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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Phytochemical analysis and antiproliferative activity of the aerial parts of Scrophularia subaphylla.

Scrophularia subaphylla (S. subaphylla) L., a medicinal plant from the Scrophulariaceae family, has been reported to possess potential profits in the treatment and prophylaxis of different diseases. Some phenolic compounds in this genus have been displayed decent effects on different types of cancer via multiple mechanisms. The current study aimed to bioassay guided isolation of cytotoxic constituents from the aerial parts of S. subaphylla against breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines as well as normal cells (L929). Different extracts of S. subaphylla were acquired by Soxhlet apparatus and then subjected to brine shrimp lethality test and MTT assay for assessing their cytotoxic characteristics. Cytotoxic extract subjected to further phytochemical fractionation using solid phase extraction, reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and one dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D-NMR) spectroscopy. The biological activity of the isolated pure components, verbascoside and 3' O rhamnosyl -4' O para coumaryl 7- hydroxyl salidroside, was assessed using MTT assay against MCF-7 and HT-29 carcinoma cells. Two known phenylpropanoid compounds were isolated from this species. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data (using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) and compared with the previous literature. Both pure compounds in comparison with control group demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against cancerous cells (P < 0.001). In our study, verbascoside and its derivative could inhibit proliferation of cancerous cells without any side effects on normal cells.

Screening of Anti-Malarial Activity of Different Extracts Obtained from Three Species of Scrophularia Growing in Iran.

Scrophularia genus belonging to the family of Scrophulariaceae, is a medicinal plant widely distributed in Iran. In the present study, the anti-malarial activity of different extracts of three Iranian endemic species of Scrophularia including S. frigida, S. subaphylla and S. atropatana, was screened by an in-vitro preliminary assay. The plant materials were extracted successively with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol (MeOH) at room temperature by soxhlet extractor. In order to assess anti-malarial activity of obtained extracts, cell free ß-hematin formation assay was applied. Amongst the extracts, DCM extract of S. frigida exhibited remarkable anti-malarial activity with IC50 value of 0.67 ± 0.11 mg/mL. In contrast, MeOH and n-hexane extracts of all plants illustrated insignificant or moderate activity in this assay. Furthermore, preliminary phytochemical analysis along with TLC and GC-MS analysis of potent extract (DCM extract of S. frigida) were performed for more clarification. These methods revealed that the notable anti-malarial activity might be due to the presence of active constituents like methoxylated flavonoids, methylated coumarins, and diterpenoids. From the nine extracts of different species of Scrophularia, DCM extract of S. frigida showed potent inhibitory activity on ß-hematin formation assay. Hence, it seems that it is noteworthy to concentrate on purifying the active chemical constituents of DCM extract and determining the pure anti-malarial components.

Phytochemical Analysis and In-vitro Bioactivity of Scrophularia umbrosa Rhizome (Scrophulariaceae).

Scrophularia umbrosa is a medicinal plant used as a traditional herb. This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical analysis of methanol (MeOH), DCM, and n-Hexane extracts of rhizome as well as total phenol and total flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC). In-vitro ß-hematin formation assay and DPPH method were applied for analyzing antimalarial and free-radical scavenging activities of the extracts, respectively. The formation of hemozoin has been proposed as an ideal drug target for antimalarial screening programs. The results showed that n-hexane and MeOH extracts of rhizome had no significant inhibitory effect on heme biocrystallization whereas the DCM extract of rhizome showed moderate antimalarial activity in comparison with chloroquine. GC-MS data showed that volatile portions of DCM and n-Hexane extracts from Scrophularia umbrosa (S. umbrosa) contained a few identifiable compounds. Moreover, fractions 20% and 40% MeOH-Water of MeOH extract of S. umbrosa displayed moderate to strong free radical scavenging activity which showed a positive relation between phenolic and flavonoid contents and free radical scavenging activity. Based on the results, the fractions of MeOH extract were evaluated by 1HNMR for predicting the groups of natural compounds and interfacing of chemical and biological assessments.

A Survey on Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity of Zygophyllum fabago from Iran.

Purpose: Zygophyllum fabago L. (Z. fabago) is a widespread perennial herb which is used as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine of Iran, Turkey and China. The present study was a survey on phytochemical constituents and biological activities of this plant. Methods: Methanolic extract of the roots was fractionated over a C-18 pre-packed cartridge (Sep-pak) and chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase preparative HPLC. Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was carried out using UV, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectral analyses. Furthermore, the chemical compositions of the essential oil of the aerial parts were identified by GC-MS analysis. Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of all extracts from aerials were determined by MTT and DPPH assays, respectively. Results: Phytochemical investigation on the plant roots led to the isolation and identification of two the 60% methanol-water Sep-pak fraction, a prenylated flavone glycoside, 6-C-prenyl-7-O-[ ß -D-4'''-O-acetyl-glucopyranosyl-(1'''→2'')-ß-D-glucopyranosyl] apigenin, which was named as a Zygocaperoside and also, other flavonoid, was named as the Isorhamnetin -3-O glucoside. None of the extracts showed antiproliferative effect against cancerous cells. However, among the extracts, methanolic extract indicated antioxidant activity. Moreover, essential oils of flowers and leaves of plant have high amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and diterpenoides. Conclusion: The results of present study introduce Z. fabago roots as a new source of flavonoid glycosides and suggest it as an appropriate candidate for further pharmacological studies.

Vitamins, Are They Safe?

The consumption of a daily multivitamin among people all over the world is dramatically increasing in recent years. Most of the people believe that if vitamins are not effective, at least they are safe. However, the long term health consequences of vitamins consumption are unknown. This study aimed to assess the side effects and possible harmful and detrimental properties of vitamins and to discuss whether vitamins can be used as safe health products or dietary supplements. We performed a MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar search and assessed reference lists of the included studies which were published from 1993 through 2015. The studies, with an emphasis on RCTs (randomized controlled clinical trials), were reviewed. As some vitamins such as fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E), and also some of the water-soluble vitamins like folic acid may cause adverse events and some like vitamin C is widely taken assuming that it has so many benefits and no harm, we included relevant studies with negative or undesired results regarding the effect of these vitamins on health. Our recommendation is that taking high-dose supplements of vitamins A, E, D, C, and folic acid is not always effective for prevention of disease, and it can even be harmful to the health.