The effects of curcumin on the prevention of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure in patients with unstable angina: A randomized clinical trial
Mostafa
Dastani
Department of cardiology, Faculty of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
leila
Bigdelu
Cardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
mahsa
hoseinzadeh
Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Hamid Reza
Rahimi
Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Asieh
Karimani
Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Amir Houshang
Mohammadpour
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Masoumeh
Salari
Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: Inflammation along with oxidative stress has an important role in the pathophysiology of unstable angina which leads to acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and eventually heart failure. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects and thereby, it may reduce cardiovascular complications. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on the prevention of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure in patients with unstable angina. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with unstable angina who met the trial inclusion and exclusion criteria, participated in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. The patients were randomized into two groups: curcumin (80 mg/day for 5days) and placebo (80 mg/day for 5days). Cardiac function was evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography devices at baseline (immediately after hospitalization) and 5 days after the onset of the trial. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were recorded by Holter monitors in cardiology ward, Ghaem academic hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Progression to heart failure, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary and cardiopulmonary resuscitation events as well as mortality were recorded daily throughout the study. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (p=0.2), and other echocardiographic parameters (Ejection fraction, E, A, E/A ratio, Em, and pulmonary artery pressure) at baseline and five days after the start of the trial. Conclusion: Nanocurcumin administered at the dose of 80 mg/day for five days had no effect in the incidence of cardiovascular complications in patients with unstable angina.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
1
9
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11294_dda1933a184a00daf6e141311110625f.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11294
Effects of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Bahareh
Barkhidarian
Department of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Masoud
Khorshidi
Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
author
Sakineh
Shab-bidar
Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
author
Baran
Hashemi
Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that examined the effects of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure (BP). Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, PUBMED and Google scholar databases from inception to November 16, 2017 and 811 papers were identified, of which 8 trials with 10 data sets met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: (1) application of randomized clinical trial with either crossover or parallel designs; (2) studies conducted in adults (≥18 y); (3) oral supplementation with L-citrulline compared to control group; (4) expression of sufficient data about systolic and diastolic BP at baseline and at the end of the study in each group. BP effects were pooled by random-effects models, with trials weighted by inverse variance. Results: The included studies’ sample size ranged between 12 and 34 subjects. The mean age of the participants in these trials ranged between 22 and 71 years. Dosage of L-citrulline supplementation varied from 3 to 9 g/day. Duration of the intervention ranged between 1 and 17 weeks. The pooled changes in systolic and diastolic BP were (MD, −4.10 mm Hg; 95% CI [−7.94, -0.26]; p=0.037) and (MD −2.08 mm Hg; 95% CI [−4.32, 0.16]; P=0.069), respectively. The subgroup analysis showed a significant diastolic BP reduction in studies that used doses of ≥6 g/day (MD −2.75 mm Hg; 95% CI [−5.37, -0.12]; p=0.04). Conclusion: Our results suggest that L-citrulline supplementation may reduce systolic BP. A significant reduction in diastolic BP was observed only in the studies that used doses ≥ 6 g/day.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
10
20
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11590_723fa90bf77f15de567149bdfcf1fa3b.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11590
Histomorphological effects of the oil extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum seed on benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by exogenous testosterone and estradiol in adult Wistar rats
Godwin
Mbaka
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
author
Steve
Ogbonnia
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
author
Adeola
Sulaiman
Department of Anatomy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria
author
Daniel
Osiagwu
Department of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria
author
text
article
2019
eng
benefits due to its very potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its widespread use, it has not been validated for use in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study was conducted to examine histomorphological effects of SJ seed on BPH that usually causes bladder outlet obstruction.
Materials and Methods: There were a total of six groups of animals each comprising 5 adult male rats. Apart from group 1 (normal control), in the remaining five groups, BPH was induced. Group 2 (negative control) was sacrificed immediately after BPH induction; groups 3 and 4 received the extract at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively by gavages for thirty days; group 5 received finasteride (0.1 mg/kg) for thirty days and group 6 received the extract (600 mg/kg) simultaneously with the steroid administration for thirty days. The animals’ were weighed before the experiment and subsequently every three days until the end of the study.
Results: The extract caused marked decrease in prostate weight of rats with BPH with histo-morphology of the tissue showing degenerated stromal and epithelial cells with few epithelial involutions of glandular tissue. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) level as well as testosterone level significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the treated groups compared to negative control. BPH animals treated with extract/finasteride exhibited remarkable increases in anti-oxidant enzymes level with concurrent decreases in peroxidative activity.
