Investigation the biological activities and the metabolite profiles of endophytic fungi isolated from Gundelia tournefortii L.

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that are considered as a potential source of natural compounds, and can be applied in various industries. The aims of this research were molecular identification of endophytic fungi isolated from the Gundelia tournefortii stems, and investigation their biological activities as well as phenolic and fatty acid profile. Surface sterilized stems of G. tournefortii were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) to isolate the fungal endophytes. Genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB method, and PCR amplification was performed by ITS 1 and ITS 4 as primers. The enzyme production of endophytic fungi was determined based on the formation of a clear zone that appeared around the colonies of fungus. The anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the amount of free radicals DPPH. Also, the total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured obtained by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Moreover, the separation and identification of phenolic acids and fatty acids were done by HPLC and GC, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was done based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and five isolates were identified as following: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium glabrum, Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, and Mucor circinelloides. Evaluation of the enzymatic properties showed that P. gabrum (31 ± 1.9 mm), and A. niger (23 ± 1.7) had more ability for producing pectinase and cellulase. The anti-oxidant activity of isolates showed that A. alternata extract (IC50 = 471 ± 29 µg/mL) had the highest anti-oxidant properties, followed by A. tenuissima extract (IC50 = 512 ± 19 µg/mL). Also, the extract of A. alternata had the greatest amount of total phenols and flavonoids contents (8.2 ± 0.4 mg GAL/g and 2.3 ± 0.3 mg QE/g, respectively). The quantification analysis of phenolic acid showed that rosmarinic acid, para-coumaric acid, and meta-coumaric acid (42.02 ± 1.31, 7.53 ± 0.19, 5.41 ± 0.21 mg/g, respectively) were the main phenolic acids in the studied fungi. The analysis of fatty acids confirmed that, in all fungi, the main fatty acids were stearic acid (27.9-35.2%), oleic acid (11.3-17.3%), palmitic acid (16.9-23.2%), linoleic acid (5.8-11.6%), and caprylic acid (6.3-10.9%). Our finding showed that endophytic fungi are a source of bioactive compounds, which could be used in various industries. This is the first report of endophytic fungi associated with G. tournefortii, which provides knowledge on their future use on biotechnological processes.

A versatile theranostic magnetic polydopamine iron oxide NIR laser-responsive nanosystem containing doxorubicin for chemo-photothermal therapy of melanoma.

Theranostics nanoparticles (NPs) have recently received much attention in cancer imaging and treatment. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional nanosystem for the targeted delivery of photothermal and chemotherapy agents. Fe3O4 NPs were modified with polydopamine, bovine serum albumin, and loaded with DOX via a thermal-cleavable Azo linker (Fe3O4@PDA@BSA-DOX). The size of Fe3O4@PDA@BSA NPs was approximately 98 nm under the desired conditions. Because of the ability of Fe3O4 and PDA to convert light into heat, the temperature of Fe3O4@PDA@BSA NPs increased to approximately 47 °C within 10 min when exposed to an 808 nm NIR laser with a power density of 1.5 W/cm2. The heat generated by the NIR laser leads to the breaking of AZO linker and drug release. In vivo and in vitro results demonstrated that prepared NPs under laser irradiation successfully eradicated tumor cells without any significant toxicity effect. Moreover, the Fe3O4@PDA@BSA NPs exhibited the potential to function as a contrasting agent. These NPs could accumulate in tumors with the help of an external magnet, resulting in a significant enhancement in the quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prepared novel multifunctional NPs seem to be an efficient system for imaging and combination therapy in melanoma.

Replacing biochar with mineral premix and its interaction with vitamin C on laying hen production and egg quality factors.

