Volume 25, Issue 2 , August 2009
A. Roohbakhsh; G. Karimi
Abstract
Over production of uric acid by xanthine oxidase (XO) causes gout. XO inhibitors for example allopurinol are the most important available anti gout drugs. Medicinal herbs are available natural sources that may be useful for the treatment of gout. In this study the inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts ...
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Over production of uric acid by xanthine oxidase (XO) causes gout. XO inhibitors for example allopurinol are the most important available anti gout drugs. Medicinal herbs are available natural sources that may be useful for the treatment of gout. In this study the inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L., Hypericum perforatum L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Zea mays L., Trachyspermum copticum (L.) Link, Cynara scolymus L. and Hedera helix L. were measured. In these experiments, under controlled conditions xanthine turns into uric acid by XO. Uric acid absorbance was measured at 295 nm using a UV spectrophotometer. Adding allopurinol (as positive control) or aqueous extracts to the solution containing XO, can decrease uric acid production by inhibition of this enzyme. At first, XO inhibitory activity of allopurinol and reproducibility of the method was evaluated by conducting three experiments. The results showed an EC50= 0.43 μg/ml for allopurinol. Then, XO inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts at 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mg/ml were measured. Matricaria chamomilla could inhibit enzyme up to 68% (P< 0.001) while maximum XO inhibitory activities of Hypericum perforatum and Cynara scolymus were 36% (P< 0.001) and 21% (P< 0.001) respectively. Other extracts did not have any significant effect on XO. Our obtained results showed that part of anti gout effects of Matricaria chamomilla, Hypericum perforatum and Cynara scolymus is due to XO inhibition.
F. Zafari Zangeneh; L. Moezi; A. Amir Zargar
Abstract
Fruit of date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is very commonly consumed, especially in Arabic countries. This fruit has important pharmacologic properties such as antioxidant and antimutagenic effects. Fig (Ficus carica L.) shows highly efficient antioxidant and antimutagenic activity as well and produces ...
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Fruit of date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is very commonly consumed, especially in Arabic countries. This fruit has important pharmacologic properties such as antioxidant and antimutagenic effects. Fig (Ficus carica L.) shows highly efficient antioxidant and antimutagenic activity as well and produces a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity for 4 hours after consumption. Olive (Olea europaea L.) with polyphenols has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study due to antioxidant and antimutagenic activity in date, fig and olive fruits are quite potent, we investigated the effects of these fruits on weight, pain threshold and memory in day regimen of mice. We used hot plate to study pain threshold and also the passive avoidance apparatus for measurement of memory 24 hours in mice was step down. Our results showed that, these fruits significantly increase memory and do not affect weight and pain threshold.
Sh. Ahmadi; F. Sefidkon; P. Babakhanlo; F. Asgari; K. Khademi; N. Valizadeh; M.A. Karimifar
Abstract
The genus of Satureja consist of 30 species in world. Satureja bachtiarica Bunge is one of the endemic species of this genus in Iran. In order to identify the quality changes of essential oil of Satureja bachtiarica, we planted the specimen in 1382 in Khorram Abad on the 36 plot, using the split factorial ...
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The genus of Satureja consist of 30 species in world. Satureja bachtiarica Bunge is one of the endemic species of this genus in Iran. In order to identify the quality changes of essential oil of Satureja bachtiarica, we planted the specimen in 1382 in Khorram Abad on the 36 plot, using the split factorial design in randomized complete block with 3 replications. Aerial parts of plants were collected in two stages (before and full flowering) from field and provenance in the second year. The plant materials were dried and hydro-distilled in order to obtain their essential oils. The oils were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The main component of essential oil before flowering stage were carvacrol (20٪), P-cymene (36.5٪) and thymol (19.2.(٪ In the flowering stage 21 compounds were characterized in the oil with carvacrol (25.5٪), p-cymene (23.2٪), thymol (0.5(٪ and mentone (18.5 (٪as the main constituents. Fifteen compounds were characterized in the oil of field sample (Khorram Abad). The main constituents of the oil were carvacrol (48.6٪) and p-cymene (28.6٪) before flowering stage. In the flowering stage 13 compounds were characterized in the oil with carvacrol (62.3٪) and p-cymene (21.2٪) as the main constituents. The oil yields of cultivated and wild S. bachtiarica samples were 1.1, 2.08% and 1.8, 1.1% before and full flowering stages, respectively. The amount of carvacrol in Satureja bachtiarica oils were 48.6%, 62.3% and 20%, 25.8%before and full flowering stages, in field and provenance, respectively. These results showed that variation of ecological characters like altitude, temperature, humidity and climate had effect on percentage of carvacrol.
