Anorexia: Highlights in Traditional Persian medicine and conventional medicine
Majid
Nimrouzi
Department of Traditional Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Essence of Parsiyan Wisdom Institute, Traditional Medicine and Medicinal Plant Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
author
Mohammad Mehdi
Zarshenas
Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional pharmacy), School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Anorexia and impaired appetite (Dysorexia) are common symptoms with varying causes, and often need no serious medical intervention. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic psychiatric disease with a high mortality rate. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), anorexia is a condition in which anorexic patients lose appetite due to dystemperament. This review aims to discuss the common points of traditional and conventional approaches rather than introducing Persian medical recommendations suitable for nowadays use. Materialsand Methods: For this purpose, Avicenna's Canon of Medicine, main TPM resources and important databases were reviewed using the related keywords. Results: Despite complex hormonal explanation, etiology of AN in conventional approach is not completely understood. In TPM approach, the etiology and recommended interventions are thoroughly defined based on humoral pathophysiology. In TPM approach, disease states are regarded as the result of imbalances in organs’ temperament and humors. In anorexia with simple dystemperament, the physician should attempt to balance the temperament using foods and medicaments which have opposite quality of temperament. Lifestyle, spiritual diseases (neuro – psychological) and gastrointestinal worms are the other causes for reducing appetite. Also, medicines and foods with warm temperaments (such as Pea soup and Mustard) are useful for these patients (cold temperament). Conclusion: Although the pathophysiology of AN in TPM is different in comparison with conventional views, TPM criteria for treatment this disorder is similar to those of current medicine. Recommending to have spiritual support and a healthy lifestyle are common in both views. Simple safe interventions recommended by TPM may be considered as alternative medical modalities after being confirmed by well-designed clinical trials.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
1
13
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9334_384887cfef9bf16bb926b44c40b6e501.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.16987.1651
Protective effect of crocin against d-galactose-induced aging in mice
Elaheh
Mohammadi
Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Soghra
Mehri
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Hasan
Badie Bostan
Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Hossein
Hosseinzadeh
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Aging is a multifactorial phenomenon, which attribute to different diseases and abnormalities in living systems. Oxidative stress, which is an important factor in aging, exacerbates this process via different mechanisms. Crocin (CR), one of the active components of saffron showed strong antioxidant effects. In the present study, anti-aging property of crocin was investigated in mice. Materials and Methods: The model of aging was induced using administration of d-galactose (500 mg/kg, s. c.) for 42 days. Animals were treated with crocin (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, i.p.) during treatment with d-galactose. At the end of treatment, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a lipid peroxidation marker and glutathione content (GSH) in the liver and brain were measured. Also, biochemical factors including liver enzymes (ALT and AST), male sex hormones including testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-SO4) and pro-inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and interlukine-6 (IL-6) in serum, were evaluated. Results: Administration of d-galactose led to induction of lipid peroxidation in liver and brain tissues, as well as elevation of AST, ALT, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction of male sex hormones levels in serum. Interestingly, treatment of animals with crocin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) diminished lipid peroxidation in the liver and brain tissues while elevated GSH content. Also, a decline in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and an elevation of male sex hormones were observed following treatment with crocin. Conclusion: Administration of crocin reduced d-galactose-induced aging in mice through inhibition of oxidative stress, reduction of inflammation and elevation of sex hormones.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
14
23
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9453_e3b17afde4bd9b5119eb56ed01023ba9.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.21198.1801
Effects of aqueous extracts of dried calyx of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on polygenic dyslipidemia: A randomized clinical trial
Majid
Hajifaraji
National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition & Food Technology Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
author
Mohammad
Matlabi
Department of Health Education and Promotion, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
author
Farihe Ahmadzadeh-Sani
Ahmadzadeh Sani
Food and Drug Deputy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
author
Yadollah
Mehrabi
Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
author
Mohammad Salem
Rezaee
Ebnesina Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
author
Homa
Hajimehdipour
Department of Traditional Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran
author
Abbas
Hasanzadeh
Department of Humanities, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
author
Katayoun
Roghani
Natural Products & medicinal plants Research Center, North Khorsan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Dyslipidemia has been considered as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Alternative medicine has a significant role in treatment of dyslipidemia. There are controversial findings regarding the effects of sour tea on dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of aqueous extract of dried calyx of sour tea on polygenic dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was done on 43 adults (30-60 years old) with polygenic dyslipidemia that were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The control group was trained in lifestyle modifications at baseline. The intervention group was trained for lifestyle modifications at baseline and received two cups of sour tea daily, and both groups were followed up for 12 weeks. Lipid profile was evaluated at baseline, and six and 12 weeks following the intervention. In addition, dietary and physical activity assessed at baseline for twelve weeks. Results: Mean concentration of total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C significantly decreased by up to 9.46%, 8.33%, and 9.80%, respectively, after 12 weeks in the intervention group in comparison to their baseline values. However, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio significantly increased by up to 3.15%, following 12 weeks in the control group in comparison to their baseline values. This study showed no difference in lipid profiles between the two groups, except for HDL-C concentrations. Conclusion: sour tea may have significant positive effects on lipid profile of polygenic dyslipidemia subjects and these effect might be attributed to its anthocyanins and inflation factor content. Therefore, sour tea intake with recommended dietary patterns and physical activity can be useful in regulation of lipid profile in patients with polygenic dyslipidemia.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
