Antioxidative potential of Chenopodium botrys L. (Amaranthaceae)

Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Chenopodium botrys L. (Amaranthaceae) collected from six different locations in Republic of Macedonia was performed. Several methods were used for testing the antioxidative activity: 1) 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2) ferric reduction power assay (FRAP), 3) inhibition of H2 O2 activity, 4) non-sitespecific hydroxyl radical-catalyzed 2-deoxy-D-ribose degradation (NSSOH) and 5) site-specific hydroxyl radical-catalyzed 2-deoxy-D-ribose degradation (SSOH). The IC50 values ranged from 0.26-3.10 mg/mL, 3.01-12.71 mg/mL and 2.60-12.29 mg/mL, for DPPH, NSSOH and SSOH assays, respectively. The H2 O2 inhibition activity and the ferric reducing power capacity were from 28.84-46.56% and 26.14- 43.40%, respectively. The obtained data establish the antioxidant potency in concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, total phenols (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined. The estimated values ranged from 27.77-71.25 mg GAE/g DW and from 7.35- 16.33 mg QE/g DW, respectively

The healing effect of curcumin on burn wounds in rat

BACKGROUND

Burns are still considered one of the most devastating conditions in emergency medicine affecting both genders and all age groups in developed and developing countries, resulting into physical and psychological scars and cause chronic disabilities. This study was performed to determine the healing effect of curcumin on burn wounds in rat.

METHODS

Seventy female Sprague-Dawley 180-220 g rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups. Groups of A-C received 0.1, 0.5 and 2% curcumin respectively and Group D, silver sulfadiazine ointment. Group E was considered as control group and received eucerin. After 7, 14 and 21 days of therapy, the animals were sacrificed and burn areas were macroscopically examined and histologically were scored.

RESULTS

Administration of curcumin resulted into a decrease in size of the burn wounds and a reduction in inflammation after 14(th) days. Reepithelialization was prominent in groups A-C while more distinguishable in group C. In group C, epidermis exhibited well structured layers without any crusting. There were spindle shaped fibroblasts in fascicular pattern, oriented parallel to the epithelial surface with eosinophilic collagen matrix.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin as an available and inexpensive herbal was shown be a suitable substitute in healing of burn wounds especially when 2% concentration was applied.

Cerium functionalized PVA–chitosan composite nanofibers for effective remediation of ultra-low concentrations of Hg(ii) in water

Functionalized PVA–chitosan composites nanofibers effective for removal of very low concentration of mercury.

Anti-atherogenic properties of date vs. pomegranate polyphenols: the benefits of the combination

MPM cholesterol content was not significantly affected by consumption of PJ or date seed extract alone. In contrast, consumption of Hallawi date fruit extract or a combination of PJ together with date fruit and date seeds extract significantly decreased macrophage cholesterol content by 12% or 28%, respectively.

Smooth muscle relaxant activity of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents: possible mechanisms

Saffron, Crocus sativus L. (C. sativus) is rich in carotenoids and used in traditional medicine for treatment of various conditions such as coughs, stomach disorders, amenorrhea, asthma and cardiovascular disorders. These therapeutic effects of the plant are suggested to be due to its relaxant effect on smooth muscles. The effect of C. sativus and its constituents on different smooth muscles and the underlying mechanisms have been studied. Several studies have shown the relaxant effects of C. sativus and its constituents including safranal, crocin, crocetin and kaempferol on blood vessels. In addition, it was reported that saffron stigma lowers systolic blood pressure. The present review highlights the relaxant effects of C. sativus and its constituents on various smooth muscles. The possible mechanisms of this relaxing effect including activation of ß2-adrenoceptors, inhibition of histamine H1 and muscarinic receptors and calcium channels and modulation of nitric oxide (NO) are also reviewed.

