Mitigating Human IAPP Amyloidogenesis In Vivo with Chiral Silica Nanoribbons.

Amyloid fibrils generally display chirality, a feature which has rarely been exploited in the development of therapeutics against amyloid diseases. This study reports, for the first time, the use of mesoscopic chiral silica nanoribbons against the in vivo amyloidogenesis of human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), the peptide whose aggregation is implicated in type 2 diabetes. The thioflavin T assay and transmission electron microscopy show accelerated IAPP fibrillization through elimination of the nucleation phase and shortening of the elongation phase by the nanostructures. Coarse-grained simulations offer complementary molecular insights into the acceleration of amyloid aggregation through their nonspecific binding and directional seeding with the nanostructures. This accelerated IAPP fibrillization translates to reduced toxicity, especially for the right-handed silica nanoribbons, as revealed by cell viability, helium ion microscopy, as well as zebrafish embryo survival, developmental, and behavioral assays. This study has implicated the potential of employing chiral nanotechnologies against the mesoscopic enantioselectivity of amyloid proteins and their associated diseases.

Evaluation of the effect of topical chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) oleogel as pain relief in migraine without aura: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Phytotherapy is a source of finding new remedies for migraine. Traditional chamomile oil (chamomile extraction in sesame oil) is a formulation in Persian medicine (PM) for pain relief in migraine. An oleogel preparation of reformulated traditional chamomile oil was prepared and then standardized based on chamazulene (as a marker in essential oil) and apigenin via gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, respectively. A crossover double-blind clinical trial was performed with 100 patients. Each patient took two tubes of drug and two tubes of placebo during the study. Visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires were filled in by the patients and scores were given, ranging from 0 to 10 (based on the severity of pain) during 24 h. Other complications like nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia were also monitored. There was 4.48 ± 0.01 µl/ml of chamazulene and 0.233 mg/g of apigenin in the preparation (by correcting the amount with extraction ratio). Thirty-eight patients in the drug-placebo and 34 patients in the placebo-drug groups (a total number of 72 patients as per protocol) completed the process in the randomized controlled trial (RCT). Adapted results from the questionnaires showed that pain, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by using chamomile oleogel on the patients after 30 min. Results supported the efficacy of chamomile oleogel as a pain relief in migraine without aura.

A System Pharmacology Study for Deciphering Anti Depression Activity of Nardostachys jatamansi.

BACKGROUND: The plant Nardostachys jatamansi from Valerianaceae family is a well known antidepressant plant and has historically been used in traditional medicine. As N. jatamansi contains many different compounds, to identify its mechanisms of action, we need a network-based study. Network-based studies are becoming an increasingly important tool in understanding the mechanisms of actions of drugs. Systems pharmacology (SP) and bioinformatics are two emerging tools that use computation to develop an understanding of drug actions in molecular and cellular levels. SP can provide mechanistic understanding of protein-protein (drug-target) interaction involved in a common biological pathway. The present study was undertaken to identify unknown targets and mechanisms of antidepressant activity of N. jatamansi according to a systems pharmacology approach. METHOD: First of all a list of all the targets (receptors and metabolites) involved in depression process were provided based on KEGG database. The 3D structures of protein targets were collected as PDB files and their active sites coordinates were found. In the next step the structures of known compounds of N. jatamansi were collected. For identifying the protein-lagand interactions, a docking process was run in AutoDock and an output was received. To complete our study, the similarity between antidepressant conventional drugs and N. jatamansi compounds was analyzed. A SP map figured by Cytoscape Software, shows the relations between herbal compounds, molecular targets and depression. RESULTS: According to the docking results, we can suggest several important targets that we have no drugs for, or several natural compounds that play an important role in depression process. According to the similarity results we can suggest several molecules for extraction or synthesis that need more researches for their therapeutic effects. This study shows that how N. jatamansi can effect on depression by multiple molecular targeting with multiple compounds.