24
32
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9211_eec735c136736205c9762ebb0f89785e.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.17692.1684
Assessment of phenolic profile and antioxidant power of five pistachio (Pistacia vera) cultivars collected from four geographical regions of Iran
Seyedeh Faezeh
Taghizadeh
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Mashhad, Iran
author
Gholamhossein
Davarynejad
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Mashhad, Iran
author
javad
asili
Department of Pharmacognosy and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
author
Seyed Hossein
Nemati
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Mashhad, Iran
author
Gholamreza
Karimi
Pharmaceutical Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: In this study, the levels and antioxidant activities of some secondary metabolites isolated from five pistachio (Pistacia vera)cultivars collected from four different geographical regions of Iran, were studied. Materials and Methods: Total phenolic compounds levels were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined as AlCl3 complex and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and total proantocyanidins content was expressed as mg of catechin equivalents (CA)/g dry extract. In order to evaluated the antioxidant activity of the compounds, DPPH and FRAP assays were used. Results: The highest level of total phenols (156.42 mg GA/g DE), total flavonoids (130.94 mg QE/g DE) and total proantocyanidins (152.816 mg CA/g DE) were obtained in Akbari cultivar from Rafsanjan, followed by Badami-e-sefid and Ahmad aghaei. The lowest amount of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total proanthocyanidin content (TPrAC) were found in Badami-e-sefid from Feizabad (128.140 mg GA/g DE, 93.176 mg QE/g DE and 118.870 mg CA/g DE, respectively). Also, a positive correlation (r2=0.9834) was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Pistachio increased their phytochemical compounds to contrast with abiotic stress. Our data could be useful for introducing special characteristics to the plants, and can be considered when planning a new breeding program or choosing a specific cultivar for a particular use.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
33
42
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9385_8e7ae1bf22af58450d3983eb6a1f5e38.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.23868.1876
Saffron improved depression and reduced homocysteine level in patients with major depression: A Randomized, double-blind study
Gholamali
Jelodar
Department of Physiology, Shiraz University, Shiraz,Iran
author
Zahra
Javid
Department of Physiology, Shiraz University, Shiraz,Iran
author
Ali
Sahraian
Research Center for psychiatry and Behavior Science, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
Sina
Jelodar
School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objectives: A correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia, and depression has been reported. Saffron (Crocus sativus) is recommended for treatment of depression; hence, in this study the effect of co-administration of saffron and fluoxetine on plasma homocysteine and depression was evaluated. Material and methods: This was a 4-week randomized and double-blind clinical trial which was conducted from March 2013 to February 2014. In this trial, 40 male and females (20-55 years old) diagnosed with severe depression were selected and following filing the Beck form, were randomly divided into two groups. Experimental group was treated with fluoxetine 20 mg/day and saffron 30 mg /day and the control group received placebo and fluoxetine 20 mg/day for four weeks. Before treatment and at the end of the study, fasting blood samples were collected. For females, blood samples were collected on the third day of their menstrual cycle. Results: A significant reduction of homocysteine levels was observed in both sex in the experimental group compared to before treatment (p<0.04), while no such significant change was observed in the control group. A Beck questionnaire value showed lower level in both groups on the last day of treatment as compared to before treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in Beck value neither before nor after treatment. Conclusion: Saffron has beneficial effects on depression and homocysteine level in patients with major depression.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
43
50
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9393_c4c6cb456b0529779a6df02faed2ae1a.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.20798.1789
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Artemisia dracunculus against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Vahid
Zarezade
Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
author
Jalal
Moludi
Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
author
Mostafa
Mostafazadeh
Department of Biochemistry and clinical laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
author
Mohammad
Mohammadi
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
author
Ali
Veisi
Behbahan Faculty of medical sciences, Behbahan, Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial parts of Artemisia dracunculus (HAAD) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity was evaluated by reducing power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Rats were pre-treated with either 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of HAAD or silymarin (100 mg/kg; served as the positive control group) for 15 days and they received a single dose of CCl4 on the last day. Hepatoprotective effects were investigated by assessment of serum biochemical enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GST and GSH), along with histopathological studies. Results: Total phenolic content was 197.22±3.73 mg gallic acid equivalent/g HAAD dry weight. HAAD indicated powerful activity in FRAP, DPPH and ABTS tests. Acute toxicity study showed that the extract had an LD50 of >5000 mg/kg. Oral treatment with HAAD exhibited a significant decrease in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP and TB and an increase in the level of TP. The extract significantly diminished MDA levels. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly augmented in rats pretreated with HAAD 200 mg/kg. Histopathological examination demonstrated lower liver damage in HAAD-treated groups as compared to CCl4 groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicated hepatoprotective effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of A. dracunculus on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats and suggested that these effects may be produced by reducing oxidative stress.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
