Podophyllotoxin: a novel potential natural anticancer agent
Hamidreza
Ardalani
Department of Horticultural Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
author
Amir
Avan
Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Majid
Ghayour-Mobarhan
Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: The aim of the present review is to give an overview about the role, biosynthesis, and characteristics of Podophyllotoxin (PTOX) as a potential antitumor agent with particular emphasis on key biosynthesis processes, function of related enzymes and characterization of genes encoding the enzymes. Materials and Methods: Google scholar, PubMed and Scopus were searched for literatures which have studied identification, characterization, fermentation and therapeutic effects of PTOX and published in English language until end of 2016. Results: PTOX is an important plant-derived natural product, has derivatives such as etoposide and teniposide, which have been used as therapies for cancers and venereal wart. PTOX structure is closely related to the aryltetralin lactone lignans that have antineoplastic and antiviral activities. Podophyllum emodi Wall. (syn. P. hexandrum) and Podophyllum peltatum L. (Berberidaceae) are the major sources of PTOX. It has been shown that ferulic acid and methylenedioxy substituted cinnamic acid are the enzymes involved in PTOX synthesis. PTOX prevents cell growth via polymerization of tubulin, leading to cell cycle arrest and suppression of the formation of the mitotic-spindles microtubules. Conclusion: Several investigations have been performed in biosynthesis of PTOX such as cultivation of these plants, though they were unsuccessful. Thus, it is important to find alternative sources to satisfy the pharmaceutical demand for PTOX. Moreover, further preclinical studies are warranted to explore the molecular mechanisms of these agents in treatment of cancer and their possible potential to overcome chemoresistance of tumor cells.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
285
294
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8779_cd37e15242eb79631f7a4654319f6e59.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.8779
Antibacterial, antioxidant and cell proliferative properties of Coccinia grandis fruits
Prashant
Sakharkar
Department of Clinical & Administrative Sciences, Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, 1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg, IL, 60173, USA
author
Balwant
Chauhan
Department of Bipoharmaceutical Sciences, Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, 1400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg, IL, 60173, USA
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Little knowledge is available on the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Coccina grandis fruits and no study has reported on its cell proliferative property. The aim of this study was to examine the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cell proliferative property of fruits of C. grandis. Material and Methods: Fruits of C. grandis were extracted using water; ethanol and acetone by cold and hot Soxhlet extraction. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion method and compared against erythromycin. The antioxidant property was determined using Cayman's antioxidant assay; whereas cell proliferation/cytotoxic properties were evaluated using the Cell Titer 96 Aqueous One Solution Cell MTS assay with MDA-MB 321 breast cancer cells. Data were analyzed for correlation and differences using unpaired student's t-test and one-way ANOVA. A p value of Results: Both cold and hot ethanol and acetone extracts of C. grandis fruits showed some degree of bacterial growth inhibition. Acetone extracts exhibited higher antibacterial activity. Both ethanol extracts showed antioxidant property when compared with standard Trolox. In contrary to cytotoxicity, all four extracts showed cell proliferation compared to controls at different concentrations. However, acetone extracts exhibited greater cell proliferation compared to ethanol extracts and cold extracts performed better than the hot extracts. Conclusion: C. grandis fruits exhibited some degree of antimicrobial, antioxidant and cell proliferative properties. Further investigation is warranted to isolate, confirm and characterize phytochemicals that are responsible for the medicinal properties observed.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
295
307
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8366_a5901b8d729259e267d5115943bbbda0.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.17355.1671
The Effect of ginger herbal spray on reducing xerostomia in patients with type II diabetes
Homeira
Mardani
Department of Pathology, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
author
Alireza
Ghannadi
Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
author
Bahareh
Rashnavadi
Department of Pathology, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
author
Razieh
Kamali
