In the present study, ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol were isolated for the first time from fresh fruit bodies of Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (False Chanterelle). The substances were characterized mainly by spectroscopic methods (¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, DEPT-45, DEPT-90, DEPT-135, 2D-NMR). In our study, a new specific thin layer chromatographic method was developed for determination of ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide in H. aurantiaca extract. The method is based on the separation of n-hexane extract on silica gel (Silica Gel G) TLC plates using the optimized solvent system toluene/ethyl acetate (3:1; v/v). The main advantages of the developed method are the simplicity of operation and the low cost. The in vitro study results revealed the antiproliferative properties of ergosterol peroxide against LS180 human colon cancer cells. The described effect was attributed both to altered mitochondrial activity and decreased DNA synthesis. Additionally, in the same concentration range the investigated compound was not toxic to CCD 841 CoTr human colon epithelial cells. The present study suggests that fruit bodies of H. aurantiaca have great potential for producing substances and extracts with potential applications in medicine.

Two chelating ion exchangers possessing bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine functional groups also known as bispicolylamine Dowex M4195, Lewatit^® MonoPlus TP 220 were used for the selective removal of Cu(II) ions from acidic streams. The resin was characterized by CHNS elementary analysis, surface area, pore size, and volume analysis. After cutting by ultramicrotome, scans using electron microscope and optical profiler were recorded. For the first time the interiors of these resins after the sorption process were shown. Their superior binding affinities for Cu(II) was confirmed even under high acidities. Various physiochemical parameters like solution pH, ion exchange dose, presence of chloride, and sulfate ions in the system were studied in order to determine sorption capacity and kinetic parameters. The most effective chelating ion exchanger proved to be Lewatit^® MonoPlus TP 220. Cu(II) ions sorption was affected by the presence of sulfate ions in the system. The monolayer sorption capacity (q₀) for Lewatit^® MonoPlus TP 220 was found to be 50.69 mg g⁻¹ and 86.44 mg g⁻¹ in the presence of chloride ions. The sorption of Cu(II) ions was found to be well represented by the pseudo second-order kinetics. The optimal desorption conditions were found using 1 M H₂SO₄ and 1 M NH₄OH.

Aim of study: Search for plant compounds possessing anti-leukemic properties. Results: We have shown that 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy flavanone (pinostrobin) isolated from Polygonum lapathifolium ssp. nodosum quickly penetrates through cytoplasm to the cellular nucleus of the cultured cells, and gives intensive apoptotic response in stimulating leukemic cells in vitro. The number of apoptotic cells increased with the concentration of pinostrobin: 10 nm D 25% and 60%; 100 nm D 45% and 76%; 1 μm D 70% and 88% for Jurkat and HL60 cell lines, respectively. Conclusion: Pinostrobin may be considered as a good candidate for a leukemia chemopreventic agent