Minocycline alleviated scopolamine-induced amnesia by regulating antioxidant and cholinergic function.

Background and aim: Minocycline, a tetracycline derivative, has been found to exert neuroprotective properties. The current project aimed to assess the antioxidant status and cholinergic function in the amnesia induced by scopolamine. Methods: We evaluated the passive avoidance performance, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme activity, and the oxidative stress indicators in the following groups: Normal control, scopolamine, and the treatment groups (the animals were given minocycline (10-30 mg/kg)). Results: Scopolamine (intraperitoneal) injection was associated with impairment of passive avoidance performance and neurotoxicity. Minocycline pronouncedly ameliorated scopolamine injury as presented by the increased latency time to darkness and stay time in lightness along with the decreased darkness entry. Moreover, minocycline decreased lipid peroxidation, while it elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase, AChE enzymes, and thiol groups in both the cortex and hippocampus. Conclusion: Our data suggested that minocycline modulated the antioxidant status and AChE in the brains, which may contribute to its protective effects against scopolamine-induced amnesia.

Evaluation of sedative effects of an intranasal dosage form containing saffron, lettuce seeds and sweet violet in primary chronic insomnia: A randomized, double-dummy, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) has been established as a valuable source of medicinal plants for the treatment of insomnia for thousands of years. Accordingly, oil extracts from plants' parts have been widely used to alleviate central nervous system (CNS) ailments including sleep disorders. A number of preparations have been recommended by TPM for the treatment of insomnia. Among them, an intranasal formulation containing oily macerates of Viola odorata L., Crocus sativus L. and Lactuca sativa L. stands out. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the present double-dummy, double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of violet oil, saffron oil, and lettuce seeds oil nasal drop compared with the placebo (sesame oil). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with primary chronic insomnia were randomly assigned in TPM-treatment or placebo groups, received either two drops of the herbal oil or placebo into each nostril every noon and evening for 8 weeks. Before the study commencement and after 1, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires were completed by all patients. The primary outcome measure was considered as any changes in ISI scores between the first visit and after 8 weeks. Changes in PSQI scores during the study and possible side effects were also assessed. The multicompound herbal oil was standardized using HPLC analysis and contained 0.02 mg/mL crocin and 4 µg/mL isoquercitrin. RESULTS: Our study revealed a significant reduction in the ISI and PSQI scores from baseline by the study endpoint (P ≤ 0.01). The mean ISI scores in week 8 decreased significantly for the intervention group (P = 0.001) and also the placebo group (P < 0.01) when compared with baseline. Moreover, the use of hypnotic drugs in the intervention group was significantly reduced (P < 0.001), while in the control group was maintained at baseline level. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that intranasal use of the multi-herbal preparation can be used to improve chronic insomnia and to reduce the dose of conventional hypnotic medications in insomniac patients.

Rhinitis as the Presenting Symptom of Pineal Region Epidermoid Tumor: A Case Report.

Brain tumors are the rarest cause of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is also a relatively rare condition. It may be misdiagnosed as allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis and lead to unsuitable treatment. We described a 34-year-old man who came to our allergy clinic with a chief complaint of clear rhinorrhea from his left nostril with more than four years of duration. Onlyhypertrophy of left inferior concha was found in the clinical examination. His rhinorrhea aggravated when bending forward. So we were suspicious of CSF rhinorrhea. MRI was done for him and demonstrated a large tumor in the pineal region. The patient underwent surgery with resection of the mass via an infratentorial-supracerebellar approach. This case showed the role of maintaining differential diagnosis for a common complaint; rhinitis which is seen as usual.