Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301The neuroprotective effect of BSA-based nanocurcumin against 6-OHDA-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells921001159210.22038/ajp.2018.11592ENRoksana SookhaklariStudents Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranBita GeramizadehDepartment of Pathology, Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranMorteza AbkarNanobiology and Nanomedicine Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical sciences, Shiraz, IranMaryam MoosaviNanobiology and Nanomedicine Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical sciences, Shiraz, IranShiraz Neuroscience Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical sciences, Shiraz, IranJournal Article20180501<strong>Objective:</strong> Parkinson’s disease (PD) is regarded as the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting elderly population. There is a tendency toward finding natural cures to suppress the initiation and progression of this disease. Some epidemiological studies indicated lower incidence of PD in populations that consume curry. Curcumin, as the main ingredient of turmeric, has been supposed to have a protective role against PD progression. However, low bioavailability of curcumin is still a challenge in evaluation of the therapeutic potential of this substance. In this study, we aimed to produce a BSA-based nanocurcumin to assess its effect on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced death and Akt signaling disruption in SH-SY5Y cells.<br /> <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> BSA-based nanocurcumin was produced using desolvation method. Human neuroblastoma cells were treated with OHDA with/without different doses of nanocurcumin and MTT test was used to assess their viability besides observing cells morphological changes. The protective doses of nanocurcumine were chosen according to MTT results and western blot studies were done to assess p-Akt/t-Akt ratio.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> 6-OHDA exposure led to decreased cell viability, while nanocurcumin at doses of 400 and 500 nM prevented cell death. Moreover, this nanoformulation of curcumin restored p-Akt/t-Akt decrement induced by 6-OHDA. The protective effect of BSA-based nanocurcumin was estimated to be at least 4 time higher than that of natural curcumin according to the MTT results.<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> It seems that BSA-based nanocurcumin can be regarded as a potent substitute for natural curcumin in protecting SH-SY5Y cell as a cellular model of PD.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Treatment of liver and spleen illnesses by herbs: Recommendations of Avicenna’s heritage "Canon of Medicine"1011161161310.22038/ajp.2018.11613ENMozhgan Ghobadi PourDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu- Ali Sina University, Shahid Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan Boulevard, Hamedan, Iran.Naser MiraziDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu- Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran0000-0002-8664-3220Asghar SeifDepartment of Statistics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Bu- Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.Journal Article20180302<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Objective:</strong> Avicenna (Abu Ali al-Hossein ibn Abdullah ibn Sina) who had a special attention toward diseases treatments, gathered results of ages of herbal medicine experiments on humans and animals in his book “Al-Qānūn fī Ṭibb” or "The Canon of Medicine", which is a reliable book in Iranian traditional medicine. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">The aim of this research was to build a reliable list of plants effective against liver and spleen diseases, based on Avicenna's book (volume 2).</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> By studying the monographs, introduced agents that have been effective in liver and spleen diseases were identified. Upon their origin and effectiveness in diseases of the liver, spleen or both, treatments were organized. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Results:</strong> From a huge number of drugs, 163 plants from 73 families were found to be effective in treatment of liver and spleen illnesses. In addition, 30 non-herbal agents effective in treatment of liver diseases were detected. The Lamiaceae family have the most effective herbs for treatment of diseases of the liver, spleen or both. Hemp Agrimony, Irsā, and Fūdhanj achieved the highest scores.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The effects of different plants on liver and spleen diseases were indicated in Avicenna's book. Due to the report on the above book, further studies needed specially on the effect of Irsā (Iris ensata) and family Lamiaceae on liver and spleen diseases.</span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of ethanol extract of Cassia fistula fruit in male rats1171251161510.22038/ajp.2018.11615ENRizwana AbidDepartment of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jnanasahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.Riaz MahmoodDepartment of PG Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jnanasahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India.Journal Article20180102<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Objective:</strong> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">The plant<em>Cassia fistula</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is traditionally used to treat heart diseases, abdominal pain and fever. The present study was aimed to investigate the toxic effects acute and sub-acute administration of ethanol extract of </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">C. fistula</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> fruit (CFE) in male Wistar rats.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> In acute toxicity, the effects of a single oral dose (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg) of CFE have been determined. Animal behaviour and mortality were determined for up to 14 days. In sub-acute study, the effects of CFE in daily single oral administration at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg during 28 days were determined. The blood haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the histopathological examination of the liver, heart and kidneys were studied.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Results:</strong> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">In acute study, a single administration of the CFE up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg did not induce mortality. Thus, the LD</span><sub><span style="font-size: small;">50</span></sub><span style="font-size: medium;"> of the CFE has been estimated higher than 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, administration of CFE at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg to rats did not induce mortality. No significant differences were found in relative organ weight, and haematological and biochemical analyses in treated groups compared to control group. No noticeable histological changes were observed in organs of CFE-treated rats compared to controls.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">These results have shown that oral administration of <em>C. fistula</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> fruit did not produce any significant toxic effect in male rats. Hence, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">C. fistula</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> fruit could be regarded as a safe natural product for therapeutic use.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Short-course administration of a traditional herbal mixture ameliorates asthma symptoms of the common cold in children1261331167810.22038/ajp.2018.11678ENAsma JavidDepartment of Pediatric. Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.00000000000000000000Nasrinsadat Motevalli HaghiAllergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0001-8129-671XAhmad EmamiDepartment of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0003-4298-3132Aida AnsariAllergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Seyed Abbas ZojajiDepartment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Medical, Mashhad, Iran.0009-0003-6599-0586Maryam KhoshkhuiAllergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Hamid AhanchianAllergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0003-3532-7428Journal Article20180627<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Objective:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> Asthma is an increasing chronic respiratory disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Several studies have shown that herbal remedies may improve asthma control and reduce asthma symptoms. In this study, the effects of short-course administration of an herbal mixture (ASMATUS</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">TM</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;">) in asthmatic children during viral respiratory tract infection, were evaluated.</span><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Materials and Methods:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> Forty-six children (7-12 years old) with intermittent asthma were enrolled in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. At the onset of common cold symptoms, the patients were randomly assigned to daily receive either the herbal mixture (comprised of <em>Matricaria chamomilla</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Althaea officinalis</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Malva sylvestris</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Hyssopus officinalis</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Adiantum capillus-veneris</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Glycyrrhiza glabra</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> and </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Ziziphus jujube</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">) or placebo for 5 days. Primary outcomes included day symptoms, night symptoms, and asthma attacks.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Secondary outcomes included Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), the need for β-agonist administration, oral prednisolone usage, necessity for re-visit due to uncontrolled or insupportable symptoms, as well as the number of hospital admissions and days absent from school. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Results:</strong> the herbal mixture significantly decreased the severity of coughs (p=0.049) and nighttime awakenings (p=0.029) in comparison to placebo. There was no significant reduction in wheezing, tachypnea, respiratory distress, PEF rate, absence from school, outpatient visits, asthma exacerbation, oral prednisolone or β-agonist usage and hospitalization.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Short-course of herbal mixture this traditional herbal mixture, starting at the onset of signs of a viral respiratory tract infection in children with intermittent asthma, reduced cough and nights awakening. Further studies should be done to determine the most effective herbal admixture, as well as dose and duration of treatment.</span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Effect of carvacrol on pulmonary function tests, and total and differential white blood cell counts in healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial1341421167910.22038/ajp.2018.11679ENVahideh GhoraniPharmaciutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-6883-7972Marzieh BoskabadyDental Materials Research Center, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-5780-3109Mohammad Hossein BoskabadyDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-5736-9755Journal Article20180731<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This is the first study to evaluate the effect of carvacrol on pulmonary function tests (PFT), and total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in healthy volunteers. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were treated with two doses of carvacrol (1 and 2 mg/kg/day) for 1 month. Total and differential WBC counts and PFT were examined before and after the treatment period. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Results:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> There were no statistically significant differences in terms of total and differential WBC counts between pre and post-treatment with the two doses of carvacrol. Also, results of PFT tests indicated that administration of 1 mg/kg/day carvacrol had no effect on PFT parameters when comparing post-treatment values with pre-treatment values. Treatment with 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol for 1 month increased forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV</span><sub><span style="font-size: small;">1</span></sub><span style="font-size: medium;">) (p<0.05). However, the changes in total and differential WBC counts as well as PFT values after 1-month treatment were not significantly different between two groups.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results of this study indicated that treatment of healthy individuals with 1 and 2 mg/kg carvacrol for 1 month has no negative effects on total and differential WBC counts nor PFT values. </span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Phytochemical composition, and cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Semenovia suffruticosa1431521171610.22038/ajp.2018.11716ENSara SoltanianDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-6248-7542Neda MohamadiStudent Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranPharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.0000-0002-0928-2935Peyman RajaeiDepartment of Biology, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, IranMojtaba KhodamiNeuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, IranMehdi MohammadiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranJournal Article20180619<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Objective:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> In this study, our aim was to extract, and identify and quantify the chemical composition of essential oils of <em>Semenovia suffruticosa</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> grown in Kerman, Iran. Moreover, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of aerial parts of </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">S. suffruticosa</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> were reported.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> GC and GC/MS analysis were used for identifying and quantifying the essential oil components. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity were tested by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and agar disc diffusion methods, respectively and MTT assay was used to determine the anti-proliferative potential of the oil against breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29), neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), embryonal carcinoma (NCCIT) cancer cell relative to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) as a normal cell. Apoptosis induction was monitored by flow cytometry using PE annexin V apoptosis detection kit and cell cycle arrest was by with propidium iodide.