Comprehensive estrogenic/anti-estrogenic, anticancer, mutagenic/anti-mutagenic, and genotoxic/anti-genotoxic activity studies on chemically characterized black poplar and Eurasian aspen propolis types.

Propolis is mainly composed of plant resins, and its type is named according to the primary plant origin in its composition. Identification of propolis botanical origin is essential for predicting and repeating its pharmacological activity because of the variations in chemical composition. This study aimed to compare chemical composition of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) type-propolis (PR1 and PR2) and Eurasian aspen (P. tremula L.)-type propolis (PR3) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique and to evaluate their biological activity profiles. According to LC-MS/MS results, in addition to marked caffeic acid phenethyl ester content in PR1 and PR2, flavonoid aglycones such as pinocembrin, chrysin, pinobanksin, and galangin were found to be dominant in these samples. On the other hand, PR3 contained relatively high concentrations of phenolic acids such as ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and trans-cinnamic acid. The anti-estrogenic activity test showed that PR2 exerted the highest anti-estrogenic activity by inhibiting cell proliferation by 44.6%. All propolis extracts showed anticancer activity, which was justified by decreasing activity on the 3D spheroid size in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, all extracts showed moderate or potent antimutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains with and without metabolic activation, respectively. In addition, the Comet assay results revealed that propolis extracts have a geno-protective effect against H2O2-induced DNA damage in CHO-K1 cells at 0.625 and 1.25 µg/mL concentrations. Overall, the result of this study may help in preparing standardized propolis extracts and developing products with defined pharmacological benefits in the food supplements industry.

Determination of In Vivo efficacy and safety of zeolite as a new pleurodesis agent.

Pleural effusion, the pathological condition in which an abnormal amount of pleural fluid is accumulated in the small space between the visceral and parietal pleurae of the lungs, can be treated by pleurodesis, whereby the pleural space is obliterated. This effect can be achieved by chemical pleurodesis utilizing various reagents such as talc, an agent commonly employed in pleurodesis. Zeolites, microporous tectosilicates found in nature as minerals, can be used in a wide range of medical applications. Different zeolite compounds may exhibit variable efficacy and safety profiles, mainly depending on their particle size. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of zeolite pleurodesis. New Zealand rabbits were administered 400 mg/kg of either agent dissolved in 2 mL of isotonic saline solution by injection into their pleural cavity, and computed tomography images were obtained on postoperative day 26. Euthanization was conducted at the end of 28 days for histopathological evaluation. Furthermore, subacute toxicity and mutagenicity profiles of zeolite were analyzed. Our findings revealed that zeolite was able to induce an adequate inflammatory response to achieve successful pleurodesis. The adhesion profiles were in favor of zeolite when compared to talc pleurodesis. Moreover, none of the tested doses of zeolite induced subacute toxicity or mutagenesis. Collectively, our results suggested zeolite as an effective and safe pleurodesis agent.

A Realistic Approach for Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive and Antimutagenic Activities, and Risk Assessment of the Aqueous Extract of Platanus orientalis L. Leaves.

BACKGROUND: Oriental planetree (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf was recorded as a remedy against inflammatory problems and to stop the pain, i.e. toothache or knee pain in "The Canon of Medicines" by Avicenna and was also being documented in the Iranian Traditional Medicine. Although such a utilization has not been described in reliable sources, recently use of its leaves as herbal tea has become popular among laypeople. Previous studies have shown that only the nonpolar extract from the leaves may have such efficacy, while possible benefits when it is used as herbal tea have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to reveal the possible efficacy and safety profile of aqueous extract from P. orientalis leaf. METHODS: Aqueous extract of the leaves was submitted to in vivo and in vitro tests to determine its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antimutagenic activities and also reveal its safety profile. RESULTS: The aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) procured weak and non-significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Meanwhile, the aqueous extract demonstrated antimutagenic activity in very high concentrations. On the other hand, results of safety evaluation showed that no concern had been observed from the viewpoint of public health. CONCLUSION: Despite the popularity of the herbal tea prepared from the leaves of Oriental planetree among the people suffering joint problems to relieve pain, this study has proven that such application would not help them to alleviate their complaints when used as herbal tea.