Efficacy of sesame oil versus placebo in the management of acute radiation-induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

AIM: Considering the anti-inflammatory and positive effects of sesame oil in treating skin diseases, the present research aimed to study its therapeutic effects on acute radiotherapy dermatitis in such patients. METHODS: Forty women with breast cancer during radiotherapy (for 5 weeks) were randomly grouped into two categories: sesame oil (20 patients) and placebo (20 patients). After each radiotherapy session, they were asked to use 3cc of the ointment on the treating field and continue the treatment until the end. They were examined weekly according to the staging criteria of the radiation therapy oncology group. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the first 3 weeks. In the fourth week, dermatitis grade 0 was 35%, grade 1 was 65%, and grade 2 was 0% in the intervention (case) group, while in the control group, they were 10%, 75%, and 15%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.046). Also, in the fifth week in the case group, dermatitis grade 0 was 25%, grade 1 was 70%, and grade 2 was 5%, while in the control group, they were 0%, 80%, and 20%, respectively. This difference was also statistically significant (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, sesame oil, as a cheap and available herbal treatment, may be utilized in treating acute dermatitis caused by radiotherapy. However, an investigation with a larger sample size in several centers should be conducted to examine sesame oil effects in treating acute radio dermatitis more comprehensively.

Effect of thymoquinone on pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil in rats and its effect on human cell line in vitro.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the components extracted from Nigella sativa seeds and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. We evaluated the effect of TQ on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) pharmacokinetics (PK) in vivo and in vitro on human colorectal cancer cell line. Ten Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups. TQ treated group received intraperitoneal TQ once daily for 14 consecutive days (5 mg/kg). Both groups received intraperitoneal 5-FU (50 mg/kg) on day 15 and blood samples were collected from retro-orbital plexus. The pharmacokinetics parameters were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, various concentrations of 5-FU, TQ, and combination of 5-FU and TQ were added to the HT-29 cell line and cell viability was measured using 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC), and time of maximum concentration (Tmax) of 5-FU in TQ treated group were significantly increased approximately by 61, 60, and 24% compared to the control group, respectively. The combination of 5-FU with TQ (0.284 mM) showed a greater inhibitory effect on HT-29 cell growth compared to the alone 5-FU (0.027 and 0.055 mM) administration. TQ increases the AUC, Cmax, and Tmax of 5-FU and has a synergistic effect on the PK of 5-FU. Moreover, low concentration of TQ enhances the inhibitory effects of 5-FU on cell growth in colorectal cancer cell line. This synergistic effect might enhance the anticancer effects of low concentration of 5-FU, leading to drug dose reduction and reduced systemic toxicity of this chemotherapeutic agent.

Galangin Nanoparticles Protect Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury: A Biochemical and Histopathological Approach.

One of the main causes of acute liver failure is overdose with acetaminophen. Excessive consumption of acetaminophen leads to the production of NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine) through the activity of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. For this purpose, the effect of galangin nanoparticles with antioxidant activities will be evaluated for the treatment of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, after the synthesis of galangin nanoparticles and particle size determination, mice were divided into six groups. Before treatment, a single dose (350 mg/kg) of acetaminophen was administered by gavage in all groups. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as biochemical factors FRAP and MDA in serum were measured and a histopathological study was performed. The prepared nanoparticles produced in this research were characterized by the SEM, DLS, and ZETA potential, and the average particle size was obtained in the range of 150 nm. Serum levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) in the nanoparticle group decreased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the group without treatment, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes increased significantly compared with the treatment groups. Also, galangin nanoparticles, at a dose of 20 mg/kg, improve cell damage in hepatocytes and preserve the tissue structure of the liver. Galangin nanoparticles reduce the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing the number of liver function indices. According to our findings, the liver-protective effects of the nanoparticle may be due to its antioxidant properties.

Effect of Cassia fistula L. aqueous extract in maternal reproductive outcome, some serum indices and fetal anomaly frequency in rat.

