Investigating the effectiveness of iron nanoparticles synthesized by green synthesis method in chemoradiotherapy of colon cancer.

Current methods of colon cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, require new treatment methods due to adverse side effects. One important area of interest in recent years is the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles since several studies have revealed that they can improve the target specificity of the treatment thus lowering the dosage of the drugs while preserving the effectiveness of the treatment thus reducing the side effects. The use of traditional medicine has also been a favorite topic of interest in recent years in medical research, especially cancer research. In this research work, the green synthesis of Fe nanoparticles was carried out using Mentha spicata extract and the synthesized nanoparticles were identified using FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM and EDS techniques. Then the effect of Mentha spicata, Fe nanoparticles, and Mentha spicata -loaded Fe nanoparticles on LS174t colon cancer cells, and our result concluded that all three, especially Mentha spicata -loaded Fe nanoparticles, have great cytotoxic effects against LS174t cells, and exposure to radiotherapy just further intensified these results. The in vitro condition revealed alterations in the expression of pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic Bcl2, suggesting a pro-apoptotic effect from all three components, particularly the Mentha spicata-loaded Fe nanoparticles. After further clinical trials, these nanoparticles can be used to treat colon cancer.

Effects of dried okra extract on lipid profile, renal function and some RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) is reported to have anti-diabetic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dried okra extract (DOE) supplementation on lipid profile, renal function indices, and expression of inflammatory genes, as well as serum level of soluble Receptor for Advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in patients with DN. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 64 eligible patients with DN received either 125 mg of DOE or placebo daily along with DN-related nutritional recommendations for 10 weeks. Changes in kidney indices including proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lipid profile, serum SRAGE, as well as the expression of RAGE, ICAM-1, and IL-1 genes were measured over 10 weeks. RESULTS: After adjustment for the potential confounders, between-group analyses showed no significant differences in terms of lipid profile, kidney function indices, sRAGE, and RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression after 10 weeks. CONCLUSION: Daily 125 mg DOE along with nutritional recommendations on top of usual care did not lead to significant changes in renal function indices, lipid profile, and inflammatory genes expression in patients with DN.

The impact of microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose on the antioxidant phenolic compounds level of the cultured Artemisia absinthium.

Artemisia absinthium has long been used traditionally as an anti-microbial and antioxidant agent. Various biologically active secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and p-coumaric acid, have been reported from the species. In addition, growing the plants under in vitro conditions enriched with elicitors is a cost-effective approach to enhance secondary metabolite production. This paper examined microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) effects on morphological characteristics, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and volatile oil content of A. absinthium. The treated shoots with various concentrations of MCC and NCC were subjected to spectrophotometric, GC-MS, and LC-MS analysis. FESEM-EDX, TEM, XRD, and DLS methods were applied to characterize MCC and NCC properties. Morphological findings revealed that the stem length, dry, and fresh weights were improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) under several MCC and NCC concentrations. Some treatments enhanced gallic and p-coumaric acid levels in the plant. Although 1.5 g/L of MCC treatment showed the highest antioxidant activity, all NCC treatments reduced the antioxidant effect. The findings suggest that both MCC and NCC, at optimized concentrations, could be exploited as elicitors to improve the secondary metabolite production and morphological properties.

The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Okra) extract supplementation on glycaemic control, inflammation, kidney function and expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, TGF-ß and Nrf-2 genes in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a triple-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of okra extract supplementation on kidney function, glycaemic control, inflammation and gene expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of sixty-four DN patients based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in this triple-blind placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a 125-mg capsule of dried okra extract (DOE) (n 32) or placebo (n 32) for 10 weeks. At the baseline and endpoint of the trial, kidney function, glycaemic indices, inflammation and gene expression were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed that fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin resistance significantly reduced in the DOE group although between-group analysis did not show any significant difference. Also, no significant difference was observed in urine protein, urine creatinine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein between the two groups. Furthermore, gene expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, transforming growth factor-beta and Nrf-2 did not affect the end of the trial in comparison with the baseline. According to the present study, DOE did not have impressive effects on kidney function, inflammation, glycaemic management and gene expression in patients with DN.

Anti-proliferative activity of Artemisia marschalliana on cancerous cell lines.

