Chemical Evaluation, In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Lavandula angustifolia Grown in Jordan.

Lavandula angustifolia is the most widely cultivated Lavandula species for medicinal use. In this study, chemical and biological evaluation of L. angustifolia aqueous, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and chloroform (CHCl3) extracts were conducted. Phytochemically, the extracts' total phenol and flavonoid contents and their antioxidant potential were evaluated. Ethanol extract was analyzed by LC-MS. All extracts were screened in vitro for their antitumor potential using human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23. For the first time, the antiproliferative potential of the EtOH extract was tested in vivo using mice with induced breast cancer. Ethanol extract exhibited the best cytotoxicity and safety profile of the tested extracts, with IC50 values of 104.1 µg/mL on MCF-7 and 214.5 µg/mL on MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. In vivo, this extract revealed a reduction in tumor size by 43.29% in the treated group, compared to an increase in the tumor growth by 58.9% in the control group. Moreover, undetected tumor was found in 12.5% of the sample size. In conclusion, this study provides novel insight and evidence on the antiproliferative efficacy of L. angustifolia ethanol extract against breast cancer with potent anti-oxidant potential.

Aroma Profile of Two Populations of Salvia verbenaca Collected from Two Bio-Geographical Zones from Jordan.

The aroma emitted from the different organs of two Salvia verbenaca L. populations from Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and then analyzed by GC/MS. The emission profile of the stem, leaf and sepal samples from the Mediterranean zone (Al-Salt) was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (68.0 %, 33.7 %, and 42.2 %, respectively). The emission profile of flowering parts including pre-flowering buds, fully expanded flowers and petals was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (58.6 %, 59.3 % and 87.1 %, respectively). The major constituent detected in these organs was trans-sabinene hydrate acetate (range 14.5 %-87.0 %). On the other hand, samples collected from Irano-Turanian zone showed different emission patterns. While the stems, leaves and petal emissions were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.9 %, 76.8 % and 52.6 %, respectively), monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the emission profiles of the pre-flowering buds (75.1 %) and fully expanded flowers (73.6 %). Petals emissions were characterized by high concentrations of oxygenated monoterpenes (58.8 %). Notably, trans-sabinene hydrate dominated most organs emissions except for leaves (range 20.0 %-58.8 %). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) revealed two different clusters related to the two different geographical zones. The current investigation revealed two ecotypes of S. verbenaca that could result in two different chemotypes. Trans-sabinene hydrate acetate and trans-sabinene hydrate are suggested compounds for identifying these two chemotypes.

Chemodiversity and Antiproliferative Activity of the Essential Oil of Schinus molle Growing in Jordan.

The leaves and unripe and fully-grown fruits of Schinus molle were collected from three geographical regions of Jordan: Amman (the Mediterranean), Madaba (Irano-Turanean), and Sahab (Saharo-Arabian). The hydrodistilled volatile oils of fresh and dried leaves and fruits were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The actual composition of the emitted volatiles was determined using Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME). α- and ß-Phellandrenes were the major components in all the analyzed samples. Quantitative differences were observed in the obtained essential oils (0.62-5.25 %). Additionally, cluster analysis was performed. Biologically, the antiproliferative activity of the essential oil, ethanol, and water extracts of the fruits and leaves was screened on Caco2, HCT116, MCF7, and T47D cell lines. The essential oil and ethanol extracts exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth with IC50 ranging between 21 and 65 µg/mL. The water extract did not exhibit any antiproliferative activity against the investigated cell lines.

Correction to: The antiangiogenic activities of ethanolic crude extracts of four Salvia species.

CORRECTION: After the publication [1] it came to the attention of the authors that one of the co-authors was incorrectly included as Hamza Somrain. The correct spelling is as follows: Hamzeh Sumrein.

Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Essential Oils from Fresh and Air-Dried Aerial Parts of Pallenis spinosa.

