Effect of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products on Liver Enzymes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver is the most common chronic liver disease. Regarding the side effects of synthetic medicines and the variety of natural products in Iran climate, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of medicinal plants and natural products on liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Iran using meta-analysis. Methods: To extract the intended studies, internal and external databases, including SID, Magiran, IranDoc, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinical Trial Registration System of Clinical trial.gov, the ISRCTN system, as well as Clinical Trial Registration System affiliated to the World Health Organization were searched. The obtained data were analyzed in STATA.14 software. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 44 rstudies were reviewed with a sample size of 1298 participant; they were published in the period from 2009 to 2018, silymarin had the highest effect on the reduction of AST (SMD = -2.68), cinnamon excreted the most profound effect on ALT (SMD = -2.69). In addition, cinnamon had the highest effect on gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (SMD:-3.17), and curcumin had the highest effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (SMD = -1.88). In the lipid profile, the effect of medicinal herbs and natural products on lowering total cholesterol and LDL was statistically significant. In the glycemic profile, the effect of medicinal plants and natural products on the reduction of fasting blood sugar, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c levels was statistically significant. Conclusions: As evidenced by the obtained results, the highest effect of using natural products was observed in the reduction of GGT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, respectively; nonetheless, the effect of natural products on ALP reduction was not statistically significant.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of the Traditional Herbal Medicine Atrifil and Oshagh Gum on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease that affects elderly men with various complications. This study evaluates the effects of an Iranian traditional herbal medicine "Atrifil and Oshagh gum" on BPH in male Wistar rats. Atrifil is a combination of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Terminalia chebula Retz, and Terminalia bellerica Retz" extracts, and Oshagh gum is Dorema ammoniacum D. Dono gum. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control, disease, finasteride, and extract with 300 and 600 mg/kg groups. The extract is a combination of hydroalcoholic Atrifil extract and Oshagh gum. All groups received intramuscular testosterone enanthate to induce BPH except the normal control group. On the twenty-eighth day, prostate glands were separated. Histopathological changes were observed. Furthermore, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate weights were measured. The binding propensities of finasteride, equol, and flavonoids present in this extract such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol for 5α-reductase, estrogen receptor alpha and beta, and estrogen-related receptor gamma were assessed using in silico docking approach. Histopathological evaluation, biochemical parameter, and PSA level results indicated significant inhibition of accruing and progression of BPH in groups treated with 600 mg/kg extract (p < 0.01). Furthermore, molecular docking showed that rutin had a high affinity to bind the receptors 5α-reductase, estrogen receptor beta, and estrogen-related receptor gamma even more than finasteride, and on average, quercetin had a higher affinity to all these receptors. In the end, it can be concluded that Atrifil and Oshagh gum is effective in preventing BPH.

A Comprehensive Review on the Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of the Mandragora Genus; from Folk Medicine to Modern Medicine.

The Mandragora genus (Solanaceae) is well known for its association with myths and has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times. This extensive literature review synthesizes the information currently available on the ethnobotany, Persian medicine (PM), traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity profile of Mandragora spp. The electronic search engines Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched using keywords such as Mandragora, mandrake, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, Persian medicine, ethnobotany, and toxicity. Pertinent information was also extracted from books on PM, ethnomedicine, and dissertations. Mandragora species are found throughout the Mediterranean basin, Europe, Northern Africa, and the Himalayan regions. Traditionally, the species have been used to treat insomnia, dysuria, hemorrhoids, rheumatic pain, toothache, melancholia, and depression, among many others. In vitro studies have confirmed the biological properties of Mandragora spp. crude extracts, such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and enzyme-inhibiting effects. Various phytochemicals, such as alkaloids (e.g., atropine and scopolamine), coumarins (e.g., umbelliferone and scopoletin), withanolides (e.g., salpichrolide C), and lipid-like compounds (e.g., beta-sitosterol), have been isolated from Mandragora spp. Some of the pure compounds composing this plant are highlighted for their biologically active effects, including anticholinergic, antidepressant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Modern identifications of biological activities of the compounds isolated from Mandragora, especially alkaloids, support its traditional uses (e.g., for their narcotic effects). More in vivo studies are required to further understanding and most effectively utilize this genus, and extensive toxicological studies are required to validate its safety in clinical use.

A Comprehensive Review on the Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Mentha aquatic L (water mint) as a Wild Shallow Vegetable.

