Comparison the effects of probiotic and prebiotic as antibiotic alternatives on Salmonella colonization, performance, and egg quality in laying hens challenged with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis

Background

Consumption of contaminated eggs with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) cause gastroenteritis in human.

Aims

The present study examined the effect of probiotic and prebiotic compared to antibiotic on the colonization of SE in the ceca, and the quantity and quality of produced eggs in the laying hens challenged with SE.

Methods

One hundred Hy-Line W-36 laying hens with 44-week-olds were studied for 13 weeks in a randomized complete block design containing five treatments and four replicates with five birds in each replicate. Treatments included: negative control, positive control, and antibiotic: diets containing antibiotic (Oxytetracycline 0.15 g/kg diet), probiotic (Bactocell^® 0.1 g/kg diet), and prebiotic (Diamond V Original XPC^TM 1.25 g/kg diet). All experimental groups except negative control were challenged with 1 ml of suspension solution containing 1 × 10⁷ CFU/ml SE by oral gavage at the start of the ninth week of the experiment. Laying performance traits and cecal bacterial population were measured at the end of each week.

Results

Probiotic and prebiotic showed a greater effect in the reduction of yolk cholesterol and blood cholesterol level before and after challenge with SE, respectively (P<0.05). In pre-challenge period, treatments had no effect on the cecal bacterial population; but after the challenge, three dietary supplements decreased the colonization of SE in the ceca of laying hens, and prebiotic showed more preventive effect (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The result of this study showed that the prebiotic can be effective in reducing and preventing SE colonization in laying hens and act as an alternative to antibiotics.

Bioassay-guided Isolation of Flavonoids from Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxicity

Cancer is one of the most important causes of death all around the world. Screening plants and their secondary metabolites as cytotoxic agents is one of the common methods for identifying new compounds used in chemotherapy and inhibition cancer process. Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. from the Fabaceae family was used for improving wound, fever, tumor, hydrocele, hernia, smallpox, toothache, inflammation, and as astringent, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, and antimalarial agent in traditional medicine. A bioassay-guided study of this species led to the isolation of three flavonoids. At first, the cytotoxicity of methanol extract of aerial parts (leaves and stems), seeds, and legumes of this plant was tested against MCF-7 and PC-3 by MTT assay. The methanol extract of legumes showed better inhibitory activities (IC50 < 500 µg/mL). As a result, this extract was selected for fractionation. In the next step, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was selected for phytochemical analysis based on the inhibitory activity (IC50 = 170 ± 0.9 µg/mL). In this way, total phenol content (625 ± 7.2 GAE/g extract) and antioxidant activity (IC50 = 6.1 ± 0.3 µg/mL) was compared by BHT (IC50 = 13.5 ± 0.7 µg/mL). Finally, three compounds including, quercetin-3-methyl ether (1), kaempferol (2), and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-1→2)-β-D-xylopyranoside (3) were isolated from EtOAc fraction, and all isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity and compound 1 showed better inhibitory activity than other two compounds. This study suggests that Caesalpinia bonduc could be considered for further investigations as a natural source of biological compounds.

The effect of essential oil of rosemary on eccentric exercise-induced delayed-onset muscle soreness in non-active women

Muscle soreness is a problem associated with physical activities. Recently, the medicinal herbs are strategies to prevent muscle soreness. The present study aims were to determine the effect of rosemary essential oil on the responses of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase (CK), lymphocytes, neutrophils, muscle swelling (MS) and muscle pain (MP) following eccentric leg curl exercise in non-active women. 24 non-active females voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly assigned into three groups: rosemary dose 1 (RD1) (n=8; 0.25 ml), rosemary dose 2 (RD2) (n=8; 0.5 ml) and placebo (n=8; 0.5 ml olive oil). Participants in supplement groups consumed the desire amounts of rosemary essential oil every 8 h per day for 14 days. Then, the eccentric leg curl exercise was performed. The supplementation continued until 72 h after exercise. The serum variables, as well as, MS and MP were measured before, 24, 48 and 72 h after exercise. Data were analysed using repeated measure analysis of variance and P≤0.05 considered as significant. The results showed that rosemary significantly decreases CK in RD2 compared with placebo and RD1 48 h after exercise. There was no other significant difference in other serum variables. In conclusion, the present study showed a beneficial effect of rosemary on 48-h post-exercise serum CK concentration (a muscle damage indicator).

Process optimisation for green synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles using Mentha piperita

The potential of Mentha piperita in the iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) production was evaluated for the first time. The influences of the variables such as incubation time, temperature, and volume ratio of the extract to metal ions on the nanoparticle size were investigated using central composite design. The appearance of SPR bands at 284 nm in UV-Vis spectra of the mixtures verified the nanoparticle formation. Incubating the aqueous extract and metal precursor with 1.5 volume ratio at 50°C for 30 min leads to the formation of the smallest nanoparticles with the narrowest size distribution. At the optimal condition, the nanoparticles were found to be within the range of 35-50 nm. Experimental measurements of the average nanoparticle size were fitted well to the polynomial model satisfactory with R2 of 0.9078. Among all model terms, the linear term of temperature, the quadratic terms of temperature, and mixing volume ratio have the significant effects on the nanoparticle average size. FeNPs produced at the optimal condition were characterised by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The observed weight loss in the TGA curve confirms the encapsulation of FeNPs by the biomolecules of the extract which were dissociated by heat.

Effects of standardized hydro-alcoholic extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos leaf on hypertension and biochemical parameters in hypertensive hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To study the blood pressure, lipid and glycemic effects and safety of Vaccinium arctostaphylos leaf in the hypertensive hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients took 350 mg standardized plant leaf hydro-alcoholic extract capsule (n=50) or placebo capsule (n=50) three times daily alongside conventional drugs for 2 months. At the baseline and endpoint, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and blood levels of fasting glucose (FG), 2-hr postprandial glucose (2hPPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, triglyceride, HDL-C, SGOT, SGPT and creatinine were determined in both groups. To evaluate the extract safety, serum SGOT, SGPT and creatinine levels were tested; also, the patients were requested to report any adverse effects.

