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Thesis Writing & Presentation

Herbal Medicinal Products

Research Projects

Attard, E. and Scicluna-Spiteri, A. (2001). Ecballium elaterium: An in vitro Source of Cucurbitacins. Fitoterapia. 72 : 46-53. 

Attard, E. and Scicluna-Spiteri, A. (2001). Ecballium elaterium: An in vitro Source of Cucurbitacins. Fitoterapia. 72 : 46-53. This paper is also cited in the March 2002 Issue of the "Natural Heritage".

Attard, E. and Attard, H. (2002). A Micropropagation Protocol for Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. CGC Reports. 25 : 67-70.

Attard, E. (2002) Rapid Detection of Cucurbitacins in Tissues and in vitro Cultures of Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. CGC Reports. 25 : 71-75.

Attard, E. and A. Scicluna-Spiteri. (2003). The Cultivation and Cucurbitacin Content of Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. CGC Reports. 26 : (66-69).

Attard, E., A. Scicluna-Spiteri and H. Attard (Malta) Habitat Studies for the Wild Stocks of Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich.  CGC Reports. 26 : (70-73).

Attard, E.  and A. Cuschieri (2004) Cytotoxicity of Cucurbitacin E extracted from Ecballium elaterium in vitro. Journal of Natural Remedies. 4, 2 : 137-144.

Attard, E. 2004. Status of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Malta in Baricevic, D., Bernath, J., Maggioni, L. and Lipman E. Report of a Working Group on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, First Meeting, 12-14 September 2002, Gozd Martuljek, Slovenia, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy, 85 – 87.

Attard, E., A. Scicluna-Spiteri, A. Cuschieri, M.P. Brincat (2004) The Effects of Cucurbitacin E on Two Lymphocyte Models in vitro: Pharmaceutical Biology. 42, 2 : 170-175.

Laghetti, G., A. Scicluna-Spiteri, E. Attard, P. Perrino, S. Cifarelli, K. Hammer (2004) Collecting crop genetic resources in the Mediterranean agricultural islands: Maltese Archipelago, PGR Newsletter 139, 11-16.

Attard, E. and  Vujicic R. (2005) Physical and Phytochemical Variations in calluses derived from Ecballium elaterium in Tissue Culture: Crop Research. 29,  1:163-168.

Attard, E., A. Cuschieri, M.P. Brincat (2005) Morphological effects induced by Cucurbitacin E on Ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Journal of Natural Remedies. 5, 1 70-74.

Attard, E., M.P. Brincat, A. Cuschieri (2005) Immunomodulatory activity of cucurbitacin E isolated from Ecballium elaterium. Fitoterapia. 76, 439-441.

Attard, E.  (2005) Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich.: In Vitro Regeneration, and the Production of Cucurbitacins in culture in J. N. Govil ,V.K. Singh and C. Arunachalam (Eds.) Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants: Search for New Drugs, Studium Press LCC, USA pp. 49 – 72. ISBN: 0-9761849-5-8

Attard E. and Attard H (2006) The Potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Oleanolic Acid in the Hydroethanolic Extract of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Natural Product Communications. 1(5): 381-386.

A. Mangion Randon and Attard E (2007) The in vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Oleuropein, a Secoiridoid Glycoside from Olea europaea L.  Natural Product Communications. 2(5): 515-519.

Attard E. and Attard H (2008) Antitrypsin activity of extracts from Ecballium elaterium seeds. Fitoterapia. 79(3): 226-228.

Attard E. and Vella K. (2009) The Effects of Ephedrine and Ephedra fragilis Crude Extracts on Human Peripheral Lymphocytes. Pharmacognosy Research. 1(2): 38-42.

Attard E. and Cuschieri A. (2009) In vitro immunomodulatory activity of various extracts of Maltese plants from the Asteraceae family. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 3(6): 457-461.

Attard E. (2009) Progress report on medicinal and aromatic plants in Malta, 2002-2004 in Lipman E. (Ed.) Report of a Working Group on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Second Meeting, 16–18 December 2004, Strumica, Macedonia FYR; Third Meeting, 26–28 June 2007, Olomouc, Czech Republic, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy, 154-157.

Rossi B., E. Attard (2011). The Haemagglutination potential of extracts from Urtica dubia plant parts. Journal of Natural Remedies. Vol. 11/1; 76-78.

Attard E. (2011) Homeopathy and Allied Therapies: A Review. Journal of Euromed Pharmacy. 1: 36-39.

Attard E. (2011). The effect of different inoculations and enzyme-acid pretreatments on the bioethanol production from two Mediterranean Crops. Journal of Biofuels. 2(2):71-76.

