A randomized controlled trial on the effects of jujube fruit on the concentrations of some toxic trace elements in human milk.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in the human milk, and to assess the effect of jujube fruit consumption by lactating mothers in reducing the concentration of these heavy metals in their milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2014 among forty postpartum mothers in Isfahan, the second largest and polluted city in Iran. Mothers were randomized into two groups; the intervention group received 15 g/day of fresh jujube fruit, and the controls received routine care for 8 weeks. RESULTS: In the beginning, the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were high, without significant difference between groups. The mean (standard deviation) concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were 29.49 (16.6), 4.65 (3.51), and 1.23 (0.63) µg/L, respectively. The smoothed empirical distribution of environmental pollutants showed that in both groups the mean values and variance of toxic metals decreased after 8 weeks, with a sharper decline in the intervention group. Quantile regression analysis showed that in the intervention group, lead concentration decreased by 2.54 µg/L at the 90th quintile, and cadmium decreased by 0.19 µg/Lat 75th quintile; without significant change in arsenic level. The corresponding figures were not significant in the control group. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of heavy metals were high in human milk, and the consumption of jujube fruit had some beneficial effects in reducing these harmful elements. Pregnant and lactating mothers should be advised to reduce their exposure to environmental pollutants, and consumption of some natural medicinal foods can be useful in reducing the concentration of pollutants in human milk. Because of numerous benefits of breast milk, in spite of the existence of some toxic trace elements, breastfeeding must be encouraged because such contaminants are also found in water and formula. The impact of the current findings on the primary prevention of chronic disease should be determined in future longitudinal studies.

The effect of Citrus Aurantifolia (Lemon) peels on cardiometabolic risk factors and markers of endothelial function in adolescents with excess weight: A triple-masked randomized controlled trial.

Background: Childhood obesity is becoming a global problem and its incidence is increasing. The role of dietary intervention with fruits containing vitamin C and flavonoid to control obesity consequences in childhood has not been yet defined. Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia) peels contain flavonoid, pectin and vitamin C. We aimed to compare the effects of lemon peels and placebo on cardiometabolic risk factors and markers of endothelial function among adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods: In this triple-masked, randomized controlled trial, 60 overweight/obese adolescents were enrolled in a 4-week trial. Eligible participants were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number receiving daily oral capsules containing lemon powder or placebo. Fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were compared between the two groups before and after administration of medication and placebo. Results: Of the total 60 enrolled patients, 30 and 29 patients in the lemon and control groups completed the study, respectively. The results of within-group analysis demonstrated a slight reduction in body mass index, LDL-C and systolic blood pressure in the lemon group, but no between group differences existed in the studied variables. Conclusion: This study revealed that consumption of lemon peel extract has some beneficial effects for childhood obesity; however, no considerable effect was documented on anthropometric measures and biochemical factors. Future studies with longer follow up are highly recommended.

Effect of the peels of two Citrus fruits on endothelium function in adolescents with excess weight: A triple-masked randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity induces endothelial dysfunction even in the pediatric age group. The possible protective effects of fruits and herbal products on the endothelial dysfunction of obese children remain to be determined. This study aims to investigate the effects of lemon and sour orange peels on endothelial function of adolescents with excess weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This triple-masked, randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted for 1-month among 90 overweight and obese participants, aged 6-18 years. They were randomly assigned into three groups of equal number receiving daily oral capsules containing lemon or sour orange powder or placebo. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was compared between three groups by using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Overall, 30 participants in the lemon group, 27 in the sour orange group and 29 in the control group completed the trial. After the trial, mean FMD was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the lemon group (11.99 ± 4.05) and in the sour orange group (12.79 ± 5.47) than in the placebo group (6.45 ± 2.79). FMD percent change was 145.02 ± 24.34 in the lemon group, 142.04 ± 16.11 in the sour orange group, and 46.73 ± 5.16 in controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This trial showed that consumption of extracts of lemon and sour orange peels, which contain plenty amounts of antioxidants, flavonoids, pectin, and vitamin C, might have significant benefits on endothelial function in children and adolescents with excess weight. Trial registry code: IRCT201311201434N10.

