javad asili

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip), belonging to the family Asteraceae, is a valuable medicinal plant containing effective anti-cancer compounds. The current study was conducted to investigate the diversity of feverfew ecotypes. Ecotypes were collected from different geographical areas of Iran in 2016 and 2017. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications. The analysis of variance showed significant phenotypic differences among the studied ecotypes. The plant height ranged from 55.75 to 124.50 cm and shoot and capitule diameters varied from 3.81 to 8.18 and 7.51 to 15.42 mm, respectively. The aerial biomass weight ranged from 36.62 to 136.40 g, root weight ranged from 9.81 to 36.65 g, and total biomass ranged from 46.44 to 173.05 g. In addition, flower weight varied from 3.46 to 6.21 g, while flower yield ranged from 1.48 to 13.90 g per plant. The obtained results regarding the phenotypic correlation demonstrated that plant height had the highest positive correlation with functional traits. Furthermore, the aerial biomass weight was positively correlated with flower weight, flower number, and flower yield, suggesting that vegetative growth had a positive correlation with reproductive growth. In general, tall plants produced more flowers. We also found some correlations between the geographical distances of ecotypes and phenotypic diversity. The dendrogram obtained based on the measured traits revealed that the classification of ecotypes in close groups can show their kinship and genetic relationships between them.

Hair loss and hirsutism have been major complaints due to increased concentrations of dihydrotestosterone. The plant Platycladus orientalis, with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor properties, has been used to treat these disorders. Its formulation with lipophilic carriers in SLN possesses high loading capacity and greater permeability to hair follicles. The present study aimed to determine the content of active ingredients in the extract of P. orientalis L. and to prepare and characterize the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of Platycladus orientalis L. extract as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The total methanolic extract was obtained following the maceration technique. This preparation was analyzed by HPLC using Quercetin and Cedrol as standard components. SLNs were prepared by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound. Four Glucire-GMS-Compritol-Precirol lipids and three poloxamer-tween80-Labrasol surfactants were further used in the formulations. Particle size, zeta potential, nanoparticle morphology, encapsulation percentage, crystal structure, physical stability, size, and zeta potential were studied 0, 3, and 6 months after preparation. Within 1-7 days after preparation, formulations containing GMS and compritol lipids became solid and jelly. Meanwhile, the formulations with Precirol as the lipid and Poloxamer as the surfactant with 0.3% extract exhibited desirable properties such as average particle size (192 nm), the encapsulation of the extract inside the nanoparticles was almost 71%, and good zeta potential. This formulation containing precirol as a lipid, poloxamer as a surfactant, and 0.3% plant extract exhibited greater 5-alpha reductase inhibitor activity, and it can be recommended to treat hair loss and hirsutism.

Ganoderic acid (GA) is a type of triterpenoids produced by various species of Ganoderma. This secondary metabolite has attracted much attention in recent years due to its extraordinary medicinal functions and although Ganoderma Lucidium is famous for having this compound, other species are also considered as alternatives. One of the most important species of Ganoderma is Ganoderma adspersum, which is found as a parasite or saprophyte on living trees or sometimes on tree stumps, and its basidiocarp is very similar to G. applanatum and is often confused. Various medicinal properties such as reducing blood pressure and blood sugar, strengthening the immune system, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have been mentioned for this species, and it is one of the main sources of gonodriic acid production. In the present research, while molecular identification of the fungus and ensuring the species, ultrasound waves were used as an elicitor with the aim of increasing total ganoderic acid in in vitro conditions, and the results were examined in both intracellular and extracellular conditions. Mushrooms were sampled in three sizes, small, medium and large, and after purification, they were morphologically and molecularly identified. The samples were cultured in PDA medium and after 14 days in suspension culture medium (PDB), exposed to ultrasound stimulation with variable number (1 to 3 times of sound), time (60, 180 and 300 seconds) and sound temperature ( 30, 40 and 50 °C). Then, extracts were extracted from mycelium and mushroom culture medium in the suspension culture, and intracellular and extracellular gonadoric acid was measured. In order to do the work, RSM response surface method and Benken's box design were used and 17 experiments were designed by Design expert 7 software, and the optimal value of the variables for the maximum production of ganoderic acid was determined with the help of the software. According to morphological and molecular identification, the selected species of Ganoderma is called adspersum. The presence of ganoderic acid in this mushroom was proved. It was found that among the three sizes of mushrooms selected, the larger size (21 x 16 cm) had more ganoderic acid than the other two sizes, and this size was used for sampling and elicitor induction. The highest amount of total ganoderic acid was related to sonication twice for 282 seconds and temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (79.21 mg/g), which increased the amount of total ganoderic acid by 1.6 times compared to the control, while this amount It was 25.48 mg/g in natural mushroom. Cultivation in an invitro environment instead of harvesting from the forest can be used as a sustainable method for extracting plant secondary metabolites. Ganoderic acid is one of the most important anti-inflammatory and antiviral metabolites found in Ganoderma mushroom species. Considering the need for extensive harvesting from the forest and the impossibility of continuous access to the forest, it is necessary to replace the new methods of growing mushrooms in laboratory conditions instead of collecting them from the forest. In the same direction and with the aim of increasing the amount of ganodriic acid, the present research was conducted for the first time on Ganoderma adspersum. This fungus is reported for the first time on Carpinus betulus. Considering the increase of more than 1.5 times of total ganoderic acid after ultrasound treatment compared to the natural mushroom sample, it is suggested to carry out additional research for more detailed identification and type of ganoderic acid.