Mentha spp. are aromatic plants and have been used in the medical, cosmetics, and food industries. These plants have been used as a traditional herbal medicine for various types of diseases. Mentha aquatica L. (water mint) is a perennial plant used as a wild vegetable and a culinary herb. As its name suggests, it grows in the shallow margins and channels of streams, rivers, wet meadows, etc. It has been used as a tonic plant, sedative, and soothing for intestinal parasites, constipation, diarrhea, stomach troubles, biliousness, liver diseases, impotence, low or high blood pressure, and expelling intestinal worms in children, enhancing longevity. Researchers from all over the world have studied the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of this plant, such as its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. In addition, the neurochemical properties, larvicidal activity, and phytochemical analysis of the plant have also been reported. However, there is no review article available that gathers all the information and provides insights for future studies on M. aquatica. Against this backdrop, the present research is conducted to categorize the published studies and to offer more suggestions to researchers for future studies.

Effect of sweet fennel seed extract capsule on knee pain in women with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. The disease not only has a high disease burden but also reduces the quality of life of patients. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (commonly known as Fennel) seed extract on knee pain in women patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind trial, a total of 66 patients were assigned randomly via the blocking method in two groups, fennel and placebo. All patients received four capsules daily of either powdered fennel extract (each capsule contained 200 mg dried fennel extract from 7 g of fennel seeds) or placebo twice a day for two weeks. The patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity measurement before and after the study completion. Data were then analyzed via intention to treat method using the SPSS statistical software package. RESULTS: Two weeks after the trial, a significant decrease was noted between the two groups in terms of pain, disability, total WOMAC score, and VAS variables. After comparing the pre- and post-intervention, the variables mentioned above revealed a significant decline in both groups. The stiffness variable indicated a significant reduction in the fennel group (between baseline and study completion) after two weeks, but this decline was not significant in the placebo group, and was not significant either between the two groups. At the end of the trial, the percentage change was higher in the fennel group than in the placebo group. Also, the effect size was greater in the fennel group especially in pain variable based on WOMAC and VAS than in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that fennel may be an appropriate alternative for complementary treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study is the first clinical trial using oral fennel on knee pain in these patients, and the outcomes should be confirmed through additional studies.

Tropolone alkaloids from Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm.) Stef. (Colchicaceae) as the potent novel antileishmanial compounds; purification, structure elucidation, antileishmanial activities and molecular docking studies.

Natural compounds played an important role for prevention and treatment of the disease as well as are the important compounds for the design of the new bioactive compounds. In this study, eight tropolone alkaloids were isolated from Colchicum kurdicum including colchicoside, 2-demethyl colchicine, 3-demethyl colchicine, demecolcine, colchifoline, N-deacetyl-N-formyl colchicine, colchicine and cornigerine by column and preparative thin layer chromatography. The chemical structures were identified by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the antileishmanial activity on Leishmania major, anti-inflammatory activity, iron chelating activity and toxicity studies including hemolytic activity, brine shrimp toxicity, cytotoxicity and acute toxicity and docking study of all isolated bioactive compounds were evaluated. As result, colchicoside and colchicine had potent leishmanicidal effects and N-deacetyl-N-formyl colchicine and cornigerine had the highest anti-inflammatory effects. All compounds had the significant iron chelating activity. According to toxicity studies, isolated compounds showed the low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, high LC50, LC90 and LD50. In the molecular docking study, colchicoside had the high dockscore. According to the study, with future studies all isolated compounds could be used for design the novel antileishmanial drugs.

Cytotoxic Effects of Juglone and Pterocarya fraxinifolia on Prostate Cancer Cells.

AIM: Juglone with naphthoquinone structure has medicinal properties and its anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects have been proven. In this research, the cytotoxic and apoptosis effects of juglone and Pterocarya fraxinifolia (PF) methanolic extract on human prostate cancer cells were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PC3 and DU145 human cancer cells and normal cells of primary prostate epithelial cells (ATCC PCS-440-010) were treated with juglone and PF extract at the concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 µg/mL for 24, 48, 72, and 96h. The morphological changes were examined by reversed microscope. The survival percentage of cell lines was evaluated by MTT (3,4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. The rate of apoptosis and expression of AR and CLU genes were examined by flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All concentrations after 24h caused morphological changes in PC3 and DU145 cells, and these changes were intensified after 48, 72, and 96h. Also, concentrations of 100 and 500 µg/mL caused morphological changes in normal cells. The results of MTT test showed a significant decrease in PC3 and DU145 cell survival rate at 50, 100, and 500 µg/mL concentrations (P < 0.05). Juglone at 10 µg/mL concentration induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION: Juglone and PF could decrease the growth of cancer cell lines through the mitochondrial pathway. So PF could be considered as a potential candidate for therapeutic herbal medicine in treating cancers.

