mohammad ali ebrahimzadeh

Hypoxia can lead to impairments in body function and is linked to the pathology of acute mountain sickness, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, all of which are leading causes of death in many countries. Silybum marianum is a plant known for its strong antioxidant properties. This research aims to investigate the anti-hypoxic effects of S. marianum and its major constituent, silymarin, in three experimental models of hypoxia in mice.

The protective effects of the methanolic extract of S. marianum aerial parts and silymarin against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated using three experimental models of hypoxia: asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory. In the asphyctic hypoxic model, phenytoin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as the positive control, while in the haemic and circulatory models, propranolol (20 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) served as the positive control. Normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) was used as the negative control. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (performed using GraphPad Prism 8), was used to determine significant differences in means.

The extract and silymarin exhibited significant protective effects by increasing the survival time of male mice, even at their lowest doses, across all tested models. Silymarin was effective in all models and demonstrated a comparable effect to propranolol and phenytoin, which were used as positive controls. Except in the asphyctic model, the extract at a dose of 62.5 mg/kg exhibited the same activity as silymarin at 12.5 mg/kg.

The presence of silymarin in the extract may be responsible for the antihypoxic activities observed in the plant extract. Both the methanolic extract and silymarin, when tested separately, demonstrated significant protective effects against hypoxia in all tested models, exhibiting similar activity to the positive controls.

 Due to the increasing importance of protecting human health and preserving the environment, drug resistance and water pollution have drawn significant attention. Nanoparticles have emerged as one of the most promising solutions, with cobalt nanoparticles being particularly interesting due to their unique properties. This study focuses on the green synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles using Mentha pulegium and investigates their potential antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities.

n this experimenal study, cobalt nanoparticles were synthesized through green methods using M. pulegium aqueous extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD. Furthermore, the antibacterial effects of these nanoparticles were investigated against ATCC strains and ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of NaBH4.

XRD analysis revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were amorphous, while SEM images showed irregularly shaped particles with an average diameter of 53.91 nm. The cobalt nanoparticles demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity. The maximum antibacterial effects were observed against ATCC strains, specifically K. pneumoniae (MIC and MBC values of 0.859 and 13.75 μg/mL, respectively) and S. aureus (MIC and MBC values of 1.72 and 27.5 μg/mL, respectively). For ciprofloxacin-resistant strains, the maximum effects were observed against E. coli (MIC and MBC values of 0.859 and 6.87 μg/mL, respectively) and P. mirabilis (MIC and MBC values of 0.859 and 1.72 μg/mL, respectively). These nanoparticles efficiently degraded methylene blue in the presence of NaBH4 within 30 minutes, following first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0567 min-¹.

The results showed that M. pulegium effectively contributed to the formation of nanoparticles, acting as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent. In this study, the synthesized cobalt nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial activity and effective dye degradation properties. These findings suggest the potential application of cobalt nanoparticles in various biological fields.

With the progress of various sciences, the attention to the nano approach has increased in all fields. Traditional drug delivery methods, despite their use, cannot deliver the drug to the target tissue in a targeted manner. For this reason, the use of a larger amount of the drug causes more side effects [1]. The approach of nanotechnology in targeted drug delivery has received a lot of attention recently and the production of drugs based on nanotechnology worldwide shows its importance [2].

Phytonanotechnology, the marriage of plant biology and nanotechnology, is a rapidly expanding research domain with exceptional potential to revolutionize numerous industries and address critical global challenges. Harnessing the applications of phytonanoparticles has broad-ranging impacts and solutions to some of the most pressing issues the human race is facing today. Phytonanoparticles or plant-based nanoparticles are employed in diverse fields, from healthcare to agriculture and environmental remediation. The development of phytonanoparticles highlights the potential of bio-inspired solutions for sustainable development. For example, phytonanoparticles can be engineered to encapsulate therapeutic agents, rendering them more stable and bioavailable. From cancer therapy to wound healing, they are set to usher in personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes. Nanoparticles derived from plant sources possess low cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, rendering them suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications. They hold promises to develop innovative therapies and clinical treatments that address some of the most dreaded disorders. In this editorial, we shed light on the game-changing potential of phytonanotechnology and its implications for sustainable development.

