Bioactive Constituents of Juniperus turbinata Guss. from La Maddalena Archipelago.

A comprehensive phytochemical study of Juniperus turbinata (Cupressaceae) collected from La Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia, Italy) is reported. Both the essential oil and the ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts were analyzed. The essential oil appears to belong to a new chemotype compared to other Mediterranean juniper accessions, as it was favored by geographic isolation of the isles.

Dual HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and integrase inhibitors from Arrigoni, an endemic species of Sardinia (Italy).

During our search for potential templates of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) dual inhibitors, the methanolic extract obtained from aerial parts of was investigated. Repeated bioassay-guided chromatographic purifications led to the isolation of the following secondary metabolites: myricetin, myricetin 3--rutinoside, myricetin-3--(6″--galloyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside, (-)-epigallocatechin 3--gallate, tryptamine, ferulic and phloretic acids. The isolated compounds were tested on both HIV-1 RT-associated RNase H and IN activities.

Characterization of four wild edible Carduus species from the Mediterranean region via phytochemical and biomolecular analyses.

Carduus species (Compositae) are widely distributed in the Mediterranean area, and traditionally used for both food and medicinal purposes. The hydroalcoholic extracts of four wild edible Carduus species collected in Sardinia (Carduus argyroa Biv., Carduus nutans subsp.

New Coumarinyl Ethers in Daphne oleoides Schreb. Collected from Sardinia Island.

The phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract obtained from D. oleoides collected from Sardinia Island allowed the isolation of several new constituents for the species (3, 8, and 9) together with two new coumarinyl ethers (1 and 2) besides the chemotaxonomic markers of the Daphne genus (4 - 7 and 10) which are also known to possess interesting biological activities. The structure of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses.

In vitro anti-herpes simplex virus-2 activity of Salvia desoleana Atzei & V. Picci essential oil.

Salvia desoleana Atzei & V. Picci is an indigenous species in Sardinia island used in folk medicine to treat menstrual, digestive and central nervous system diseases. Nowadays, it is widely cultivated for the pleasant smell of its essential oil (EO), whose antimicrobial and antifungal activities have already been screened.

Anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactones from Onopordum illyricum L. (Asteraceae), an Italian medicinal plant.

Onopordum illyricum L. is a medicinal plant used in the Mediterranean area as antipyretic for the treatment of respiratory and urinary inflammations and to treat skin ulcers. Repeated chromatographic purification of O.

Essential oil composition and biological activity from Artemisia caerulescens subsp. densiflora (Viv.) Gamisans ex Kerguélen & Lambinon (Asteraceae), an endemic species in the habitat of La Maddalena Archipelago.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition of the essential oil obtained from a population of Artemisia caerulescens subsp. densiflora growing in Razzoli, an island in the La Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia, Italy). A.

Phytochemical analysis of non-volatile fraction of Artemisia caerulescens subsp. densiflora (Viv.) (Asteraceae), an endemic species of La Maddalena Archipelago (Sardinia--Italy).

Artemisia caerulescens subsp. densiflora Viv. is a rare endemic species from Corsica and Sardinia.

A new glucosidic phthalide from Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum from La Maddalena Island (Sardinia, Italy).

In this study, we reported the analysis of the medium polarity fraction obtained from an accession of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum from La Maddalena Island. Besides several compounds already evidenced in this species and related genera, i.

Chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil from Helichrysum microphyllum Cambess. ssp. tyrrhenicum Bacch., Brullo e Giusso growing in La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia.

Helichrysum microphyllum Cambess. subsp. tyrrhenicum Bacch.

Polar compounds from Parentucellia viscosa (L.) Caruel from Sardinia.

In this work, we examined a sample of Parentucellia viscosa from Sardinia island, showing similarities and differences of the secondary metabolite content with respect to previous study conducted on an accession of continental origin, and also with Bellardia trixago, a species very close to Parentucellia. In this aspect, the proximity between these species, previously stated by a phylogenetic study, was confirmed by a phytochemical approach. Within the non-iridoidic fraction a chiral polyol (mannitol) and two aromatic acids (benzoic acid and gallic acid) were evidenced.

Phytochemical study of Caulerpa racemosa (Forsk.) J. Agarth, an invading alga in the habitat of La Maddalena Archipelago.

Caulerpa racemosa is a marine Chlorophyta widely distributed in tropical areas, introduced into the Mediterranean Sea since 1990. It has been invading the Mediterranean Sea causing ecological problems. This invasive event can be considered as one of the most serious in the history of species introduced into the Mediterranean Sea, even if C.

Chemopreventive and antioxidant activity of the chamazulene-rich essential oil obtained from Artemisia arborescens L. growing on the Isle of La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy.

The essential oils of Artemisia arborescens growing in Sardinia (Italy), collected during three plant growth stages, i.e., from the vegetative stage to post-blooming time, were characterized.