Protective effect of green tea extract on the deltamethrin-induced toxicity in mice testis: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Deltamethrin (DM) is one of the environmental factors that can have destructive effects on the male fertility. Green tea (GT) as a medicinal herb, has antioxidant property. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the protective role of GT extract in improving the harmful effects of DM on the testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 35 adult male mice (25-30 gr) were divided in to five groups (n = 7/each). The control group received only normal saline. Sham received 0.2 ml corn oil. Green tea group received only GT of 150 mg/kg. bw; deltamethrin group received the DM at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg. bw; GT + DM received both GT and DM. The effect of GT was assessed by measuring oxidative stress markers, sperm parameters, histological and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the count and motility of spermatozoa, testosterone, and Malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.001) and the abnormal spermatozoa increased (p < 0.001) in DM group compared to control group. Moreover, enhanced caspase-3expression and apoptosis were observed in DM-treated mice compared to control group. Histologically, DM with a degenerative effect on testicular tissue reduced the spermatogenesis progenitor cells. The epithelial height and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were also reduced in the DM group. Treatment with GT in the DM-treated mice significantly improved these changes. CONCLUSION: With these findings, it was concluded that the GT treatment with antioxidant activity and anti-apoptotic property could protect the testicular injury induced by DM.

Effects of some natural products from fungal and herbal sources on Giardia lamblia in vivo.

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is the most widely known protozoan parasite that causes human gastrointestinal infection worldwide. Some natural compounds exhibited pivotal effects against different infectious diseases. In this research, the antigiardial activity and cytotoxicity of fungal chitosan, nano-chitosan, Rhamnus cathartica (R. cathartica) and emodin were evaluated in Balb/c mice. Genotyping of G. lamblia was assessed by PCR-RFLP technique. Different concentrations of mentioned compounds were used to check their antigiardial and cytotoxicity effects on human intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29) after 24, 48 and 72 h. The G. lamblia strain used in the current work was genotyped and revealed as an AII assemblage. All the concentration showed acceptable activity against G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites in comparison to the negative and positive controls (furazolidone and metronidazole) in vitro (P 0.05). The maximum mortality rate (100%) was achieved at 100 and 50 µg kg-1 concentrations after 48 and 72 h of exposure time, respectively. Our results provide significant information about the new antigiardial agent and proposed the nano-chitosan and emodin for the development of new drugs against G. lamblia in the future.

Preventive effect of purgative manna on neonatal jaundice: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cotoneaster nummularioides Pojark manna (Shir-e-Khesht) is popular in Persian medicine. Different effects of some Cotoneaster species manna include antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects, as well as bilirubin serum levels reduction. Cotoneaster species manna is used in many parts of Iran as a laxative and accelerates the passage of meconium. Neonatal jaundice has relatively costly and sometimes invasive therapeutic interventions, which its prevention from becoming severe cases can be a priority in neonatal medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an herbal product (Purgative Manna, native to Iran and Asian countries) in preventing severe cases of jaundice and reducing total bilirubin levels in neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial included full-term babies. Four hundred and forty-five (445) eligible neonates were assigned to two groups using the block balanced randomization method; 222 neonates received the Purgative Manna product as drops, and 223 neonates received placebo drops. The neonates received a dose of 5 drops per kilogram of neonatal weight (divided into three doses per day) for three days. The treatment period was three days, and a 24-h (three times) examination was performed to measure the initial outcome of the trial (i.e., the total serum bilirubin level). The secondary outcomes of this trial were the need for hospitalization due to jaundice and/or phototherapy from 4 to 14 days after birth, the frequency of defecation within 24 h, and the triple complications of diarrhoea, dehydration symptoms, and abdominal colic. RESULTS: In this study, 220 neonates in the Purgative Manna product group and 222 neonates in the placebo group completed their interventions within the predicted period of the study. At the end of study, the total bilirubin level in the Purgative Manna treated group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group. The difference between the mean total bilirubin levels of the two groups was approximately 2.1 mg/dl on the third day after treatment, with an effect size of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.06-0.98). The relative risk for reducing the need for hospitalization or phototherapy in the group treated with Purgative Manna drops was 0.26, compared with the placebo group. The risk of occurrence of severe jaundice or phototherapy in the Purgative Manna group was 75% lower than that of the placebo group. The median frequency of defecation in the intervention group at three time intervals in the first, second and third days after treatment was 1-2 times more than that of the comparison group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Meanwhile, considering the fact that one in every eight neonates who used the product avoided having a severe and high-risk case of jaundice or the need for phototherapy intervention (even through an exchange transfusion), the use of Purgative Manna drops can be recommended; however, further study is necessary.