RESULTS

FG, 2hPPG, HbA1c, TC, LDL-C, triglyceride and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were decreased, whereas HDL-C was increased significantly in the extract group compared to those of the placebo group at the endpoint (for all cases, p<0.05). The extract did not significantly influence other parameters and no adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

V. arctostaphylos leaf hydro-alcoholic extract as an adjunct to the conventional drugs has additional antihypertensive as well as anti-dyslipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects in hypertensive hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients. Besides, the extract lacks hepatic, renal and patient-reported adverse effects.

Bio-guided fractionation and isolation of active component from Tragopogon graminifolius based on its wound healing property

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tragopogon graminifolius (T. graminifolius) from Asteraceae family has been used as a remedy in Persian traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders such as wound healing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to investigate the compounds of T. graminifolius, which are responsible for its wound healing activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was performed in three phases; each phase consisted of fractionation of extracts followed by scratch assay. The results of the scratch assay were expressed using scratch closure index (SCI), representing the contraction of scratch.

RESULTS

In phase I, Ethyl acetate fraction (E) showed the maximum SCI (61.7 ± 3.5) that was selected for more fractionation in the next phase. In phase II, 12 fractions were obtained and labeled as fractions E- A to L, respectively. Based on the SCI of fractions, EF (SCI=68.9 ± 0.6) was the most active fraction in phase II and selected for further fractionation in phase III. In phase III, 8 fractions were resulted by fractionation of EF and labeled as EF- 1-8. Fraction EF5 with the highest SCI (30.8 ± 3.0) was the most effective fraction and Luteolin was the main component. Luteolin significantly improved viability of fibroblast cells and increased cell population that was accompanied by decreased cell apoptosis. Luteolin-induced cell number increase in the S and G2M phases of the cell cycle, further confirms the proliferative effect of this compound.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the total extract and fractions of T. graminifolius stimulate proliferation and migration of skin fibroblast cells and Luteolin is one of the active compounds responsible for these effects.

Evaluating the effect of Myrtus communis on programmed cell death in hydatid cyst protoscolices

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible involvement of programmed cell death strategy in hydatid cyst protoscolices following treatment with Myrtus communis (M. communis) as an herbal medicine.

METHODS

Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep liver hydatid cysts. Evaluating the effect of M. communis extract on programmed cell death and increased activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in hydatid cyst protoscolices was conducted by treating the protoscolices with different concentration (5, 50, and 100 mg/mL) of M. communis extract at 37 °C and 5% CO₂ for 4 h by using the Bradford test and ELISA commercial kits.

RESULTS

The extract of M. communis at all concentrations led to initiation of programmed cell death in protoscolices and this effect, was only significant at 50 and 100 mg/mL concentrations, compared to the negative control (P < 0.05). Also, the activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in hydatid cyst protoscolices, was shown that the extract at all 3 concentrations could only increase the activity of caspases 3 and 9. Moreover, a significant increase in the activity of caspase 3 was only observed at concentrations 50 and 100 mg/mL by 37.00% and 66.19% while a significant increase in the activity of caspase 9 at the same concentrations was observed by 20.89% and 63.67%, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The extract of M. communis at different concentrations could increase the activity of caspases 3 and 9 and caused programmed cell death in hydatid cyst protoscolices however, this effect was significant at high concentrations of the extract.

Gas Chromatography, GC/Mass Analysis and Bioactivity of Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Ferulago trifida: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, AChE Inhibitory, General Toxicity, MTT Assay and Larvicidal Activities

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate different biological properties of aerial parts essential oil of Ferulago trifida Boiss and larvicidal activity of its volatile oils from all parts of plant.

METHODS

Essential oil was prepared by steam distillation and analyzed by Gas chromatography and GC/Mass. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic effects and AChE inhibitory of the oil were investigated using DPPH, disk diffusion method, MTT assay and Ellman methods. Larvicidal activity of F. trifida essential oil against malaria vector Anopheles stephensi was carried out according to the method described by WHO.

RESULTS

In GC and GC/MS analysis, 58 compounds were identified in the aerial parts essential oil, of which E-verbenol (9.66%), isobutyl acetate (25.73%) and E-β-caryophyllene (8.68%) were main compounds. The oil showed (IC₅₀= 111.2μg/ml) in DPPH and IC₅₀= 21.5 mg/ml in the investigation of AChE inhibitory. Furthermore, the oil demonstrated toxicity with (LD₅₀= 1.1μg/ml) in brine shrimp lethality test and with (IC₅₀= 22.0, 25.0 and 42.55 μg/ml) on three cancerous cell lines (MCF-7, A-549 and HT-29) respectively. LC₅₀ of stem, root, aerial parts, fruits, and flowers essential oils against larvae of An. stephensi were equal with 10.46, 22.27, 20.50, 31.93 and 79.87ppm respectively. In antimicrobial activities, essential oil was effective on all specimens except Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.

CONCLUSION

The essential oil showed moderate antioxidant activity, strong antimicrobial properties and good toxic effect in brine shrimp test and MTT assay on three cancerous cell lines.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Myrtus communis can alter anxiety and sleep parameters: a behavioural and EEG sleep pattern study in mice and rats

CONTEXT

Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae), myrtle, is an evergreen shrub with strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities. Also, it is used as a sedative-hypnotic plant in Iranian traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effect of 80% ethanolic extract of M. communis leaves on sleep and anxiety in mice and rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male NMRI mice were subjected to open field, righting reflex, grip strength and pentylentetrazole-induced seizure tests. Male Wistar rats were used to evaluate the alterations in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep. They were treated with 25-400 mg/kg doses of the extract intraperitoneally.