This researchers focused at how adding vitamin C (VC) to biochar and replacing it with a mineral supplement affected egg quality and laying hen performance. 50 experimental units were created from 400 laying hens using a 5 × 2 factorial treatment design (10 treatments, 5 repeats, and 8 laying hens per repetition). Biochar levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement with mineral supplements of diet) and VC levels (0 and 100 mg/kg of diet) were some of the studied variables. The results showed that different experimental diets had no significant effect on performance parameters (feed intake, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, egg weight, egg production, and egg mass) of laying hens. In the whole of experiment (50-62 weeks of age), dietary treatments had no influence on egg albumen %, Haugh unit, albumen index, yolk %, yolk index, yolk color, egg shell thickness, or egg shell ash. The results revealed that biochar, due to its availability and easy production, can replace mineral supplements in laying hens' diet, with no adverse effects on productive performance and egg quality traits.

Protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Objective: Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is used as a color stabilizer and antimicrobial agent in preservation of cured meat and fish. However, extensive use of this agent in the meat industries increased worries about its detrimental effects on human health. Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) is a well-known plant with therapeutic properties in the traditional medicine. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of this plant against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (without any treatment), nitrite (350 mg/kg by gavage for 60 days), NaNO2 plus Z. multiflora (rats treated with NaNO2 350 mg/kg gavage for 60 days and simultaneously received Z. multiflora extract at 200 mg/kg, ip) and Z. multiflora group (rats treated with Z. multiflora extract at 200 mg/kg, ip). At the end of the study, rats were euthanized and liver tissue samples were taken and studied under microscopy. Also, serum levels of liver function enzymes and antioxidant defense systems were measured. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and a p<0.0.5 was considered significant. Results: Results showed that NaNO2 induces liver injuries and altered hepatic histo-architecture. Also, NaNO2 significantly altered the biochemical profiles and antioxidant defense parameters of the liver. However, treatment with Z. multiflora improved tissue integrity as well as antioxidant defense status and biochemical conditions of the liver. Conclusion: Administration of Z. multiflora extract has beneficial effects on the NaNO2-induced histological and functional toxicity in the liver.

Wastewater irrigation: An opportunity for improving soil phosphorus availability; PHREEQC modeling and adsorption studies.

Wastewater, an alternative supply of water and nutrients, is being allocated as a priority for human population sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. This work proposes phosphorus (P), a vital growth-limiting nutrient, adsorption behavior in wastewater irrigated agricultural soils in comparison to non-irrigated soils using laboratory batch experiments. The adsorption mechanism was assessed using different adsorption isotherm models. Saturation indices were modeled, using the hydro-geochemical transport code PHREEQC and MINTEQ geochemical software. Phosphorus buffering parameters were also calculated based on the standard equations. The equilibrium data were well fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model. The physical adsorption mechanism was found based on the calculated isotherm parameters. The maximum adsorption capacity was two times more in non-wastewater irrigated soils than irrigated. Results highlighted the effectiveness of wastewater irrigation in P availability in soil. Based on the PHREEQC modeling data, precipitation of Pb and Zn mineral phases was probable in soils by wastewater influence. Meanwhile, the precipitation of stable calcium phases, that affect the P sorption and/or co-precipitation, in non-wastewater irrigated soils was highlighted in the PHREEQC calculations. The standard buffer capacity (SBC) was 43 and 64 L kg-1 in wastewater irrigated soils and non-irrigated soils, respectively. Findings of the present study demonstrate the importance of wastewater reuse opportunities for agricultural application, especially soil P availability, and are helpful to minimize the environmental impacts of wastewater and solid waste.

Association of Higher-Dose Fluoroquinolone Therapy With Serious Adverse Events in Older Adults With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease.

