Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products
Volume:10 Issue: 4, Nov 2015

Context: Preventive care is a basic rule in current medical practice and traditional Persian medicine (TPM) scholars have introduced a large amount of publications in this valued field. According to TPM principles, healthy stomach has a significant role in providing a fit body and herbal medicines are capable of helping stomach perform this role.Evidence Acquisition: A wide-ranging search in main TPM books and web engines was performed to compare preventive care in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases through a librarian review study. There is a close interaction between GI system and other body systems; any ailment in a system could result in dysfunction of stomach and vice versa. There are various herbal medicines that help achieving a healthy stomach following a seven-part preventive rule and in this article, we briefly reviewed some of them such as amla, clove, lemon, black mustard, saffron, ginger, aloe, and mastic. Following a simple seven-part rule of healthy stomach will result in balanced GI function and a healthy body. Properly consumption of recommended TPM herbal medicines could reinforce the stomach and a healthy GI system through preventive mechanisms.

Scorzonera Paradoxa (Asteraceae family) is an herbaceous plant traditionally used as a vegetable in the east of Iran. The amount of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins in five different extracts and composition of fatty acids in the root and leaves of Scorzonera Paradoxa (S. Paradoxa) were investigated. Besides, antioxidant activity of tissues was determined. Fatty acid compositions were extracted with n-hexane and analyzed by gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Total phenolic compounds, tannin and flavonoids content in the extracts were measured spectrophotometrically and free radical scavenging activity was evaluated by 2, 2-dipheny l-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The amount of total phenolic compounds was higher in leaves than roots. Besides, root extract showed lower DPPH scavenging activity compared with leaves. In addition, leaves were found to be rich in oleic and arachidonic acids, while roots were rich in linoleic and stearic acids. Further investigations are needed about favorable composition of unsaturated fatty acids and flavonoid content of leaves of S. Paradoxa. In addition, due to high phenolic content of the leaves, S. Paradoxa is a promising source of natural antioxidants and may play good antidiabetic activity.

Recurrent Herpes labialis (RHL), as a common herpes infection in healthy persons, is treated symptomatically. Melissa officinalis has antiviral effects may affect RHL. The current double-blind randomized study aimed to compare the clinical effect of Melissa gel and 5% acyclovir cream to treat RHL. The current study was conducted on 60 healthy students of the faculty of dentistry and dormitory residents who had experienced RHL. Participants were randomly divided into group A (treated by Melissa gel) and group B (treated by 5% acyclovir cream). The subjects used the topical drugs for seven days; they were examined on the first, second, fourth and seventh days. Clinical parameters (size of lesion, pain severity, presence of erythema and healing time) were evaluated in each visit and their changes were recorded. There were no significant differences between the two groups considering the changes in the size of lesions, healing time and erythema around the lesion (except on the fourth day). Pain severity alterations among the two groups showed significant differences on the second and forth days. Although Melissa gel effectively reduced pain severity on the second and forth days, it was not effective to treat RHL.

Adiantum capillus-veneris (Adiantaceae) is the only species of Adiantum genus growing in Iran. As a well-known plant in Iranian Traditional Medicine, to our knowledge, there has not been any report on essential oil constituents of this species as well as antioxidant activity evaluation of any plant belonging to Adiantum genus. This study aimed to determine phytoconstituents of A. capillus-veneris volatile oil and its antioxidant activity. Essential oil obtained from arial parts of Adiantum capillus-veneris was analyzed by GC-Mass and its antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH assay. Analyses of yellow colored essential oil yielded 88.22% of total oil with 67 components. Among identified phytochemicals, carvone was the main component (31.58%). Moreover, percentage of carvacrol (13.75%), Hexadecanoic acid (5.88%), Thymol (4.05%), Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (3.16%) and n-nonanal (2.99%) were more than other identified constituents. RC50 of this volatile oil was 0.039 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity of this essential oil could be somehow attributed to high contents of carvone, carvacrol and thymol. The volatile oil of this plant could have the potential of other biological activities, so further experimental investigations are recommended on this essential oil.