Hypericum hircinum L. components as new single-molecule inhibitors of both HIV-1 reverse transcriptase-associated DNA polymerase and ribonuclease H activities.

Among HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated functions, DNA polymerase and Ribonuclease H (RNase H) are both essential for HIV replication and excellent targets for drug development. While all RT inhibitors approved for therapy target the DNA polymerase activity, there is the pressing need for new RT inhibitors possibly targeting the RNase H function. In the last 20 years, many natural substances have shown antiviral activity against HIV-1, but only a few against the RNase H function.

Isolation and characterization of polyphenol oxidase from Sardinian poisonous and non-poisonous chemotypes of Ferula communis (L.).

Ferula communis (L.), a plant belonging to Apiaceae, is widely present in Sardinia, Italy. Currently, interest in F.

Antimicrobial phenolics and unusual glycerides from Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum.

During a large-scale isolation campaign for the heterodimeric phloroglucinyl pyrone arzanol (1a) from Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum, several new phenolics as well as an unusual class of lipids named santinols (5a-c, 6-8) have been characterized. Santinols are angeloylated glycerides characterized by the presence of branched acyl- or keto-acyl chains and represent a hitherto unreported class of plant lipids.

Protective effect of Hypericum hircinum on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Oxidative stress is the main factor in doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity. Wistar rats received either DOX (3 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.

Anti-plasmodial and insecticidal activities of the essential oils of aromatic plants growing in the Mediterranean area.

Background: Sardinia is a Mediterranean area endemic for malaria up to the last century. During a screening study to evaluate the anti-plasmodial activity of some aromatic plants traditionally used in Sardinia, Myrtus communis (myrtle, Myrtaceae), Satureja thymbra (savory, Lamiaceae), and Thymus herba-barona (caraway thyme, Lamiaceae) were collected in three vegetative periods: before, during and after flowering.

Methods: The essential oils were obtained by steam distillation, fractionated by silica gel column chromatography and analysed by GC-FID-MS.

Pharmacological activities on Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo.

As a part of our endeavour to screen Mediterranean medicinal plants for various pharmacological activities, we evaluated antihistaminic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hypotensive and locomotor properties, and antioxidant potential of Ephedra nebrodensis. (1)H-NMR spectroscopy was carried out to identify the plant metabolites, which confirmed the presence of ephedrinic skeleton alkaloids. The ethanol : acetone (1 : 1) extract exhibited dose-related antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, hypotensive, antioxidant and locomotor stimulant activity.

Endemic Sardinian plants: the case of Genista cadasonensis Valsecchi.

The flavonoid fraction of the aerial parts of Genista cadasonensis Valsecchi (Leguminosae), an endemic plant from Sardinia, was examined and compared with the flavonoid pattern already known in the Genista genus. This comparison evidenced the endemic nature of this species, showing the presence of a rare flavonoid, the 6-hydroxy-genistein. The antioxidant activity of dichloromethanic, ethanolic and acetonic total extracts of aerial parts was evaluated.

Polar and antioxidant fraction of Plumbago europaea L., a spontaneous plant of Sardinia.

Secondary metabolite isolation and analysis of Plumbago europaea L. (Plumbaginaceae) is the aim of this work, which is included in a project of our groups on spontaneous and endemic Sardinian species. Plumbago europaea is the only specie of the genera that grows wild in Italy.

Caffeine withdrawal retains anticataleptic activity but Withania somnifera withdrawal potentiates haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice.

The previous study showed that chronic treatment with Withania somnifera extract (WS) inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy. It is suggested that caffeine and WS may be useful adjuvants in pharmacotherapy of Parkinson's disease. There are no studies on the effect of haloperidol on mice withdrawn from caffeine or W.

Assessment of symptomatic and neuroprotective efficacy of Mucuna pruriens seed extract in rodent model of Parkinson's disease.

Mucuna pruriens (MP) has long been used in Indian traditional medicine as support in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, no systematic preclinical studies that aimed at evaluating the efficacy of this substance are available to date. This study undertook an extensive evaluation of the antiparkinsonian effects of an extract of MP seeds known to contain, among other components, 12.

HIV-1-inhibiting activity of the essential oil of Ridolfia segetum and Oenanthe crocata.

The essential oils of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris and Oenanthe crocata L. (Apiaceae), collected in Sardinia (Italy), have been assayed for two enzyme-associated activities of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT): RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity and ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity.

Cardioprotective potential of myricetin in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats.

The study aimed to evaluate the protective role of myricetin obtained from Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) on heart rate, electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns, vascular reactivity to catecholamines, cardiac marker enzymes, antioxidant enzymes together with morphological and histopathological changes in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in male Wistar rats. Rats treated with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, administered subcutaneously twice at an interval of 24 h) showed a significant increase in heart rate and ST elevation in ECG, and a significant increase in the levels of cardiac marker enzymes - lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum. Isoproterenol significantly reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and increased vascular reactivity to various catecholamines.