Pimpinella anisum in the treatment of functional dyspepsia: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the effects of Pimpinella anisum (anise) from Apiaceae family on relieving the symptoms of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally, 107 patients attending the gastroenterology clinic, aged 18-65 years, diagnosed with PDS according to ROME III criteria and signed a written consent form were enrolled. They were randomized to receive either anise or placebo, blindly, for 4 weeks. Anise group included 47 patients and received anise powders, 3 g after each meal (3 times/day). Control group involved 60 patients and received placebo powders (corn starch), 3 gafter each meal (3 times/day). The severity of Functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms was assessed by FD severity scale. Assessments were done at baseline and by the end of weeks 2, 4 and 12. Mean scores of severity of FD symptoms and the frequency distribution of patients across the study period were compared. RESULTS: The age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, and coffee drinking pattern of the intervention and control groups were not significantly different. Mean (standard deviation) total scores of FD severity scale before intervention in the anise and control groups were 10.6 (4.1) and 10.96 (4.1), respectively (P = 0.6). They were 7.04 (4.1) and 12.30 (4.3) by week 2, respectively (P = 0.0001), 2.44 (4.2) and 13.05 (5.2) by week 4, respectively (P = 0.0001), and 1.08 (3.8) and 13.30 (6.2) by week 12, respectively (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed the effectiveness of anise in relieving the symptoms of postpartum depression. The findings were consistent across the study period at weeks 2, 4 and 12.

Clinical Effects of Rhus coriaria Fruits on Dyslipidemia308 in Adolescents: a Triple-blinded Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Children and adolescents are considered as the best target groups for preventing and controlling the cardiovascular diseases risk factors and reducing mortality in adulthood. Alternative medicine and herbal drugs have been taken into account for managing dyslipidemia in this population. The beneficial effects of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) on lipid profile have been confirmed in some laboratory and animal studies. This study was designed to investigate the clinical effects of sumac fruits on dyslipidemia in 12-18 years-old adolescents. METHODS: This randomized triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 72 obese adolescents with dyslipidemia from August 2011 to June 2012 in Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran. Eligible adolescents were randomly assigned to two case and control groups. The control group received placebo capsules and the case group received capsules containing 500 mg of powdered sumac fruits, each three times a day for one month. Biochemical parameters including 12-hrs fasting serum levels of total cholesterol (Total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured before the initiation and after the completion of the study protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 16.0, using Independent Samples T-test, or Paired Samples T-test, for between-group and within-group analysis, respectively. FINDINGS: The plasma levels of Total-C, LDL-C, and TG changed significantly over-time in the case group. Furthermore, between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference between case and control groups with this regard (P < 0.05, for all statistical comparisons). However, HDL-C levels have not been changed significantly over-time within the case or control group, neither between the two study groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, the considerable effects of Rhus coriaria (sumac) on reducing serum levels of Total-C, LDL-C, and TG have been noticed during one-month trial. However, probably due to the concise period of sumac consumption, its effect on HDL-C was not statistically significant.

Clinical Effects of Portulaca Oleracea Seeds on Dyslipidemia in Obese Adolescents: a Triple-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is a major public health concern worldwide while the current epidemic may be secondary to over consumption of high-fat, energy-rich foods. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) has been traditionally used in medicine for several antioxidant and anti-atherogenic activities. In this study the anti-dyslipidemic effects of P.oleracea was evaluated in obese adolescents. METHODS: In this triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial which was done from July 2011 to June 2012, obese adolescent patients whom were referred to the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute (Iran) were randomly allocated to the two arms of cases and controls. The cases group was asked to take one capsule containing powdered P. oleracea seeds (500 milligrams) two times a day for one month, and the controls group were asked to take identical but placebo (lactose) capsules in the same way. Biochemical parameters including 12-hours fasting serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured before the initiation and after the completion of the study protocol. FINDINGS: Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and TG showed statistically significant changes over time (one month) in the P. oleracea group (p < 0.05). However, between-group analysis using general linear model (multivariate) test revealed that the differences in the mentioned parameters between two study groups were statistically significant just for LDL-C and TG, while others did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: P. oleracea L. may have positive effects on serum lipids profile which may be attributed to its polyphenolic and antioxidant compounds. This herbal drug seems to be well-tolerated in adolescent population as well. Further studies are recommended.