Nowadays more than half of the populations in the world are suffering from dandruff. Malassezia fungus is an important factor in causing dandruff as it may stimulate cytokine production by keratinocytes (epidermal cells that synthesize keratin) and inflammatory pathways. As dandruff is a hurting issue for people, a lot of efforts are being done for treatment. Many reports based on medicinal plants, seem to be more effective in curing mentioned concern. The aim of this research was to investigate a clinical trial for dandruff therapy by Zinc L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (Zinc-PCA) and pirocton olamine in combination with six medicinal plant extracts.Patients and In this study, the combination of Punica granatum L, Rosmarinus officinalis L, Matricaria chamomilla L, Urtica dioica L, Mentha piperita L., and Salvia officinalis L. methanolic extracts with Pirocton Olamine and Zinc-PCA in the shampoo form were tested on 30 patients with dandruff on hair within a period of two months. Chronic dandruff of 15 patients were highly removed in the second week, 12 other patients suffering from dandruff were seen with dandruff removal after 28 days, while remaining sufferers expressed satisfaction at the end of the fifth week. Based on the results, medicinal plant extracts have marvelous effects on dandruff removal with fewer side effects, though it takes long time to treat the mentioned concern. The results show that applying the combination of medicinal plant extracts and natural ingredients with chemical compounds in pharmaceutical industry can optimize treatment.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a significant source of bioactive compounds. However, its toxicity is not intensively studied. The current study investigated the safety and tolerability of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) in BALB/c mice. A total of 25 female BALB/c mice were randomly grouped. Each experimental group consisted of five animals. Repeated doses including 0.5, 1.9 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight of PPE were gavaged to BALB/c mice, for 22 days and the single intra-dermal injection (224 mg/kg) was done in one dose. The control group administrated with distilled water was also included. In addition, intra dermal injection for skin allergy testing was also performed. Blood was collected to evaluate glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as indicators of liver toxicity. Macroscopic and histopathological evaluation of tongue, trachea, and larynx tissues were also performed on 22 days post administration. Toxicological potential of PPE studies revealed no toxic effects, clinical signs, histopathological effect in epithelial cells layer of tongue, larynx and trachea, behavioral alterations and adverse effects or mortality in BALB/c mice. Repeated administrations did not alter or cause local irritation of the oral mucosa. Skin allergy test was negative in the last group. The current study showed that PPE had no toxicity and its use is suggested with potential applications against diseases.

Coral, a marine organism, is known for its unique solid, natural, and efficient catalyst in organic reactions. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the main component of marine coral, is an efficient, basic, and natural solid for catalytic aldol condensation reaction of aldehydes and ketones having α-hydrogens to produce β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds with good yields at room temperature. The purpose of this research was to study using calcined coral as an efficient catalyst for aldol reaction at room temperature. Marine coral (Acropora sp.) was washed several times using methanol-ethyl acetate and deionized water and then dried in an oven at 80°C for 48 hours. The dried coral was ground to get fine powder. For preparation of calcined coral, its powder was put in an oven at 800°C for 2 hours. Calcined coral and sodium nitrate (1:1) were well stirred in sufficient water for about 5 hours. Then, the mixture was calcined in an oven at 800°C for 2 hours. In general experiment, the reaction was carried out by mixing aldehyde (150 mmol), ketone (50 mmol), 0.1 g of calcined coral/sodium nitrate, 5 mL water-ethanol (1:1) as a solvent. Finally, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for the appropriate time. The best conditions for condensation reaction are using the calcined coral/sodium nitrate, as a catalyst in the presence of ethanol/water at room temperature. Aldol condensation reaction of nitro-substituted benzaldehydes with ketones has greater yields than benzaldehydes. Electron-withdrawing groups such as NO2 on benzaldehyde ring activate aldol condensation reaction. In comparison, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde reacts more slowly with ketones and decreases the yield of products. Calcined coral/sodium nitrate as a new, efficient, and natural heterogeneous catalyst used in aldol condensation reaction of ketones and aldehydes led to β-hydroxyketones in good to high yields in appropriate condition.

Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive genetic blood disorder caused by a replacement of an amino acid in the hemoglobin structure, followed by disturbance in its electrical charge. In this disorder, the solubility of hemoglobin is reduced, in hypoxic condition, and formation of crystals occurs, leading to sickling the shape of red blood cells (RBC). The Cassia Fistula (C. fistula) (Flous Plant), as a flowering plant in the fabaceae family, is used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of sickle cell anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of aqueous extract of C. fistula (the ripped fruit) on red cells in sickle cell anemia. The aqueous extract of C. fistula fruit was obtained by vacuum distillation method, using different dilutions of 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200. The RBC from individuals presenting the hemoglobin S (HbS) trait were washed and treated with different dilutions. After 24 hours incubation, they were evaluated by sickling test (sodium metabisulfite test). The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for data analysis. Sickle cells were observed among 20% of subjects with the dilution of 1:50 and 70% of subjects with the dilution of 1:100. Mean percentage of sickle red cells with dilutions of 1:50, 1:100 and 1:200 were 3.75%, 25.75% and 43.0%, respectively. It is suggested that C. fistula may protect RBC against sickling, in hypoxic conditions, in individuals with HbS gene defect.

