Phytochemical study of Seriphidium khorassanicum (syn. Artemisia khorassanica) aerial parts: sesquiterpene lactones with anti-protozoal activity.

Two new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, 1ß,3α,8α-trihydroxy-11ß,13-dihydroeudesma-4(15)-en-12,6α-olide (1) and 1ß,4α,8α-trihydroxy-11ß,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide (2), and an unprecedented elemane-type sesquiterpene lactone, 1ß,2ß,8α-trihydroxy-11ß,13-dihydroelema-12,6α-olide (3) along with a known eudesmanolide artapshin (4) were isolated from Seriphidium khorassanicum. Structures were elucidated by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and ECD spectral data analysis. The anti-protozoal activity was evaluated against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigote-infected macrophages. They showed dose- and time-dependent activity against L. major amastigotes with IC50 values in the range of 4.9 to 25.3 µM being favourably far below their toxicity against normal murine macrophages with CC50 values ranging from 432.5 to 620.7 µM after 48 h of treatment. Compound 3 exhibited the strongest activity and the highest selectivity index (SI) with IC50 of 4.9 ± 0.6 µM and SI of 88.2 comparable with the standard drug, meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime), with IC50 and SI values of 15.5 ± 2.1 µM and 40.0, respectively.

New Cytotoxic Premyrsinane-Type Diterpenes from Euphorbia aleppica Against Breast Cancer Cells.

Euphorbia is used in traditional medicine to remove warts, possibly due to its cytotoxic or antiviral effects. This study investigated its phytochemistry and bioactive compounds. Euphorbia aleppica from the Euphorbiaceae family was collected from Kuhdasht, Lorestan, Iran. Plant material was dried and ground. Extraction was performed by maceration using a dichloromethane-acetone solvent. After removing fatty contents, fractionation was done by open column chromatography. Based on the initial H-NMR spectra, fractions containing diterpenoid compounds were identified. The Sephadex column and HPLC performed isolation. The HPLC was done with a regular YMC silica column using a hexane: Ethyl acetate (70: 30) solvent. The selected sub-fractions were identified by one and two-dimensional corelative NMR spectra. Accurate mass spectra confirmed the molecular formula of the obtained structures. Cytotoxicity was assessed using a standard MTT assay against breast cancer cells. The NMR and mass analysis identified compound 1 as a newly described and compound 2 as a pre-defined compound as 3, 7, 15ß-triacetyl-5α-tigliate-13(17)-α-epoxy-14-oxopremyrsinane and 3, 7, 14, 15, 17-pentaacetyl-5-tigliate-13(17)-epoxypremyrsinane, respectively. Compound 1 showed moderate cytotoxicity, and compound 2 exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect dose-dependently against MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells, probably because of 14-O-acetyl and 17-O-acetylated hemiacetal groups.

Phytochemical analysis of Artemisia kopetdaghensis: Sesquiterpene lactones with proapoptotic activity against prostate cancer cells.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Artemisia kopetdaghensis resulted in the isolation and characterization of three undescribed eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, persianolide A, 4-epi-persianolide A, and 3α,4-epoxypersianolide A, together with three previously described eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, 11-epi-artapshin, 1ß,8α-dihydroxy-11α,13-dihydrobalchanin, and 1ß-hydroxy-11-epi-colartin. The abundantly obtained 11-epi-artapshin was oxidized to undescribed 11α,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide-1,8-dione and 8ß-hydroxy-11α,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide-1-one and acetylated to the undescribed 1,8-O-diacetyl-11α,13-dihydroeudesma-12,6α-olide. Structures were elucidated based on extensive spectral data analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration was determined using calculated and experimental ECD spectral data. Compounds were subsequently subjected to the MTT assay to evaluate their cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells (DU-145 and LNCaP). Related factors associated with the sequence of apoptosis were tested by ELISA, western blotting, and biochemical assay. Results suggested that 11-epi-artapshin hinders the growth of DU-145 cells through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis initiated by stimulation of ROS build-up, ΔΨm depletion, regulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activation of caspase 3, respectively.

Differentiating Cannabis Products: Drugs, Food, and Supplements.

