Vasorelaxant Effects of the Extract.

This study was undertaken to describe and characterize the relaxing effects of the medicinal plant (VAC) extract on isolated rabbit arterial rings. The VAC extracts (VACE) were extracted with ethanol and tested in aorta rings (3-4 mm) of rabbits suspended in an organ bath (Krebs, 37°C, 95% O/5% CO) under a resting tension of 1 g to record isometric contractions. After the stabilization period (1-2 hours), contractions were induced by the addition of phenylephrine (0.

Insight into the Mechanisms Underlying the Tracheorelaxant Properties of the Extract.

Boiss. and Heldr. (Lamiaceae), known as "mountain tea," is a native plant from the Mediterranean region, which is widely used in traditional medicine.

Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils of some Aromatic and Medicinal Plants from Albania.

The chemical compositions have been investigated of the volatile oils of nine populations of six species from Albania, namely Artemisia absinthium, Calamintha nepeta, Hypericum perforatum, Sideritis raeseri subsp. raeseri, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum from two wild .

Lignans and indole alkaloids from the seeds of Centaurea vlachorum Hartvig (Asteraceae), growing wild in Albania and their biological activity.

The present phytochemical investigation of the seeds of Centaurea vlachorum led to the isolation and characterisation of four compounds including two indole alkaloids N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin (1) and moschamine (2) and two dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans matairesinol (3) and arctiin (4). This is the first report on the isolation of non-volatile secondary metabolites from C. vlachorum.

AMPK-sensitive cellular transport.

The energy sensing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates cellular and whole-body energy balance through stimulating catabolic ATP-generating and suppressing anabolic ATP-consuming pathways thereby helping cells survive during energy depletion. The kinase has previously been reported to be either directly or indirectly involved in the regulation of several carriers, channels and pumps of high significance in cellular physiology. Thus AMPK provides a necessary link between cellular energy metabolism and cellular transport activity.

Significance of the anti-aging protein Klotho.

The Klotho gene was identified as an 'aging suppressor' in mice. Overexpression of the Klotho gene extends lifespan and defective Klotho results in rapid aging and early death. Both the membrane and secreted forms of Klotho have biological activity that include regulatory effects on general metabolism and a more specific effect on mineral metabolism that correlates with its effect on aging.

Diastereoselective radical mediated alkylation of a chiral glycolic acid derivative.

Radical alkylation of 2-(tert-butyl)-2-methyldioxolan-4-one, a chiral equivalent of glycolic acid, occurs with good to high diastereoselectivity that compares favorably with the corresponding enolate alkylation. The importance of the position of the transition state position, early or late, is highlighted.