Department of Pathology, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of ginger herbal spray on reducing dry mouth in patients with Type II diabetes. Materials and Method:This clinical trial was conducted on 20 patients with Type II diabetes suffering from dry mouth. The control individual for each patient was the same patient himself/herself. Each patient filled out his/her questionnaire at three different times, (before treatment, after treatment with placebo, and after taking the drug). Furthermore, the Schirmer test was performed to measure the flow of saliva in the patients. The drug and the placebo were prepared as oral sprays containing herbal extracts of ginger. Results:The mean amount of saliva after using the ginger plant spray increased significantly (p<0.001). The mean amount of saliva after treatment with medication was considerably different from the mean amount of saliva after treatment with the placebo (p<0.001). Our study included patients aged between 49 and 69 years old, (mean age 58.6 years old, and the standard deviation 5.3). The minimum and the maximum periods of type II diabetes were 2 and 21 years, the mean and the standard deviation of which were 8.8 and 5.8, respectively. Conclusion:With regard to the effectiveness of ginger herbal spray in rapidly increasing the patients’ saliva and satisfaction as well as the acceptability of this type of medicine to treat dry mouths, ginger herbal spray could act as a new, cheap, and available treatment for diabetic patients with dry mouth.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
308
316
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8755_a2630a3a9d68699e9e16c6c42759462d.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.8755
Effects of pomegranate seed oil on oxidant/antioxidant balance in heart and kidney homogenates and mitochondria of diabetic rats and high glucose-treated H9c2 cell line
Hamid
Mollazadeh
Department of physiology and pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
author
Mohammad Taher
Boroushaki
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Mohammad
Soukhtanloo
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
author
Amir Reza
Afshari
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Mohammad Mahdi
Vahedi
department of pharmacology faculty of medicine, Mashhad university of medical sciences,Mashhad,Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Oxidative stress is a major cause of diabetes complications. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil (PSO) on diabetes-induced changes in oxidant/antioxidant balance of the kidney, heart and mitochondria from rats and H9c2 cell line. Materials and Methods: In these in vivo and in vitro studies, male rats were divided into four groups (twelve each): group 1 served as control, group 2-4 received a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i. p), groups 3 and 4 received PSO (0.36 and 0.72 mg/kg/daily, gavage), respectively. After three weeks, six rats of each group and one week later the remaining animals were anaesthetized and the hearts and kidneys were removed and homogenized. Mitochondrial fractions were separated and enzyme activities were measured in each sample. H9c2 cells were pretreated with high levels of glucose (35 mM), and then, incubated with PSO. Finally, cell viability test, reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Results: Significant reduction in enzymes activity (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione S-transferase and Paraoxonase 1), compensatory elevation in Glutathione Reductase, Glutathione Peroxidase and Catalase activity followed by reduction after one week and significant elevation in Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were observed in diabetic group. PSO treatment resulted in a significant increase in enzymes activity and decreased OSI values compared to diabetic group in both tissue and mitochondrial fractions. PSO remarkably decreased glucose-induced toxicity, ROS level and lipid peroxidation in H9c2 cells. Conclusion: Results suggested that PSO has a protective effect against diabetes-induced alterations in oxidant/antioxidant balance in tissues, mitochondrial and H9c2 cell line.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
317
333
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8597_adaa18fbf9743b5ed1866f82b04cbe70.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.20252.1772
Hydro-alcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita exhibited dual anti-spasmodic effect via modulation of Ca2+ channels, NO and PKA2-kinase pathway in rabbit jejunum
Hamidreza
yazdi
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Akhtar
Seifi
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Shima
Changizi
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Vahid
Khori
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
author
Fatemeh
Hossini
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Ali
Davarian
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Yahya
Jand
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Ayesheh
Enayati
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
Masumeh
Mazandarani
Department of Botany, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
author
Fateme
Nanvabashi
Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Several studies have shown the antispasmodic activity of Matricariarecutita without detailing the underlying mechanism(s). The present study was designed to determine whether the antispasmodic mechanisms of M. recutita extract mediated via histaminergic/cholinergic receptors, Ca2+channels, activation of PKA2 and NO release in isolated rabbit jejunum. Methods and Materials: The concentration- dependent (3 × 10-3–1.3 × 10-2 mg/ml) antispasmodic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of M. recutita flowers was studied in isolated rabbit jejunum. The isolated jejunum preparations were divided into seven groups, including the pharmacological probes that modulate cholinergic, histaminergic, and nitrergic receptors, as well as PKA2. Results: M. recutita inhibited spontaneous smooth muscle contractility of the jejunum in a concentration-dependent manner (3 × 10-3–1.3 × 10-2 mg/ml) and reduced both K+- and Ca2+-induced contractions, which is similar to the effect of verapamil. The antispasmodic effect of M. recutita wasinhibited by H89 (a PKA2 inhibitor). The myorelaxant effect of M. recutita increased in the presence of ACh/His and H89. Conclusion: M. recutita evoked antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects mediated through different signaling pathways. Our results have shown this dual inhibitory effect is mediated by blocking Ca2+ channels, activating His and ACh receptors, releasing NO, and activating PKA2.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
334
344
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8607_530b34da8485e1a892c902902e7ebdba.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.8607
Crocin prevents acute angiotensin II-induced hypertension in anesthetized rats
Mohammad Naser
Shafei
Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Abdolali
Faramarzi Plangar
Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Akbar
Anaeigoudari
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
author
Abolfazl
Khajavi Rad
Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Angiotensin II (Ang II), the main product of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a well-known role in cardiovascular regulation. Over-production of Ang II is one of the important underlying mechanisms of hypertension. In this study, the effect of crocin on cardiovascular responses in rats with acute hypertension induced by Ang II was evaluated. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): 1) Control: rats that received saline, 2) Ang II: rats that received Ang II (300 ng/kg) infused in two min, 3) Losartan (Los) + Ang II : rats that received Los (10 mg/kg, i.v) before Ang II, and 4-6) Crocin (Cro) + Ang II groups: rats that received three doses of crocin (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, slow i.v) 10 min before Ang II. Femoral artery and vein were cannulated for recording of cardiovascular parameters and injection of drugs, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded by power lab system. After injection of reagents and extracts, maximum changes (∆) of MAP, SBP and HR were recorded and compared with control group. Results: Ang II (300 ng/kg) increased maximal changes in MAP, SBP and HR compared to control group (p<0.001) and Los significantly attenuated these effects of Ang II (p<0.001). Maximal changes of MAP, SBP and HR induced by Ang II, were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with all doses of crocin (50,100 and 200) (p Conclusion: Based on the effects of crocin on acute Ang II-induced hypertension, it is hypothesized that the cardiovascular improving effects of crocin may be mediated via suppressing of RAS.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
345
352
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8613_b52287f1c1733f55685e387dee6d333a.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.17438.1672
Anti-anxiety and hypnotic effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Lippia citriodora leaves and verbascoside in mice
Marjan
Razavi
Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
author
Naser
Zargarani
School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
author
Hossein
Hosseinzadeh
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objectives: The extract of Lippia citriodora and its main component, verbascoside, are known for their hypnotic effects in traditional medicine. In this study, the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of L. citriodora leave extracts and verbascoside were evaluated in mice. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into 11 groups of six mice each. Group I received normal saline, Group II received Diazepam (2 mg/kg) as positive control, Groups III, IV and V received L. citriodora ethanolic extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively), Groups VI, VII and VIII received L. citriodora aqueous extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) and Groups IX, X and XI received Verbascoside (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively). All agents were administrated intraperitoneally. To evaluate hypnotic activity, pentobarbital sleeping test, and for anxiolytic activity, elevated plus-maze (EPM), locomotor activity, open field and motor coordination (rotarod test) tests were used. To understand the role of GABAA receptor, flumazenil was also administered. Results: The extracts and verbascoside increased the time spent and number of entries in the open arms of EPM. Moreover, these agents significantly increased the sleeping time induced by pentobarbital. In addition, the highest dose of extracts and verbascoside reduced time spent on the rod and total locomotion in the open field tests, respectively. Flumazenil inhibited the effects of extracts and verbascoside in EPM and hypnotic tests. Conclusion: These results suggested that ethanolic and aqueous extracts of L. citriodora and verbascoside exhibit anxiolytic, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effects especially at the highest doses and these effects are partially due to the interaction with GABAA receptor.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