"Hemp" refers to non-intoxicating, low delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) cultivars of Cannabis sativa L. "Marijuana" refers to cultivars with high levels of Δ9-THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in the plant and a federally controlled substance used for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. Although marijuana and hemp belong to the same genus and species, they differ in terms of chemical and genetic composition, production practices, product uses, and regulatory status. Hemp seed and hemp seed oil have been shown to have valuable nutritional capacity. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with a wide therapeutic index and acceptable side effect profile, has demonstrated high medicinal potential in some conditions. Several countries and states have facilitated the use of THC-dominant medical cannabis for certain conditions, while other countries continue to ban all forms of cannabis regardless of cannabinoid profile or low psychoactive potential. Today, differentiating between hemp and marijuana in the laboratory is no longer a difficult process. Certain thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods can rapidly screen for cannabinoids, and several gas and liquid chromatography techniques have been developed for precise quantification of phytocannabinoids in plant extracts and biological samples. Geographic regulations and testing guidelines for cannabis continue to evolve. As they are improved and clarified, we can better employ the appropriate applications of this uniquely versatile plant from an informed scientific perspective.

Myrsinane-type diterpenes from Euphorbia gedrosiaca with cell growth inhibitory activity and apoptotic effects on melanoma cancer cells.

Phytochemical analysis of Euphorbia gedrosiaca Rech.f., Aellen & Esfand., an Iranian endemic spurge, afforded the isolation of four myrsinane types diterpene polyesters. Two new compounds (1-2) were based on a myrsinane skeleton while the others (3-4) were known diterpenes based on a cyclomyrsinane backbone. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The isolated compounds were tested to evaluate their cell growth inhibitory activity and apoptotic effects on melanoma cell lines, B16F10 and A375. The IC50 values for compounds 1-4 were 58.45, 55.43, 86.52 and 82.27 µM, respectively, on B16F10, and 20.66, 21.88, 36.21 and 39.87 µM, respectively, on A375 cells. Non-treated cells were used as negative control (100% cell growth) and 5 nM Taxol were considered as a positive control.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of Pinus eldarica in animal models.

OBJECTIVE: Several species of Pinus have shown anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was aimed to evaluate anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of bark and essential oil of leaves of P. eldarica in animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extract of bark and essential oil of leaves of P. eldarica were prepared and phenolic content and essential oil composition were analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu method and GC/MS, respectively. Anti-nociceptive effect was assessed using acetic acid, formalin and hot plate tests in male Swiss mice (25-30 g) and for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan test in male Wistar rats (180-200 g) and croton oil-induced ear edema in male mice, were used. Involvement of opioid, α2-adrenergic, 5-HT3 receptors and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent K+ channels in pain relief was tested using naloxone, ondansetron, yohimbine and glibenclamide. RESULTS: The total phenolic content of the extract in terms of gallic acid equivalent was 404.9±7.7 mg/g of the extract powder. P. eldarica hydroalcoholic extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and essential oil (100 and 200 µl/kg) significantly (all, p<0.001) decreased pain behavior in acetic acid and formalin tests but not in hot plate test. The extract and essential oil suppressed edema in carrageenan and croton tests. Glibenclamide partially reversed the anti-nociceptive effect of hydroalcoholic extract while the other antagonists were ineffective. CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extract of bark and essential oil of leaves of P. eldarica significantly decreased acute and chronic pain as well as inflammation. ATP-dependent K+ channels mediate a part of the observed anti-nociceptive effect.

Phytochemical standardization, formulation and evaluation of oral hard gelatin capsules from Pinus eldarica bark extract.