Pimpinella anisum in modifying the quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the effects of anise on quality of life (QOL) of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 180 patients attending the gastroenterology clinic, 107 ones with the diagnosis of postprandial distress syndrome according to Rome III criteria were enrolled. They were randomized into two groups, anise and placebo. Anise group involved 47 patients and received anise powders, 3 g after each meal (3 times/day) for 4 weeks. Control group had 60 patients who received placebo powders (cornstarch), 3 g after each meal (3 times/day) for 4 weeks. The QOL was assessed by short-form (SF)-36 questionnaire. Mean scores of eight health domains of the two groups were compared at baseline and at the end of study. RESULTS: The age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, tea and coffee drinking patterns of the two groups were not significantly different. All domains of SF-36 were similar between the two groups at baseline but were significantly different at week 12. At baseline, mean score of physical component summary was 159 in placebo group and 167 in anise group (P = 0.1). At week 12, the score was 141 in placebo group and 251 in anise group (P = 0.0001). Mean baseline score of mental component summary was 172 and 165 in placebo and anise groups, respectively (P = 0.1). At week 12, the score was 135 in placebo group and 233 in anise group (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The current study revealed the effectiveness of anise in improvement of QOL in patients with FD.

Effect of Zizyphus jujuba fruits on dyslipidemia in obese adolescents: a triple-masked randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ) fruit on controlling dyslipidemia in obese adolescents. METHODS: This triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial comprised 86 obese adolescents aged 12-18 years with dyslipidemia, i.e. serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) or total cholesterol (TC) or triglycerides (TG) equal or more than the age- and gender-specific 95th percentile or high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C) less than 5th percentile. They were randomly assigned into two groups of equal number Both groups received similar recommendations for dietary and physical activity habits. The case group received 5 grams of ZJ fruit powder three times a day for one month and controls took the same amount of a placebo powder. Fasting blood sugar, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG were measured at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Data were analyzed using General linear method (multivariate) test. FINDINGS: Overall, 70 participants (51% boys, mean age of 14 +/- 2) completed the trial. The two groups studied did not differ in terms of age, gender, weight and body mass index (BMI). After the trial, serum TC decreased significantly (19 +/- 37 mg/dl in controls vs. 170 +/- 29 mg/dl in cases, P = 0.007) reduction. The corresponding figure was also significant for LDL-C (114 +/- 38 mg/dl vs. 104 +/- 22 mg/dl, respectively, P = 0.004). The changes in BMI and other lipids were not significant. CONCLUSION: This study suggest that ZJ's fruits is generally well tolerated and may have potential favorable effects on serum lipid profile. While healthy lifestyle is the mainstay of controlling childhood obesity, this nutraceutical may be considered as a complementary treatment. Key words: Zizyphus, dyslipidemia, adolescence, obesity.

Preventive effects of zinc sulfate on taste alterations in patients under irradiation for head and neck cancers: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Taste abnormalities are common among cancer patients after starting radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Considering the role of zinc and reports on its beneficial effects in taste perception, we evaluated the preventive effects of zinc sulfate on radiation-induced taste alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, adult patients with head and neck cancers who were on schedule for radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, were allocated to receive zinc sulfate (50 mg, three times a day) or placebo; started with beginning of radiotherapy and continued for one month later. Taste acuity was determined by measuring detection and recognition thresholds for four taste qualities at baseline, at the end of radiotherapy, and a month later using the Henkin method. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (mean age = 59.2 ± 16.5, 60% male) completed the trial. The two groups were similar at baseline. After radiotherapy, and one month later, there was a significant increase in taste perception threshold for bitter, salty, sweet, and sour tastes in the placebo group (P = 0.001). In those who received zinc, there was only slight increase in threshold for perception of the salty taste (P = 0.046). No relevant side effects due to zinc sulfate were reported. CONCLUSION: Zinc supplementation in head/neck cancer patients under radiotherapy can prevent radiation-induced taste alterations. Further studies with longer follow-ups and with different doses of zinc supplementation are warranted in this regard.