The Convolvulus genus (Convolvulaceae) is one of the medicinally and economically important genera, including about 250 species broadly distributed worldwide. Many researchers have paid attention to this genus because of its important phytochemical composition, biological activities, and safety. The Convolvulus genus contains various chemical profiles such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, tannins, and essential oils. All the parts of these plants possess pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. This investigation was designed to study the antioxidant and antihypoxic activities of C. fructicodus.

The aerial parts were extracted by maceration with methanol as a solvent. In this experimental study, antioxidant activities were evaluated by four methods, DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities, iron chelatory capacity, and reducing power. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for the determination of phenolic compounds. The protective effects of extract at 62.5-250 mg/kg were evaluated against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice by three experimental models of hypoxia, i.e. asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory. The time it took for the mice to die (latency for death) was recorded in minutes. The Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences approved the experimental protocol. In the asphyctic hypoxic model, phenytoin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and in the next two tests, propranolol (20 mg/kg, i.p.) were used as the positive control. Normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) was used as the negative control. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (by GraphPad Prism 8) to determine the differences in means. The extract did not show any metal-chelating activity in the chelating test.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were 113.37 GAE and 20.32 QE, respectively. IC50 of extract for DPPH radical-scavenging activity and nitric oxide-scavenging were 85.28 and 177.40 µg/ml, respectively. The extract showed a good effect in reducing the power test and there was no significant difference between extract and standard in higher concentrations (p>0.05). In the haemic model, the extract showed a good and dose-dependent effect in all tested doses. The extract at 62.5 mg/kg increased the survival time by about 2 minutes (P<0.01). At 250 mg/kg, the extract showed a similar effect to propranolol. In the circulatory model, it showed very good completely dose-dependent effects. At 62.5 mg/kg, the extract increased the survival time by more than 2 minutes (P<0.01). The extract at 250 mg/kg increased the survival time by about 8 minutes (P<0.0001). The effect of the extract at 62.5 mg/kg was similar to propranolol. In the asphyctic model, the extract did not show activity in any of the tested doses.

The presence of phenolic compounds in the extract can be responsible for the antioxidant activity observed in the plant extract. By conducting anti-hypoxia tests in two models of haemic and circulatory models, the extract was able to show good protective effects in increasing the survival time of mice. The good antioxidant activity of this extract can be a possible mechanism for the anti-hypoxia activity.

Hypoxia is a decrease in available oxygen reaching the tissues of the body which can lead to body function impairment. It is linked to the pathology of acute mountain sickness, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Hypoxia causes oxidative stress involving the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Naringenin and naringin are widely found in Citrus spp. These compounds have many biological effects, potent antioxidant activities, and influential effects in ischemia/reperfusion. Nothing is found about the anti-hypoxic activities of these compounds. This study aimed to investigate the anti-hypoxia activities of these compounds in mice.

In this experimental study, the protective effects of these compounds at 5-20 mg/kg were evaluated against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice by three experimental models of hypoxia, i.e. asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory hypoxia.  The latencies for death for mice in minutes were recorded. All the experimental procedures were conducted by the NIH guidelines of the Laboratory Animal Care and Use. The Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences also approved the experimental protocol. In the asphyctic hypoxic model, phenytoin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and in the next two tests, propranolol (20 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) were used as the positive controls. In all tests, Normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) was used as the negative control. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (by GraphPad Prism 8) were used to determine the differences in means.

In the circulatory model, both compounds showed very good effects. The effects were completely dose-dependent. Naringin at a dose of 5 mg/kg increased the death time by approximately 7.3 minutes (P<0.01). Naringenin at 10 mg/kg significantly increased the death time by 3.2 minutes (P<0.01). These compounds in these doses showed a similar effect to propranolol, which was used as a positive control. In the haemic model, only naringin showed a very good and dose-dependent effect. These compounds at 5 mg/kg increased the survival time by about 4.5 minutes (P<0.01). Naringenin had no effect in this model even at a dose of 40 mg/kg. Naringin at 5 mg/kg and naringenin at 40 mg/kg showed a similar effect to propranolol. In the asphyctic model, both compounds showed great effects. Their effects were completely dose-dependent. Naringin at 5 mg/kg increased the time to death by 7.2 minutes (P<0.001). At the dose of 10 mg/kg, the death time was increased by 10 minutes and reached 29 minutes (P<0.0001). Naringenin at 5 mg/kg increased the survival time of mice by 4.2 minutes (P<0.05). At the dose of 10 mg/kg, the death time was increased by 10 minutes and reached 27 minutes (P<0.0001). Naringenin at 5 and naringenin at 10 mg/kg produced a similar effect to phenytoin, which was used as a positive control (P>0.05).