RESULTS

The applied doses (50-200 mg/kg) of M. communis extract increased vertical (ED50 = 40.2 ± 6.6 mg/kg) and vertical and horizontal activity (ED50 = 251 ± 55 mg/kg), while treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg attenuated muscle tone significantly compared to vehicle treated animals (p < 0.001 for all) in a dose-independent manner. Also, a significant hypnotic and not anticonvulsant effect was observed when animals were treated with 200 mg/kg of the extract (p < 0.01). In this regard, electroencephalography results showed that REM sleep time was decreased (2.4 ± 0.5%), while total and NREM sleep times were increased significantly compared to the control group of mice (82.5 ± 7.6%).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The data show the anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effect of the extract without anticonvulsant activities. The anxiolytic, myorelaxant and hypnotic effects without effect on seizure threshold are in line with the effect of a alpha 2 GABA receptor agonist.

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of the effects of Urtica dioica and swimming activity on diabetic factors and pancreatic beta cells

BACKGROUND

Urtica dioica (UD) has been identified as a traditional herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UD extract and swimming activity on diabetic parameters through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

Adult WKY male rats were randomly distributed in nine groups: intact control, diabetic control, diabetic + 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, diabetic + 100 mg/kg Metformin, diabetic + swimming, diabetic + swimming 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, and diabetic +100 mg/kg Metformin + swimming. The hearts of the animals were punctured, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The entire pancreas was exposed for histologic examination. The effect of UD on insulin secretion by RIN-5F cells in 6.25 or 12.5 mM glucose dose was examined. Glucose uptake by cultured L6 myotubes was determined.

RESULTS

The serum glucose concentration decreased, the insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity significantly increased in treated groups. These changes were more pronounced in the group that received UD extract and swimming training. Regeneration and less beta cell damage of Langerhans islets were observed in the treated groups. UD treatment increased insulin secretion in the RIN-5F cells and glucose uptake in the L6 myotubes cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Swimming exercises accompanied by consuming UD aqueous extracts effectively improved diabetic parameters, repaired pancreatic tissues in streptozotocin-induced diabetics in vivo, and increased glucose uptake or insulin in UD-treated cells in vitro.

In vitro protoscolicidal effects of various concentrations of Ziziphora tenuior L. extract at different exposure times

OBJECTIVE

Hydatidosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases and surgery is still the main treatment for this problem. One of the side effects of hydatid cyst surgery is recurrence, thus, searching and assessment of some new agents such as medicinal plant extracts are very important. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of ethanolic extract of Ziziphora tenuior (Z. tenuior) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst and used in the experiments. Z. tenuior extract was used at concentration of 3-100 mg/ml for 10-60 min. Viability of protoscolices was determined by 0.1% eosin staining.

RESULTS

Based on our results, Z. tenuior extract at concentration of 10 mg/ml killed all protoscolices after 20 min. However, this medicinal plant at concentration of 25 mg/ml destroyed all protoscolices in a shorter exposure time (10 min). Therefore, the scolicidal activity of the extract at 10 and 25 mg/ml concentrations was considerably effective in lower concentrations and shorter exposure times.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed that the ethanolic extract of Z. tenuior produces high scolicidal activity; it may be used as an appropriate and effective scolicidal agent in hydatidosis surgery. This is the first report on the protoscolicidal activity of Z. tenuior.

Apoptosis Cell Death Effect of Scrophularia Variegata on Breast Cancer Cells via Mitochondrial Intrinsic Pathway

PURPOSE

Scrophularia variegata M. Beib. (Scrophulariaceae) is an Iranian medicinal plant which is used for various inflammatory disorders in traditional medicine. In this study we evaluated the anti-cancer and cytotoxic effects of the Scrophularia variegata (S. variegata) ethanolic extract on the human breast cancer cell line.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity effect of the extract on MCF-7 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, Caspase activity, DNA ladder and Cell death were evaluated by ELISA, gel electrophoresis and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively.

RESULTS

The S. variegata extract showed significant effect cytotoxicity on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Treatment with the extract induced apoptosis on the breast cancer cells by cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. The results indicated that cytotoxicity activity was associated with an increase of apoptosis as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation as well as an increase of the amount of caspase 3 and caspase 9. In addition, the phytochemical assay showed that the extract had antioxidant capacity and also flavonoids, phenolic compounds and phenyl propanoids were presented in the extract.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that S. variegata extract induced apoptosis via mitochondrial intrinsic pathway on breast cancer by cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and an increase of caspase 3 and caspase 9. However future studies are needed.

Immunomodulatory effects of Ziziphora tenuior L. extract on the dendritic cells

Background

Ziziphora tenuior L. (Kakuti in Persian) is used in traditional medicine for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders as carminative and analgesic plant. The other usages of this plant are included treatment of diarrhea and nausea. Therefore in the present study we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of the ethanolic extract of this plant on the dendritic cells (DCs).

Results

Ziziphora tenuior L. extract significantly (p = 0.002) increased the level of surface expression of CD40 as an important co-stimulatory marker on DCs compared to the control. However this extract did not change CD86 and MHC-II molecules, so it could promote DCs phenotypic maturation. Treatment of DCs with the extract resulted in slightly increased of the production of (IL-12); however, this change was not significant. In addition, the ability of treated DCs to stimulate allogenic T cells proliferation and cytokines secretion was examined in the co-cuture of these cells with T cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Z. tenuior L. at the 100 μg/ml concentration inhibited the proliferation of allogenic T cells and also significantly (P < 0.001) increased the level of IL-10. Moreover, the extract at 10–100 μg/ml concentration caused slightly increase in IFN-γ production and decreased IL-4 cytokines but these changes were not significant.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that Z. tenuior L. extract can modulate immune response by induction of CD40 expression on DCs and cytokine production; whereas it can inhibit T cell stimulating activity of DCs in high concentration. These findings possibly in part explain the traditional use of this plant in treatment of immune-mediated disorders. However future studies are needed.