BACKGROUND: The genus Artemisia of the Asteraceae family has different species that are used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancers due to the presence of valuable compounds and important medicinal properties. Various studies on the anti-tumor effect of different species of Artemisia have proven the cytotoxic properties of these plants in cancer treatment, and several anti-cancer compounds of this genus have been purified. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and related mortality mechanisms of Artemisia marschalliana essential oil and extracts. METHODS: The essential oil and various extracts of Artemisia marschalliana were elicited using a Soxhlet extractor. Anti-cancer to anti-proliferative activity as MTT assay is measuring cancerous and non-cancerous cell viability. In the next step, the strongest extract fractions were obtained by using the vacuum liquid chromatography method. Flow cytometry was applied to identify the mechanism of cell death, and a Real-time polymerase chain reaction test of apoptosis genes, which encode apoptosis-regulating proteins, was measured to confirm the flow cytometry results. RESULTS: The strongest extract belonged to dichloromethane extract 60% fraction of the extract on breast cancer cells and 80% fraction on liposarcoma cancer cells showed the most cytotoxicity within 48 h, while, the fractions did not notable cytotoxicity of non-cancerous cells cell. Flow cytometry analysis illustrated the mentioned extract and its fractions kill cancer cell lines through the apoptosis mechanism. Our findings confirmed the flow cytometry results. In addition, the essential oil of Artemisia marschalliana showed a considerable cytotoxic property. CONCLUSION: Dichloromethane extract of Artemisia marschalliana shoot and its 60 and 80% fraction selectively inhibited the growth of cancer cells by inducing the apoptosis mechanism. Regarding obtained results, 60 and 80% fractions of dichloromethane extract can be a good candidate for future studies in the field of identification and separation of pure cytotoxic compounds.

Taurine in Septic Critically Ill Patients: Plasma versus Blood.

Purpose: Sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) encompass various problems throughout the body, and two of its major problems are the creation of oxidative substances in the body and decrease of the body's antioxidant capacity to deal with the stress and organ damage. Optimal enteral nutrition fortified with antioxidant or immunomodulator amino acid is a hot topic concerning sepsis in the critical care setting. Taurine plays a protective role as an antioxidant in cells that is likely to have a protective role in inflammation and cytotoxicity. Methods: In the present study, 20 septic patients and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The blood and plasma taurine levels of the patients on days 1, 3 and 7 were measured. Blood and plasma taurine level and the correlation between them, organ failure, and severity of the disease were assessed. Results: Taurine concentrations in the plasma of the septic patients were significantly lower than control group, and the whole blood concentrations were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.001). There was not a significant correlation between the blood and plasma taurine levels in control and septic patients. In addition, there was not any correlation between the severity of the disease, organ failure, mortality, and plasma as well as the blood concentration of taurine. Conclusion: In septic patients, taurine concentration in plasma and blood are low and high, respectively. These concentrations are not linked to each other and not associated with the patients' outcome, and the disease severity, and organ failure.

Evaluating the effects of zeolitic imidazolate framework and Eremostachys binalodensis extract on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Biofilms represent longstanding challenges to oral health care. Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans are the common pathogens forming biofilms. The growing resistance to and the adverse effects of antibiotics limit their usage and raise the need for novel approaches. Herbal extracts have emerged as efficient choices with lower costs and fewer adverse effects. Metal frameworks have captivated interest due to their high surface area, special biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. The effects of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks/layered double hydroxide (ZIF/LDH) on fungal infections and the potential effects of Eremostachys binalodensis on bacteria encouraged the researchers to evaluate the effect of ZIF/LDH, E. binalodensis, and their combination on C. albicans and S. mutans biofilms. ZIF/LDH nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and X-ray diffraction to assess morphology and chemical structure. Methanol extracts of the areal parts of E. binalodensis were obtained by Soxhlet extraction. The microdilution tests and biofilm crystal violet staining were applied. Concentrations of 2.048 and 4.096 mg/ml E. binalodensis prevented C. albicans and S. mutans biofilm formation. The combination of ZIF/LDH + E. binalodensis prevented C. albicans and S. mutans biofilm formation. This research suggests the use of E. binalodensis-loaded ZIF/LDH nanocomposites for removing biofilms.

Pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential of natural compounds in neuropsychiatric disorders: An update.

