Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601The antioxidant and Flavonoids contents of Althaea officinalis L. flowers based on their color1131178210.22038/ajp.2012.82ENParisa SadigharaDepartment of Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I. R. IranSoraya GharibiAcademic Center of Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, I. R. IranAmir Moghadam JafariDepartment of Toxicology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I. R. IranGolamreza Jahed KhanikiDepartment of Environmental Health, Food Safety Division, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I. R. IranSamira SalariDepartment of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, I. R. IranJournal Article20120115Objective: There has been a growing interest in finding plants with biological active ingredients for medicinal application. <br/>Materials and Methods: Three colors of petals of <em>Althaea officinalis (A. officinalis)</em> flowers, i.e., pink, reddish pink, and white were examined for total antioxidant activity and flavonoids content. <br/>Results: The reddish pink flowers of <em>A. officinalis </em>have more antioxidant activity and the power of antioxidant activity was reddish pink > pink > white. <br/>Conclusion: Findings suggest that the dark color can serve as an indicator of antioxidant content of the plant. Flavonoid content was highest in white flower thus this result indicated that flowers with light color can be considered for medicinal uses. <br/> Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601Antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra against oral pathogens: an in vitro study1181248310.22038/ajp.2012.83ENFereshteh SedighiniaDepartment of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, I. R. IranAkbar Safipour AfsharDepartment of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, I. R. IranSaman SoleimanpourDepartment of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, I. R. IranReza ZarifDepartment of Microbiology and virology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranJavad AsiliDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , I.R. IranKiarash GhazviniDepartment of Microbiology and virology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20120130Objectives: Oral infections and dental caries are still considered as serious public health problems and inflict a costly burden to health care services around the world and especially in developing countries. <br/>Materials and Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of <em>Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra)</em> against oral pathogens by diffusion methods and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by both broth and Agar dilution methods and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) by broth dilution methods. <br/>Results: In this study, <em>G. glabra</em> extract showed good antibacterial activity against six bacteria. No strain in this study showed resistance against this extract. <br/>Conclusion: <em>G. glabra</em>is suggested as an appropriate candidate to help us in order to control dental caries and endodontic infections.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601Protective effect of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone on serum/glucose deprivation-induced DNA damage in PC12 cells1251329810.22038/ajp.2012.98ENBeheshteh BabazadehDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, I. R. IranHamid Reza SadeghniaPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal plants, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, I. R. IranElham Safarpour KapurchalDepartment of Biology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, I. R. IranHeydar ParsaeePharmacological Research Center of Medicinal plants, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, I. R. IranSima NasriDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, I. R. IranZahra Tayarani-NajaranPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal plants, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20110828Objective: The discovery and development of natural products with potent antioxidant properties has been one of the most interesting and promising approaches in the search for treatment of CNS injuries. The most significant consequence of the oxidative stress is thought to be the DNA modifications, which can become permanent via the formation of mutations and other types of genomic instability resulting cellular dysfunction. Serum/glucose deprivation (SGD) has served as an excellent in vitro model for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia and for the development of neuroprotective drugs against ischemia-induced brain injury<em>. Nigella sativa (N. sativa) </em>seeds and thymoquinone (TQ), its most abundant constituent, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive and anti-neoplastic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study we investigated genoprotective effects of <em>N. sativa</em> and TQ on DNA damage of PC12 cells under SGD condition. <br/>Materials and Methods: PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 µg/ml streptomycin. Initially cells were pretreated with different concentrations of <em>N. sativa </em>extract (NSE), (10, 50, 250 µg/ml) and TQ (1, 5, 10 µg/ml) for 6 h and then deprived of serum/glucose (SGD) for 18 h. The alkaline comet assay was used to evaluate the effect of these compounds on DNA damage following ischemic insult. The amount of DNA in the comet tail (% tail DNA) was measured as an indicator of DNA damage. <br/>Results: A significant increase in the % tail DNA was seen in nuclei of cells following SGD induced DNA damage (p<0.001). In the control groups, no significant difference was found in the % tail DNA between NSE- or TQ-pretreated and vehicle-pretreated PC12 cells (p>0.05). NSE and TQ pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in DNA damage following ischemic insult (p<0.001). This suppression of DNA damage by NSE and TQ was found to be dose-dependent. <br/>Conclusion: These data indicate that NSE and TQ have a genoprotective property, as revealed by the comet assay, under SGD condition in PC12 cells.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601New sesquiterpene coumarin from the roots of Ferula latisecta1331389910.22038/ajp.2012.99ENMehrdad IranshahiBiotechnology Ressearch Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranFarjad AmanolahiBiotechnology Ressearch Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranBernd SchneiderMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Beutenberg Campus, Jena, GermanyJournal Article20120213Objective: The genus of <em>Ferula</em> belongs to the tribe Peucedaneae, subfamily of Apioideae and family of Umbelliferae with 133 species distributed throughout the Mediterranean area and central Asia, especially in the former USSR and neighboring countries such as Iran. The popular Persian name of the most of these species is “Koma”. In this research we tried to isolate and elucidate the structure of new sesquiterpene in the root of <em>Ferula latisecta (F. latisecta).</em>
Materials and Methods: Dried and powdered roots of <em>F. latisecta</em> were extracted with CH<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>2</sub> using a Soxhlet apparatus. The extract was concentrated <em>in vacuo </em>to give a red extract. The extract was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel. <sup>1</sup>H NMR, <sup>13</sup>C NMR, DEPT, <sup>1</sup>H-<sup>1</sup>H COSY, HMBC, HSQC, and NOESY spectra were the methods we used to elucidate the structure of new sesquiterpene in this plant.