Tsatsakis A. The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review

Saffron or Crocus sativus L. (C. sativus) has been widely used as a medicinal plant to promote human health, especially in Asia. The main components of saffron are crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. The median lethal doses (LD50) of C. sativus are 200 mg/ml and 20.7 g/kg in vitro and in animal studies, respectively. Saffron has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of disorders including coronary artery diseases, hypertension, stomach disorders, dysmenorrhea and learning and memory impairments. In addition, different studies have indicated that saffron has anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activities. Antitussive effects of stigmas and petals of C. sativus and its components, safranal and crocin have also been demonstrated. The anticonvulsant and anti-Alzheimer properties of saffron extract were shown in human and animal studies. The efficacy of C. sativus in the treatment of mild to moderate depression was also reported in clinical trial. Administration of C. sativus and its constituents increased glutamate and dopamine levels in the brain in a dose-dependent manner. It also interacts with the opioid system to reduce withdrawal syndrome. Therefore, in the present article, the effects of C. sativus and its constituents on the nervous system and the possible underlying mechanisms are reviewed. Our literature review showed that C. sativus and its components can be considered as promising agents in the treatment of nervous system disorders.

Safety evaluation of saffron stigma (Crocus sativus L.) aqueous extract and crocin in patients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVES

Saffron is the stigma of Crocus sativus L., which has the potentials to play a role in the treatment of many diseases. Although many researches are now going on this precious spice, there are few data on saffron safety in human, especially in patients with chronic mental illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term safety and tolerability of both saffron and crocin (its major constituent) in adult patients with schizophrenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The capsules of saffron aqueous extract (SAE) and crocin were used to evaluate short-term safety and tolerability in patients with schizophrenia. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed on patients with schizophrenia. The patients were all male and were divided into three 22-patient groups. While receiving their normal treatment, they also received a 12 week treatment with SAE (15 mg twice daily), crocin (15 mg twice daily) or placebo.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients completed the trial; none of them reported a serious side effect. WBC count increased significantly in patients receiving saffron aqua extract (SAE), but it was within the normal range and had no clinical significance. Other hematologic components, markers of thyroid, liver and kidney or inflammation markers had no statistically significant difference among the groups.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that SAE and crocin in doses of 15 mg twice daily were safely tolerated in patients with schizophrenia.

Effect of crocin on nitric oxide synthase expression in post-ischemic isolated rat heart

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress damages cells and brings about the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study was carried out to investigate the preconditioning and cardio protective potential effects of crocin and vitamin E by the eNOS and iNOS express gene in ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Male rats were divided into seven groups, namely: sham, control group and experimental groups treated with crocin(10, 20 and 40 mg/kg), vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and combination of crocin (40 mg/kg) with vitamin E (100 mg/kg) that were gavaged The heart was removed and relocated to a Langendorff apparatus and subjected to global ischemia and then the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured as a hemodynamic parameter. Total RNA was extracted from heart frozen tissues. RT-PCR technique was performed by specific primers designed for nitric oxide gene and the results were assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Results after ischemia and reperfusion showed that crocin 40 mg/kg produced a significant improvement of LVEDP as a mechanical function (p<0.05), associated with a reduction of iNOS release (p<0.05). The eNOS mRNA levels were significantly higher in crocin-treated 40 mg/kg compared to controls treated by RT-PCR technique. The combination of crocin and vitamin E have shown more effective on the reduction of iNOS release (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

In the isolated rat heart, protective effect of crocin, may possibly be explained by regulating eNOS and iNOS expressions. The Results resultsconfirmed the hypothesis that cardioprotective effect of crocin is partly mediated by nitric oxide. This could explain the cardioprotective action of crocin following ischemia and reperfusion.

Safranal as a safe compound to mice immune system

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate immunotoxic effect of safranal (SAF), a main component of Crocus sativus essential oil, using Balb/c mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SAF was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1 ml/kg for 3 weeks. Hystopathological examination of spleen and bone marrow, cellularity of spleen, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutination titer (HA), cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation assay were studied in various groups of animals.