Importance: Population-based data are needed to inform the safe prescribing of fluoroquinolone antibiotics to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objective: To quantify the 14-day risk of a hospital visit with nervous system and/or psychiatric disorders, hypoglycemia, or a collagen-associated event in patients with advanced CKD newly prescribed a fluoroquinolone at a higher vs a lower dose. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada (January 1, 2008, to March 17, 2020) used linked health care data to identify new users of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Participants included adults 66 years or older with advanced CKD (an estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 but not receiving dialysis). Data analysis was performed from January 1 to April 30, 2021. Exposures: A new prescription for a higher-dose fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, 501-1000 mg/d; levofloxacin, 501-750 mg/d; or norfloxacin, 401-800 mg/d) vs a lower-dose fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, 500 mg/d; levofloxacin, 250-500 mg/d; or norfloxacin, 400 mg/d). Main Outcomes and Measure: The primary outcome was the 14-day risk of a hospital visit with nervous system and/or psychiatric disorders, hypoglycemia, or a collagen-associated event. Secondary outcomes included a hospital visit with sepsis, retinal detachment or other tendinopathies, all-cause hospitalization, all-cause mortality, and sudden cardiac death. Inverse probability of treatment weighting on the propensity score was used to balance comparison groups on baseline health. Weighted risk ratios and risk differences were obtained using modified Poisson regression and binomial regression, respectively. Results: Of 11 917 patients (median age, 83 years [IQR, 77-89 years]; 7438 women [62.4%]; median eGFR, 25 [IQR, 21-28] mL/min/1.73 m2) included in the analysis, 5482 (46.0%) received a higher-dose and 6435 (54.0%) received a lower-dose fluoroquinolone. After weighting, the primary composite outcome-a hospital visit with nervous system and/or psychiatric disorders, hypoglycemia, or a collagen-associated event-occurred in 68 of 5482 patients (1.2%) treated with a higher-dose fluoroquinolone and in 47 of 5516 (0.9%) treated with a lower-dose fluoroquinolone (weighted risk ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.01-2.08]; weighted risk difference, 0.39% [95% CI, 0.01%-0.76%]). The risk of sepsis, retinal detachment, all-cause hospitalization, all-cause mortality, and sudden cardiac death did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that older patients with advanced CKD who were prescribed a fluoroquinolone at a higher-than-recommended dose were significantly more likely to experience the composite outcome of a hospital visit with nervous system and/or psychiatric disorders, hypoglycemia, or a collagen-associated event, although the absolute risk of these events was less than 2%.

Effects of group housing and incremental hay supplementation in calf starters at different ages on growth performance, behavior, and health.

The present study examined the effects of age at group housing and age at incremental hay supplementation in calf starters from 7.5 to 15% (dry matter, DM) and their interaction on growth performance, behavior, health of dairy calves, and development of heifers through first breeding. A total of 64 calves (n = 16 calves/treatment, 8 male and 8 female) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with age at group housing (early = d 28 ± 2, EG vs. late = d 70 ± 2, LG; 4 calves per group) and age at incremental hay supplementation of calf starters from 7.5 to 15% of DM (early = d 42 ± 2 d, EH vs. late = d 77 ± 2, LH) as the main factors. All calves (female and male) were weaned at 63 days of age and observed until 90 days of age. Heifer calves were managed uniformly from 90 days of age until first calving to evaluate the long-term effects of treatment. No interactions were observed between age at group housing and age at incremental hay to calves on starter feed intake, performance, calf health and behavior, and heifer development through first breeding, which was contrary to our hypothesis. The age at which incremental hay supplementation was administered had no effect on starter feed intake, growth performance, or heifer development until first calving. When EG calves were compared with LG calves, nutrient intake (starter, total dry matter, metabolizable energy, neutral detergent fiber, starch, and crude protein), average daily gain, and final body weight increased. In addition, frequency of standing decreased and time and frequency of eating increased in EG calves compared to LG calves. Overall, early group housing leads to improved growth performance in dairy calves with no negative effects on calf health compared to late group housing.

Increasing medicinal and phytochemical compounds of coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.) as affected by NO3-/NH4+ ratio and perlite particle size in hydroponics.