This study was performed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of fresh (F-PSEO) and air-dried (D-PSEO) Pallenis spinosa. The composition of the oils was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry, the antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging and metal chelating assays, and their cytotoxicity by a flow cytometry analysis. The primary components in both oils were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygentated sesquiterpenes. F-PSEO contained 36 different compounds; α-cadinol (16.48%), germacra-1(10),5-diene-3,4-diol (14.45%), γ-cadinene (12.03%), and α-muurolol (9.89%) were the principal components. D-PSEO contained 53 molecules; α-cadinol (19.26%), δ-cadinene (13.93%), α-muurolol (12.88%), and germacra-1(10),5-diene-3,4-diol (8.41%) constituted the highest percentages. Although both oils exhibited a weak radical scavenging and chelating activity, compared to α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, D-PSEO showed a 2-fold greater antioxidant activity than F-PSEO. Furthermore, low doses of F-PSEO were able to inhibit the growth of leukemic (HL-60, K562, and Jurkat) and solid tumor cells (MCF-7, HepG2, HT-1080, and Caco-2) with an IC50 range of 0.25 - 0.66 µg/ml and 0.50 - 2.35 µg/ml, respectively. F-PSEO showed a ca. 2 - 3-fold stronger cytotoxicity against the tested cells than D-PSEO. The potent growth inhibitory effect of the plant essential oil encourages further studies to characterize the molecular mechanisms of its cytotoxicity.

Antiobesity and antihyperglycaemic effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris extracts: in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

CONTEXT: Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (Adiantaceae) hypocholesterolemic activity is therapeutically praised. OBJECTIVES: Pharmacological modulation of pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (PL) and α-amylase/α-glucosidase by A. capillus-veneris are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using positive controls (acarbose, orlistat, guar gum, atorvastatin, glipizide and metformin) as appropriate, crude aqueous extracts (AEs) of A. capillus-veneris aerial parts were tested via a combination of in vitro enzymatic (0.24-100 mg/mL), acute in vivo carbohydrate tolerance tests (125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight [b.wt]) and chronic in vivo studies (500 mg/kg b.wt) in high cholesterol diet (HCD) fed Wistar rats. RESULTS: Like acarbose, A. capillus-veneris as well as chlorogenic acid, with respective IC50 values (mg/mL) of 0.8 ± 0.0 and 0.2 ± 0.0, were identified as in vitro potent dual inhibitors of α-amylase/α-glucosidase. Unlike guar gum, A. capillus-veneris had no glucose diffusion hindrance capacity. Equivalent to orlistat, A. capillus-veneris and its phytoconstituents inhibited PL in vitro with an ascending order of PL- IC50 values (µg/mL): ferulic acid; 0.48 ± 0.06 < ellagic acid; 13.53 ± 1.83 < chlorogenic acid; 38.4 ± 2.8 < A. capillus-veneris; 1600 ± 100. Incomparable to acarbose or metformin and glipizide, A. capillus-veneris (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt) lacked antihyperglycaemic efficacies in acute starch- or glucose-evoked postprandial hyperglycaemia increments in normoglycaemic overnight fasting rats. Superior to atorvastatin; A. capillus-veneris exerted significant antiobesity (p < 0.001) with marked triacylglycerol-reducing capacities (p < 0.001) in comparison to rats fed with HCD for 10 weeks. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A. capillus-veneris, modulating pancreatic digestive enzymes, may be advocated as a combinatorial diabesity prevention/phytotherapy agent.

The use of medicinal herbs in gynecological and pregnancy-related disorders by Jordanian women: a review of folkloric practice vs. evidence-based pharmacology.

Context National statistical reports in Jordan indicate a decrease in the total fertility rate along with a parallel increase in contraceptive use. The folkloric use of medicinal herbs in gynecological disorders has been growing in Jordan, despite of deficient reports on the evidence-based safety and efficacy of these practices. Objective The aim of this comprehensive article is to review medicinal plants with claimed ethnonpharmacological usage in various gynecological and pregnancy-related issues in Jordan, and to assess their evidence-based pharmacological studies as well as their phytochemistry. Methods The published literature was surveyed using Google Scholar entering the terms "ethnopharmacology AND Jordan AND infertility AND gynecology OR gestation". We included ethnopharmacological surveys in Jordan with available full-text. Results Twelve articles were reviewed. Plant species which are commonly used for female gynecological issues such as Artemisia monosperma Del. and A. herba-alba Asso. (Asteraceae) have been found to exert an antifertility effect. Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) and Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) had antifertility effects in male rats, but Nigella sativa oil L. (Ranunculaceae) and Cinnamon zeylanicum J. Presl (Lauraceae) were found to enhance it. Conclusion Using plants for gynecological disorders is a common practice in Jordan. Many of them, whether utilised for gynecological or non-gynecological conditions equally, were found to have detrimental effects on female or male fertility. Thus, couples planning pregnancy should be discouraged from the consumption of these herbs. Further local studies are warranted to confirm the appreciable beneficial pharmacological effects and safety of these plants.