Rosa × damascena Herrm. belonging to the Rosaceae family has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects previously. Excessive production of free radicals and activation of tyrosinase enzyme caused by UV induces excessive concentration of melanin pigment and skin spots in the long term. Therefore, finding natural sources with anti-oxidant and antityrosinase effects helps to regulate the melanogenesis process.  In the current research, we investigated the antimelanogenic, anti-oxidant, and anti-tyrosinase effects of its essential oil, methanol extract (MeOH), and different fractions including n-hexane, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), n-butanol (BuOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and H2O of R. × damascena in B16F10 cell line. For this purpose, impacts of extracts and essential oil of R. × damascena were investigated on cell viability, cellular tyrosinase, melanin content, mushroom tyrosinase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the amount of tyrosinase protein in the B16F10 murine melanoma cell line. Essential oil, MeOH, and different fractions of R. × damascena were not cytotoxic on B16F10 cells. However, they had significant reducing effects on mushroom tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and ROS production. Also, there is a significant decrease in tyrosinase protein levels at 200 µg/ml but not at other concentrations.  Therefore, the essential oil, MeOH, and different fractions of R. × damascena had promising antimelanogenic activity via repression of mushroom tyrosinase activity and ROS production.

Endophytic fungi are often producing host plant metabolites. Tanshinones are secondary metabolites of the Salvia genus which are also produced by some endophytic fungi. Efficient secondary metabolite production in endophytic fungi drops significantly after sequential subcultures. 5-azacytidine (5-AC) is an analog of the naturally occurring pyrimidine nucleoside cytidine and a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. In this relation, 5-AC is an effective tool to induce the expression of silenced secondary metabolite genes in fungi. We isolated 4 endophytic fungi from the roots of Salvia abrotanoides which produced tanshinone. Cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA were produced by Penicillium canescens, Penicillium nodositatum, and Penicillium pinophilum, while Paraphoma radicina only produced tanshinone IIA. The maximum amount of tanshinones was extracted from P. pinophilum culture with 130.826 mg cryptotanshinone /g of dry weight and 50.155 mg Tanshinone IIA/g of dry weight. These amounts were significantly more than tanshinones produced in plant roots (0.55 mg cryptotanshinone/g of dry weight, 1.3 mg Tanshinone IIA/g of dry weight). In the third subculture, tanshinone production decreased significantly. 5-azacytidine as an epigenetic modifier retrieved tanshinone production in the third subculture of P. pinophilum. Also, 5- azacytidine treatment made a big jump in Tanshinone IIA production in P. radicina (63.176 mg TIIA/g of dry weight) besides increasing Tanshinone IIA production in P. nodositatum cultures. This is the first report using 5- azacytidine to improve tanshinone production in endophytic fungi. Our results confirm that 5- azacytidine is an efficient, easy, and quick chemical to felicitate secondary metabolite production in endophytic fungi.