51
62
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9418_f313d2a32c223adf39735dbffd4ad13e.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.19137.1738
Salix alba attenuated oxidative stress in the heart and kidney of hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Narges
Amel Zabihi
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
author
Maryam
Mahmoudabady
Department of Physiology and Applied Physiology Research Centre, School of Medicine
author
Mohammad
Soukhtanloo
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Parichehr
Hayatdavoudi
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences,
Mashhad, Iran
author
Farimah
Beheshti
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences,
Mashhad, Iran
author
Saeed
Niazmand
Department of Physiology and Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad, I. R. Iran
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of hypercholesterolemia-induced complications. This study evaluated the effects of aspirin and Salix alba hydroethanolic extract on oxidative stress in the heart and kidney of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity, as well as total phenolic and salicin content of S. alba (Sa) extract were assessed by DPPH radical scavenging activity, Folin-Ciocalteu and HPLC methods, respectively. Animals were divided into two groups of control (fed with normal chow), and HD (fed with high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks). Then, hypercholesterolemic animals allocated to the following treatment groups: CHO (received HD), Sa extract (HD plus extract 60 and 120 mg/kg), and aspirin (HD plus aspirin 120 mg/kg) and received the treatments on a daily basis for 6 weeks. MDA, GSH, and nitrite concentrations as well as the activities of SOD and CAT were evaluated in cardiac and kidney tissues. Results: The scavenging activity, total phenolic content and salicin were 19.1 µg/ml (IC50), 153.75 ± 3.6 mg of gallic acid/g, and 18.03 µg/mg, respectively. In comparison to CHO group, MDA levels were diminished in Sa and ASA groups but GSH levels were improved. NO metabolites increased in the heart of Sa 120 mg/kg group and in the kidney of all Sa and ASA treated groups. SOD activity increased only in the heart of Sa groups and in the kidney of Sa and ASA groups. CAT activity increased in the heart and kidney tissues of all Sa and ASA treated groups. Conclusion: The results showed S. alba extract improved redox homeostasis in heart and kidney tissues of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The extract antioxidant property may be related to its phenolic content.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
63
72
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9486_a1ab8a0b96acb10172d0d9598724d6ed.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.24804.1901
Polyphenols isolated from virgin coconut oil attenuate cadmium-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress due to their antioxidant properties and potential benefits on cardiovascular risk ratios in rats
Ademola
Clement Famurewa
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
author
Fidelis
Ebele Ejezie
Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objective: Literature has confirmed the pathogenic role of cadmium (Cd) and its exposure in the induction of dyslipidemia implicated in the development and increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The current study explored whether polyphenolics isolated from virgin coconut oil (VCO) prevent Cd-induced dyslipidemia and investigate the underlying mechanism of action, in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were pretreated with VCO polyphenols (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg body weight; orally) 2 weeks prior to concurrent Cd administration (5 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. Subsequently, serum concentrations of lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular risk ratios were determined. Hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were analyzed. Results: Sub-chronic Cd administration significantly increased the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol while markedly reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Hepatic activities of SOD and CAT as well as GSH content were suppressed by Cd, whereas MDA level was obviously increased. The co-administration of VCO polyphenol with Cd remarkably restored lipid profile and cardiovascular risk ratios and stabilized antioxidant defense systems comparable to control group. Conclusion: This is the first study presenting that polyphenols isolated from VCO prevent Cd-induced lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk ratios by improving antioxidant defense systems.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
73
84
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9532_6063c090a392ec8b93e4bedec6e22bdf.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.23544.1869
Evaluation of psychopharmacological and neurosafety profile of Swas Kas Chintamani Ras (SKC) in Swiss-Webster mice
Tarequl
Islam
Department of microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur-3814, Noakhali, Bangladesh
author
MD. Saddam
Hussain
Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali-3814,Bangladesh
author
Mohammad Nurul
Amin
Department of pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh
author
Ashraful
Mahmud Tuhin
Department of pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur-3814, Noakhali, Bangladesh
author
text
article
2017
eng
Objectives: Swas Kas Chintamani Ras (SKC) is an ayurvedic preparation indicated for respiratory diseases. Our study was aimed to determine the psychopharmacological and neurosafety profile of SKC. Materials and Methods: Psychopharmacological effects and neurosafety profile of this drug were determined by nine complementary test methods namely, open field, locomotor activity, hole cross, hole board test, elevated plus maze, staircase, forced swimming test, and rotarod test. Male mice (Swiss-Webster strain, 20-40 g body weight) bred in the Animal House of the Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, were used for the pharmacological experiments. Results: The drug decreased total ambulation and movement in the central region and standing up behavior and lowered emotional defecation. The drug also made the mice to take a shorter time to come out of the cage. Also, animals spent less time in open arm and the movement in the closed arm and locomotors reduced (p=0.003), where a number of rearing (p=0.04) behaviour indicating possible anxiolytic activity. Also, no signs of anti-depressant activity were observed among SKC-treated group. Conclusion: We concluded that our drug showed no neurotoxic effect and it also showed some beneficial neuropharmacological properties.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
8
v.
1
no.
2017
85
95
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_9536_4041f1a872e8e4e92fdf675c68663c30.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2017.20300.1787