RESULTS

Spleen cellularity for SAF groups (0.1 ml/kg SAF: 6.68 [± 0.88] × 10(7), 0.5 ml/kg SAF: 8.16 [± 1.33] × 10(7), 1 ml/kg SAF: 6.12 [± 0.59] × 10(7)) did not significantly differ as compared to vehicle control (8.52 [± 1.36] × 10(7); p > 0.05). In addition, SAF at all doses could not produce any significant changes in hematological parameters, HA titer, DTH and lymphoproliferation responses, as well as in release of cytokines by isolated splenocytes (p > 0.05). Despite a few studies demonstrating some immunomodulatory effects for saffron extract, SAF as a major constituent of saffron did not induce any marked effects in immune system parameters of mice.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to the toxicological studies which have indicated that SAF is more toxic than other active constituents in saffron stigma, at least it was found to be safe to mice immune system and has no toxicity on humoral and cellular immune responses.

A review of hepatoprotective plants used in saudi traditional medicine

Liver disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality across the world. According to WHO estimates, about 500 million people are living with chronic hepatitis infections resulting in the death of over one million people annually. Medicinal plants serve as a vital source of potentially useful new compounds for the development of effective therapy to combat liver problems. Moreover herbal products have the advantage of better affordability and acceptability, better compatibility with the human body, and minimal side effects and is easier to store. In this review attempt has been made to summarize the scientific data published on hepatoprotective plants used in Saudi Arabian traditional medicine. The information includes medicinal uses of the plants, distribution in Saudi Arabia, ethnopharmacological profile, possible mechanism of action, chemical constituents, and toxicity data. Comprehensive scientific studies on safety and efficacy of these plants can revitalise the treatment of liver diseases.

Chemical Compositions and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils of Piper abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum (Piperaceae)

The study was designed to examine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of three Piper species: Piper abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum, all from Malaysia. GC and GC/MS analysis showed qualitative and quantitative differences between these oils. GC and GC-MS analysis of P. abbreviatum, P. erecticaule and P. lanatum oils resulted in the identification of 33, 35 and 39 components, representing 70.5%, 63.4% and 78.2% of the components, respectively. The major components of P. abbreviatum oil were spathulenol (11.2%), ( E)-nerolidol (8.5%) and β-caryophyllene (7.8%), whereas P. erecticaule oil mainly contained β-caryophyllene (5.7%) and spathulenol (5.1%). Borneol (7.5%), β-caryophyllene (6.6%) and α-amorphene (5.6%) were the most abundant components in P. lanatum oil. Antimicrobial activity was carried out using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution method against nine microorganisms. All of the essential oils displayed weak activity towards Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values in the range 250–500 μg/mL. P. erecticaule oil showed the best activity on Aspergillus niger (MIC 31.3 μg/mL), followed by P. lanatum oil (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). This study demonstrated that the essential oils have potential as antimicrobial agents and may be useful in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2013

This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.

Picroside Ⅱ inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial function through a mechanism involving a decrease in reactive oxygen species production

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‑induced mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Picroside Ⅱ, isolated from Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell (Scrophulariaceae), has been reported to protect cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‑induced apoptosis, but the exact mechanism is not fully clear. The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of picroside Ⅱ on H/R‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. In the H9c2 rat cardiomyocyte cell line, picroside Ⅱ (100 µg/ml) was added for 48 h prior to H/R. The results showed that picroside Ⅱ markedly inhibited H/R‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In addition, picroside Ⅱ was also able to decrease the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), increase the mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibit cytochrome c release from mitochondria to cytosol and downregulate caspase‑3 expression and activity concomitantly with the decreased ROS production. These results suggested that picroside Ⅱ inhibited H/R‑induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial function through a mechanism involving a decrease in ROS production.

Comparing the Healing Effects of Arnebia euchroma Ointment With Petrolatum on the Ulcers Caused by Fractional CO2 Laser: A Single-Blinded Clinical Trial

Background:

Arnebia euchroma ointment (AEO) has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for burn wound healing.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate wound healing efficacy of AEO in burn wounds after fractional Co2 laser.

Patients and Methods:

This split-face, single-blinded, single-center clinical study was performed in Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran. A total of 26 subjects with facial acne scar, who were to receive fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing were recruited. After laser procedure, AEO was applied to one side of the face and petrolatum on the other side for wound healing. Digital photographs were taken from acne scar area before resurfacing and on each of the assessment sessions. Three researchers, who were unaware of the applied medications, assessed these digital photographs for erythema, edema, epithelial confluence, crusting/scabbing, and general wound appearance. Subject’s irritations such as dryness and itching were evaluated on the second, fifth, and seventh days.

