Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Malus domestica fruit extract from Kashan area16610.22038/ajp.2012.6ENSara JelodarianDepartment of Hortiscience, Faculty 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. IranFereshteh Jookar KashiDepartment of Hortiscience, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sources, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I. R. IranJournal Article20120805Objective: Many species of plants present noticeable potency against human bacterial and fungal pathogens. <br/>Materials and Methods: In the current study, antimicrobial activity of the fresh fruits of 4 cultivars (A to D) of <em>Malus domestica </em>cultivated in the Qamsar area of Kashan, Iranwas investigated. The disk diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) evaluation antimicrobial activity tests were performed. <br/>Results: The samples showed moderate antimicrobial activities with inhibition zones from 11 to 16 mm in these tests. Cultivar D with inhibition zones of 16, 14, and 12 mm for <em>E. coli</em>, <em>S. epidermidis</em> and <em>K.</em> <em>pneumoniae</em>, respectively exhibited the best results in these tests. Cultivar A also showed a zone of inhibition of 11 mm against <em>P.</em> <em>aerouginosa</em>. <br/>Conclusion: Moderate antimicrobial activities were observed for the studied apple cultivars. <br/> Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201In vitro capacity and in vivo antioxidant potency of sedimental extract of Tinospora cordifolia in streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes724710.22038/ajp.2012.7ENRamachandran KannadhasanResearch Associate, Dr.C.L.Baid Metha Foundation for Education and Research, Thoraipakkam, Chennai-600 097, Tamil nadu, IndiaSubramaniam VenkataramanResearch Associate, Dr.C.L.Baid Metha Foundation for Education and Research, Thoraipakkam, Chennai-600 097, Tamil nadu, IndiaJournal Article20120213Objective: The role of herbs against the free radicals have been put forth recently in combating many diseases. The aim of this study was to elucidate the <em>in vitro</em> capacity and <em>in vivo</em> antioxidant properties of sedimental extract of <em>Tinospora cordifolia</em> (SETc). <br/>Materials and Methods: SETcwas subjected to <em>in vitro</em> chemical analysis such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion radicals scavenging respectively and finally drugs reductive ability in order to elucidate the antioxidant capacity of the test drug before introducing it into the biological membrane. The resulting capacity was evaluated <em>in vivo</em> by analyzing enzymic (SOD, CAT) and non-enzymic (vitamin C & E) antioxidant levels in the homogenized samples of major organs isolated from streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats after 30<sup>th</sup> day of SETc (1000 mg/kg/p.o.) treatment. Finally, the histopathological evaluation was done using cut portion of the respective organs prone to free radical mediated cell destruction with STZ in order to study their micro anatomical changes. <br/>Results: Chemical analysis with SETc <em>in vitro</em> for its IC<sub>50</sub> proves a key evident for its total antioxidant capacity of around 2046 times, in 1000 mg/kg of fixed dose per oral for <em>in vivo</em> analysis. In contrast to the above, the lipid peroxide levels and <em>in vivo</em> enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant levels were found to possess most significant difference (p<0.001) and moderate difference (p<0.01) with diabetic non-treated animals which was an supporting contribution for those <em>in vitro</em> parameters studied and have proved that SETc (1000 mg/kg/p.o.) was a potent drug to elevate the antioxidants levels and further healing of damaged organs as compared with that of diabetic and standard drug treated groups. <br/>Conclusions: Finally, it was concluded that, the presence of antioxidant potentials in SETc was about 2046 time as an effective scavenger of free radicals <em>in vitro</em> and as a potent healer in ameliorating many signs of tissue damages <em>in vivo</em> in long term complicated diseases such as diabetes.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201Antioxidant activities of two sweet pepper Capsicum annuum L. varieties phenolic extracts and the effects of thermal treatment2534810.22038/ajp.2012.8ENNarmin I Yazdizadeh ShotorbanDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranRashid JameiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranReza HeidariDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranJournal Article20120614Objectives: Sweet peppers <em>Capsicum annuum</em> L. (<em>C. annuum</em>) are an excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as phenolic compounds, which are important antioxidant components that may reduce the risk of diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate their antioxidant activity under various temperatures. <br/>Materials and Methods: To compare the antioxidant activity in various temperatures (20, 35, 50, and 65 °C), two different types of colored (red and green) sweet bell peppers <em>C annuum</em> were selected. The red peppers were selected from those cultivated in Shahreza, Esfahan and the green peppers with the local name of Gijlar were selected from those cultivated in Urmia, West Azarbayjan. The experiments were carried out to measure the total phenolic and flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), chain-breaking activity, scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and hydrogen peroxide radicals. <br/>Results: Total phenol and flavonoid contents of pepper extracts were enhanced with increasing temperature to 65 °C. Scavenging capacity of DPPH radical of red pepper extract was enhanced because of putting at 50 °C for 30 min and for Gijlar pepper extract scavenging capacity was increased at 65 °C. Scavenging capacity of hydrogen peroxide radical of extracts was the highest at 35 °C. Chain-breaking activity of red pepper extract was increased for 60 min at 35 °C. FRAP (C) of red pepper extract was significantly different (p<0.05) in compare with Gijlar pepper. <br/>Conclusion: An appropriate temperature maintained a high antioxidant activity of phenolic compound, which could be due to the combined effect of non enzymatic reaction and phenolic compound stability.