OBJECTIVE: The extract of Pinus eldarica bark contains many polyphenolic compounds that were studied due to their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effects. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to conduct phytochemical standardization and develop hard gelatin capsules from the extract of P. eldarica bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extraction was carried out by maceration method at room temperature for 72 hr using ethanol 70% followed by freeze drying. Quantification and standardization tests were performed using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Then, nine formulations were prepared containing different amounts of stearic acid (1-3%) and corn starch (3%, 10%, and 25%). Each formulation was characterized by FTIR and pharmacopoeial tests such as drug content, disintegration time, flowability parameters and drug release percent. The optimized formulation underwent stability studies at 75±5% humidity and 40±2°C. RESULTS: The total phenolic content of the extract in terms of gallic acid equivalent was 362.8±5.4 mg/g and the total procyanidin content in the extract was 174.386±2.5 mg/g. FTIR revealed no interaction between the components. The results presented that the best formulation of the capsules was achieved they contained 3% of stearic acid and 25% of corn starch. This formulation showed 91.69±0.33% of drug content, 9.36±0.02 min disintegration time and 83.02±0.81% release percent. Moreover, it showed good flowability. Stability studies on the optimized formulation displayed that the formulation was stable within 6 months in the accelerated condition. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, results of the present phytopharmaceutical evaluations confirmed this product as a promising herbal capsule formulation.

Cinnamic acid derivatives from welsh onion (Allium fistulosum) and their antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

INTRODUCTION: Cinnamic acids are a class of compounds based on phenyl propanoid backbone (C6-C3) isolated from plants and microorganisms, exhibiting interesting biological activities. OBJECTIVE: To characterise cinnamic acids through the phytochemical study of welsh onion, Allium fistulosum, and to evaluate their antibacterial and cytotoxic properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The phytochemical study of A. fistulosum was performed through chromatographic techniques, including reversed phase medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Preliminary analysis of crude chromatographic fractions from the organic extracts was carried out by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) in order to prioritise the study of those having phenyl propanoid skeleton. The structural identification of the isolated compounds was performed through analysis of spectroscopic data, mainly one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR. The antibacterial activity was assessed against gram negative (Escherichia coli) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria while the cytotoxic property was evaluated on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). RESULTS: The 1 H-NMR study of crude fractions and application of a straightforward method to purify the phenyl propanoid compounds by reversed phase MPLC and HPLC, allowed the effortless isolation of several cinnamic acids, including two new rare phenolic imidates (1 and 2). The use of an entirely NMR approach for structural elucidation of the isolated metabolites allowed the isolated material to be kept for further pharmacological tests. CONCLUSION: These results corroborate the importance of the use of 1D and 2D NMR to the identification of new phenyl propanoids, potential lead compounds against bacteria and cancer cells.

The effect of Punica granatum L. flower extract on post-surgical peritoneal adhesions in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal adhesions may develop after every abdominopelvic surgery. Many agents and technical modifications have been investigated to minimize adhesions. Punica granatum (pomegranate) flower has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects that would reduce the formation of peritoneal adhesions. In the present study, the effects of different doses of oral Punica granatum flower extract on postoperative peritoneal adhesions were evaluated in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control group (CG) and three experimental groups, treated with 100 (EG100), 200 (EG200), and 400 (EG400) mg/kg/day Punica granatum extract orally for eight days. Induction of peritoneal adhesions was done in all groups using the same method. Two weeks after the first surgery, all rats re-operated and adhesions were evaluated via both macroscopic and microscopic changes. RESULTS: We observed that rats in the control group had statistically higher adhesion area and more severe adhesions when compared to all experimental groups. Besides, those in the EG-400 group had a significantly lower rate of foreign body reaction in serosal layer when compared to the other three study groups. Other microscopic findings were comparable between the four groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of the oral Punica granatum flower extract was associated with a decreased quantity and quality of the adhesions in the animal model of rat in this study. This therapy might be an effective and safe strategy to reduce intraperitoneal adhesion after abdominal surgeries in animal models.

Isolation of dioscin-related steroidal saponin from the bulbs of Allium paradoxum L. with leishmanicidal activity.

Alliums are rich sources of steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and sulphoric compounds of which steroidal saponins have recently received more attention due to their important pharmacological activities. Allium paradoxum L. is a common edible vegetable in north regions of Iran, especially in Mazandaran province, where it is named "Alezi" and considerably used as a raw vegetable, to make dishes, and as a medicinal plant. Phytochemical investigation of chloroform-methanol extract of the plant resulted in the isolation and identification of a dioscin related steroidal saponin, using comprehensive spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR, its chemical structure was determined as (25R)-spirost-5-en-3b-ol,3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[a-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-glucopyranoside. Investigation of in vitro antileishmanial activity of the isolated compound, in 10 and 50 µg/mL concentrations, exhibited significant leishmanicidal effects (P < 0.001) against the promastigotes of Leishmania major. The results established a valuable basis for further studies about A. paradoxum and anti-parasitic activity of steroidal saponins.