According to the results of this study, it was found that Naringin has very good protective activities in all models. Naringenin was not effective in the haemic model. The result of this research can be responsible for cardiovascular effects and their good effects on ischemia/reperfusion.

The role of free radicals in causing many diseases has been well proven. These particles can destroy biomolecules. Antioxidants can prevent these harmful effects. Considering that plants are a source of natural antioxidants, research in this field is increasing. Hypoxia means the reduction of oxygen in the body tissues, which can lead to dysfunction of the body. Hypoxia causes a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, thus, antioxidants are considered anti-hypoxia. Melissa officinalis L. is a well-known medicinal plant of Lamiaceae. Leaves of this plant have been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory problems and as a memory enhancer. This investigation was carried out to examine the impact of extraction on total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of M. officinalis aerial parts. In addition, the Antihypoxic activities of all extracts were evaluated in three models in mice.

In this experimental study, dried aerial parts were extracted by three different methods, i.e. maceration method, ultrasonic-assisted, and soxhlet-assisted extraction. Antioxidative capacity was assessed by utilizing DPPH free radicals scavenging and reducing power. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. The protective effects of extract in the initial dose of 62.5-250 mg/kg were evaluated against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice by three experimental models of hypoxia, i.e. asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory. The latencies for death for mice in minutes were recorded. The Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences approved the experimental protocol. In the asphyctic hypoxic model, phenytoin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and in the next two tests, propranolol (20 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) were used as the positive control. In all tests, Normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) was used as the negative control. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (by GraphPad Prism 8) were used to determine the differences in means.

Meceration method and ultrasonic(P<0.0001) assisted extraction were the best methods for extraction of polyphenols. In DPPH radical scavenging activity, soxhlet-assisted extraction and extraction by the meceration method were more efficient than ultrasonic-assisted extraction(P>0.05). In the hemic model, none of the extracts showed any activity. Even the soxhlet-assisted extract at the dose of 250 mg/kg, even though it increased the death time by about one minute, could not cause a significant effect(P>0.05). In the circulatory model, none of the extracts showed any effect at the lowest tested dose i.e. 62.5 mg/kg but all the extracts showed a very potent activity at higher doses. All the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg showed a much stronger effect than propranolol 30 mg/kg. In the asphyctic model, all the extracts showed very good effects so we had to reduce the dosage many times. The extract obtained from the maceration method at a dose of 1.95 mg/kg and ultrasonic-assisted and soxhlet assisted extracts at the dose of 7.81 mg/kg showed the same activity as phenytoin(P>0.05).

The findings of the current study indicated that extraction methods significantly affect antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction and maceration method were the most suitable methods for extracting phenolic and flavonoid compounds from this plant. All extracts showed high antioxidant activities. All extracts showed very strong effects in the asphyctic model.

Fusarium species are commonly resistant to many antifungal drugs. The limited therapeutic options available have led to a surge of research efforts aimed at discovering novel antifungal compounds in recent decades. This study aimed to assess the in vitro antifungal activity of plant-based biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and six comparators against a set of clinical Fusarium strains.

In vitro antifungal activity of Se NPs synthesized using plant extracts of Allium paradoxum, Crocus caspius, Pistacia vera L. hull, Vicia faba L. hull and Heracleum persicum, as well as six common antifungal drugs; voriconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, posaconazole, natamycin, and caspofungin were evaluated against 94 clinical Fusarium strains using broth microdilution according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline. 

The obtained results were intriguing because all five types of biosynthesized Se NPs demonstrated significantly higher antifungal activity compared to antifungal drugs. Se NPs synthesized by V. faba L. hull extract (0.03 μg/ml) had the lowest geometric mean (GM) MIC value followed by Se NPs synthesized by P. vera L. hull extract (0.25 μg/ml), Se NPs synthesized by A. paradoxum extract (0.39 μg/ml), Se NPs synthesized by C. caspius extract (0.55 μg/ml), and Se NPs synthesized by H. persicum extract (0.9 μg/ml).

Plant-based Se NPs demonstrated supreme antifungal activity and could be considered promising antifungal agents for Fusarium infections. However, tests like toxicity and in vivo tests are needed before the product can be used in clinical settings.