The prevalence of depression in our country is an average of 7% of people aged 15 and older. Almost all depressed patients cannot do their tasks easily due to lack of energy. One of the types of medicinal plants for treating depression is saffron, which is used in traditional medicine as an uplifting and reducing sadness. One of the types of medicinal plants for treating depression is saffron, which is used in traditional medicine as a happy and reducing sadness. Crocin, as a bioactive compound effective on depression, is sensitive to temperature, pH and oxygen, and its efficiency decreases. Surfactant ratio (50% to 200%), stirring speed (500 and 1000 rpm) and stirring time (1, 2 and 3 hours) were used as the variables of primary emulsion production. The optimal ratio of surfactant to the aqueous phase was 100% and the viscosity increased with increasing surfactant ratio in all microemulsions. High energy homogenization at high pressure was used to make the secondary emulsion and to compare and increase the stability of biopolymers including Soy protein concentrate, Arabic gum and Pectin at two levels of 5 and 10%. Then the nanoemulsion was added to the chocolate. All treatments were evaluated using Duncan's test at a significance level of 5%. The results showed that both surfactants were able to form nanoemulsions. Emulsions stabilized with pectin showed the highest viscosity and the lowest crocin release in simulated stomach and intestine conditions. Also, the physicochemical and sensory properties of chocolate containing nanoemulsion were compared with the control and it had a higher score than the control

Salvia abrotanoides is considered as a new source of tanshinone-producing plants in Iran. Symbiosis of endophytic fungi with their host plants is an effective tool to promote the growth and secondary metabolism of medicinal herbs. Therefore, using endophytic fungi as a biotic elicitor is a proper solution to increase the yield of plant products. 

In this study, some endophytic fungi were first isolated from the root of S. abrotanoides, then two of them (Penicillium canescens and Talaromyces sp.) were co-cultivated with the sterile seedling of S. abrotanoides in pot culture. After proving the colonization of these fungi in the root tissues by microscopic studies, their effects on the production of critical medicinal compounds such as tanshinones and phenolic acids were investigated in the vegetation stage (120 days). 

Our results showed that the content of cryptotanshinone (Cry) and tanshinone IIA (T-IIA) in plants inoculated with P.  canescens increased by 77.00% and 19.64%, respectively, compared with non-inoculated plants (control). The contents of mentioned compounds in plants inoculated with Talaromyces sp. increased by 50.00% and 23.00%, respectively. In this case, in plants inoculated with P. canescens, it was found that the level of caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and its PAL enzyme activity increased by 64.00%, 69.00%, and 50.00%, respectively, compared with the control.

Endophytic fungi have specific modes of action and the ability to provide multiple benefits. Each of the two strains is a highly considerable microbial resource for the growth and accumulation of active compounds of S. abrotanoides.

Neobaicalein is one of the rich plant flavonoids isolated from the roots of Scutellaria spp. In this study, we evaluated and compared cytotoxic activity and the related apoptosis mechanisms of neobaicalein from Scutellaria litwinowii Bornm. & Sint. ex Bornm on apoptosis-proficient HL-60 cells and apoptosis-resistant K562 cells. 

Cell viability, cell apoptosis, caspase activity, and apoptosis-related protein expression were measured using MTS assay, propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry, caspase activity assay, and western blot analysis, respectively. 

Neobaicalein significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner using the MTS assay (P<0.05). The IC50 values (µM) against HL-60 and K562 cells after 48 hr treatment were 40.5 and 84.8, respectively. Incubation of HL-60 and K562 cells with 25, 50, and 100 µM neobaicalein for 48 hr, significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells and showed cytotoxic effects compared with the control group. Treatment with neobaicalein significantly increased Fas (P<0.05) and the cleaved form of PARP (P<0.05), and decreased the Bcl-2 levels (P<0.05) in HL-60 cells, whereas neobaicalein significantly increased Bax (P<0.05) and the cleaved form of PARP (P<0.05), and the caspases of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways including caspases-8 (P<0.0001), -9 (P<0.01), and effector caspase-3 (P<0.0001) levels in K562 cells compared with the control group.

It seems neobaicalein might cause cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis through interaction with the different apoptosis-related proteins of apoptotic pathways in HL-60 and K562 cells. Neobaicalein may exert a beneficial protective effect in slowing the progression of hematological malignancies.