Ethnopharmacology of Cuscuta epithymum: A comprehensive review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cuscuta epithymum (L.) L. (C. epithymum; Convolvulaceae) is a parasitic plant that has long been used locally and traditionally in Asia, Europe and other regions. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The study intends to reflect the significance of the C. epithymum in traditional medicine. This review aims to grant insight into the species' botany, pharmacological activities and phytochemistry with distinctive emphasis on its ethnomedicinal and traditional applications in all over the world. The review endeavors to rule out any inconsistency between the species' traditional application and its pharmacological activity, and presenting any coherence existing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The books on ethnomedicine and the main medieval Persian medicine textbooks including Makhzan Al- Advieh, The canon of medicine, Zakhireh kharazmshahi and etc were explored for C. epithymum. Additionally, information on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, morphology, taxonomy, modern medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities were collected in electronic databases including Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed using the keywords "Cuscuta epithymum," "traditional medicine," "ethnomedicine," "phytochemistry," "pharmacology" and "activity." Then, the available articles from 1975 to 2017 were employed for this study. RESULTS: C. epithymum is a rootless plant, widely distributed and available in every continent except Antarctica. It was used traditionally in formularies or by rural people and as geriatric drug, detergent, purgative, disorders in the melancholic humor, joint, kidney, urinary tract, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, etc. In modern medicine, the extract of C. epithymum showed anti-microbial, cytotoxic, anticonvulsant, anti-urease, immune stimulatory, hepatoprotective effect, and antioxidant activity. The main phytochemical constituents are alkaloids; saponins; tannins; triterpenoids; steroids; carbohydrates; aromatic compounds; flavonoids and the hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. CONCLUSION: The modern pharmacological studies have validated the traditional and ethnobotanical uses of C. epithymum. However, many aspects of this herb have not been studied yet. In addition, information about the phytochemistry and toxicological profile is insufficient. Owing to the extensive traditional uses of C. epithymum. Hence further studies on pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and toxicity and adverse effects seem to be necessary to appraise the medicinal values of C. epithymum.

Comparison of Albizia Julibressin and Silver Sulfadiazine in Healing of Second and Third Degree Burns.

BACKGROUND: Large numbers of population suffer from burn annually. The promising treatment of burn has not been identified yet. Albizia julibressin (A. julibressin) in Fabaceae family is popular for its antiseptic activity. This prospective study was designed to compare the wound healing effects of A. julibressin gel (AG) with silver sulfadiazine (SSD). METHODS: This single blind clinical trial was performed on 40 patients with second and third degree burns. 20 patients treated with SSD and 20 other patients received A. julibressin. The percentage of the wound healing was evaluated with pain, irritation, edema, itching, erythema, purulent discharges and skin discoloration symptoms. Also, the patients' satisfaction and adverse drug reactions were determined. RESULTS: The severity of pain (p=0.03), inflammation (p=0.02) and purulent secretions (p=0.03) were significantly relieved in A. julibressin group. The healing time significantly reduced in second degree burns (p=0.03) and third degree burns (p=0.04) with treating by A. julibressin. No significant adverse drug reactions were detected with A. julibressin. CONCLUSION: It seems that A. julibressin improves the different therapeutic aspects of burn injuries and could be considered as a new herbal remedy in wound healings.

The effectiveness of Zataria extract mouthwash for the management of radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.

OBJECTIVES: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common debilitating complication of chemoradiotherapy treatment of head and neck cancers. This randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Zataria multiflora (ZM) extract mouthwash in the prevention and reduction of OM related to local radiotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with head and neck cancers, who underwent a conventional fractionated radiotherapy regimen, were entered into the study. Patients gargled the ZM mouthwash or a placebo before the beginning of the treatment three times daily and before each radiotherapy session. The assessment of OM was conducted according to WHO and Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale. RESULTS: The OM intensity trends in the ZM group during these weeks of treatment were detected 3.152 times less frequently than in the placebo group. A twofold decrease in the incidence of grades 3-4 OM was observed in the ZM group compared to the placebo. The use of the ZM mouthwash affected the incidence of grades 3-4 OM to a relative risk ratio of 0.432. The pain score was significantly decreased in the ZM group compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that ZM mouthwash effectively decreases the severity of OM and mouth pain in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of ZM mouthwash effectively decreases the severity of oral complications induced by ionizing radiation in patients during radiotherapy and resulted in high oral quality care. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Medicinal, biological and phytochemical properties of Gentiana species.