Mechanistic studies of antiproliferative effects of Salvia triloba and Salvia dominica (Lamiaceae) on breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and T47D).

Ethanol extracts obtained from two Salvia species, S. triloba and S. dominica, collected from the flora of Jordan, were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines by the sulforhodamine B assay. The ethanol extracts were biologically active with IC50 values of (29.89 ±0.92) and (38.91 ±2.44) µg/mL for S. triloba against MCF7 and T47D cells, respectively, and (5.83 ±0.51) and (12.83 ±0.64) µg/mL for S. dominica against MCF7 and T47D cells, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis and the annexinV-propidium iodide (PI) assay revealed apoptosismediated, and to a lesser extent necrosis-induced, cell death by the S. triloba and S. dominica ethanolic extracts in T47D cells. The mechanism of apoptosis was further investigated by determining the levels of p53, p21/WAF1, FasL (Fas ligand), and sFas (Fas/APO-1). The extract from S. triloba induced a more pronounced enrichment in cytoplasmic mono- and oligonucleosomes than that from S. dominica (p < 0:05) in T47D cells. In response to the extract from S. dominica, but not from S. triloba, the proapoptotic efficacy was specifically regulated by p21. Extracts from both Salvia spp. did not enhance p53 levels, and apoptosis induced by them was not caspase-8- or sFas/FasL-dependent. Thus, our findings indicate that S. triloba and S. dominica ethanolic extracts may be useful in breast cancer management/treatment via proapoptotic cytotoxic mechanisms.

The antiangiogenic activities of ethanolic crude extracts of four Salvia species.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is one of cancer hallmarks that are required for both cancer progression and metastasis. In this study we examined the antiangiogenic properties of the ethanolic crude extracts of four Salvia species grown in Jordan. METHODS: The direct antiangiogenic activity was evaluated using various models: ex vivo rat aortic ring assay, in vitro assessment of HUVEC proliferation and migration, and in vivo CAM assay, while we used the changes in the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in breast cancer cells (MCF 7) as an indicative for the indirect antiangiogenic activity. RESULTS: All four crude extracts showed a potential antiangiogenic activity in the rat aortic assay, however two species were found to be cytotoxic against Fibroblast cell line (PLF); the finding that caused the exclusion of these two extracts from further studies. Of the two remaining extracts, S. triloba showed very promising direct and indirect antiangiogenic activities. S. triloba inhibited the HUVEC proliferation with an IC50 of 90 µg/mL and HUVEC migration by 82% at 150 µg/mL. Furthermore, the in vivo CAM assay also illustrated the high impact of S. triloba against the newly formed vessel in the chicken embryonic membrane. Interestingly, the S. triloba inhibited the expression of VEGF at the mRNA and protein and the HIF-1α mRNA in the MCF 7 breast cancer cells under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, all these findings of the direct and indirect angiogenic investigations nominated S. triloba as a highly potent antiangiogenic plant that may have chemotherapeutic and/or chemoprevention potentials.

Rates, patterns, and predictors of complementary medicine use among patients with musculoskeletal diseases.

AIM: To investigate the extent of complementary medicine (CM) use and the most common therapies utilized by Jordanian patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of outpatient orthopedic and rheumatology patients at an academic medical center in Amman, Jordan between January and September 2020. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 1001 patients was interviewed (82% females). Pearson's chi-square comparisons showed that nutritional CM was used by 43.4% of patients, while 29.8% used physical CM, and 16% used both. Almost all used the nutritional or physical CM in addition to their prescribed treatment. Nutritional form use was significantly higher among females, older age groups, married people, and those who worked (p < .05). Physical form use was statistically more prevalent in older age groups and those with a higher level of education (p < .05). Family income and urban residence were not significantly associated with the use of either form of CM therapy. Olive oil was the most frequently reported nutritional type (22.9%), and cupping was the most reported physical type (41.6%). Recommendations to use CM came primarily from family members or friends (64% of nutritional CM users and 59% of physical CM users). A physician or pharmacist was cited more frequently with physical CM (24% versus 8% for the nutritional form). In contrast, media sources were cited more for nutritional than physical form (28% versus 7%). Over half of the patients believed they received the desired effect from CM. Surprisingly, only 9.5% of the patients admitted to discussing their CM use with their physician. CONCLUSION: CM use is prevalent among Jordanian patients with MSK disorders. Most patients rely on family and friends for recommendations, and they rarely inform their physician of the CM use. Physicians should routinely inquire about CM to provide patients with information regarding their benefits and risks.

