Ameliorative effects of thiamin on learning behavior and memory dysfunction in a rat model of hypothyroidism: implication of oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase.

Hypothyroidism causes learning and memory impairment. Considering the neuroprotective properties of thiamine (Vitamin B1), this study was conducted to investigate the effects of thiamine on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative damage, and memory deficits in hypothyroid rats.In this study, 50 rats (21 days old) were randomly divided into 5 groups and treated with propylthiouracil (0.05% in drinking water) and thiamine (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, oral) for 7 weeks. Following that, Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were performed. Finally, oxidative stress indicators and AChE activity were measured in brain tissue.Treatment of hypothyroid rats with thiamine, especially at 100 and 200 mg/kg, alleviated the ability to remember the location of the platform as reflected by less time spent and distance to reach the platform, during the MWM test (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In the PA test, the latency to enter the dark chamber and light stay time were increased in rats who received thiamine compared to the hypothyroid group (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In addition, thiamine increased the levels of total thiol groups and superoxide dismutase while decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde and AChE.Our results suggest that thiamine supplementation could effectively improve memory loss in a rat model of hypothyroidism. The positive effects of thiamin on the learning and memory of hypothyroid rats may be due to amelioration of redox hemostasis and cholinergic disturbance.

Protective efficacy of dark chocolate in letrozole-induced ovary toxicity model rats: hormonal, biochemical, and histopathological investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the protective effect of dark chocolate (DC) on the letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: In this experimental study, 32 female Wistar rats, weighing (200 ± 20) g, were randomly categorized into 4 groups including control, letrozole (1 mg·kg·d), metformin (500 mg·kg·d) along with letrozole, and DC (500 mg·kg·d) along with letrozole for 28 d by oral gavage. Twenty-four hours after the last supplementation, direct blood sampling was taken from the heart to obtain blood serum for evaluation of sex hormones and gonadotropins, oxidative parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and ovarian tissue was examined for histology. RESULTS: The DC treatment significantly improved PCOS signs, as demonstrated by the significant restoration of ovarian morphology and physiological functions as compared with the letrozole group. DC treatment also decreased ovarian interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α levels and improved total oxidative/antioxidative status as compared with the letrozole group. CONCLUSIONS: Treating the animals with DC could alleviate the PCOS symptoms and reduced the toxic effects of letrozole in the ovary. This effect may mediate through antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

Ameliorative effects of endurance training and Matricaria chamomilla flowers hydroethanolic extract on cognitive deficit in type 2 diabetes rats.

Diabetes mellitus is mainly associated with degeneration of the central nervous system, which eventually leads to cognitive deficit. Although some studies suggest that exercise can improve the cognitive decline associated with diabetes, the potential effects of endurance training (ET) accompanied by Matricaria chamomilla (M.ch) flowers extract on cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes has been poorly understood. Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 equal groups of 8: healthy-sedentary (H-sed), diabetes-sedentary (D-sed), diabetes-endurance training (D-ET), diabetes-Matricaria chamomilla. (D-M.ch), and diabetes-endurance training-Matricaria chamomilla. (D-ET-M.ch). Nicotinamide (110 mg/kg, i.p.) and Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.) were utilized to initiate type 2 diabetes. Then, ET (5 days/week) and M.ch (200 mg/kg body weight/daily) were administered for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of the experiment, cognitive functions were assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test and a passive avoidance paradigm using a shuttle box device. Subsequently, using crystal violet staining, neuron necrosis was examined in the CA3 area of the hippocampus. Diabetic rats showed cognitive impairment following an increase in the number of necrotic cells in region CA3 of the hippocampal tissue. Also, diabetes increased serum levels of lipid peroxidation and decreased total antioxidant capacity in serum and hippocampal tissue. ET + M.ch treatment prevented the necrosis of neurons in the hippocampal tissue. Following positive changes in hippocampal tissue and serum antioxidant enzyme levels, an improvement was observed in the cognitive impairment of the diabetic rats receiving ET + M.ch. Therefore the results showed that treatment with ET + M.ch could ameliorate memory and inactive avoidance in diabetic rats. Hence, the use of ET + M.ch interventions is proposed as a new therapeutic perspective on the death of hippocampal neurons and cognitive deficit caused by diabetes.