As the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) is the key natural electron generator of the alive cells, investigation of the possibility of inactivation or even destruction of it by hazardous chemical molecules or ions seems to be very important.

Due to this, in this project, the behavior of NADPH in the presence of some chemical species containing Fe(II) ion, arsine, phosphoric acid, and some low weight alcohols have been investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) method.

Comparison of the results of the potential energy surface (PES) study showed that adsorption of methanol, ethanol, normal propanol, H3PO4, arsine and Fe(II) ion by NADPH release -23.19 kcal mol-1, -23.03 kcal mol-1, -23.30 kcal mol-1, -35.04 kcal mol-1, -53.03 kcal mol-1, and -161.59 kcal mol-1 energy, respectively.

It indicates that absorption, and even destruction of NADPH by a free Fe(II) ion is very favorable in view of thermodynamics. Somehow, such energy release could make this process irreversible. Also, the geometrical results show that during the adsorption of iron ion by the NADPH, the phosphate bridge breaks and the molecule decompose in two different parts.

Hypoxia, a decrease in available oxygen reaching the tissues, may cause a variety of physiological abnormalities. It is linked to the pathology of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and acute mountain sickness. Hypoxia occurs especially in heart diseases, ischemia, and heart attack, and finally causing death. Hypoxia causes oxidative stress involving the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Compounds with antioxidant activity can scavenge ROS and can exhibit anti-hypoxic properties. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a well-known fruit with very good anti-ischemic and antioxidant activities. Little is known about the protective effects of pomegranate against hypoxia-induced lethality. Several medicinal plants have accepted anti-hypoxic activities. In the present study, the protective effect of this fruit against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice was determined by three different experimental models.

Protective effects of methanolic extract of Pomegranate's seed and peel against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia, i.e. asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory models. The latencies for death for mice were recorded. All the experimental procedures were conducted by the NIH guidelines of the Laboratory Animal Care and Use. The Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences also approved the experimental protocol. In the asphyctic hypoxic model, phenytoin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and in the next two tests, propranolol (20 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) were used as the positive control. In all tests, Normal saline (0.5 ml, i.p.) was used as the negative control. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed followed by the Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons test was used to determine the differences in means. All p values less than 5% were considered as significant.

Extracts showed good anti-hypoxic activities in some tested models in mice. In the hemic model, Peel extract at 250 mg/kg significantly prolonged mice survival time for about 4.8 minutes (P<0.001). At this dose, it showed the same activity of propranolol 20 mg/kg which was used as positive control. In the circulatory antihypoxic model, peel extract at 250 mg/kg, significantly increased the survival time by about 5.4 minutes (P<0.0001). At this dose, the extract showed the same activity as propranolol 30 mg/kg (P>0.05). In the asphyctic anti hypoxic model, seed extract at 250 mg/kg prolonged the survival time for 2.4 minutes in the control group. But this increase was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Peel extract at 62.5 mg/kg prolonged the survival time for 4.2 minutes in the control group, but this increase was also not statistically significant (P>0.05). Peel extract showed good activity in an asphyctic model where at 125 mg/kg. It increased the survival time of mice about 2 times (P<0.0001). At this dose, extract showed higher activity than phenytoin 50 mg/kg. The survival time for the group that received phenytoin was 29.60 ± 2.51 minutes which was statistically significant than that of the control group (P<0.001).

Extracts showed very good protective effects against hypoxia in some tested models. In particular, the effects in the asphyctic model of hypoxia were high. Peel extract was stronger than seed extract. Phenolic compounds may be responsible for the anti-hypoxic activities of these extracts

Background and

Hypoxia can lead to body function impairment and may cause a variety of physiological abnormalities. Hypoxia is linked to the pathology of acute mountain sickness, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, and is the leading cause of death in many countries. Feijoa sellowiana, Nepeta pogonosperma, and Cucumis melo are plants with good antioxidant activities.

Protective effects of F. sellowiana, N. pogonosperma fruits and C. melo aerial parts against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia, including asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory models.

F. sellowiana, and N. pogonosperma extracts had good protective effects and increased the survival time of male mice even at their lowest doses, 31.25 and 62.5 mg/kg. In all the models, they were effective at low doses and showed a similar degree of efficacy as propranolol and phenytoin, which were used as positive controls. C. melo fruit extract showed a weak effect in these tests. It was effective only in the dose of 250 mg/kg in blood circulatory model of hypoxia.

