula ulmaria with respect to their neuroprotective potentiality. The aqueous extracts (10% mass) and ethanolic extracts (10% mass and 70% (v/v) ethanol) of A. vulgaris and F. ulmaria were screened to evaluate their acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects as well as their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was determined using two methods, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay. The total polyphenolic content determined in the tested compounds was between 88.00 and 112.33 mu g/mL, flavones between 360.00 and 862.00 mu g/mL and proanthocyanidins between 77.66 and 130.00 mu g/mL. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was determined to be between 77.03 and 98.39% (at the highest used dose -3 mg/mL), the tyrosinase inhibitory activity was found to be between 60.00 and 90.65% (at 3 mg/mL) and the DPPH radical inhibition between 73.90 and 93.49%. These findings support the use of these medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson, Alzheimer. (C) 2015 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Quantitative evaluation of organic acids in plants and foodstuff is important for flavour and nutritional studies and also could be used as indicator of bacterial activity. Organic acids occurring in foods are additives or end-products of carbohydrate metabolism of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). A good selection of LAB (and a criterion should be the content in organic acids) allows the control of mould growth and improves the shelf life of many fermented products and, therefore, reduces health risks due to exposure to mycotoxins. A simple, rapid (15 min) and reliable capillary electrophoresis method was partially validated for the simultaneous quantification of nine aliphatic (formic, oxalic, succinic, malic, tartaric, acetic, citric, lactic, butyric) and three aromatic (benzoic, phenyllactic and hydroxyphenyllactic) organic acids in the fermentation products of lactic acid bacteria. The method was validated in terms of linearity of response, limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantification (LoQ), precisions (i.e. intra-day, inter-day reproducibility) and recovery. The method is simple, rapid, reliable and cost-effective.

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The main goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of the individual administration of five lyophilized lactic acid bacteria strains (Lactobacillus fermentum 428ST, Lactobacillus rhamnosus E4.2, Lactobacillus plantarum FCA3, Lactobacillus sp. 34.1, Weissella paramesenteroides FT1a) against the in vitro simulated microbiota of the human colon using the GIS1 system. The influence on the metabolic activity was also assessed by quantitative determination of proteins and polysaccharides at each segment of human colon. The obtained results indicated that the lactic acid bacteria L. rhamnosus E4.2 and W. paramesenteroides FTa1 had better efficiency in synthesising exopolysaccharides and also a better probiotic potential and therefore could be recommended for use in probiotics products or food industry.

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The aim of this study was to determine the best conditions to obtain the highest total polyphenol content from Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts and to study the main bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of the concentrate obtained during ultrafiltration. 8%, 10% and 15 % (mass concentration) hydroalcoholic extracts of Salvia officinalis in 70% ethanol and an aqueous extract (8%) were prepared. The obtained extracts were further purified and concentrated through membrane procedures (ultrafiltration). The aqueous extracts were successively concentrated through ultrafiltration membranes of regenerated cellulose with 10000 Da, than 5000 Da and 3000 Da, the highest concentration being obtained using the 3000 Da Millipore membranes. For hydroalcoholic extracts 3 types of membranes were used: Millipore ultrafiltration membranes with cut-off of 10.000 Da and 5.000 Da and polysulfone composite membrane (PSF). The contents of total polyphenols, proteins, reducing sugars and flavones were determined. The values ranged between: 321.23 - 404.21 mu g/mL - polyphenols, 1.04 - 1.72 mg/mL - proteins, 26.01 - 99.48 mg/mL - flavones and 35.05 - 138.16 mu g/mL - sugars. The concentrated extracts showed promising levels of DPPH radical scavenging activity (42.12%-70.82%), the highest values being obtained for the extracts concentrated by Millipore membranes 5000 Da.

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This study was meant to determine the inhibitory activity of tannins and flavonoid compounds from Geranium robertianum, Helleborus purpurascens and Hyssopus officinale plant polyphenol rich extracts against urease and alpha-chymotrypsin. The G. robertianum, H. purpurascens and H. officinale extracts were purified and concentrated by microfiltration and ultrafiltration. Phenolic compounds including flavonoids and tannins have been linked to many pharmacological activities. Thus, the polyphenolic content of the extracts was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC. The concentrated extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids) showed a significant inhibition against urease from jack bean (over 90%), whereas in case of the alpha-chymotrypsin, they proved to have an inhibition below 54%. The results of this support the use of G. robertianum, H. purpurascens and H. officinale polyphenolic extracts as potential sources of urease inhibitors. Among the three plant extracts tested, H. officinale polyphenolic extracts exhibited a high inhibitory activity (92.67%) against urease and low inhibition (19.6%) against alpha-chymotrypsin and could be considered as possible remedy in ulcer treatment.