Isolation of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives from the Bulbs of Allium tripedale.

BACKGROUND: Allium genus with 750 species is the most diverse genus in the Amaryllidaceae family. Historically, Allium species have been used as medicinal plants, especially for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and considered as valuable sources of phytonutrients. Phytochemical investigation of Allium tripedale, locally called "Anashq," which is an edible plant of the "Zagros" region (west of Iran) was conducted in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Air-dried bulbs of the plant were extracted in a four-step extraction method with increasing polarity using hexane, chloroform, chloroform-methanol (9:1), and methanol. Chloroform-methanol (9:1) extract was fractionated by medium-pressure liquid chromatography on a RP-18 column using a linear gradient solvent system of H2O to MeOH. Phenolic-rich fractions were subjected to the final isolation and purification of the constituents by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method. Structure elucidation of the compounds was performed through comprehensive methods including 1D-and 2D-NMR and mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: Two cinnamic acid derivatives were isolated from the bulbs of A. tripedale; using spectroscopic methods, their chemical structures were determined as 6,7-dimethoxy N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (1) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (2). CONCLUSION: Cinnamic acid derivatives are pharmacologically active phenolic compounds, which have been isolated from different Allium species. Isolation of these compounds from A. tripedale is reported for the first time in this study and could be used as a chemical basis for explanation of the plant biological and pharmacological activities.

Design, formulation, and evaluation of a herbal gel contains melissa, sumac, licorice, rosemary, and geranium for treatment of recurrent labial herpes infections.

BACKGROUND: The herpes simplex virus is a human pathogen which can cause skin or mucous membrane infections. Melissa, sumac, licorice, rosemary, and geranium have antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and local analgesic effect. Shortening recovery period of recurrent herpes labialis and control of viral protein formation are the other effects of these herbs. The aim of this study is design, formulation, and evaluation of the gel containing extracts of these five herbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study after photochemical and macroscopic evaluation of these medicinal herbs, the semisolid concentrated extracts were incorporated in gel bases. Mucoadhesive gels were prepared using carbopol 940, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M as bioadhesive polymers. Physicochemical tests, viscosity, mucoadhesive strength measurement, and in vitro drug release study were carried out on formulations F10 (carbopol 940, 0.5% and Na CMC, 3%) and F11 (carbopol 940, 1% and Na CMC, 3%). RESULTS: Polyphenol content of extracts mixture was measured 210.8 ± 13.68 mg GAE/g. pH of formulations was 6.0 ± 0.2. 14 gel formulations were prepared. Physical appearance, homogeneity, and consistency of F10 and F11 were good. Mucoadhesion and viscosity of F11 was more than F10. Study of release profiles in F10 and F11 formulations showed drug release from F11 was slower. CONCLUSION: The best formulation for treatment and shortening recovery period of recurrent labial herpes infections should exhibit high value of mucoadhesion, show controlled release of drug. F11 with the highest viscosity and mucoadhesion and the lowest release rate was considered as the best formulation.

The effect of hydro-alcoholic of Phoenix Dactylifera extract on sleep and EEG in rat.

OBJECTIVE: Hard envelope of date palm pollen is used as a sedative and calmative compounds in Iranian traditional medicine. We tried to study the effects of Phoenix dactylifera (Tarooneh) extract on sleep time and Brian waves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into control and test groups in sleep experiment. Control groups included intact group (without any injection), negative control group (saline) and positive control group (midazolam 0.1 mg/kg). Test groups received three doses of Tarooneh extract (62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg). Rat were placed in sleep physiograph system and recording started 20 min after 2-hr calming down. Four parameters including sleep time, awakening, most activity period and main sleep time interval were measured. In EEG experiment electrodes were placed under the cranium for EEG recording and waves were compared with their baselines. RESULTS: All doses of the extract increased sleeping time (p< 0.05) but just the dose of 250 mg/kg (p<0.05) and midazolam (p< 0.001) decreased the awakening time. EEG results showed that the dose of 125 mg/kg increased the low frequency waves (p< 0.05) and the dose of 250 mg/kg decreased high frequency waves of alpha and beta (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Due to these effect on sleeping time and EEG, Tarooneh extract consumption can be useful as a sedative agent in Iranian traditional medicine. According to this study, the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg of the extract would be the appropriate doses to be further studied.

