Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Assessment of immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Calamus rotang199205660010.22038/ajp.2016.6600ENAmit GuptaVidya Pratishthan’s School of Biotechnology (VSBT, Research centre affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University) Baramati, Maharashtra, India0000-0002-2003-8618Sushama Ravindra ChaphalkarVidya Pratishthan’s School of Biotechnology (VSBT, Research centre affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University) Baramati, Maharashtra, IndiaJournal Article20150826<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>There are a number of medicinal plant products which has been used to treat various immunological diseases. Out of these medicinal plants, <em>Calamus rotang</em> has shown several medicinal properties including anti-viral, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory effects. Normally, the roots of <em>C. rotang</em> are used in various ailments to cure piles, burning sensation, cough, leprosy and bleeding disorder and also it was used in the treatment of inflammation. In the present study, our group were investigated the immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of <em>C. rotang</em> root in human whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using hepatitis B vaccine (HBsAg) as an antigen.<br /> <br /><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: Variable doses of root aqueous extract (0.5 – 30 mg/ml, 100 µl) was administered to human whole blood and PBMC using hepatitis B vaccine containing surface antigen (HBsAg; 20 µg/ml, 10 µl) as specific antigen in order to estimate the total blood counts in human whole blood and nitric oxide production and CD14 FITC surface marker from human PBMC.<br /> <br /><strong>Results:</strong> Overall, the results showed that roots aqueous extract of <em>C. rotang </em>showed remarkable increase in the number of blood counts in human whole blood at lower doses (0.5 mg/ml). In addition, root aqueous extract of <em>C. rotang</em> also showed the same pattern in case of nitric oxide production and estimation of CD14 FITC surface marker in human PBMC.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Altogether, the results suggest that root aqueous extract of <em>C. rotang</em> showed immunomodulatory activity.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Therapeutic efficacy of rose oil: A comprehensive review of clinical evidence206213776010.22038/ajp.2016.7760ENSafieh MohebitabarDepartment of Iranian Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMahbobeh ShiraziMaternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSodabeh BioosDepartment of Iranian Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranRoja RahimiDepartment of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranFarhad MalekshahiDepartment of management, School of management and accounting, Emam Hosein University, Tehran, IranFatemeh NejatbakhshDepartment of Iranian Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20160123<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>Rose oil is obtained from the petals of difference Rosa species especially <em>Rosa centifolia </em>L. and <em>Rosa damascena </em>Mill. Various pharmacological properties have been attributed to rose oil. The aim of the present study was to review the rose oil therapeutic effects which had been clinically evaluated in trial studies.<br /> <br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for human studies which have evaluated the therapeutic effects of rose oil and published in English language until August 2015.<br /> <br /><strong>Results</strong>: Thirteen clinical trials (772 participants) were included in this review. Rose oil was administered via inhalation or used topically. Most of the studies (five trials) evaluated the analgesic effect of rose oil. Five studies evaluated the physiological relaxation effect of rose oil. Anti-depressant, psychological relaxation, improving sexual dysfunction, and anti-anxiety effects were the other clinical properties reported for rose oil.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Numerous studies on the pharmacological properties of rose oil have been done in animals, but studies in humans are few. In this study, it was observed that rose oil had physiological and psychological relaxation, analgesic and anti-anxiety effects. To obtain conclusive results on the efficacy and safety of rose oil, further clinical trials with larger sample size and better designation are required.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Potentiating effects of Perovskia abrotanoides on pentobarbital-induced sleep214222779310.22038/ajp.2016.7793ENFatemeh ForouzanfarPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAzar HosseiniPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-3423-0539Mohammad Sadegh AmiriDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, IranHasan RakhshandehPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-2118-1096Journal Article20160129<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>Sleeplessness is the most common sleep disorder. In this study the hypnotic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of <em>Perovskia abrotanoides </em>and its water fraction (WF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and n-butanol fraction (NBF) were studied in mice.<br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: The test compounds were administered intraperitoneally to mice 30 min before the administration of sodium pentobarbital (30 mg/kg.). Moreover, the influence of flumazenil on the hypnotic effect of the extracts was evaluated. Besides, 30 min after administration of HAE, motor coordination (rota-rod test) was assessed. Additionally, LD50 for HAE was determined and the possible neurotoxicity of the extract was tested in neural PC12 cells.<br /><br /><strong>Results</strong>: The HAE and NBF decreased the latency of sleep (p<0.05), and significantly increased the duration of sleep (p<0.05) induced by pentobarbital. These effects of <em>P. abrotanoides</em> were reversed by flumazenil. HAE did not affect the animals’ performance on the rota-rod test. The LD50 value for HAE was found to be 4.8 g/kg. HAE and its fractions did not show neurotoxic effects in cultured PC12 cell line.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The results showed that <em>P. abrotanoides </em>significantly potentiated pentobarbital hypnosis without toxic effect. Probably, its effects are related to its non-polar constituents.