Galantamine efficacy and tolerability as an augmentative therapy in autistic children: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The role of cholinergic abnormalities in autism was recently evidenced and there is a growing interest in cholinergic modulation, emerging for targeting autistic symptoms. Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and an allosteric potentiator of nicotinic receptors. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of galantamine as an augmentative therapy to risperidone, in autistic children. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 40 outpatients aged 4-12 years whom had a diagnosis of autism (DSM IV-TR) and a score of 12 or higher on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) Irritability subscale were equally randomized to receive either galantamine (up to 24 mg/day) or placebo, in addition to risperidone (up to 2 mg/day), for 10 weeks. We rated participants by ABC-C and a side effects checklist, at baseline and at weeks 5 and 10. By the study endpoint, the galantamine-treated patients showed significantly greater improvement in the Irritability (P = 0.017) and Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (P = 0.005) subscales than the placebo group. The difference between the two groups in the frequency of side effects was not significant. In conclusion, galantamine augmentation was shown to be a relatively effective and safe augmentative strategy for alleviating some of the autism-related symptoms.

Induction of apoptosis and G2 /M cell cycle arrest by Scrophularia striata in a human leukaemia cell line

OBJECTIVES

Scrophularia striata Boiss (Scrophulariaceae) is a plant that grows in northeastern Iran; it has been used traditionally to treat various inflammatory disorders. This study was designed to investigate cytotoxic effects of S. striata extract, on the Jurkat human leukaemia cell line (T-cell leukaemia).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical assay by thin layer chromatography and 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl were used to evaluate main compounds and antioxidant capacity of the plant extract, respectively. Its inhibitory effect on Jurkat cells was evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, cell cycle distribution and apoptotic cell death were evaluated by propidium iodide and annexin V-FITC/ propidium iodide staining.

RESULTS

These showed that the main components present in S. striata extract included flavonoids, phenolic compounds and phenyl propanoids. Treatment with extract was significantly cytotoxic to the tumour cell line. In addition, flow cytometry analysis indicated that S. striata extract induced cell cycle arrest in G2 /M phase and apoptosis of tumour cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the study indicated that S. striata extract could inhibit leukaemia cell proliferation by inducing G2 /M phase arrest and apoptosis.

Two matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors from scrophularia striata boiss

Many species belonging to the Scrophularia genus have been used since ancient times as folk remedies for many medical conditions such as scrofulas, scabies, tumors, eczema, psoriasis, inflammations. The aim of this study was to characterize the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitor compounds of the Scrophularia striata extract by bio-guide fractionation. The aerial parts of S. striata were collected and different extracts were sequentially prepared with increasingly polar solvents. The MMPs inhibitory activity of the crude extract and its fractions were evaluated by the Zymoanalysis method. The pure compounds were purified from the active fraction by chromatography methods. Chemical structures were deduced by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Two active compounds (acteoside and nepitrin) were identified by bio-guide fractionation. The inhibitory effects of nepitrin and acteoside at 20 µg/mL were about 56 and 18 percent, respectivly. The inhibitory effects of acteoside at 80 µg/mL were increased to about 73 percent. In summary, the results suggest that nepitrin effectively inhibited MMPs inhibitory activity at low concentrations, whereas acteoside showed inhibition at high concentrations.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Study: Anti-Oxidant, Anti-hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effects of Olibanum Gum in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is a common metabolic disease in the world that has many adverse effects. Olibanum gum resin (from trees of the genus Boswellia) has traditionally been used in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes. The aim of this study was the comparison of Olibanum gum resin effect with placebo on the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Inclusion criteria was diabetic patients with fasting blood sugar (FBS) =140-200 mg/dL. This study has been designed as double-blined clinical trial on 71 patients with type 2 diabetes and the patients randomly were divided to interventional and placebo groups. The patients on standard anti-diabetic therapy (metformin) treated with Olibanum gum resin (400 mg caps) and placebo tow times per day for 12 weeks, respectively. At the end of the twelfth week, the FBS, HbA1c, Insulin, total Cholesterol (Chol), LDL, Triglyceride (TG), HDL and other parameters were measured. The Olibanum gum resin lowered the FBS, HbA1c, Insulin, Chol, LDL and TG levels significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) without any significant effects on the other blood lipid levels and liver/kidney function tests (p > 0.05) compared with the placebo at the endpoint. Moreover, this plant showed anti-oxidant effect and also no adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that Olibanum gum resin could be used as a safe anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic agent for type 2 diabetic patients.

Anti-aging effects of some selected Iranian folk medicinal herbs-biochemical evidences

OBJECTIVE(S)

In the current study, the effects of selected folk medicinal herbs were evaluated in D-galactose-induced aging in male mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 12 groups composing sham, control, and treated groups. Aging was induced by administration of D-galactose (500 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks). A positive control group was assigned that received vitamin E (200 mg/kg/day). The extract of herbs was prepared, lyophilized, and used in this study. The herbs were administered by gavage for 4 weeks to D-galactose-aged animals at the selected doses (mg/kg/day) as follows: Zingiber officinale (250), Glycyrrhiza glabra (150), Rosmarinus officinalis (300), Peganum harmala (50), Aloe vera (150), Satureja hortensis (200), Teucrium scordium (200), Hypericum perforatum (135) and Silybum marianum (150). One group of animals was assigned as sham and not given D-galactose.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, pro-inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukine-1β (IL-β), interlukine-6 (IL-6), NF-kappaB (NF-κb), total antioxidant power (TAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as lipid peroxidation (LPO) marker and male sex hormones i.e. testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured in the blood.