Mean inactivation dose is a useful radiobiological parameter for the comparison of human cell survival curves. Given the importance and accuracy of these parameters, in the present study, the radio sensitivity enhancement of colon cancer (HT-29) cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were studied using the mean inactivation dose (MID). Naked-GNPs with 50 nm diameters were incubated with HT-29 cells. The cytotoxicity and uptake of these particles on HT-29 cells were assessed. After determining the optimum GNPs concentration, the cells were incubated with gold nanoparticle for 24 hours. The change in the MID value as well as the radio sensitization enhancement under irradiation with 9 MV X-ray beams in the presence of GNPs were evaluated by multiple (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium)MTS assay. Cell survival in the presence of GNPs was more than 90% and the maximum uptake of GNPs was observed at 60 µM of gold nanoparticles. In contrast, in the presence of GNPs combined with radiation, cell survival and MID value significantly decreased, so that the radio sensitization enhancement was 1.4. Due to the significant reduction in the mean inactivation dose of colon cancer cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles, it seems that GNPs are suitable options to achieve a new approach in order to improve radiotherapy efficiency without increasing the prescribed radiation dose.

Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products. 10(4): e25470, DOI: 10.17795/jjnpp-25470 Article Type: Research Article; Received: Nov 22, 2014; Revised: Feb 18, 2015; Accepted: Mar 3, 2015; epub: Nov 16, 2015; collection: Nov 2015 Abstract QT prolongation is a problem that increases the ventricular arrhythmias in the cirrhotic patients. Sour cherry seed extract has been reported to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to find the effect of Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) kernel seed extract on QT interval of heart and its histopathological parameters in rats with biliary cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats (200 - 250 g) were divided into 4 groups; negative control, cirrhotic, and 2 cirrhotic groups treated with sour cherry kernel extract in doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg orally for 4 weeks. In all groups before BDL and 4 weeks after surgery animals were anesthetized and their electrocardiograms were recorded. After the required period of BDL, liver was isolated and immersed in 10% formalin solution and stained by hematoxylin and eosin for histological studies. Results were analyzed by using Student t-test and one-way ANOVA. P < 0.05 was considered as significant level. The QT interval was calculated using the Bazettʼs formula and corrected QT (QTc) was obtained. Four weeks after BDL, the QTc and amount of total and direct bilirubin in cirrhotic group were found as 213.6 ± 6.8 ms, 10.5 ± 1.02 mg/dL, and 7.9 ± 0.7 mg/dL, respectively. These values significantly increased compared to the negative control group (119.9 ± 6.2 ms, 0.11 ± 0.00102 mg/dL, and 0.1 ± 0.0002 mg/dL) (P < 0.001). Histopathological parameters were reduced in cirrhotic groups treated with extract compared to control cirrhotic group. These results revealed that cirrhosis produce prolonged QT interval and sour cherry extract has an ameliorating effect on QT prolongation probably via its antiarrhythmic property.

Activation of polyol pathway, due to increased aldose reductase (ALR2) activity, is one of the several mechanisms that have been involved in the development of secondary complications of diabetes. Therefore, ALR2 inhibition has been recognized as a potential therapeutic goal in the prevention and treatment of various secondary complications of diabetes, such as cataract. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of hydro alcoholic Capparis spinosa extract (CSE) on ALR2 and sorbitol accumulation in red blood cells (RBCs). The hydroalcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa (C. spinosa) was prepared and its inhibitory effects were evaluated by using the partial purified bovine lens ALR2 and its specificity was checked by comparing with its inhibitory effect on aldehyde reductase (ALR1), the other member of aldo-keto reductases family. Because RBC sorbitol accumulation is strongly correlated with the blood glucose level, the effect of CSE on sorbitol accumulation in human RBCs, preincubated with high serum glucose concentration, was determined. The CSE inhibited ALR2 activity, with an IC50 of 0.54 mg/mL and it was seven and a half times greater than that of ALR1 inhibition, indicating the specificity of CSE for ALR2, rather than ALR1. Also, CSE, at a concentration of 0.54 mg/mL, could reduce sorbitol accumulation in erythrocytes, by 46.8%. These results demonstrated that CSE, mainly through inhibition of ALR2, could prevent or delay the diabetic complications, like cataract formation, as a result of sorbitol accumulation.