Integrative oncology research in the Middle East: weaving traditional and complementary medicine in supportive care.

INTRODUCTION: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has an important role in supportive cancer care in the Middle East and is often used in association with traditional medicine. This article provides a comprehensive review of published data on CAM research in supportive cancer care in the Middle East. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multi-disciplinary Middle-Eastern Research Group in Integrative Oncology (MERGIO) was established in six countries. Authors independently searched Medline database for articles in Arabic, Hebrew, French, and Turkish using oncology and CAM-related keywords. Articles were recorded according to the first author's affiliation with an academic or clinical institution in the Middle East. RESULTS: We identified 143 articles on CAM and cancer care that had been published in 12 Middle-Eastern countries. Eighty-five articles were directly related to cancer supportive care. The latter included studies on the prevalence of CAM use by patients with cancer, aspects related to of doctor-patient communication, ethics and regulation, psychosocial aspects of CAM, CAM safety and quality assurance, studies of CAM education for health care providers, and ethno-botanical studies and reviews. Twenty-eight articles referred to clinical research on supportive care, and the use of specific CAM modalities that included acupuncture, anthroposophic medicine, dietary and nutritional therapies herbal medicine, homeopathy, mind-body medicine, shiatsu, therapeutic touch, and yoga. CONCLUSIONS: CAM-related supportive care research is prevalent in the Middle East, a fact that may serve as a basis for future multinational-multidisciplinary research work in supportive care in oncology.

Screening the antiangiogenic activity of medicinal plants grown and sold in Jordan.

Angiogenesis is essential for the growth, invasion, and metastasis of most solid tumors and has become a valuable pharmacological target for cancer prevention and treatment. This study was performed to assess the antiangiogenic activity of 31 medicinal plants grown and sold in Jordan. The antiangiogenic activity was assessed using the rat aortic ring assay. Out of 31 extracts, 15 extracts showed more than 50 % inhibition of the blood vessels outgrowth from the primary tissue explants (p = 0.000). Three of these 15 extracts showed a potential cytotoxic effect on normal fibroblast cells. Four extracts shared antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activity towards MCF7 breast cancer cell lines. Eight extracts demonstrated selective antiangiogenic activity. This is the first report demonstrating the potential antiangiogenic activity of Artemisia judaica, Aloysia citriodora, Salvia egyptiaca, and Calendula arvensis. Some extracts with antiangiogenic activity exhibited selectivity against the endothelial cells proliferation, demonstrating a direct inhibitory activity against the key step in tumor angiogenesis.

Repellent effect of Salvia dorisiana, S. longifolia, and S. sclarea (Lamiaceae) essential oils against the mosquito Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) has been one of the fastest spreading insects over the past 20 years. Its medical importance is due to the aggressive daytime human-biting behavior and the ability to vector many viruses, including dengue, LaCrosse, Eastern Equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses. In this research, the essential oils (EOs) extracted from fresh air dried leaves of Salvia dorisiana, S. longifolia, and S. sclarea (Lamiaceae) were evaluated for their repellent activity against A. albopictus by using the human-bait technique. The EOs chemical composition was also investigated, and EOs were divided in three different profiles on the basis of their chemical composition: EO with large amount of monoterpenes from S. sclarea, EO rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes from S. dorisiana, and S. longifolia EO characterized by similar percentages of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The efficacy protection from S. dorisiana, S. longifolia, and S. sclarea EOs, at dosages ranging from 0.004 to 0.4 µL cm(-2) of skin, was evaluated during 120 min of observation. Results indicated that S. dorisiana, S. longifolia, and S. sclarea EOs had a significant repellent activity (RD(50) =0.00035, 0.00049, and 0.00101 µL cm(-2), respectively), with differences in repellency rates, as a function of oil, dosage, and observation time. S. dorisiana was the most effective oil: at the two higher dosages, it gave almost complete protection (with a protective efficacy of 90.99% and 95.62%, respectively) for 90 min. The best protection time was achieved with S. dorisiana essential oil. It ranged from 9.2 to 92.4 min. Protection times of S. longifolia and S. sclarea oils ranged from 3.2 to 60 min, and from 3.6 to 64.2 min, respectively. Our findings clearly reveal that these EOs have a good repellent activity against A. albopictus, therefore they can be proposed to improve the efficacy of repellent formulations against the Asian tiger mosquito.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferation Activities of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae) is traditionally used to treat various diseases, including bronchitis, insomnia, anxiety, digestive, and heart problems. In this study, this plant's antioxidant and anti-proliferation effects were evaluated. In addition to volatiles extraction, different solvent extracts were prepared. The GC-MS, LC-MS analysis and the Foline-Ciocalteu (F-C) method were used to investigate the phytochemical components of the plant. MTT assay was used to measure the antiproliferative ability for each extract. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In in vivo anti-proliferation experiments, Balb/C mice were inoculated with tumor cells and IP-injected with ethyl acetate extract of A. citrodora. After treatment, a significant reduction in tumor size (57.97%) and undetected tumors (44.44%) were obtained in treated mice, demonstrating the antiproliferative efficacy of the ethyl acetate extract. Besides, ethanol extract revealed the most potent radical scavenging effect. The findings of this study displayed that A. citrodora has promising cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. Still, further testing is required to investigate the extract's chemical composition to understand its mechanisms of action.