The effects of concurrent treatment of silymarin and lactulose on memory changes in cirrhotic male rats.

Introduction: Chronic liver disease frequently accompanied by hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in HE, make an easier entrance of ammonia among other substances to the brain, which leads to neurotransmitter disturbances. Lactulose (LAC), causes better defecation and makes ammonia outreach of blood. Silymarin (SM) is a known standard drug for liver illnesses. The purpose of this research was to determine the results of LAC and SM combined treatment, on the changes in memory of cirrhotic male rats. Methods: The cirrhotic model established by treatment with thioacetamide (TAA) for 18 weeks. Cirrhotic rats randomized to four groups (n = 7): TAA group (received drinking water), LAC group (2 g/kg/d LAC in drinking water), SM group (50 mg/kg/d SM by food), SM+ LAC group (similar combined doses of both compounds) for 8 weeks. The control group received drinking water. The behavior examined by wire hanging (WH), passive avoidance (PA), and open field (OF) tests. Results: Our findings showed that treatment with SM+LAC effectively increased PA latency, compared with the control group. The results showed that the administration of LAC and SM+LAC affected the number of lines crossed, the total distance moved and velocity in the OF tests. Conclusion: SM and LAC have anti-inflammatory effects that are memory changing. It may be due to their useful effects. These results indicated that SM+LAC restored memory disturbance and irritated mood in the cirrhotic rats. Comparable neuroprotection was never previously informed. Such outcomes are extremely promising and indicate the further study of SM+LAC.

Treatment of liver and spleen illnesses by herbs: Recommendations of Avicenna's heritage "Canon of Medicine".

OBJECTIVE: Avicenna (Abu Ali al-Hossein ibn Abdullah ibn Sina) who had a special attention toward diseases treatments, gathered results of ages of herbal medicine experiments on humans and animals in his book "Al-Qanun fi Tibb" or "The Canon of Medicine", which is a reliable book in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this research was to build a reliable list of plants effective against liver and spleen diseases, based on Avicenna's book (volume 2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: By studying the monographs, introduced agents that have been effective in liver and spleen diseases were identified. Upon their origin and effectiveness in diseases of the liver, spleen or both, treatments were organized. RESULTS: From a huge number of drugs, 163 plants from 73 families were found to be effective in treatment of liver and spleen illnesses. In addition, 30 non-herbal agents effective in treatment of liver diseases were detected. The Lamiaceae family have the most effective herbs for treatment of diseases of the liver, spleen or both. Hemp Agrimony, Irsa, and Fudhanj achieved the highest scores. CONCLUSION: The effects of different plants on liver and spleen diseases were indicated in Avicenna's book. Due to the report on the above book, further studies needed specially on the effect of Irsa (Iris ensata) and family Lamiaceae on liver and spleen diseases.

Antinociceptive activity of Ricinus communis seed's hydroethanolic extract on male Balb/C mice / Atividade antinociceptiva do extrato hidroetanolico de sementes de Ricinus communis em ratos machos

ABSTRACT: Pain is a normal protective response to tissue injury caused by physical trauma, noxious chemicals and microbiological agents. Use of chemical drugs and medicinal plants is a conventional method to manage pain; however, their side effects have caused increased tendency to the use of herbal medicines among patients. This study was conducted to investigate antinociceptive action of Ricinus communis seed's extract (RCE) in male Balb/C mice. In this experimental study, 72 male mice weighing 25-35gr were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups of 12 mice each, including: Control group, three groups separately treated respectively with 100, 200, and 400mg/kg hydroethanolic R. communis seed extract, morphine (1mg/kg)-treated group, and naloxone (0.1mg/kg) + R. communis seed extract (200mg/kg)-treated group. All animals received extract and drugs intraperitoneally. To evaluate the analgesic effect of the extract, writhing and tail flick tests were used. The 200 and 400mg/kg of the extract significantly increased pain threshold compared to the control group in writhing and tail flick tests (P<0.01). Moreover, 400mg/kg of the extract showed a stronger antinociceptive effect especially in writhing test compared to the control and other treated groups (P<0.001). Analgesic effects of hydroethanolic R. communis seed extract observed in the tail flick and writhing tests are probably related to activation of opioid system. Results may suggest that this plant extract might be beneficial in relieving human pain.

