Alma Nicolin

Bio: Alma Nicolin is an academic researcher from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The author has contributed to research in topics: Vegetation & Natura 2000. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 20 publications receiving 46 citations.

Determining antioxidant capacity of extracts of Filipendula vulgaris Moench from south-western Romania

Abstract: The area taken in the study is located in the south-west of Romania, in the Aninei Mountains. The research we undertook this year led to a screening of the pharmaco-dynamic combinations with real data on the antioxidant capacity as well as on the metal content. The results of the study confirmed that metals interact with the bioactive principles of the medicinal plants, influencing their antioxidant capacity. Although at this moment only preliminary data are available, one can ascertain that metals from different sources have a differentiated influence on the antioxidant capacity ofthe plants. The content of total phenolics in the extracts of Filipendula vulgaris Moench was determined spectrometrically according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and calculated as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The samples were dried and sieved to Extract 4 ≥ Extract 5 > Extract 1 > Extract 2 ≥ Extract 6. The antioxidant capacity of F. vulgaris extracts was significantly higher in the samples with lower calcium content, i.e. growing in the soils of Area 2, that are poorer in CaCO 3 (0.53%) than those from Area 1 (3.13%) and Area 3 (4.3 5%). Preliminary results show that F. vulgaris is a species with a high polyphenolic content and with a notable antioxidant capacity. The extracts of this plant are used in traditional medicine, but more studies are necessary to establish the entire complex of bioactive principles, in order to obtain certified products. The method ensures sensibility and reproducibility in the measurement of antioxidant action of hydrolytic compounds.

Nutritional, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Toxicological Profile of Two Innovative Types of Vegan, Sugar-Free Chocolate

Abstract: Increased sugar consumption and unhealthy dietary patterns are key drivers of many preventable diseases that result in disability and death worldwide. However, health awareness has increased over the past decades creating a massive on-going demand for new low/non-caloric natural sweeteners that have a high potential and are safer for consumption than artificial ones. The current study aims to investigate the nutritional properties, in vitro toxicological profile, total/individual polyphenols content, and the antioxidant, anti-cariogenic, and antimicrobial activity of two newly obtained vegan and sugar-free chocolate (VHC1 and VHC2). The energy values for the two finished products were very similar, 408.04 kcal/100 g for VHC1 and 404.68 kcal/100 g for VHC2. Both products, VHC1 and VHC2 present strong antioxidant activities, whereas antimicrobial results show an increased activity for VHC1 compared to VHC2, because of a higher phenolic content. In vitro toxicological evaluation revealed that both samples present a safe toxicological profile, while VHC2 increased cellular turnover of dermal cell lines, highlighting its potential use in skin treatments. The current work underlines the potential use of these vegetal mixtures as sugar-free substitutes for conventional products, as nutraceuticals, as well as topic application in skin care due to antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

Researches concerning the medicinal and aromatic herbs in the Caraşova area.

Abstract: The area taken in the study is located in the South-West of Romania, in the northern Anina Mountains, area partial included in the National Park Semenic-Caras Gorge. The researches were conducted, for this reason, in buffer zones and the area of sustainable development where recovery is possible, and in the areas outside the park. Objectives taken into account refer to the identification of medicinal and aromatic herbs and quantitative assessment of the main medicinal species identified in the area.

Valorising the species Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevis. from South-Western Romania.

Abstract: Banat has a geographical location particularly favorable from the point of view of the climate and of the relief, which favored the development of a large number of grassy species. The Aninei Mountains is the area taken in the study, located in South-West of Romania. It is an area with favorable climatic conditions for a large number of plants also sheds a considerable number of medicinal and aromatic herb, that make the region even more valuable. The genus Stachys belongs, from a systematic point of view, to the Family Lamiaceae. The family contains about 4,000 species spread all over the world, most frequently in Mediterranean area. (Chifu et al., 2001). The genus Stachys groups a large number of species (over 300), with a wide distribution over almost the entire globe. Exceptions to this rule are only Australia and New Zeeland. (Bilusic Vundac et al., 2006) Our research aimed at both identifying the areas where this species thrives and justifies its economic valorisation, and at establishing, through bio-chemical analyses of the material quality. The paper highlights the importance of knowing the real economic potential of spontaneous medicinal species, correlated with biochemical analysis. Determination of chemical composition can recomended or not the use of a medicinal species from certin areas. For the quantitative assessment we used the methodology of economic mapping of medicinal plants in the spontaneous flora indicated by Alexan, Bojor and Craciun in 1983, and improved by Bojor in 1991. Chemical composition was determined after the Official Methods of Analyses. The authors thank the Ministry of Education, Research, Youth, and Sport which, through the National Council of Scientific Research in Higher Education, has financed the present study as part of the research project PN II IDEI nr. contract 1077/2009, project code ID-865. The topic of the project is ,,Identifying medicinal and aromatic plants from the Aninei Mountains with a view to valorisation''.

Biological flora of the British isles: Ulmus glabra

Abstract: Correspondence Peter A. Thomas Email: p.a.thomas@keele.ac.uk Abstract 1. This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Ulmus glabra Hudson (wych elm) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation. 2. Ulmus glabra is a large forest tree, and often an important canopy tree in ancient and semi-natural woodlands. It is primarily native to the north and west of Britain and much of mainland Europe. It is the only elm native to Ireland. It is the most distinct of the British elms in that it rarely suckers and sets abundant viable seed. Although found on limestone screes and cliffs, and hedgerows, it is primarily a woodland tree, especially on moist, basic soils. In many secondary woodlands, it often co-occurs with Acer pseudoplatanus and has ecological needs that are similar to Fraxinus excelsior. 3. Ulmus glabra has clusters of c. 25 hermaphrodite flowers appearing before the leaves on previous year’s growth. Seeds are wind-dispersed, falling in April to July, but remain viable for only a few days. Nevertheless, seedling establishment can be abundant. Hybridisation with other northern European elms is common but hybrids are notoriously difficult to identify and therefore probably under-recorded. 4. The health and survival of wych elm in Europe has been seriously compromised since the 1970s due to Dutch elm disease caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novoulmi, transmitted by elm bark beetles (Scolytus spp.). To the south of its Scottish stronghold, many elms are reduced to small trees regrowing from basal sprouts or seeds. These trees tend to be reinfected once trunk diameter exceeds 10 cm. Fortunately for its long-term survival, seed production usually begins a number of years before they are reinfected.

Dropwort (Filipendula hexapetala Gilib.): potential role as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. aerial parts (FHA) and roots (FHR) and their potential in different model systems, as well as antimicrobial activity. According to this, a number of assays were employed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of F. hexapetala extracts. In addition, the antioxidant activity assays in different model systems were carried out, as well as pH, thermal and gastrointestinal stability studies. The phenolic compounds contents in FHA and FHR were also determined. The results showed that F. hexapetala extracts had considerable antioxidant activity in vitro and a great stability in different conditions. The extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against most of the tested bacterial and fungal species. Also, the extracts contain high level of phenolic compounds, especially aerial parts extract.