Conclusion: SJ effectively ameliorated prostatic hyperplasia in BPH animals causing marked degenerative changes in prostate stromal and epithelial cells and also exhibited marked anti-oxidant effect.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
21
33
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11100_9561e8c3eec6e68e853d822ebfddba46.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.24039.1882
Modulation of in vitro proliferation and cytokine secretion of human lymphocytes by Mentha longifolia extracts
Yahya
Asemani
Immunology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
Maryam
Bayat
Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
Saeed
Malek-Hosseini
Immunology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
Zahra
Amirghofran
Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, and Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: Mentha longifolia L. Hudson has been used in folk medicine for various purposes especially for its anti-inflammatory effects. Lymphocytes play a central role in development of inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of different extracts of M. longifolia on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), as main players in development of inflammation. Materials and Methods: PBLs stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were cultured in the presence of the plant extracts. The effects of the extracts on activation of cells were determined by BrdU assay. The viability of cells was examined by flow cytometry using propidium iodide staining. Also, IFN-γ (T helper 1, TH1) and IL-4 (TH2) secretion was measured by ELISA. Results: Except for the water extract which had a weak inhibitory effect, treatment of cells with more than 1μg/ml of butanol, hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts resulted in strong inhibition of cells proliferation (IC50 4.6-9.9 µg/ml). Flow cytometry analysis showed that these extracts at ≤10μg/ml were non-cytotoxic. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts at 10 μg/ml decreased IFN-γ production in a dose-dependent manner from 919±91.1 pg/ml in PHA-only-treated cells to 568±22.6 pg/ml (in dichloromethane-treated cells) and 329±12.3 pg/ml (in ethyl acetate-treated cells) (p<0.001). At 10 μg/ml, the ethyl acetate extract increased IL-4 secretion compared to PHA-only-treated cells (p<0.05). The hexane extract decreased IFN-γ level but did not affectIL-4 production. Conclusion: Reduction of IFN-γ and augmentation of IL-4 secretion induced by the extracts suggested the potential of M. longifolia to inhibit TH1 inflammatory responses toward a TH2 dominant response.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
34
43
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11541_e8d512d1abfb559a31a2f99aa5c961e6.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11541
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
Reza
Mohtashami
Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
author
Hasan
Fallah huseini
Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants,ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
author
Farzaneh
Nabati
Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
author
Reza
Hajiaghaee
Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
author
Saeed
Kianbakht
Institute of Medicinal Plants (ACECR)
author
text
article
2019
eng
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. arctostaphylosleaf 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.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
44
53
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11588_6fedfe9284a8f018f3379eb17ded2e1e.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11588
Skin inflammatory reactions to capsaicin in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to healthy controls
Masoumeh
Salari
Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Roshanak
Salari
Department of Traditional Persian Pharmacy, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Hoshang
RafatPanah
Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
yalda
Ravanshad
Clinical Research Unit, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Danial
Zirachi
Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
Maryam
Sahebari
Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: Previous studies have examined the role of sensory nerves and neural mediators in symmetrical joint inflammation and autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we sought to examine the association between capsaicin skin test and disease activity in RA patients. Materials and Methods: Eighty RA patients (case group) and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this experiment. The subjects in case group were calcified to newly diagnosed patients and those previously diagnosed with RA. A topical solution of capsaicin (0.075%) was applied on the volar forearm during the skin test, and evaluations were done after 5, 10, and 20 min. The parameters recorded in capsaicin skin test were time to tingling, area of induration (cm2), and area of redness (cm2). Results: A faster capsaicin skin reaction was observed in healthy controls compared to the case group (p=0.02). Newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed RA patients were not significantly different in terms of reaction latency (p=0.06). The redness area after 15 (p=0.04) and 20 (p=0.001) min was significantly larger in previously diagnosed RA patients than in newly diagnosed ones. The area of redness and time to tingling did not show any difference between active and inactive RA patients, but after 15 and 20 min, the area of redness was significantly greater in inactive RA patients compared to active RA patients (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggested that capsaicin skin test is not an efficient tool for the examination of synovial inflammation and disease activity in RA.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
54
61
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11589_7113efe904006c9835cf2055dc2b3140.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11589
Antimutagenic, antitumor and estrogen receptor binding activity of the rare plant Shortia galacifolia: An ethnobotanical and chemosystematic approach
Sandra
Gray
Endocrine Physiology Lab, AVS Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
author
Brett
Lackey
