Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701The effect of Ficus carica latex on 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene-induced breast cancer in rats2862951001410.22038/ajp.2017.10014ENMahnoosh FatemiDepartment of Biology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IranFereshte GhandehariDepartment of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20161222Objective: In traditional medicine, Ficus carica (also known as fig) latex is recognized as a remedy with various therapeutic effects. Recently, in vitro studies have reported the anticancer effect of this latex on cancer cell lines. This study evaluated the effect of this latex on breast cancer growth, hematological parameters, and histopathology in rats.<br /> Materials and Methods: Twenty-four female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. In cancerous group, 0.5 ml 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene was injected to nipple for breast cancer induction. The control group received sesame oil at the same volume through similar route. In fig latex treated group (Fle), breast cancer was induced and then 0.5 ml of fig latex was intratumorally injected on a daily basis for 4 weeks. Tumor size was measured at the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 4<sup>th </sup>and 6<sup>th</sup> weeks of the experiment. Blood samples were used for investigation of the hematological parameters and livers, kidneys and tumor tissues were removed for histopathological analysis.<br /> Results: The tumor size in Fle group was significantly decreased compared to the cancerous group. Haematocrit, hemoglobin, RBC and their indices were significantly decreased, whereas platelet, leukocyte and white blood cell numbers were significantly increased in cancerous group compared to the control group. There were no changes in these parameters in the Fle group compared to the control group. There were severe pathological changes in the livers and kidneys of cancerous group, but not in Fle group.<br /> Conclusion: These results suggest that fig latex could decrease tumor growth without having any adverse effect on hematological and histological factors. However, further investigation is required in this field.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701Cytotoxic activity of the genus Ferula (Apiaceae) and its bioactive constituents2963121037910.22038/ajp.2018.26953.1963ENMehrdad IranshahiBiotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranRamin RezaeeClinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMona Najaf NajafiClinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAli HaghbinNatural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, IranJamal KasaianNatural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, IranJournal Article20171017Objective: The genus Ferula L. includes perennial flowering plants belonging to the Apiaceae family. This genus is a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals such as sulfur-containing derivatives, coumarins, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpene coumarins, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and daucane esters. Over the last decade, considerable attention has been paid to biological activities of these compounds; it is assumed that the most prominent biological features of the genus Ferula are their cytotoxic effects. This article discusses cytotoxic activity of the genus Ferula and their important compounds.<br /> Methods: In this mini-review article, papers published from 1990 to April 2016 were included and the following information was discussed; cytotoxic activity of the genus Ferula and their important compounds, the type of cell line used in vitro, concentrations of the extracts/active compound that were used, and the underlying mechanisms of action through which Ferula-related chemicals induced cytotoxicity. In addition, we explained different mechanisms of action through which the active constituents isolated from Ferula, could decrease cellular growth.<br /> Conclusion: It is highly recommended that potent and effective compounds that were isolated from Ferula plants and found to be appropriate as adjuvant therapy for certain diseases, should be identified. Also, the versatile biological activities of sesquiterpene coumarins suggest them as promising agents with a broad range of biological applications to be used in the future.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701Quantitative ethnobotanical appraisal of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of lower Kurram, Kurram agency, Pakistan3133291073810.22038/ajp.2018.20910.1792ENWahid HussainDepartment of Botany, GPGC Parachinar Kurram agency PakistanManzoor UllahDepartment of Botany, University of Science and Technology Bannu KP, PakistanGhulam DastagirDepartment of Botany, University of Peshawar, KP, PakistanLAL BadshahDepartment of Botany, University of Peshawar, KP, PakistanJournal Article20161223Objective: Medicinal plants are used for treatment of ailments throughout rural and urban areas of the world. Such use of plants varies from one region to another and is measured using quantitative techniques. The current research which was conducted from March to October 2015, is the first explorative study of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of lower Kurram, Kurram agency, Pakistan.<br /> Materials and Methods: Field trips were done to 20 location of lower Kurram and information regarding medicinal use of plants was collected from the locals through semi-structured interviews.<br /> Results: A total of 52 plant species that were reported by the people from the region, to have medicinal value, fall within 48 genera and 35 families. The family Asteraceae comprised most of these herbs (6 species) followed by the family Lamiaceae (4 species) and Solanaceae (3 species). Leaves (24.3%) and fruits (21.6%) were the frequently used parts in preparation of remedies. The reported plants were used for treatment of 50 ailments with most of these plants (35 species; 30.97%) being used for treatment of digestive problems. Seriphidium kurramensis had the highest relative frequency of citation (66.18) and use value (1.10). Fidelity level of Caralluma tuberculata and Artemisia scoparia for diabetes was (61.22) and (55.56), respectively. The highest fidelity level for malaria was reported for Artemisia absinthium (43.66) and S. kurramensis (40.00).<br /> Conclusion: The inhabitants of lower Kurram still practice medicinal plants and few of the plants were used for treatment of fatal diseases like malaria, hepatitis and blood cancer. Haphazard cutting of plants and overgrazing are major threats that can affect plants biodiversity.