Ducrosia anethifolia (Apiaceae) is a medicinal aromatic plant di s tributed in Iran and Afghani s tan. This research aims to inve s tigate the composition of the plant essential oil, determine the total flavonoid and phenolic contents, and evaluate its antioxidant activities after ethanol foliar feeding. For this purpose, 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80% v/v of aqueous ethanol solutions were sprayed on different batches of the plants. Then, the essential oils were obtained using water di s tillation. Compounds were analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique(GC-MS) using a validated method. The method was validated as per the ICH guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, robu s tness, LOD, and LOQ. The total contents of phenols and flavonoids were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. The results showed that n-decanal, cis-verbenyl acetate and dodecanal were the major compounds in all treatments. However, alcohol could cause significant differences in the essential oils qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that 40% ethanol could increase the number of phenolics and flavonoids and consequently the antioxidant activity. Thus, ethanol foliar feeding can be used as an appropriate approach to increase the essential oil of D. anethifolia as well as its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. is a perennial species, which belongs to Lamiaceae family. Some pharmaceutical properties (antimicrobial, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities) attributed to this plant roots are related to the presence of diterpenoid tanshinones. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of single and combination treatments of AgNO3 (Ag+) and yeast extract (YE) on growth and tanshinone production in adventitious root cultures of P. abrotanoides. Leaf explants were induced to form adventitious roots on a solid MS medium containing 2 mg/L NAA. Regenerated roots were subsequently transferred to a liquid MS medium, for multiplication. In the first experiment, adventitious roots were treated with 25 μM Ag+ for 24, 48 and 168 hours (one week), and the one-week treatment was chosen as the best condition to promote root growth and tanshinone production. In combination treatments, 12, 24 and 48 hours after Ag+ pre-treatment, 200 mg/L YE was added to the cultures, and roots were harvested one week after the first elicitation. Single treatments improved root growth and tanshinone production (six-fold increase compared with the control). Maximum amount of tanshinone-IIA (12 times higher than control) was obtained after a one-week treatment with Ag+. Under the combination treatments, amount of different tanshinones varied depending the time period of YE elicitation. In the best case, two-fold increase in total tanshinone content (over the single treatments) was found 12 hours after addition of YE to Ag+-pre-treated cultures, which was due to the remarkable increase in tanshinone-I. No significant changes were measured in cryptotanshinone levels.

 Pistacia is a genus of flowering plants from the Anacardiaceae family that grows in different parts of Iran. This genus has different pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

 In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic effect of different extracts and essential oil from unripe fruits of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica on B16F10 cell line.

 The inhibitory effect was determined on the synthesis of melanin, cellular tyrosinase, mushroom tyrosinase activity, and oxidative stress by the colorimetric and fluorometric methods.

 The data showed that all different concentrations of various P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica extracts had no cytotoxic effect on B16F10 cells compared to the control group. Kojic acid as positive control had significant decreasing effects on tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and ROS production (P < 0.001). Different concentrations of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica extracts decreased all measured parameters, including cellular tyrosinase and melanin content, as well as ROS production. Also, the essential oil concentration had no significant effect in this study. The major essential oil components were α-pinene 60.1%, myrcene 8.0%, and β-pinene 5.2%.

 The melanogenesis inhibitory and antioxidant effects of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica on B16F10 cells may suggest this plant as a new pharmaceutical agent in reducing skin pigment and aging in the cosmetic industry.

Nowadays the demand for medicinal plants is increasing in the pharmaceutical industries. Echinacea spp. is an herbaceous, perennial plant containing valuable substances which belong to different chemical groups, most notably phenolic compounds. Echinacea is the most well-known and most important treatment for the immune system and protects against cough, cold and fever. Drought stress can be a major factor in increasing the content of secondary metabolites in many medicinal plants. Organic fertilizers are known to be one of the fertility factors for soil and plant nutrition due to the impacts on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of yield and phenolic compounds as the most important group of active compounds in Echinacea in response to different levels of water stress, chemical and organic fertilizer management and their interactions.

This experiment was carried out during 2016 and 2017 years at the experimental Field of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, located at 10 km East of Mashhad. The split plot based on factorial design was implemented in 3 Replications. The  studied factors in this experiment in the main plot were water stress at three levels, including1- Non-Water stress (6000 m3.ha-1), 2- Moderate Water Stress (4500 m3.ha-1), 3- Severe Water stress (3000 m3.ha-1).In sub plots, fertilization treatments applied in eight levels, including, 1- NPK fertilizer (500 kg.ha-1) ; 2-Humic acid (20 L.ha-1); 3-Vermicompost (6000 kg.ha-1); 4-Humic acid+NPK (20 L.ha-1+500 kg.ha-1); 5. Vermicompost+NPK (3000 kg.ha-1+250 kg.ha-1); 6-vermicompost+humic acid (3000 kg.ha-1+20 L.ha-1); 7. Vermicompost+Humic acid+NPK (3000 kg.ha-1+20 L.ha-1+250 kg.ha-1) and 8.control. The amount of irrigation needed at each turn was calculated by NETWAT software. In combined treatments, half of the NPK fertilizer which used in the pure treatment was replaced with the equivalent amount of vermicompost. Constant amount of liquid humic acid was applied at the same time with vermicompost and NPK in rosette leave developing and before stem-elongation phase. The total amount of phenolic compounds in the sample was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Data were analyzed with MSTAT-C statistic software and means compared by Duncan Multiple Range Test.