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Evaluation of fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects of Allium elburzense bulb extracts223231788210.22038/ajp.2016.7882ENLeila SafaeianDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranBehzad ZolfaghariDepartment of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-7087-2590Mohammadreza Aghaye-GhazviniIsfahan Center of Public Health Training and Research, Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Science, IranMahya BehnampourDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20160201Objective: <em>Allium elburzense</em> is an endemic plant of the family Amaryllidaceae that grows wild in northern Iran with some nutritional and medicinal applications. The present study was aimed to investigate the fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects of <em>A. elburzense </em>bulb extracts.<br /> Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic, aqueous, chloroformic and butanolic extracts were evaluated in this research. <em>In vitro </em>antioxidant assays were performed using total phenolic, DPPH, and FRAP methods. In the <em>in vivo</em> analysis, animals receivedi.p. injection of<em> A. elburzense</em> hydroalcoholic extract for 21 days and hydroperoxides level, FRAP value, PT and aPTT were determined in serum samples. The fibrinolytic activity of different extracts was quantitatively evaluated by measurement of clot weight.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> <em>In vitro </em>antioxidant assay showed that <em>A. elburzense </em>aqueous extract had the highest DPPH scavenging and the highest total antioxidant capacity. In the <em>in vivo</em> assay, <em>A. elburzense</em> hydroalcoholic extract reduced serum hydroperoxides level and increased serum total antioxidant capacity in rats.<em>In vitro </em>fibrinolytic assay revealed remarkable thrombolytic activity for this plant with the highest effect for the aqueous extract. However, coagulation parameters including PT and aPTT were not affected by administration of <em>A. elburzense</em> hydroalcoholic extract in rats.<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> In conclusion, the results of this study revealed the potential antioxidant and fibrinolytic effects of <em>A. elburzense</em> bulbextracts. For developing novel thrombolytic agents, further investigations for isolation of bioactive constituents and finding the underlying mechanisms are suggested.<br /> <br /> <strong> </strong>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501The effects of setarud on the immunological status of HIV-positive patients: Efficacy of a novel multi-herbal drug232241816910.22038/ajp.2017.18637.1721ENMehdi Gholamzadeh BaeisYoung Researchers and Elites Club, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, I. R. IranGhasem AmiriInfectious disease specialist, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, I. R. Iran.Mojtaba MiladiniaNursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, I. R. IranJournal Article20160905<strong>Objective: </strong>This study examines the effect of the addition of IMOD, a novel multi-herbal drug to the highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) regimen, on the immunological status of HIV-positive patients.<br /> <strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>A randomized two-parallel-group (HAART group versus HAART+IMOD group), pretest-posttest design was used.<br />Sixty patients with indications for treatment with the HAART regimen participated. One week before and 2 days after the treatments, immunological parameters including total lymphocyte count (TLC) and CD4 cell count were assessed.<br />The intervention group received the HAART regimen plus IMOD every day for 3 months. The control group received only the HAART regimen every day for 3 months.<br /> <strong>Results: </strong>In the intervention group, a significant difference was observed in CD4between before and after drug therapy (CD4 was increased). However, in the control group, the difference in CD4 was not significant before and after drug therapy. The difference in TLC was not significantly different between the two groups before and after therapy. Nevertheless, TLC was higher in the intervention group.<br /> <strong>Conclusion: </strong>IMOD (as a herbal drug) has been successfully added to the HAART regimen to improve the immunological status of HIV-positive patients.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Effect of linalool on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in mice242249817010.22038/ajp.2016.15567.1615ENNarjes PourtaqiSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMohsen ImenshahidiPharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranBibi Marjan RazaviTargeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-7450-9286Hossein HosseinzadehPharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-3483-851XJournal Article20160326<strong>Objective: </strong>The effect of linalool, a terpene alcohol found in many plants, which inhibits NMDA receptors, on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) was evaluated in mice.<br /><strong>Material and Methods: </strong>The effects of different doses of linalool (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.), memantine (20 mg/kg, an NMDA receptor antagonist) and saline, in CPP induced by 40 mg/kg of morphine were investigated in mice. In another experiment, a single injection of morphine (10 mg/kg) reinstated the place reference following extinction of a place preference induced by morphine (40 mg/kg). Linalool (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.), memantine (20 mg/kg) and saline were administrated 30 min before this priming dose of morphine.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> In the first experiment, linalool (12.5 and 50 mg/kg) was able to decrease morphine-induced CPP. In the second part, linalool (25 and 50 mg/kg) reduced morphine-induced reinstatement of place preference. Both acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP, were considerably decreased by memantine.<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study showed that linalool is able to reduce the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP which might be due tothrough NMDA receptors blocking.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Protective effect of Tribulus terrestris fruit extract on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice250260803210.22038/ajp.2017.8032ENMina BorranSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranMohsen MinaiyanDepartment of Pharmacology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-2129-6299Behzad ZolfaghariDepartment of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-7087-2590Parvin MahzuniDepartment of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20160213<strong>Objective: </strong>Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial activities of <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> (<em>T. terrestris</em>) could be helpful in the treatment of acute pancreatitis; thus, this study was designed to investigate the effects of <em>T. terrestris </em>on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.