Neuropsychiatric diseases are a group of disorders that cause significant morbidity and disability. The symptoms of psychiatric disorders include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder. Various medicinal plants are frequently used as therapeutics in traditional medicine in different parts of the world. Nowadays, using medicinal plants as an alternative medication has been considered due to their biological safety. Despite the wide range of medications, many patients are unable to tolerate the side effects and eventually lose their response. By considering the therapeutic advantages of medicinal plants in the case of side effects, patients may prefer to use them instead of chemical drugs. Today, the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is diverse and increasing, and these plants are a precious heritage for humanity. Investigation about traditional medicine continues, and several studies have indicated the basic pharmacology and clinical efficacy of herbal medicine. In this article, we discuss five of the most important and common psychiatric illnesses investigated in various studies along with conventional therapies and their pharmacological therapies. For this comprehensive review, data were obtained from electronic databases such as MedLine/PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, DynaMed Plus, ScienceDirect, and TRIP database. Preclinical pharmacology studies have confirmed that some bioactive compounds may have beneficial therapeutic effects in some common psychiatric disorders. The mechanisms of action of the analyzed biocompounds are presented in detail. The bioactive compounds analyzed in this review are promising phytochemicals for adjuvant and complementary drug candidates in the pharmacotherapy of neuropsychiatric diseases. Although comparative studies have been carefully reviewed in the preclinical pharmacology field, no clinical studies have been found to confirm the efficacy of herbal medicines compared to FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of mental disorders. Therefore, future clinical studies are needed to accelerate the potential use of natural compounds in the management of these diseases.

Potential mechanisms of quercetin in cancer prevention: focus on cellular and molecular targets.

Over the past few years, the cancer-related disease has had a high mortality rate and incidence worldwide, despite clinical advances in cancer treatment. The drugs used for cancer therapy, have high side effects in addition to the high cost. Subsequently, to reduce these side effects, many studies have suggested the use of natural bioactive compounds. Among these, which have recently attracted the attention of many researchers, quercetin has such properties. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in fresh fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits, has anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor proliferation, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer mechanism of quercetin, and these mechanisms are controlled through several signalling pathways within the cancer cell. Pathways involved in this process include apoptotic, p53, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways. In addition to regulating these pathways, quercetin controls the activity of oncogenic and tumor suppressor ncRNAs. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we summarized the regulation of these signalling pathways by quercetin. The modulatory role of quercetin in the expression of various miRNAs has also been discussed. Understanding the basic anti-cancer mechanisms of these herbal compounds can help prevent and manage many types of cancer.

Evaluation of anti-proliferative activity of Eryngium caucasicum on melanoma cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The genus Eryngium is a member of the Apiaceae family that has shown different pharmacological effects mainly including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-oxidant. Previous research on the anti-cancer activity of Eryngium in some cancer cell lines has led us to explore the anti-proliferative activity of E. caucasicum in the B16F10 cell line. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the antiproliferative activity of E. caucasicum on melanoma cancer cells (B16F10) and non-cancerous cells (HFFF2) were evaluated in vitro. METHODS: The dried plant sample of E. caucasicum was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus with n-Hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol solvents. The effects of cytotoxicity of the extracts by the MTT method on melanoma cancer cells (B16F10) and noncancerous cells (HFFF2) was investigated for 24 and 48 hours. Then, the cytotoxicity of different fractions of the strong extract against normal and cancer cells was evaluated by this method. Annexin V/PI assay was used to study the induction apoptosis via the fractions in cancer cells. FINDINGS: According to the results of the MTT test, n-Hexane extract is the most effective extract against the B16F10 cell line and is a candidate for fractionation with VLC. Among the fractions, 40 and 60% VLC fractions of n-Hexan extract inhibited the growth of B16F10 cells at 24 and 48 hours while, these fractions at IC50 concentration had no cytotoxic effects on normal cells. Treatment of cancer cells with effective extract caused apoptosis and necrosis and 40 and 60% more fractions induced apoptosis in these cells. CONCLUSION: The n-Hexane extract of E. caucasicum and its 40 and 60% fractions showed the highest cytotoxic effect against the B16F10 cell line compared to other extracts and control groups. This inhibition was made through induction of apoptosis.

Evaluation of exosomal non-coding RNAs in cancer using high-throughput sequencing.

