Wirginia Kukula-Koch | Medical University of Lublin (original) (raw)

Papers by Wirginia Kukula-Koch

Open Chemistry, 2018

In the concept of the aesthetic formation of knowledge and its as soon as possible and success-or... more In the concept of the aesthetic formation of knowledge and its as soon as possible and success-oriented application, insights and profits without the reference to the arguments developed around 1900. The main investigation also includes the period between the entry into force and the presentation in its current version. Their function as part of the literary portrayal and narrative technique.

Molecules, Jul 11, 2018

Green tea infusions are one of the most popular beverages consumed across the world, especially i... more Green tea infusions are one of the most popular beverages consumed across the world, especially is Asian countries. Green tea quality is primarily based on catechin content, however, the concentration of elements could also significantly influence its biological properties and thus quality and safety. The main purpose of the present study was the evaluation of catechin, antioxidant activity and metal content (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni) in different green tea types cultivated in Japan,

Industrial Crops and Products, 2016

Elsevier eBooks, 2017

This chapter provides an overview of the group of plant-derived, nitrogen-containing, secondary m... more This chapter provides an overview of the group of plant-derived, nitrogen-containing, secondary metabolites—alkaloids—and of the plant species in which they are distributed. The chapter focuses on a variety of biological and pharmaceutical applications of this diverse group of compounds, paying particular attention to their pharmacological properties, indications of administration, side effects caused, and interactions with other medicines. Although these are naturally occurring compounds applied in modern pharmacotherapeutical strategies, their numerous contraindications and narrow therapeutic indices indicate that care is needed with respect to their administration.

Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences

This study set out to investigate, for the first time, the distribution and colocalization patter... more This study set out to investigate, for the first time, the distribution and colocalization pattern of cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and one of the calcium binding-proteins: parvalbumin (PV) in the chinchilla's hippocampus proper (HP). HP, consisting of Ammon's horn (CA) and the dentate gyrus (DG), is an important component of the limbic system, involved in learning and memory processes. CA showed a higher immunoreactivity of CART (-IR) compared to DG. CART-IR neurons were mainly observed in the molecular layer of DG and in the pyramidal layer of CA. CART-IR fibers were present in the granular layer; in the hilus numerous mossy fibers were detected, while in the molecular layer CART-IR fibers were not found. In all CA fields (CA1-CA3), CART-IR fibers were only present in the lacunosum-molecular layer. Immunofluorescence with double-labeling showed that only CART-IR cells stained positive for PV, whereas in CART-IR fibers there was no PV-positive reaction. Our research supplements missing knowledge about the distribution and colocalization pattern of CART with PV in the chinchilla's hippocampus, and also provides a better understanding of the similarities and differences among individuals of the same species and also with other mammals.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

The aim of the study was to present the fingerprint of different Lepidium peruvianum tuber extrac... more The aim of the study was to present the fingerprint of different Lepidium peruvianum tuber extracts showing glucosinolates-containing substances possibly playing an important role in preventinting dementia and other memory disorders. Different phenotypes of Lepidium peruvianum (Brassicaceae) tubers were analysed for their glucosinolate profile using a liquid chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS platform). Qualitative analysis in 50% ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of ten compounds: aliphatic, indolyl, and aromatic glucosinolates, with glucotropaeolin being the leading one, detected at levels between 0–1.57% depending on phenotype, size, processing, and collection site. The PCA analysis showed important variations in glucosinolate content between the samples and different ratios of the detected compounds. Applied in vitro activity tests confirmed inhibitory properties of extracts and single glucosinolates against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (15....

Pharmaceutics

Comparative analysis of flavonoids and phenolic acids composition, in plants of six species of Mo... more Comparative analysis of flavonoids and phenolic acids composition, in plants of six species of Monarda from family Lamiaceae was carried out. The 70% (v/v) methanolic extracts of flowering herbs of Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag., Monarda bradburiana L.C. Beck, Monarda didyma L., Monarda media Willd., Monarda fistulosa L. and Monarda punctata L. were analyzed for their polyphenol composition as well as antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial effect. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–ESI-QTOF/MS/MS) was used to identify phenolic compounds. The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using a DPPH radical scavenging assay, while antimicrobial activity was measured by the broth microdilution method allowing for MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) determination. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was assayed by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The results showed the presence of eighteen different components including phenolic acids and flav...