Background: Cassia fistula was used traditionally as laxative in pregnant women. Nevertheless, its fetal and maternal effects in pregnancy have not been studied yet. Methods: Oral (Lethal Dose, 50%) LD50 was determined in mice. In addition, a control group, pregnant rats in other 5 experimental groups (n=12) received orally C. fistula aqueous extract (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg), tween80 (10%) and distilled water during pregnancy up to the delivery (21-23 days). Some serum indices were evaluated in maternal blood samples after delivery. Histopathologic and histomorphometric evaluations were performed on the selected slices of newborn rats. Results: Anthraquinone content of the aqueous extract was 0.34% w/w. Oral LD50 was obtained more than 5000mg/kg. No abortions and newborn anomalies were observed in groups. The height and weight of the offspring were significantly reduced by the administration of 500, and 2000 mg/kg of extract compared to control. There was no significant change in maternal blood urea and creatinine. Higher concentration (2000mg/kg) led to ALT elevation. ALS levels decreased dose-dependency in treatment groups comparing to control. Histopathological findings showed significant lung vascular congestion, and hypertrophy of heart in group tween80, and significant hepatic parenchymal inflammation in tween80 and 2000mg/kg and 1000mg/kg groups. In all tissues of all groups, malpighian body area and bowman's capsule space significantly increased compared to the control group. Conclusion: It seems C. fistula extract is safe in pregnancy. Because of confounding role of tween80 in histopathological finding, more research is necessary.

Colchicine Ameliorates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats.

Background and Objective. 5-Fluorouracil is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of solid tumors. 5-Fluorouracil-associated cardiotoxicity is the second cause of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs after anthracyclines. Colchicine is a strong anti-inflammatory drug used to prevent and treat acute gout and treat familial Mediterranean fever. And also, its protective effects on cardiovascular disease have been reported in various studies. The current study is aimed at appraising the effect of colchicine on 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Methods. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: control, 5-fluorouracil, colchicine (5 mg/kg), and 5-fluorouracil+5 mg/kg colchicine. Cardiotoxicity was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 5-fluorouracil (100 mg/kg). The control group received normal saline, and the treatment groups received colchicine with an intraperitoneal injection for 14 days. Findings. 5-Fluorouracil resulted in significant cardiotoxicity represented by an increase in cardiac enzymes, malondialdehyde levels, cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression, cardiac enzymes, and histopathological degenerations. 5-Fluorouracil treatment also decreased body weight, total antioxidant capacity and catalase values, blood cells, and hemoglobin levels. In addition, 5-fluorouracil disrupted electrocardiographic parameters, including increased elevation in the ST segment and increased QRS duration. Treatment with colchicine reduced oxidative stress, cardiac enzymes, histopathological degenerations, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in cardiac tissue, improved electrocardiographic disorders, and enhanced the number of blood cells and total antioxidant capacity levels. Moreover, body weight loss was hampered after treatment with colchicine. Our results demonstrated that treatment with colchicine significantly improved cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil in rats.

The hepatoprotective effects of Pyrus biossieriana buhse leaf extract on tert-butyl hydroperoxide toxicity in HepG2 cell line.

OBJECTIVE: In present study, the effects of the leaf extract of Pyrus biossieriana Buhse on tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced toxicity in the HepG2 cell line were investigated. RESULTS: HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of both extract (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mg/mL) and t-BHP (100, 150, and 200 µM). The total flavonoid and phenolic contents, the cell viability, lipid peroxidation, NO generation, and the total antioxidant capacity in cell media were assessed. The amount of arbutin was estimated 12.6% of the dry weight of leaves (equivalent to 126 mg/g). Additionally, the amounts of flavonoids and phenols in extract were estimated 119 mg/g and 418 mg/g, respectively. The cells incubated with t-BHP showed a significant decrease in survival (p < 0.001). Preincubation with extract (1.5 mg/mL and 2.0 mg/mL) attenuated the t-BHP toxicity and increased the cell viability in cells exposed even to the highest concentration of t-BHP (200 µM) (p value < 0.001, and p value = 0.035) respectively. Additionally, treatment with extract reduced the cell growth suppression caused by t-BHP. The P. biossieriana Buhse leaf extract at concentrations of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/mL is capable of attenuating t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells.