Devendra N. K., Attard E., Raghunandan D., Seetharam Y. N. (2011).  Study on Seasonal Variation on the Content of Cucurbitacin of Various Vegetative Parts of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina. International Journal of Plant Research. 1(1): 25-28.

Devendra N. K., Attard E., Raghunandan D., Seetharam Y. N. (2012). In Vitro Production of Cucurbitacins From Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina. Advances in Life Sciences. 2(4): 108-111.

Attard E. (2013). A rapid microtitre plate Folin-Ciocalteu method for the assessment of polyphenols. Central European Journal of Biology. 8(1):48-53.

Spiteri M., Attard E., Serracino Inglott A., Azzopardi L. (2013) Compilation of a Herbal Medicine Formulary for Herbal Substances in Malta and its Usefulness Amongst Healthcare Professionals. Journal of Young Pharmacists. 5:22-25.

Farrugia D.L., Mifsud S.J., Shoemake C.M., Attard E. (2013). Investigative study on the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibiting properties of the terpenoid extract of Crataegus monogyna using in silico model. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. 5(2): 34 – 37.

Bugeja Douglas A., Attard E., Camilleri C. (2013) Molecular Characterization of Maltese Honey - Diastase and Proline levels changes in Maltese Honey Seasons. Farm Animals Proteomics. 266-269.

Spiteri C., Attard E., Castellini C., Bugeja Douglas A. (2013) Egg Proteome: The Albumin and Carotenoids Characteristics Deriving from Laying Hens Reared in Different Housing Systems and Under Different Environmental Conditions. Farm Animals Proteomics. 295-297.0

Pastorelli G., Faustini M., Attard E. (2014) In vitro fermentation of feed ingredients by fresh or frozen pig fecal inocula. Animal Science Journal. 85(6): DOI: 10.1111/asj.12192

Meinen N., Camilleri L., Attard E. (2014) Antioxidant properties of Maltese Honey. Journal of Apicultural Science. 58(1):65-74.

Zammit M., Shoemake C., Attard E., Azzopardi L.M. (2014) The Effects of Anabasine and the Alkaloid Extract of Nicotiana glauca on Lepidopterous Larvae. International Journal of Biology. 6(3):46-53. DOI: 10.5539/ijb.v6n3p46

Conferences/Seminars Papers

Attard, E., A., Scicluna-Spiteri, M., Brincat, and A., Cuschieri. (1995). Morpholigical Changes of Ovarian cancer cells induced by Cucurbitacin E: A potential Cytotoxic Tetracyclic Triterpenoid. Maltese Third Med. School Conf.

Attard, E., A., Scicluna-Spiteri, M., Brincat, and A., Cuschieri. (1999). The effects of Cucurbitacin E on the proliferation of prostate and breast cancer cell lines, and peripheral T-lymphocytes. Maltese Fourth Med. School Conf. R034:145.

Scicluna-Spiteri, A. and Attard, E. (2002). Review of Recent Research on Maltese Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.The 10^th Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Arab Countries "Sustainable Development". The International Egyptian Center for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.

Attard E. (2004). Status of Medicinal Plant Production and Research in Malta, AARINENA Medicinal and Herbal Plants Expert Consultation Meeting - The 11th International Conference and Exhibition: Marketing Strategies for Medicinal Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils and Functional Food Ingredients, The International Egyptian Center for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.

Attard. G., Attard, E. and Vella A. (2005) Review of the Accreditation Practices at the University of Malta with Focus on the Institute of Earth Systems. The 5^th workshop on the Establishment of an Accreditation System in Agricultural Engineering University Studies in Europe, Dresden, 8^th - 9^th April.

Attard E. (2005) Progress Report on Medicinal and Herbal Plants in MALTA, AARINENA Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Expert Consultation Meeting – The Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Industry:  The Link between Producer and European Consumer organized by The University of Malta in collaboration with AARINENA and GFAR, 7 – 9 November 2005, Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel, Malta.

Attard E. (2005) EU Legislation and Herbal Medicine. The Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Industry:  The Link between Producer and European Consumer organized by The University of Malta in collaboration with AARINENA and GFAR, 7 – 9 November 2005, Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel, Malta.