Medicinal plants are considered as one of the most important sources of chemical compounds, so preparing a suitable culture media for medicinal plant growth is a critical factor. The present study is aimed to improve the caffeic acid derivatives and alkylamides percentages of Echinacea purpurea root extract in hydroponic culture media with different perlite particle size and NO3-/NH4+ ratios. Perlite particle size in the growing media was varied as very coarse perlite (more than 2 mm), coarse perlite (1.5-2 mm), medium perlite (1-1.5 mm), fine perlite (0.5-1 mm), and very fine perlite (less than 0.5 mm) in different ratios to peat moss (including pure perlite, 50:50 v/v, 30:70 v/v, and pure peat moss). Two NO3-/NH4+ ratios (90:10 and 70:30) were tested in each growing media. All phytochemical analyses were performed according to standard methods using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was found that the E. purpurea grown in the medium containing very fine-grade perlite with 50:50 v/v perlite to peat moss ratio had the maximum caffeic acid derivatives, including chicoric acid (17 mg g-1 DW), caftaric acid (6.3 mg g-1 DW), chlorogenic acid (0.93 mg g-1 DW), cynarin (0.84 mg g-1 DW), and echinacoside (0.73 mg g-1 DW), as well as, alkylamides (54.21%). The percentages of these phytochemical compounds increased by decreasing perlite particle size and increasing of NO3-/NH4+ ratio. The major alkylamide in the E. purpurea root extract was dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z-10 (E/Z)-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide in all treatments, ranging from 31.12 to 54.21% of total dry weight. It can be concluded that optimizing hydroponic culture media and nutrient solution has significant effects on E. purpurea chemical compounds.

Optimizing hydroponic culture media and NO3-/NH4+ ratio for improving essential oil compositions of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.).

Medicinal plants represent a valuable commodity due to beneficial effects of their natural products on human health, prompting a need for finding a way to optimize/increase their production. In this study, a novel growing media with various perlite particle size and its mixture with peat moss was tested for hydroponic-based production of Echinacea purpurea medicinal plant under greenhouse conditions. The plant growth parameters such as plant height, total fresh leave weight, fresh root weight, total biomass, total chlorophyll, leaf area, and essential oil compositions were assessed. Perlite particle size in the growing media was varied from very coarse (more than 2 mm) to very fine (less than 0.5 mm), and the ratio between perlite and peat moss varied from 50:50 v/v to 30:70 v/v. In addition, two nitrate (NO3-) to ammonium (NH4+) ratios (90:10 and 70:30) were tested for each growing media. The medium containing very fine-grade perlite and 50:50 v/v perlite to peat moss ratio was found to be most optimal and beneficial for E. purpurea performance, resulting in maximal plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf surface area, and chlorophyll content. It was also found that an increase in NO3-/NH4+ ratio caused a significant increase in plant growth parameters and increase the plant essential oil content. The major terpene hydrocarbons found in extract of E. purpurea with the best growth parameters were germacrene D (51%), myrcene (15%), α-pinene (12%), ß-caryophyllene (11%), and 1-Pentadecene (4.4%), respectively. The percentages of these terpene hydrocarbons were increased by increasing of NO3-/NH4+ ratio. It can be concluded that decreasing the perlite particle size and increasing the NO3-/NH4+ ratio increased the plant growth parameters and essential oil compositions in E. purpurea.

Therapeutic Potential of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Ischemia Stroke.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a main cause of disability worldwide. The majority (approximately 80%) of strokes are ischemic. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been considered for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Pharmacological effects of saffron are attributed to the presence of crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. In the present review, we summarized the reported neuroprotective effects of saffron and its active constituents against cerebral ischemia stroke. Saffron and its components exert its beneficial effects as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent though inhibition of biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers. Taken together, this review indicates that saffron and its ingredients could be a potent candidate in the process of new drug production for the treatment of ischemia stroke.

Improving growth properties and phytochemical compounds of Echinacea purpurea (L.) medicinal plant using novel nitrogen slow release fertilizer under greenhouse conditions.