RESUMO: A dor é um sentido com efeitos essencialmente protetores. Ouso de drogas químicas e plantas medicinais é um método convencional para gerenciar a dor, no entanto, seus efeitos colaterais têm causado uma maior tendência para o uso de ervas medicamentosas entre os pacientes. Este estudo nos levou a investigar as ações antinociceptivas do extrato de sementes de Ricinus communis (RCE) em camundongos machos. Neste estudo experimental, foram utilizados 72 camundongos machos com peso de 25±30gr. Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos de 12 cada: grupo controle, três grupos tratados separadamente com 100, 200 e 400mg/kg de extrato de sementes de R. communis hidroetanolico, grupo tratado com morfina (1mg/kg) e naloxona (0,1mg/kg) + R. Grupo tratado com extrato de semente de communis (200mg/kg). Para avaliar o efeito analgésico do extrato, utilizaram-se testes de contorção e cauda. Os dados foram analisados pela ANOVA e pelo teste de Tukey. P<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Dose de 200 e 400mg/kg de extrato aumentou significativamente o limite de dor em comparação com o grupo controle em testes de retorção e cauda (P<0,01). Além disso, 400mg/kg de extracto apresentaram efeito antinoceptivo mais forte especialmente no teste de contorção em comparação com o controle e outros grupos tratados (P <0,001). Os efeitos analgésicos do extrato de semente de R. communanolanol foram observados no teste da cauda e nos testes de contorção. Este efeito provavelmente está relacionado à ativação do sistema opioide.

The protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of mangrove (Avicennia marina L.) leaves on kidney injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Materials can cause liver and kidney damage which carbon tetrachloride is one of these substances. Medicinal plants and their essential oils and extracts have been used to a large extent as drugs to better control and management of kidney diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Avicennia marina leaves in the treatment of renal toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride. METHODS: Forty-two male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7): control (taking normal saline, 0.5 ml/day, intraperitoneally; i.p.), sham (taking olive oil, 0.5 ml/day, i.p., single dose), injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 1:1 with olive oil, 0.5 ml single dose, i.p.), treated groups 1, 2 and 3: by carbon tetrachloride 1:1 with olive oil, 0.5 ml single dose and 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg Avicennia marina extract (AME)/ day for 96 hours, i.p.). By direct blood sampling from the heart, the plasma concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Kidney sections were prepared from all groups and the histological examinations were performed. The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The results indicated the significant (P < 0.05) increase of serum level of lactate dehydrogenase and liver enzymes of AST, ALT and ALP in the group receiving CCl4 compared with the control group, whereas the treatment with hydro-alcoholic extract of mangrove leaves caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum levels of these enzymes in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride compared to the control group. Histological investigation of renal tissue sections showed that the treatment with mangrove leaves extract reduced the necrosis, inflammation and also improved the renal tubules. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon tetrachloride has kidney, liver and cardiac toxicities and mangrove extract is able to inhibit the toxicities of carbon tetrachloride.

Alteration of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold by chronic administration of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in male mice.

