@article { author = {Abedini, Mohammad Reza and Erfanian, Nafiseh and Nazem, Habibollah and Jamali, Sara and Hoshyar, Reyhane}, title = {Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of Ziziphus Jujube on cervical and breast cancer cells}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {142-148}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5345}, abstract = {Objectives: Ziziphus Jujube (Jujube) plant has exhibited numerous medicinal and pharmacological properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study was carried out to investigate its anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic abilities in human cervical and breast cancer cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: The cervical OV2008 and breast MCF-7 cancer cells were incubated with different concentrations of Jujube aqueous extraction (0-3 mg/ml) for various times (0-72 h). Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of two apoptosis-related genes in treated cells evaluated by quantitative Real Time -PCR analysis. Results: Jujube significantly inhibited cancer cell viability in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Herb-induced apoptosis was associated with enhanced expression of Bax and decreased Bcl2 gene leading eventually to a time-dependent six fold increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Conclusions: These results indicated that Jujube may be a natural potential and promising agent to prevent or treat human cancers.}, keywords = {Ziziphus Jujube,Cervical Cancer,Breast Cancer,Apoptosis}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5345.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5345_5c2278e1042c0956d6019198fee16534.pdf} } @article { author = {Ziaei, Samira and Halaby, Reginald}, title = {Immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of triptolide: A mini review}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {149-164}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.6329}, abstract = {Objective: Triptolide, the active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F has been used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions for over two hundred years in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the processes through which triptolide exerts immunosuppression and anti-inflammation are not understood well. In this review, we discuss the autoimmune disorders and inflammatory conditions that are currently treated with triptolide. Triptolide also possesses anti-tumorigenic effects. We discuss the toxicity of various triptolide derivatives and offer suggestions to improve its safety. This study also examines the clinical trials that have investigated the efficacy of triptolide. Our aim is to examine the mechanisms that are responsible for the immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects of triptolide. Materials and Methods: The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the literature with respect to the immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties of triptolide. Results: Triptolide possesses immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Conclusion: Triptolide can be used alone or in combination with existing therapeutic modalities as novel treatments for autoimmune disorders, cancers, and for immunosuppression.}, keywords = {Triptolide,Immunosuppression,Anti-inflammation,Autoimmune disorders,Cancer}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_6329.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_6329_a54050e7ea66b2515d2716dd43dabaff.pdf} } @article { author = {Pasalar, Mehdi and Nimrouzi, Majid and Choopani, Rasool and Mosaddegh, Mahmoud and Kamalinejad, Mohammad and Mohagheghzadeh, Abolali and Bagheri Lankarani, Kamran}, title = {Functional dyspepsia: A new approach from traditional Persian medicine}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {165-174}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.4771}, abstract = {Objective: One of the most common global disorders is related to gastrointestinal system. Functional dyspepsia (FD) defined as upper abdominal pain and discomfort in the absence of organic ailments is a prevalent disease without any confirmed medication. The purpose of this study was to find gastric disorders which might be coincidental to FD based on traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Materials and Methods: We searched the main textbooks of TPM including Al-Havi (by Rhazes), Canon of medicine (by Avicenna), ZakhireKhawrazmshahi (by Ismail Jorjani), Moalijat-e Aghili and Makhzan Al-adviya (by Mohammad Hosein AghiliShirazi), and ExirAzam (by Hakim Azam Khan). Also, we searched Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, scientific information database (SID), Iranmedex and Google Scholar from 1980 to 1 August 2014 for dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disease, traditional Persian medicine, and gastric dystemperaments. Results: There is no equivalent term for FD in traditional Persian medicine although similar signs and symptoms are visible in terms like simple cold dystemperament of stomach, indigestion, and digestion debility in TPM sources. Some treatments mentioned in TPM have shown promising results in the current experimental tests. Conclusion: Finding these similarities in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) textbooks may lead to discovering new remedies for this widespread disease.}, keywords = {Functional Dyspepsia,Traditional Persian Medicine,Stomach,Gastrointestinal,Temperament}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_4771.