Effect of Carob and Ginseng Supplements on Semen Analysis Parameters, Sexual Function, and Sex Hormones in Infertile Men: Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

Background: Infertility is one of the most common problems in the world; there is a growing demand for herbal medicines to treat infertility-related problems. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial with three groups was conducted, each with 30 participants. The first group was administered 1.5 grams of Carob daily, the second group was administered 1.5 grams of Ginseng daily, and the third group received a placebo. The treatment was administered for 12 weeks, and before and after the intervention, semen parameters, testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, and sexual function were evaluated. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) age of participants was 34.83 (6.22), 34.60 (5.78), and 33.67 (5.82) years in Carob, Ginseng, and Placebo groups, respectively. The results showed that in the Carob group, the normal volume of semen (Z 133 = 3.05, p = 0.02) and the normal shape of sperm (Z 134 = 2.97, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group. In the Ginseng group, the normal volume (Z 133 = 3.90, p = 0.001) and the normal viscosity of semen (Z 133 = 2.36, p = 0.01) increased significantly compared to the control group.The Carob group showed a significant increase in normal sperm counts and testosterone hormone levels (Z 131 = 2.81, p = 0.05). The Ginseng group demonstrated a significant improvement in orgasm function (H2 = 6.14, p = 0.04) and the total score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (H2 = 5.8, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Carob supplements are suggested to enhance some semen parameters and male sex hormones. For infertile men, Ginseng can be beneficial in improving sexual function.

The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a frequent challenge following the injection of contrast media and its subsequent oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the preventive effects of coenzyme Q10 (Q10), as a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant in CI-AKI in diabetic patients, who account for a large proportion of angiographic cases. A total of 118 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive 120 mg of oral coenzyme Q10 (Q10 group) or placebo (Placebo group) for four days, starting 24 hours before contrast media injection. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum and urinary creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary malondialdehyde (UMDA), urinary total antioxidant capacity (UTAC), and urinary mitochondrial to nuclearDNA ratios (mtDNA/nDNA ratio) were evaluated before and after the treatment period. Urine sediments were also evaluated to report the urine microscopy score (UMS).The levels of BUN, serum and urine creatinine, and UMS were similar in the Q10 and placebo groups. EGFR was lower in the Q10 group before the treatment (p=0.013) but not after. The urinary mtDNA/nDNA ratio was 3.05±1.68 and 3.69±2.58 in placebo and Q10 groups, but UTAC was found to be lower in Q10 both before (p=0.006) and after the treatment (p<0.001). The incidence of CI-AKI was 14.40% and the mtDNA/nNDA ratio was similar between CI-AKI and non-CI-AKI patients. In conclusion, Q10 treatment shows no favorable effect on prevention of CI-AKI or a urinary mtDNA/nDNA ratio among diabetic patients.

Effect of Fennel-Valerian Extract on Hot Flashes and Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of a mixture of fennel and valerian extracts on hot flashes and sleep disorders of postmenopausal women in Iran. A randomized trial was conducted. METHODS: A total of 76 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either of the two groups: fennel-valerian extract or control. One 500 mg fennel-valerian extract capsule was given twice, daily for 8 weeks. The 500 mg oral placebo capsule (starch) was given the same way. RESULTS: The mean duration of hot flashes increased in both the groups over time (P < 0.001). The mean frequency and severity of hot flashes in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group, in the first and second months after intervention (P < 0.050). Women in the fennel-valerian extract group had a significantly lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score than the control group 2 months after intervention (P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that fennel-valerian extract was effective for relieving sleep disorders as well as the severity and frequency of hot flashes compared with a placebo.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of calcium-enriched mixture cement, Iranian propolis, and propolis with herbal extracts in primary dental pulp stem cells.

Objectives: In this study, natural substances were introduced as primary dental pulp caps for use in pulp therapy, and the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of these substances were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the antimicrobial properties of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, propolis, and propolis individually combined with the extracts of several medicinal plants were investigated against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Then, the cytotoxicity of each substance or mixture against pulp stem cells extracted from 30 primary healthy teeth was evaluated at 4 concentrations. Data were gathered via observation, and optical density values were obtained using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and recorded. SPSS software version 23 was used to analyze the data. Data were evaluated using 2-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test. Results: Regarding antimicrobial properties, thyme alone and thyme + propolis had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa bacteria. For E. faecalis, thyme + propolis had the lowest MIC, followed by thyme alone. At 24 and 72 hours, thyme + propolis, CEM cement, and propolis had the greatest bioviability in the primary dental pulp stem cells, and lavender + propolis had the lowest bioviability. Conclusions: Of the studied materials, thyme + propolis showed the best results in the measures of practical performance as a dental pulp cap.