Medicinal plant production is most important than other agricultural plants due to their phytochemical compounds effects on human health. Paying attention to plant nutrition requirement is so important. In order to assess the effect of nitrate (NO3-) dosage supplies from two types of fertilizers on growth and phytochemical properties of Echinacea purpurea rhizomata cum radicibus, an experiment with completely simple design was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Two types of fertilizers (new invented nitrogen (N) slow release fertilizer and urea chemical fertilizer) at three dosages (50, 100, and 150 mM) were applied. Plant growth parameters and total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), polysaccarides content, essential oil content, caffeic acid derivatives, and anti-radical scavenging activities of E. purpurea were assessed. The results showed the significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences among treatments, both in growth and phytochemical properties. Using of N slow release, especially in 150 mM dosage, significantly increased all the plant growth and phytochemical properties. The dried E. purpurea rhizomata cum radicibus contained more caftaric acid (max 12.56 mg g-1 DW) and chicoric acid (max 7.56 mg g-1 DW) than other derivatives. Despite the impact of heavy metals on yield and growth of E. purpurea, the concentration of all heavy metals and micronutrients (boron (B), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in studied soil and fertilizer samples was less than United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limits of contamination. Based on the results, using of N slow release fertilizers can improve phytochemical properties of the plant due to its polymeric structure and can be a suitable substitution of chemical fertilizers, especially in medicinal plants growth.

The effectiveness of a traditional Persian medicine preparation in the treatment of chronic cough: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The roots and rhizomes of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) are used in traditional Persian medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases. A chronic cough is a non-specific reaction to irritation anywhere in the respiratory system. It usually lasts for more than eight weeks. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of a modified traditional Persian medicine preparation, licorice pastille, in healing a chronic cough. METHODS: Through a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in a respiratory disease clinic in Shiraz, Iran; between October 2016 and December 2017. Seventy participants with a chronic cough took part in the trial. The outcome measures were as the daily cough scores (the score being logged via patient symptoms, diary, and the visual analogue scale) and the quality of life measure of chronic cough according to the Leicester Cough Questionnaire. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences in the demographic or clinical (cough score) characteristics between the two groups. There was complete adherence to protocol in both groups but, the drop-out rate was 4 patients in the placebo and 6 ones in the intervention groups. The results at the end of the trial (Week 2) and follow-up (Week 4) demonstrated the efficacy of the licorice pastille in terms of the cough severity score against the placebo group. This item showed a significant decrease in the intervention group (1.2 ±â€¯0.93) comparing to the placebo one (1.8 ±â€¯1.03) at follow-up time. No major side effects were reported during the study and follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Licorice pastille could be a promising choice in the treatment of a chronic cough of unknown origin.

Partial least Squares- least squares- Support Vector Machine Modeling of ATR-IR as a Spectrophotometric Method for Detection and Determination of Iron in Pharmaceutical Formulations.

Iron is an essential element used as supplement in different dosage-forms. Different time and expenditure-consuming methods introduced for detection and determination of elemental ions such as Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. In this research, two different and routine methods containing ATR-IR and atomic absorption were applied to define the amount of iron in 198 samples containing different concentrations of commercial iron drops and syrups and the output data of the methods was transferred to chemometric model to compare the accuracy and robustness of the methods. By applying this mathematical model, in addition to the confirmation of ATR-IR (a time and energy-saving method) as a replacement of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to produce the same results, chemometrical model was used to evaluate the output data in a faster and easier method. At first, ATR-IR spectra data converted to normal matrix by SNV preprocessing approach. Then, a relationship between iron concentrations achieved by AAS and ATR-IR data was established using PLS-LS-SVM. Consequently, model was able to predict ~99% of the samples with low error-values (root mean square-error of cross-validation equal to 0.98). Y-permutation test performed to confirm that the model was not assessed accidentally. Although, chemometric methods for detection of some heavy metals have been reported in the literature, combination of PLS-LS-SVM with ATR-IR was not cited. In this study a fast and robust method for iron assay was suggested.As a result, ATR-IR can be a suitable method in detection and qualification of iron-content in pharmaceutical dosage forms with less energy-consumption but similar accuracy.

