Paclitaxel is a broad-spectrum anticancer compound, which was derived mainly from a medicinal plant, in particular, from the bark of the yew tree Taxus brevifolia Nutt. It is a representative of a class of diterpene taxanes, which are nowadays used as the most common chemotherapeutic agent against many forms of cancer. It possesses scientifically proven anticancer activity against, e.g., ovarian, lung, and breast cancers. The application of this compound is difficult because of limited solubility, recrystalization upon dilution, and cosolvent-induced toxicity. In these cases, nanotechnology and nanoparticles provide certain advantages such as increased drug half-life, lowered toxicity, and specific and selective delivery over free drugs. Nanodrugs possess the capability to buildup in the tissue which might be linked to enhanced permeability and retention as well as enhanced antitumour influence possessing minimal toxicity in normal tissues. This article presents information about paclitaxel, its chemical structure, formulations, mechanism of action, and toxicity. Attention is drawn on nanotechnology, the usefulness of nanoparticles containing paclitaxel, its opportunities, and also future perspective. This review article is aimed at summarizing the current state of continuous pharmaceutical development and employment of nanotechnology in the enhancement of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of paclitaxel as a chemotherapeutic agent.

BackgroundExtensive research has been performed worldwide and important evidences were collected to show the immense potential of plants used in various traditional therapeutic systems. The aim of this work is to investigate the different extracting solvents in terms of the influence of their polarity on the extracting ability of bioactive molecules (phenolic compounds) from the M. sativa flowers.ResultsThe total phenolic content of samples was determined using the Folin Ciocalteu (FC) procedure and their antioxidant activity was assayed through in vitro radical decomposing activity using the radical DPPH° assay (IUPAC name for DPPH is (phenyl)–(2,4,6–trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium). The results showed that water was better than methanol and acetic acid for extracting bioactive compounds, in particular for total phenolic compounds from the flowers of alfalfa. The average content of bioactive molecules in methanol extract was 263.5±1.02 mg GAE/100g of dry weight lyophilized extract. The total phenolic content of the tested plant extracts was highly correlated with the radical decomposing activity. However, all extracts were free–radical inhibitors, but the water extract was more potent than the acetic and the methanol ones. The order of inhibitor effectiveness (expressed by IC50) proved to be: water extract (0.924mg/mL) > acetic acid extract (0.154mg/mL) > methanol (0.079mg/mL). The profiles of each extract (fingerprint) were characterized by FT–MIR spectroscopy.ConclusionsThe present study compares the fingerprint of different extracts of the M. sativa flowers, collected from the wild flora of Romania. The total phenolic content of the tested plant extracts was highly correlated with the radical decomposing activity. The dependence of the extract composition on the solvent polarity (acetic acid vs. methanol vs. water) was revealed by UV–VIS spectrometry and Infrared fingerprint.

Antioxidants (AA) slow down the process of degradation so that the energetic action of the environment can lead to higher sustainability. They interact with FR, making possible their reaction with oxygen. Antioxidants can be grouped into two classes-synthesis antioxidants and natural antioxidants. The difference between the two categories is that most synthesis antioxidants generate substances that develop cancer or other diseases [1]. Classifying antioxidants can be done depending on their function or on their nature. Depending on their function, there are: − Primary antioxidants (antioxidants proper): ascorbic acid and its derivatives, tocopherols, the esters of gallic acid, erythorbic acid and its sodium salt, BHA, BHT and other substances THBP and TBHQ.

No abstract

Lately in horticultural agroecosystems from Romania joined several insect species autochthonous. Among these is a species of bugs known as southern green stink bugs or Nezara viridula L. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Unlike other new entrants this bug species has a diversified polifagism being present in many plants but obvious damage produce only tomato fruit. The causes are unknown. Can be found in gardens, green spaces and parks. Often is observed in vegetable gardens where populations comprise all stages (egg, larva/nymph, adult). Although it has African origins of a warm area is interesting installation and survival in temperate zones like those in Europe. Presence in Europe appears to be more random which excludes primarily spread through the neighborhood. By observations made in west of Romania, during 2010-2015 we wanted to watch the evolution of the insect from the first point of occurrence (Timișoara, 2010). Also, were monitored tomato crops and ornamentals in gardens and green spaces from 5 counties. Only in four monitored counties it was observed this species. Most adults and larvae were registered in Timis county (5-6 adults or 7-8 larvae/tomato plant and 10 -11 adults or 15-20 larvae/ornamental shrub). In our country the insect has proven to be capable of a rapid spread in a relatively short time interval including surrounding counties.

A new invasive species has been detected in Romania in the past two years. The scientific name of this species is Metcalfa pruinosa Say (1830), also known as citrus flatid plant hopper. Its importance as a pest species is assessed it in different ways by specialists. In North America (where the insect comes from) minor damages have been reported, with insignificant economic importance, while in Europe it is considered a very important invasive species, due to its high population density and to its wide range of host plants. Another important aspect is the damage produced by this insect, especially the damage they cause to agricultural plants. Currently, the invasive species is only present in some European countries, but there is a tendency of rapid spread to uninfested areas. A number of studies have been conducted in Europe on M. pruinosa Say, on its distribution, morphology, biology, ecology, mating behaviour, range of host plants and control measures. Because this species has only recently been detected in Romania, the researchers have only begun to monitor it. Actually, isolated research has been run in two places where the insect appeared. That is why we considered it necessary to focus the information related to M. pruinosa Say at a national level, thus promoting the development of a national monitoring system. Another aspect that we want to emphasize in the present paper is the range of host plants, which differs greatly from one country to another, but also from county to county within the same country. We noticed that in the west of Romania the insect feeds on a wide range of host plants (herbaceous or woody, agricultural or ornamental plants). Taking all of the above into consideration, we find it necessary to take measures against its spreading, especially in the areas that have not been infected yet. Until now, the presence of M. pruinosa in Romania has not been mentioned at European level; one of the reasons might be that the phytosanitary quarantine units have not issued any official statement on this matter.

Metcalfa pruinosa (Say) is an invasive species native to North America, accidentally introduced to Europe, more specifically to Italy in 1979. In Romania it was observed for the first time in Constanta and a year later it was found in Timisoara, in the Western part of Romania too. In its place of origin the cicada consumes over 120 species of plants meanwhile in Europe, over 300, which indicates an emphasized polifagism. The aim of our studies was to identify new host plants and habitats in Romania. Observations took place in 13 counties of Romania in order to identity new host plants and habitats. Observations were performed in counties: Timis,

Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) are a popular, widely recognized and highly regarded insect group due to their bright color and role in controlling insect pests. Worldwide nearly 6000 species are known. From systematic point of view, ladybeetles belonging to Class Insecta, Subclass Pterygota, Order Coleoptera, Suborder Polyphaga, Superfamily Cucujoidea anf Family Coccinellidae. Coccinellids are of interest and importance in agriculture and forestry, since adults and larvae of most species are predators of herbivorous pests such aphids, psyllids, mealy bugs and scale insects. The aim of this research regarding coccinellid beetles was to explore, identify and also characterize the coccinellid fauna of the Banat region (Romania). The coccinellid beetles were collected from March 2013 to September 2014 from 4 localities at different altitudes in the Banat region. Samples were collected at weekly interval from a wide variety of habitats: agricultural land, gardens and parks, both on herbaceous and woody essences. In this study a total of 15 species belonging to 11 genera and 3 subfamilies were identified. In the investigated habitats from the entomofaunistic point of view, the coccinelid species identified were as follows: