Biological effects of essential oils and extracts
Z. Hejri; Y. Sadeghzadeh Yazdi
Abstract
Background and objectives: In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin it produces does not work properly. Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin-independent diabetes, is the most common type of diabetes in the world, which usually occurs due to the resistance of ...
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Background and objectives: In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin it produces does not work properly. Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin-independent diabetes, is the most common type of diabetes in the world, which usually occurs due to the resistance of the body's cells to insulin. Many useful compounds in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) increase insulin production and reduce blood sugar levels.Methodology: In the present research, the effect of an aqueous dandelion root extract on blood sugar level reduction in type 2 diabetic patients in Mashhad was studied. After cleaning and removing impurities, the dandelion roots were dried on a grinding machine. Extraction from dandelion roots was performed with the Soxhlet apparatus. After the extraction process, the resulting extract was passed through a filter to separate the solid compounds. The prepared extract was consumed as tea twice a day by the selected diabetic patient for four days. A glucometer measured the diabetic patient's blood sugar level. Each day, blood sugar level measurement was performed for one hour and two hours (to study stability) after taking the second dose of the extract. The patient did not use supplements or drugs to lower blood sugar levels during the research. Since blood sugar fluctuations in fasting conditions at the beginning of each day depend on various factors such as mental, physical, nutritional, and especially nervous conditions, to reduce the error rate, fasting blood sugar was measured as a control one month before and one month after extract consumption.Results: Present research showed that blood sugar decreases significantly with the increase in the number of days of dandelion root extract consumption and the increase in the frequency of consumption per day. Based on the data obtained from the measurement of blood sugar levels in different time intervals, the four-day average blood sugar level of a diabetic person one month before consuming the extract was 233, which decreased by 81 units one month after consuming the extract and reached 152; Therefore, based on the obtained results, the consumption of the root extract of this plant causes a 35% decrease in blood sugar. A study of the interaction effect of the number of days of using dandelion root extract and the time of its use also showed that the simultaneous reduction of blood sugar level with increasing the number of days of extract consumption and the number of times of consumption per day is significant. The results of the analysis of variance for the response of blood sugar levels also indicated that the effect of factors A (number of days of extract use) and B (hours of extract use) with a P-value much lower than 0.05, on the reduction of blood sugar level is significant. Based on the numerical optimization of the data, the blood sugar level can be reached at 150.167 by consuming the extract twice daily for four days.Conclusion: Overall, this research shows the positive effect of dandelion root extract on type 2 diabetes. The decreasing trend of blood sugar with increasing the number of days of use and the number of times of use per day indicates that the long-term use of this extract can have more stable effects on reducing blood sugar in people with diabetes.
F. Salimi; M. Fattahi; J. Hamzei
Abstract
In this research, the effect of time (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min) and temperature (35, 45, 55, 65 and 75 oC) of ultrasonic waves, ethanol to water ratio (20, 35, 50, 65 and 80%) of extracting solvent and dry matter to solvent ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:15, 1:20 and 1:25 mg/ml) was investigated on total phenol ...
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In this research, the effect of time (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min) and temperature (35, 45, 55, 65 and 75 oC) of ultrasonic waves, ethanol to water ratio (20, 35, 50, 65 and 80%) of extracting solvent and dry matter to solvent ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:15, 1:20 and 1:25 mg/ml) was investigated on total phenol and flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (in two methods of DPPH and FRAP) of hydroalcoholic extract of celery (Apium graveolens L.) aerial parts by using the response surface method. Based on the results, ultrasound for 10 min at 55 °C, ethanol to water ratio of 80%, and dry matter to solvent ratio of 1:5 were considered as the best treatment. The highest amount of total phenol (471.1 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (187.7 mg quercetin/gDW) content, and antioxidant activity of the extract was obtained under optimized conditions using DPPH (68.5%) and FRAP (4210.4 μM Fe+2/50 μl extract). In general, the high values of adjusted R2 and P-value in fitting models indicated that the drawn models of response surface were ideal. In other words, the high amounts of these parameters indicate the existence of a correlation between the observed values and the predicted ones.