Carnosine and Histidine Supplementation Blunt Lead-Induced Reproductive Toxicity through Antioxidative and Mitochondria-Dependent Mechanisms.

Lead (Pb)-induced reproductive toxicity is a well-characterized adverse effect associated with this heavy metal. It has been found that Pb exposure is associated with altered spermatogenesis, increased testicular degeneration, and pathological sperm alterations. On the other hand, it has been reported that Pb-induced reproductive toxicity is associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and diminished antioxidant capacity in the reproductive system. Hence, administration of antioxidants as protective agents might be of value against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity. This study was designed to investigate whether carnosine (CAR) and histidine (HIS) supplementation would mitigate the Pb-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Animals received Pb (20 mg/kg/day, oral, 14 consecutive days) alone or in combination with CAR (250 and 500 mg/kg/day, oral, 14 consecutive days) or HIS (250 and 500 mg/kg/day, oral, 14 consecutive days). Pb toxicity was evident in the reproductive system by a significant increase in tissue markers of oxidative stress along with severe histopathological changes, seminal tubule damage, tubular desquamation, low spermatogenesis index, poor sperm parameters, and impaired sperm mitochondrial function. It was found that CAR and HIS supplementation blunted the Pb-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the rat reproductive system. Thereby, antioxidative and mitochondria-protective properties serve as primary mechanisms for CAR and HIS against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity.

Effects of Malva sylvestris and Its Isolated Polysaccharide on Experimental Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

Malva sylvestris is an edible plant that is consumed as a herbal supplement for its antiulcer and colon cleansing properties in traditional Persian medicine. This study was designed to evaluate its effects on ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Colitis was induced by rectal instillation of acetic acid solution. Rats in different groups received aqueous, n-hexane, or ethanolic fractions of the plant before induction of colitis. Isolated polysaccharide of plant was also tested in 2 groups before and after induction of colitis. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of colitis showed that the aqueous fraction was very effective in preventing the inflammation and efficacy was lower for ethanolic and n-hexane fractions. Polysaccharide was effective in reducing signs of inflammation, especially as pretreatment. These beneficial effects provide evidences that this plant can be suggested for patients with this disease to improve their health condition or to reduce adverse effects of their medication.

Effectiveness of budesonide-succinate-dextran conjugate as a novel prodrug of budesonide against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Anti-inflammatory drugs with high potency and low systemic adverse effects, such as budesonide, are drugs of choice for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Budesonide controlled-release formulations are now being used to induce and maintain clinical remission of Crohn's disease. Budesonide-dextran conjugates were synthesized as novel prodrugs of budesonide for oral controlled delivery of the major part of the drug to the colon without needing to coat the pellets of the drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of this conjugate against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental UC was induced by rectal instillation of 4% solution of acetic acid to rats. After induction of colitis, rats were treated with vehicle (dextran solution), mesalasine (120 mg/kg), budesonide suspension (300 microg/kg) and BSD-70 (equivalent to 300 microg/kg of budesonide), prednisolon (4 mg/kg), hydrocortisone acetate enema (20 mg/kg), and 5-ASA enema (Asacol) (400 mg/kg) for 5 days and then colon macroscopic and microscopic sections were examined for inflammatory response. RESULTS: Vehicle-treated rats presented bloody diarrhoea and gross lesions. The effective formulations for attenuating the damage were BSD-70, oral prednisolon and hydrocortisone acetate enema. Rats treated with BSD-70 showed huge improvement in macroscopic and histological scores of colitis compared to the negative control group and mesalasine and budesonide suspension. CONCLUSION: Data indicated that budesonide-dextran conjugate is effective in improving signs of inflammation in experimental model of colitis through selective delivery of the drug to the inflamed area.