مریم مجاهدتقی

There are limited studies on the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects of the fig fruit latex. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of fig fruit latex on several cancer cell lines as well as its effect on lymphocytes proliferation and cytokines secretion.

After preparing a methanolic extract from fig latex, its effect on various cancer cell lines including Fen (bladder cancer), K562 (myeloid leukemia), Hela (cervix carcinoma), Jurkat (lymphoid leukemia) and Raji (lymphoma) was examined by MTT colorimetric assay. For evaluating the effects of extract on lymphocyte proliferation and viability, BrdU assay and flow cytometry staining were used. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA assay.

The extract showed the strongest activity against K562 cell line (IC50, 234 µg/ml) and the least activity against Hela cells (IC50 >1000 µg/ml). On evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of fig by BrdU assay, a reduction in lymphocytes proliferation by increasing the concentration of the extract was observed; proliferation index from 1.2±0.06 at 0.1 µg/ml of the extract reached to 0.13±0.2 at 800 µg/ml. In flow cytometry analysis, a significant cytotoxic effect at concentrations ≥400 µg/ml was observed. The extract at 100 and 200µg/ml had the ability to reduce secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 cytokines.

Fig latex extract showed cytotoxicity on different cells particularly K562 leukemia cells which implied its anticancer activity. This extract at lower concentrations reduced lymphocytes proliferation and cytokine production which showed its immunoinhibitory effects and suggested its possible beneficial in treatment of immune-mediated diseases.

Application of plants and their compounds has long been significant in treating diseases mainly due to their natural potential and lower side effects than chemical drugs and presence of alkaloids, and polyphenols in their extract. Despite research carried out on the properties of such plants and popularity of blood diseases, few studies have been done on its effects on blood cells, thus, it was attempted for the first time to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of the Pseudium guava leaf on blood cells in rats.

After extracting the leaves of guava plant, 40 adult male rats were divided into four groups. Which included control (cases with no treatment during the study) and experimental groups (cases receivied of hydroalcoholic extract of Psidium guava leaf, in different doses daily for 3 months). At the end of the test period, blood samples were counted.

The results of this study showed that the hydroalcoholic extract increased White Blood Cells and Red Blood Cells, but no significant change was observed. This increase in hematocrit was significant in the group receiving hydroalcoholic extract at a dose of 5000 mg/kg compared to the control group.

The results of the study had a positive effect on blood cells. Also, the lack of cytotoxicity with high doses of the extract of this plant means its safe use in traditional medicine.

Osteoarthritis (OA) recognized, as degenerative arthritis. Synthetic drugs available to treat the OA have, the dangerous side effects and low efficacy. Therefore, using of herbal medicines is an important component of alternative and complementary medicine, Mesenchymal stem cells have a special site in the treatment of diseases. drugs.Psidium guajava Leaves used as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory antinociceptive and analgesic. The goals of scientific research of this study were to the evaluate the regeneration articular cartilage effect of injection of the hydroalcoholic extract of leave of Psidium Guajava with Stem Cell into the knee joints of rats.
Firstly, ninety male rats were choosen, and collagenase type II was prepared for an intra-articular knee injection, for them to induce OA in the animal models. Then, they were divided into nine treatment groups. (N = 10): (a) Sham, (b) Control, (c) injection of hyaluronic Acid intra-articular, (d) Injections of Stem Cell intra-articular, (e) Injections of PRP, (f): Injections of the extract Psidium guajava leaves (g) Injections of the extract Psidium guajava leave with PRP, (h) Injections of the extract Psidium guajava leaves with Stem Cell (i) Injections of the extract Psidium guajava leaves with Stem Cell and PRP. After 5 months, the results were assessments by a Radiologist and Histopathologist.
Radiological and histopathological findings were in which the improvement of the articular cartilage was better in the leaves with Stem Cell and PRP compared with the control group(P It seems that Psidium guajava leaves can be suggested as an effective complementary and alternative treatment for OA of the knee. Because it has a lot of polyphenol compounds.