Attard E. Alternative Crops, with Special Reference to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, for a Competitive Maltese Agriculture, Future Products for the Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors in Malta, an APS Bank Seminar, Corinthia Palace Hotel, 17th February 2006, Organised by APS Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environment, the Institute for Agriculture of the University of Malta, COPA-COGECA (EU), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

Attard E. ATMOSnet Website. ATMOSnet – Archimed Interreg IIIB project WP2 Meeting. 18 – 20 April 2007, Mondello Palace Hotel, Palermo, Sicily

Attard E. Bioactive compounds from Marine Organisms. METIC – Italia-Malta Interreg IIIA project  “Il Mare: Gestione Sostenibile di una risorsa nel Canale di Sicilia”. 22nd June 2007,  Polo Didattico di Trapani, Universita’ degli Studi di Palermo, Trapani, Sicily.

Attard E. The Link between the Medicinal Plant Industry and the European Market: Challenges and Opportunities.  The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are organizing an expert consultation workshop on “The Role of Herb, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (HMAPs) in Improving Livelihoods of the Rural Poor in the NENA Region: Challenges, Constraints, Prospects, and Strategic Directions” 10th – 12th July 2007, ICARDA – Headquarters in Aleppo, Syria.

Attard E. University of Malta, Partnership Intervention. ATMOSnet – Archimed Interreg IIIB project. Final Conference. 29 – 30 November 2007, Imperial Hotel, Sorrento, Naples.

Attard E. and Cuschieri A. (2008) Screening of Maltese Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Pharmacological Activity. R&I Programme 2008, 5th December, Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St Julians, Malta.

Attard E. (2010) Herbal Medicinal Products: Is your product a medicine? An information session entitled “Implementation of Legislation regarding Herbal Medicinal Products” organised by the Medicines Authority (Malta). 29th April 2010. The Palace Hotel, Sliema, Malta.

Cloutier-Beaupré J, Longpré F, Attard E, Martinoli M (2010) Étude du potentiel neuroprotecteur d’un terpenoïde, la cucurbitacine E, dans les cellules PC12 neuronales. 78e Congrès de l’ Acfas 2010, 07-14 mai, Montréal, Canada

Cloutier-Beaupré J, Bournival J, Longpré F, Attard E, Martinoli M (2010) Two extracts from Ecballium elaterium, protects dopaminergic cells against MPP+ -induced oxidative stress. 2010 Canadian Neuroscience meeting. May 15-18, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Cloutier-Beaupré J, Bournival J, Longpré F, Attard E, Martinoli M (2010) Extracts from Ecballium elaterium, a wild medicinal plant, protects dopaminergic cells against MPP+ -induced oxidative stress. Symposium de Québec sur les Avenues. Thérapeutiques pour les Maladies Neurodégénératives. Quebec Symposium on Neurogenerative Disease Therapeutics. June 3-4, Quebec, Canada.

Cloutier-Beaupré J, Bournival J, Longpré F, Bronchti G, Attard E, Martinoli M (2010) Two extracts from Ecballium elaterium, a wild medicinal plant, protects dopaminergic neurons against MPP+ -induced cellular death. 40th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neurosciences, 13th -17th Nov. 2010. San Diego, CA, (USA).

Attard E. (2011) Herbal Medicines. Malta College of Pharmacy Practice: Continuing Professional Development Programme, Winter 2011, 10th March. University of Malta, Msida, Malta.

Attard E. (2012) Agricultural Research Potential at the Gozo Centre for Innovation in Rural Sciences and Environmental Management. Agrisles Technical Seminar. 17th February 2012. Ministry for Gozo. Gozo.

Bugeja Douglas A., Attard E. (2012) Physicochemical Analysis of Maltese Honey: An Attempt to Determine Seasonal Variations in Honey. II Internatonal Symposium on Bee Products and Annual Meeting of IHC, 9-12 September 2012, Bragança, Portugal. PC47.

Farrugia D.L., Mifsud S.J., Shoemake C.M., Attard E. (2012). An in depth evaluation of a novel series of semi-synthetically designed ACE inhibiting molecules. 8th Malta Medical School Conference 2012. P4.08.

Darmanin Ellul R, E Attard, AG Fenech, A Buhagiar, R Ellul Micallef (2012). Determination of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of selected Maltese medicinal plants. Session 2A: Molecular Sciences I. 8th Malta Medical School Conference 2012. OP2.028.

Arel-Dubeau, A.-M., Longpré, F., Bounival  J. ,  Attard, E., Martinoli, M.-G. Cucurbtacin E, A Phytosterol Exerting Neuroprotective and Pro-Autophagic Properties in a Cellular Model of Parkinson’s Disease. 7th International Meeting on: "Steroids And Nervous System". February 2013, Torino, Italy.

Attard E, Zammit Marie Louise, Vella E (2013) The exogenous and endogenous parameters affecting the Cypress tree: The Maltese case. CYPFIRE Project– P.O.MED 2G-MED09-070 VII MEETING, Corte, Corse, 9-11 April.

