Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Simulation of metabolism-based herb-drug interaction: towards safe and efficacious use of NIPRD-AM120120423310.22038/ajp.2013.233ENBulus AdzuDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, PMB 21, Abuja, NigeriaKudirat Bola MustaphaDepartment of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, PMB 21, Abuja, NigeriaCollen MasimirembwaAfrican Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), Cnr Chinhoyi Str./Jason Moyo Ave. No. 9 at LAPF Centre, Harare, ZimbabweObiageri ObodozieDepartment of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, PMB 21, Abuja, NigeriaRukaiyatu Abdullahi KirimDepartment of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, PMB 21, Abuja, NigeriaKarniyus Shingu GamanielDirector General/Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, PMB 21, Abuja, NigeriaJournal Article20121117Objective: To evaluate the effect of NIPRD-AM1 on CYP3A4 in order to generate clinically significant data for its safe and efficacious use. <br/>Materials and Methods: NIPRD-AM1 is a phytomedicine developed from aqueous root extracts of <em>Nauclea latifolia</em> Smith (Rubiaceae) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The effect of NIPRD-AM1 on CYP3A4 was measured with and without the addition of NIPRD-AM1, by testing different concentrations of the product at 37 °C in reactive mixtures with ketoconazole (2.5 µM) as the positive control. <br/>Results: Results showed a very low IC<sub>50</sub> value of 0.01 mg/ml similar to that of ketoconazole (0.016 mg/ml). <br/>Conclusion: Metabolic processes of NIPRD-AM1 are likely to inhibit CYP3A4, with potential implication on drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates. This is a promising approach for guidance towards the safe and efficacious use of NIPRD-AM1.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine in the treatment of opioid-dependence: a review20521551410.22038/ajp.2013.514ENFatemeh DoostiSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranSaeedeh DashtiSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranSeyed Meghdad TabatabaiSchool of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranHossein HosseinzadehPharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. Iran0000-0002-3483-851XJournal Article20121113Objective: In this study, the current literatures on the use of herbs and herbal preparations of Traditional Chinese and Indian Medicine for the treatment of opioid addiction were reviewed. <br/>Methods: Search was done in databases such as Pub Med, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, and Google Scholar. <br/>Results: Among 18 retrieved studies, 3 studies were about asafetida extract, an approved preparation for ameliorating drug abstinence in China. Chinese preparations including Composite Dong Yuan Gao, Qingjunyin and TJ-97 (a water extract of dai-bofu-to) as well as Indian ones, Mentate and Shilajit, were reported to have positive effects against opioid withdrawal, dependence, and tolerance. Moreover, Levo-tetrahydropalmatine and L-Stepholidine, in addition to extracts of <em>Caulis Sinomenii </em>and <em>Sinomenium acutum </em>showed similar effects. <br/>Banxia Houpu Decoction, Fu-Yuan pellet, Jinniu capsules, Qingjunyin, Tai-Kang-Ning capsule, and Xuan Xia Qudu Jiaonang (WeiniCom) from Chinese preparations, showed anti-addiction effects in randomized, double-blind and, in some studies, multicenter clinical trials. <br/>Conclusion<em>:</em> Traditional herbal preparations of China and India have anti-addiction effects with less adverse effects than alpha2-adrenergic or opioid agonists.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Evaluation of cardioprotective effect of silk cocoon (Abresham) on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats21622342210.22038/ajp.2013.422ENRitesh Kumar SrivastavDepartment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Integral University, Lucknow (U.P), IndiaHefazat Hussain SiddiquiAdvisor to V.C. Integral University, Lucknow (U.P), IndiaTarique MahmoodDepartment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Integral University, Lucknow (U.P), IndiaFarogh AhsanDepartment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Integral University, Lucknow (U.P), IndiaJournal Article20120906Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate cardioprotective effect of silk cocoon (Abresham) <em>Bombyx mori </em>(<em>B. mori</em>) on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction. This study deals with the cocoons, which is called Abresham in the Unani system of medicine. It is one of the 64 drugs which Avicenna has mentioned in Avicenna’s tract on cardiac drugs and used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Abresham is a chief ingredient of the two very famous Unani formulation viz. Khamira Abresham Sada, and Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala. <br/>Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of <em>B. mori</em> (Abresham) silk cocoons in the dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight was administered orally for 28 days before isoprenaline administration to test their cardioprotective effect. Isoprenaline (85 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously on days 29<sup>th</sup> and 30<sup>th</sup>, respectively in order to induce myocardial infarction. <br/>Results: The parameters for evaluation of