Results:

Our study indicated higher epithelial confluence and general wound appearance scores (P = 0.045 for both) and less erythema and edema on fifth day in petrolatum (P = 0.009 and P = 0.034, respectively). The results showed less crusting and erythema (P = 0.016 and P = 0.035, respectively) and higher general wound appearance scores in petrolatum on the second day (P = 0.035 and P = 0.001, respectively). Dryness was the most common subjective complaint in both groups; however, it was more severe in AEO, especially on the second day (P = 0.023).

Conclusions:

Despite the healing effects of AEO in burn wounds, petrolatum was more effective than AEO in post-laser wound.

Shallominthe active antimicrobial constituent of persian shallot in treatment of oral herpes: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that shallomin, the active antimicrobial constituent of Persian shallot, has a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal properties.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical shallomin alcoholic solution in treatment of cold sore.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 60 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two equal groups to hourly apply topical of either 0.5% shallomin alcoholic solution or placebo within the first 24 hours of developing cold sores. All the cases were reassessed at six-hour intervals.

RESULTS

The cold sores were cleared within six hours among 30% of cases who received shallomin solution and the remaining of the cases in this group were cleared between 6six to 24 hours of application. In the placebo group, clearance of the sores occurred in four cases between 48 to 72 hours and the remaining of cases were cleared after 72 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that shallomin is a useful natural remedy in preventing the progression and treatment of cold sores and can significantly reduce the duration of ulceration.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Pycnocycla spinosa Extracts

Background:

Pycnocycla spinosa (P. spinosa) a member of the Umbelliferae family is traditionally used for treatment of different ailments.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. spinosa extracts (methanol, ethanol and aqueous) and their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

Materials and Methods:

The antimicrobial activity of different extracts of P. spinosa was evaluated using micro broth dilution. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. Their antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH assay and β-carotene linoleic acid test.

Results:

P. spinosa ethanol extract with higher-level phenolic and flavonoid contents showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, in comparison with the other extracts. Bacillus sp. and Streptococcus sp. showed higher sensitivity to P. spinosa ethanol extract.

Conclusions:

P. spinosa ethanol extract can be used as a mouthwash for treatment of the oral infections. More clinical and toxicological studies are required for providing its efficacy.

Epidemiology of VIM-1-imipenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen which causes serious problems, especially in people who have immunodeficiency. Metallo beta-lactamase (MBL) resistance in this bacterium has led some difficulties in treating bacterial infections. MBLs are being reported with increasing frequency worldwide. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to collect data about the relative frequency (RF) of VIM-1-imipenem resistant P. aeruginosa (VIM-1-IRPA) in different regions of Iran and report an overall prevalence if possible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, ISI web of science, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched using following key terms: "P. aeruginosa," "imipenem," "VIM-1" and "Iran" were. Articles/abstracts, which used clinical specimens and had done polymerase chain reaction to detect the VIM-1 gene of MBL genes, were included in this review. STATA SE version 11.2 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 5457 results found, 10 articles were eligible to be included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. These studies were carried out in Tehran, Isfahan, Kurdistan, Ahvaz, Markazi and Northwest of Iran (Orumieh and Tabriz). Pooled estimation of 1972 P. aeruginosa samples showed that 13% (95% confidence interval = 10.5-16.5%]) of strains were VIM-1 positive. VIM-1-IRPA RF in different studies varied from 0% to 19.5% in Isfahan and Markazi provinces, respectively. We found a moderate heterogeneity (Chochran Q-test, P = 0.032, I-squared = 50.7%) of VIM-1-IRPA RF among studies.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study VIM-1-IRPA RF in Iran is in low-level Prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence rates of VIM-1 positive strains in Iran are needed.

