Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Investigating contact toxicity of Geranium and Artemisia essential oils on Bemisia tabaci Gen.10611125610.22038/ajp.2013.256ENFatemeh YarahmadiDepartment of Plant Protection, Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University, I.R. IranAli RajabpourDepartment of Plant Protection, Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University, I.R. IranNooshin Zandi SohaniDepartment of Plant Protection, Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University, I.R. IranLeila RamezaniDepartment of Plant Protection, Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University, I.R. IranJournal Article20121201Objective: Sweet potato whitefly, <em>Bemisia tabaci</em> Gen. (<em>B. tabaci</em>), is one of the most important pests of various greenhouse crops in Iran. Nowadays, chemical insecticides are broadly used for control of the pests that causes risk to consumer's health. For the first time, contact toxicity of <em>Pelargonium roseum</em> Andrews and <em>Artemisia sieberi</em> Besser essential oils on <em>B. tabaci</em> and its possible application against the whitefly was evaluated in 2012. <br/>Materials and Methods: Essential oil with concentrations of 2500, 1250, 125, and 12 ppm were used. Infested leaves of greenhouse cucumber were treated by mentioned concentrations. After 24 hours, mortality of <em>B. tabaci</em> was recorded and compared after correcting by Abbot's formula. <br/>Results: Results showed that all concentrations of the essential oil could significantly reduce population of <em>B. tabaci</em> compared with the control treatment. Phytotoxicity of the treated leaves were recorded after 24, 48, and 72 hours and compared with the control. Concentrations of 2500, 1250, and 125 ppm caused severe phytotoxicity on greenhouse cucumber leaves and therefore are not suitable for greenhouse application. Phytotoxicity of 12 ppm was relatively low. <br/>Conclusions: This data implicated suitable protective effects of the essential oils to the pest infestation. Therefore, essential oils distillated from <em>Geranium</em> and <em>Artemisia</em> could be applied to control <em>B. tabaci</em> in greenhouse cucumber at V/V 12 ppm.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Piper betle leaves1121251610.22038/ajp.2013.16ENBadrul AlamDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshFahima AkterDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshNahida ParvinDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshRashna Sharmin PiaDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshSharmin AkterDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshJesmin ChowdhuryDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshKazi Sifath-E-JahanDepartment of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, BangladeshEkramul Haque HaqueDepartment of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, BangladeshJournal Article20121001Objective:The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities ofthe methanolic extract of <em>Piper betle</em> leaves (MPBL). <br/>Materials and Methods: MPBL was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. Analgesic activity of MPBL was evaluated by hot plate, writhing, and formalin tests. Total phenolic and flavonoids content, total antioxidant activity, scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, peroxynitrate (ONOO<sup>-</sup>) as well as inhibition of total ROS generation, and assessment of reducing power were used to evaluate antioxidant potential of MPBL. <br/>Results: The extract of MPBL, at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in pain threshold in hot plate method whereas significantly (p<0.05) reduced the writhing caused by acetic acid and the number of licks induced by formalin in a dose-dependent manner. The same ranges of doses of MPBL caused significant (p<0.05) inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema after 4 h in a dose-dependent manner. In DPPH, ONOO<sup>-</sup>, and total ROS scavenging method, MPBL showed good antioxidant potentiality with the IC<sub>50</sub> value of 16.33±1.02, 25.16±0.61 , and 41.72±0.48 µg/ml, respectively with a significant (p<0.05) good reducing power. <br/>Conclusion: The findings of the study suggested that MPBLhas strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, conforming the traditional use of this plant for inflammatory pain alleviation to its antioxidant potentiality. <br/> Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Phytochemical screening and evaluation of Monechma ciliatum (black mahlab) seed extracts as antimicrobial agents12613423210.22038/ajp.2013.232ENMurtada Ahmed OshiDepartment of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, SudanAbdelkarim Mohmmed AbdelkarimDepartment of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, SudanJournal Article20121013Objective: Tribes in Nubia Mountains regions of Sudan used <em>Monechma ciliatum </em>seeds for common cold and other chest allergic conditions as a traditional medicine. The aim of this paper is to validate this traditional practice scientifically. <br/>Materials and Methods: <em>Monechma ciliatum</em> seeds were screened for major phytochemical groups using standard methods. Different extracts were bioassayed <em>in- vitro</em> for their bioactivity to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. <br/>Results: Phytochemical screening results showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, triterpens, and anthraquinones. <em>Staphylococcus</em> <em>aureus </em>was found to be sensitive to both water extract with zones of inhibition 22 – 26 mm at concentrations of 50 and 100mg/ml and ethanol extract 17 mm at concentration of 100 mg/ml. The growth of<em> Klebsiella pneumoniae </em>was inhibited by ethanol extract with zones of inhibition equal to 16, 26, and 33 mm at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/ml, respectively. <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </em>was insensitive to all extracts used<em>. </em>Similarly, all used fungi were found to be insensitive to extracts used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts against microorganisms were ranged from 12.5 to 25 mg/ml. <br/>Conclusion: The findings of the current study support the traditional uses of the plant's seed in the therapy of respiratory tract infections caused by <em>Staphylococcus</em> <em>aureus</em> and <em>Klebsiella</em> <em>pneumoniae</em>. Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Effects of Foeniculum vulgare ethanol extract on osteogenesis in human mecenchymal stem cells135142310.22038/ajp.2013.3ENZahra MahmoudiDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of New Technologies and Energy Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, I. R. IranMasoud SoleimaniDepartment of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I. R. IranAbbas SaidiDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of New Technologies and Energy Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, I. R. IranGholamreza KhamisipourDepartment of Hematology, School of Medicine, Boushehr University of Medical Science, Boushehr, I. R. IranArezoo AzizsoltaniDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-ali Sina University, Hamedan, I. R. IranJournal Article20120610Objective: Osteoporosis or silent disease is a major bone disorder in elderly women in current century. Estrogen has an important role in osteogenesis and prevention of bone fractures. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is usually accompanied by such effects as breast and ovary cancers. Thus, there is an increasing demand for replacement with plant phytoestrogens. This study is focused on determining the effects of <em>Foeniculum vulgare</em> extract on proliferation and osteogenesis progress in human mesenchymal stem cells. <br/>Material and Methods: Human mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and treated with different amount of plant extracts (0.5 to 100 µg/ml). Extract cytotoxicity was measured using MTT assay. The alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity was measured to evaluate the differentiation progress. <br/>Results: Results of MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase activity showed that Foeniculum vulgare extract, at range of 5 to 50 µg/ml, may positively affect cell proliferation and mineralization. The most proliferation and enzyme activity were seen with dose of 5 µg/ml. <br/>Conclusions: <em>Foeniculum vulgare</em> has been used in Iranian folk medicine for many years. Our in vitro study showed that <em>Foeniculum vulgare</em> extract has osteoprotective effects.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Histophatologic changes of lung in asthmatic male rats treated with hydro-alcoholic extract of plantago major and theophylline143151410.22038/ajp.2013.4ENFarah FarokhiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, I. R. IranFereshteh KhaneshiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, I. R. IranJournal Article20120902Objective:<em> Plantago major</em> (<em>P.</em><em> major</em>) is one of the medicinal crops in the world which has therapeutic properties for treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. Theophylline is commonly used for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of <em>P.</em><em> major</em>on lung in asthmatic male rats. <br/>Materials and Methods: 32 male adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: The control group (C) received normal saline; Asthma (A) group received a normal diet; Asthma group treated with Theophylline (200 mg/kg b.w.) (T); Asthma group which received<em> p.major</em> (100 mg/kg b.w.) (P). Asthma was induced by citric acid, 0.1 mg in form of spraying. The injection of<em> P.major</em> extract and theophylline was administered intraperitoneally for four weeks. At the end of the treatment, all of the rats were sacrificed and lungs were taken out, fixed, and stained with H&E, toluidine blue, and PAS, then histological studies were followed with light microscope. <br/>Results: Results showed that, in asthmatic group, the mean number of mast cells was significantly increased (p<0.05). Thickness of alveolar epithelium and accumulation of glycoprotein in airways was increased. Moreover, in some of alveolar sac hemorrhaging was observed. Administration of <em>p.major </em>extract in asthmatic rats restored these changes towards normal group. <br/>Conclusion: The present study revealed that <em>P. major</em> compared with theophylline, has a protective effect on lung in asthmatic rats.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Effect of Nigella sativa on the kidney function in rats152158510.22038/ajp.2013.5ENMohammad Aziz DollahDepartment of Biomedical, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra MalaysiaSaadat ParhizkarMedicinal Plants Research Centre, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences (YUMS), I. R. IranMohammad IzwanDepartment of Biomedical, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra MalaysiaJournal Article20120904Objectives: <em>Nigella sativa</em> (<em>N. sativa</em>) is an amazing herb which is used in traditional medicine for a wide range of illnesses including bronchial asthma, dysentery, gastrointestinal problems, as well as beneficial effect on blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides level. This study aimed to determine the toxic effect of <em>N. sativa</em> powder on the kidney function which was evaluated by serum urea and creatinine and through histopathological examination of kidney tissue. <br/>Methods and Materials: In this study, 24 male <em>Sprague Dawley</em> rats were randomly divided into four groups (six each). The rats were kept in the separate cage with three rats per cage. The treatment groups were given rat pellet containing <em>N. sativa </em>dose