Endocrine Physiology Lab, AVS Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
author
Patricia
Tate
School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: Shortia and other members of the Diapensiaceae family have ethnomedicinal history in both Eastern and Western hemispheres. Based on ethnopharmacological and chemosystematic evidence, pharmacological and toxicological bioassays were conducted on the rare plant Oconee Bell, Shortia galacifolia. Materials and Methods: Extracts were examined in assays for antimutagenicity, antitumor and estrogen receptor (ER)-binding activity. Antitumor activity was assessed by the tumor induction assay (TiA), using Agrobacterium tumefaciens based on its ability to transform plant tissue. Antimutagenicity was examined using the Ames bacterial reverse mutation test. Recombinant human ERα and ERβ proteins were utilized to screen extracts for receptor selectivity. Results: All concentrations of extracts inhibited A. tumefaciens-induced tumor formation on potato discs, with the mature rhizome extracts having the most marked inhibition. All three plant extracts significantly inhibited the formation of histidine-independent revertant colonies after exposure to the mutagen 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) in the Ames Salmonella mutagenicity assay. In the ER binding assays, ERβ, but not ERα, displayed affinity for Shortia extracts. Conclusion: Antitumor, ER binding and antimutagenic activities of S. galacifolia extracts were identified using rapid bench-top assays and warrant further investigations.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
62
71
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11593_a502eda9f4e4a9a01ac8c066713c2301.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11593
The protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. hydroalcoholic extract on TNF-α production, oxidative stress, and insulin level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
marzieh
mahmoodi
Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
Farhad
koohpeyma
Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
Forough
saki
Shiraz Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
author
Amir
Maleksabet
Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
mohammad Ali
zare
Department of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: Oxidative stress leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, which causes tissue injury in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Zataria multiflora extract on TNF-α, oxidative stress products, and insulin levels as well as lipid profile in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 animals. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Control and diabetic control rats orally received 1 mL/day of normal saline, whereas the other three groups received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of Z. multiflora extract, and one non-diabetic group orally received 1000 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract, for 28 days. At the end of the treatment course, rats were anesthetized and their serum samples were analyzed for TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, total plasma protein, blood glucose, insulin, and liver enzymes levels. Results: Our results showed that cholesterol, LDL, TG, MDA and TNF-α levels decreased, but HDL, SOD, TAC, and total protein increased significantly in the diabetic group receiving 1000 mg/kg Z. multiflora compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05). Moreover, blood glucose level was significantly reduced following administration of different concentrations of Z. multiflora. Liver sections of diabetic rats treated with Z. multiflora 1000 mg/kg showed normal hepatocytes and restoration of liver architecture. Conclusion: Z. multiflora extract ameliorated oxidative stress, TNF-α serum level, lipid abnormality, blood glucose, and liver damage in rats with diabetes mellitus.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
72
83
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11614_82512585e0b80060b20efbde12ba3959.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11614
Effect of acupressure on constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial
Parivash
Abbasi
Student Research Committee, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
author
Mohammad
Mojalli
Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center & Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
author
Mojtaba
Kianmehr
Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, IR Iran.
author
Somayeh
Zamani
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
author
text
article
2019
eng
Objective: Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It has a negative effect on quality of life in these patients. As routine treatments are not effective in this regard, complementary therapies may help to overcome this condition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized double- blind placebo- controlled clinical trial conducted in 2014.A convenience sample of 70 patients undergoing hemodialysis was selected from hemodialysis units of three hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran. Patients were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. Intervention group received acupressure in acupressure points three times a week for four weeks during hemodialysis. In control group, acupressure was delivered in false points. We assessed the frequency of defecation in the two groups before and after the study. The study instruments consisted of a demographic questionnaire, and a data sheet for documenting constipation frequency. Results: The results indicated a significant difference between intervention group (13.73±3.63) and control group (10.06±3.77) in frequency of defecation during the fourth week of intervention (p<0.001). Regarding quality of stool, there was a meaningful difference between the groups in the fourth week in a way that the stool in the intervention group was more natural and in the control group, it was thicker and more adhesive. Conclusion: Acupressure seems to be an effective complementary treatment for constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2228-7930
9
v.
1
no.
2019
84
91
https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11626_45100deac7c5cfa72d9a01a7202008ab.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2018.11626