The most amounts of stem dry matter, flower dry matter and biomass were observed at vermicompost and non-stress treatment and the least amount of them was obtained from control and severe water stress condition. The highest amounts of leaf and root dry weight were obtained under vermicompost+humic acid and moderate water stress treatments and the least amount of leaf dry weight was observed at control and severe water stress treatments. At the same time with the increase of water stress, the impact of organic fertilizers on leaf dry weight decreased, however the application of organic fertilizers increased the leaf dry weight even under severe stress conditions. Maximum seed yield was observed under vermicompost+humic acid+NPK and NPK treatments with severe water stress condition. With increase in the stress level, root to shoot ratio was increased and the maximum amount of that was obtained in control treatment under severe water stress condition and the minimum amount of that was obtained at vermicompost and non-stress treatment. The application of vermicompost and humic acid increased root to shoot ratio in severe stress conditions and it were effective in developing root systems in these conditions. Maximum amounts of phenolic compounds were observed under humic acid+vermicompost treatment with severe stress condition and minimum of these compounds were obtained under humic acid treatment at no-stress. 

The response of aerial parts of plant was associated with a decrease in irrigation levels, however this trend was reversed in underground sections. Thus, the maximum amount of root dry weight, root to shoot ratio and root phenolic compounds were observed in severe stress treatment. The highest amount of Phenolic compounds of the root, the ultimate goal of this plant, were observed under humic acid+vermicompost combination treatments. Therefore the production of this plant in terms of supplying 50% of the required moisture content (is equivalent to 300 mm of irrigation during the one-year growth period) and the use of fertilizer treatments containing humic acid and vermicompost compounds is recommended.

The most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficaciousness of a Persian herbal remedy, as well as electroacupuncture and the combination of them on metabolic profiles and anthropometric parameters in these patients.

Eighty overweight women with PCOS were randomly divided into four groups. All of them received metformin 1000 mg and the second group received 5 g of herbal medicine per day (main components: Foeniculum vulgare, Urtica dioica, and Daucus carota), the third group were subjected to 20 electroacupuncture sessions, and the fourth group received both therapies.

After 12 weeks, the body fat and body mass index decreased the most in the herbal medicine+electroacupuncture group, and waist to hip ratio decreased the most in the electroacupuncture group. A significant decrease was also observed in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. A significant increase was seen in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index in all intervention groups, but there was no noteworthy difference in these parameters in the control group. Total cholesterol and lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the electroacupuncture groups and herbal medicine+electroacupuncture. Also, a significant decrease was observed in triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase in the herbal medicine groups and herbal medicine+electroacupuncture.

It is advisable to use this herbal remedy and electroacupuncture for better treatment of metabolic complications and overweight problems in these patients.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, especially in developing countries. Scrophularia umbrosa Dumort, a medicinal plant, has been used to treat various diseases in traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer and cytotoxic effects of S. umbrosa Dumort extracts on a human breast cancer cell line. The methanol and other S. umbrosa Dumort factions, including those from dichloromethane, water, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether, were examined. The cytotoxic effects of the fractions on MCF-7 human breast cancer adenocarcinoma and 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were evaluated by MTT assays. In addition, apoptotic induction was determined by propidium iodide flow cytometry. The water, n-butanol. petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate fractions had no cytotoxic effects. The methanol and dichloromethane fractions showed significant cytotoxic affects in a dose-dependent manner on the malignant cells while causing no damage to non-malignant cells. In addition, the cell death assay indicated that the S. umbrosa dichloromethane fraction triggered apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells. S. umbrosa induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The S. umbrosa dichloromethane fraction exhibited the greatest cytotoxic effect on these cells. This work presents a first evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of S. umbrosa and further studies are needed to determine the cytotoxic mechanism.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate variations in yields, volatile composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) obtained from the aerial parts of Zhumeria majdae collected from five localities of the south of Iran. The EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was tested using DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. In vitro cytotoxicity was tested against two cancer cell lines (A375 and MCF7) using MTT assay. The oils yield varied from 6.3% (S2) to 10.2% (V/W) (S4). All of five investigated EOs samples presented three major compounds: linalool (24.4-34.6%), camphor (26.1-34.7%) and trans-linalool oxide (7.6-28.6%). Although the main constituents were common, their percentages were different. Among samples, S1 had a better antioxidant activity in both DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods (IC50= 8.01 and 11.77 mg/ml, respectively). In vitro cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines of human melanoma cell line (A375) and breast cancer cell line (MCF7), showed a moderate cytotoxicity of S3 against A375 cells with IC50 value of 624 μg/ml. Tangezagh (S4) plant materials revealed the highest level of oil yield as the region is recommended for collecting the plant samples.Taken together, despite the weak antioxidant and moderate cytotoxic activities of tested EOs, this study suggested a proper potential for possible use of the EOs of Z. majdae for pharmaceutical and perfume industries