Chemistry and multibeneficial bioactivities of carvacrol (4-isopropyl-2-methylphenol), a component of essential oils produced by aromatic plants and spices

Aromatic plants produce organic compounds that may be involved in the defense of plants against phytopathogenic insects, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. One of these compounds, called carvacrol, which is found in high concentrations in essential oils such as oregano, has been reported to exhibit numerous bioactivities in cells and animals. This integrated overview surveys and interprets our present knowledge of the chemistry and analysis of carvacrol and its beneficial bioactivities. These activities include its antioxidative properties in food (e.g., lard, sunflower oil) and in vivo and the inhibition of foodborne and human antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, viruses, pathogenic fungi and parasites, and insects in vitro and in human foods (e.g., apple juice, eggs, leafy greens, meat and poultry products, milk, oysters) and food animal feeds and wastes. Also covered are inhibitions of microbial and fungal toxin production and the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiarthritic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties of carvacrol as well as metabolic, synergistic, and mechanistic aspects. Areas for future research are also suggested. The collated information and suggested research might contribute to a better understanding of agronomical, biosynthetic, chemical, physiological, and cellular mechanisms of the described health-promoting effects of carvacrol, and facilitate and guide further studies needed to optimize the use of carvacrol as a multifunctional food in pure and encapsulated forms, in edible antimicrobial films, and in combination with plant-derived and medical antibiotics to help prevent or treat animal and human diseases.

Cloning, Transformation and Expression of Proinsulin Gene in Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

BACKGROUND

Plants are among promising and suitable platform systems for production of recombinant biopharmaceutical proteins due to several features such as safety, no need for fermentation, inexpensive investment, and fast and easy scale-up. Human insulin is one of the most widely used medicines in the world. Up to now different expression systems including Escherichia coli, yeast and CHO have been exploited for producing recombinant human insulin and a variety of different recombinant insulin are extensively used.

OBJECTIVES

This study reports on the transformation and expression of proinsulin gene in tomato plants for the first time in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study reports the cloning, transformation and expression of proinsulin gene in tomato plants. Specific primers were designed and used for PCR amplification and cloning of the proinsulin gene in the plant expression vector pCAMBIA1304. The recombinant construct was transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404, and used for Agrobacterium mediated stable transformation of tomato plants. Presence of the desired gene in transgenic lines was confirmed through colony PCR and sequencing. The expression of the protein in transgenic lines was confirmed by immunodot blot assay.

RESULTS

The presence of the proinsulin gene in the genomic DNA of transgenic tomato was confirmed by PCR. Also total protein of transgenic tomato was extracted and the expression of proinsulin was detected using dotblot assay.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey addresses the possibility of proinsulin gene transfer and expression in tomato transgenic lines. This study can be used as a basis for future researches to produce human proinsulin in tomato and other candidate plants.

Marine Sponge/H3PO4: As a Naturally Occurring Chiral Catalyst for Solvent-free Fischer-Indole Synthesis

Background

A new and efficient method have been developed for the synthesis of different indole derivatives from various ketones, having at least one hydrogen atom attached to each of their α-carbon atoms, and hydrazines in solvent-free conditions, using marine sponge/H₃PO₄ as a naturally occurring chiral catalyst.

Objectives

This study recommended the use of marine sponge/H₃PO₄ as a naturally occurring chiral catalyst for preparation of phenylhydrazones from ketones having one α-hydrogen and subsequent cyclisation of the products to indoles.

Materials and Methods

The reaction was carried out by mixing the phenylhydrazine, ketone, and marine sponge/H₃PO₄ powder in mortar and pestle; the mixture was ground at room temperature in an appropriate time until TLC show the completion of the reaction. The product extracted by CH₂Cl₂ and evaporation of solvent yields the products.

Results

In this research work, several indoles are synthesized using phenylhydrazine and aliphatic or aromatic ketone as starting materials, in the presence of marine sponge/H₃PO₄ powder as a natural catalyst under solvent-free condition.

Conclusions

We found marine sponge/H₃PO₄ to be an effective catalyst for indolisation of phenylhydrazones from ketones having α-hydrogens in solvent-free conditions.