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701The effects of curcumin and a modified curcumin formulation on serum Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial3303371034810.22038/ajp.2018.10348ENAli JavandoostMetabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAsma AfshariDepartment of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Maryam Saberi KarimianDepartment of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Amirhosein SahebkarBiotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-1747-8353Hamideh Safarian BanaMetabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMaliheh MoammeriMetabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranBehdokht Fathi DizajiDepartment of Genetic, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Shima TavalaeiMetabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranGordon A. A. FernsInstitute for Science and Technology in Medicine, University of Keele, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 7QB, UK0000-0002-0957-8349Alireza PasdarDepartment of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Seyed Mohammad Reza ParizadehMetabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMajid Ghayour MobarhanBiochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0003-2852-7632Journal Article20170601Objective: Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesteryl ester from HDL-C to LDL-C and VLDL-C. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the effect of curcumin and its modified formulation on serum CETP concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome.<br /> Materials and Methods: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups of 40 subjects receiving either unmodified curcumin or its phospholipid complex or placebo. Lipid profile and plasma CETP were measured at the start and sixweeksafter initiation of the treatment.The normality of data distribution was assessed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was used for comparing the data before and after the intervention. The percent changes of CETP and biochemical factors among the three groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test.<br /> Results: Serum CETP levels were not significantly altered among patients receiving curcumin.<br /> Conclusion: Curcumin and its complex had no significant effect on serum CETP concentrations.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701The effect of asafoetida essential oil on myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts3383491031510.22038/ajp.2018.10315ENHassan EsmaeiliDepartment of heart, School of Medicine, Gorgan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranZahra HafezimoghadamDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMansour EsmailidehajDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMohammad Ebrahim RezvaniDepartment of physiology, school of medicine, Yazd university of medical sciencesZeynab HafizibarjinDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranJournal Article20170811Objective: Previous studies reported that asafetida from Ferula assa-foetida Linn. species and its essential oil (AEO) have antioxidant effects. In the present study, the effect of AEO was evaluated on ischemic-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts.<br /> Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: 1) control group, 2) vehicle group, 3-5) AEO groups and, 6) carvedilol group. In the control group, hearts were only subjected to 30-min global ischemia followed by 120-min reperfusion. Hearts in other groups were perfused with vehicle (Tween 0.1%), AEO (0.125, 0.25 or 0.50 µL/g heart) or carvedilol (10 µM) for 5 min immediately before the induction of ischemia.<br /> Results: Compared to the control group, myocardial dysfunction was significantly more severe only in group 5 in which a significant increase in left ventricular end diastolic pressure and a significant decrease in left ventricular developed pressure and ±dp/dt. Also, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase as the markers of myocardial injury were significantly higher only in group 5 compared to control group. The size of infarct and the incidence of irreversible fibrillation did not show any significant differences between the control group and groups 3-5.<br /> Conclusion: These results showed that perfusion of isolated rat hearts with AEO 0.5 µL/g heart, but not at lower concentrations, might worsen myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701Evaluation of hematopoietic stem cell expansion in the presence of garcinol3503571078610.22038/ajp.2018.18903.1729ENAzam HabibiDepartment of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranMasoud SoleimaniDepartment of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranAmir AtashiStem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, IranMahshid AkhavanRahnamaDepartment of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAzadeh AnbarlouDepartment of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMansoureh AjamiDepartment of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranMonireh AjamiDepartment of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20160909Objective: The application of human cord blood (hCB) is limited to children by using relatively small volume of cord blood that does not contain enough hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). So, efforts for applying cord blood stem cells in transplantation have led to establishment of some approaches for ex vivo expansion of HSCs such as garcinol.<br /> Materials and Methods: CD133+ HSCs were separated by a magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) system. Isolated cells were cultured with different doses of garcinol, SCF, TPO and FLT-3L. The optimal dose of garcinol for ex vivo expansion of HSCs was determined by direct counting. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of CD133 marker to check the ability of garcinol in maintenance of HSCs. Colony forming cell (CFC) assay was performed to evaluate clonogenic capability of treated cells. The level of expression of CXCR4 gene was evaluated by RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using Student’s t test.<br /> Results: Our results showed that CD133<sup>+</sup> HSCs in the presence of garcinol (5-10 µM) had high expansion activity and cell counting showed that the number of cells in treated group was higher than control group (1.9 –fold) and CFC assay showed that the number of colonies following treatment with garcinol had 1.3-fold increase. Treatment of HSCs with garcinol resulted in 9.6-fold increase in terms of CXCR4 expression in comparison to control group.<br /> Conclusion: The present study showed that garcinol can improve ex vivo expansion of HSCs and enhance their potential for homing to bone marrow.