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201Cellular antioxidative, cytotoxic, and antileishmanial activities of Homalium letestui3544910.22038/ajp.2012.9ENJude Efiom OkokonDepartment Of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaAhsana Dar FarooqInternational Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University Of Karachi, Karachi, PakistanMohammed Iqbal ChoudharyInternational Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University Of Karachi, Karachi, PakistanJournal Article20120703Objective: <em>Homalium letestui </em>Pellegr (Flacourtiaceae) is used in traditional medicine in parts of Nigeria for the treatment of malaria, ulcer, and inflammatory diseases and as an aphrodisiac. This investigation was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial properties of stem extract and fractions of <em>Homalium letestui (H. letestui</em>). <br/>Materials and Methods: Cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells was done using sulphorhodamine (SRB) method and DNA interaction activity using gel electrophoresis. Immunomodulatory activity of the extract in whole blood, neutrophils, and macrophages was also investigated using luminol/lucigenin-based chemiluminescence assay. The extract and fractions were similarly screened for antileishmanial activity against promastigotes of <em>Leishmania major </em>in vitro. The GCMS analysis of the most active fraction against HeLa cells was carried out. <br/>Results: The stem extract exerted prominent cytotoxic activity with the dichloromethane fraction exhibiting the most pronounced effect (GI<sub>50 </sub>-5.12±1.45 µg/ml, LC<sub>50</sub>- 57.3±2.33 µg/ml, TGI -12.6±0.87 µg/ml). The crude extract and the fractions did not interact with DNA when investigated using electrophoresis. The extract significantly ((pLeishmania major in vitro. GCMS analysis of active fraction revealed pharmacologically active compounds. <br/>Conclusion: These results suggest that the stem extract/fractions of <em>H. letestui</em>possess cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial activities.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201Effects of fresh, aged and cooked garlic extracts on short- and long-term memory in diabetic rats45551010.22038/ajp.2012.10ENAlireza SarkakiPhysiology Research Center (PRC), Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishpur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, I.R. IranSaeed Valipour ChehardachericDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Izeh branch, Khouzestan, I.R. IranYaghoub FarboodDepartment of Physiology, Medicine Faculty, Physiology Research Center (PRC), Ahvaz Jundishpur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, I.R. IranSeyed Mohammad Taghi MansouriDepartment of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty, Physiology Research Center (PRC), Ahvaz Jundishpur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, I.R. IranBahareh NaghizadehDepartment of Pharmacology, Medicine Faculty, Physiology Research Center (PRC), Ahvaz Jundishpur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, I.R. IranEffat BasirianPhysiology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, I.R. IranJournal Article20120805Objective: The present study was hypothesized to investigate the beneficial effects of fresh, aged, and cooked garlic extracts on blood glucose and memory of diabetic rats induced by streptozocine (STZ). <br/>Material and Methods: Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight). An oral dose of 1000 mg/kg of each garlic extract was given daily for 4 weeks after diabetes induction. Five days after STZ injection, five groups were formed: Control (intact) rats (Cont) + Vehicle of garlic extract (normal saline) (Veh), STZ + Veh, STZ + Fresh (row) garlic (FG), STZ + Aged garlic (AG), and STZ + cooked (boiled) garlic (CG). In order to assess the passive avoidance memory, rats were gently placed on the wooden platform, and latency to step-down (SDL) was recorded as initial phase, after then a light electrical shock [0.3 mA, 3 sec, Alternative current (AC)] was delivered to their foot paw. The retrieval tests were done for short- and long-term memories, respectively. Blood glucose was assayed by glucometer before and after treatment with STZ and garlic extracts. <br/>Results: Hyperglycemia induced by STZ decreased short-term memory in both diabetic males and females rats significantly compared with the controls (pConclusions: STZ causes elevation of the blood glucose and resulted in memory deficits, possibly viafree radicals production in brain tissue. Garlic has some bioactive chemicals including allicin and sulfur compound (OSC) which could lower the blood glucose during chronic hyperglycemia, inhibit free radicals production in brain, and improve short-term (but not long-term) memory. <br/> Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201The preventive effect of Brassica napus L. oil on pathophysiological changes of respiratory system in experimental asthmatic rat56631110.22038/ajp.2012.11ENMehdi Kabiri RadDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, I. R. IranAli NeamatiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, I. R. IranMohammad Hossein BoskabadyApplied Physiology Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranNaser Mahdavi-ShahriDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, I. R. IranMaryam MahmoudabadyApplied Physiology Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20120825Objective: Asthma is an airway complex disease defined by reversible airway narrowing and obstruction, chronic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and tissue remodeling. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of <em>Brassica napus</em> L. (<em>B. napus</em>) on airway pathologic changes in a rat model of asthma. <br/>Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups: control, asthmatic, asthmatic treated with 0.5 mg/kg <em>B. napus</em> oil, and asthmatic treated with 0.75 mg/kg <em>B. napus</em> oil. To induce the experimental asthma, rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 received an i.p. injection of ovalbumin and aerosolized ovalbumin. Simultaneously, rats in groups 3 and 4 received <em>B. napus</em> oil daily by gavage. After 31 days, in all groups, thoracotomy was done and lung tissue samples were taken. For pathological evaluation, microscopic slides were prepared. The eosinophil numbers in the submucosal layer and thicknesses of smooth muscle layer of bronchioles were detected. <br/>Results: Eosinophil numbers in the submucosal layer, as well as smooth muscle layer thicknesses were significantly lower in the rat group treated with 0.75 mg/kg <em>B. napus</em> oil as compared with asthmatic group (p<0.01, p<0.05). <br/>Conclusion: <em>B. napus</em> could be useful as adjuvant therapy in rat model of asthma. This effect was probably related to its antioxidants componentsthat reduce the levels of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201An ethnobotanical survey on hormozgan province, Iran64811210.22038/ajp.2012.12ENOmid SafaBandar Abbas School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, I. R. IranMohammad Amin SoltanipoorHormozgan Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center, Bandar Abbas, I. R. IranSoheil RastegarBandar Abbas School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, I. R. IranMahnaz KazemiSchool of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. IranKhadijeh Nourbakhsh DehkordiDistrict One Education Department, Isfahan Education Administration, Isfahan, I. R. IranAlireza GhannadiPharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. IranJournal Article20120909<span>Objective:</span><span> The present study is based on an ethnobotanical research project conducted in Hormozgan province that is located in south of Iran, bordering waters of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. This survey was carried out in order to recover the ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal knowledge of the residents of this province. They are using medicinal and functional plants for treating or preventing several diseases. </span><br/><span>Materials and Methods: </span><span>Ethnobotanical data sheets were run with the native inhabitants and people of the province by arranging frequent field trips to different parts of the province and direct interviews with them especially those who were more familiar with the plants and their usage.</span> <br/><span>Results: </span><span>A total of 150 plant species belonging to 53 families were recorded for their ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal uses among the people of province. The records were developed byscientific names, family names, local names, medicinal parts used, different ways of their application, and traditional uses of the plants. There was high compliance in the use of plants in painful disorders, gastrointestinal, and dermatological diseases.</span> <br/><span>Conclusion: </span><span>This study revealed that the people of Hormozgan province have a rich knowledge of natural resources. The use and consumption of medicinal plants are still important parts of their life.Rational use of native medicinal plants may benefit and improve their living standards and quality of life. The results of this study can be used as a basis for selecting herbs for further pharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacognostical studies.</span>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201Aqueous extract of Berberis integerrima root improves renal dysfunction in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats82901310.22038/ajp.2012.13ENHossein AshrafDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranReza HeidariDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranVahid NejatiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranMinoo IlkhanipoorDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranJournal Article20120725Objective: Barberry root extract contains various alkaloids that are considered as antioxidants. Beneficial effect of aqueous extract of <em>Berberis integerrima </em>root (AEBIR) was evaluated for renal function in diabetic rats induced by STZ. <br/>Material and Methods: Diabetes was induced by i.p. injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg bw) to rats, after 15 h of fasting. Diabetic rats were randomly grouped and treateddaily with AEBIR and