The potent in vitro skin permeation of archaeosome made from lipids extracted of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Archaeosomes are a new generation of liposomes that exhibit higher stabilities under different conditions, such as high temperatures, alkaline or acidic pH, and presence of bile salts in comparison with liposomes, and can be used in biotechnology including drug, gene, and vaccine delivery. The objective of this study was to prepare archaeosomes using lipid extracted from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and evaluate their physicochemical properties. The lipids were extracted from S. acidocaldarius and assayed by High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Archaeosomes were prepared using film method and methylene blue was used as drug model. They were characterized for their vesicle size and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate changes in their thermal behavior. The released amount of methylene blue was determined using a dialysis membrane and rat skin. HPTLC analysis of the extracted lipids showed that glycerol ether may be the major lipid with more than 78 percent probability. Results of particle size determination showed a mean size of 158.33 nm and the results of DSC indicated the possible interaction of methylene blue with lipids during the preparation of archaeosome. The addition of cholesterol significantly improved the encapsulation of methylene blue in the archaeosome so that the encapsulation efficiency was 61.66 ± 2.88%. The result of in vitro skin permeation showed that methylene blue could pass through skin model according to Peppas model and there was about 41.66% release after 6 h, whereas no release was observed through dialysis membrane. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that archaeosome may be successfully used as drug delivery system.

Glucosamine dose/concentration-effect correlation in the rat with adjuvant arthritis

There is a debate on the dose dependency, concentration-effect, hence, the beneficial effect of glucosamine (GlcN), a widely used anti-inflammatory natural product. We investigated dose/concentration-effect relationship and determined its minimum effective dose/concentration in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA, Mycobacterium butyricum in squalene) both as preventive and ameliorating interventions. To control already emerged arthritis, rats received oral doses of placebo or 160 mg/kg.day(-1) GlcN for 6 days. For prevention, rats were orally administered 0, 20, 40, 80, or 160 mg/kg.day(-1) GlcN commencing on the day of adjuvant injection. The arthritis index (AI), serum nitrite, and body weight were recorded. Subsequently, animals were cannulated in the right jugular veins and blood samples were collected for the determination of GlcN. GlcN ameliorated and, dose-dependently, prevented AA. It also controlled nitrite. AI was inversely correlated with GlcN dose, maximum plasma concentration, and the area under the concentration curve. Minimum effective dose was approximately 40 mg/kg.day(-1) that correspond to maximum plasma concentration of 1.37 ± 0.24 mg/L, close to 1.6 mg/L reported for pharmaceutical grades of GlcN to humans. GlcN efficacy is dose and concentration dependent. If the data extrapolated to humans, a higher than the commonly tested 1500 mg/kg dosage regimen may provide more clear treatment outcomes.

Verbenone structural analogues isolated from Artemesia aucheri as natural acaricides against Dermatophagoides spp. and Tyrophagus putrescentiae

The acaricidal activities of Artemisia aucheri oil and (1S)-(-)-verbenone structural analogues were evaluated using a fumigant method against Dermatophagoides farinae , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , and Tyrophagus putrescentiae and then compared to those of benzyl benzoate. On the basis of the LD50 values against D. farinae , (1S)-(-)-verbenone (1.38 μg/cm(2)) was about 7.4 times more active than benzyl benzoate (10.15 μg/cm(2)), followed by (+)-trans-myrtanol (2.27 μg/cm(2)), (-)-trans-myrtanol (2.30 μg/cm(2)), and A. aucheri oil (8.75 μg/cm(2)). (1S)-(-)-Verbenone (1.25 μg/cm(2)) was approximately 7.8 times more effective against D. pteronyssinus than benzyl benzoate (9.80 μg/cm(2)), followed by (+)-trans-myrtanol (2.18 μg/cm(2)), (-)-trans-myrtanol (2.22 μg/cm(2)), and A. aucheri oil (8.46 μg/cm(2)). In the case of T. putrescentiae , (1S)-(-)-verbenone (3.75 μg/cm(2)) was roughly 3.5 times more toxic than benzyl benzoate (13.25 μg/cm(2)), followed by (+)-trans-myrtanol (12.57 μg/cm(2)), (-)-trans-myrtanol (12.95 μg/cm(2)), and A. aucheri oil (11.55 μg/cm(2)). These results indicate that A. aucheri oil and (1S)-(-)-verbenone structural analogues may be effective natural agents to control house dust and storage mites.