CONCLUSION

These data for the first time indicate significant anti-aging potential of examined herbs. RESULTS showed that D-galactose induces a significant oxidative stress and promotes proinflammatory cascade of aging while all herbs more or less recovered these changes. Among 9 herbal extracts, Silybum marianum showed the best effect in restoring aging changes.

Aspirin for treatment of lithium-associated sexual dysfunction in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of aspirin on lithium-related sexual dysfunction in men with stable bipolar affective disorder (BAD).

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 32 men with stable BAD who had been on lithium maintenance therapy randomly received aspirin (240 mg/day) or placebo for six weeks. The International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to assess sexual symptoms at baseline, Week 3, and Week 6. Depressive and mania symptoms and plasma lithium concentrations were assessed at baseline and Week 6. Side effects were assessed using a checklist.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (15/group) completed the study. Baseline and endpoint lithium concentrations and mania and depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between the two groups. Significant effects of time × treatment interaction were observed for total score [Greenhouse-Geisser: F(1.410,39.466) = 6.084, p = 0.010] and erectile function [Greenhouse-Geisser: F(1.629,45.602) = 7.250, p = 0.003]. By Week 6, patients in the aspirin group showed significantly greater improvement in the total (63.9% improvement from the baseline) and erectile function domain (85.4% improvement from the baseline) scores than the placebo group (14.4% and 19.7% improvement from the baseline, p-values = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). By Week 6, 12 (80%) patients in the aspirin group and three (20%) patients in the placebo group met the criteria of minimal clinically important change [χ(2) (1) = 10.800, p = 0.001]. Other IIEF domains also showed significant improvement at the end of the trial. The frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin effectively improves lithium-related sexual dysfunction in men with stable BAD.

Protective effects of Scrophularia striata in Ovalbumin-induced mice asthma model

BACKGROUND

Scrophularia striata Boiss. (Scrophulariaceae) is a plant growing in the northeastern part of Iran and being used as a traditional herb for various inflammatory disorders.This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of the Scrophularia striata extract in Ovalbumin (OVA) induced-asthma mice model.

METHODS

OVA-sensitized mice were intrapritonealy treated with two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of the extract on days 8 to 14 separately. Broncoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) was collected 48 h after the final OVA challenge and then the number of eosinophils and other inflammatory cells were assessed by direct microscopic counting. In addition, total immunoglubolin (Ig) E and OVA-specific IgE levels in serum, IL-4 and IL-5 cytokines in BALF were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Moreover, phytochemical assay by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and the 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were used to evaluate the main compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the plant extract, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that the main components; including flavonoids, phenolic compounds and phenyl propanoids were presented in the S. striata extract. In addition, the treatment with extract significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells and suppressed T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines including IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF. Also, total IgE and OVA-specific IgE levels in the serum decreased.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, it is concluded that the extract has the potential to modulate the Th2 cytokines and could be used as immunomodulatory agent in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Coumarin compounds of Biebersteinia multifida roots show potential anxiolytic effects in mice

BACKGROUND

Traditional preparations of the root of Biebersteinia multifida DC (Geraniaceae), a native medicinal plant of Irano-Turanian floristic region, have been used for the treatment of phobias as anxiolytic herbal preparation.

METHODS

We utilized the phobic behavior of mice in an elevated plus-maze as a model to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of the plant extract and bio-guided fractionation was applied to isolate the active compounds. Total root extract, alkaline and ether fraction were administered to mice at different doses 30 and 90 min prior to the maze test. Saline and diazepam were administered as negative and positive controls, respectively. The time spent in open and closed arms, an index of anxiety behavior and entry time, was measured as an index of animal activity.

RESULTS

The total root extract exhibited anxiolytic effect which was comparable to diazepam but with longer duration. This sustained effect of the crude extract was sustained for 90 min and was even more after injection of 45 mg/kg while the effect of diazepam had been reduced by 90 min. The anxiolytic effect factor was only present in the alkaline fraction and displayed its effect at lower doses than diazepam while pure vasicinone as the previously known alkaloid did not shown anxiolytic effect. The effect of the alkaline fraction was in a dose dependent manner starting at 0.2 mg/kg with a maximum at 1.0 mg/kg. Bio-guided fractionation using a variety of chromatographic methods led to isolation and purification of three coumarin derivatives from the bioactive fraction, including umbelliferone, scopoletin, and ferulic acid.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, bio-guided fractionation of the root extract of B. multifida indicates significant sustained anxiolytic effects which led to isolation of three coumarin derivatives with well-known potent MAO inhibitory and anti-anxiety effects. These data contribute to evidence-based traditional use of B. multifida root for anxiety disorders.

Granisetron as an add-on to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

Some 5-HT3 antagonists such as ondansetron have shown beneficial effects on negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of granisetron (another 5-HT3 antagonist) add-on therapy in the treatment of negative symptoms of patients with stable schizophrenia. In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study, forty stable patients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR), were randomized to either granisetron (1 mg twice daily) or placebo (twice daily) in addition to risperidone up to 6 mg/day for eight weeks. The patients were assessed using positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and extrapyramidal symptom rating scale (ESRS) at baseline, week 4 and 8. Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) was used to assess depression at baseline and week 8. Thirty-eight patients completed the trial. Granisetron group showed a significantly greater improvement on negative subscale than the placebo group at endpoint [t(38) = 6.046, mean difference (±95% CI) = 3.2(1.8-3.7), P < 0.001]. The same effect was observed for total score [t(38) = 4.168, mean difference (95% CI) = 3.2(1.6-4.7), P < 0.001]. However the placebo and granisetron groups did not differ in their reduction of positive and general psychopathology symptoms scores. HDRS scores and its changes did not differ between the two groups. The ESRS score at week 4 was significantly lower in the granisetron than the placebo group while the two groups showed similar ESRS score at week 8. Frequency of other side effects was similar between the two groups. In summary, granisetron add-on can safely and effectively reduce the primary negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia.

Inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of salvia officinalis L. Extract on human lymphoma and leukemia cells by induction of apoptosis

PURPOSE

Salvia officinalis L., also known as Maryam Goli, is one of the native plants used to Persian medicinal herbs. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the in vitro cytotoxic activities of a standardized crude methanol extracts prepared from Salvia officinalis L., on a non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma (Raji) and human leukemic monocyte lymphoma (U937), Human acute myelocytic leukemia (KG-1A) and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial (HUVEC) cell lines.

METHODS

The effect of methanolic extract on the inhibition of cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity was evaluated by Dye exclusion and Micro culture tetrazolium test (MTT) cytotoxicity assay. Cell death ELISA was employed to quantify the nucleosome production result from nuclear DNA fragmentation during apoptosis and determined whether the mechanism involves induction of apoptosis or necrosis.

RESULTS

The present results demonstrated that methanolic extract at 50 to 800 μg/ml dose and time-dependently suppressed the proliferation of KG-1A, U937 and Raji cells by more than 80% (p<0.01), with ascending order of IC50 values in 24: KG-1A (214.377 μg/ml), U937 (229.312 μg/ml) and Raji (239.692 μg/ml) when compared with a chemotherapeutic anticancer drug, paclitaxel (Toxol), confirming the tumour-selective cytotoxicity. The crude extract however did not exert any significant cytotoxic effect on normal cell line HUVEC (IC50>800 Ag/ml). Nucleosome productions in KG-1A, Raji and U937 cells were significantly increased respectively upon the treatment of Salvia officinalis L. extract.

CONCLUSION

The Salvia officinalis L. extract was found dose and time-dependently inhibits the proliferation of lymphoma and leukemic cells possibly via an apoptosis-dependent pathway.

Memantine add-on in moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

There is a growing body of evidence for the efficacy of memantine augmentation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, to date, no double-blind study has addressed this issue. The objective of the present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of memantine add-on treatment in patients with moderate to severe OCD. Forty-two patients with the diagnosis of OCD based on DSM-IV-TR who had a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score of ≥21 were randomly assigned to memantine (10 mg/day for the first week, and 20 mg/day for the rest of the trial) or placebo in addition to fluvoxamine for eight weeks. Patients were assessed using Y-BOCS every two weeks. Thirty-eight patients completed the study. Repeated measure ANOVA showed significant effect for time × treatment interaction in total scale [F (2.096, 75.470) = 5.280, P = 0.006] and obsession [F (2.340, 94.547) = 5.716, P = 0.002] and near significant effect for compulsion subscales [F (2.005, 79.179) = 2.841, P = 0.065]. By week eight, all patients in the memantine group and six (32%) patients in the placebo group [P value of Fisher's exact test <0.001] met the criteria for partial and complete response. At the end of the trial, 17 (89%) patients in the memantine group compared with six (32%) patients in the placebo group achieved remission (χ(2)(1) = 13.328, P < 0.001). Frequency of side-effects was not significantly different between the two groups. In summary, we showed that memantine add-on to fluvoxamine significantly improved short-term outcomes in patients with moderate to severe OCD.

Inhibition of Growth and Induction of Apoptosis in Fibrosarcoma Cell Lines by Echinophora platyloba DC: In Vitro Analysis

Echinophora platyloba DC plant (Khousharizeh) is one of the indigenous medicinal plants which is used as a food seasoning and medicine in Iran. The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro cytotoxic activity and the mechanism of cell death of crude methanolic extracts prepared from Echinophora platyloba DC, on mouse fibrosarcoma cell line (WEHI-164). Cytotoxicity and viability of methanolic extract was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and dye exclusion assay. Cell death ELISA was employed to quantify the nucleosome production result from nuclear DNA fragmentation during apoptosis and determine whether the mechanism involves induction of apoptosis or necrosis. The cell death was identified as apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase- (TdT-) mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Our results demonstrated that the extract decreased cell viability, suppressed cell proliferation, and induced cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner in WEHI-164 cells (IC50 = 196.673 ± 12.4 μg/mL) when compared with a chemotherapeutic anticancer drug, Toxol. Observation proved that apoptosis was the major mechanism of cell death. So the Echinophora platyloba DC extract was found to time- and dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of fibrosarcoma cell possibly via an apoptosis-dependent pathway.

Urease inhibitory activities of β-boswellic acid derivatives

Background and the purpose of the study

Boswellia carterii have been used in traditional medicine for many years for management different gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we wish to report urease inhibitory activity of four isolated compound of boswellic acid derivative.

Methods

4 pentacyclic triterpenoid acids were isolated from Boswellia carterii and identified by NMR and Mass spectroscopic analysis (compounds 1, 3-O-acetyl-9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid; 2, 3-O-acetyl-11-hydroxy-β-boswellic acid; 3. 3-O- acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid and 4, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid. Their inhibitory activity on Jack bean urease were evaluated. Docking and pharmacophore analysis using AutoDock 4.2 and Ligandscout 3.03 programs were also performed to explain possible mechanism of interaction between isolated compounds and urease enzyme.

Results

It was found that compound 1 has the strongest inhibitory activity against Jack bean urease (IC₅₀ = 6.27 ± 0.03 μM), compared with thiourea as a standard inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 21.1 ± 0.3 μM).

Conclusion

The inhibition potency is probably due to the formation of appropriate hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between the investigated compounds and urease enzyme active site and confirms its traditional usage.