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_4771_594d6f4ae6c37ef4d6e1debeede450b6.pdf} } @article { author = {Oskouei Shirvan, Zahra and Etemad, Leila and Zafari, Reza and Moallem, Seyed Adel and Vahdati-Mashhadian, Naser and Hosseinzadeh, Hossein}, title = {Teratogenic effect of Lippia citriodora leaves aqueous extract in mice}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {175-180}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5128}, abstract = {Objective: Safety of Lippia citriodora, as a herbal remedy, in pregnancy has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to identify the effect of L. citriodora aqueous extract on pregnancy outcome in mice. Materials and Methods: Timed-pregnant mice received doses of 0.5 g/kg/day L. citriodora aqueous extract or the vehicle control during organogenesis, intraperitoneally. Maternal body weights were measured throughout the pregnancy. The litters were examined for external malformations and skeletal abnormalities. Fetuses were stained with Alizarin red S and Alcian blue. Results: There were no significant differences in mean maternal weight gain during pregnancy between groups. Also, no significant differences were observed in mean number of implantation, live and resorbed fetuses between control and treated groups. The prevalence of all types of deformity was low and similar to control group (%1.11). Conclusion: The results of this study show that moderate consumption of L. citriodora as an infusion or tea appears to be safe to be used during pregnancy and does not have toxic effects on development of mouse embryo.}, keywords = {Lippia citriodora,Teratogen,Toxicity,Herbal Medicine}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5128.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5128_b674e0f241cbe109c60c8fa02fc5f5ec.pdf} } @article { author = {Sadeghi, Heibatollah and Hosseinzadeh, Abdol Saleh and Akbartabar Touri, Mehdi and Ghavamzadeh, Mehdi and Jafari Barmak, Mehrzad and Sadeghi, Hossein and sayahi, Moslem}, title = {Hepatoprotective effect of Rosa canina fruit extract against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rat}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {181-188}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5481}, abstract = {Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of hydro-ethanolic fruit extract of Rosa canina (R. canina) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups of 8 animals of each, including control, toxic (CCl4), R. canina 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg + CCl4 and R. canina 750 mg/kg alone. R. canina (p.o., daily) and CCl4 (1 ml/kg twice a week, 50% v/v in olive oil, i.p.) were administered to animals for six weeks. Serum analysis was performed to assay the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Biochemical observations were also supplemented with histopathological examination (haematoxylin and eosin staining) of liver section.Results: Hepatotoxicity was evidenced by considerable increase in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and lipid peroxidation (MDA) and decrease in levels of ALB and TP. Injection of CCL4 also induced congestion in central vein, and lymphocyte infiltration. Treatment with hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of R. canina at doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg significantly reduced CCl4-elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP and MDA (p<01). The extract also increased the serum levels of ALB and TP compared to CCl4 group (p<01) at the indicated dose Histopathological studies supported the biochemical finding. Conclusion: our finding indicated hepatoprotective effects of the hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of R. canina on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats and suggested that theses effect may be produced through reducing oxidative stress.}, keywords = {Hepatoprotective,Tetrachloride,Rosa canina fruit,Rats}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5481.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5481_d719079c1001ba3727b1ae2c9937f6d9.pdf} } @article { author = {Hosseini-Sharifabad, Mohammad and Kamali-Ardakani, Razieh and Hosseini-Sharifabad, Ali}, title = {Beneficial effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin on spatial learning and the dendritic tree of dentate gyrus granule cells in aged rats}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {189-197}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5124}, abstract = {Objective: The hippocampal formation, particularly the dentate gyrus (DG), shows age-related morphological changes that could cause memory decline. It is indicated that Boswellia resins attenuates memory deficits and the major component of Boswellia serrata (Bs) gum resin, beta boswellic acid increased neurite outgrowth and branching in hippocampal neurons. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Boswellia treatment on spatial learning performance and the morphology of dentate granule cells in aged rats. Materials and Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats (24 months old) were divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental group was intragastrically administered with the aqueous extract of Bs (100 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks) and control group received a similar volume of water. Spatial learning performance of rats was tested using Morris water maze task. At the end of experiment, the brain was removed and the right hippocampus was serially sectioned for morphometric analysis. The Cavalieri principle was employed to estimate the volume of the DG. A quantitative Golgi study was used to analyze the dendritic trees of dentate granule cells. Results: Chronic treatment with Bs improved spatial learning capability during the three acquisition days. Comparisons also revealed that Bs-treated aged rat had greater DG with increased dendritic complexity in the dentate granule cells than control rats. Hippocampal granule cells of Bs-treated aged rats had more dendritic segments, larger arbors, more numerical branching density and more dendritic spines in comparison to control animals. Conclusion: This study provided a neuro-anatomical basis for memory improvement due to chronic treatment with Bs.}, keywords = {Aging,Boswellia serrata,Dendrite,Dentate gyrus,Spatial learning}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5124.