Rhus coriaria L. increases serum apolipoprotein-A1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Lipid-lowering effect of Rhus coriaria L. (Rhus) has been investigated in multiple animal studies with promising results. Nonetheless, its clinical efficacy has not been adequately examined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects of Rhus among patients with hyperlipidemia. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: The study was designed as a two-arm, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, using a parallel design. Eighty patients with primary hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to receive Rhus capsules or placebo for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The serum lipid levels, apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) and apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B) were measured. RESULTS: Mean serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and Apo-A1 levels were significantly increased in the Rhus group, compared with the placebo group, after 6 weeks of intervention (P = 0.001). The analysis of covariance test including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and smoking as co-variables revealed that the increase in HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels remained significant, and increases in HDL-C were dependent on the increase in Apo-A1 levels. No significant difference was observed between Rhus and placebo groups in terms of mean reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels; however, more significant improvement was observed among obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). CONCLUSION: The study showed significant increases in HDL-C and Apo-A1 levels in response to Rhus supplementation in patients with hyperlipidemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02295293.

Reformulation of Traditional Chamomile Oil: Quality Controls and Fingerprint Presentation Based on Cluster Analysis of Attenuated Total Reflectance-Infrared Spectral Data.

Herbal oils have been widely used in Iran as medicinal compounds dating back to thousands of years in Iran. Chamomile oil is widely used as an example of traditional oil. We remade chamomile oils and tried to modify it with current knowledge and facilities. Six types of oil (traditional and modified) were prepared. Microbial limit tests and physicochemical tests were performed on them. Also, principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis were done on the spectral data of attenuated total reflectance-infrared in order to obtain insight based on classification pattern of the samples. The results show that we can use modified versions of the chamomile oils (modified Clevenger-type apparatus method and microwave method) with the same content of traditional ones and with less microbial contaminations and better physicochemical properties.

Phytochemistry and Phytotherapeutic Aspects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.

Persian or Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.), from the family Elaeagnaceae, is a nitrogen-fixing thorny shrub extensively used in traditional medicine to alleviate pain and treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal problems, fever, and asthma. The current review has tried to give a concise overview of the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the plant from published data. Accordingly, published English literatures on Elaeagnus angustifolia were gathered from popular databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect up to 31 December 2015. In accordance with traditional and ethnopharmacological uses, different extracts of E. angustifolia have been known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antimicrobial, muscle relaxant, anti-ulcer and wound-healing capabilities. Additionally, cardioprotective, antitumor and anti-mutagenic effects of the herb have been demonstrated by current assessments. Despite numerous experimental studies, there is a notable lack of profound and comprehensive clinical trials as well as critical research on E. angustifolia toxicity and teratogenicity. With reference to various pharmacological effects based on experimental and animal investigation, it is worthy to mention a frame for respective clinical studies in further studies.

A review on the management of migraine in the Avicenna's Canon of Medicine.

Migraine is a common type of headache which has a deep history dating back thousands of years. Avicenna (980-1032), a Persian scholar, made a great contribution to neurology including headache and migraine. The aim of this study is to consider Avicenna's description about migraine (Shaghighe in Persian language) including definition, etiology and intervention. Also, his definition and treatment approaches were considered based on current concepts and findings. Although Avicenna believed in humoral theory and divided migraine into two categories, hot and cold, and suggested special treatments for them as well as general considerations, most of his definitions and explained pathologies are supported by current concepts of medicine. He believed that the migraine can result from bone of skull and also intra-parenchymal; or from skull underneath membrane (dura-mater); or reaching substances from the painful side or from outer vein and arteries (extra cranial); or from brain and meninges (pia-mater). Furthermore, current findings show most medicinal plants mentioned by Avicenna for the treatment of migraine can have potentially significant effects such as remedies which stop central and peripheral sensitization [anti-neuroinflammatory agents, decreasing nitric oxide level, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors], as well as serotonergics, neuroprotective agents and analgesics.