Effect of CoQ10 Supplement on Spermogram Parameters and Sexual Function of Infertile Men Referred to The Infertility Center of Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, 2019: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the antioxidant supplement of CoQ10 and placebo in the male infertility treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomized controlled trial study was designed as a clinical trial. Samples in each group consisted of 30 members. The first group received 1 daily dose of 100 mg coenzyme Q10 capsules and the second group received a placebo treatment. Treatment in both groups lasted 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention of semen analysis, hormonal measurement of testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were done. Sexual function was assessed before and after the intervention by using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction questionnare. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 34.07 (5.26) years in the CoQ10 group and 34.83 (6.22) in the placebo one. Normal volume of semen (P=0.10), viscosity (P=0.55), sperm count (P=0.28), and sperm motility (P=0.33) in the CoQ10 group increased without statistically significant differences. But the normal sperm morphology increased with statistically significant differences in the CoQ10 group (P=0.01). There was an increase in normal FSH levels and testosterone levels in the CoQ10 group compared with the placebo patients, but these differences were not statistically significant (respectively P=0.58, P=0.61). The results also revealed that the scores of erectile function (P=0.95), orgasm (P=0.86), satisfaction with sexual intercourse (P=0.61), overall satisfaction (P=0.69) and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, P=0.82) were greater after the intervention in the CoQ10 group than in the placebo group although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of CoQ10 supplement can improve sperm morphology; however, in other sperm parameters and also in some hormones increased after the intervention, this was not statistically significant and therefore the result is not conclusive (registration number: IRCT20120215009014N322).

Effect of Carob Supplement on Spermogram Parameters and Sexual Function of Infertile Men Referred to the Infertility Center, Hamadan, Iran, 2019: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study is comparison of carob with placebo in the treatment of male infertility. Materials and methods: This study was performed as a clinical trial with two-group pretest-posttest design. Each group consisted of 30 members. The first group received 1.5 grams of carob per day, and the second group received placebo treatments. Treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Semen analysis as well as testosterone, prolactin, (LH), (FSH) and (TSH) were performed before and after drug treatment in two groups. Sexual function was assessed in the groups in two stages before and after the intervention using the standard International Index of Erectile Function. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS 16. Results: The participants' mean age was 34.83 ±6.22 in the placebo and 33.67 ±5.82 years in the Carob group. The results showed in the carob group compared to the placebo group, the rate of normal sperm counts increased by 17% and also the normal level of testosterone was 40% higher than the abnormal levels of the placebo group and these differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). And in most areas of sexual function, the mean scores after the intervention were higher than before (P> 0.05). Conclusion: It is recommended to use carob supplements to improve spermogram parameters and male sex hormones.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Scrophularia Striata Attenuates Hypertrophic Scar, Suppresses Collagen Synthesis, and Stimulates MMP2 and 9 Gene Expression in Rabbit Ear Model.

Objectives: Hypertrophic scars (HSs) are caused by abnormal wound healing. To date, no standard treatment has been made available for HSs. Scrophularia striata has been reported to accelerate wound healing and has the potential to prevent HS formation. In this study, we investigated the anti-scarring effects of S. striata extract (SSE) in a rabbit ear model of scarring. Methods: In this study, New Zealand white rabbit (weight 2.3-2.5 kg) were used. In the prevention phase of the study, three test groups received 5%, 10%, and 15% ointments of SSE in the Eucerin base, the fourth group received Eucerin, and the fifth group received no treatment. The samples were obtained on day 35 after wounding. In the treatment phase of the study, the test groups received an intralesional injection of SSE (5%, 10%, and 15%), the fourth group received an intralesional injection of triamcinolone, the fifth group received a solvent (injection vehicle), and the sixth group received no treatment. To evaluate the anti-scarring effects of SSE, the scar elevation index (SEI), epidermis thickness index (ETI), collagen deposition, and MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression were evaluated. Results: A significant reduction in SEI, ETI, and collagen deposition was noted in animals treated with SSE compared with the control groups. In addition, topical SSE stimulated MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate the potential for SSE in the prevention and treatment of HS. SSE could be prepared as an appropriate formulation to treat wounds and prevent abnormal scarring.