Ameliorative effect of Alpinia officinarum Hance extract on nonylphenol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Nonylphenol (NP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, interferes with reproductive function and induces oxidative stress in different organs, including the testis and prostate. Alpinia officinarum Hance (ALP), a plant species of the Zingiberaceae family, has proven antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of ALP treatment on NP-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in male rats using biochemical and histopathological biomarkers. Our experimental groups were defined as follows: oil treatment (control), NP 10 mg/kg, ALP 10 mg/kg (ALP HD), NP + ALP 5 mg/kg (NP + ALP LD) and NP + ALP 10 mg/kg (NP + ALP HD). NP administration caused significant cytotoxicity and a significant increase in oxidative stress prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels accompanied by a significant reduction in testosterone levels. The relative weight of the testis of both NP + ALP LD and NP + ALP HD groups was significantly decreased compared to the control group. Histopathological evaluations revealed destructive effects in testis and prostate tissue samples. In conclusion, ALP administration improved cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, testosterone and PSA levels, and testis and prostate tissue destructive effects induced by the NP in male rats.

Iranian propolis efficiently inhibits growth of oral streptococci and cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a natural bee product with a wide range of biological activities that are related to its chemical composition. The present study investigated the quantification of quercetin (Q) in Ardabil ethanol extract of propolis (AEEP), and then compared its anti-bacterial, anti- biofilm and cytotoxic effects on cancer and normal cell lines. METHOD: In the present study, the chemical composition of AEEP was determined through the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The AEEP and its main component, quercetin (Q), were evaluated in vitro against 57 oral streptococci by a broth micro-dilution method. The biofilm formation was assessed through the crystal violet staining and MTT assays. The impact of AEEP and Q anti-proliferative effect were evaluated on the fibroblast as normal and cancer cell lines (KB and A431). RESULTS: The Q concentration in the composition of AEEP was 6.9% of all its components. The findings indicated that the AEEP and Q were efficient against the cariogenic bacteria and were able to inhibit the S.mutans biofilm adherence at a sub-MIC concentration. Moreover, electron micrographs indicated the inhibition of biofilms compared to control biofilms. In addition, the AEEP and Q indicated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on A431 and KB cell lines. On the contrary, they had no cytotoxic effect on fibroblast cells. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the synergistic impact of main components of AEEP was related to the inhibition of the cancer cell proliferation, cariogenic bacteria and oral biofilm formation. It may play a promising role in the complementary medicine and, it is suggested to be used as food additives.

Chrysin Effect in Prevention of Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat.

Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic drug that induces hepatotoxicity at high doses and produces the acetaminophen metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) through oxidase isoenzyme system. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoid chrysin has been reported in different studies. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of chrysin on acute acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of chrysin on fibroblast cells was evaluated using MTT assay, and then, 54 rats were divided into nine groups of six, and acetaminophen (1500 mg/kg) was administered in all groups except for the control group, second and the seventh groups (40 mg/kg), and all groups were treated with chrysin for 14 days. Liver enzymes, inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-2, and total antioxidant activity were measured in serum while liver tissue was histopathologically examined. Based on the MTT assay results, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL chrysin had no adverse effects on healthy fibroblast cells (P < 0.05). Chrysin decreased the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), which were previously increased after the use of acetaminophen (p < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effect and total antioxidant capacity increased in a dose-dependent manner and the effect of the highest concentration of chrysin was equal to the effect of silymarin (P < 0.05). TNF-α in groups 4 to 6 decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P = 0.04), and chrysin did not show any significant reducing effect on IL-2 compared to silymarin. Chrysin prevents the necrosis and injury of acute acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing liver enzymes and TNF-α and increasing total antioxidant capacity and protecting the liver tissue.