Furostanol Saponins from the Bulbs of Welsh Onion, Allium fistulosum L.

An extensive phytochemical analysis of the polar extracts from bulbs of Welsh onion Allium fistulosum L. led to the isolation of nine saponins, four of them, named fistulosaponins G (1a/1b), H (2), I (3a/3b), and J (4), have never been reported previously. Fistulosaponins G and I were isolated as a couple of isomers in equilibrium. On the basis of 2D NMR and mass spectrometry data, the structure of the novel compounds were elucidated as (25R)-26-[(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3ß,22ß-dihydroxyfurost-5-en-1ß-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1a) with its 22α epimer (1b), (25R)-26-[(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3ß-hydroxyfurost-5,20-dien-1ß-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), (25R)-26-[(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3ß,22ß-dihydroxyfurost-5-en-1ß-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3a) with its 22α epimer (3b), and (25R)-26-[(ß-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3ß-hydroxyfurost-5,20-dien-1ß-yl O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (4). This is the first report of furostanol saponins in A. fistulosum bulbs. In addition, data on the antibacterial tests of the isolated saponins against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis are reported.

Evaluation of acute and sub-acute toxicity of Pinus eldarica bark extract in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Pinus eldarica (P. eldarica) is one of the most common pines in Iran which has various bioactive constituents and different uses in traditional medicine. Since there is no documented evidence for P. eldarica safety, the acute and sub-acute oral toxicities of hydroalcoholic extract of P. eldarica bark were investigated in male and female Wistar rats in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the acute study, a single dose of extract (2000 mg/kg) was orally administered and animals were monitored for 7 days. In the sub-acute study, repeated doses (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day) of the extract were administered for 28 days and biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results showed no sign of toxicity and no mortality after single or repeated administration of P. eldarica. The median lethal dose (LD50) of P. eldarica was determined to be higher than 2000 mg/kg. The mean body weight and most of the biochemical and hematological parameters showed normal levels. There were only significant decreases in serum triglyceride levels at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract in male rats (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) and in monocyte counts at the highest dose of the extract in both male and female rats (p<0.05). Mild inflammation was also found in histological examination of kidney and liver tissues at the highest dose of extract. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. eldarica bark may be considered as relatively non-toxic particularly at the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg.

Design, Formulation and Evaluation of an Oral Gel from Punica Granatum Flower Extract for the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.

Purpose: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a disease with unknown etiology that's mostly treated symptomatically and has no definite cure. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) flowers have been used as medicinal herb that due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing effects, has been useful in treatment of oral aphthous. Therefore, we decided to formulate a mucoadhesive gel with pomegranate flower extract to reduce the need for corticosteroid therapy in patients. Methods: Pomegranate flowers are extracted by percolation method. Several formulations with different amounts of carbomer 934, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M were prepared and the condensed extract was dispersed in polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 400 and added to gel bases. Then the formulations underwent macroscopic and microscopic studies. The formulations that passed these tests successfully were studied through assay tests using spectrophotometry in 765 nm, drug release from mucoadhesive gel using cell diffusion method, viscosity test, mucoadhesion test and accelerated stability test. Results: The phenolic content of pomegranate flower dried extract was found to be 212.3±1.4 mg/g in dried extract. The F4-F6 formulations contains carbomer 934, SCMC, pomegranate flower extract, PEG 400, potassium sorbate and purified water passed all above tests. Conclusion: The F4 formulation had higher viscosity and mucoadhesion values due to its higher carbomer 934 and SCMC content. Since F4, F5 and F6 had no significant variation in drug release, the F4 formulation was chosen as the superior formulation because of proper appearance and uniformity, acceptable viscosity, mucoadhesion and stability in different temperatures.

Anti-pseudomonas activity of essential oil, total extract, and proanthocyanidins of Pinus eldarica Medw. bark.