Gaz Alafi: A Traditional Dessert in the Middle East With Anticancer, Immunomodulatory, and Antimicrobial Activities.

Background: From the earliest times, manna has been widely used as a tasty local sweet or folk medicine. The type of manna being investigated in the present study is called Gaz-alafi, a mixture of insect and Quercus brantii leaves secretions from oak forests in the north of Iraq and west of Iran. Methods: Aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared as decoction. Various phytochemical tests were conducted to analyze manna composition, including total phenolic contents using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and LC-MS. Gallic acid and catechin were detected in both extracts, in addition to tiliroside presence in ethanol extract, which added more value to the phenolic content of ethanol extract. Cytotoxic activities of Gaz alafi were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines and compared to normal cell lines and doxorubicin using the MTT assay. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans using the dilution method of the micro-titer plate. Serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using ELISA. The effect of extracts on splenocyte proliferation was evaluated using the lymphocytes proliferation assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using the nitro blue tetrazolium assay, whereas pinocytosis was evaluated using the neutral red uptake assay. Ten days after tumor inoculation, changes in tumor size, survival rates, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were measured. Results: The growth of cancer cells was inhibited by Gaz alafi ethanol extract. An alteration in IFN- γ, IL-2, and IL-4 levels toward antiproliferation immune response were reported for both extracts. The aqueous extract efficiently stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and pinocytosis, followed by the ethanol extracts with moderate activity. After treating the mice with ethanol extracts, a significant reduction in tumor size and several undetected tumors were recorded. Conclusions: Gaz alafi extracts (aqueous and ethanol) are promising sources for anticancer and immunostimulatory agents. Further studies are needed to fully identify the chemical composition of Gaz alafi extracts.

Plants used for the treatment of diabetes in Jordan: a review of scientific evidence.

CONTEXT: Diabetes is a serious disease which has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world. Despite the tremendous developments in medicinal chemistry, traditional medicine is still a common practice for the treatment of diabetes. OBJECTIVES: In Jordanian traditional medicine, 69 plant species are used by diabetic patients to reduce glucose levels in blood. The aim of the present study is to report these plants and link their traditional use with scientific evidence confirming their claimed activity. The plant part(s) used, method(s) of preparation, common Arabic names, and other ethnopharmacological uses are also listed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature and databases (SciFinder, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scirus) have been thoroughly investigated and the plants used have been grouped according to the reported scientific evidence. RESULTS: Results showed that 40 plants have been reported to possess hypoglycemic activities in in vivo/in vitro experiments. Five plant species did not exhibit in vivo hypoglycemic activity, while 24 plants had not been studied for such an activity. Twenty plants had been screened for their α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. DISCUSSION: The reported in vivo and in vitro hypoglycemic as well as α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of these plants are discussed. CONCLUSION: Additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to test the hypoglycemic activity of the plants with claimed antidiabetic activity which has not yet been evaluated. Identification of the active ingredients of potent plants might generate lead compounds in drug discovery and development.

Evaluation of the acute antihyperglycemic effects of four selected indigenous plants from Jordan used in traditional medicine.