Clinical oncologists need more reliable and non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to follow-up cancer patients. However, the existing biomarkers are often invasive and costly, emphasizing the need for the development of biomarkers to provide convenient and precise detection. Extracellular vesicles especially exosomes have recently been the focus of translational research to develop non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for several diseases such as cancers, suggesting as a valuable source of tumor markers. Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by various living cells that can be found in all body fluids including serum, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and ascites. Different molecular and genetic contents of their origin such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and glycans in a stable form make exosomes a promising approach for various cancers' diagnoses, prediction, and follow-up in a minimally invasive manner. Since exosomes are used by cancer cells for intercellular communication, they play a critical role in the disease process, highlighting the importance of their use as clinically relevant biomarkers. However, regardless of the advantages that exosome-based diagnostics have, they suffer from problems regarding their isolation, detection, and characterization of their contents. This study reviews the history and biogenesis of exosomes and discusses non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their potential as tumor markers in different types of cancer, with a focus on next generation sequencing (NGS) as a detection method. Moreover, the advantages and challenges associated with exosome-based diagnostics are also presented.

Eryngium billardieri Extract and Fractions Induce Apoptosis in Cancerous Cells.

BACKGROUND: Eryngium is a genus flowering plant in the Umbelliferae family, having pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic. Given the nature of melanoma and breast cancers in recent years and the fact that the anti-cancer properties of Eryngium billardieri on mentioned cell lines have not been studied, the present study was conducted to explore these properties. OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis of aerial parts of various extracts and fractions of E. billardieri on cancerous cells and normal cells were investigated. METHODS: Samples were collected from natural habitats, dried and then extracted by Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of n-Hex, DCM and methanol, respectively. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were investigated by the MTT method on MCF7, B16 and HFF-2 classes for 24 and 48 hours. Flow cytometry was also used to investigate the mechanism of cytotoxicity, and it has been confirmed by Real-time PCR of p53 and Bax genes as to which comprise the apoptosis regulatory proteins. Meanwhile, volatile compounds of extracts were identified by the GC-MS method. RESULTS: The obtained data showed that the n-Hex extract of E. billardieri on B-16 and MCF7 cell lines and dichromethane extract on MCF7 cell line had the most significant cytotoxic effect compared to DMSO control (p-value <0.001). Our finding showed that the mechanism of n-Hex extract with 80% and 100% vlc fractions on B16 induced apoptotis compared to HFF-2 control cells; moreover, n-Hex extract and 80% vlc fraction on MCF7 were apoptotic. The major compounds of n-Hex, DCM, and 80% and 100% fractions of n-Hex extract obtained from GC-MS were non-terpenoid. CONCLUSION: Non-terpenoid compounds of E. billardieri can be responsible for exhibiting the most cytotoxic effects on MCF7 and B16 cell lines with apoptotic mechanism, and n-Hex extract was found to have the most significant inhibitory effect on cancerous cells compared to the HFF-2 control cells by employing the mechanism of apoptosis.

Phytochemical analysis and anticancer activity of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh growing in Moghan plain, northwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Falcaria vulgaris Bernh among the most important member of Apiaceae family has been used for medical investigation in Iran and some regions in the world. This plant possesses a range of coumarin and flavonoids compounds that have many therapeutic properties such as gastrointestinal and liver diseases, skin ulcers, gastric ulcers, and intestinal inflammation. It has also been found that these compounds lead to cytotoxic effects. OBJECTIVE: This study contains concentrates on the cytotoxic effect and induction of apoptosis on cancerous cells (SW-872) through various extracts and essential oil of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. It considers the volatile compounds of effective samples. METHODS: The shoot of the plant was extracted by the Soxhlet apparatus and its essential oil was taken by the Clevenger apparatus. The cytotoxicity of the samples was evaluated by the MTT method and the mechanism of cancer cell death by flow cytometry and finally, the volatile compounds of essential oils and effective extracts were identified by GC-MS. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that n-Hexane extract and 40% VLC fraction had the greatest cytotoxic effect on SW-872 cells. While, the most abundant volatile compounds in essential oil and 40% VLC fraction of n-Hexane extract were terpenoid compounds like (+) spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, in n-Hexane extract tetradecan, and spathulenol were the most, respectively. CONCLUSION: The fraction of 40% n-Hexane was in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly with controlling cells inhibited the growth of cancer cells. A plausible explanation could be made to account for this effect. This inhibition was made through induction of apoptosis and due to the presence of effective volatile compounds such as terpenoids and non-terpenoids which could be considered as valuable natural sources for the isolation of anti-cancer compounds.