Pistacia atlantica (P. atlantica) subsp. mutica has been used in traditional medicine and is famous for its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanol (MeOH), n-hexane, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), n-butanol (BuOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), water extracts and essential oil of P. atlantica subsp. mutica on melanin synthesis and oxidative stress in B16F10 melanoma cell line. The B16F10 cells viability after treatment with increasing concentrations of different extracts of the plant (0.2-200 µg/mL) was measured using resazurin. Essential oil composition was identified by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and inhibitory effect on synthesis of melanin, mushroom tyrosinase activity, cellular tyrosinase, and oxidative stress were evaluated by the colorimetric and fluorometric methods. The data showed extracts at concentrations 0.2-200 µg/mL, did not show significant toxicity on melanoma cells but concentrations of 200 µg/mL of essential oil had cytotoxic effect. Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica could inhibit the mushroom tyrosinase activity. Also the amount of melanin in B16F10 cells declined. In addition, the ability of P. atlantica subsp. mutica extracts in decreasing the amount of reactive oxygen species in melanoma cells revealed remarkable antioxidant activity. In addition, all concentrations of essential oil had no significant effect in this study. The melanogenesis inhibitory and antioxidant effects of P. atlantica subsp. mutica on B16F10 cells may suggest the potential whitening activity of the plant for using in dermatological skin care products and for prevention of skin aging in cosmetic industry.

Depression is one of the most common problems during pregnancy and after delivery. Research has shown that aromatherapy reduces women's mood disorders. Regarding the biological condition of postpartum period and reduced hormonal levels, this study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effect of orange scent on the prevention of postpartum depression. This clinical trial was performed in 2017 on 100 women who had delivery and had admitted to the gynecology section of Omolbanin hospital. The subjects were randomly divided to aromatherapy and control groups. The intervention group, in addition to receiving routine care, from the second day after delivery up to six weeks inhaled three drops of orange essence on the hanky every 12 hours. On days 10, 30, 42 after delivery, the Edinburgh Depression Inventory was completed in both groups. Those who obtained the score more than 12 in the questionnaire were referred to a psychiatrist and depression was diagnosed with clinical interview and based on the diagnostic criteria of DSM -4. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and with statistical tests of Chi-square, repeated measures variance analysis, and Exact Fisher test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean score of depression was significantly reduced in the intervention group than the control group and the prevalence of depression at the end of the study was 0% in the aromatherapy group and 22.2% in the control group (p<0/001). Inhalation of orange scent in postpartum period is effective in preventing postpartum depression.

 

Study the phenology of the medicinal plant is important to manage the timing of recurring plant primary and secondary material utilizations, seed collection, pest control, prevent harvested untimely and weed control. Based on the weather conditions each plant for completing its phenological stages needs certain amount of heat units. The use of special codes to describe Phenological stages of plants has a long tradition in agricultural science. This scale has a table of 100 sections from 0-99 designed for different phases of the plants’ growth. In this scale, the growth stages are divided into two principal and secondary stages. The principal growth stages are described using numbers from 0 to 9; each principal stage is divided into secondary stages through coding from 1 to 99. The objective of this study was to describe the Phenological growth stages of ‘Roselle’ based on BBCH scale.

Phenological stages of ‘Roselle’ were described and defined according to the extended BBCH scale. The experiment was carried out as strip plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Iranshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iranshahr, Iran (Latitude 27o 12 ' N and longitude 60o 42' E; 591 m above sea level), during the growing season of 2013-2014. The experimental factors were: four rates of consumption of inputs and agricultural operations require in different cropping including Ecological system (No-tillage + Disk +Leveler +Furrower + 100% Manure), Conventional systems with low inputs (One-tillage + 0ne- Disk +Leveler +Furrower + 75% Manure + 25% NPK), Conventional systems with average inputs (One-tillage + Two-Disk +Leveler +Furrower + 50% Manure +50% NPK) and Conventional systems with high input (Two- tillage + Two-Disk +Leveler +Furrower + 100% NPK) and wheat straw application as residue mulch in four levels (6, 4, 2 t.ha-1 and control). In order to recognize the different stages of Roselle, three plants were appointed in each plot and monitored during growing season. All phenological stages of Roselle from germination to senescence were recorded based on BBCH.