at 0.01, 0.10, and 1.00 g/kg body weight which were considered as low, normal, and high dose for five weeks while control group fed with rat chow pellet without supplementation. At the end of 35 days, the rats were sacrificed to take the blood sample and to remove the kidney organ for toxicity evaluation. Statistical analyses were done through one-way ANOVA using SPSS. <br/>Results: The finding revealed that there was no significant difference in serum urea of treatment groups compared with the control group. The results showed a significant decline in serum creatinine of high dose of <em>Nigella sativa</em> treated compared with low dose treated and control groups (p<0.05). Histopathological examination of kidney tissue showed normal kidney architecture with no tissue degeneration, inflammation, necrosis, and tubular dilation in all groups. <br/>Conclusion: With the evidence of normal urea and creatinine level in blood and normal kidney tissue in histology examination for all treatment groups, it is suggested that there is no toxic effect on kidney function of <em>Nigella sativa </em>at different doses for five-week period.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Crataegus monogyna fruit aqueous extract as a protective agent against doxorubicin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats15917023810.22038/ajp.2013.238ENAli Shalizar JalaliDepartment of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranShapour HasanzadehDepartment of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. IranJournal Article20120925Objective: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad spectrum chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of several malignancies. The use of DOX in clinical chemotherapy has been restricted due to its diverse toxicities, including reproductive toxicity.<em> Crataegus monogyna (C. monogyna) </em>is one of the oldest medicinal plants that have been shown to be cytoprotective because of scavenging free radicals. The present study was undertaken to determine whether <em>C. monogyna </em>fruits aqueous extract could serve as a protective agent against reproductive toxicity during DOX treatment in a rat model through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms. <br/>Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups. Two groups of rats were treated with DOX at a dose of 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 (accumulated dose of 20 mg/kg). One of the groups received <em>C. monogyna</em> fruits aqueous extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day orally for 28 days along with DOX. A vehicle-treated control group and a <em>C. monogyna</em> control group were also included. <br/>Results: The DOX-treated group showed significant decreases in the body and organ weights and spermatogenic activities as well as many histological alterations. DOX treatment also caused a significant decrease in sperm count and motility with an increase in dead and abnormal sperms. Moreover, significant decrease in serum levels of testosterone and increased serum concentrations of FSH, LH, LDH, CPK, and SGOT were observed in DOX-treated rats. Notably, <em>Crataegus </em>co-administration caused a partial recovery in above-mentioned parameters. <br/>Conclusion: These findings indicated that doxorubicin can adversely damage the testicular tissue, while <em>Crataegus </em>co-administrationcould effectively prevent these adverse effects by effective inhibiting oxidative processes and restoration of antioxidant defense system.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. on the ovarian histomorphology and the female reproductive hormones in mice17117723110.22038/ajp.2013.231ENAli 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 Article20121002Objective:<em> Carthamus tinctorius</em> L. (Safflower) is a member of the asteraceae family which had been classified as a fertility regulator in the traditional medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate its possible effects on the ovarian histomorphology and the levels of female reproductive hormones in the mice. <br/>Materials and Methods: Sixty adult female Balb/C mice were selected and randomly divided into one control and three experimental groups (n= 15). The control group received only distilled water, while experimental groups were administered intraperitoneally <em>C. tinctorius</em> extract at doses of 0.7, 1.4, and 2.8 mg/kg/day for 49 consecutive days. In the end of experiments, blood samples were collected and the sera were analyzed for the levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Ovarian tissue samples were also taken and histomorphological changes of the ovaries were examined using optical microscope. The quantitative results were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA test. <br/>Results: The present findings showed that treatment with different concentrations of<em> C. tinctorius</em> extract reduced the number of ovarian follicles but number of atretic follicles showed an increase. The number and size of the corpora lutea were not affected by extract administration. In addition, in the treated mice with <em>C. tinctorius</em> extract, the thickness of the tunica albuginea was increased but the relative and absolute weights of the ovaries decreased significantly. Furthermore, the blood levels of the FSH and estrogen were decreased in the three experimental groups compared with those of the control animals. <br/>Conclusion: The present findings indicated that treatment with <em>C. tinctorius </em>extract has detrimental effects on the ovarian histomorphology and female reproductive hormones therefore popular consumption of this plant should be reconsidered.