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Results:</strong> Z-β-ocimene (25.1%), linalool (17.8%) and β-bisabolol (13.3%) were recognized as major components of the essential oil. Our study demonstrated apoptosis-inducing potential of essential oil on normal and cancer cells. However, methanol extract exerted cytotoxicity against a number of cancer cells and arrested cancer cells in G2/M phase; nevertheless, it did not exert strong cytotoxicity against normal cells. Furthermore, DPPH and disc diffusion results showed that while essential oil has considerable antiradical activity, methanol extract did not exert promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.</span><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Conclusion:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> Methanol extract of <em>S. suffruticosa</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> shows tumor-cell-specific cytotoxic properties and the essential oil demonstrated a strong antioxidant activity. </span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of nervous disorders at the herbal markets of Bojnord, North Khorasan Province, Iran1531631177810.22038/ajp.2018.11778ENMohabat NadafDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran0000-0002-7480-9895Mohammad Reza JoharchiDepartment of Botany, Research Center for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranMohamad Sadegh AmiriDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, IranJournal Article20180826<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Objective: </strong>Since ancient times, plants have been commonly used to cure human ailments by indigenous people throughout the world. Nervous diseases are rising all around the world. This paper provides important ethnobotanical information on plants that are used against neurological disorders and are available in medicinal markets of Bojnord, northeastern Iran.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>This survey, as an ethnobotanical study, was carried out between 2017 and 2018. The identification of the intended plant species was done using the available Floras. Some important indices such as the frequency of citations, relative frequency of citation (RFC), family importance value and use report were calculated for the medicinal plants included in the present study.</span><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Results: </span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;">The present study includes 58 medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families and reports their mentioning scientific and vernacular names, parts used, and preparation method. The most common family was Lamiaceae. The major parts of the identified plants used for treatment of nervous )</span><span style="font-size: medium;">neuropsychological</span><span style="font-size: medium;">(</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> disorders were flower and aerial parts. The most common methods used for preparation of these plants were infusion and decoction. </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Stachys </span><span style="font-size: medium;">turcomanica</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Tripleurospermum </span><span style="font-size: medium;">disciforme</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Melissa officinalis</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Nardostachy</span><span style="font-size: medium;">s jatamansi</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;">, and </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Aloysia</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">citriodora</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> had the highest rate of use report. </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Echium </span><span style="font-size: medium;">amoenum</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> and </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Melissa officinalis</span></em><span style="font-size: medium;"> had the highest RFC.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study indicated that although people in Bojnord have access to modern medicinal preparations, a considerable number of them still use medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. Seemingly, most cited plants are worth more precise evaluations for their pharmacological activity.</span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79309220190301Effects of Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract on lipopolysaccharide -induced neuroinflammation in rats: A behavioral and 1H NMR-based metabolomics study1641861178710.22038/ajp.2018.11787ENAmalina Ahmad AzamLaboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia0000-0002-3911-7666Intan Safinar IsmailLaboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia0000-0003-3960-0022Mohd Farooq ShaikhJeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaKhozirah ShaariLaboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaFaridah AbasLaboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaJournal Article20180706<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Objective:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> This research revealed the biochemical outcomes of metabolic dysregulation in serum associated with physiological sickness behavior following lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in rats, and treatment with <em>Clinacanthus nutans</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> (CN). Verification of </span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">1</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;">H NMR analysis of the CN aqueous extract proved the existence of bioactive phytochemical constituents’ in extract.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> Twenty-five rats were subjected to unilateral stereotaxic injection of 10 µL LPS (1 mg/mL), while another ten rats were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, 10 µL) as control. Then, 29 parameters of rat behavior related to sickness were tracked by a device software (SMART 3.0.1) on days 0 and 14 of CN treatment. The acquired and accumulated data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis with the SIMCA Software package (version 13, Umetrics AB; Umeå, Sweden). The pattern trends of related groups were documented using PCA and OPLS analysis. </span><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Results:</span></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"> A similar ameliorated correlation pattern was detected between improvement in physiological sickness behavior and anti-inflammatory biomarkers by the </span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">1</span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;">H NMR spectra of the sera following treatment with CN (500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw)) and the control drug (dextromethorphan hydrobromide, 5 mg/kg of rats bw) in rats. Here, 21 biomarkers were detected for neuroinflammation. Treatment with the aqueous CN extract resulted in a statistically significant alteration in neuroinflammation metabolite biomarkers, including ethanol, choline, and acetate. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This result denotes that the metabolomics approach is a reliable tool to disclose the relationship between central neuroinflammation, and systemic metabolic and physiological disturbances which could be used for future ethno-pharmacological assessments.</span>