Pinus eldarica Medw. (Iranian pine) is native to Transcaucasian region and has been vastly planted in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Various parts of this plant have been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases including infectious conditions (e.g. infectious wounds). In this study we aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of P. eldarica bark extract, essential oil and proanthocyanidins on three important bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibacterial analysis was performed using standard disk diffusion method with different concentrations of essential oil, bark total hydroalcoholic extract, and bark proanthocyanidins (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg/ml). After incubation at 37°C for 24 h, the antibacterial activity was assessed by measuring the zone of growth inhibition surrounding the disks. The results indicated that the essential oil, total hydroalcoholic extract, and proanthocyanidins of the bark of the P. eldarica were effective against the gram negative bacteria, P. aeruginosa, and significantly inhibited its growth in disk diffusion method (P<0.001) of which the essential oil had the most potent inhibitory effect. However, none of the bark preparations could significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus or E. coli. Our findings showed that P. eldarica bark components have significant anti-pseudomonas activity having potentials for new sources of antibacterial agents or antibacterial herbal preparations.

Cytoprotective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Pinus eldarica Bark against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Pinus eldarica is a widely growing pine in Iran consisting of biologically active constituents with antioxidant properties. This study investigates the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of P. eldarica bark against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: The total phenolic content of P. eldarica extract was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method. The cytotoxicity of P. eldarica extract (25-1000 µg/ml) on HUVECs was assessed using 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Cytoprotective effect of P. eldarica extract (25-500 µg/ml) on H2O2-induced oxidative stress was also evaluated by MTT assay. The intra- and extra-cellular hydroperoxides concentration and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured in pretreated cells. RESULTS: The total phenolic content of P. eldarica extract was estimated as 37.04±1.8% gallic acid equivalent. P. eldarica extract (25-1000 µg/ml) had no cytotoxic effect on HUVECs viability. The pretreatment of HUVECs with P. eldarica extract at the concentrations of 50-500 µg/ml significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of H2O2. P. eldarica extract decreased hydroperoxides concentration and increased FRAP value in intra-cellular fluid at the concentration range of 100-500 µg/ml and in extra-cellular fluid at the concentration range of 25-500 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of P. eldarica extract against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs. Concerning the high content of phenolic compounds in P. eldarica, more research is needed to evaluate its clinical value in endothelial dysfunction and in other oxidative conditions.

6(17)-Epoxylathyrane diterpenes from Euphorbia sogdiana Popov with cytotoxic activity.

Phytochemical analysis of Euphorbia sogdiana Popov, Euphorbiaceae, afforded the isolation of three new diterpenes based on the rare 6(17)-epoxylathyrane skeleton (1-3), along with a lathyrane (4), a myrsinane (5) and a tigliane (6) diterpenoids, previously isolated from Euphorbia aellenii. Their chemical structures were established through a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometric methods. The epoxylathyranes 1-4 were tested to evaluate their cytotoxic activity against Jurkat T-leukemia and EJ-138 bladder cancer cells and their chemical analogy allowed to propose some structure activity relationships.

The effect of Rosmarinus herbal tea on occupational burnout in Iran Chemical Industry Investment company employees.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is one of the most important problems that the employees encounter. Many health problems arise due to burnout which is to be dealt with by the employees and the owners in the industry. Among many different ways of dealing with this problem, herbal therapy seems to be a promising solution. The present study intended to investigate the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) on burnout in employees who work in industrial environments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed to see whether RO has an effect on burnout or not. A total of 66 employees, aged between 20 and 60 years, who had worked for at least 1 year in the technical wards of Iran Chemical Industry Investment Company took part in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups of control (n = 33) and RO (n = 33). The RO group received 4 g of Rosemary in 150 cc water per day for 2 months. The control group, on the other hand, did not receive anything. The data were collected via Geldard (1989) Burnout Inventory before and after the treatment. A t-test was performed to analyze the collected data. RESULTS: The results of statistical tests showed that after intervention, the score of occupational burnout in RO group was better, and a significant difference was found between the control and experimental groups (P = 0.03), in favor of the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study revealed that Rosmarinus had a positive effect on burnout in employees in this study. Further studies in this field are suggested.