M. Kesmati; A. Zande Moghadam; A. Hoshmand Nia; Z. Abasizadeh
Abstract
Various studies indicated that the phytoestrogenic components exist in the Matricaria recutita L. Phytoestrogens act as a weak agonist and/or antagonist of estrogen receptors. On the other hand, it has been showed that the sex hormones affect dependency of narcotic drugs. In the present study the effect ...
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Various studies indicated that the phytoestrogenic components exist in the Matricaria recutita L. Phytoestrogens act as a weak agonist and/or antagonist of estrogen receptors. On the other hand, it has been showed that the sex hormones affect dependency of narcotic drugs. In the present study the effect of aqueous and hydroalcholic extract of Matricaria recutita on morphine withdrawal signs in presence and/or absence of estrogen receptor antagonist were investigated. Male adult wistar rats weighing 240±30 gram classified in groups of seven were used. Morphine and naloxone were applied for dependence and withdrawal syndrome induction, respectively. Rearing, jumping and grooming were evaluated. Tamoxifen (0.5 mg/kg) as an estrogen antagonist was applied. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for comparison between phytoestrogenic components of both extracts. Results showed that: 1) Hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita decreased rearing and grooming significantly but aqueous extract attenuated only rearing, therefore hydroalcoholic extract of MR had more sedative effect than the aqueous extract. 2) Tamoxifen prevented the MR induced rearing decline, but increased grooming sign in presence of both extract. 3) Tamoxifen increased jumping and grooming behaviors but decreased rearing sign. 4) HPLC showed the presence of apigenine and chrysin (phytoestrogenic components) in aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract of MR but the extraction amount of them was more in hydroalcoholic than the aqueous extract. It seems the phytoestrogenic components of both MR extracts induce sedative effect on some of morphine withdrawal behaviors and probably by interaction with some neurochemical systems of dependence phenomena in central nervous system.
M. Azizi; M. Rahmati; T. Ebadi; M. Hasanzadeh khayyat
Abstract
Field experiment was carried out at the Ferdowsi University Research Field, Mashhad, Iran during 2007-2008, to determine the effect of different drying temperatures, microwave powers and natural method (shaded and sunny area) in Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Asteraceae) essential oil content, chamazolene ...
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Field experiment was carried out at the Ferdowsi University Research Field, Mashhad, Iran during 2007-2008, to determine the effect of different drying temperatures, microwave powers and natural method (shaded and sunny area) in Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Asteraceae) essential oil content, chamazolene content, drying time and drying rate. The experimental design was completely randomized block design having three temperatures: 50, 60 and 70 °C, six microwave powers: 100, 180, 300, 450, 600 and 900w and drying in shaded and sunny area, replicated thrice. The drying process was continued until the mass of the sample reduced to a moisture content of about 0.10 on a dry basis or 10% on a wet basis. The results indicate that different treatments of drying had a significant effect on the drying time and rate and essential oil and chamazolene content. The maximum essential oil content obtained at drying by the lowest temperatures and drying in shaded area. Whereas, higher drying temperatures of oven and microwave powers and drying in sunny area decreased the essential oil content. Maximum chamazolene content obtained at microwave drying (except 100w power) and natural method. Minimum chamazolene content was obtained at drying by oven.