Propolis attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses through intracellular ROS and NO levels along with downregulation of IL-1ß and IL-6 expressions in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Propolis had a wide spectrum of biological activities. In the current study, antioxidative and the immunomodulatory effects of the Polur ethanol extract of propolis (PEEP) in murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells were investigated. Bioactive composition of the PEEP was determined by HPLC analysis. Cells were treated with different concentrations of PEEP and LPS, then cell viability, NO levels, and expression of inflammatory factors were evaluated. HPLC analysis of PEEP indicated the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acid. The PEEP inhibited the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 15 ± 3.2 µg/ml. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO production was significantly reduced by 0.15 µg/ml of PEEP. Additionally, expression of Cox-2, IL-1ß and IL-6 significantly decreased. The obtained results supported the PEEP anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 cells may be applied via reducing ROS and NO production along with COX-2, IL-1ß, and IL-6 expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Propolis is a resinous substance produced by the honeybee that has been adopted as a form of traditional medicine since ancient times. The main compounds found in propolis are typically various and depend on the type of plants and climatic region. In this respect, a wide spectrum of biological activities for propolis has been identified including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, as well as antifungal properties. This extraordinary substance is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. Therefore, it is now widely used in foods and drinks with the claim that it can maintain or improve human health.

Effect of Ginger and Novafen on menstrual pain: A cross-over trial.

OBJECTIVE: Menstrual pain is a periodic pain which happens during the days of menses. The menstrual disturbances as a health problem among young girls affect not only reproductive, but also psychical health and quality of life. This study was done with the goal of comparing the effect of Ginger and Novafen on the menstrual pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This crossover clinical trial study was done in Iran on 168 single girl students 18-26 years old in Babol University of Medical Sciences with primary menstrual pain. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups receiving the drugs Novafen and Ginger. At the beginning of pain, in the two groups 200 mg capsule was given every 6 h for two serial cycles. Pain severity was measured by the visual scale before treatment, 1 h after consuming the drug (for 24 h) and 48 h after the onset of drug. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 21.83 ± 2.07 years. It has been reported that the intensity of pain from dysmenorrhea decreased in the Novafen and Ginger groups. Before treatment, the average pain intensity in Novafen and Ginger users were 7.12 ± 2.32 and 7.60 ± 1.84, respectively and after treatment pain intensity decreased to 3.10 ± 2.69 and 2.97 ± 2.69, respectively. Differences between two groups each time showed no statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both drugs reduced menstrual pain. Ginger as well as Novafen is effective in relieving pain in girls with primary dysmenorrhea . Therefore, treatment with natural herbal medicine, non-synthetic drug, to reduce primary dysmenorrhea is recommended.

Stoss therapy using fortified biscuit for vitamin D-deficient children: a novel treatment.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of stoss therapy using fortified biscuit for vitamin D-deficient children. METHODS: A total of 108 children aged 30-72 months with vitamin D deficiency were studied in a randomized single-blind clinical trial. The deficient children were assigned to three groups, namely, vitamin D-fortified biscuit (BG), capsule vitamin D (CG), and ampoule vitamin D (AG). Capsules and biscuits containing 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol were consumed twice per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Ampoules with 300,000 IU of cholecalciferol were injected intramuscularly in a single dose. Three weeks after treatment, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured, and the three groups were compared. RESULTS: Each method of treatment could increase the mean serum 25(OH)D concentration to optimal level. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations ≥100 ng/mL were observed in six children, including four from AG and two from CG (P = 0.09). The comparison of the mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations after treatment showed between ampoule and capsule (P = 0.3) and capsule and biscuit (P = 0.62) were insignificant; however, the ampoule and biscuit groups differed significantly (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Stoss therapy using fortified biscuit may be an effective way to improve compliance in children who cannot take capsules without adverse effects and may also be recommended for prevention purposes.

Querectin improves myelin repair of optic chiasm in lyolecithin-induced focal demyelination model.

Although the beneficial effects of quercetin on oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPCs) population has been evaluated in-vitro, there are few studies about the effects of quercetin on myelin repair in the context of demyelination. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of querectin on functional recovery and myelin repair of optic chiasm in lysolecithin (LPC)-induced demyelination model. Demyelination was induced by local injection of LPC 1% (2 µl) into rat optic chiasm. Querectin at doses 25 or 50 mg/kg was administrated daily by oral gavage for 7 or 14 days post LPC. Visual evoked potential (VEPs) recordings were used to assess the functional property of the optic pathway. Immunostaining and myelin staining were performed on brain sections 7 or 14 days post lesion. Electrophysiological data indicated that LPC injection increased the latency of VEPs waves and quercetin effectively reduced the delay of visual signals. The level of glial activation was alleviated in animals under treatment of quercetin compared to vehicle group. Furthermore, quercetin treatment decreased the extent of demyelination areas and increased the remyelination process following LPC injection. Overall, our findings indicate that quercetin could remarkably improve the functional recovery of the optic pathway by its protective effects on myelin sheath and attenuation of glial activation.