Gentiana, a cosmopolitan and important genus of the Gentianaceae family, comprises 400 species distributed among the world. Based on the studies of Iranian traditional medicine texts, there are some promising bioactivities for this genus that is unknown in modern medicine and some of them are still the basis of new remedies. In traditional medicine texts, Gentiana's different exclusive forms of preparations are effective for treatment of some disorders such as menstrual over-bleeding, conjunctivitis, vitiligo, animals venom poisoning, injuries, infected wounds, pain and swelling of liver, spleen, stomach and sprains of muscles. There are some activities that are the same in traditional and modern medicine such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and diuretic effects. Phytochemical investigations on the title genus have led to characterization many secondary metabolites. Secoiridoidal and iridoid glycosides such as gentiopicroside, xanthones, monoterpene alkaloid; polyphenol and flavones are the constituents that have been shown the pharmacological activities in different gentian species. This article studies the Gentiana according to the Iranian traditional and modern medicine.

Circulation Enrichment of Functional Endothelial Progenitor Cells by Infantile Phototherapy.

Phototherapy is the most common therapy used for severe jaundice. There is increasing evidence that phototherapy can directly affect the expression and function of cell surface receptors including adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factor receptors. In this study, the effect of two infantile phototherapy regimens, including single and intensive phototherapy was investigated on biological features of circulation endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs), as well as on serum secretion of two important chemotactic cytokines, SDF-1 and VEGF. Sixty infants diagnosed with severe hyperbilirubinemia and exposed to phototherapy were enrolled in this study. cEPCs were isolated before and after phototherapy and then migratory, proliferative, tubulogenic, and functional properties of these cells were analyzed. Our results revealed that intensive phototherapy markedly increased the release of EPCs into the circulation, and augmented the serum concentrations of both SDF-1 and VEGF cytokines. Cell proliferation, tubulogenic, and migratory properties of cEPCs isolated and expanded from infants with intensive phototherapy were significantly improved. cEPCs from infants with intensive phototherapy also showed greater levels of acetylated low-density lipoprotein and lectin binding. Overall, our results showed that the intensive phototherapy regimen can mobilize functional EPCs into the circulation through up-regulation of serum levels of VEGF and SDF-1, indicating phototherapy as an effective modality for improvement of stem cell mobilization in the therapeutic regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 330-340, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effects of Arnebia euchroma ointment on second-degree burn wounds: a randomized clinical trial.

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE: Burn injuries can cause detrimental long-term consequences and call for immediate management. Avicenna's Canon of Medicine, describing the use of Abu-Khalsa (Arnebia euchroma) (AE) as being effective for burn healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing effects of AE ointment (AEO) on patients with a second-degree burn wound and compare its results with silver sulfadiazine cream (SSD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, single-blind clinical trial, 45 patients with similar types of second-degree burns at two different sites of the body were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups. One burn wound site of the patient was treated with SSD and another similar burn wound site with AEO once a day until complete healing was achieved. Wound size and percentage of wound healing were evaluated at 15 days. Satisfaction, clinical adverse events such as pain, burning, warming, erythema, edema, infection, inflammation, and general wound area were assessed on a visual analogue scales, and 6-point scales. RESULTS: The healing time was significantly shorter in the site treated with AEO than SSD (13.9±5.3 vs. 17.5±6.9 days, respectively). The severity of pain and burning were reduced in the AEO site compared with SSD site at the time of dressing change, while the warming score was significantly higher in the AEO wound area. Side-effects were lower in the site treated with AEO. CONCLUSION: In this clinical study, we demonstrated that AEO has benefits over SSD in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds and wound healing and is a viable medication for the management of second-degree burns.

Radiosensitization Effects of a Zataria multiflora Extract on Human Glioblastoma Cells.