Z. Baher Nik; M. Teimori; M. Mirza
Abstract
In this research, the effects of different irrigation treatments on chemical constituents and antibacterial effects of theessential oil of P. argentatum were studied. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with four replications. Four irrigation treatments were determined, ...
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In this research, the effects of different irrigation treatments on chemical constituents and antibacterial effects of theessential oil of P. argentatum were studied. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with four replications. Four irrigation treatments were determined, consisting of: (a) control, which was irrigated to full field capacity (FC); (b) low water stress treatment (LS1=75% of FC); (c) moderate water stress treatment (LS2=50% of FC); (d) sever water stress (HS=25% of FC). Then the volatile constituents of the flowers were isolated and their quantities, qualities and antibacterial effect determined against four gram negative and four gram positive bacteria on the basis of disc-diffusion method. The result showed that not only the quantity of the essential oils but also the qualities varied. The percentage of α-pinene, β-pinene, γ-eudesmol and β-eudesmol has changed. The LS2 treatment of essential oils showed more antimicrobial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria compared to other essential oils. This higher activity of essential oil may be related to higher amount of α-pinene and β-pinene in LS2. In addition gram positive bacteria were more susceptible than gram negative bacteria.
K. Saeedi; R. Omidbaigi
Abstract
Dog rose (Rosa canina L.) is considered as one of the most important medicinal plants, which contain valuable medicinal and nutritional compounds in its fruits. In order to determine total phenolic, soluble carbohydrates, carotenoid contents and minerals in dog rose fruits collected from five different ...
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Dog rose (Rosa canina L.) is considered as one of the most important medicinal plants, which contain valuable medicinal and nutritional compounds in its fruits. In order to determine total phenolic, soluble carbohydrates, carotenoid contents and minerals in dog rose fruits collected from five different ecological regions in south-west of Iran (Kiar and Gerd Bishe in Charmahal & Bakhtiari, Yasuj and Meymand in Kohgiluye & Boyer Ahmad and Semirom in Isfahan), an evaluation was carried out during 2006-2007. Total phenolic contents, total soluble carbohydrates and total carotenoids varied from 83.13-94.14 mg GAE/g DW, 13.34–17.14% and 408.36–495 µg/g FW, respectively. The N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn values of fruit samples differed from 0.73-1.15%, 2816–4278 ppm, 2036–3325 ppm, 689–1092 ppm, 821–1243 ppm, 34–52 ppm, 15–29 ppm and 23–43 ppm, respectively. This study showed that fruits of dog rose are a rich source of phenolic contents, soluble carbohydrates, carotenoids and minerals. In this study, content of active substances affected by climatic factors of case studies was investigated.
M. Naderi Hagibaghercandi; F. Sefidkon; M.R. Poorherave; M. Mirza
Abstract
Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) is an evergreen tree and growing in favorable condition to a height of about 15-20 meter. This ornamental tree is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and southeast part of Europe. The essential oil obtained from Laurus nobilis has been used for anti larvae, rheumatic pains ...
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Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) is an evergreen tree and growing in favorable condition to a height of about 15-20 meter. This ornamental tree is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and southeast part of Europe. The essential oil obtained from Laurus nobilis has been used for anti larvae, rheumatic pains and muscular convulsion. Laurel is usually considered as the natural source of this compound, used in the flavor, cosmetic and fragrance industries. In the present study the leaves of Laurus nobilis were collected from two locations (Botanical Garden of Noshahr and National Botanical Garden of Iran in Tehran) in March 2009 and dried in shade. In addition the green stems and fruits were collected from Noshahr. The essential oil of all samples were obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The oil yields based on dry weight for stem, leaf and fruit are respectively 0.22%, 0.43% and 1.35% (for Noshahr samples) and 3.86% for the leaves of Tehran sample. Twenty-fore, 27, 37 and 20 components were identified in the essential oils of stem, leaf, fruit (for Noshahr) and leaf (for Tehran) of Laurus nobilis (representing 95%, 98.5%, 95.6% and 98.4% of the oils), respectively. The major components in the stem oil were 1,8-cineole (42.9%), α-terpinyl acetate (16.8%) and sabinene(4.7%). The main compounds in leaf oil were 1,8-cineole (58.2%), α-terpinyl acetate (10%) and sabinene(7.2%) and main compounds in leaf oil in Tehran sample were 1,8-cineole (47%), sabinene(13.9%) andα -terpinyl acetate (11.5%). The major components in fruit oil were E-β-ocimene (20.8%), 1,8-cineole (14.4%), α-terpinyl acetate (8.5%), germacrene B (7.8%), α-pinene (6.6%), germacrene D (6%), sabinene(5.4%) and β-pinene (5.1%). The results obtained from this study showed that the oil yields from the stem was lower than leaves but in both stem and leaf oils the major components were similar. The fruit oil contained high amount of E-β-ocimene.