V. Rowshan; A. Bahmanzadegan Jahromi; F. Zareiyan; A. Hatami; L. Jowkar
Abstract
Marrubium astracanicum Jacq. is belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In this study, five populations of M. astracanicum (Derak, the west of Dasht Arjan, Bavanat-Simakan (Lakposhti), Ghorogh Abolmahdi (Pasargad) and Sadra areas) from Fars province were collected. After drying the plant samples, the essential ...
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Marrubium astracanicum Jacq. is belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In this study, five populations of M. astracanicum (Derak, the west of Dasht Arjan, Bavanat-Simakan (Lakposhti), Ghorogh Abolmahdi (Pasargad) and Sadra areas) from Fars province were collected. After drying the plant samples, the essential oils (EOs) were extracted from the aerial parts by using the Clevenger Apparatus, and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Methanolic extract was prepared by maceration method and analyzed by HPLC for polyphenolic compounds. EO yields were from 0.21 to 0.34% (w/w) based on dried material. The major constituents of the EOs were n-decane, n-dodecane, germacreneD, n-hexadecanoicacid, (E)-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, phytol, n-tricosane, n-pentacosane, n-heneicosane and caryophyllene oxide. The 12 major compounds were analyzed by Minitab V.14 software. The findings of chemical compounds showed that despite the difference in height and climate, Sadra region was more similar to Derak and Lakposhti Bavanat. The standards of gallic acid, quercetin, catechin, caffeic acid chlorogenic acid were measured in the wavelengths of 280nm and and 320nm. The amount of polyphenols varied in different areas. Our results showed that the height and climate in each area caused the variation of polyphenolic compounds.
M. Bonyadian; T. Rozkhosh; H. Moshtaghi
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is known as one of the bacteria transmitted by food, especially dairy products. Recently, the demand for replacing chemical preservatives with natural compounds has increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of Echinophora platyloba DC. extracts ...
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Listeria monocytogenes is known as one of the bacteria transmitted by food, especially dairy products. Recently, the demand for replacing chemical preservatives with natural compounds has increased. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of Echinophora platyloba DC. extracts on Listeria monocytogenes in broth medium and milk. The standard method of microdilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Echinophora platyloba on tested bacteria. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations of aqueous and ethanol extracts, were 50 and 70 mg/ml respectively and the minimum bactericidal concentrations for these extracts, were 70 and 100 mg/ml respectively. Based on the results, both aqueous and ethanol extracts showed acceptable anti listeria effects at 4ºC and 25ºC in milk compared to the control group (P<0.05). At the same concentrations, the aqueous extract showed a stronger effect on the Listeria monocytogenes as compared with ethanol extract. Also, the results revealed that the antimicrobial effect of the aqueous extract was greater at 4ºC than that of 25ºC in the same concentration (P<0.05).
L. Jafarzadeh; H. Omidi; A. Bostani
Abstract
To investigate the effect of drought stress and bio-fertilizer (nitrogen) on flower yield, yield components, photosynthesis pigments and proline content of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), a study was performed at Shahed University Agricultural Research Station, located 30 km south of Tehran. A ...
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To investigate the effect of drought stress and bio-fertilizer (nitrogen) on flower yield, yield components, photosynthesis pigments and proline content of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), a study was performed at Shahed University Agricultural Research Station, located 30 km south of Tehran. A split-plot experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in cropping years of 2010-2011. Drought, as the main factor, included soil water potential (SWP) of 0.5 atm and equal to field capacity (FC) as control, SWP of 3.5 atm as moderate stress, SWP of 6.5 atm as relatively sever stress, and SWP of 10 atm as severe stress and was applied to the four-leaf stage. Application of bio-fertilizer (nitrogen) as sub factor including control, 2 liters/ha bio fertilizer (nitrogen) with water irrigation and inoculation of 2 liters/ha bio-fertilizer (nitrogen) with seed treatment), were considered in subplots. Results showed that drought, application of bio fertilizer (nitrogen) and its interaction had a significant effect (P≤0.01) on plant height, flower yield, photosynthesis pigment content, proline content, and flower extract percentage. The highest flower yield (574.46 kg.ha-1) and yield of flower extract (22.79 %) were obtained at a soil water potential (SWP) of 0.5atm (FC). Also, the highest plant height (27.11cm) and photosynthesis pigment contents (17.59 mg/g) were obtained under moderate stress (SWP of 3.5atm). Proline content under optimum irrigation (SWP of 0.5atm or FC) was 47 % lower than that of relatively severe stress (SWP of 6.5atm). Based on the results, the highest plant height, flower yield, proline content and yield of flower extract were obtained from inoculation of bio-fertilizer (nitrogen) with seed treatment. In generall, results showed that calendula along with application of two liters/ha bio-fertilizer (nitrogen) with seed inoculation can tolerate relatively severe levels of drought (SWP of 6.5 atm).