Effects of Fennel Essential Oil on Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Ovariectomized Rats.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (CDDP)) is an effective drug in cancer therapy to treat solid tumors. However, the drug is accompanied by nephrotoxicity. Previous reports indicated that estrogen has no protective role against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, but the role of phytoestrogen as an estrogenic agent in plants is not determined yet. The major composition of fennel essential oil (FEO) is trans-anethole that has estrogenic activity; so, we used FEO as a phytoestrogen source against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four ovariectomized Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Groups 1-3 received different doses of FEO (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively) for 10 days. Group 4 received saline for 10 days plus single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (ip)) at day 3. Groups 5-7 received FEO similar to groups 1-3, respectively; plus a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg, ip) on day 3. On day 10, the animals were sacrificed for histopathological studies. RESULTS: The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), kidney tissue damage score (KTDS), and kidney weight (KW) and body weight changes in CDDP-treated groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). FEO did not reduce the levels of BUN and Cr, KTDS, and KW and body weight changes. Also, the serum and tissue levels of nitrite were not altered significantly by FEO. CONCLUSION: FEO, as a source of phytoestrogen, did not induce kidney damage. In addition, FEO similar to estrogen was not a nephroprotectant agent against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Value of sperm chromatin dispersion test in couples with unexplained recurrent abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare standard sperm parameters and sperm chromatin integrity by sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD) in ejaculates from men whose partners have a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and from control group of fertile men. METHODS: Thirty couples with unexplained recurrent abortion (case group) and 30 fertile couples (control group) referring to Shiraz infertility center were included. Sperm parameters were assessed in semen samples from two groups and then staining with SCD procedure. The results were analyzed by performing ANOVA and Tukey(,)s tests. RESULTS: In control group, nucleoids with big (65.93 ± 2.35), small (12.4 ± 0.60) and without halo (11.6 ± 0.50) showed significant difference with case group (41.40 ± 1.43), (21.16 ± 1.11) and (23.26 ± 1.10) respectively. In the RPL group spermatozoa with high percentage of abnormal parameters (morphology and motility) was observed (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study strengthens the current literature associating sperm quality with recurrent pregnancy loss, and emphasizes the important of evaluating male factor by tests such as SCD in addition to conventional sperm parameters.

Clinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Natural products are proved to play a good role as an alternative to synthetic chemicals in many clinical conditions. Hypercholesterolemia is the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis. Previous studies showed that Nigella sativa L. has both antioxidant and lipid lowering potentials. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate the efficacy of the seeds of Nigella sativa on the treatment of hyperlipidemia. METHODS: In this randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial which was conducted in Isfahan city (Iran), 88 subjects aged > or =18 years with a total cholesterol concentration >200 mg/dl were included. According to the patients" profiles number, they were randomized to receive either N. sativa capsules or the matching placebo. Each N sativa capsule contained 500 +/- 10 mg N. sativa crushed seeds, and patients had to take 2 g N. sativa per day for 4 weeks. Fasting baseline laboratory values (fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and triglyceride) were obtained for all parameters on each subject prior to the start of the study and at the end of 4 weeks. RESULTS: In our study a significant decrease was observed in the concentration of total cholesterol (4.78%), Low density lipoprotein (7.6%) and Triglyceride (16.65%), and this decrease was more significant for TG concentration. N. sativa had not any beneficial effects on Fasting blood sugar and High density lipoprotein. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our present study it seems that N. sativa may have some beneficial therapeutic effects in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, further investigations with a larger sample size are necessary.