Z. Habibi; M. Yousefi
Abstract
The chemical constituents of essential oil and the extract of Codonocephalum stenocalathium Rech. f. were investigated. The oil of the aerial parts was obtained with hydrodistillation by Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-seven compounds, representing ...
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The chemical constituents of essential oil and the extract of Codonocephalum stenocalathium Rech. f. were investigated. The oil of the aerial parts was obtained with hydrodistillation by Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-seven compounds, representing 70.9% of oil were identified. The main constituents were (E)-nuciferol (10.4%), geranyl-n-propionate (6.4%) and (Z)-lanceol acetate(4.7%). The chloroform extract of C. stenocalathium yielded two known compounds as pseudotaraxasterol acetate and ilicic acid. The structures of these natural products were elucidated by using 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the crude extract was examined against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. The extract showed inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria especially against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.
R. Yaraee; T. Ghazanfari; M. Naseri; S. Fallahnejad; M. Eghtedardoost
Abstract
Immune system participates in etiology and pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Modulation of immune responses including humoral immune responses has been considered as a useful approach in control and disease treatments and immunomodulators can be effective in this regard. Herbal drugs are known as ...
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Immune system participates in etiology and pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Modulation of immune responses including humoral immune responses has been considered as a useful approach in control and disease treatments and immunomodulators can be effective in this regard. Herbal drugs are known as a source of immunomodulators. In this study the effect of MS14, a herbal – marine preparation, on humoral immune response in animal model is considered. MS14 have been orally administered (50 and 100 mg/kg) to 6-8 weeks old female Balb/C mice 5 days, the mice were immunized once using SRBC and were bled at day 6 (primary humoral response). Alternatively the mice were immunized multiple times during two weeks for secondary immune response in control group and MS14 (100 mg/kg). Serial dilutions of serum were prepared and agglutination test was performed using SRBC for primary and secondary sera. Serum IgG level in secondary sera has been determined by sandwich ELISA test. Antibody titer of primary serum was significantly reduced in agglutination test (the mean titer of antibody was 44.571 in control group and 27.6 in 50 mg/kg of MS14 and 7.33 in 100 mg/kg of MS14). Although, a little reduction has been observed in level of agglutinating antibody titer for secondary serum, but the reduction was not statistically significant (the mean titer of antibody was 25.6 in control group and 11.2 in MS14 group). Serum IgG level in control and MS14 group was not statistically significant as well (374.9 ng/ml in control and 382.1ng/ml in MS14 group). It can be concluded that MS14 possibly induces part of its immunomodulatory effect by reducing the production of IgM in primary humoral response but it has not any effect on IgG production in secondary humoral response.
N. Moezzi; H. Najafzadeh Varzi; S. Shirali
Abstract
Decrease of collateral effect of wound repairing is one of the important objects of radiology and surgery studies. Identification of the effective, cheap and available drugs that have public grace is necessary. Whereas the Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) extract and Henna (Lowsonia intermis L.) ...