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of Curcumin on blood parameters, humoral immunity, and jejunum histology in Hy-line hens1781857210.22038/ajp.2013.72ENJavad ArshamiDepartment of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I. R. IranMohammad PilevarDepartment of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I. R. IranMohammad Aami AzghadiDepartment of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I. R. IranAhmad Reza RajiDepartment of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I. R. IranJournal Article20121012Objective: <em>Turmeric</em> (<em>Curcuma Longa Linn</em>) is a medicinal plant that contains curcumin. There is a growing interest in using curcumin powder (CP) as feed additives for antioxidative and antimicrobial properties to improve human health. This study was conducted to determine the appropriate levels of CP on blood parameters, immunity, and histology of jejunum in hens. <br/>Materials and Methods: A total of 200, 58-wk-old Hy-line hens were randomly distributed into 4 treatments (0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5% CP or 0, 5, 15, and 25 g/kg feed, respectively) with 5 replicates (10 birds each) for 8 weeks using the completely randomized design. Blood samples were taken from 2 birds per replicate at weeks 61 and 65 to evaluate blood parameters. On weeks 63 and 65, two birds from each replicate received 0.5 ml SRBC (25%) injection in breast muscle and 7 days later, blood samples were collected to evaluate total Ig, IgG, and IgM titers in serum. Two hens were sacrificed at week 65 for the histological study of jejunum. <br/>Results: Curcumin reduced triglycerides at 1.5% and 2.5% and cholesterol and LDL at 2.5% (p<0.05). Improvement of total Ig and IgG titers after the 1<sup>st </sup>and 2<sup>nd</sup> injections were observed. Muscle thickness in jejunum increased (p<0.05) at 1.5% curcumin and the length and surface area of villus were enhanced as well. <br/>Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that curcumin can be used as an antioxidant at 1.5% and antilipidemic agent at 2.5% in diet.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Analgesic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove1861921710.22038/ajp.2013.17ENMina Kamkar AslPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad
University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I. R. IranAshraf NazariborunDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, I. R. IranMahmoud HosseiniNeuroscience Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad I. R. IranJournal Article20121017Objective: The beneficial effects of clove on toothache have been well documented. We have also previously shown the analgesic effects of clove essential oil. The present work was done to investigate the analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of clove using hot plate test. The possible role of opioid receptors in the analgesic effects of clove was also investigated using naloxone. <br/>Materials and Methods: Ninety male mice were divided into nine groups: (1) Saline, (2-4) Aaqueous (Aq 50, Aq 100, and Aq 200) groups which were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of clove, respectively, (5-7) Ethanolic (Eth 50, Eth 100, and Eth 200) groups which were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of clove, respectively, and (8-9) Aq 100- Naloxone and Aq 200- Naloxone which were pretreated with 4 mg/kg of naloxone before injection of 100 or 200 mg/kg of the aqueous extract. The hot plate test was performed as a base record 10 min before injection of drugs and consequently repeated every 10 minutes after the injection. <br/>Results: The maximal percent effect (MPE) in the animal groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract was significantly higher than the control group. Pretreatment with naloxone reduced the analgesic effects of both 100 and 200 mg/kg of the aqueous extract. Administration of all three doses of the ethanloic extract also non-significantly increased the MPE. <br/>Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that aqueous extract of clove has analgesic effect in mice demonstrated by hot plate test which is reversible by naloxone. The role of opioid system in the analgesic effect of clove might be suggested. However, more investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism(s).Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79303220130301Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Urtica dioica leaf extract in animal models1932007310.22038/ajp.2013.73ENValiollah HajhashemiDepartment of Pharmacology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. Iran0000-0001-5783-2324Vahid KlooshaniDepartment of Pharmacology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I. R. IranJournal Article20121022Objective: This study was aimed to examine the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of <em>Urtica dioica</em> leaf extract in animal models. <br/>Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of the plant leaves was prepared by percolation method. Male Swiss mice (25-35 g) and male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were randomly distributed in control, standard drug, and three experimental groups (n=6 in each group). Acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin test, and carrageenan-induced paw edema were used to assess the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. <br/>Results: The extract dose-dependently reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal twitches. In formalin test, the extract at any of applied doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) could not suppress the licking behavior of first phase while doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly inhibited the second phase of formalin test. In carrageenan test, the extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly inhibited the paw edema by 26%. <br/>Conclusion: The results confirm the folkloric use of the plant extract in painful and inflammatory conditions. Further studies are needed to characterize the active constituents and the mechanism of action of the plant extract. <br/>