Biomolecules

Halophytes are plant species widely distributed in saline habitats, such as beaches, postindustri... more Halophytes are plant species widely distributed in saline habitats, such as beaches, postindustrial wastelands, irrigated lands, salt flats, and others. Excessive salt level, known to limit plant growth, is not harmful to halophytes, which have developed a variety of defense mechanisms allowing them to colonize harsh environments. Plants under stress are known to respond with several morpho-anatomical adaptations, but also to enhance the production of secondary metabolites to better cope with difficult conditions. Owing to these adaptations, halophytes are an interesting group of undemanding plants with a high potential for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, this review aims to present the characteristics of halophytes, describe changes in their gene expression, and discuss their synthesized metabolites of pharmacognostic and pharmacological significance. Lobularia maritima is characterized as a widely spread halophyte that has been shown to exhibit va...

Molecules, 2021

Palmatine (PLT) is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that belongs to the class of protoberberines a... more Palmatine (PLT) is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that belongs to the class of protoberberines and exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological and biological properties, including anti-cancer activity. The aim of our study was to isolate PLT from the roots of Berberis cretica and investigate its cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects in vitro alone and in combination with doxorubicine (DOX) using human ER+/HER2− breast cancer cell lines. The alkaloid was purified by column chromatography filled with silica gel NP and Sephadex LH-20 resin developed in the mixture of methanol: water (50:50 v/v) that provided high-purity alkaloid for bioactivity studies. The purity of the alkaloid was confirmed by high resolution mass measurement and MS/MS fragmentation analysis in the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS-based analysis. It was found that PLT treatment inhibited the viability and proliferation of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner as demonstrated by MTT and BrdU assays. PLT showed a quit...

Journal of Functional Foods, 2021

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) has attracted attention due to its numerous biological acti... more Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) has attracted attention due to its numerous biological activities. In the present work, we produced a polyphenol-rich freeze-dried infusion (407.02 ± 7.10 mg GAE/g) in order to measure, for the first time, the evolution of anticholinesterase activity during in vitro digestion. During the 'gastric' phase, there was an increase in the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity followed by a decrease during the 'small intestinal' phase. A strong correlation between total polyphenolic content (TPC) and the anticholinesterase activity of the digested fluids was observed (r = 0.90 for TPC/AChE; r = 0.88 for TPC/BChE, p < 0.05). Anti-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity was significantly influenced by the digestion phase. Antioxidant/reducing assays (with ABTS and DPPH radicals, linoleic acid, or β-carotene; Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity, Ferric Antioxidant Power, Hydroxyl Radical Antioxidant Capacity; and inhibition of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activity) yielded mixed results, but all of these methods confirmed activity during the digestion processes.

Cells, 2020

Palmatine (PALM) and berberine (BERB) are widely identified isoquinoline alkaloids among the repr... more Palmatine (PALM) and berberine (BERB) are widely identified isoquinoline alkaloids among the representatives of the Berberidaceae botanical family. The antiseizure activity of BERB was shown previously in experimental epilepsy models. We assessed the effect of PALM in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure assay in zebrafish, with BERB as an active reference compound. Both alkaloids were isolated from the methanolic root extract of Berberis sibirica by counter-current chromatography, and their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier was determined via quantitative structure–activity relationship assay. PALM exerted antiseizure activity, as confirmed by electroencephalographic analysis, and decreased c-fos and bdnf levels in PTZ-treated larvae. In a behavioral assay, PALM dose-dependently decreased PTZ-induced hyperlocomotion. The combination of PALM and BERB in ED16 doses revealed hyperadditive activity towards PTZ-induced hyperlocomotion. Notably, we have indicated that both a...

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2016

A significant number of studies report growing resistance in nematodes thriving in both humans an... more A significant number of studies report growing resistance in nematodes thriving in both humans and livestock. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficiency of Curcubita pepo (C. pepo) L. hot water extract (HWE), cold water extract (CWE) or ethanol extract (ETE) on two model nematodes: Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and Heligmosoides bakeri (H. bakeri). Methods: Raman, IR and LC-MS spectroscopy analyses were performed on the studied plant material to deliver qualitative and quantitative data on the composition of the obtained extracts: ETE, HWE and CWE. The in vitro activity evaluation showed an impact of C. pepo extracts on C. elegans and different developmental stages of H. bakeri. The following in vivo experiments on mice infected with H. bakeri confirmed inhibitory properties of the most active pumpkin extract selected by the in vitro study. All of the extracts were found to contain cucurbitine, aminoacids, fatty acids, and-for the first time-berberine and palmatine were identified. All C. pepo seed extracts exhibited a nematidicidal potential in vitro, affecting the survival of L1 and L2 H. bakeri larvae. The ETE was the strongest and demonstrated a positive effect on H. bakeri eggs hatching and marked inhibitory properties against worm motility, compared to a PBS control. No significant effects of pumpkin seed extracts on C. elegans integrity or motility were found. The EtOH extract in the in vivo studies showed anthelmintic properties against both H. bakeri fecal egg counts and adult worm burdens. The highest egg counts reduction was observed for the 8 g/kg dose (IC 50 against H. bakeri = 2.43; 95% Cl = 2.01-2.94). A decrease in faecal egg counts (FEC) was accompanied by a significant reduction in worm burden of the treated mice compared to the control group. Conclusions: Pumpkin seed extracts may be used to control of Gastrointestinal (G.I.) nematode infections. This relatively inexpensive alternative to the currently available chemotherapeutic should be considered as a novel drug candidate in the nearest future.

