Oils are important food ingredients, mainly as a source of unsaturated fatty acids. The offer of novel edible oils from herbs, spices and fruit seeds has grown and many of them are used as functional food and dietary supplements but also as feed additives in animal feeding. Poultry meat is recommended.in properly balanced diet and its consumption in Poland has been growing. The objective of present study was to verify if the supplementation of chickens' diet with grape seed oil or pomegranate seed oil influences cholesterol content and fatty acids (FA) profile in their livers. Ross 308 chickens (n = 24) were fed with fodder enriched with grape seed oil (G group) or pomegranate seed oil (P group). Diet of control group (C group) was based on soybean oil. FA analysis in livers as well as cholesterol content was made with gas chromatography. We observed significant increase in fat content when part of soybean oil was replaced by grape seed oil (p = 0.0002). Its highest amount was detected in G group (4.44 ± 1.53%) whereas the lowest in C group (1.73 ± 0.53%). Applied supplementation did not change total cholesterol content. Its content ranged from 233.0 ± 12.2 mg/100 g in G group to 234.6 ± 29.7 mg1100 g in C group. However, chickens' diet modification with grape seed oil and pomegranate seed oil influenced the FA profile in livers. We detected the presence of punicic acid (cis-9, trans-11, cis-13 C18:3, PA) in livers of chicken fed with pomegranate seed oil. Pomegranate seed oil is one of natural sources of conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA), which predominate in this oil (PA >70% of all FA). However, in livers PA constituted only 0.90 ± 0.10% of all fatty acids. Furthermore, we detected substantial amounts of rumenic acid (cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, RA) - the major isomer of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). Its natural sources in diet are meat and milk of ruminants, but incorporation of pomegranate seed oil into chickens' diet caused a significant increase of its share in fatty acids pool in their livers (3.73 ? 0.79% in P group in relation to 0.08 ± 0.03% in G group and 0.02 ± 0.00% in C group, p < 0.0001). It proves that PA is effectively converted into RA in chickens organisms. Pomegranate seed oil seems to be an interesting feed additive in chicken feeding which can improve FA profile of poultry meat.

The currently available data suggest that natural products may exert significant cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. Plant-derived chemotherapeutic agents such as taxol, etoposide or vincristine, currently used in cancer therapy, are prominent examples in this regard. However, there is a need for new and nat- ural anticancer compounds with low or without toxicity to normal cells. One of the active compounds responsible for the immune effects is β-glucan derived from cereals, fungi, seaweeds, yeasts and bacteria. The recent data suggest that β-glucans are potent immunomodulators with anticancer properties. Antitumor properties of fungi and yeast derived β-glucans have been widely recognized, but those polysaccharides are mostly insoluble, creating several problems especially in topical formulation. To overcome the issue of low water solubility, in the current study a more soluble β-glucan type from oats was chosen for the investigation of its antitumor activities. Cytotoxic effects were studied using a human melanoma cell line (Me45). The effect of electroporation on the antitumor activity of oat β-glucan was investigated as well. Cellular viability assessment, immuno-cytochemistry and immunofluochemistry were employed to evaluate biologic effects. Our results indicate strong anticancer properties of oat β-glucan, enhanced by electroporation.

Previously it was documented that transgenic flax plants, which contained an increased level of polyphenolic compounds, significantly improved healing of skin wounds lesions. In order to recognize mechanisms of beneficial action of transgenic flax fabrics on wound healing, in the present study the impact of flax fabric pieces/cuts from three types of transgenic flax on normal human dermal fibroblasts primary culture (NHDF) was investigated. NHDF cell cultures were exposed for 48 h to specific area of flax fabric cuts, made from M50, B 14 and M50+B14 (intertwined fibers of M and B), or parallely, extracts from fibers of the tested flax materials to cell culture medium. Cultures were inspected for cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle changes and for their resistance to oxidative stress (consecutive addition of H₂,O₂, to harvested cell cultures). None of the tested flax fabrics were cytotoxic to fibroblast cultures and also did not increase significantly a frequency of apoptotic cells in cultures. In the comet assay, the tested flax fabrics revealed significant protective effect on DNA damage ciused by addition of H₂0₂ to the cultures at the end of incubation time. Fabrics from transgenic flax significantly enhanced fibroblasts proliferation in vitro estimated with the SRB test. Flow cytometric analysis revealed higher frequency of cells in the S phase, in the presence of transgenic flax fabrics. Fabrics from B14 and M50+B14 flax are the most potent activators of NHDF cells in applied in vityo tests, hence they could be recommended for elaboration of new type bandage, able to improve skin wound healing.