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Decrease of collateral effect of wound repairing is one of the important objects of radiology and surgery studies. Identification of the effective, cheap and available drugs that have public grace is necessary. Whereas the Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) extract and Henna (Lowsonia intermis L.) had anti-inflammatory effect in previous studies, so, in this study we compared their effect with silver sulfadiazine in wound healing. Female rats divided to four groups (four rats in each group). Rats anesthetized with standard combination of Ketamin-HCl and Acepromazine and incised with surgical blade on the mid dorsal line, then sutured with nylon suture. The wound was six centimeter length and five knobs with one centimeter distances applied. The wound length measured every day until complete recovery. Five hundred milligrams of oleaster extract, Henna paste and silver sulfadiazine ointment applied on wounds every day and one group didn't have any drugs as a control group. Average of repairing percent in first week in sulfadiazine and Oleaster groups were 90%, whereas this was 70% for henna group and 50% for control group. Complete wound healing in control groups; Henna, Oleaster and Sulfadiazine were observed in 13, 12, 10 and 8 days after surgery, consecutively. As a result, Olester extract can repair the wound same as silver sulfadiazine, whereas the Henna did not show the same effect in that definite time.
A. Ghani; M. Azizi; A. Tehranifar
Abstract
Achillea (Yarrow) is one of the most important genera of the Asteraceae family and different species grow wild in different parts of Iran. These species have ornamental and medicinal potential for use in drought area. The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of drought stress induce by Poly Ethylene ...
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Achillea (Yarrow) is one of the most important genera of the Asteraceae family and different species grow wild in different parts of Iran. These species have ornamental and medicinal potential for use in drought area. The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of drought stress induce by Poly Ethylene Glycol 6000 (PEG) on germination percentage and rate of Achillea species. An experiment in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors in three replications was conducted. The first factor included 5 drought level (0, -5, -7, -9 and -20 bar that zero bar as control) and second factor included 6 species of Achillea (A. eriophora, A. millefolium, A. filipendula, A. nobilis, A. wilhelmsii and A. biebersteinii). The seed were collected from Shiraz, Mashhad and Karaj area. According to the results of statistical analysis, different levels of drought stress and type of species had significant effect (p<0.01) on measured characteristics (germination percentage, germination rate and radicle length). In this species radicle length affected by drought stress less than other traits and germination percentage was the best trait for drought stress evaluation. Finally, A. millefolium and A. eriophora have the highest drought tolerance and the lowest drought tolerance belongs to A. biebesteinii and A. nobilis. The A. wilhelmsii and A. filipendula have relative drought tolerance in germination stage.
E. Morteza; GH.A. Akbari; S.A.M Modares Sanavi; B. Foghi; M. Abdoli; H. Aliabadi Farahani
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of sowing date and planting density on the essential oil content and compositionof valerian, this experiment was conducted in the years of 2005-2006 at Experimental Farm in Abureyhan Campus, University of Tehran. This experiment performed in split plot form based on ...
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In order to investigate the effect of sowing date and planting density on the essential oil content and compositionof valerian, this experiment was conducted in the years of 2005-2006 at Experimental Farm in Abureyhan Campus, University of Tehran. This experiment performed in split plot form based on a complete randomized block design with four replications. The main factor was the sowing date with three levels (11th August, 1st and 22nd September), sub factor was the density with three levels (40000, 80000 and 120000 plants/ hectare). Seeds of valerian providedbyresearch departmenton medicinal plants in University of Shahid Beheshti. After isolating essential oil from dried roots by the hydrodistillation method, composition of essential oil were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/Mass spectrometry analysis. Number of 87 composition were identified in essential oil. Bornyl acetate, valerenal, camphene and valeranone were the highest percentage in other compositions of essential oil. According to the results, sowing date and planting density had significant effect on essential oil percentage and its composition (bornyl acetate, valerenal, camphene and valeranone) (P≤0.01). Interaction of sowing date and planting density had significant effect only on essential oil percentage (P≤0.05). Final results showed that the highest amount of essential oil percentage and its composition (bornyl acetate, valerenal, camphene, and valeranone) was obtained on 22nd September and 40000 plants per hectare.