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The paper presents the results of original research on improving tara tannin extract for ecologic tanning methods in the context of the newest global ecology concepts on reducing carbon consumption by using tannin resources that do not imply deforestation. The paper proposes processing tara tannin through extraction and concentration using micro filtration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, determining a reduction in the concentration of insoluble matter and an increase in the tannin concentration, without modifying tannin through hydrolysis. In the first part of the paper we present the optimal filtration parameters using filtration membranes and the characteristics of concentrated tanning extracts, compared to the initial products.

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Two enzymes, laccase and peroxidase, were immobilized on chloromethylated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers supports functionalized with phosphonates ((RO)(2)PO) or mixed ammonium and phosphonium groups ( N+R3Cl-, P+Ph3Cl-). Phosphonates groups and quaternary ammonium salts were grafted on the gel-type copolymer by Michaelis-Becker polymer analogue reaction. Mixed polymer-supported ammonium and phosphonium salts were obtained by transquaternization of the ammonium groups to phosphonium group. The degrees of functionalization for obtained polymers were relatively high ensuring a sufficient concentration of active centers per unit mass of the copolymer. The obtained materials were characterized by thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM microscopy. The effects of OR1 and R2 radicals from phosphonate and respectively ammonium groups, as well as those of glutaraldehyde utilization on the immobilization yield and the catalytic properties of the supported enzymes were indicated. The activity of enzymes increased after immobilization and high immobilization yield was obtained for all the samples. The higher interaction of enzymes with support was indicated for mixed ammonium and phosphonium functions. A higher catalytic activity was obtained for peroxidase in oxidation of phenol and laccase in oxidation of anisole. The low effect of glutaraldehyde on enzyme activity reveals the strong interaction of enzyme with the polymer support, respectively with the functional groups.

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This study was meant to determine the inhibitory activity of tannins and flavonoid compounds from Geranium robertianum, Helleborus purpurascens and Hyssopus officinale plant polyphenol rich extracts against urease and α-chymotrypsin. The G. robertianum, H. purpurascens and H. officinale extracts were purified and concentrated by microfiltration and ultrafiltration. Phenolic compounds including flavonoids and tannins have been linked to many pharmacological activities. Thus, the polyphenolic content of the extracts was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC. The concentrated extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids) showed a significant inhibition against urease from jack bean (over 90%), whereas in case of the α-chymotrypsin, they proved to have an inhibition below 54%. The results of this support the use of G. robertianum, H. purpurascens and H. officinale polyphenolic extracts as potential sources of urease inhibitors. Among the three plant extracts tested, H. officinale polyphenolic extracts exhibited a high inhibitory activity (92.67%) against urease and low inhibition (19.6%) against α-chymotrypsin and could be considered as possible remedy in ulcer treatment. © 2014 Informa UK Ltd.

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The paper presents the results of original research on improving tara tannin extract for ecologic tanning methods in the context of the newest global ecology concepts on reducing carbon consumption by using tannin resources that do not imply deforestation. The paper proposes processing tara tannin through extraction and concentration using microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, determining a reduction in the concentration of insoluble matter and an increase in the tannin concentration, without modifying tannin through hydrolysis. In the first part of the paper we present the optimal filtration parameters using filtration membranes and the characteristics of concentrated tanning extracts, compared to the initial products.

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A new type of chitosan/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin composite membrane have been developed for the encapsulation and controlled release of gallic acid. The morphology of the composite membrane was investigated by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas swelling gallic acid and release properties were investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy. The release behavior with pH changes was also explored. The composite membrane based on chitosan/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin with gallic acid included showed improved antioxidant capacities compared to plain chitosan membrane. The information obtained in this study will facilitate the design and preparation of composite membrane based on chitosan and could open a wide range of applications, particularly its use as an antioxidant in food, food packaging, biomedical (biodegradable soft porous scaffolds for enhance the surrounding tissue regeneration), pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