cardioprotective activity were the physical parameters and the biochemical estimations. The physical parameters were gross examination of heart, heart weight/body weight ratio and histopathology examination. In biochemical estimations, the activity of various cardiac enzymes such as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and the gold marker troponin-I were determined. The levels altered by isoproterenol were restored significantly by the administration of the both doses of test extract especially at higher dose. <br/>Conclusion: The result of this study shows that alcoholic extract <em>B. mori </em>hassignificant cardioprotective activity against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Immunomodulatory activity of geranial, geranial acetate, gingerol, and eugenol essential oils: evidence for humoral and cell-mediated responses22423023710.22038/ajp.2013.237ENSeema FarhathResearch Scholar, Research and Development, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India - 641 046PP VijayaResearch Scholar, Research and Development, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India - 641 046Manivannan VimalDepartment of Biotechnology, Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science, Chennai, India- 119.
Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IndiaJournal Article20121101Objective: The immunomodulatory effect of geranial, geranial acetate, gingerol, and eugenol essential oils were evaluated by studying humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. <br/>Materials and Method: The essential oils were evaluated for immunomodulatory activity in <em>in vivo</em> studies, using rats as the animal model. The essential oils were tested for hypersensitivity and hemagglutination reactions, using sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as the antigen while sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC) served as the control in all the tests. <br/>Result: Orally administrated essential oils showed a significant increase of test parameters, viz., haemagglutinating antibody titre (HAT) and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. In rats immunized with sheep RBC, essential oils enhanced the humoral antibody response to the antigen and significantly potentiated the cellular immunity by facilitating the foot pad thickness response to sheep RBC in sensitized rats with doses of 50-800 mg/ml. Haemagglutination titre of geraniol showed the highest increase of 139.3±6.38 and with 5.9±0.7 DTH, respectively. For geranial acetate, the haemagglutination titre showed a moderate increase of 87.5±5.9 and highest increase in DTH with 5.9±0.8, respectively. Using gingerol, the haemagglutination titre showed a moderate increase with 88.2±6.306 and DTH 3.5±0.5, respectively and for eugenol, the haemaggulation titre showed a moderate increase with 112.06±6.169 and DTH 4.4±0.6, respectively. These differences were statistically significant. <br/>Conclusion: The essential oils were found to have a significant immunostimulant activity on both the specific and non-specific immune mechanisms.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Turmeric active substance, curcumin, enhanced apomorphine-induced yawning in rats2312377410.22038/ajp.2013.74ENEsmaeal TamaddonfardDepartment of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia 57153-1177, I.R. IranJournal Article20121029Objective: Curcumin is a major constituent of turmeric and influences many functions of the brain. In the present study, we investigated the effect of curcumin on yawning induced by apomorphine in rats. <br/>Materials and Methods: Curcumin administered orallyfor 10 consecutive days. Yawning was induced by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of apomorphine (a dopamine receptor agonist) and the number of yawns was recorded for a period of 30 min. <br/>Results: Apomorphine (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) produced yawning. Haloperidol (a dopamine receptors antagonist) at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg partially and at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg completely inhibited apomorphine-induced yawning. Curcumin alone produced no yawning, whereas at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, it increased yawning induced by 0.1 mg/kg of apomorphine. Curcumin at the high doses (30 and 60 mg/kg) produced yawning when apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg) action was partially blocked with 0.5 mg/kg of haloperidol. In the presence of complete blockade of apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg) action with 0.2 mg/kg of haloperidol, curcumin did not produce yawning. <br/>Conclusion: The results showed that curcumin at high doses increased apomorphine-induced yawning. In the presence of partial, but not complete blockade of apomorphine action, curcumin produced yawning. Curcumin produced a dopamine-like effect on yawning.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Application of Zataria multiflora Boiss. and Cinnamon zeylanicum essential oils as two natural preservatives in cake23824749010.22038/ajp.2013.490ENHabibe KordsardoueiDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I. R. IranMohsen BarzegarDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I. R. IranMohamad Ali SahariDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I. R. IranJournal Article20121211Objective: Oxidation of oils has an important effect on nutritional and organoleptic properties of foodstuffs. Nowadays, new tendency has created a necessity to use natural compounds such as essential oils for producing functional foods. In this study, antioxidant, antifungal, and organoleptic properties of <em>Zataria multiflora Boiss</em>.