Results: One new sesquieterpene coumarin, namely Latisectin and IUPAC name [1-(2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy-phenyl)-3,4,8,12-tetramethyl-trideca-4,7,11-trien-1-one ] , together with one known compound , Kopetdaghin C, were isolated from the root of <em>F. latisecta.</em>
Conclusion: In this research the structure of one new and one known sesquiterpene in the root of <em>F. latisecta</em> was elucidated.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Malus domestica fruit extract from Kashan area13914510010.22038/ajp.2012.100ENSara JelodarianFaculty of Agriculture and Natural Sources, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I. R. Iran0000-0001-8989-1134Abdolrasoul Haghir EbrahimabadiEssential Oils Research Institute, University of Kashan, Kashan, I. R. IranAhmad KhalighiFaculty of Agriculture and Natural Sources, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I. R. IranHossain BatooliIsfahan Research Center of Natural Resources, Kashan Station, Kashan, I. R. IranJournal Article20120206Objective: Antioxidants are considered as the main factors in the inhibition of unwanted oxidation reactions. <br/>Materials and Methods: In this research the antioxidant potential of the fresh fruits of 4 cultivars (A to D) of <em>Malus domestica (M. domestica) </em>cultivated in the Kashan, Qamsar area was evaluated. The antioxidant activity of the samples were evaluated using two complementary antioxidant assays: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and <em>β</em>-carotene/linoleic acid tests and the results were compared with the synthetic standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). <br/>Results: Total phenolic contents of the samples are also estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol test. In both DPPH <em>β</em>-carotene/linoleic acid tests in the concentration of 2 mg/ml, only samples from cultivar A showed moderate antioxidant activity with 63.92±0.42 and 6.02±0.03 inhibition percentages, respectively and other samples were weakly active. <br/>Conclusion: The Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol test was also showed very little phenolic compounds for the fruits. In conclusion, weak antioxidant activity was estimated for the studied apple cultivars.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601The effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. on placental histomorphology and survival of the neonates in mice14615210210.22038/ajp.2012.102ENAli Louei MonfaredDepartment of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Para-Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilam, Ilam, I. R. Iran0000-0002-0584-6414Amir Parviz SalatiDepartment of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Natural Resources, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, I. R. IranJournal Article20120402Objective:<em> Carthamus tinctorius</em> L. (Safflower) is a member of the asteraceae family which is used as a food additive but also has medicinal applications. This study investigated its effects on placental histomorphology and survival of mice neonates.
Materials and Methods: Eighty Balb/C pregnant mice were randomly distributed into one control and three experimental groups (n=20). The control group received only distilled water, whereas experimental groups were administered intraperitoneally <em>C. tinctorius</em> extract at doses of 0.7, 1.4, and 2.8 mg/kg during the organogenesis period (6<sup>th</sup> to 16<sup>th</sup> day of gestation). On the 17<sup>th</sup> day of gestation, half of the animals were euthanized; their fetuses and placentas were removed and histomorphological study was performed. In the rest of the animals after parturition, the number of neonates was counted. Survival rates were periodically calculated for neonates within days 5, 15, 25, and 42 after birth. The results were evaluated by one-way ANOVA.