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5124_7b8faed354768009a7268d5b45151feb.pdf} } @article { author = {Vahdati Hassani, Faezeh and Hashemzaei, Mahmoud and Akbari, Edris and Imenshahidi, Mohsen and Hosseinzadeh, Hossein}, title = {Effects of berberine on acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {198-204}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5209}, abstract = {Objective: It has been shown that berberine, a major component of Berberis vulgaris extract, modulates the activity of several neurotransmitter systems including dopamine (Da) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) contributing to rewarding and reinforcing effects of morphine. Drug craving and relapsing even after a long time of abstinence therapy are the most important problems of addiction. In the present study, we investigated the alleviating effects of berberine on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice. Materials and Methods: In male NMRI mice, the acquisition of CPP was established by 40 mg/kg of morphine sulphate injection and extinguished after the extinction training and reinstated by a 10 mg/kg injection of morphine.  The effects of different doses of berberine (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) on the acquisition and reinstatement induced by morphine were evaluated in a conditioned place preference test. Results: The results showed that intraperitoneal administration of berberine (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) did not induce conditioned appetitive or aversive effects. Injection of berberine (10 and 20 mg/kg) 2 h before the morphine administration reduced acquisition of morphine-induced CPP. In addition, same doses of berberine significantly prevented the reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP. Conclusion: These results suggest that berberine can reduce the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference and may be useful in treatment of morphine addiction.}, keywords = {Berberis vulgaris,Berberine,Conditioned place preference,Morphine,Mouse}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5209.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5209_0d24d8848693c13d0e5280333b7c17b2.pdf} } @article { author = {Heidari, Bahareh and Sajjadi, Seyed Ebrahim and Minaiyan, Mohsen}, title = {Effect of Coriandrum sativum hydroalcoholic extract and its essential oil on acetic acid- induced acute colitis in rats}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {205-214}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5157}, abstract = {Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of Coriandrum sativum on acetic acid-inducedcolitis in rats. C. sativum (Coriander) has long been used in Iranian traditional medicine and its use as an anti-inflammatory agent is still common in some herbal formulations.  Materials and Methods: Colitis was induced by intra-rectal administration of 2ml acetic acid 4% in fasted male Wistar rats. Treatment was carried out using three increasing doses of extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) and essential oil (0.25, 0.5, 1 ml/kg) of coriander started 2 h before colitis induction and continued for a five-day period. Colon biopsies were taken for weighting, macroscopic scoring of injured tissue, histopathological examination and measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.  Results: Colon weight was decreased in the groups treated with extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) and essential oil (0.5 ml/kg) compared to the control group. Regarding MPO levels, ulcer severity and area as well as the total colitis index, same results indicating meaningful alleviation of colitis was achieved after treatment with oral extract and essential oil.  Conclusion: Since the present experiment was made by oral fractions of coriander thus the resulting effects could be due to both the absorption of the active ingredients and/or the effect of non-absorbable materials on colitis after reaching the colon. In this regard, we propose more toxicological and clinical experiments to warranty its beneficial application in human inflammatory bowel diseases.}, keywords = {Coriandrum sativum,Inflammation,Colitis,Animal model,Essential oil}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5157.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5157_02f9ffeebbe38224bd0e5f0a4a3e80d7.pdf} } @article { author = {Sharifzadeh, Aghil and Shokri, Hojjatollah}, title = {Antifungal activity of essential oils from Iranian plants against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {215-222}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5372}, abstract = {Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assay the antifungal activity of selected essential oils obtained from plants against both fluconazole (FLU)-resistant and FLU-susceptible C. albicans strains isolated from HIV positive patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Materials and Methods: The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation method from Myrtus communis (My. communis), Zingiber officinale roscoe (Z. officinale roscoe), Matricaria chamomilla (Ma. chamomilla), Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) and Origanum vulgare (O. vulgare). The susceptibility test was based on the M27-A2 methodology. The chemical compositions of the essential oils were obtained by gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results: In GC-MS analysis, thymol (63.40%), linalool (42%), α-pinene (27.87%), α-pinene (22.10%), and zingiberene (31.79%) were found to be the major components of T. ammi, O. vulgare, My. communis, Ma. chamomilla and Z. officinale roscoe, respectively. The results showed that essential oils have different levels of antifungal activity. O. vulgare and T. ammi essential oils were found to be the most efficient (P<0.05). The main finding was that the susceptibilities of FLU-resistant C. albicans to essential oils were higher than those of the FLU-susceptible yeasts. Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that the oils from medicinal plants could be used as potential anti- FLU-resistant C. albicans agents.}, keywords = {Oral candidiasis,Candida albicans,Essential oils,Origanum vulgare,Fluconazole-resistant isolates}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5372.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5372_6d35708f8af6713a9c069319c748c8b0.pdf} } @article { author = {Anaeigoudari, Akbar and Hosseini, Mahmoud and Karami, Reza and Vafaee, Farzaneh and Mohammadpour, Toktam and Ghorbani, Ahmad and Sadeghnia, Hamid Reza}, title = {The effects of different fractions of Coriandrum sativum on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures and brain tissues oxidative damage in rats}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {223-235}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5644}, abstract = {Objective: In the present work, the effects of different fractions of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum), on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and brain tissues oxidative damage were investigated in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into the following groups: (1) vehicle, (2) PTZ (90 mg/kg), (3) water fraction (WF) of C. sativum (25 and 100 mg/kg), (4) n-butanol fraction (NBF) of C. sativum (25 and 100 mg/kg), and (5) ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of C. sativum (25 and 100 mg/kg). Results: The first generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) latency in groups treated with 100 mg /kg of WF or EAF was significantly higher than that of PTZ group (p< 0.01). In contrast to WF, the EAF and NBF were not effective in increasing the first minimal clonic seizure (MCS) latency. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both cortical and hippocampal tissues of PTZ group were significantly higher than those of control animals (p< 0.001). Pretreatment with WF, NBF, or EAF resulted in a significant reduction in the MDA levels of hippocampi (pConclusion: The present study showed that different fractions of C. sativum possess antioxidant activity in the brain and WF and EAF of this plant have anticonvulsant effects.}, keywords = {Coriandrum sativum,Frakshens,Seizures,Pentylenetetrazole,Oxidative stress}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5644.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5644_295572e6e8c21ff6404025b7a1f11e15.pdf} } @article { author = {Omoregie, Ehimwenma and Pal, Anirban}, title = {Antiplasmodial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina del. Leaf in Swiss mice}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {236-247}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5487}, abstract = {Objective: Vernonia amygdalina (V.  amygdalina) leaf is locally employed in the Southern region of Nigeria in the treatment of malari a infection. This study evaluated the in vivo antiplasmodial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effect of ethanol extract of V.  amygdalina leaf. Materials and Methods: The active principles of the dried leaf were extracted with ethanol. For quality validation, chemical finger-print of the extract was performed through high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The extract was assessed for antiplasmodial activity by the standard four-day suppressive test on Plasmodium berghei (ANKA) infected male Swiss mice (six weeks old) placed into five groups of six animals each. Result: The absorption spectra from the HPTLC revealed several peaks suggesting presence of some bioactive compounds. Results from the in vivo study showed that the ethanol extract of the plant leaf was significantly active against P. berghei in a dose-dependent manner with the minimum and maximum activity observed in the mice treated orally with 100mg/kg (% inhibition of 23.7%) and 1000 mg/kg (% inhibition of 82.3 %) of the extract, respectively, on day four of the study. There was also a dose-dependent decrease (p<0.05) in some oxidative stress indices including nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation levels in the extract treated groups as against the non-treated infected group which had high levels of these parameters. The pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-ɣ) levels were also considerably low in the extract treated groups relative to the non-treated infected group. Conclusion: The results suggest that ethanol extract of V. amygdalina leaf was active, with some immunomodulatory effect, against P. berghei infection.}, keywords = {Antiplasmodial,Immunomodulatory,Vernonia amygdalina,Plasmodium berghei,HPTLC}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5487.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5487_b156ffd2f2faad1e90f31bf28335c171.pdf} } @article { author = {Okokon, Jude Efiom and Burata Bawo, Michael and Orji Mbagwu, Herbert}, title = {Hepatoprotective activity of Mammea africana ethanol stem bark extract}, journal = {Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {248-259}, year = {2016}, publisher = {Mashhad University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2228-7930}, eissn = {2228-7949}, doi = {10.22038/ajp.2016.5445}, abstract = {Mammea africana Sabine (Guttiferae) stembark, a common plant, traditionally used to treat various diseases and ailments was evaluated for hepatoprotective potentials against paracetamol- induced liver injury in rats. The hepatoprotective effect of the stembark extract (30-90 mg/kg) was evaluated by the assay of liver function parameters: total and direct bilirubin, serum protein and albumin, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase activities (ALP), antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and histopathological study of the liver. The administration of the stembark extract caused significant (p}, keywords = {Medicinal plant,Mammea africana,liver-protective,Antioxidant}, url = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5445.html}, eprint = {https://ajp.mums.ac.ir/article_5445_6c8b0f0c6664196592c3148ed2cd1e68.pdf} }