Extracts showed very good protective effects against hypoxia in all the hypoxic models. Even at low doses, they were able to show the same activity of positive controls. It seems that these plants have a good potential for the treatment of hypoxic conditions.

In the Rosaceae family, Rosa damascene Mill. is an important medicinal plant. Studies reported its antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects that may be related to the anti-hypoxic activity. So, we investigated the anti-hypoxic effects of R. damascenaare in this study to evaluate the possible mechanism of plant effectiveness in cardiovascular and neurological disease.

The R. damascenaare flowers were extracted with methanol by maceration method and anti-hypoxic activities were evaluated in haemic, asphyctic, and circulatory models.

In asphyctic hypoxia, extract at 250 mg/kg increased the survival time to 21.53±1.21 minutes, which was significantly lower (P<0.0001) than phenytoin (29.60±1.34 minutes). In haemic hypoxia, extract effects were similar to propranolol (P>0.05) at 125, and 250 mg/kg (15.85±0.69 and 16.19±1.71 vs. 16.44±1.39 minutes, P>0.05). In circulatory hypoxia, extract significantly increased the survival time at 250 mg/kg compared to the negative control (13.64±1.51 vs. 9.79±0.56 minutes, P<0.01) but its effect was weaker than propranolol (16.44±1.39 minutes).

R. damascenaare show potent anti-hypoxic activity in the haemic model. Its effects were significant in higher doses in asphyctic and circulatory models.

Background and

Hypoxia can lead to body function impairment and is linked to the pathology of acute mountain sickness, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Hypoxia causes oxidative stress involving production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Heracleum persicum and Boswellia serrata (Kundur) are well-known medicinal plants with high level of antioxidant activities and therapeutic potential use against COVID-19. However, nothing is known about antihypoxic activity of these plants.

Protective effects of H. persicum fruit and Kundur resin against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia including asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory using two administration methods, intraperitoneal (i.p.) and gavage.

H. persicum extract (i.p.) was dose dependent and showed very good activities in all antihypoxic models. In circulatory, asphyctic, and haemic models, extarcts at 3.90, 7.81, and 31.25 mg/kg showed the same activities of propranolol (30 mg/kg) which was used as positive control (P>0.05). In circulatory model, Kundur (by gavage) at 62.5 mg/kg showed the same activity as positive control (P>0.05). H. persicum extract in the form of i.p., and Kundur by gavage were more efficient than the other forms.

Extracts showed very good protective effects against hypoxia in all the models. Even in low doses, they were able to show the same activity as positive groups. It seems that these plants have a good potential for treating hypoxic conditions such as COVID-19.

Hypoxia exists in some malignancies and is a prognostic risk factor contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Anti-hypoxic compounds may improve this situation and be considered anti-cancer agents. In previous reports, Cydonia oblonga, Portulaca oleracea, and Artemisia dracunculus showed anti-cancer activity. So, we investigated the anti-hypoxic activities of C. oblonga, P. oleracea, and A. dracunculus to evaluate the possible mechanism of the plant's effectiveness in treating cancer.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and HPLC analysis were performed on C. oblonga leaves, P. oleracea, and A. dracunculus aerial parts extract. Anti-hypoxic activities were evaluated in asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory hypoxia models.

A. dracunculus extract (at 250 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival time compared to the normal saline (P < 0.0001) in asphyctic hypoxia, even its effect was significantly better than phenytoin in this dose (P = 0.0005). Although the extracts increased the survival time in other doses, their effects were not significant (P > 0.05). In haemic hypoxia, the extracts were ineffective at any dose (P > 0.05). At 250 mg/kg, P. oleracea and A. dracunculus significantly increased the survival time (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) in circulatory hypoxia. Their effects were similar to propranolol (P > 0.05).

The anti-cancer effects of C. oblonga are not dependent on the anti-hypoxic effects. P. oleracea and A. dracunculus have anti-hypoxic effects only in high doses, indicating their extracts' weak anti-hypoxic ability or the presence of potent anti-hypoxic compounds with low concentrations in them.

Hypoxia can lead to body function impairment. It is linked to the pathology of acute mountain sickness, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, is used chiefly in treatment of gout, but it is also valuable in other inflammatory conditions. Preliminary data shows that colchicine has beneficial effects on COVID-19. Nothing is known about the protective effect of this drug against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice.