Impact of inhalation aromatherapy with Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) on stress, anxiety and hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary angiography: a single blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary arteries angiography is used commonly for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. In spite of the low risk of coronary artery angiography method, it could lead to stress, anxiety and consequently hemodynamic changes in patients. This study aimed to assess the effects of inhalation aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on stress, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 98 patients in Besat Educational Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Before coronary angiography, patients at aromatherapy group inhaled five drops of 40% Rosa damascena for 20 min and in the control group, patients inhaled distilled water. Stress, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after the intervention using DASS-21 questionnaire and checklist. RESULTS: Data were analysed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive and inferential statistics such as paired t-test and non-parametric tests. There were significant differences in terms of stress and anxiety severity in patients at aromatherapy group (p=0.005) and control group (p=0.001). There were significant differences in terms of hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (p=0.001), mean arterial pressure (p=0.001), systolic (p=0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001) and SpO2 (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation aromatherapy with Rosa damascena can significantly decrease stress and anxiety severity and improve hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary angiography. REGISTRY NUMBER: This study has registered with the number IRCT201702019759N8 at Iranian Registry Clinical Trial.

Comparison of the Effects of Nika Vaginal Cream with Clotrimazole Cream on Vaginal Candidiasis Symptoms: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vaginal candidiasis is high in women and proper treatment is essential in this regard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 120 women who were referred to Hamadan health centers in 2019. The patients were randomly divided into Clotrimazole cream and Nika vaginal cream groups each including 60 cases. The intervention group received Nika vaginal cream once a day for a week and those in the control group were given Clotrimazole vaginal cream in the same way. The clinical symptoms were studied by clinical examinations and the culture of vaginal discharge before and 7 days after the treatment to confirm the diagnosis of Candida albicans. The results were analyzed by SPSS 21.0 using an independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and McNemar's tests, the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Most patients in both groups reported no clinical symptoms after the intervention, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups in this regard (χ2 = 2.23, p = 0.566). Conversely, a significant difference was found in Nika and Clotrimazole groups before and after the intervention regarding improving Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) symptoms χ2 = 86.01, χ2 = 99.41, respectively (p < 0.001). Finally, 84.48% and 75.86% of women in the Nika χ2 = 45.02 (p < 0.001) and Clotrimazole cream χ2 = 40.02 (p < 0.001) groups had negative culture results after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the Nika and Clotrimazole vaginal creams have the same effects concerning improving the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis and thus can be used to treat VVC.

COVID-19: docking-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics study to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inhibitors from plant-based phenolic compounds.

A novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), enters into the host cells through an interaction between its surface spike protein (S-protein) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors, leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using effective S-protein inhibitors may reduce the virulence of the virus. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of 97 phenolic compounds (phenolics) with the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein receptor-binding domain (RBD). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out to assess the stability of interactions between top-ranked compounds and S-protein RBD. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of top-ranked inhibitors were also studied. Furthermore, the essential residues involved in ligand binding, based on the degree of each amino acid in the ligand-amino acid interaction (LAI) network for S-protein, were identified. Molecular docking and MD simulations were performed utilizing the AutoDock and Discovery Studio Client version, respectively. The LAI network was analyzed using the Cytoscape software. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of top-ranked compounds were studied using bioinformatics webservers. It was estimated that nine of the studied phenolics can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein at the nanomolar scale with a considerable estimated energy of binding (∆G binding Keywords: COVID-19; drug; molecular docking; molecular dynamics; SARS-CoV-2; spike protein.

Adulteration of the Herbal Weight Loss Products by the Illegal Addition of Synthetic Antiobesity Medications: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Some anorexic agents are used to fraudulent augmentation herbal weight loss formulations. This study was designed to evaluate the potential existence of illicit substances in 63 herbal weight loss formulations collected from local apothecaries in Hamadan, Iran. METHODS: The thin-layer chromatography method was applied for the primary screening of potential illicit substances in the samples. The positive samples were analyzed using an isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: The results showed that 26.98% of the samples contained 17.76 ± 6.02 mg/cap of sibutramine. Daily therapeutic dose intake of sibutramine is in the range of 5 to 15 mg daily. CONCLUSION: Since apothecaries have advised consumers to take at least two capsules a day, it seems that the blood concentration of sibutramine will likely rise beyond the therapeutic concentration and become toxic. Therefore, the usage of such products could pose serious risks to consumers' health.