F. Sefidkon; B. Torabi Sagvand; M. Naderi; S.A Ghooshegir
Abstract
Nasturtium officinalis (L.) R. Br. is a prennial and aquatic plant which grows in water flows of most regions of Iran. There are flavonoids in the leaves and flowers of N. officinalis with anticancer properties. In this research, to investigate anticancer effects, leaves and flowers of N. officinalis ...
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Nasturtium officinalis (L.) R. Br. is a prennial and aquatic plant which grows in water flows of most regions of Iran. There are flavonoids in the leaves and flowers of N. officinalis with anticancer properties. In this research, to investigate anticancer effects, leaves and flowers of N. officinalis were used by maceration in methanol for preparation of extract and its fractions. Also, the extract was converted to nanocapsules. The fractions of dichloromethane, diethylether and methanol were prepared from the first extract. Nanocapsules were prepared by double emulsion method using poly-lactic-glycolic acid. Nanocapsules were dried and their dimensions and distribution coefficient were determined. To evaluate the inhibitory effects on the proliferation of breast cancer cells (T47D) and colon cancer cells (HT-29), effects of the first extract, fractions and nanocapsules were compared with Doxorubicin (500 nM) and RPMI as control treatment. Measuring the the average size of nanocapsules showed that the dimentions of 50% of nanocapsules were less than 10 nm and the other were between 50-900 nm. Results of anticancer properties of the extract and fractions of N. officinalis on both breast and colon cancer cells, for 1 to 3 days, showed that dichloromethane fraction had a stronger effect on inhibition of proliferation of cancer cells compared to the first extract and other fractions. In addition, nanocapsules in the same concentration and period of time killed more cells in comparison to the first extract. Meanwhile, the anticancer effect of N. officinalis extract on breast cancer cells was stronger than that on colon cancer cells. Consequently, the possibility of making medicines from this plant extract especially in nanocapsule form could be considered.
A. Azizi; A.M. Azizi; Gh. Azizi; Sh. Zandi; Sh. Khaghani
Abstract
Skin tannin and tan-bark of Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach were extracted by two different solvents namely methanol and ethyl acetate. Afterwards, their antioxidant effects were studied on edible vegetable oil compared with synthetic antioxidant Grindox 117 through AOM and Rencimat methods. AOM method ...
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Skin tannin and tan-bark of Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach were extracted by two different solvents namely methanol and ethyl acetate. Afterwards, their antioxidant effects were studied on edible vegetable oil compared with synthetic antioxidant Grindox 117 through AOM and Rencimat methods. AOM method was applied in condition of 120 ° C and an air flow of 8:35 l/h while 110 ° C and airflow of 20 l/ h were applied in Rencimat method. Induction period of sunflower oil was increased from 5.30 to 10.85 h by adding 200 ppm extract taken out with methanol 90%. This period was increased up to 10.9 h by adding 200 ppm extract taken out with ethyl acetate 99/99%. Induction period of soybean oil was increased from 5.9 to 8.87 h by adding 200 ppm extract taken out with methanol 90%. This period was increased up to 8.87 h by adding 200 ppm extract taken out with ethyl acetate 99/99%. In another sample of soybean oil, induction period was increased from 4.65 to 7.2 h by adding 200 ppm of a mixture of methanol extract and pure citric acid (ratio1:3). This period was increased up to 7.15 h by adding 200 ppm of a mixture of ethyl acetate and citric acid (ratio1:3).