Protective effects of colchicine against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg, P.O. were evaluated in three experimental models of hypoxia.

Colchicine showed good activity in some models. In the circulatory model, at 0.5 mg/kg, it significantly prolonged mice survival time for 4.5 min (P<0.05). At this dose, it showed similar activity to propranolol 30 mg/kg which was used as the positive control. At 1.5 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0.0001). In the haemic antihypoxic model, colchicine at 1 mg/kg, significantly increased survival time and showed the same activity as propranolol (P>0.05). In the asphyctic model, colchicine did not show any activity.

Colchicine showed good protective effects against hypoxia in circulatory and haemic models where the drug at 1.5 mg/kg, was more effective than the positive control, propranolol at 30 mg/kg.

Hypoxia or lack of oxygen in tissues can cause death or serious injury. Betaine is a natural product that is beneficial in some diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is found in spinach, shrimp, beets, and grains. This research was conducted to investigate the anti-hypoxic activities of betaine in three experimental models of hypoxia in mice.

Protective effects of betaine at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p. against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated in three experimental models of hypoxia; asphyctic, haemic, and circulatory. Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons to determine the differences in means.

In circulatory model, betaine at 50 mg/kg, significantly prolonged mice survival time and showed similar activity to propranolol 30 mg/kg which was used as positive control (P>0.05). At 100 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0.0001). In haemic antihypoxic model, betaine 25 mg/kg, significantly increased survival time and showed the same activity as propranolol 20 mg/kg (P>0.05), while at 100 mg/kg, it was more effective than propranolol (P<0.05). In asphyctic model, betaine 12.5 mg/kg significantly prolonged survival time compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Betaine showed good protective effects against hypoxia in circulatory and heamic models where the drug at 100 mg/kg, was more effective than propranolol at 30 mg/kg.

Endophytic fungi are fungi that are present in plant tissue at the time of sampling without obvious symptoms. There are several reports that the use of endophytic fungi improves grain yield, increases cold and drought tolerance, resistance to plant pathogens and herbivorous insects. Therefore, these fungi can be used as a biocontrol agent in the protection of crops. Endophytic fungi are a rich source of active metabolites that have the potential to be used in medicine, agriculture, and industry, so this study was conducted to isolate endophytic fungi from hornbeam trees and their morphological and molecular identification from the forests of Sari.

In this study, to identify endophytic fungi from healthy branches of hornbeam trees during autumn 2019 and summer and autumn 2020 of the forests of Sari city were sampled. In the laboratory, each branch sample was kept for 24 months at 24 ° C and continuous darkness after disinfection and culture on PDA medium. Morphological features and sequencing of the ITS region were performed to confirm the morphological identification and sequencing of the relevant dendrogram using version 7.1 of Bioedit software.

In this study, 9 genera and species were identified. Fungal species includ:Alternaria alternata (OM117707), Aspergillus flavus (OM488258), Botryosphaeria dothidea (OM141395), Diaporthe eres (OM131770), Fusarium acuminatum(OM131729),Fusarium sambucinum (OM142129),Mucor fragilis (OM017151), Neofusicuccum parvum (OM017148), Fulvia fulva (OM124921).

In general, the aim of this research was to identify the fungal endophytes of Beech trees based on morphological and molecular data from the forests of Mahdasht, Tabaghdeh, Darabkala and Imamzadeh Zaid Sari located in Mazandaran province.

Hypoxia is a decrease in oxygen levels of body tissues which can lead to body function impairment. Coenzyme Q and folic acid are well-known drugs with distinctive antioxidant and anti-ischemic activities, but, nothing is known about antihypoxic activities of these compounds. The current study investigated the antihypoxic activities of Coenzyme Q and folic acid in three experimental models of hypoxia; asphyctic, circulatory, and hemic.

Protective effects of coenzyme Q at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg and folic acid at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by increase in the survival time in asphyctic hypoxia, haemic hypoxia, and circulatory hypoxia models against negative control (normal saline) and positive control (propranolol 30 mg/kg). Analysis of variance was performed followed by Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test to determine the differences between means.

Coenzyme Q at 25 mg/kg, in asphyctic and circulating models, showed activities similar to those of propranolol in increasing the survival time (P>0.05). Folic acid at 10 mg/kg, in hemic and circulating models, exhibited activities similar to those of propranolol in increasing the survival time (P>0.05).