Marine algae are widely used as cosmetics raw materials. Likewise, freshwater alga Cladophora glomerata may be a good source of fatty acids and others bioactive agents. The aims of this study was to find out if the addition of the extract from the freshwater C. glonerata affects the stability of prepared cosmetic emulsions and to investigate in vivo effects of the extract in cosmetic formulations on hydration and elasticity of human skin. Extract from the freshwater C. glonierata was obtained using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Two forms of O/W emulsions were prepared: placebo and emulsion containing 0.5% of Cladophora SFE extract. The stability of obtained emulsions was investigated by using Turbiscan Lab Expert. Emulsions were applied by .volunteers daily. Corneometer was used to evaluate skin hydration and cutometer to examine skin elasticity. Measurements were conducted at reference point (week 0) and after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of application. The addition of Cladophora extract insignificantly affected stability of the emulsion. The extract from C. glomerata in the emulsion influenced the improvement of both skin hydration and its elasticity. Thus, freshwater C. glonierata extract prepared via SFE method may be considered as an effective cosmetic raw material used as a moisturizing and firming agent.

Since clonidine was introduced in clinical practice, attempts are still made to obtain substances capable of centrally controlling blood pressure, however with pharmacological profile better than currently avail- able, such as moxonidine and rilmenidine. Recently synthesized indazole derivatives exert promising action on blood pressure and heart rate in Wistar rats. In the present study, our aim was to check which of tested substituted compound exerts the best effect on basic circulatory parameters. Effects of marsanidine (M), 7-Me- marsanidine (7-Me-M), 7-Cl-marsanidine (7-Cl-M) and 7-F-marsanidine (7-F-M) on blood pressure, heart rate and diuresis were compared. Male Wistar rats were receiving iv. tested compounds in two doses: 10 or 100 pg/kg b.w. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and ECG were recorded continuously. Urine samples were collected before and after administration of tested imidazolines. Obtained data were filtered and subjected to statistical analysis. All tested compounds caused a profound decrease of MAP. 7-M-M reduced blood pressure to the highest extent when used in 10 μg/kg b.w. dose. 7-F-M in dose of 100 μg/kg b.w. caused the strongest drop of MAP. The weakest and the shortest effect in duration was observed after M administration. HR was reduced after administration of each compound while the strongest effect was observed after 7-M-M administration in dose of 10 μg/kg b.w. and after 7-Cl-M administered in dose of 100 μg/kg b.w. Again, the weakest and the shortest in duration effect was observed after M administration. The highest increase of diuresis was observed after 7-M-M administration. These data suggest that methyl substituent in 7 position of indazole ring is the most effective in improving hypotensive effects of newly synthesized imidazolidine derivatives.

The purpose of this study was to explain how extracts from chokeberry and blackcurrant interact with the lipid phase of biological membrane and with human albumin - the main protein of blood. Aiming at better understanding of the observed biological activity of the extracts, we also conducted experiments with their main components: cyanidin-3-0-galactoside and cyanidin-3-0-ruthinoside. Antioxidant activities of extracts and cyanidin derivatives were investigated with phosphatidy1choline liposomes and AAPH as oxidation inducing factor. Fluorescent probes (merocyanin and N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine) that were located at different depths within the membrane lipid bilayer were also used. The interaction between the compounds and human serum albumin was investigated using natural fluorescence quenching. According to our study it is highly likely that the significant antioxidant activity of chokeberry and blackcurrant extracts (IC₅₀chokeberry = 4.92 pg/mL; IC₅₀blackbcurrant = 7.04 μg/mL) is probably due to cyjanidin's main derivatives, which protect the lipid membrane more than the extracts. In addition, it has been suggested that the compounds are anchored mainly on the membrane surface and rigidify/order the lipids in the membrane. That rigidifying effect is the key factor for understanding their antioxidant properties. Experimental results have proved that all the study compounds quench the fluorescence of HSA through a static mechanism and the main interaction forces are the Van der Waals and hydrogen bonding interactions. The results of the study have improved our knowledge on how to protect membranes against lipid peroxidation using extracts rich in anthocyanins. The results can be relevant to pharmacists and nutritionists.