Cytotoxic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Cuscuta chinensis on PC3 and MCF7 cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVE: Chemoprevention of cancer by application of natural phytochemical compounds has been used to prevent, delay or suppress cancer progression. Cuscuta chinensis a traditional Iranian medicinal herb, has biological properties including anticancer, anti-aging, immuno-stimulatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, anti-proliferative effects of hydroalcoholic extract of C. chinensis on prostate (PC3) and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, we investigated treatment of PC3 cells with different concentrations of C. chinensis (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 µg/ml) for 24 and 48 hr; also, MCF7 cells were treated with various concentrations (0-600 µg/ml) of C. chinensis for 48 and 72 hr and cell viability was assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. mRNA expression of BCL2 Associated X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Cysteine-aspartic proteases (Caspase3) and Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Annexin V/PI staining and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay were used to detect apoptosis. RESULTS: C. chinensis decreased PC3 and MCF7 cells viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner (p<0.01 to p<0.001). The gene expression of BAX/Bcl2 ratio, Caspase3 and PTEN increased in C. chinensis-treated cells compared to the control group. C. chinensis induced apoptosis (p<0.001) and LDH activity (p<0.01 to p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that C. chinensis extract is able to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in PC3 and MCF7 cell lines. Therefore, C. chinensis extract exerts antitumor activity against cancer cells.

Rosa persica hydroalcoholic extract improves cadmium-hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative damage and tumor necrosis factor-alpha status.

Rosa persica is a member of the Rosaceae family that has a wide range of pharmacological properties. In this study, the antioxidant and therapeutic potential of this plant was investigated on cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity. Rosa persica extract (RPE) was prepared by a maceration method in hydroalcoholic solvent, and its antioxidant properties were determined. Then, 36 mice were divided to six groups and treated for 2 weeks as follows: control, Cd (3 mg/kg), RPE (50 mg/kg), and groups 4-6 received Cd (3 mg/kg) and 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg of RPE respectively. The total polyphenol, flavonoids contents, and total antioxidant capacity in RPE were measured 263.4 ± 7.2 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, 72.3 ± 2.3 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract, and 8.46 ± 0.27 µmol ferrous sulfate/g extract, respectively. The in vivo results showed that Cd elicited remarkable hepatic injury that was manifested by the significant increase in serum hepatic enzymes. In addition, Cd significantly increased the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and decreased total thiol molecules (TTM) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in hepatic tissue. However, RPE decreased serum hepatic enzyme levels and improved oxidative hepatic damage by lowering the LPO and TNF-α levels and raising TAC and TTM in in Cd-treated groups. Although the RPE increased the metallothionein (MT) protein content, there was no change in MT gene expression. The present study showed that the RPE due to having antioxidant properties might partially prevent hepatic oxidative damage by the improvement of oxidant/antioxidant balance in animals exposed to Cd.

Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to determine the effect of topical almond oil for prevention of pressure injuries. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized clinical trial. SAMPLE AND SETTING: Patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, were invited to participate in the trial. Data were collected over an 8-month period. METHODS: A convenience sample of 108 patients, using a permuted block randomization method was assigned to 3 equal groups that received the intervention almond oil, placebo (liquid paraffin), or control (standard of care). Data included demographic information, Braden Scale score, and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel-European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP-EPUAP) pressure injury staging system classification score. The intervention and placebo groups received daily application of 6.5 cc of topical almond oil or paraffin to the sacrum, heels, and shoulders for 7 consecutive days. The skin was evaluated for pressure injuries by an expert nurse who was blinded to groups. Chi-square test, analysis of variance, and regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships within and between groups for study variables, incidence of pressure injuries, and duration of time of onset of pressure injuries. P values less than .05 were deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: The incidence of pressure injury in the almond oil group (n = 2; 5.6%) was lower than that in the placebo (n = 5; 13.9%, P = .189) or control groups (n = 9; 25.1%, P = .024). The incidence of pressure injuries in the control group was 6.8 and 2.12 (P = .227) times higher than that in the almond and placebo groups, respectively. The onset day of a pressure injury occurred 5.4 days after initiation of the protocol in the almond oil group compared to 4.22 days in the control group (P = .023) and 5 days in the placebo group (P = .196). CONCLUSION: The topical application of almond oil was associated with a lower incidence of pressure injuries and that developed later during the study compared to participants who received paraffin or standard of care only. Further study is recommended to advance this work in populations at risk for pressure injury.