Quercetin Impact in Pancreatic Cancer: An Overview on Its Therapeutic Effects.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy cancer, and its mortality rates have been increasing worldwide. Diagnosis of this cancer is complicated, as it does not often present symptoms, and most patients present an irremediable tumor having a 5-year survival rate after diagnosis. Regarding treatment, many concerns have also been raised, as most tumors are found at advanced stages. At present, anticancer compounds-rich foods have been utilized to control PC. Among such bioactive molecules, flavonoid compounds have shown excellent anticancer abilities, such as quercetin, which has been used as an adjunctive or alternative drug to PC treatment by inhibitory or stimulatory biological mechanisms including autophagy, apoptosis, cell growth reduction or inhibition, EMT, oxidative stress, and enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapy agents. The recognition that this natural product has beneficial effects on cancer treatment has boosted the researchers' interest towards more extensive studies to use herbal medicine for anticancer purposes. In addition, due to the expensive cost and high rate of side effects of anticancer drugs, attempts have been made to use quercetin but also other flavonoids for preventing and treating PC. Based on related studies, it has been found that the quercetin compound has significant effect on cancerous cell lines as well as animal models. Therefore, it can be used as a supplementary drug to treat a variety of cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. This review is aimed at discussing the therapeutic effects of quercetin by targeting the molecular signaling pathway and identifying antigrowth, cell proliferation, antioxidative stress, EMT, induction of apoptotic, and autophagic features.

Comparison of the effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. fruit oral capsule and vitamin E on semen parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: a triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of oral Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) and vitamin E on sperm parameters in idiopathic infertile men. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized controlled trial study, fifty 20-45-year-old infertile men with idiopathic abnormal sperm parameters were selected among men referring to the infertility clinic of Al Zahra-Iran Hospital, and randomly allocated into two groups. The first group received Carob capsules, 500 mg, and the second group received vitamin E capsules three times a day for 90 days. The primary outcomes of this study were the sperm parameters (count, motility, and morphology). RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean of sperm count increased from 49.08 to 60.22 million/mL in the carob vs. it increased from 47.64 to 58.88 million/mL in the vitamin E group (adjusted mean difference (aMD)=1.124 million/ml, 95% CI: -12.892 to 15.141). The mean sperm motility increased from 45.90 to 52.90% in the carob group but decreased from 55.23 to 38.10% in the vitamin E group (aMD=17.22%, 95% CI: 8.53 to 25.92). The mean sperms with normal morphology increased from 11.52 to 67.05% in the carob, and from 10.20 to 77.47% in the vitamin E group (aMD=-10.88%, 95% CI: -22.30 to 0.536). There was no serious side effect during the treatment course. CONCLUSIONS: Taking 1,500 mg oral dose of Carob capsule per day for 90 days improved sperm motility but had no significant effect for improving morphology and count comparing to vitamin E capsule.

Quercetin as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Lymphoma.

Lymphoma is a name for malignant diseases of the lymphatic system including Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although several approaches are used for the treatment of these diseases, some of them are not successful and have serious adverse effects. Therefore, other effective treatment methods might be interesting. Studies have indicated that plant ingredients play a key role in treating several diseases. Some plants have already shown a potential therapeutic effect on many malignant diseases. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in different plants and could be useful in the treatment of different malignant diseases. Quercetin has its antimalignant effects through targeting main survival pathways activated in tumor cells. In vitro/in vivo experimental studies have demonstrated that quercetin possesses a cytotoxic effect on lymphoid cancer cells. Regardless of the optimum results that have been obtained from both in vitro/in vivo studies, few clinical studies have analyzed the antitumor effects of quercetin in lymphoid cancers. Thus, it seems that more clinical studies should introduce quercetin as a therapeutic, alone or in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Here, in this study, we reviewed the anticancer effects of quercetin and highlighted the potential therapeutic effects of quercetin in various types of lymphoma.

Chemical compositions, antimicrobial effects, and cytotoxicity of Asia minor wormwood (Artemisia splendens Willd.) growing in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Artemisia splendens from the Asteraceae family is a new source of biologically active compounds. The current study investigated to evaluate antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity of methanolic extracts and their fractions obtained from aerial parts by agar disk diffusion and MTT methods, respectively. The active fractions were subjected to preparative HPLC for isolating the pure compounds, which were structurally elucidated, by 1H and 13C NMR. RESULTS: The results showed that the methanolic extract and its 60% SPE fraction have the anti-proliferative activity on A549 cell line in comparison with the control group. Meanwhile, the methanolic extract and its 40% SPE fraction can inhibit the growth of Gram-positive strains as anti-microbial activity. The 60% SPE fraction also illustrated anti-proliferative activity on the HT-29 cell line compared to the control group. Chromatographic separations via preparative HPLC yielded 5 flavonoids and three flavonoid glycosides. CONCLUSION: Based on the results it can be concluded that A. splendens as a potential source of cytotoxic and antimicrobial compounds can be used in pharmaceutics.