BACKGROUND: Although radiotherapy is one of the most effective strategies in the treatment of cancers, it is associated with short and long term side effects on normal tissues. Zataria multiflora Boiss (Laminacea) (ZM) has several biological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities.Here we investigated cell killing effects of a hydroalcoholic Zataria multiflora extract on cell death induced by ionizing radiation in a human glioblastoma cell line (A172) and human non-malignant fibroblasts (HFFF2) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A172 and HFFF2 cells were treated with a hydroalcoholic extract of dried aerial parts of Zataria multiflora at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 µg/ml) and then exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Cell proliferation and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. Thymol content in the extract was analyzed and quantified by HPLC methods. RESULTS: A172 cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by ZM. The percentage cell survival was 91.8 ± 8.57 for cells treated with 200 µg/ml of ZM extract alone while it was 76.0 ± 4.27 and 66.2 ± 8.42 for cells treated with ZM and exposed to IR at doses of 3 Gy and 6Gy, respectively. Radiation-induced apoptosis in A172 cells was significantly increased following treatment with ZM at doses of 200 µg/ml. ZM extract did not exhibit any enhanced cell killing effects and apoptosis caused by IR on HFFF2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data show selective radiosensitization effects of ZM in A172 cells apparently due to increased radiation-induced apoptosis.

The effect of Terminalia chebula extract vs. silver sulfadiazine on burn wounds in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ethanol extract of Terminalia chebula in the treatment of hot water-induced burn wounds and to compare the results with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) in rats. METHODS: Five groups of ten rats were burned with hot water. Animals were administrated with topical cream at control, normal saline, 5%, 10% T. chebula extracts and standard SSD creams. Several parameters were assessed, including wound area, visual inspection of wound, bacteriology assessment, percentage of wound contraction and histopathological examination. RESULTS: The average area of wound on 10th day was 11.2 ± 3.3, 11 ± 3.2, 8.5 ± 2.3, 9.5 ± 4.2 and 5.1 ± 2.2 cm(2) for SSD1%, base cream, normal saline, herbal extract 5% and 10%, respectively. T. chebula 10% cream exhibited lower wound size than SSD1% and control groups at 10th day post burn injury. On day 15, the percentage of wound contraction in T. chebula was 5% and 10% more than 18% and 53% in comparison to SSD1% group, respectively. Histopathological results exhibited well-formed horizontally oriented collagen fibers for appropriate tension. Strength of scar on burned tissue was better in T. chebula 5% and 10% as compared with control and SSD groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that T. chebula extract was capable of accelerating wound healing in rats by wound contraction, and had beneficial effects more than SSD 1% cream in the management of burn injury.

Study of Antidepressant and Sedative-Hypnotic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Asperugo procumbens L. Aerial Parts in Mice.

Asperugo procumbents L. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the refreshing, tranquillizing and mood elevating activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic potential of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant in mice. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil on the hypnotic activity of the extracts were evaluated. None of the doses of the extract could significantly reduce immobility time in comparison with control group in antidepressant tests. In hypnotic test, 250 and 400 mg/kg dose ssign ificantly increased pentobarbital-induced sleeping time compared to vehicle. All of the doses of the extract significantly reduced the latency to sleep in comparison to the vehicle. Flumazenil reversed the augmented effects of extracts in pentobarbital-induced hypnotic test. The results of the present study indicate the low antidepressant and good sedative-hypnotic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Asperugo procumbens aerial parts in mice and that the central benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the sedative-hypnotic effects of this plant.

Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of Scrophularia striata extract against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity.

In this study, the neuroprotective effect of Scrophularia striata Boiss (Scrophulariaceae) extract, a plant growing in northeastern of Iran, against oxidative stress-induced neurocytotoxicity in PC12 was evaluated. The PC12 cell line pretreated with different concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 200 µg/ml) of the extract and then treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Survival of the cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis were measured using MTT assay, fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, and annexin V/propidium iodide, respectively. Moreover, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the plant extract. Phytochemical assay by thin layer chromatography showed that the main components, including phenolic compounds, phenyl propanoids and flavonoids, were presented in the S. striata extract. The extract in concentrations of 50-200 µg/ml protected PC12 cells from H2O2-induced toxicity. The survival of the cells at concentration of 200 µg/ml was 64 % compared to that of H2O2 alone-treated cells (48 %) (p < 0.001). The extract also dose-dependently reduced intracellular ROS production (p < 0.001). Moreover, the extract showed antioxidative effects and decreased apoptotic cells. Collectively, these findings indicated the ability of S. striata to decrease ROS generation and cell apoptosis and also suggest the presence of the neuroprotective agents in this plant.