Essential oils encapsulated in liposomes: a review

In the recent years there has been an increased interest toward the biological activities of essential oils. However, essential oils are unstable and susceptible to degradation in the presence of oxygen, light and temperature. So, attempts have been made to preserve them through encapsulation in various colloidal systems such as microcapsules, microspheres, nanoemulsions and liposomes. This review focuses specifically on encapsulation of essential oils into liposomes. First, we present the techniques used to prepare liposomes encapsulating essential oils. The effects of essential oils and other factors on liposome characteristics such as size, encapsulation efficiency and thermal behavior of lipid bilayers are then discussed. The composition of lipid vesicles membrane, especially the type of phospholipids, cholesterol content, the molar ratio of essential oils to lipids, the preparation method and the kind of essential oil may affect the liposome size and the encapsulation efficiency. Several essential oils can decrease the size of liposomes, homogenize the liposomal dispersions, increase the fluidity and reduce the oxidation of the lipid bilayer. Moreover, liposomes can protect the fluidity of essential oils and are stable at 4-5 °C for 6 months at least. The applications of liposomes incorporating essential oils are also summarized in this review. Liposomes encapsulating essential oils are promising agents that can be used to increase the anti-microbial activity of the essential oils, to study the effect of essential oils on cell membranes, and to provide alternative therapeutic agents to treat several diseases.

Pyridine Based Chalcones: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of 1-Phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one Derivatives

Background

Natural chalcones and also their synthetic derivatives have attracted increasing attention due to various pharmacological applications. Development and discovery of new chalcones with antioxidant activities is one of the attracting areas in medicinal and natural product chemistry.

Objectives

In the present study, a new series of pyridine based chalcones was synthesized and their antioxidant capacity was evaluated by beta carotene bleaching (BCB), DPPH free radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating (FIC) activity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) methods.

Materials and Methods

All compounds were synthesized via an aldol condensation procedure in methanol or ethanol solvent at room temperature and characterization was carried out by ¹HNMR, IR and MS spectroscopic methods. Related melting points were also measured for each compound.

Results

Fortunately, compounds 3e (16.53 ± 1.21 µg/mL), 3g (58.85 ± 1.10 µg/mL) and 3i (58.73 ± 12.94 µg/mL) showed higher antioxidant activity (EC50 ± SD) in comparison with quercetin (87.24 ± 3.93 µg/mL) as reference agent in ferrous ion chelating method. Furthermore, compounds 3g (4.82 ± 0.11 µg/mL) and 3h (6.33 ± 0.30 µg/mL) also exhibited an acceptable antioxidant property compared to Trolox (3.83 ± 0.22 µg/mL) in TEAC method. None of synthesized compounds demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in DPPH free radical scavenging as well as beta carotene bleaching tests.

Conclusions

According to the obtained data, synthesized pyridine based chalcones (3a-3j) could be proposed as potential antioxidant lead compounds.

Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: transporters playing a role in cisplatin toxicity

Cisplatin is a potent antineoplastic agent widely used for a variety of cancer types. Unfortunately, its use leads to dose limiting side effects such as ototoxicity. Up to 93% of patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy will develop progressive and irreversible sensorineural hearing loss which leads to a decreased quality of life in cancer survivors. No treatment is currently available for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. It appears that cisplatin causes apoptosis by binding DNA, activating the inflammatory cascade as well as generating oxidative stress in the cell. Various studies have aimed to assess the potential protective effects of compounds such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, caspase inhibitors, anti-apoptotic agents and calcium channel blockers against the toxicity caused by cisplatin in the inner ear with variable degrees of protection. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains unclear. This review summarizes all of the known transporters that could play a role in cisplatin influx, leading to cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The following were evaluated: copper transporters, organic cation transporters, the transient receptor potential channel family, calcium channels, multidrug resistance associated proteins, mechanotransduction channels and chloride channels.