The Effect of ginger herbal spray on reducing xerostomia in patients with type II diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of ginger herbal spray on reducing dry mouth in patients with Type II diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 20 patients with Type II diabetes suffering from dry mouth. The control individual for each patient was the same patient himself/herself. Each patient filled out his/her questionnaire at three different times, (before treatment, after treatment with placebo, and after taking the drug). Furthermore, the Schirmer test was performed to measure the flow of saliva in the patients. The drug and the placebo were prepared as oral sprays containing herbal extracts of ginger. RESULTS: The mean amount of saliva after using the ginger plant spray increased significantly (p<0.001). The mean amount of saliva after treatment with medication was considerably different from the mean amount of saliva after treatment with the placebo (p<0.001). Our study included patients aged between 49 and 69 years old, (mean age 58.6 years old, and the standard deviation 5.3). The minimum and the maximum periods of type II diabetes were 2 and 21 years, the mean and the standard deviation of which were 8.8 and 5.8, respectively. CONCLUSION: With regard to the effectiveness of ginger herbal spray in rapidly increasing the patients' saliva and satisfaction as well as the acceptability of this type of medicine to treat dry mouths, ginger herbal spray could act as a new, cheap, and available treatment for diabetic patients with dry mouth.

Cognitive enhancing of pineapple extract and juice in scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cognitive enhancing of pineapple juice and ethanolic extract in scopolamine-induced cognitive deficit mice. The ethanolic extract of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) was prepared by maceration method and its juice was obtained by a homogenizer. Object recognition task was used to evaluate the mice memory. Exploration time in the first and second trial was recorded. The differences in exploration time between a familiar and a novel object in the second trial were taken as a memory index. Animals were randomly assigned into 15 groups of 6 each including: control group (normal saline + vehicle), positive control group (scopolamine + rivastigmine), seven experimental groups (received scopolamine alone or scopolamine + ethanolic extract of pineapple in different doses), six other experimental groups were treated by ethanolic extract or juice of pineapple in different doses. Scopolamine (100 µL, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and pineapple juice or extract (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 40 and 30 min before starting the second trial in the experimental groups. Object discrimination was impaired after scopolamine administration. Results showed that juice and ethanolic extract of pineapple significantly restored object recognition ability in mice treated with scopolamine. These finding suggested that pineapple had a protective role against scopolamine-induced amnesia, indicating its ability in management of cognitive disorders.

Hypolipidemic activity of Allium porrum L. in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

Allium porrum L. is a herbaceous plant from the Liliaceae family and has been widely used in Persian foods as a flavor component and in Iranian traditional medicine as an anti-atherogenic remedy. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of A. porrum L. bulbs. Rabbits were divided into five groups--control, hypercholesterolemic control, and three treatment groups (hypercholesterolemic diet + 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg of body weight of extract, respectively)--and were fed for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained to analyze plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Body weight increased in all groups throughout the treatment without significant differences among them. Plasma total cholesterol increased with respect to the control in the positive control group at the end of the treatment. Plasma total cholesterol decreased in all groups treated with A. porrum extract in a dose-dependent fashion. Changes in the distribution of cholesterol in HDL or LDL were found, and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly in all of the groups treated with A. porrum extract with respect to the hypercholesterolemic group. Thus, these findings indicate that this plant may be useful for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

New horizon in the treatment of sepsis: a systematic review of alternative medicine.

BackgroundDespite great advancement in treatment of sepsis, mortality of sepsis remains unacceptably high, even with the modern antibiotic and intensive care technologies. Considering the key role of immune dysfunction in sepsis pathophysiology, different treatments were evaluated, but failed to improve survival of patients. Natural remedies have been tested in various studies to overcome sepsis. In this study, we aim to review some of the evidence from clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies about the effect of alternative medicine on sepsis management. MethodsThe following databases were searched up to March 2014: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid and Google Scholar using combination of Mesh term. All in vitro and in vivo studies, also clinical trials, published in English, which evaluated alternative medicine in management of sepsis were included. Results Out of 95 relevant studies, the inclusion criteria were met for 79 cases. Among them, 18 studies were performed on humans. The most herbal medicine, including Xubijing (n=10) and then Rhubarb (n=3). Most of the reviewed botanical medicines modulate the immune system. Reduction of mortality was also reported in studies. ConclusionsModulation of immune system, anti-inflammatory activities and improvement of survival were the action of herbal medicine. A monovalent approach is not enough for treatment of sepsis, we recommend further studies to identify active component of herbal and use them in combination. Also an animal model of sepsis does not exactly mimic human sepsis, so more clinical studies should be performed. With no new drug on the horizon, herbal medicine will be promising for treatment of sepsis.

