@article { author = {Sookhaklari, Roksana and Geramizadeh, Bita and Abkar, Morteza and Moosavi, Maryam}, title = {The neuroprotective effect of BSA-based nanocurcumin against 6-OHDA-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {92-100}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11592}, abstract = {Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is regarded as the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting elderly population. There is a tendency toward finding natural cures to suppress the initiation and progression of this disease. Some epidemiological studies indicated lower incidence of PD in populations that consume curry. Curcumin, as the main ingredient of turmeric, has been supposed to have a protective role against PD progression. However, low bioavailability of curcumin is still a challenge in evaluation of the therapeutic potential of this substance. In this study, we aimed to produce a BSA-based nanocurcumin to assess its effect on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced death and Akt signaling disruption in SH-SY5Y cells. Materials and Methods: BSA-based nanocurcumin was produced using desolvation method. Human neuroblastoma cells were treated with OHDA with/without different doses of nanocurcumin and MTT test was used to assess their viability besides observing cells morphological changes. The protective doses of nanocurcumine were chosen according to MTT results and western blot studies were done to assess p-Akt/t-Akt ratio. Results: 6-OHDA exposure led to decreased cell viability, while nanocurcumin at doses of 400 and 500 nM prevented cell death. Moreover, this nanoformulation of curcumin restored p-Akt/t-Akt decrement induced by 6-OHDA. The protective effect of BSA-based nanocurcumin was estimated to be at least 4 time higher than that of natural curcumin according to the MTT results. Conclusion: It seems that BSA-based nanocurcumin can be regarded as a potent substitute for natural curcumin in protecting SH-SY5Y cell as a cellular model of PD.}, keywords = {6-OHDA,SH-SY5Y,Nanocurcumin,Akt,Parkinson’s disease}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11592.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11592_638431658cbbbac36b267c47d89af1b7.pdf} } @article { author = {Ghobadi Pour, Mozhgan and Mirazi, Naser and Seif, Asghar}, title = {Treatment of liver and spleen illnesses by herbs: Recommendations of Avicenna’s heritage "Canon of Medicine"}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {101-116}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11613}, abstract = {Objective: Avicenna (Abu Ali al-Hossein ibn Abdullah ibn Sina) who had a special attention toward diseases treatments, gathered results of ages of herbal medicine experiments on humans and animals in his book “Al-Qānūn fī Ṭibb” or "The Canon of Medicine", which is a reliable book in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this research was to build a reliable list of plants effective against liver and spleen diseases, based on Avicenna's book (volume 2). Materials and Methods: By studying the monographs, introduced agents that have been effective in liver and spleen diseases were identified. Upon their origin and effectiveness in diseases of the liver, spleen or both, treatments were organized. Results: From a huge number of drugs, 163 plants from 73 families were found to be effective in treatment of liver and spleen illnesses. In addition, 30 non-herbal agents effective in treatment of liver diseases were detected. The Lamiaceae family have the most effective herbs for treatment of diseases of the liver, spleen or both. Hemp Agrimony, Irsā, and Fūdhanj achieved the highest scores. Conclusion: The effects of different plants on liver and spleen diseases were indicated in Avicenna's book. Due to the report on the above book, further studies needed specially on the effect of Irsā (Iris ensata) and family Lamiaceae on liver and spleen diseases.}, keywords = {Herbal Medicine,Liver,Materia medica,Spleen}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11613.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11613_0d6fb0634eaac7385b688a840809309d.pdf} } @article { author = {Abid, Rizwana and Mahmood, Riaz}, title = {Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of ethanol extract of Cassia fistula fruit in male rats}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {117-125}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11615}, abstract = {Objective: The plantCassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is traditionally used to treat heart diseases, abdominal pain and fever. The present study was aimed to investigate the toxic effects acute and sub-acute administration of ethanol extract of C. fistula fruit (CFE) in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In acute toxicity, the effects of a single oral dose (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg) of CFE have been determined. Animal behaviour and mortality were determined for up to 14 days. In sub-acute study, the effects of CFE in daily single oral administration at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg during 28 days were determined. The blood haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the histopathological examination of the liver, heart and kidneys were studied. Results: In acute study, a single administration of the CFE up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg did not induce mortality. Thus, the LD50 of the CFE has been estimated higher than 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, administration of CFE at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg to rats did not induce mortality. No significant differences were found in relative organ weight, and haematological and biochemical analyses in treated groups compared to control group. No noticeable histological changes were observed in organs of CFE-treated rats compared to controls.  