Comparison of the Effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia Flower Capsule and Sildenafil Citrate Tablet on Anxiety Resulting From Sexual Dysfunction in Women Referring to the Selected Clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

Dissatisfaction from sexual relationships can result in deprivation as well as problems, such as depression, anxiety, and destruction of family's mental health. One hundred twenty-five women (18 to 40 years) who suffered from hypoactive sexual desire disorder were divided into Elaeagnus angustifolia flower (4.5 g g daily for 35 days), sildenafil citrate tablet (50 mg for 4 weeks), and control groups. The study data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index and Spielberger's questionnaire and measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin hormone. In the Elaeagnus angustifolia group, the mean score of state and trait anxiety decreased after the intervention. In the sildenafil citrate group also, the mean score of state anxiety decreased from 22.15 ± 4.98 to 20.1 ± 5.15 (P = .001) and that of trait anxiety decreased from 23.07 ± 4.44 to 21.55 ± 4.82 (P = .002) after the intervention. Consumption of sildenafil citrate tablet was effective in reduction of the mean score of anxiety resulting from sexual dysfunction.

Comparison of the Hemostatic Activity of Quercus persica Jaub. & Spach. (Oak) With Ferric Sulfate in Bony Crypts.

Effective tissue hemostasis in periapical surgical site is important in the procedures. Plants with large amount of tannins may act as a local hemostatic agent. We aimed to compare the hemostatic effect of the extract of Quercus persica with one of the common hemostatic material used in periapical surgery. Six standardized bone holes were prepared in the calvaria of 5 Burgundy rabbits. Two hemostatic medicaments were tested for their hemostatic effect and were compared with control defects: Group 1, cotton pellet soaked in 15.5% ferric sulfate solution; Group 2, cotton pellet soaked in pure ethanolic extract of Q. persica. Bleeding score between the groups was compared. The ferric sulfate group exhibited significantly less bleeding than the other 2 groups. Q. persica was found to cause more hemostasis than the control group at 4 and 5 minutes but there were no significant differences between normal saline and Q. persica extract in bleeding control.

Effects of Quince syrup on clinical symptoms of children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Quince syrup in pediatrics with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHOD: Participants (n = 80) were randomly assigned to the Quince group (0.6 cc/kg/day) or the Omeprazole group (1 cc/kg/day). Age specific questionnaires were used to assess the frequency and severity of the GERD symptoms. Mean of cumulative symptom score (CSS) at weeks 4 and 7 were compared with baseline. RESULTS: The mean CSS value was significantly decreased from baseline in each treatment group without statistically significant differences between them. Although the mean CSS value among infants and young children was slightly decreased in the Quince group at week seven, this value was increased among children aged 5-18 years in both treatment groups without significant differences. CONCLUSION: Despite the effectiveness of Quince syrup in reducing symptoms in all pediatrics age groups, no significant differences were observed in comparison with the control group.

Ethnopharmacological knowledge of Shiraz and Fasa in Fars region of Iran for diabetes mellitus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides ethnopharmacological knowledge of traditional herbal healers from Shiraz and Fasa in Fars region (Iran) for treatment of diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Field surveys were carried out during September 2013-February 2014 in Shiraz and Fasa. The data were collected through structured questionnaire in Persian. All plant species recorded for the treatment of diabetes mellitus were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and obtained a voucher specimens number and deposited in the Shiraz School of Pharmacy Herbarium. The information such as scientific name, family, local name, medicinal use(s), parts used and preparation method were provided. Literature review on available data about antidiabetic effect of the addressed plant species was done to highlight gaps in current knowledge and propose the next steps. RESULTS: In total, 50 informants were interviewed. Totally 39 plant species were recommended by herbal healers, of which 28 are native to Iran. The most recommended plants for diabetes were Trigonella foenum-graecam (28 Attars), Securigera securidaca (22 Attars), Vaccinium arctostaphylos (18 Attars). The most abundant families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Apiaceae. Plant parts used were mainly seeds, flowers, leaves and fruits. The most usual preparation methods were decoction, powder and distillation. Around 44% of all reported plants for diabetes are also in use for obesity management CONCLUSIONS: This study provided ethnopharmacological knowledge from Fars region in Iran for a specific disease and we have introduced important plant species which are recommended by local herbal healers for diabetes mellitus. For 23% of reported plants, clinical studies approved antidiabetic properties and for 61%, animal studies approved antidiabetic activity.