Polyphenol rich extracts obtained from cistus herb (Cistus incanus L.) and pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) exhibited significant antioxidant activity in V79 cell culture (Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts) -cistus extract reduced intracellular content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 30-40% and pomegranate extract by 29-36%. In human breast (MCF-7) and colon (LOVO) cancer cell lines cistus and pomegranate extracts decreased cancer cell growth both in drug-sensitive cells by 15-30% and in drug resistant (doxorubicin-resistant; DX) sublines by 5-20%. However, the extracts did not influence on cell growth%f normal hamster fibroblast cultures (V79). The extracts induced apoptosis in the tested cancer cell lines. Significantly higher proapoptotic impact of the extracts was observed in drug-sensitive than in drug-resistant sublines. The results suggest potential usefulness of the tested polyphenol rich extracts in people exposed to oxidative stress. Their potential use as adjuvant therapy of human cancers needs further studies.

Basil is an important medicinal and culinary herb, cultivated on large areas in many countries. With the growing necessity of ecological products, organic crops need to be expanded, but a more complete characterization of such agriculture systems is required. The present paper aims to evaluate total phenolics and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity of Ocimum basilicum L. under organic fertilization with four different foliar fertilizers (Fylo®, Geolino Plants&Flowers®, Cropmax®, Fitokondi®). The total content of phenolic compounds was stimulated by all foliar fertilizers used in the experiment. In the first year, the highest increase was obtained in plants fertilized with Fylo (29%) and Fitokondi (27%) while in the second year Fitokondi fertilizer treatment lead to the highest increase of total phenolics (28%) compared to the control plants. The production of total phenolics was enhanced in the second year probably because the experiment was started earlier on April compared to first year. Foliar fertilization of basil plants can thus be used to obtain increased yield and phenolic compounds synthesis with little effect on the physiological parameters that were analyzed, allowing better performance of basil under organic fertilization.

Polyphenol rich extracts obtained from cistus herb (Cistus incanus L.) and pomegranate peels (Punica granatunm L.) added at high concentrations (25-100 pg/mL) to V79 (Chinese hamster lung fibroblast) cell cultures, markedly increased intracellular level of ROS (reactive oxygen species). Also in cells exposed to the exogenous oxidant - H₂0₂, [100 μM, 30 min., 37'C] intracellular ROS level was augmented, although to a lower extent than in resting cells not exposed to H₂0₂. Additionally, cistus and pomegranate extracts at high concentration (25-100 μg/mL) inhibited the P-gp protein efflux function in V79 cell cultures. Both pro-oxidant activity of polyphenols at high concentrations and their ability to decrease efflux function of P-gp (cellular multidrug resistance protein) could be exploited for improving anticancer adjuvant therapy.

Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) of ginger family (Zingiberaceae) belongs to the group of oldest cultivated spice plants in the south-east Asian countries. For many years rhizome of this plant has been used also as a safe and active drug for the treatment of various.chronic diseases, especially of diabetes mellitus (DM). The active substance of turmeric - curcumin (diferuloylmethane), possesses multiple therapeutic properties. In recent years, many detailed research (tests in vito and in vivo) along with clinical trials have revealed its very valuable biological activities related to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cancer preventive properties, which are presented in numerous publications (1-6). At the molecular level it has been stated that curcumin inhibits cell proliferation, metastasis creation and apoptosis. Currently, great attention has been focused on curcumin as a blocker of TNF-s, which are the principal mediators of most inflammation-related disturbances (7). The main cause of blocking the broadly extended pharmacological and clinical investigations of curcumin is its extremely low solubility in water and in organ fluids. This feature consequently limits its systemic bioavailability and makes use of curcumin as a therapeutic remedy (to date) difficult. The primary aim of presently conducted research is to achieve increased solubilization and bioavailability of this promising nontoxic agent.