CONTEXT: Eryngium creticum Lam. (Umbelliferae), Geranium graveolens L.Her.exn Ait (Geraniaceae), Paronychia argentea Lam. (Caryophyllaceae), and Varthemia iphionoides Boiss (Compositae) have traditionally been used as antidiabetic phytomedicines. However, their alleged benefits and mechanisms remain elusive. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of these plants on in vitro and in vivo enzymatic starch digestion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro enzymatic starch digestion with acarbose or (1-50 or 100 mg/ml) plants aqueous extracts was assayed using α-amylase and α-amyloglucosidase. Oral starch tolerance tests and oral glucose tolerance tests were determined for the plant extracts at concentrations 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight. Blood glucose levels in rats treated with plant extracts or drugs (acarbose or metformin and glipizide) were measured at -30, 0, 45, 90, and 135 min. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In vitro, acarbose, and water extracts of G. graveolens and V. iphionoides exerted significant dose-dependent dual inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with respective IC50s of 1.2 µg/ml, 84.7, and 65.2 mg/ml. Comparable in vivo acute postprandial antihyperglycemic efficacies were obtained for G. graveolens and V. iphionoides in starch-fed rats. E. creticum exhibited substantial acute antihyperglycemic activities in starch-treated rats, despite lacking any favorable in vitro effectiveness. However, P. argentea lacked any inhibitory efficacy. None of the plant extracts qualified for improving the glucose tolerance in fasted rats on glucose loading. CONCLUSION: G. graveolens and V. iphionoides can be considered as potential candidates for therapeutic modulation of impaired fasting glycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes.

Ethanol Extract of Achillea fragrantissima Enhances Angiogenesis through Stimulation of VEGF Production.

OBJECTIVE: Achillea fragrantissima L. (Asteraceae) is a traditionally used medicinal herb in the rural communities of Jordan. METHODS: The present study evaluated the efficacy of the ethanol extract of this species on angiogenesis in both, ex vivo using a rat aortic ring assay and in vivo using a rat excision wound model. RESULTS: In concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/ml, the ethanol extract showed angiogenic stimulatory effect and significantly increased length of capillary protrusions around aorta rings of about 60% in comparison to those of untreated aorta rings. In MCF-7 cells, the ethanol extract of A. fragrantissima stimulated the production of VEGF in a dose-dependent manner. 1% and 5% of ethanol extract of A. fragrantissima containing vaseline based ointment was applied on rat excision wounds for six days and found to be effective in wound healing and maturation of the scar. Both preparations resulted in better wound healing when compared to the untreated control group and vaseline- treated group. This effect was comparable to that induced by MEBO, the positive control. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that A. fragrantissima has a pro-angiogenic effect, which may act through the VEGF signaling pathway.

Aroma Profiles Analysis of Two Populations of Salvia palaestina Benth. Collected from Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian Zones in Jordan.

The volatile principles emitted from different aerial organs of two S. palaestina Benth. populations (Mediterranean (Med) and Irano-Turanian (IrT)) growing wild in Jordan were extracted by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) and analysed by GC/MS technique. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated stems (59.38%, 49.67%) and leaves (93.28%, 32.39%) emissions from Med and IrT zones, respectively while monoterpene hydrocarbons had the major contribution to the aroma of pre-flowering buds (78.62%, 74.96%), opened flowers (76.12%, 59.99%) and petals (69.57%, 54.28%) and were mostly represented by sabinene (in Med zone) and ociemene isomers (Z & E) in IrT zone. Multivariate analysis classified the two populations into two different clusters based on their origin and indicated the occurrence of two ecotypes of this species. Different organs from the same collection site showed emission profiles of similar chemical composition.

Relaxant effect of ethanol extract of Carum carvi on dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig.

The present study investigates the direct effects of Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae) ethanol extract on dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMC) of guinea pigs. Effects of the plant extract on SMC and of acetylcholine (Ach) on extract pretreated SMC were measured by micrometric scanning technique. Three different extract concentrations (2.5 mg/mL, 250 mug/mL, and 25 mug/mL) were used. Ethanol extract of C. carvi reduced significantly the response of dispersed SMC to Ach. Pretreatment of SMC with the highest concentration of C. carvi ethanol extract (2.5 mg/mL) has significantly inhibited the response of SMC to Ach. The data obtained indicate a dose-dependent inhibition of the contraction induced by Ach. This response may explain, in part, the beneficial effect of caraway in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with dyspepsia.