Conclusion: These results have shown that oral administration of C. fistula fruit did not produce any significant toxic effect in male rats. Hence, C. fistula fruit could be regarded as a safe natural product for therapeutic use.  }, keywords = {Cassia fistula ethanol extract,Toxicity,Histopathology,Haematology}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11615.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11615_5cfbf8bf04e0425e01174941396c3a59.pdf} } @article { author = {javid, asma and motevalli haghi, nasrinsadat and Emami, Ahmad and ansari, aida and zojaji, seyed abbas and Khoshkhui, maryam and Ahanchian, Hamid}, title = {Short-course administration of a traditional herbal mixture ameliorates asthma symptoms of the common cold in children}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {126-133}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11678}, abstract = {Objective: Asthma is an increasing chronic respiratory disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Several studies have shown that herbal remedies may improve asthma control and reduce asthma symptoms. In this study, the effects of short-course administration of an herbal mixture (ASMATUSTM) in asthmatic children during viral respiratory tract infection, were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Forty-six children (7-12 years old) with intermittent asthma were enrolled in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. At the onset of common cold symptoms, the patients were randomly assigned to daily receive either the herbal mixture (comprised of Matricaria chamomilla, Althaea officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Hyssopus officinalis, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Ziziphus jujube) or placebo for 5 days. Primary outcomes included day symptoms, night symptoms, and asthma attacks.  Secondary outcomes included Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), the need for β-agonist administration, oral prednisolone usage, necessity for re-visit due to uncontrolled or insupportable symptoms, as well as the number of hospital admissions and days absent from school. Results: the herbal mixture significantly decreased the severity of coughs (p=0.049) and nighttime awakenings (p=0.029) in comparison to placebo. There was no significant reduction in wheezing, tachypnea, respiratory distress, PEF rate, absence from school, outpatient visits, asthma exacerbation, oral prednisolone or β-agonist usage and hospitalization. Conclusion: Short-course of herbal mixture this traditional herbal mixture, starting at the onset of signs of a viral respiratory tract infection in children with intermittent asthma, reduced cough and nights awakening. Further studies should be done to determine the most effective herbal admixture, as well as dose and duration of treatment.}, keywords = {Asthma,Viral respiratory tract infection,Child,Herbal remedies}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11678.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11678_6a8b00248234cdbbc0a31e4de77b1ccd.pdf} } @article { author = {Ghorani, Vahideh and Boskabady, Marzieh and Boskabady, Mohammad Hossein}, title = {Effect of carvacrol on pulmonary function tests, and total and differential white blood cell counts in healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {134-142}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11679}, abstract = {Objective: This is the first study to evaluate the effect of carvacrol on pulmonary function tests (PFT), and total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were treated with two doses of carvacrol (1 and 2 mg/kg/day) for 1 month. Total and differential WBC counts and PFT were examined before and after the treatment period. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of total and differential WBC counts between pre and post-treatment with the two doses of carvacrol. Also, results of PFT tests indicated that administration of 1 mg/kg/day carvacrol had no effect on PFT parameters when comparing post-treatment values with pre-treatment values. Treatment with 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol for 1 month increased forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) (p<0.05). However, the changes in total and differential WBC counts as well as PFT values after 1-month treatment were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that treatment of healthy individuals with 1 and 2 mg/kg carvacrol for 1 month has no negative effects on total and differential WBC counts nor PFT values. }, keywords = {Carvacrol,Pulmonary function tests,White blood cells,Healthy volunteers}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11679.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11679_7938dc85460909c0712e75db7880c2c1.pdf} } @article { author = {soltanian, sara and mohamadi, neda and Rajaei, Peyman and khodami, mojtaba and mohammadi, mehdi}, title = {Phytochemical composition, and cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Semenovia suffruticosa}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {143-152}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11716}, abstract = {Objective: In this study, our aim was to extract, and identify and quantify the chemical composition of essential oils of Semenovia suffruticosa grown in Kerman, Iran. Moreover, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of aerial parts of S. suffruticosa were reported. Materials and Methods: GC and GC/MS analysis were used for identifying and quantifying the essential oil components. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity were tested by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and agar disc diffusion methods, respectively and MTT assay was used to determine the anti-proliferative potential of the oil against breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29), neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), embryonal carcinoma (NCCIT) cancer cell relative to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) as a normal cell. Apoptosis induction was monitored by flow cytometry using PE annexin V apoptosis detection kit and cell cycle arrest was by with propidium iodide. Results: Z-β-ocimene (25.1%), linalool (17.8%) and β-bisabolol (13.3%) were recognized as major components of the essential oil. Our study demonstrated apoptosis-inducing potential of essential oil on normal and cancer cells. However, methanol extract exerted cytotoxicity against a number of cancer cells and arrested cancer cells in G2/M phase; nevertheless, it did not exert strong cytotoxicity against normal cells. Furthermore, DPPH and disc diffusion results showed that while essential oil has considerable antiradical activity, methanol extract did not exert promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: Methanol extract of S. suffruticosa shows tumor-cell-specific cytotoxic properties and the essential oil demonstrated a strong antioxidant activity. }, keywords = {Semenovia suffruticosa,Essential oil,Methanol extract,Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties,Antibacterial activity}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11716.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11716_bccba423ff1eb13ca6763a637783a045.pdf} } @article { author = {Nadaf, Mohabat and Joharchi, Mohammad Reza and Amiri, Mohamad sadegh}, title = {Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of nervous disorders at the herbal markets of Bojnord, North Khorasan Province, Iran}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {153-163}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11778}, abstract = {Objective: Since ancient times, plants have been commonly used to cure human ailments by indigenous people throughout the world. Nervous diseases are rising all around the world. This paper provides important ethnobotanical information on plants that are used against neurological disorders and are available in medicinal markets of Bojnord, northeastern Iran. Materials and Methods: This survey, as an ethnobotanical study, was carried out between 2017 and 2018. The identification of the intended plant species was done using the available Floras. Some important indices such as the frequency of citations, relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value and use report were calculated for the medicinal plants included in the present study. Results: The present study includes 58 medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families and reports their mentioning scientific and vernacular names, parts used, and preparation method. The most common family was Lamiaceae. The major parts of the identified plants used for treatment of nervous )neuropsychological( disorders were flower and aerial parts. The most common methods used for preparation of these plants were infusion and decoction. Stachys turcomanica, Tripleurospermum disciforme, Melissa officinalis, Nardostachys jatamansi, and Aloysia citriodora had the highest rate of use report. Echium amoenum and Melissa officinalis had the highest RFC. Conclusion: The study indicated that although people in Bojnord have access to modern medicinal preparations, a considerable number of them still use medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. Seemingly, most cited plants are worth more precise evaluations for their pharmacological activity.}, keywords = {Medicinal Plants,Lamiaceae,Frequency of citation,Family importance value}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11778.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11778_f26d70b497bedb6f68e8e919a15d58fd.pdf} } @article { author = {Ahmad Azam, Amalina and Ismail, Intan Safinar and Shaikh, Mohd Farooq and Shaari, Khozirah and Abas, Faridah}, title = {Effects of Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract on lipopolysaccharide -induced neuroinflammation in rats: A behavioral and 1H NMR-based metabolomics study}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {164-186}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2018.11787}, abstract = {Objective: This research revealed the biochemical outcomes of metabolic dysregulation in serum associated with physiological sickness behavior following lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in rats, and treatment with Clinacanthus nutans (CN). Verification of 1H NMR analysis of the CN aqueous extract proved the existence of bioactive phytochemical constituents’ in extract. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five rats were subjected to unilateral stereotaxic injection of 10 µL LPS (1 mg/mL), while another ten rats were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, 10 µL) as control. Then, 29 parameters of rat behavior related to sickness were tracked by a device software (SMART 3.0.1) on days 0 and 14 of CN treatment. The acquired and accumulated data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis with the SIMCA Software package (version 13, Umetrics AB; Umeå, Sweden). The pattern trends of related groups were documented using PCA and OPLS analysis. Results: A similar ameliorated correlation pattern was detected between improvement in physiological sickness behavior and anti-inflammatory biomarkers by the 1H NMR spectra of the sera following treatment with CN (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw)) and the control drug (dextromethorphan hydrobromide, 5 mg/kg of rats bw) in rats. Here, 21 biomarkers were detected for neuroinflammation. Treatment with the aqueous CN extract resulted in a statistically significant alteration in neuroinflammation metabolite biomarkers, including ethanol, choline, and acetate. Conclusion: This result denotes that the metabolomics approach is a reliable tool to disclose the relationship between central neuroinflammation, and systemic metabolic and physiological disturbances which could be used for future ethno-pharmacological assessments.}, keywords = {Neuroinflammation,LPS-induced rats,Clinacanthus nutans,Behavior,Metabolomics,Response biomarkers}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11787.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_11787_b85dc1b889a73c22feaae1f75dc3527f.pdf} }