(ZMEO) and <em>Cinnamon zeylanicum</em> essential oils (CZEO) have been checked as two natural preservatives in the cakes. <br/>Materials and Methods:The antioxidant activity of essential oils were determined by measuring thiobarbituric, peroxide, and free fatty acid values of prepared cakes during 60 days storage at 25˚C. Antifungal properties of essential oils were determined and given as the ratio of colony number in samples containing ZMEO and CZEO to the control. <br/>Results: Different concentrations of essential oils prevented oxidation rate and reducd preliminary and secondary oxidation products compared with butylate hydroxyanisole (BHA (100 and 200 ppm)) and control cakes. Moreover, ZMEO and CZEO at three concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 ppm) reduced the fungal growth more than samples containing BHA (100 and 200 ppm) and the control. <br/>Conclusion: Our results showed that optimum concenteration of ZMEO and CZEO for using in the cakes was 500 ppm therefore it can be replaced instead of synthetic preservatives in foodstuffs.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Effect of aqueous fraction of Rosa damascena on ileum contractile response of guinea pigs24825326410.22038/ajp.2013.264ENKarim DolatiPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranHassan RakhshandehPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranMohammad Naser ShafeiNeuroscience Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20121225Objective: The use of drugs with herbal origin is increasing for treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. <em>Rosa damascena (R. damascena) </em>is a well-known plant suggested to have beneficial effect on GI system<em>.</em> In this study, the effect of aqueous fraction of <em>R. damascena</em> on the contractionsofisolated guinea pig ileum was investigated. <br/>Materials and Methods: Aqueous fraction of plant was obtained from ethanolic extract after ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were discarded. To evaluate effect of this fraction on ileum contraction, guinea pig ileum was removed and mounted on organ bath and its contraction was recorded. Effect of various concentrations (0.66, 0.83, and 1.3 mg/ml) of aqueous fraction on ileum contraction in comparison with Ach in presence and absense of atropine, a muscarinic antagonist of cholinergic, was evaluated. The response of ileum to 1 µg/ml of acetylcholine was considered as 100% response. <br/>Results:Our results showed that aqueous fractions of <em>R. damascena</em> dose-dependently increased basal guinea pigs ileum contractions (pConclusion: It is concluded that aqueous fraction of <em>R. damascena</em> has mild excitatory effect on ileum contraction and this fraction may be beneficial as a mild laxative agent.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Ethnobotanical investigation of traditional medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of Mashhad, Iran25427148710.22038/ajp.2013.487ENMohammad Sadegh AmiriDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, I. R. IranMohammad Reza JoharchiResearch Center for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20130113Objective: An ethnobotanical survey on the medicinal plant species marketed in Mashhad city, northeastern Iran, was conducted in order to document traditional medicinal knowledge and application of medicinal plants. <br/>Materials and Methods: This study was undertaken between 2011 and 2012. The indigenous knowledge of traditional healers used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. Ethnobotanical data was arranged alphabetically by family name followed by botanical name, vernacular name, part used, folk use, and recipe. Correct identification was made with the help of the various Floras and different herbal literature at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Herbarium (FUMH). <br/>Results: The present investigation reported medicinal information for about 269 species, belonging to 87 vascular plant families and one fungus family. The most important family was Lamiaceae with 26 species, followed by Asteraceae with 23, Fabaceae with 20, and Apiaceae with 19. Herbal medicine uses reported by herbalists was classified into 132 different uses which show significant results to treat a wide spectrum of human ailments. Plants sold at the market were mostly used for digestive system disorders, respiratory problems, urological troubles, nervous system disorders, skin problems, and gynecological ailments. <br/>Conclusion: This survey showed that although people in study area have access to modern medical facilities, a lot of them still continue to depend on medicinal plants for the treatment of healthcare problems. The present paper represents significant ethnobotanical information on medical plants which provides baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Histological, ultrastructural and biochemical studies on the kidney of mice treated with Carthamus tinctorius L. extract27227833210.22038/ajp.2013.332ENAli Louei MonfaredDepartment of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Para-Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilam, Ilam, I. R. Iran0000-0002-0584-6414Journal Article20130113Objective:<em> Carthamus tinctorius</em> L.