Cadmium toxicity and treatment: An update.

Cadmium poisoning has been reported from many parts of the world. It is one of the global health problems that affect many organs and in some cases it can cause deaths annually. Long-term exposure to cadmium through air, water, soil, and food leads to cancer and organ system toxicity such as skeletal, urinary, reproductive, cardiovascular, central and peripheral nervous, and respiratory systems. Cadmium levels can be measured in the blood, urine, hair, nail and saliva samples. Patients with cadmium toxicity need gastrointestinal tract irrigation, supportive care, and chemical decontamination traditional-based chelation therapy with appropriate new chelating agents and nanoparticle-based antidotes. Furthermore it has been likewise recommended to determine the level of food contamination and suspicious areas, consider public education and awareness programs for the exposed people to prevent cadmium poisoning.

High performance curcumin subcritical water extraction from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).

Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric rhizome, which consists about 2-5% of the total rhizome content and is a more valuable component of turmeric. For reducing the drawbacks of conventional extraction (using organic solvents) of curcumin, the water as a clean solvent was used for extracting curcumin. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) experimental setup was fabricated in a laboratory scale and the influences of some parameters (e.g. extraction temperature, particle size, retention time and pressure) on the yield of extraction were investigated. Optimum extraction conditions such as SWE pressure of 10bar, extractive temperature of 140°C, particle size of 0.71mm and retention time of 14min were defined. The maximum amount of curcumin extracted at the optimum condition was 3.8wt%. The yield of curcumin extraction was more than 76wt% with regards to the maximum possible curcumin content of turmeric, as known to be 5%. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images from the outer surface of turmeric, before and after extraction, clearly demonstrated the effect of each parameter; changes in porosity and hardness of turmeric that is directly related to the amount of extracted curcumin in process optimization of the extraction parameters.

Evaluation of the antibacterial effects of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Aloysia Citriodora (Lemon verbena) on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus.

INTRODUCTION: The Aloysia citriodora plant from the family of Verbenaceae has many uses in traditional medicine. The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. citriodora on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, which cause tooth decay. METHODS: This 2016 study was performed on standardized strains of S. mutans PTCC1683 and S. sobrinus PTCC1601 and clinical isolates. Twenty clinical samples were obtained from the dental caries of children admitted to the pediatric ward at the Faculty of Dentistry of Babol University of Medical Sciences (Babol, Iran). The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. citriodora leaves were prepared in several concentrations ranging from 625-20,000 µg/ml. These concentrations of the extracts were applied to the bacteria by disk diffusion, agar well diffusion, and macrotube dilution. The antibacterial effects of amoxicillin and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.2% (CHX) were also carried out. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 software using independent-samples t-test. RESULTS: Streptococcus spp. was successfully isolated from nine out of 20 (45%) specimens. Of the 9 positive samples cultured, 8 (88.8%) were S. mutans and 1 was S. sobrinus (11.2%). No inhibitory zone was observed around the disks and wells containing all concentrations of A. citriodora extracts. The minimum concentrations for inhibition of growth (MIC) resulted in turbidity in all tubes and were negative except for the control tubes. Inhibition zones were observed for amoxicillin and CHX disks (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study found that all studied bacteria were resistant to both types of the extracts; therefore, they are not a suggested replacement for chemical agents in mouthwash. It also shown that CHX is less effective than amoxicillin.

Muco-bioadhesive containing ginger officinal e extract in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral mucosal lesions in the general population. Various treatment modalities have been used; but no specific therapy proved to be definitive. Ginger Officinale (ginger) indicated to have anti-inflammatory properties in herbal medicine. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ginger containing bioadhesive in the treatment of aphthous ulcers. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 15 patients were enrolled. The clinical efficacy of the mucoadhessive on pain, inflammatory zone and ulcer's diameter in the test period was compared with that of the base treatment and no treatment periods during 10 days of study. RESULTS: Significant reduction in pain was observed on day 5 between placebo (using base bioadhesives) and without treatment periods at the first phase of the study (4.53 vs. 3.27; P=0.038. ( Reduction in inflamed halo diameters was significant on day 1 between without treatment and ginger containing bioadhesives )46.73 vs 28.67; P=0.044). Other variables such as the diameter of ulcers did not indicate any significant differences in both periods. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that ginger bioadhesive is capable to relieve pain of RAS. However, its efficacy on ulcer diameter, inflamed halo and healing time was not significantly different compared to the results of the placebo received period.