The Genus Ferulago: A Review on Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology.

The Ferulago genus appertains to the Umbelliferae family comprises 49 species which are mainly distributed in Asia, Europe, and Africa. This paper aims to review the morphological properties of Ferulago species, herbal components, and their pharmacological properties. The information of this review paper has been collected from journals available in databases including Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Hindawi up to March 2020. In traditional medicine, the genus of Ferulago has been used to treat intestinal worms, snake bites, wound skin infections, diseases of the spleen and gastrointestinal tract, and headaches. It not only has been used traditionally as a preservative agent to dairy, oil ghee, and meat but also has given them a pleasant taste. The main components of Ferulago spp. are monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, coumarin, furanocoumarin, flavonoids, and terpenoids have been the reason for the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, Alzheimer, and larvicidal properties of this plant. This review confirms that many traditional uses of some Ferulago species have now been validated by modern pharmacology research. Rigorous investigations of all the species of Ferulago concerning phytochemical and pharmacological properties, mainly their mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety might offer a context for researchers to prosper plant-derived medications like anti-diabetes, antibiotics, and sedatives treating drugs, and the key to directing clinical trials.

Efficacy of furosemide-albumin compared with furosemide in critically ill hypoalbuminemia patients admitted to intensive care unit: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Some physicians co-administer albumin with loop diuretics to overcome diuretic resistance in critically ill hypoalbuminemia patients, though previous studies have reported conflicting results on this matter. OBJECTIVE: The effects of adding albumin to furosemide to enhance its efficacy in critically ill hypoalbuminemia patients are evaluated. METHODS: This was a non-blinded randomized trial. 49 adult critically ill patients with hypoalbuminemia and generalized edema who received randomly furosemide and furosemide/albumin complex were enrolled. The patients' urine was collected at intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after initiation of the furosemide treatment, and the urine output and urinary excretion of furosemide and sodium were measured. The urinary excretion of furosemide was considered an indicator of drug efficacy. RESULTS: The amount of sodium and furosemide excreted in urine showed no significant differences between the two groups; however, the mean of the urinary excretion of furosemide in the first 2 h after drug infusion was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the furosemide/albumin group. No significant correlation between APACHE II scores and serum albumin levels and the urinary excretion of furosemide was seen. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that there is not statistically significant differences between groups with furosemide alone and combined with albumin in urinary furosemide excretion. It seems that adding albumin for furosemide pharmacotherapy regime is not recommended as an intervention to increase furosemide efficacy in critically ill hypoalbuminemia patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT with the registration number IRCT201412132582N12 in 23 February 2015; https://en.irct.ir/trial/2356 Graphical abstract.

Medicinal plants used in the treatment of Malaria: A key emphasis to Artemisia, Cinchona, Cryptolepis, and Tabebuia genera.

Malaria is one of the life-threatening parasitic diseases that is endemic in tropical areas. The increased prevalence of malaria due to drug resistance leads to a high incidence of mortality. Drug discovery based on natural products and secondary metabolites is considered as alternative approaches for antimalarial therapy. Herbal medicines have advantages over modern medicines, including fewer side effects, cost-effectiveness, and affordability encouraging the herbal-based drug discovery. Several naturally occurring, semisynthetic, and synthetic antimalarial medications are on the market. For example, chloroquine is a synthetic medication for antimalarial therapy derived from quinine. Moreover, artemisinin, and its derivative, artesunate with sesquiterpene lactone backbone, is an antimalarial agent originated from Artemisia annua L. A. annua traditionally has been used to detoxify blood and eliminate fever in China. Although the artemisinin-based combination therapy against malaria has shown exceptional responses, the limited medicinal options demand novel therapeutics. Furthermore, drug resistance is the cause in most cases, and new medications are proposed to overcome the resistance. In addition to conventional therapeutics, this review covers some important genera in this area, including Artemisia, Cinchona, Cryptolepis, and Tabebuia, whose antimalarial activities are finely verified.