Design, formulation, and evaluation of ginger medicated chewing gum.

BACKGROUND: Various ginger compounds improve gastrointestinal problems and motion sickness. The main effects of ginger allocate to some phenolics such as gingerols and shogaols that act as their active agents. Chewing gums are among convenient dosage forms which patients prefer due to their advantages. Hence, this study tried to design, formulate, and evaluate ginger chewing gum of favorable taste and texture to avoid motion sickness and have gastro-protective and anti-oxidant effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried ginger rhizomes were percolated to extract ginger compounds. Total phenolics were measured in 70% hydro-alcoholic extract of ginger by gallic and tannic acid standards using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent. Chewing gums containing 50 mg of concentrated extract were prepared. Content uniformity, weight variation, release pattern, organoleptic, and mechanical properties were evaluated. RESULTS: Phenolic content was measured 61.50 ± 5.27 mg/g and 76.75 ± 5.45 mg/g of concentrated extract as gallic acid and tannic acid equivalents, respectively. Release pattern of formulations with different gum bases and sweeteners demonstrated almost 100% release of drug. Evaluation of organoleptic properties was on 10 healthy volunteers and later prepared formulations exhibited better characteristics. Formulations without any flavorants have higher acceptability. Evaluation of mechanical properties showed higher stiffness of F15. CONCLUSION: Ginger chewing gum comprises admissible properties to be used as a modern drug delivery system due to its advantageous results in motion sickness. It passed all the specified tests for an acceptable chewing gum. Thus, it may be successfully produced to help GI problems.

Chemical constituents and biological activities of two Iranian Cystoseira species.

The marine environment represents approximately half of the global biodiversity and could provide unlimited biological resources for the production of therapeutic drugs. Marine seaweeds comprise few thousands of species representing a considerable part of the littoral biomass. Extracts of the Cystoseira indica and Cystoseira merica were subjected to phytochemical and cytotoxicity evaluation. The amount of total phenol was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Cytotoxicity was characterized by IC50 of human cancer cell lines including MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) using Sulforhodamin assay. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The analysis revealed that tannins, saponins, sterols and triterpenes were the most abundant constituents in these Cystoseira species while cyanogenic and cardiac glycosides were the least ones. C. indica had the higher content of total phenolics and also showed higher antioxidant activity. Cytotoxic results showed that both species inhibited cell growth effectively, especially against MCF-7 cell line. The present findings suggest potential pharmacological applications of selected seaweeds but require further investigation and identification of their bioactive principles.

Phytochemical and biological evaluation of some Sargassum species from Persian Gulf.

Sea algae are widely consumed in the world. There are several seaweeds including brown algae which are authorized for human consumption. These plants contain important phytochemical constituents and have various potential biological activities. The present study investigated the presence of phytochemical constituents and total phenolic quantity of the seaweeds Sargassum angustifolium, Sargassum oligocystum and Sargassum boveanum. Cytotoxicity of seaweeds was tested against HT-29, HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines. Antioxidant potential of these 3 Sargassum species was also analyzed. Cytotoxicity was characterized by IC50 of human cancer cell lines using sulforhodamine assay. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazil. The analysis revealed that tannins, saponins, sterols and triterpenes were the most abundant compounds in these Sargassum species while cyanogenic and cardiac glycosides were the least ones. Sargassum angustifolium had the highest content of total phenolics (0.061 mg/g) and showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.231). Cytotoxic results showed that all species could inhibit cell growth effectively, especially MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 67.3, 56.9, 60.4 for S. oligocystum, S. angustifolium and S. boveanum respectively). Considerable phytochemicals and moderate cytotoxic activity of S. angustifolium, S. oligocystum and S. boveanum make them appropriate candidate for further studies and identification of their bioactive principles.