Potential effect and mechanism of action of topical chamomile (Matricaria chammomila L.) oil on migraine headache: A medical hypothesis.

Migraine is a chronic recurring headache for which no complete treatment has been found yet. Therefore, finding new treatment approaches and medicines is important. In this review, we consider the probable mechanism of action of a traditional and ethnic formulary of chamomile extract in sesame oil as a new topical medication for migraine pain relief. Chamomile oil is prepared in Traditional Persian Medicine by boiling aqueous extract of chamomile in sesame oil. To optimize the procedure, we can use a Clevenger-type apparatus to extract the essential oil and add it to the end product. The preparation includes both essential oils (chamazulene and bisabolol oxide) and polyphenols (a flavonoid such as apigenin and its derivatives). It probably possesses pain relief effects for migraines because of the following properties: (1) chamazulene and apigenin, which inhibit iNOS expression in activated macrophages and can lead to the prohibition of NO release and synthesis; (2) chamomile flavonoids, which have a strong inhibitory effect on endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages and can play the role of selective COX-2 inhibitor; (3) chamomile polyphenols, which possess anti-inflammatory effects due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages and which can reduce inflammation in neurovascular units (NVU) at the site of migraine pain; (4) chamomile, which has neuroprotective effects because of reduced NO levels; (5) sesamine in sesame oil, which possesses an anti-inflammatory effect. These effects are supported by main pathophysiological theories of migraine such as neural and sensitization theories. Chamomile oil is a traditional formulation still used in Iran as an ethno-medicine. Because of the mentioned mechanisms of action, it can be hypothesized that chamomile oil is a novel medicine for the relief of migraine pain.

Randomized and double-blinded clinical trial of the safety and calcium kidney stone dissolving efficacy of Lapis judaicus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract and cause a great deal of morbidity and economic loss. Because of the side effects and costs of current interventional procedures, researchers are interested in finding medicinal therapies. In this regard, some reports have focused on traditional medicines as a drug discovery resource. Iranian scholars in the medieval era recommended Lapis judaicus for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of Lapis judaicus on the size of calcium kidney stones and some related biochemical factors in blood and urine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with kidney stone disease were included in this double-blind randomized clinical study. Thirty patients received 2g of Lapis judaicus powder in hard capsules per day for 10 weeks, and another 30 patients received a placebo for the same period. Ultrasonography was performed on patients, and blood and urine samples were collected before and after the study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lapis judaicus in calcium kidney stone patients. RESULTS: The size of the kidney stones was reduced significantly (p<0.001) in the drug group. In 9 patients from the drug group, the stone was completely dissolved. Moreover, urine calcium concentration and specific gravity were reduced and urine magnesium was increased (p<0.05). Lapis judaicus did not affect BUN, creatinine, ALT, or AST. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the placebo group, the size of kidney stones was reduced significantly in the treatment group after oral administration of Lapis judaicus. This preliminary study confirms traditional knowledge of the efficacy and safety of Lapis judaicus in kidney stone diseases and suggests a new method to treat calcium kidney stones. Further detailed in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at discovering the mechanism of action of Lapis judaicus and clinical studies involving a larger population of patients will be necessary to fully explain and confirm the results obtained in the present study.

Sphygmology of ibn sina, a message for future.