Benefit of Aloe vera and Matricaria recutita mixture in rat irritable bowel syndrome: Combination of antioxidant and spasmolytic effects

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the beneficial effects of a mixture of Aloe vera (AV) and Matricaria recutita (German chamomile, GC) in an experimental model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: IBS was induced by a 5-day restraint stress in rats including the groups of control (water), GC (300 mg/kg), loperamide (10 mg/kg), mixed AV and GC (50: 50 at doses of 150, 300 or 450 mg/kg assigned as Mix-150, Mix-300 and Mix-450, respectively) and the sham group which did not receive any restraint stress and was fed with saline. All medications were administered intragastrically by gavage for 7 days, 2 days as pre-treatment followed by 5 days during induction of IBS every day before restraining. RESULTS: The increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in colonic cells in the control group were significantly decreased in the treatment groups. GC inhibited only small bowel transit while the AV/GC mixture delayed gastric emptying at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg. The AV/GC mixture also reduced colonic transit and small bowel transit at the dose of 150 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of stress-induced IBS was diminished by the AV/GC mixture at all doses used but not dose-dependently, via inhibiting colonic MPO activity and improving oxidative stress status. The effect of the mixture was more effective than GC alone. The present results support effectiveness of the AV and GC combination in IBS.

Granisetron adjunct to fluvoxamine for moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Several small studies have shown beneficial effects of ondansetron, a serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The efficacy of other 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists in patients with OCD is still unclear. Granisetron does not alter cytochrome P450 activity and might have a lower risk of drug interactions, a longer duration of action and a better tolerability profile than other 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of granisetron augmentation of fluvoxamine in patients with OCD.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a two-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study conducted from November 2011 to March 2012.

STUDY SETTING

The study setting was outpatient clinics of two large referral centres.

PATIENTS

Study participants were men and women, aged 18-60 years, who met the diagnostic criteria of OCD based on the DSM-IV-TR and who had a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score of at least 21.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to granisetron (Kytril(®); SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA, USA) 1 mg every 12 hours or placebo every 12 hours in addition to fluvoxamine for 8 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Patients were assessed using the Y-BOCS at baseline, second, fourth, sixth and eighth weeks. The primary outcome measure was the difference in the score change of Y-BOCS total score from baseline to week 8 between the two groups. We also compared changes in the obsession and compulsion subscales of the Y-BOCS, and frequencies of partial response (≥25% reduction in Y-BOCS score), complete response (≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS score) and remission (Y-BOCS score ≤16) between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 42 included patients, 39 (20 in the placebo group, 19 in the granisetron group) completed the study. Significant time X treatment interaction was observed for total Y-BOCS (F [2.097, 79.678] = 4.941, p = 0.009), obsession (F [2.337, 88.799] = 4.938, p = 0.006) and compulsion (F [2.050, 77.899] = 4.674, p = 0.012) subscales. By week 8, complete response and remission were achieved by 20 (100%) and 18 (90%) patients in the granisetron group and by 7 (35%) patients in the placebo group (p-value of Fisher's exact test <0.001, risk ratio (RR) [95% CI] = 3.857 [2.039, 7.297]). There was no significant difference in the tolerability between the two regimens.

CONCLUSION

Granisetron is an efficacious adjunct for the short-term treatment of patients with moderate to severe OCD and is well tolerated.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRCT201202041556N32.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of Aloe vera leaf gel in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Diabetes mellitus type 2 with dyslipidemia is a common disease. Previous studies suggest that aloe (Aloe vera L.) leaf gel may positively affect the blood glucose and lipid levels in dyslipidemic type 2 diabetic patients. Thus, in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with hyperlipidemic (hypercholesterolemic and/or hypertriglyceridemic) type 2 diabetic patients aged 40 to 60 years not using other anti-hyperlipidemic agents and resistant to daily intake of two 5 mg glyburide tablets and two 500 mg metformin tablets, the efficacy and safety of taking aloe gel (one 300 mg capsule every 12 hours for 2 months) combined with the aforementioned drugs in treatment of 30 patients were evaluated and compared with the placebo group (n = 30). The aloe gel lowered the fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and LDL levels significantly (p = 0.036, p = 0.036, p = 0.006, and p = 0.004, respectively) without any significant effects on the other blood lipid levels and liver/kidney function tests (p > 0.05) compared with the placebo at the endpoint. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that aloe gel may be a safe anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic agent for hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients.

Buspirone versus methylphenidate in the treatment of children with attention- deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: randomized double-blind study

A recent randomized clinical trial showed buspirone efficacy in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. However, results from a recent multi-site controlled clinical trial of transdermal buspirone failed to separate it from placebo in a large sample of children with ADHD. Therefore, due to these inconsistent findings, this study was designed to assess the efficacy of buspirone in the treatment of children with ADHD compared to methylphenidate in a double blind randomized clinical trial. Forty outpatients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD were study population of this trial. Subjects were recruited from an outpatient child and adolescent clinic for a 6 week double blind, randomized clinical trial. All study subjects were randomly assigned to receive treatment using tablet of buspirone at a dose of 20-30 mg/day depending on weight (20 mg/day for < 30kg and 30 mg/day for > 30kg) (group 1) or methylphenidate at a dose of 20-30 mg/day depending on weight (20 mg/day for < 30kg and 30 mg/day for > 30kg (group 2) for a 6 week double blind, randomized clinical trial. The principal measure of outcome was the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale IV. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 21 and 42 days after the medication started. Significant differences were observed between the two groups on the Parent and Teacher Rating Scale scores. The changes at the endpoint compared to baseline were: -8.95±8.73 (mean±SD) and -15.60±7.81 (mean±SD) for buspirone and methyphenidate, for Parent ADHD Rating Scale. The changes at the endpoint compared to baseline were: -9.80 ±7.06 (mean±SD) and -22.40±9.90 (mean±SD) for buspirone and methyphenidate, respectively for Teacher ADHD Rating Scale. The difference between the buspirone and methylphenidate groups in the frequency of side effects was not significant except for decreased appetite, headache and insomnia that were observed more frequently in the methylphenidate group. The results of this study suggest that administration of buspirone was less effective than methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD.