Darmanin-Ellul R., E. Attard, A. Fenech, A. Buhagiar, R.Ellul-Micallef (2013). Determination of the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of selected Maltese medicinal plants. 1st Mediterranean Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.  Gazimagosa (Famagusta), Northern Cyprus, April 17 – 20, PP-218.

Spiteri C., Attard E., Castellini C., Bugeja Douglas A. (2013) Egg Proteome: The Albumin and Carotenoids Characteristics Deriving from Laying Hens Reared in Different Housing Systems and Under Different Environmental Conditions. COST FAP 3rd annual meeting, 25-26th April 2013, Kosice, Slovakia

Bugeja Douglas A., Attard E., Camilleri C. (2013) Molecular Characterization of Maltese Honey - Diastase and Proline levels changes in Maltese Honey Seasons. COST FAP 3rd annual meeting, 25-26th April 2013, Kosice, Slovakia

Arel-Dubeau, A.-M., Longpré, F., Cloutier-Beaupré J., Lezutekong J. N., Attard E., Martinoli M.-G.. Cucurbitacine E: un phytostérol aux propriétés neuroprotectrices et pro-autophagiques dans un modèle cellulaire de la maladie de Parkinson. 81 Congrès de l’ACFAS 2013, Québec, Canada. 6-10 mai 2013.

Attard E. (2013) Results from Research on Cypress Trees in Malta – The Endogenous and Exogenous Parameters affecting the Cypress Tree: The Maltese Case. Cypfire Closing Seminar. Imġarr Local Council. 24th May, Imġarr, Malta.

Attard E. (2013) The effects of environmental factors on the grapevines cultivated in Malta. OP ITALIA-MALTA 2007-2013. Promed Project: La Protezione Dell’ambiente Nelle Isole Del Mediterraneo Attraverso La Valorizzazione Di Un Sistema Colturale Arboreo. End-Of-Project Event. 10th June, Mellieħa, Malta.

Darmanin-Ellul R., E. Attard, A. Fenech, A. Buhagiar, R.Ellul-Micallef (2013). The determination of the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of selected Maltese medicinal plants. The XVII International Congress "Phytopharm 2013" July 8-10, 2013 Vienna, Austria P07.

2.2 Articles in peer-reviewed professional journals

Attard E. (2007) The Past, Present and Future of Herbal Medicine. TheSynapse. Issue 06: 6-7.

Attard E. and Callus J., Pollen: A biological indicator for climate, geographical, and soil conditions, in Role A., (ed.) GTA Resource Papers 2008, Geography Teachers Association of Malta.  Floriana, Malta.

Attard E. (2009) Nutraceuticals: Food or Medicine? TheSynapse. Issue 03: 6,14.

Attard E. (2011) Herbal Medicine: A Legal Perspective TheSynapse. Issue 01: 11.

Attard E. (2011) Herbal Medicinal Products – The Two Sides of the Coin. TheSynapse. Issue 02: 15.

Attard E. (2011) The Safety of Herbal Medicinal Products. TheSynapse. Issue 04: 9.

Attard E. (2012) Herbal medicine-Drug Interactions. TheSynapse. Issue 01: 12-13.

Attard E. (2012) Characterisation of Maltese Honey. In Touch. Science Students’ Society. Issue 07:16-17.

2.3 Book chapters

Attard E. (2006) Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich.: In Vitro Regeneration, and the Production of Cucurbitacins in culture in J. N. Govil ,V.K. Singh and C. Arunachalam (Eds.) Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants: Search for New Drugs, Volume 13, Studium Press LCC, USA pp. 49 – 72. ISBN: 0-9761849-5-8

Attard E. (2010). Squirting cucumber seeds: use of extracts from Ecballium elaterium seeds in health. In VR Preedy, RR Watson and VB Patel (eds.) Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention. Elsevier Inc. ISBN: 978-0-12-375688-6. 1400 pages.

Attard E. and Pacioni P. (2012). The Phytochemical and In Vitro Pharmacological Testing of Maltese Medicinal Plants, Bioactive Compounds in Phytomedicine, Iraj Rasooli (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-805-2, InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/ articles/show/title/the-phytochemical-and-in-vitro-pharmacological-testing-of-maltese-medicinal-plants

Electronic Publications (Websites)

• Website for the Institute of Agriculture, University of Malta:

home.um.edu.mt/ioa/

• Website for the Department of Plant Health within the Ministry for Agriculture and Fisheries (2000-2004):

 www.planthealth.gov.mt

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