glibenclamide by gavage for 42 days. After 6 weeks of study, all the rats were sacrificed and some biochemical parameters of serum and urine were measured and their kidneys tissues were processed for light microscopy. <br/>Results: Streptozotocin induced a significant rise in fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine glucose, urine protein, urine albumin, and water intake and a significant decrease in body weight, serum protein, urine urea, and urine creatinine. There was a significant restoration of these parameters to near normal after administration of the AEBIR and also by glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg bw). The activity of the extract at dose of 500 mg/kg in all parameters except blood glucose and urine glucose was more than that of the standard drug, glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg, p.o.). Histopathological changes of kidney samples were comparable with respective control. <br/>Conclusion: These results suggested that aqueous extract of <em>Berberis Integerrima</em> root improves renal dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through controlling blood glucose and renal protective effects.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Coriandrum sativum on rat appetite91971410.22038/ajp.2012.14ENMohsen NematyDepartment of Nutrition, Biochemistry of Nutrition, Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Cancer Research Centers, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranMaryam KamgarDepartment of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranSeyed Mohammad Reza MohajeriMedical Student, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranAzita AghaeiDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranHassan RakhshandehPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranHabibollah EsmailyHealth Sciences Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranMajid Ghayour-MobarhanCardiovascular Research Center and Biochemistry of Nutrition Research center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranMichael PattersonNutrition & Dietetics Research Group, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS UKJournal Article20120728Objective: Losing weight in consequence of appetite loss can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Currently, the most widely prescribed medication for anorexia is cyproheptadine hydrochloride. However, the clinical use of cyproheptadine hydrochloride is limited by its side effects. In Iranian traditional medicine, <em>Coriandrum sativum</em> stimulates the appetite. Therefore, the effect of <em>Coriandrum sativum</em> (coriander) hydroalcoholic extract was investigated on food intake in rats. <br/>Material and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Two control groups were used, one group received 0.5 ml water per day (vehicle group), and another group did not receive anything (control group). The other 3 groups were daily treated by 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of coriander for 7 days, respectively. The daily amount of the food eaten by each rat was measured for 10 days. The amount of energy intake of each rat was also calculated for 7 days during the intervention. The difference in energy intake was calculated and compared between groups. <br/>Result: There was no significant change in energy intake between control and vehicle groups. The change in energy intake after treatment by 100 and 150 mg/kg of the extract was significantly higher than other groups (p=0.030 and p=0.007) <br/>Conclusion: This study indicated that coriander had positive effects on appetite of rats. Future studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms of the effects of this plant on appetite. <br/> Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303120121201Effects of ethanolic extract of green tea on decreasing the level of lipid profile in rat981051510.22038/ajp.2012.15ENFarjad AmanolahiDepartment of Pharmacology and Medicinal plant Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, I. R. IranHasan RakhshandeDepartment of Pharmacology and Medicinal plant Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20120527Objective: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible biochemical improving effect in lipid metabolic that may result from continuous treatment with Green Tea extract in normal albino rats and those rendered hyperlipidemic by long term supplementation of fat-enriched diet. <br/>Materials and Methods: Fifty male albino rats aged six weeks with 200±10 g weight were randomly divided into five groups: Group A (negative control), groups B (positive control), Group C (treatment with drug), Group D (treatment with extract), and Group E (prevention with extract). All groups except Group A were received fat-enriched diet throughout the study. Group C received 25 mg/kg/day of the nicotinic acid from day 28 to the end of study. Group D was also treated with 100 mg/kg/day of the extract from day 28 to the end of study and finally group E was also treated with 100 mg/kg/day of the extract from the start of the study to the end. Lipid levels were determined weekly. Data were expressed as mean±SEM which were calculated using SigmaPlot® software. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using Student's t–test. <br/>Results: In group (D), total cholesterol, LDLc, HDLc, and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased by 33.3%, 30.2%, 40%, respectively, compared with the group C (pConclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the extract of green tea has a hyperlipidemic lowering effect. <br/>