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701Aqueous extract of saffron administration along with amygdala deep brain stimulation promoted alleviation of symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in rats3583691036110.22038/ajp.2018.10361ENMina Mokhtari HashtjiniNeuroscience Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranGila Pirzad JahromiNeuroscience Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-2683-1625Gholam Hossein MeftahiNeuroscience Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDavoud EsmaeiliApplied Microbiology Research Center, and Microbiology Department, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDanial JavidnazarElectrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20171111<strong>Objective:</strong> Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as one of the most devastating kinds of anxiety disorders, is the consequence of a traumatic event. <em>Crocus sativus</em> L., commonly known as saffron have been traditionally used for treatment of stress and anxiety. In this study, we evaluated the effects of peripheral administration of saffron, along with deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) model caused by contextual fear conditioning (electrical foot shock chamber) in male Wistar rats.<br /> <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> rats (220-250 g) were divided into 7 groups (n=8) and underwent stereotactic surgery for implantation of the electrodes in the right-baso lateral of the amygdala (BLA). After 7 days, some animals received the foot shock, followed by another 7-day treatment (DBS treatment or combination treatment by saffron 5 mg/kg (i.p)) then freezing behavior as a predicted response in the absence of the foot shock (re-exposure time) and general anxiety were measured using elevated plus maze test. Serum corticosterone level and amygdala c-Fos protein expression were assessed using ELISA and Western blot analysis, respectively.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> DBS treatment and the combination therapy of saffron (5 mg/kg (I.P)) with DBS significantly (p<0.001) increased serum corticosterone levels. Also both treatments could significantly (p<0.001) reduce c-Fos protein expression and freezing behaviors time. However, DBS treatment had no effect on the general anxiety in rats with PTSD. On the other hand, combination therapy significantly (p<0.001) reduced anxiety behavior in rats with PTSD.<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> These results might show the potential of this combination therapy for treatment of treatment-resistant PTSD patients.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701Renoprotective effects of the methanolic extract of Tanacetum parthenium against carbon tetrachloride-induced renal injury in rats3703791039710.22038/ajp.2018.10397ENMohammad MazaniDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, IranYavar MahmoodzadehDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, IranMir Mehdi Chinifroush-AslDepartment of Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, IranShokofeh BanaeiDepartment of Physiology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran0000-0002-8742-3895Lotfollah RezagholizadehDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran0000-0003-3175-1360Alireza MohammadniaDepartment of Health Information Technology Management, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, IranJournal Article20171129Objective: Studies have demonstrated that carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>) increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many tissues including the kidney, heart, lung, brain, and liver. The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective activity of Tanacetum parthenium extract (TPE) in renal tissues of CCl<sub>4</sub>-intoxicated rats.<br /> Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into seven groups of six rats. Group 1 was the control group that was not treated with CCl<sub>4</sub>. The rats in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl<sub>4</sub> (1.5 ml/kg, 1:1 in olive oil) on day 14. Rats in the groups bTPE40, bTPE80, and bTPE120 were gavaged with 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg of TPE, respectively for 14 constitutive days on a daily basis, before CCl<sub>4</sub> administration. Rats in groups aTPE80 and aTPE120 were gavaged with 80 and 120 mg/kg of TPE, respectively, 2, 6, 24 and 48 hr after receiving CCl<sub>4</sub>. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 16<sup>th</sup> day through an intracardiac puncture and then serums were separated.<br /> Results: CCl<sub>4</sub> increased urea, creatinine, uric acid and creatinine: albumin (C/A) ratio level in serum and decreased total antioxidant and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) when compared to the control group (p<0.001). But administration of TPE to rats either before or after exposure to CCl<sub>4</sub>, attenuated these changes when compared with CCl<sub>4</sub> control group (p Conclusion: TPE had potent nephroprotective effects against oxygen free radicals produced through CCl<sub>4</sub> metabolism.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79308420180701Enhancing effect of Tiliacora triandra leaves extract on spatial learning, memory and learning flexibility as well as hippocampal choline acetyltransferase activity in mice3803881067810.22038/ajp.2018.10678ENWachiryah Thong-asaAnimal Toxicology and Physiology Specialty Research Unit (ATPSRU), Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand0000-0003-0065-7339Hathaipat LaisangunngamDepartment of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, ThailandJournal Article20170425Objective: The present study investigates the effect of Tiliacora triandra leaf extract on spatial learning, memory, and learning flexibility as well as hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in mice. <br /> Materials and Methods: Thirty male ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups including 10% Tween 80, T. triandra 300 mg/kg and T. triandra 600 mg/kg. All administrations were done orally for 18 consecutive days. Spatial learning, memory and learning flexibility were assessed using the Morris water maze. ChAT activity and hippocampal neuronal cell number were assessed by immunohistochemistry and histological methods, respectively.<br /> Results: The results demonstrated that T. triandra leaf extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) significantly enhances spatial learning and learning flexibility. Only 300 mg/kg of T. triandra significantly improved the spatial memory. The hippocampal ChAT activity and total hippocampal cell number were significantly increased in T. triandra-treated groups.<br /> Conclusion: The present study indicated that T. triandra leaf extract improves the spatial learning, memory and learning flexibility, exerts neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons and maintains ChAT activity in this brain area.