Detection of adeABC efllux pump encoding genes and antimicrobial effect of Mentha longifolia and Menthol on MICs of imipenem and ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infections especially in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Accordingly, the aim of our study was to detection of adeABC efllux pump encoding genes and antimicrobial effect of the essential oil of Mentha longifolia and Menthol on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of imipenem and ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of A. baumannii. METHODS: A total of 75 clinical isolates of A. baumannii were collected. The presence of efflux pump genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oil of Mentha longifolia and Menthol and their combined effect with antibiotics were measured by microbroth dilution method and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. RESULTS: The frequency of adeA, adeB, and adeC genes in clinical isolates of A. baumannii were 86.7, 90.7, and 92%, respectively. When the essential oil of Mentha longifolia was combined with ciprofloxacin and imipenem, MICs decreased 4- and 8-fold, respectively. In the combination of menthol with imipenem, the resistance to imipenem was reduced from 0- to 16-fold in 90% (63/70) of the isolates. CONCLUSION: The presence of efflux pump genes in more than 90% of A. baumannii isolates indicates its potential role in inducing imipenem- and ciprofloxacin-resistance in this bacterium. Menthol has an antimicrobial effect as an active ingredient in Mentha longifolia. In the future, the combination of medicinal plants with antibiotics can be used as a complement in treating diseases caused by drug-resistant bacteria such as A. baumannii infections.

Molecular docking study of flavonoid compounds for possible matrix metalloproteinase-13 inhibition.

OBJECTIVES: Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) has been reported to be involved in different biological processes such as degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, activating or degrading some significant regulatory proteins, wound healing, tissue remodeling, cartilage degradation, bone development, bone mineralization, ossification, cell migration, and tumor cell invasion. Further, MMP-13 participates in many oral diseases such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and degradation of enamel and tissue around the implant. In addition, inhibition of MMP-13 has shown therapeutic properties for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We performed molecular docking to assess the binding affinity of 29 flavonoid compounds with the MMP-13. Additionally, pharmacokinetic and toxicity characteristics of the top-ranked flavonoids were studied. The current study also intended to identify the most important amino acids involved in the inhibition of MMP-13 based on topological feature (degree) in the ligand-amino acid network for MMP-13. METHODS: Molecular docking and network analysis were studied using AutoDock and Cytoscape software, respectively. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity characteristics of compounds were predicted using bioinformatics web tools. RESULTS: The results revealed that nine of the studied flavonoids had considerable estimated free energy of binding and inhibition constant: Rutin, nicotiflorin, orientin, vitexin, apigenin-7-glucoside, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin-3-rhamnoside, and vicenin-2. Proline-242 was found to be the most important amino acid inhibiting the enzyme. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study may be helpful in the prevention and therapeutic procedures of many disorders such as cancer, tooth caries, and AD. Nevertheless, validation tests are required in the future.

Effect of Crataegus extract supplementation on diabetes induced memory deficits and serum biochemical parameters in male rats.

This study was undertaken to investigate the Crataegus extract (CE) eff ;ects on diabetes-induced memory deficit in passive avoidance learning (PAL), blood glucose, and lipid profile panel. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control (CTRL); Diabetic (DM); and Diabetic animals treated with three doses of CE (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) (DM + CE). Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg, ip) were orally administrated with CE once a day for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, PAL task was used to evaluate the passive avoidance learning and memory. At the end of experiment, the level of plasma glucose, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined. Our results showed that the step-through latency (STLr) in diabetic animals was less than the control group (P = 0.0009). Crataegus (300 mg) increased STLr in diabetic animals (P = 0.0418). Diabetic animals spent more time in the dark compartment (TDC) (P = 0.0009). Crataegus (300 and 1000 mg) decreased TDC in diabetic animals (P = 0.0175). Crataegus (100 and 300 mg) decreased blood glucose in diabetic animals (P < 0.001). TG and Cholesterol concentration increased in diabetic animals in comparison with control (P < 0.05). CE (100 and 300 mg) reduced the cholesterol concentration in diabetic animals (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the case of LDL among the experimental groups (P > 0.05). CE (1000 mg) increased HDL in diabetic animals (P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrated that CE had the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects and lead to memory improvement in STZ-induced diabetes.