CONTEXT: Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), or ginger, used in traditional Chinese medicine, has antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects. The effects of this plant on clonic seizure have not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of ginger in a model of clonic seizures induced with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anticonvulsant effect of Z. officinale was investigated using i.v. PTZ-induced seizure models in mice. Different doses of the hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitonal (i.p.), daily for 1 week before induction of PTZ. Phenobarbital sodium (30 mg/kg), a reference standard, was also tested for comparison. The effect of ginger on to the appearance of three separate seizure endpoints, e.g., myoclonic, generalized clonic, and tonic extension phase, was recorded. RESULTS: Hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale significantly increased the onset time of myoclonic seizure at doses of 25-100 mg/kg (55.33 ± 1.91 versus 24.47 ± 1.33 mg/kg, p < 0.001) and significantly prevented generalized clonic (74.64 ± 3.52 versus 47.72 ± 2.31 mg/kg, p < 0.001) and increased the threshold for the forelimb tonic extension (102.6 ± 5.39 versus 71.82 ± 7.82 mg/kg, p < 0.01) seizure induced by PTZ compared with the control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the hydroethanolic extract of ginger has anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with inhibitory and excitatory systems, antioxidant mechanisms, and oxidative stress inhibition.

Acute administration of ginger (Zingiber officinale rhizomes) extract on timed intravenous pentylenetetrazol infusion seizure model in mice.

PURPOSE: Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) or ginger, which is used in traditional medicine has antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects. The effects of this plant on clonic seizure have not yet been studied. The present study evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of ginger in a model of clonic seizures induced with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anticonvulsant effect of Z. officinale was investigated using i.v. PTZ-induced seizure models in mice. Different doses of the hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale (25, 50, and 100mg/kg) were administered intraperitonal (i.p.), 2 and 24h before induction of PTZ. Phenobarbital sodium (30mg/kg), a reference standard, was also tested for comparison. The effect of ginger on to the appearance of three separate seizure endpoints (myoclonic, generalized clonus and forelimb tonic extension phase) was recorded. RESULTS: The results showed that the ginger extract has anticonvulsant effects in all the experimental treatment groups of seizure tested as it significantly increased the seizure threshold. Hydroethanolic extract of Z. officinale significantly increased the onset time of myoclonic seizure at doses of 25-100mg/kg (p<0.001) and significantly prevented generalized clonic (p<0.001) and increased the threshold for the forelimb tonic extension (p<0.01) seizure 2 and 24h before induction of PTZ compared with control group. CONCLUSION: Based on the results the hydroethanolic extract of ginger has anticonvulsant effects, possibly through an interaction with inhibitory and excitatory system, antioxidant mechanisms, oxidative stress and calcium channel inhibition.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils of Tripleurospermum disciforme in three developmental stages.

CONTEXT: Tripleurospermum disciforme (C.A. Mey) Schultz Bip. (Asteraceae) is a widespread biennial species which also has traditional medicinal uses. According to the few recent studies, essential oils of this species exhibit anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiulcer, and antioxidant activity. OBJECTIVE: The chemical compositions of the hydrodistilled oils of T. disciforme of Iranian origin are studied in the stages of prior to flowering, flowering, and post flowering, for the first time. Also, we investigated the antibacterial activities of the oils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The essential oils of air-dried T. disciforme were obtained by hydrodistillation in three different developmental stages and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the isolated essential oil, in the three stages, was also investigated against four Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria. RESULTS: Twenty-one components were identified in the essential oils of T. disciforme, and the highest amount of oil was extracted at the flowering stage. The main component of the species in the flowering stage was ß-farnesene (22.46%) and the other major components were ß-sesquiphellandrene (17.85%), p-methoxy-ß-cyclopropylstyrene (16.64%), heptadecane (10.6%), p-methoxy-humulene oxide (6.88%) and benzene acetaldehyde (9.3%). The MIC of essential oil was evaluated from 4 µL ml(-1) against Staphylococcus subtilis and Bacillus cereus to 22 µL ml(-1) against Citrobacter amalonaticus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the occurrence of ß-farnesene/ß-sesquiphellandrene chemotype of T. disciforme in western regions of Iran that are different from previous reports. The findings also showed that the essential oils T. disciforme have excellent antibacterial activities and thus have great potentiality to be used as a resource for natural health products.