<br /> <strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: Three doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of <em>T. terrestris </em>hydro-alcoholic extract were administered both orally (60 minutes before pancreatitis induction, p.o.) and intra-peritoneally (30 minutes before pancreatitis induction, i.p.) to different groups of mice (n=6). Pancreatitis was induced by five injections (i.p.) of cerulein 50μg/kg body weight with 1 hr intervals. Animals were euthanized 5 hr after the last injection of cerulein and tissue injures were assessed biochemically and pathologically.<br /> <strong>Results</strong>: <em>T. terrestris </em>extract 200 and 400mg/kg (p.o.) and <em>T. terrestris </em>extract 400 mg/kg (i.p.) reduced pancreatic tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and serum amylase and lipase levels and alleviated histological parameters.<br /> <strong>Conclusion</strong>: These data suggest that <em>T. terrestris </em>hydro-alcoholic extract was effective in protecting against experimental acute pancreatitis and possibly the efficacy depends on dose and route of administration.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Stereological investigation of the effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia fruit hydroalcoholic extract on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats261274819510.22038/ajp.2017.15516.1617ENMohammad DabbaghmaneshDepartment of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranAli NoorafshanDepartment of Anatomy, Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranPedram TalezadehDepartment of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranNader TanidehDepartment of pharmacology, Stem Cell and Transgenic Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranFarhad KoohpeymaDepartment of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranAida IrajiResearcher in Central Research Laboratory, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranMarzieh BakhshayeshkaramResearcher in Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranNima Montazeri-NajafabadyDepartment of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranJournal Article20160403<strong>Objective</strong>: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by increased fracture risk. However, each approved treatment has specific side effects. Therefore, foods with plant origins have increasingly attracted attention as an alternative treatment. Studies have shown that <em>Elaeagnus angustifolia</em> (EA) has antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of EA hydroalcoholic extract on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats using stereological methods. <br /> <strong>Material and Methods: </strong>55 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control, sham operated (normal saline), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX + EA fruit extract (600 mg/kg BW/day), and OVX + estradiol benzoate (3 mg/kg BW) for 16 weeks. Blood samples were collected to measure calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plasma levels. Then, specimens from tibia and fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) bones were prepared and stereological analysis was done.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> Ovariectomy significantly decreased the calcium level and increased the ALP level in the OVX group. In spite of improvement in calcium hemostasis in groups treated with estrogen and EA fruit extract (p<0.05), only treatment with estrogen was able to reduce ALP levels. Moreover, treatment with EA fruit extract and estrogen caused a significant increase in the number of osteoblasts in vertebra and tibia compared to the OVX group (p<0.05). Estrogen and EA fruit extract were also able to reduce the number of osteoclasts in tibia of the treated OVX rats (p<0.05).<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results showed that EA extract exerted more effects, markedly, on osteoblastogenesis in the OVX rats. Thus, it could be considered as a potential agent to treat patients with osteoporosis.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307320170501Antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of ethanol extract of Zea mays root275284803910.22038/ajp.2016.16700.1641ENJude Efiom OkokonDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaBassey Sunday AntiaDepartment of Chemistry, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaBala Adamu AzareDepartment of Zoology, University of Abuja, Abuja, NigeriaPatience Jude OkokonDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaJournal Article20160520<strong>Objective:</strong><em>Zea mays </em>root decoction that has been traditionally used for the treatment of malaria by various tribes in Nigeria, was evaluated for antimalarial potential against malaria parasites using <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> models.<br /> <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> The root extract of <em>Zea mays </em>was investigated for antimalarial activity against <em>Plasmodium berghei </em>in mice using rodent malaria models; suppressive, prophylactic and curative tests and <em>in vitro</em> antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> using SYBR green assay method. Median lethal dose and cytotoxic activity against HeLa and HEKS cells were assessed and phytochemical screening was also carried out using standard procedures.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The LD<sub>50</sub> value of root extract was found to be 474.34 mg/kg. The crude extract (45-135 mg/kg, p.o) showed significant (p<0.05-0.001) antimalarial activity against <em>P. berghei</em> infection in suppressive, prophylactic and curative tests with a prolonged survival time. The crude extract also showed moderate activity against both chloroquine-sensitive (Pf 3D7) and resistant (Pf INDO) strains of <em>P. falciparum</em> with an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 71.62±3.38 μg/ml (for Pf 3D7) and 63.76±4.12 μg/ml (for Pf INDO). The crude extract was not cytotoxic to the two cell lines tested with TC<sub>50</sub> of >100 μg/ml against both HeLa and HEKS cell lines.<br /> <strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results suggest that the root extract of <em>Zea mays </em>possesses antimalarial activity against both chloroquine-sensitive and resistant malaria and these data justify its use in ethnomedicine to treat malaria infections.