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They were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The efficiency of EA entrapment revealed values >= 50%. The released ellagic acid quantities were spectrophotometrically determined at various time intervals: 1, 2, 3, 7 days, and various pH: 3.0, 7.5, 8.0, 9.0. The best cumulative release of ellagic acid from membranes was obtained at lowest pH, pH=3. The antioxidant capacity of EA released from membranes was evaluated by inhibition percent of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The best result was found also at pH=3.0, 20% DPPH inhibition (at 48h). The properties of such membranes recommend them as biomaterial with controlled antioxidant biological activity.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of essential oils (EOs) of two Moroccan aromatic herbs essential oils: Lippia citriodora and Cedrus atlantica. The composition of these species was analyzed by GC/MS and 54 compounds were identified. The essential oil extracted from L. citriodora contained, as main components citral (19.07%), cuparene (12.33%), 1-butenylidenecyclohexane (9.4%), eucalyptol (7.9%), spathulenol (7.55%), beta-cyclocitral (6.54%) and caryophhyllene oxide (6.27%) and the major constituents of the Cedrus atlantica oil were beta-himachalene (29.4%), alpha-longipinene (20.75%), beta-chamigrene (14.39%), longifolene (V4) (11.61%) and alpha-himachalene (5.1%). The oils were also subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the reducing power assays. The antibacterial activity of these essential oils has been evaluated against two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) with significant importance for food industry and we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of each essential oil. The tested essential oils showed a variable degree of antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that the essential oil from Lippia citriodora has potential to be used as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in food processing.

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They were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The efficiency of EA entrapment revealed values ≥ 50%. The released ellagic acid quantities were spectrophotometrically determined at various time intervals: 1, 2, 3, 7 days, and various pH: 3.0, 7.5, 8.0, 9.0. The best cumulative release of ellagic acid from membranes was obtained at lowest pH, pH=3. The antioxidant capacity of EA released from membranes was evaluated by inhibition percent of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The best result was found also at pH=3.0, 20% DPPH inhibition (at 48h). The properties of such membranes recommend them as biomaterial with controlled antioxidant biological activity.

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The paper reports the successful application of membranes processes to obtain good quality extracts with compounds of high antioxidative activity and therapeutic value. In this study, the phenolic compounds from two plant species used in Romanian ethno-medicine were investigated and their antioxidant/and cytotoxic activities evaluated. Three extracts prepared from Geranium robertianum and Symphytum officinale were concentrated by microfiltration and ultrafiltration. The levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The free-radical scavenging activity of the concentrated extracts was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) method. The preliminary tests of cytotoxic activity for the concentrated extracts were performed on human epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma cell line (Hep-2p) and normal monkey kidney cells (RM). The results showed that all the concentrated extracts had a very low cytotoxicity against healthy cells, but a significant cytotoxic effect on Hep-2p tumor cells. The concentrated extracts had a high antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition > 80 %).

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This work is focused on the separation and concentration of the active principles from the Viscum album and Tymus vulgaris aqueous extracts by using membrane techniques. By membranes processes such as microfiltration - ultrafiltration both the proteins, polyphenols and flavonoids concentration and their separation from the compounds with smaller molecular weight (free amino acids, monosaccharides, etc.) that pass through the membranes were obtained. The main advantages of membranary technologies for separation and concentration of active principles from plant extracts are the following: low costs, high separation yield, high purity, absence of phase changes, process development at room temperature and preservation of active principles, simplicity, modulated compact installations.

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Were obtained new extracts from Salvia officinalis - 8%, 10% and 15 % (mass concentration) hydro-alcoholic extracts in 50 % ethanol - which have been processed using an original developed procedure of extract separation and concentration based on porous membranes (ultrafiltration). The extracts were characterized in terms of total polyphenols', flavones' content determination and antioxidant capacity assesement. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by two spectrophotometrical methods: 2,2-diphenylpicrlyhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'- azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). A proportionality between the polyphenols', flavones' concentrations and antioxidant capacity was observed, the highest antioxidant activity being found in case of extracts in 50% ethanol with 10% plant mass. The obtained results evidenced that the applied membranous (ultrafiltration) procedures resulted in some concentrated Salvia officinalis extracts having a high antioxidant capacity (89.89 percent of DPPH inhibition).

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The aim of this paper consists in 'non-stressing' process use that, with respect to traditional plants operates under milder temperature conditions. Particular attention was devoted to investigate the possibility to purify and concentrate Viscum album extracts with a microfiltration/ultrafiltration unit, allowing the preservation of thermolabile compounds from the extracts and their antineoplastic properties examination. In vitro investigation of the HeLa cancerous cells interaction with biopreparations (extracted, separated and purified from Viscum album through successive ultrafiltrations on membranes) highlighted and quantified their cytostatic and cytotoxic impact, expressed by the inhibition of protein synthesis and cellular proliferation, by cell viability decrease and by the inhibition of cell cultures development.