353
365
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8740_73f369f25c9cbc9ef5c60b2e18bb4983.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.17344.1669
Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract of Opuntia humifusa stem
Bhesh Raj
Sharma
Department of Oriental Medicine Resources Mokpo National University, Muan-gun, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
author
Chul Min
Park
Department of Oriental Medicine Resources Mokpo National University, Muan-gun, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
author
Jong
Choi
College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Korea
author
Dong Young
Rhyu
Department of Oriental Medicine Resources Mokpo National University, Muan-gun, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Opuntia humifusa (O. humifusa) Raf. has been used for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, and cancer. Our study was designed to unveil the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the methanolic extract of O. humifusa Raf stem (OHS). Material and Methods: The anti-nociceptive effect was measured by hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing, and tail flick assays in mice and rats. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect was measured by vascular permeability and carrageenan and serotonin-induced paw edema tests in rats. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effect was also measured using macrophage-like LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results: OHS extract inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing (p<0.0001), and delayed the reaction time of mice to the hot plate-induced thermal stimulation (p<0.0001) and tail flick tests (p<0.05). OHS extract attenuated the carrageenan and serotonin-induced paw edema in rats (p<0.001). Similarly, OHS extract significantly decreased Evans blue concentration in acetic acid induced vascular permeability test (p<0.0001), revealing its strong anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, among four different fractions of OHS extract, n-butanol fraction strongly decreased NO production (p<0.0001) and iNOS expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the methanolic extract of O. humifusa stem can be used to develop a therapeutic or supportive drug and/or functional food against pain and inflammation related diseases.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
366
375
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8245_a043ea0a8db52919588c1132374034e2.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.19155.1740
Curcumin attenuates harmful effects of arsenic on neural stem/progenitor cells
Ali
Jahanbazi Jahan-Abad
Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
author
Parastoo
Morteza-zadeh
Department of Biology, Kharazmi University of Tehran, Iran
author
Sajad
Sahab Negah
Department of Neuroscience, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Ali
Gorji
Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Arsenic, an environmental pollutant, decreases neuronal migration as well as cellular maturation and inhibits the proliferation of neural progenitor cells. Curcumin has been described as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent with strong therapeutic potential in some neurological disorders. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs), a source of multipotent stem cells, can self-renew and differentiate into neural cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of curcumin against arsenic toxic effects on the viability, telomerase activity, and apoptosis of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) derived from hADSCs. Materials and Methods: The characteristics of human adipose tissue were identified by immunocytochemistry for surface markers namely, CD105, CD73, and CD90. Using neurosphere assay, hADSCs were differentiated into neuronal cells. To characterize neural cells, expression of nestin, SOX2, MAP2, and GFAP were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Cytotoxicity and viability of NSPCs were evaluated by MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by arsenic exposure, were measured and caspase 3/7 activity and caspase-3 processing as well as the telomerase activity were determined. Results: The isolated hADSCs positively expressed CD105, CD73, and CD90. Nestin, Sox2, GFAP, and MAP2 were expressed in the neurospheres derived from hADSCs. Curcumin/arsenic co-treatment significantly increased telomerase activity of NSPCs compared to arsenic group. Furthermore, curcumin significantly reduced arsenic-induced apoptosis (via inactivation of caspases) as well as arsenic-associated ROS generation. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that curcumin has the potential to prevent harmful effects of arsenic on neurogenesis.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
7
v.
4
no.
2017
376
388
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_8305_ff3628159e25c452aa9a01741b51b7a7.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2016.19241.1742