The studies were designed to determine the polyphenolic composition and biological activity of extracts from fruits (SFE) and leaves (SLE) of Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) in relation to erythrocyte membranes. A detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of extracts was conducted, using the chro- matographic (UPLC-DAD, UPLC-ESI-MS) and spectrophotometric (Folin-Ciocalteu) methods. The biological activity of the extracts was investigated in relation to erythrocytes and isolated membranes of erythrocytes by using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric and microscopic methods and determined on the basis of hemolytic and antioxidant activity of the extracts and their impact on physical properties of the membrane such as: osmotic resistance, shape of erythrocytes, packing order of the polar head of lipids and fluidity of the membrane. The results showed that the tested extracts are rich sources of polyphenols, primarily from the group of flavonoids; in leaves dominating flavonols and anthocyanins in fruits. The SFE and SLE extracts to varying degree modify the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane, causing formation of echinocytes, an increase in osmotic resistance and changes in the polar part of the membrane. Furthermore, the substances markedly protect erythrocytes and their membranes against oxidation induced by different physico-chemical factors. The findings indicate that the polyphenolic compounds contained in extracts of Saskatoon do not destroy biological membranes but effectively protect them against oxidation by way of interacting with the membrane surface. The extracts could effectively protect the organism and food products from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Due to increasing importance of the advisory role for physicians and patients played by the pharmacist over the last decade, it seems appropriate to evaluate if and why pharmacists are interested in postgraduate medical education. The purpose of the study was to develop and validate an instrument to assess such motives, with special interest to Polish community pharmacists. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by a sample of participants of community pharmacist specialization programs and it was analyzed in relation to participants of other postgraduate courses. They were asked to rank their motives on a Likert-like scale and the underlying dimensions for study motives were identified using exploratory and confirmatory techniques. The reasons for taking specialization for community pharmacists were similar as compared to participants of other postgraduate studies. However, the autotelic factor was not so strong and the crucial reason was that such postgraduate training was required to be promoted in work. Basing on Polish results, we propose the division of motives into three groups - autotelic, instrumental and coincidental. The validated self-administered questionnaire based on this division displayed acceptable construct validity and internal consistency, and therefore can be proposed as an example tool to assess the particular motives and expectations of potential postgraduate students and employees in the pharmaceutical job market. The promotion of postgraduate education among pharmacists can improve the quality of pharmaceutical service.

Emulsions made of oils from transgenic flaxseeds significantly decreased in vitro proliferation of six tested human cancer cell lines in 48-h cultures, as assessed with the standard sulforhodamine assay. However, the emulsions also increased proliferation rate of normal human dermal fibroblasts and, to a lower extend, of keratinocytes. Both inhibition of in vitro proliferation of human cancer cell lines and stimulation of proliferation of normal dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes were especially strong with the emulsion type B and with emulsion type M. Oils from seeds of transgenic flax type B and M should be considered as valuable adjunct to standard cytostatic therapy of human cancers and also could be applied to improve the treatment of skin lesions in wound healing.

The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate ivabradine HCl-loaded microspheres consisting of Eudragit LIOO-55 and ethyl cellulose prepared by oil-in-oil solvent evaporation method. Ivabradine HCl was encapsulated into microspheres by in situ method. The resultant microspheres were characterized with respect to drug loading, flow properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermal analysis and release behavior. Chemical stability of IBH after being encapsulated into microspheres was confirmed by FTR, DSC and XRD. FTIR spectra reflect- ed no interaction between drug and excipients. TGA indicates that prepared microspheres showed much better thermal stability than pure drug ivabradine. SEM images showed formulation of microspheres in spherical shape. The maximum perceniage entrapment efficiency was found to be 81 ± 2.15 and percentage yield was 88 ± 2.65. The maximum in vito drug release was 94.5% for the pH 7.4 and demonstrated that all drug-loaded formulations had a pH-dependent drug release. The cumulative drug release data were analyzed by applying different kinetic models. Korsmeyer-Peppas equation was used to determine value of n which follows non-Fickian diffusion.