The scramble for Africa: pan-temperate elements on the African high mountains. (1/3)
(+info)Flavonoid compounds identified in Alchemilla L. species collected in the north-eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. (2/3)
This study identified flavonoid glycosides in species of the genus Alchemilla, A. procerrima, A. stricta, A. hirtipedicellata and A. sericata. A. procerrima is an endemic species for Turkey. After detailed investigation, flavonoid compounds of the species were identified for the first time. In this study, flavonoid compounds were determined by using two different chromatography techniques, TLC and HPLC. The following flavonoid compounds were identified from the Alchemilla species studied. They are as follows: orientin (luteolin-8-C-glucoside) Rf: 0,70, vitexin (apigenin-8-C-glucoside) Rf: 0,77 as flavone-C-glycoside, rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) Rf: 0,44, hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) Rf: 0,65, isoquercetin (quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside) Rf: 0,72, quercitrin (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) Rf: 0,84 as flavonol-O-glycoside. Three more folavonoids with Rf values of Rf(1)=0,36, Rf(2)=0,54 and Rf(3)=0,68 were also identified for the first time in this study. Rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) and the flavonoid glycoside, shown as Rf(2) were found in all species. Quercitrin and isoquercetin were determined in all analysed species but A. procerrima. Hyperoside was identified in all species except for A. stricta. Vitexin was determined only in A.stricta. Orientin was determined in A. procerrima and A. stricta, but could not be determined in A. sericata and A. hirtpedicellata. Unknown flavonoid with Rf(1) and Rf(3) were determined outside of A. sericata. Description of these compounds in Turkish Alchemilla plants for the first time should be viewed as a discovery of an important chemosystematic feature. (+info)Anti-influenza activity of Alchemilla mollis extract: possible virucidal activity against influenza virus particles. (3/3)
Influenza virus infection is a major public health problem that leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The emergence of resistance to the currently available anti-influenza agents has necessitated the development of new drugs with novel targets. Studying known ethno-medicinal plants is a promising approach for the discovery of new antiviral compounds. Alchemilla mollis is used in traditional medicine in Europe for different indications, including minimizing the symptoms of a sore throat. In this study, we found that A. mollis extract has anti-influenza activity, and investigated the mechanism underlying its inhibition of influenza virus replication. Plaque assays demonstrated that treatment of cells with A. mollis extract prior to infection did not inhibit influenza virus infection. However, plaque formation was markedly reduced when infected cells were overlaid with an agarose gel containing A. mollis extract. In addition, exposure of the virus to A. mollis extract prior to infection and treatment of cells during virus infection significantly suppressed plaque formation. Influenza virus-induced hemagglutination of chicken red blood cells was inhibited by A. mollis extract treatment. The inhibitory effect was observed against influenza A virus subtypes H1N1, H3N2, and H5N2. These findings suggest that A. mollis extract has virucidal or neutralizing activity against influenza virus particles. Furthermore, inhibitory effect of zanamivir synergistically increased after combination with A. mollis extract. Our results suggest that A. mollis extract has the potential to be developed as an antiinfluenza agent. (+info)Alchemilla, also known as Lady's Mantle, is a plant genus (family Rosaceae) with several species used in traditional medicine for their astringent and wound-healing properties, although it does not have a recognized medical use in modern evidence-based practice.
"Alchemilla" is a genus name in botany, which refers to a group of plants commonly known as Lady's Mantle. These plants belong to the family Rosaceae and are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The leaves of some Alchemilla species have a characteristic scalloped edge and are known for their ability to collect dew and raindrops on their surface.
While "Alchemilla" is not a medical term or concept, the plants themselves have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating wounds, skin irritations, and menstrual disorders. However, it's important to note that the use of Alchemilla in modern medicine is not well-studied, and its effectiveness for medicinal purposes is not widely accepted or supported by scientific evidence.
Therefore, while Alchemilla may have some potential medicinal uses, it is not a recognized medical term with a specific definition.