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The aim of this study was to prove the efficiency of the nanofiltration process for the concentration of polyphenolic compounds from Geranium robertianum and Salvia officinalis extracts and to evaluate the extract's antioxidant activity. A lab-scale cross-flow set-up using flat-sheet configuration membrane was employed for all experiments. Two nanofiltration membranes have been used: SelRO MPF-36 (Koch membrane) and an organic-inorganic membrane (polysulfone with SBA-15-NH2). When the organic-inorganic membranes were used in the nanofiltration process, the obtained concentrated extracts proved to have higher polyphenol and flavonoid rejections, in both cases (Geranium robertianum and Salvia officinalis). The obtained values were over 88 % DPPH inhibition, for concentrated extracts, using the DPPH method. The concentrated extracts obtained after nanofiltration NF2 (organic-inorganic membrane) had the strongest scavenging activity for all extracts and almost completely inhibited DPPH absorption (92.9 % for Geranium robertianum concentrated extract and 90.1 % for Salvia officinalis concentrated extract). These features turn the studied, concentrated extracts into a good source for further medicinal applications.

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This work present a phytochemical qualitative study regarding certain classes of compounds: tannins, amino acids, terpenoides, sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, reducing agents, saponins, alkaloids in Symphytum officinalis (10% mass concentration) extracts in EtOH 50% and MeOH 50%. The allantoin - a bioactive compound characteristic for the comfrey - was quantitatively determined. The extracts were further concentrated through membranous procedures (ultrafiltration) using Millipore ultrafiltration membranes with 5000 daltoni (Da) cut-off (molecular mass exclusion). The analytical determinations were carried out in the initial extracts, permeates and concentrated solutions.

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Background. In the present study the antioxidant properties were investigated of the medicinal plants Salvia officinalis L. (Labiaceae family) and Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae), both of them known for a long time as a remedy in the traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to prove the efficiency of ultrafiltration process for the concentration of herbs extracts and to evaluate the concentrate's antioxidant activity. Material and methods. The extracts were prepared by maceration, using different solvents. After filtering the extract through Isolab quantitative filter paper medium, each of the filtrates was processed by microfiltration (MF; Millipore filters with 45 mu m), followed by ultrafiltration (UF). The regenerated cellulose (Millipore), polysulfone and polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membranes were used in the experiment. The initial extracts and samples of permeate and retentate after ultrafiltration of extracts have been characterized by determination of the protein total and total phenolic content. Standard methods like ABTS and DPPH assay are used to measure the antioxidant activity. Results. For the three types of tested membranes: Millipore, PSF and PAN, PAN membrane proves to have the greatest efficiency since it shows the highest permeate flux and the greatest retention degree for bioactive compounds. The concentrated extracts obtained after ultrafiltration with polyacrylonitrile membrane had the strongest scavenging activity for all extracts. Conclusions. The results of this study has revealed that the concentrated extracts have a very high radical scavenging activity (TEAC values for sage hydro-alcoholic concentrated extracts in range 351.87-479.04 mu mol Trolox/mL extract and for mistletoe concentrated extract E2 in range 345.14-426.18 mu mol Trolox/mL extract; the DPPH inhibition values was over 85% for S. officinalis concentrated extracts and ranges between 66.2% and 88.2% DPPH inhibition for V. album concentrated), therefore can be considered as a good source for further medicinal applications.

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The paper reports the performance of polysulfone-polyaniline composite membranes in medicinal plants concentration, by means of the ultrafiltration process. The effect of operating pressure, raw material concentration on permeate flux, and some biological compounds concentration in permeate and concentrate were analyzed. The aim of this article was to compare the performances of the ultrafiltration process. using the polysulfone and the polysulfone-polyaniline membranes for the concentration of Salvia officinale extracts. The bioactive compounds (reducing sugars, proteins and polyphenols) have been characterized by UV-VIS spectrometry, using specific methods for each (compounds) ones. The ultrafiltration process' performance can be increased using a polysulfone-polyaniline membrane. The experimental results showed higher efficacy of polysulfone-polyaniline composite membranes versus polysulfone membrane for the concentration of plant extracts.

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Symphytum officinale L (Boraginaceae) species are currently used in the Romanian traditional medicine to treat different human and animal disease. being also active in certain cancer forms. This work's aim consists in obtaining of Symphytum officinale concentrated extracts by using performance membrane processes, aqueous extracts prepared were concentrated by tangential flow ultrafiltration with a Koch Laboratory Cell CF-1 membrane. The cytostatic activity of the total plant extracts were studied on HeLa cells culture. By comparison to the bystander value of 1001116, we noticed that in vitro treatment of HeLa neoplasic cells with these concentrated extracts determined a mitoinhibitory effect with statistical and cytostatical significant amplitude. These values were of almost 57,6% for Symphytum officinale.

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