(<em>C. tinctorius</em>) is used as a food additive but also has medicinal applications. The present work was designed to investigate its probable side effects on the histology and function of the kidney in the mice. <br/>Materials and Methods: Sixty adult Balb/C mice were randomly distributed into one control and three experimental groups. The control group received only distilled water, while experimental groups were administered intraperitoneally<em> C. tinctorius</em> at doses of 0.7, 1.4, and 2.8 mg/kg for 49 consecutive days. In the end of experiments after blood sampling, the biochemical analyses of plasma were performed. Tissue samples were also taken and structural alterations were examined using light and electron microscopes. <br/>Results: There were histological changes included decreasing in the diameter of glomerules, increase of proximal tubular lumen, tubular necrosis, leuckocyte infiltration, and massive congestion in the kidney of the 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg<em> C. tinctorius</em> groups. Moreover, ultrastructural study revealed destruction of the glomerular basement membrane, shrinkage of podocyte΄s nucleus, and reduction in the number and size of microvilli in epithelial cells of renal tubules. Furthermore, the levels of creatinine in the plasma of 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg<em> C. tinctorius</em> groups showed a significant increase in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). <br/>Conclusion: It is concluded that <em>C. tinctorius</em> extract exposure at doses of 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg has harmful effects on the renal tissue and therefore, popular consumption of this plant should be reconsidered.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Preventive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of saffron on hematological parameters of experimental asthmatic rats27928765610.22038/ajp.2013.656ENSomayyeh VosooghiDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University, Boshruyeh, South Khorasan, I. R. IranMaryam MahmoudabadyApplied Physiology Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. Iran0000-0002-0466-1311Ali NeamatiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, I. R. IranHeydar AghababaDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, I. R. IranJournal Article20130206Objective: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory airways distinguished by edema and infiltration of inflammatory immune cells. To test our hypothesis about the anti-inflammatory effect of saffron, we examined effects of <em>Crocus sativus (C. sativus</em>) extract as a prophylactic anti-inflammatory agent in sensitized rats. <br/>Materials and Methods: To induce experimental asthma, rats were sensitized with injection and inhalation of ovalbumin (OA). Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8 for each): control, sensitized (asthma), and sensitized and pretreated with three different concentrations of extract, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, 2 times a week (group asthma+50EX, group asthma+100EX, and group asthma+200EX). After 32 days, total white blood cells (WBC) counts, red blood cells (RBC), and platelet counts in blood were examined. <br/>Results: Total WBC number and eosinophil and neutrophil percentage in blood were increased, but lymphocyte decreased in sensitized animals compared with those of control group (pConclusion: Our findings indicated that the extract of <em>C. sativus</em> could be useful to prevent asthma as an anti-inflammatory treatment.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303320130601Peganum harmala intoxication, a case report28829247510.22038/ajp.2013.475ENMohammad MoshiriDepartment of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, I. R. IranLeila EtemadDepartment of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, I. R. IranSoheila JavidiDepartment of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, I. R. IranAnahita AlizadehPediatrician-Toxicology Fellowship of Toxicology ward of Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20121201Objective:<em> Peganum harmala (P. harmala),</em> “Espand” in Persian, has small seeds and has been used in traditional medicine as emmenagogue and an abortifacient. It has various pharmacological effects such as antifungal, antibacterial, hypothermic, anticancer, antinociceptive, and reversible monoamine oxidase inhibition. <br/>Case details: This case was a 45 years old woman who ingested about 50 grams seed of <em>P. harmala </em>for hypermenorrhae. She suffered nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremor, ataxia, and confusion. On physical examination, she had hypotension (BP=90/60 mmHg) with normal heart rate (60 beat/min) and impaired knee to heel test. Her consciousness was reduced without any hallucination. Her laboratory test was normal. She was discharged at good condition 18 hours later. <br/>Conclusion: In conclusion, physicians working in Iran and other regions that <em>P. harmala</em> is prescribed or used illegally, should know signs and symptoms of its toxicity in order to be able to deal with the emergencies, however, prognosis of these toxicity is not bad.