The extended BBCH scale considers 10 principal growth stages, numbered from 0 to 9. Starting at Germination (stage 0) and ending at the beginning of the rest period (stage 9). Based on BBCH scale, nine phenological stages were recorded for Roselle that included: (0) Germination, (1) Leaf development, (2) Formation of side shoots, (3) Main stem elongation, (5) Inflorescence emergence, (6) Flowering, (7) Development of bolls, (8) ripening of sepals and (9) Seeds Senescence. Growing degree days to reach each stage were 153, 1051, 501, 506, 583, 730, 892, 349 & 246, respectively. Due to the high temperatures during the growing season of Roselle, the plant phenological stages were occurred more rapidly and the plant reaches its physiological maturity. Despite the interesting characteristics of this plant (Heat and drought tolerance), a detailed description of the phenological growth stages of Roselle has never been performed. A precise description of the different growth stages of this crop will provide a useful tool for agronomic and research activities. In this Study, the description of the phenological development of Roselle was proposed utilizing the expanded BBCH scale.

Roselle plant phenology is described here for the first time, according to the BBCH General scale. The use of extended BBCH scale for Roselle is important for successful implementation of farm management practices including disease and pest control. Based on our results it seems increasing wheat straw on the soil surface increased water holding capacity of the soil and reduced soil temperatures, which causes delay in the occurrence of Roselle phenological stages.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran (code 31152)

Rhinitis, which occurs most commonly as allergic rhinitis and affects 20% of the world’s population, is a major health care burden causing significant morbidity. Considering the high prevalence of allergic rhinitis and anti-inflammatory effects of thyme, a favorite condiment, we performed a randomized clinical trial to determine whether thyme can relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms and affect the expression of TH17- and T-regulatory cell- (Treg) related cytokines IL-17, TGF-β, FOXP3, and IL-10.
Thirty patients with allergic rhinitis symptoms and positive skin prick test for common aero allergens were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental group received thyme or Zataria multiflora (ZM) extracts and the control group received placebo for two months. Expression of IL-17, TGF-b, FOXP3, and IL-10 was evaluated in all subjects by real-time PCR before and after intervention.
After treatment IL-17 expression was significantly less in the ZM group than in controls (p Given the significant effect of thyme in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and decrease IL-17 gene expression and because allergic rhinitis is a multifactorial disease, the administration of thyme extract along with conventional treatments may benefit allergic rhinitis sufferers.

In this study, the levels and antioxidant activities of some secondary metabolites isolated from five pistachio (Pistacia vera)cultivars collected from four different geographical regions of Iran, were studied.
Total phenolic compounds levels were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined as AlCl3 complex and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and total proantocyanidins content was expressed as mg of catechin equivalents (CA)/g dry extract. In order to evaluated the antioxidant activity of the compounds, DPPH and FRAP assays were used.
The highest level of total phenols (156.42 mg GA/g DE), total flavonoids (130.94 mg QE/g DE) and total proantocyanidins (152.816 mg CA/g DE) were obtained in Akbari cultivar from Rafsanjan, followed by Badami-e-sefid and Ahmad aghaei. The lowest amount of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total proanthocyanidin content (TPrAC) were found in Badami-e-sefid from Feizabad (128.140 mg GA/g DE, 93.176 mg QE/g DE and 118.870 mg CA/g DE, respectively). Also, a positive correlation (r2=0.9834) was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds.
Pistachio increased their phytochemical compounds to contrast with abiotic stress. Our data could be useful for introducing special characteristics to the plants, and can be considered when planning a new breeding program or choosing a specific cultivar for a particular use.

Pain is the most common complaint of mothers after episiotomy. Various medications are used for the alleviation of this pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alpha ointment on the relief of pain caused by episiotomy.
This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 70 primiparous women in Ommolbanin Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were divided into two groups of control and intervention. The intervention group received one fingertip unit of Alpha ointment following washing the wound with normal saline and drying, 48 hour after delivery, once a day, until the tenth day. The control group received a placebo in the same manner. Pain intensity was evaluated using the shortened from of McGill Pain Questionnaire on the first, fifth, and tenth days post-delivery. Data analysis was carried out in SPSS (version 16) using the Mann-Whitney U test, t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test.
There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean pain score on the first, fifth, and tenth days of the study (P=0.73, P=0.098, and P=0.464, respectively).
As the finding of the present study showed, Alpha ointment had no effect on the perineal pain after episiotomy.

