http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.

gov/pubmed/23687690
Abstract
Acetone/water extracts from the leaves, including stalks, of Alchemilla vulgaris L. and A.
mollis (Buser) Rothm. were investigated for their phenolic composition by liquid
chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 24 and 27 compounds
were detected for A. vulgaris and A. mollis, respectively. Pedunculagin and agrimoniin, as
described in earlier reports for A. vulgaris, as well as other monomeric and oligomeric
ellagitannins such as sanguiin H-10, castalagin/vescalagin, and galloyl-bis-
hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) hexose constituted the major phenolic fraction of both plant
species. Also, gallic and chlorogenic acids were found in both extracts. Interestingly, catechin
and a procyanidin trimer were detected only in A. mollis. The flavonoid fraction comprised
quercetin glucuronide as major compound in addition to several other quercetin glycosides.
Most interestingly, a tentatively identified kaempferol glucuronide and a methylated quercetin
glucuronide were exclusively found in A. mollis. Finally, the overall phenolic fingerprints of
both Alchemilla species, harvested in May and August, i.e. at the beginning and the end of the
flowering period, were compared. A general accumulation of phenolic constituents was
observed later in the year, especially with regard to the ellagitannins.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21375549
Abstract
AIMS:
The microbiological and toxicological quality of 51 samples of dried herbs (Melissa
officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Matricaria chamomilla, Alchemilla vulgaris
and Centaurea cyanus) cultivated in family-managed farms in Molise Region (Italy) was
evaluated.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
All the samples were analysed by using conventional methods, and for samples preparation,
an alternative Washing and Shaking (WaS) protocol was developed to reduce release of
antimicrobial compounds. None of the samples were of unsatisfactory quality with respect to
aflatoxin B1, and only three samples from Malva sylvestris exceeded the limit of total
aflatoxins according to Recommendation 2004/24/EC. The International Commission on
Microbiological Specifications for Foods limits for mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms
were exceeded in the 29.4 and 3.9% of samples, respectively: 7.8% of samples also exceeded
the limit for Escherichia coli established by European Spice Association. When the 'WaS'
method was used, higher microbial counts were obtained, especially for A. vulgaris, S.
officinalis and M. officinalis.
CONCLUSIONS:
Herbs cultivated in family-managed small agricultural areas showed a good microbiological
and toxicological quality, irrespectively of preliminary washing or selection procedures.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
Herb matrices may contain antimicrobial activity which should be considered when applying
the conventional microbiological methods for sample preparation. Alternative preparation
protocols may have advantages to reduce antimicrobial effects and should be further
evaluated.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19187149
Abstract
AIMS:
To evaluate the anti-oxidant properties of extracts from 20 medicinal herbs growing in
western Siberia using microbial test systems and different in vitro methods.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
In vivo anti-oxidant activity of extracts was evaluated for their capacity to protect bacteria,
Escherichia coli, against bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of H(2)O(2) and menadione,
and action on anti-oxidant gene expression. In vitro anti-oxidant activity has been examined
by a number of methods including: the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH(*))-
scavenging assay, chelating activity and capacity to protect plasmid DNA against oxidative
damage. In addition, total polyphenol content was determined. The extracts of Fragaria vesca,
Rosa majalis, Pentaphylloides fruticosa, Alchemilla vulgaris and Pulmonaria mollis possessed
the highest levels of anti-oxidant activity in vivo and in vitro. The protective properties were
more closely related to the DPPH(*) radical-scavenging activity, tannin content and action on
anti-oxidant gene expression than to other parameters.
CONCLUSION:
The extracts of medicinal plants may have anti-oxidant effects on bacteria simultaneously
through several different pathways, including direct inhibition of reactive oxygen species, iron
chelation and anti-oxidant genes induction.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
Using microbial test systems, we revealed herbs that may be used as potential sources of
natural anti-oxidants.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17364056
Abstract
The course of treatment with Alchemilla vulgaris extract increased the concentrations of
lipids and phospholipids in erythrocyte membranes, decreased the number of abnormal
erythrocytes, and improved deformability of red blood cells in rats with arterial hypertension.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17236169
Abstract
Wound-healing properties have been suggested for Alchemilla vulgaris. Since epithelial and
myofibroblast cell growth is required for wound healing, the effects of A. vulgaris on cell
growth were investigated in Chang liver and Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) epithelial
cell lines and rat aortic myofibroblast cultures. Putative healing properties were investigated
on dorsal circular 8 mm excisional skin lesions in adult male rats. Cell numbers increased
with 0.1-1% A. vulgaris, attaining 21.3 +/- 2.1%, 15.5 +/- 2.25% and 10.6 +/- 0.6% in
MDBK, myofibroblast and Chang liver cells, respectively (p < 0.005). No morphological
changes or cytotoxicity were noted. In rats A. vulgaris (3%)-treated lesions were significantly
decreased in diameter by 10.0 +/- 0.7% (p < 0.005) after 2 days of treatment. On day 3 of
treatment, the lesion diameter was significantly reduced by 15.9 +/- 1.1% in glycerine
vehicle-treated rats compared with distilled water (p < 0.005), whereas that in A. vulgaris-
treated rats was reduced further by 23.2 +/- 1.4% (p < 0.005). Glycerine alone significantly
reduced the lesion diameter between days 3 and 5 but complete healing occurred a day earlier
in A. vulgaris-treated rats. The results demonstrate wound-healing properties of A. vulgaris
associated with promitotic activity in epithelial cells and myofibroblasts.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3635653
Abstract
In vitro experiments were conducted on the inhibitory properties of extracts from Ribes
nigrum L. and Alchemilla vulgaris L. (fractions A1 + A2, A1, A2) on activity of the
proteolytic enzymes elastase, trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. Extracts from Ribes Nigrum L.
and Alchemilla Vulgaris L. (Fraction A1) inhibited 50% of the activity of porcine pancreas
elastase at concentrations of 0.56 mg/ml and 0.16 mg/ml, respectively, against a synthetic
substrate. Inhibition was less effective on activity of trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. Marked
in vivo angioprotective properties were shown by the compounds studied, except Fraction A2
of Alchemilla vulgaris L. which had no significant activity. The results suggest a possible role
by these inhibitors in the protection of conjunctive and elastic tissues adversely affected by
proteolytic enzymes. An additional advantage is their lack of toxicity.