Results: The results showed that treatment with 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg<em> C. tinctorius</em> extract caused reduction in the trophoblastic giant cells ratio and increasing in the proportion of labyrinthine interhemal membrane (LIM). Moreover, the size of the labyrinthine zone per whole placenta, weight, diameter, and thickness of the placenta in the mice administered with 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg<em> C. tinctorius</em> extract became lower than those of controls (p<0.05). In addition, in the treated mice with 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg<em> C. tinctorius</em> extract, the number of neonate was drastically decreased on days 5, 15, 25, and 42 after birth.
Conclusion: It is concluded that treatment with <em>C. tinctorius </em>extract in doses of 1.4 and 2.8 mg/kg induces toxic changes in the placental structure so caution should be paid to popular consumption of this plant both as an alternative medicine and as a food additive.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601Evaluation of the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Berberis vulgaris root on the activity of liver enzymes in male hypercholesterolemic rats15316110310.22038/ajp.2012.103ENSoheila TaheriDepartment of Physiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, I. R. IranAli ZareiIslamic Azad University of Damghan, Damghan, I. R. IranSaeed Changizi AshtiyaniDepartment of Physiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, I. R. Iran0000-0001-9781-5553Azam RezaeiIslamic Azad University of Arsanjan, Arsanjan, I. R. IranSaeed ZaheiriDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University of Abadeh, Abadeh, I. R. IranJournal Article20120407Objectives: <em>Hyperlipidemia</em> can cause a variety of diseases such as <em>atherosclerosis</em>, diabetes, and fatty liver which is followed by increased liver enzymes. Since <em>Berberis vulgaris</em> (<em>B. vulgaris</em>) root possesses antioxidant properties, the present study was conducted t<em>o investigate the effect of</em>its extract on the activity of liver enzymes in rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, sixty Wistar rats were selected and allocated to six groups of ten each. The control group received a normal diet and the sham group received a fatty diet while the other groups including experimental groups received a fatty diet and the alcoholic extract of<em> B. vulgaris</em> at minimum (75 mg/kg), moderate (150 mg/kg), and maximum (300 mg/kg) doses by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) or oral<em> atorvastatin (10 mg /kg) with a fatty diet. At the end of this 21-day period, blood samples were drawn and the levels of the intended factors were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5.</em>
<em>Results: The comparison of the obtained results showed that the levels of </em>alanine transaminase (ALT) <em>and </em>alkaline phosphatase (ALP)<em> enzymes in the sham group that only received fatty food increased (p≤0.05), whereas in the treatment groups receiving </em><em>B. vulgaris </em>extract as well as in the group receiving<em> Atorvastatin, these enzymes significantly decreased; however, no significant changes were observed in </em>aspartate transaminase <em>(AST) levels.</em>
<em>Conclusion: Noticing the antioxidant properties of </em><em>B. vulgaris</em> root extract and its effects on reducing the activity of liver enzymes, the extract of this plant can be a good choice for improving the function of liver.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79302320120601Neuro-pharmacological effects of Crinum zeylanicum in mice16216810410.22038/ajp.2012.104ENAdeniyi Yahaya TijaniDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development Idu industrial Area, Abuja, NigeriaOluwakanyinsola Adeola SalawuDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development Idu industrial Area, Abuja, NigeriaGood-luck JaiyeobaDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development Idu industrial Area, Abuja, NigeriaJoseph Akponso AnukaDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NigeriaIsah Marte HussainiDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NigeriaJournal Article20120411Objectives: The aim of present study was to evaluate some effects of <em>Crinum zeylanicum</em> (<em>C. zeylanicum</em>) on central nervous system.
Materials and Methods: <em>C. zeylanicum</em> methanolic bulb extract (250-1000 mg/kg orally), 2 mg chlorpromazine and 4 mg diazepam /kg body weight intraperitoneally respectively were tested in mice using Irwin test, pentobarbitone-induced sleep test, spontaneous motor activity, apomorphine-induced stereotype behaviour, and rota-rod performance.
Results: The <em>C.</em> <em>zeylanicum</em> bulb extract significantly and dose-dependently decreased apomorphine-induced hyperactivity in mice (p<0.001). The Irwin test revealed dose-dependent central depressant effect of the extract, shortened (p<0.05-0.01) the onset of sleep and prolonged the duration of sleep. The extract produced significant (p<0.05-0.001) and dose- dependent reduction in spontaneous motor activity and apomorphine-induced stereotype behaviours in mice. The extract had no effect on performance of mice on rotarod.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the extract may possess sedative principles with potential neuroleptic properties.