Antioxidant capacity of calendula officinalis flowers extract and prevention of radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers: a randomized controlled clinical study.

This study was designed to determine the effect of Calendula officinalis flowers extract mouthwash as oral gel on radiation-induced oropharyngeal mucositis (OM) in patients with head-and-neck cancer. Forty patients with neck and head cancers under radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy protocols were randomly assigned to receive either 2% calendula extract mouthwash or placebo (20 patients in each group). Patients were treated with telecobalt radiotherapy at conventional fractionation (200 cGy/fraction, five fractions weekly, 30-35 fractions within 4-7 weeks). The oropharyngeal mucositis was evaluated by two clinical investigators (a radiation oncologist and a dentist), using the oral mucositis assessment scale (OMAS). Trying to find out the possible mechanism of action of the treatment, total antioxidant, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and quercetin concentration of the mouth wash were measured. Calendula mouthwash significantly decreased the intensity of OM compared to placebo at week 2 (score: 5.5 vs. 6.8, p = 0.019), week 3 (score: 8.25 vs. 10.95, p < 0.0001) and week 6 (score: 11.4 vs. 13.35, p = 0.031). Total antioxidant, polyphenol and flavonoid contents and quercetin concentration of the 2% extract were 2353.4 ± 56.5 µM, 313.40 ± 6.52 mg/g, 76.66 ± 23.24 mg/g, and 19.41 ± 4.34 mg/l, respectively. Calendula extract gel could be effective on decreasing the intensity of radiotherapy- induced OM during the treatment and antioxidant capacity may be partly responsible for the effect.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera gel on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Aphthous ulcer is one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity with no known effective treatment so far, which could cause severe discomfort in patients. Aloe vera (A.V.) is a tropical plant with anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant effects, which could be of benefit in a diversity of wound healing conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate topically administered A.V. gel on oral cavity minor aphthous healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a double-blind (case control) clinical trial, 40 patients with oral minor aphthous lesions were randomly allocated in either the case group (A.V. gel) or the control (placebo) group. The healing time (days after gel application), patient's pain score; the lesion and its surrounding inflammation diameters were recorded for 2 weeks. The obtained results were analyzed by either "Fishers exact" or t-student test using SPSS software. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) of patients' age was 29.25 ± 8.48 and 27.95 ± 7.96 years in the control and A.V.-treated groups, respectively, which were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The duration of complete wound healing, pain score, wound size and inflammation zone diameter in the A.V.-treated group were significantly lower than the control group (P ≤ 0.05) on specific time points after treatment. CONCLUSION: It seems likely that A.V. 2% oral gel is not only effective in decreasing the recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients' pain score and wound size but also decreases the aphthous wound healing period.

Central effects of camphor on GnRH and sexual hormones in male rat.

In Persian traditional medicine is believed that camphor (a crystalline ketone obtained from cinnamomum camphora) is a suppressor of sexual behaviors. This study examined the central effects of camphor on sexual hormones (LH, FSH and testosterone) and GnRH plasma levels in male rat. Male Wistar rats weighing 250-260gr were selected and divided into control (no treatment), sham (ICV injection of EtOH 10%) and treatment (ICV injection of camphor in three doses 4, 20, 40 µg/ 10µl in alcohol) groups. The serum samples were used for assaying of GnRH, LH, FSH and testosterone. There were no significant differences in the levels of hormones between the groups of study. Despite the central administration of camphor in hypothalamus - pituitary - gonad (HPG) axis, no significant differences were seen in sex hormone`s levels compared to the control. With this finding, it can be concluded that camphor may not effectively handle the axis via central pathway. These data recommend further studies of camphor on the HPG axis.