Kiwifruit effect on adipose tissue cell size and cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene expression in high-fat diet fed Golden Syrian hamsters.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of kiwifruit on the histology and cell size of adipose tissue in hyperlipidemic models have not yet been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of kiwifruit on the adipose tissue cell size and activity as well as the gene expression of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) in high-fat diet (HFD) fed hamsters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male Syrian hamsters were divided into six groups. Control normal (CN) hamsters received normal diet, control HFD (CHF) were fed with a HFD plus a normal diet (15% butter fat + 0.05% cholesterol + a normal diet). Two groups were fed with normal diet including kiwifruit (1.86; Nd.1 or 3.73 g/kg; Nd.2) and two groups were fed with HFD including kiwifruit (1.86;HFd.1or 3.73 g/kg; HFd.2), for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Histological examination of adipose tissue showed that the cell size was significantly reduced in the kiwifruit-treated groups (low and high dose) in comparison to their control groups (p<0.05). Kiwifruit supplementation (low and high dose) in normal and HFD groups significantly increased gene expression of CETP in adipose tissue. Kiwifruit had no significant effect on serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride. Although, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased in HFD-fed hamsters supplemented with 3.73 g/kg of kiwifruit (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Kiwifruit consumption reduces the size of adipocytes and increases the expression of CETP gene in adipose tissue cells. Despite the increases in CETP expression in adipose tissue, its activity in serum was not changed following kiwifruit supplementation.

Clinical, in vitro and phytochemical, studies of Scrophularia striata mouthwash on chronic periodontitis disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory process of the oral cavity that is caused by different reasons. Streptococcus mutans bacteria is the main cause of the disease. Scrophularia striata in Iranian traditional medicine is used to heal inflammation of gum and mouth. Also, In vitro anti-bacterial effect of S. striata in S. mutans have been demonstrated. AIM OF THE STUDY: Clinical, in vitro and chemical constituent studies of S. striata on chronic periodontitis disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed in Dental College, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Fifty patients with chronic periodontitis (20-50 years old) were selected and the study was approved and registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials as number IRCT2015081323468N1 prior to the experiment. The 50 patients were divided into two groups. One group used herbal mouthwash that was made from hydro alcoholic extract of S. striata and another group used Irsha mouthwash (Iranian form of Listerine mouthwash). Patients were followed up after two weeks and four weeks of using mouthwash for assessment of plaque index (PI), pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and counting Streptococcus mutans. The mouthwash was standardized according to gallic acid, quercetin and apigenin reference using the RP-HPLC method. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were also determined spectrophotometerically. RESULTS: S. striata in the short term, improve plaque index, pocket depth and bleeding on probing but the number of Streptococcus mutans changed significantly in the long term and is more potent in comparison to Irsha mouthwash. The mouthwash was standardized according to gallic acid, quercetin and apigenin standard (3, 24, 11 µg, respectively). The total phenolic and flavonoid content of mouthwash were 120.7 µg GAE/100 cc and 78.6 µg QE/100 cc respectively. CONCLUSIONS: S. striata mouthwash is effective in the treatment of chronic periodontitis disease and is more potent comparing the Iranian Irsha mouthwash.

Topical Effects of Artemisia Absinthium Ointment and Liniment in Comparison with Piroxicam Gel in Patients with Knee Joint Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain alleviation and improvement of functional status are the main objectives in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Artemisia absinthium (AA) was used traditionally in reducing pain and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of topical formulations of AA and piroxicam gel (PG) among patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In total, 90 outpatients aged 30-70 years with the diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis in at least one knee were enrolled in a randomized double-blind clinical trial. The patients referred to the Rheumatology Clinic at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan province during 2012-2013. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups, 30 patients per group, and respectively received AA ointment (AAO) 3%, AA liniment (AAL) 3%, and PG; three times daily (TID) for 4 weeks. The patients were visited at baseline, week 4, and week 6. The effectiveness criteria were pain severity which was assessed with a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) for total pain score (WTPS), total physical function score (WTPFS), and total stiffness score (WTSS). Repeated measure ANOVA, paired t test and post hoc were used to compare variables. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). RESULTS: All groups had similar patient demographics. The administration of PG significantly improved all tested criteria with no recurrence after discontinuing the treatment protocol. AAO alleviated all tested factors except for WTSS. Alleviation was comparable to PG. AAL only reduced pain factors (VAS, WTPS) in week 4 with recurrence in week 6. CONCLUSION: Administration of Artemisia ointment may have beneficial effects in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Trial Registration Number: IRCT201202123109N3.