S. Asgary; P. Rahimi; P. Mahzoni; N. Kabiri
Abstract
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) has been used in Iranian traditional medicine in diabetes treatment. In this study the blood glucose and lowering effects of hydroalcoholic ...
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Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) has been used in Iranian traditional medicine in diabetes treatment. In this study the blood glucose and lowering effects of hydroalcoholic extract of walnut leaves have been investigated in Wistar rats. In this research 18 white male rats, with 180-220 g weight were randomly allocated into three groups with six rats each group: group 1 )nondiabetic control (group 2) diabetic control ( group 3 )diabetic rats treated with hydro-alcoholic extract of walnut leaves (200 mgkg-1 BW). Before the blood sampling, rats had been fasted for 16h, and then fasting blood samples were collected in tubes with heparin. Sampling was performed from the orbital sinus for estimation of blood glucose and others factors. After the blood sampling at the end of experimental period, pancreatic tissue removed from rat body. Then some sections were made and size of islets was investigated. The results indicated significant reduction in serum glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in the third group (P<0.05). Histomorphological investigation of pancreatic islets showed that the size of pancreatic islets is different among the experimental groups. The average of pancreatic islets size indicated significant reduction in diabetic group compared to other groups (P<0.05). This research showed that using walnut extract could be effective on regeneration of injured pancreatic islets in diabetic rats. Probably this effect related to antioxidant compounds in extract. It seems that increase in islet size is the result of remainder cells proliferation.
M.Sh. Daneshmandi; M. Azizi
Abstract
In this research, the inhibitory effect of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. on germination and rhizome growth of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. weed in three separate experiments were studied. In first experiment, after growing the weed, effects of different concentration of essential oils (20ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm) ...
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In this research, the inhibitory effect of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. on germination and rhizome growth of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. weed in three separate experiments were studied. In first experiment, after growing the weed, effects of different concentration of essential oils (20ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm) as spray treatment on growth of the weed were investigated. In second experiment, effect of different level of Eucalyptus leaf litter (2, 5 and 10 w/w) as mulch treatments on germination of weed rhizome growth in a pot experiment were studied. In third experiment, effect of different concentrations of essential oils (20ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm) and leaf extract (25%, 50% and 75% water alcoholic extract) on in vitro rhizome germination were studied. Results indicated that leaf mulch had strong inhibitory effects on rhizome germination, that rhizome germination completely stopped in 50% w/w of mulch treatments. The highest number of germinated node (10.75 node/rhizome) was obtained in control treatment and the lowest one (1.5 node/rhizome) was detected in 10% mulch treatment. Essential oils spraying also showed inhibitory effect. After four months of spraying, all weeds became dried and died. Extract treatments also reduced growth of the weed as in lower concentration of extract (25%), germination of the rhizome was almost 66%, but in higher concentration (50% and 75%) complete inhibition of germination process take place. It was concluded that Eucalyptus globulus has a good potential to control Cynodon dactylon weed and it can be used as a herbicide in organic culture of the agricultural crops.
H. Moshtaghi; M. Boniadian
Volume 24, Issue 3 , November 2008, , Pages 326-332
Abstract
Natural preservatives usage in food has attracted more consumers nowadays. In this investigation, the effect of mint (Mentha spicata L.) essential oil (0.5%, 1%, 2% v/w) on Listeria monocytogenes in pasteurized soft cheese inoculated at 106 cfug –1, at 7oC and 15oC for a period of 15 days was studied. ...
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Natural preservatives usage in food has attracted more consumers nowadays. In this investigation, the effect of mint (Mentha spicata L.) essential oil (0.5%, 1%, 2% v/w) on Listeria monocytogenes in pasteurized soft cheese inoculated at 106 cfug –1, at 7oC and 15oC for a period of 15 days was studied. At 7oC listeria monocytogenes after 15 days in all concentrations declined 2 to 3 log, but at 15oC with 0.5% extract only 1 log decline was observed. Concentrations of 1% and 2% Mentha spicata had more bactericidal effect on Listeria monocytogenes at 15oC. The results obtained in this study showed that Mentha spicata has antilisterial activity.