American Journal of Applied Sciences, 2013

The extraction of phenolic compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG), a waste produced in large a... more The extraction of phenolic compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG), a waste produced in large amounts worldwide, was investigated. SCG were rich in fiber and protein and had a total phenolic content of 18.75±0.43 mg GAE per gram dry weight. Extraction experiments were carried out in batch mode, using ethanol-water mixtures as solvent. A two-level factorial design was used to study the effects of temperature (T = 20-60°C), extraction time (E = 30-80 min) and liquid-to-solid ratio (R = 10-50 mL g −1) on the recovery of phenolic compounds. Under the best conditions (T = 60°C, E = 180 min, R = 50 mL g −1), over 90% of the phenolics present in SCG were recovered. T and R were the most influential factors and both had a positive effect on the extraction efficiency. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined by the DPPH method, was highly correlated with the amount of phenolics in each sample, suggesting that these compounds are the main responsible for the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Overall, the results of this study provide clear evidence of the potential of SCG as a source of natural antioxidants and give useful directions on how to improve their recovery by proper selection of extraction conditions.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. In recent years, signific... more Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. In recent years, significant progress has been made in BC therapy. However, serious side effects resulting from the use of standard chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR), limit the effectiveness of approved therapies. Advanced research in the BC area is necessary to create more effective and safer forms of therapy to improve the outlook for individuals diagnosed with this aggressive neoplasm. For decades, plants and natural products with anti-cancer properties have been successfully utilized in treating various medical conditions. Anthracene derivatives are tricyclic secondary metabolites of natural origin that have been identified in plants, lichens, and fungi. They represent a few botanical families, e.g., Rhamnaceae, Rubia-ceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, and others. The review comprehensively covers and analyzes the most recent advances in the anticancer activity of ant...

Molecules, Jun 15, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Industrial Crops and Products, May 1, 2023

Molecules, May 6, 2020

Green tea contains a variety of biologically active constituents that are widely used in the phar... more Green tea contains a variety of biologically active constituents that are widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Among them, simple catechins constitute a major group of compounds that is primarily responsible for the high biologic activity of green tea extracts. Therefore, the application of optimized extraction conditions may result in obtaining high value extracts. The main purpose of the study was to compare the content of polyphenols, mainly catechins, and the antioxidant activity of green tea extracts obtained by three different extraction methods: simple maceration, ultrasound extraction and accelerated solvent extraction using six various solvent systems. The quality of the extracts was evaluated by LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS methodologies and spectrophotometric determinations. The obtained results revealed that catechins' extraction efficiency was identical for the three techniques studied. However, larger quantitative differences among the samples were observed when using different solvents. The total content of major catechins and gallic acid was within a very wide range of 10.2-842 mg/L. Ethyl acetate was by far the least effective extractant, regardless of the extraction technique used. After all, the solvent system composed of ethanol:water (1:1 v/v) was proven to be the best to recover catechins and to deliver extracts with the highest antiradical activity.

Molecules, Nov 24, 2019

Studies on the cosmetic applications of plant extracts are increasingly appearing in the scientif... more Studies on the cosmetic applications of plant extracts are increasingly appearing in the scientific literature, which is due to the growing popularity of skincare products around the world. In the light of the observed changes, a return to natural treatment and skincare with cosmetics free of harmful substances or toxic preservatives is visible. Currently, tea extracts, due to their rich composition and various biological actions, play an important role among the dietary supplements and cosmetics. This review is intended to collect the reports on the properties of the tea plant, its extracts and preparations in cosmetology: for skin care products and for the treatment of selected dermatological diseases. Particular attention is paid to its antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, anti-inflammatory, slimming, hair-strengthening, photoprotective and sealing blood vessels properties.