Perovskia abrotanoides Kar., from family Lamiaceae, is a little known medicinal plant growing in various regions of Iran. In the present study, cryptotanshinone (CT), tanshinone 2A (Tan2A), and hydroxycryptotanshinone (HCT) were isolated and purified from the roots of P. abrotanoides. In addition, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of total root extract (TE) and three purified tanshinones were investigated in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines.
Alamar Blue® assay was used to determine cell viability. Cell apoptotic rate was detected using propidium iodide staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak). The PARP cleavage, as the sign of apoptosis, was investigated by Western blotting.
The results revealed that CT, Tan2A, HCT, and TE exhibited significant cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. All of these compounds caused apoptosis in treated cells and induced sub-G1 peak in the related flow cytometry histograms. HCT was found to have the highest anti-proliferative activity on cancer cells. Western blotting analysis showed cleavage of PARP protein in MCF-7 cells treated with purified tanshinones and TE after 48 hr contact with cells.
The findings suggest that root extract of P. abrotanoides and purified tanshinones especially Tan2A and HCT have cytotoxic and apoptotic effects against cancer cell lines. So, they may serve as potential cytotoxic agents for future investigations.

Episiotomy is the most common surgical intervention in delivery. Alpha ointment exerts its restorative effects by angiogenesis of the injured area, reducing inflammation and preventing the spread of infection. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to evaluate the effect of Alpha ointment on episiotomy wound healing.
This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 70 primiparous women in Mashhad Omolbanin Hospital during 2015-2016. The research units (35 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group), 48 hours after delivery once a day for ten days, used a knuckle of the prescribed ointment (Alpha or placebo) after washing and drying the wound with normal saline. Wound healing was evaluated using the REEDA scale on the first, fifth and tenth days after delivery. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS statistical software (version 16), and using Mann-Whitney, T-test, Chi-square and Fisher tests. P There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of wound healing on the first day (P = 0.976), fifth day (P=0.9), and tenth day (P=0.931).
Using Alpha ointment has no effect on episiotomy wound healing.

The genus Artemisia has various medicinal effects. Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) is one of the species that belongs to the genus Artemisia, cultivated in Iran.
The current study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts and essential oil obtained from aerial parts of A. dracunculus.
The total amounts of phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins as well as the antioxidant activity in the various extracts (methanol, dichlormethane, water, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts) of A. dracunculus were assessed by four different antioxidant activity tests (DPPH (2, 2’-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging, reducing power, ferrous chelating activity and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay). Vitamin C, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and quercetin were used as reference compounds. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to identify the compositions of the essential oil. Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the essential oil.
The methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity among others in all methods. Estragole (57.1%) was the major component of the essential oil of the plant. The essential oil showed a weak activity in BCB test.
The methanol extract showed the highest activity in all tests and was a rich source of antioxidants, with high level of polyphenolic content.

Ophiocoma erinaceus Muller &Troschel (Ophiocomidae) is part of the extensive group of echinoderm that contains bioactive metabolites. As, the anti cancer potential of brittle star saponin has not been reported against cervical cancer, the present study was conducted to evaluate the anticancer effect of extracted crude saponin. Saponin extraction was conducted using conventional method such as froth test, TLC, FTIR and erythrolysis assay. The Hela-S3 cervical carcinoma and HNCF-PI52 normal cells were treated with different concentrations of saponin fraction for 24 and 48 h. The cytotoxicity was examined by MTT, DAPI, AO/PI, Annexin V-FITC and flow cytometry. In addition, the apoptotic induced pathway was studied using caspase assay, evaluation of ROS generation and Bcl-2 mRNA level. Crude saponin showed cytotoxic properties in Hela-S3 cells (IC50of 23.4 µg/ml) without significant impact against normal cells. In addition, the crude saponin increased sub-G1 peak in flow cytometry histogram of treated cells, ROS generation and caspase-3 and -9 activity (IC50 of 11.10, 11.27 µg/ml). The dose dependent down regulation of Bcl-2 in treated cells demonstrated that saponin fraction can trigger intrinsic apoptotic pathway in cancer cells. This study provides valuable information about the apoptotic inducing effect of saponin fraction which can offer new insights into the anticancer potential of saponin as a promising candidate against human cervical carcinoma.