Sphygmology is a 2000-year-old method that is still used in some traditional medicine systems, mainly Iranian, Chinese and Ayurveda. Ibn Sina is one of the most popular physicians in the history of Sphygmology, who had made great contributions to this method, but few meticulous studies have been made on his concepts. In this article, his standpoints on Pulsology are studied. Ibn Sina has mentioned 10 parameters for pulse palpation, and 13 compound pulses, as well. Besides, some pulse patterns applicable for differentiating similar diseases have been introduced. Nowadays some concepts on pulse patterns, such as pulse change in sleep and pregnancy have been studied; but unfortunately many of the ideas on Pulsology have not yet been examined. Sphygmology, as an accessible and inexpensive means, having a substantial diagnosis yield, has been accepted by the people since its rise, and its development over centuries ago. Although some new instruments have been innovated, which can measure different parameters of pulse, yet sphygmology can be one of the most commonly usable diagnostic methods in future, not only applicable by cardiologists but also by all the physicians.

Ibn-Sina's life and contributions to medicinal therapies of kidney calculi.

Ibn-Sina (commonly known as Avicenna) is one of the most famous and influential scientists in the history of medicine. The Canon of Medicine, which is his most celebrated book in medicine, presents a summary of all the medical knowledge of his time. Ibn-Sina wrote a complete section about kidney calculi in his book. Totally, 65 herbal, 8 animal, and 4 mineral medicines are mentioned in the Canon of Medicine as beneficial drugs for dissolving, expelling, and preventing kidney calculi. Ibn-Sina introduced very advanced drug designing based on drug delivery, targeting the organ, deposition in the site of action, pain control, wound healing, clearance after action, and supporting the organ. Using Ibn-Sina's ideas help scientists to choose better drugs with a historical background to reduce the cost of therapies and research projects.

Analysis of Mount Atlas mastic smoke: a potential food preservative.

Pistacia terebinthus L. smoke has been used traditionally in Iran as disinfectant and air purifier. Smoke was collected by a simple method, and the chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of the smoke were analyzed. The chemical constituents of the smoke were alpha-pinene (65.1%), limonene (11.5%) and allo-ocimene (2.8%). The non polar phase of smoke noticeably inhibited the growth of different microorganisms. MIC test shows that non polar fraction of smoke can inhibit the growth of some bacteria. The results indicating that the properties of the smoke as a flavoring and preservative agent could be a potential subject for future studies.

Medicinal smokes.

All through time, humans have used smoke of medicinal plants to cure illness. To the best of our knowledge, the ethnopharmacological aspects of natural products' smoke for therapy and health care have not been studied. Mono- and multi-ingredient herbal and non-herbal remedies administered as smoke from 50 countries across the 5 continents are reviewed. Most of the 265 plant species of mono-ingredient remedies studied belong to Asteraceae (10.6%), followed by Solanaceae (10.2%), Fabaceae (9.8%) and Apiaceae (5.3%). The most frequent medical indications for medicinal smoke are pulmonary (23.5%), neurological (21.8%) and dermatological (8.1%). Other uses of smoke are not exactly medical but beneficial to health, and include smoke as a preservative or a repellent and the social use of smoke. The three main methods for administering smoke are inhalation, which accounts for 71.5% of the indications; smoke directed at a specific organ or body part, which accounts for 24.5%; ambient smoke (passive smoking), which makes up the remaining 4.0%. Whereas inhalation is typically used in the treatment of pulmonary and neurological disorders and directed smoke in localized situations, such as dermatological and genito-urinary disorders, ambient smoke is not directed at the body at all but used as an air purifier. The advantages of smoke-based remedies are rapid delivery to the brain, more efficient absorption by the body and lower costs of production. This review highlights the fact that not enough is known about medicinal smoke and that a lot of natural products have potential for use as medicine in the smoke form. Furthermore, this review argues in favor of medicinal smoke extended use in modern medicine as a form of drug delivery and as a promising source of new active natural ingredients.