Flavonoids, cinnamic acid and phenyl propanoid from aerial parts of Scrophularia striata

No phytochemical investigation regarding Scrophularia striata Boiss. (Scrophulariaceae) has been performed, although several reports about other Scrophularia species have been published. The inhibitory effects of aerial parts of S. striata on matrix metalloproteinase expression elaborate a new approach to treat variety of malignant and inflammatory disorders. Five known compounds, including cinnamic acid, three flavonoids (quercetine, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and nepitrin) and one phenyl propanoid glycoside (acteoside 1) were isolated from S. striata Boiss. by chromatographic techniques and the structures of compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. This is the first report regarding the isolation of these compounds from S. striata.

On the benefit of Teucrium in murine colitis through improvement of toxic inflammatory mediators

Regarding the role of free radicals in pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we were interested to investigate the effects of Teucrium persicum with approved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in an experimental model of colitis. Immunologic colitis was induced by rectal administration of a mixture of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) and ethanol through rubber cannula into rats. Three different doses of Teucrium (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were gavaged in a duration of 10 days to rats. Endpoint markers of colitis included macroscopic and microscopic examination of colon tissue and measuring colonic cells concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interlukin-1beta (IL-1beta), total antioxidant power as ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lipid peroxidation as thiobarbitoric acid-reactive substance (TBARS). Teucrium at all doses improved both macroscopic and histological damages of rats with colitis. Teucrium reduced colonic MPO activity and concentrations of cellular lipid peroxides, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta, with a concomitant increase in FRAP value in rats with colitis. It is concluded that beneficial effects of Teucrium in experimental colitis is mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. Examination of this herbal medicine in patients with IBD as a supplement would further reveal the potential of Teucrium.

Suppression of nitric oxide production in activated murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro and ex vivo by Scrophularia striata ethanolic extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scrophularia striata (Scrophulariaceae), a traditional Iranian medicine, has been used for the treatment of allergy, rheumatics and chronic inflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we investigated the in vitro and ex vivo suppressive effects of Scrophularia striata ethanolic extract on nitric oxide production in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peritoneal macrophages were harvested by lavaging with ice cold phosphate buffer saline. Macrophages obtained from mice not treated were cultured with 10 microg/mL lipopolysaccaride (LPS), 20 U/mL interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and various concentrations of Scrophularia striata extract for the in vitro experiments and those obtained from mice treated with different doses of the extract for 7 days were cultured with 10 microg/mL LPS, 20 U/mL IFN-gamma for the in vivo experiments. Nitrit levels were measured by using the diazotization method based on the Griess reaction, which is an indirect assay for NO production.

RESULTS

In vitro exposure of mouse peritoneal macrophages with various concentrations of Scrophularia striata extract (10, 50 and 100 microg/mL) significantly suppressed NO production in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo administration of Scrophularia striata extract (50 and 100 mg/kg) to Balb/c mice inhibited LPS and IFN-gamma induced production of NO in the isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to Scrophularia striata extract had no effect on cell viability.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study demonstrated that the Scrophularia striata extract inhibit NO production in activated murine macrophages and we suggest that Scrophularia striata may be used in treating the inflammatory diseases.

1-methyl malate from Berberis integerrima fruits enhances the antibacterial activity of ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus

The enhancement of the antibacterial activity of ampicillin by different extracts of Berberis integerrima fruits was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. Disk diffusion and agar dilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of ampicillin in the absence and presence of different plant extracts or various fractions eluted by column chromatography. A clinical isolate of S. aureus was used as a test strain. The active component of B. integerrima fruits involved in the enhancement of ampicillin activity was purified and identified as 1-methyl malate using different spectroscopic methods. Both the ethanol extract of B. integerrima fruits and 1-methyl malate enhanced the antibacterial activity of ampicillin. The total extract as well as 1-methyl malate increased the antibacterial activity of ampicillin against the test strain. The potency of ampicillin against the test strain was increased 64-fold when tested with a sub-toxic concentration of total extract of B. integerrima fruits. Also, 1-methyl malate increased the bactericidal activity of ampicillin. In the presence of 2 mg/mL of 1-methyl malate the MIC of ampicillin for S. aureus decreased from 128 to 1 microg/mL (128-fold).

Antifungal and antibacterial activities of Pentanema divaricatum and its active constituent

The antimicrobial activity of ethanol and chloroform extracts of Pentanema divaricatum Cass. was studied using the conventional disk diffusion method. The extracts' highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Aspergillus niger. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) showed one antimicrobial fraction which was especially effective against Aspergillus niger. By conventional spectroscopy the active fraction was identified as 4alpha,5alpha-epoxy-10alpha,14H-1-epi-inuviscolide. This compound represented the most potent antimicrobial candidate, with MIC values of <25 microg/disk against A. niger strains and 200 microg/disk against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Inhibitory effect of aerial parts of Scrophularia striata on matrix metalloproteinases expression

It has been shown that destruction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) leads to tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. The aim of the present research was to verify the effects of a total extract and sequential extracts of Scrophularia striata Boiss (Scrophulariaceae) on MMPs activity. The fibro sarcoma cell line (wehi-164) was used to assess MMPs inhibitory effect. The MMPs activity was evaluated using a zymoanalysis method. The results of this study showed that the highest MMPs inhibitory effect (55.6%) was observed after treatment with 10 microg/mL of the high polarity methanol solution extract corresponding to its lowest cytotoxicity effect (4%). It is concluded that the aerial parts of S. striata might contain various polar compounds that inhibit MMPs.