Coenzyme Q and folic acid showed good protective effects by increasing the survival time against hypoxia in all models. The effects were dominant, especially in asphyctic and circulating models for coenzyme Q and in hemic and circulating models for folic acid which led to prolonged survival times. These drugs seem to have a good potential in treatment of hypoxic conditions.

Hypoxia occurs especially in ischemia and heart attack, and finally can lead to death because of oxidative stress due to production of reactive oxygen species. Compounds with antioxidant activity can exhibit antihypoxic property. Kojic acid has good antioxidant activities. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no report about the protective effect of this compound against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice.

Protective effects of kojic acid against hypoxia-induced lethality in 80 mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia including asphyctic, haemic and circulatory.

Antihypoxic activity of kojic acid was pronounced in asphyctic model and at the dose of 125 mg/kg, it prolonged the survival time in the negative control group (P<0.01). At this dose, it showed higher activity than positive control group (phenytoin) (P<0.01). Kojic acid showed marked protective activities in circulatory model. At the does of 62.5 mg/kg, it prolonged survival time which was significantly higher than those in the control groups (P<0.01). In haemic model, it significantly prolonged survival time only at the dose of 125 mg/kg (P<0.01). 

Kojic acid showed significant protective effects against hypoxia in some animal models. Antioxidant activity of this compound may be proposed as a mechanism for its antihypoxic activities.

Effective medicines, especially herbal products, have received a lot of interest in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wound healing effect of Echinopsis chamaecereus extract ointment that has high antioxidant power in the healing of full-thickness skin wounds in rats.

In this experimental study, 50 male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control, Vaseline, E. chamaecereus 2% ointment, E. chamaecereus 5% ointment, and Madecassol ointment. There were full-thickness skin wounds in all groups. Percentage of wound closure, collagen density, tissue volume, number of cells, expression of proliferative and inflammatory genes, and cell proliferation were investigated in all groups.

The wound closure rate, new epidermis and dermis volume, total density of fibroblast and epidermal basal cells, collagen deposition, cell proliferation, and expression of TGF-β gene significantly increased in the extract treated groups, especially in the group treated with E. chamaecereus 5% ointment compared with the control group and Vaseline group (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease was seen in the expression of inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the extract treated groups, especially in E. chamaecereus 5% ointment group compared with the control group and Vaseline group (P<0.05).

The extract of Echinopsis chamaecereus, especially at 5%, had a greater effect on the healing process of acute wounds than other groups examined in this study.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of increasing concern to humans and animals. Considering the side effects of drugs used to treat toxoplasmosis, it is essential to find alternative drugs.

In this study, colchicine and propranolol at four concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 15 µg/mL) were added to the RPMI medium containing peritoneal macrophages and incubated for 60 min, Then tachyzoites were added to the medium, and the efficacy rates of colchicine and propranolol in inhibiting tachyzoites entry into macrophages were evaluated after 30 and 60 min. For in vivo assay, one group received no drugs, and the second group was treated with colchicine and propranolol at different concentrations for different durations.

The in vitro experiment showed that treatment with 15 mg/mL of colchicine and propranolol for 60 min following tachyzoites addition was the most efficient method to inhibit tachyzoites penetration, indicating the efficacy rates of 80.20%±1.20 and 89.97%±1.30, respectively (p< .05). Based on the in vivo test, pretreatment with 2 mg/kg of colchicine one hour before tachyzoites injection had the best inhibitory effect (70.32%±4.07). Also, pretreatment with 2 mg/kg of propranolol 90 min before tachyzoites injection (78.54%±1.99) induced the best inhibitory effect (p< .05).

According to the results, colchicine and propranolol could inhibit tachyzoites entrance into nucleated cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the most efficient concentrations and times for using these substances were determined.

Sambucus Ebulus plant is known for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of Sambucus Ebulus Gel 5% on the severity and surface area of pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in 150 hemodialysis patients in three groups. We used Detailed Pruritus Score Introduced by Duo (1978) three times. The scale covers areas such as pruritus severity, distribution, frequency (morning and evening), and sleep disturbance. ANOVA test was used to compare the severity of pruritus between the three groups and Repeated Measure was used in each group.

The mean itching score at the beginning of the study was not statistically significant in all groups (P= 0.49), but at weeks four and eight after treatment significant differences were seen between the three groups in mean score for pruritus severity (P=0.03 and P= 0.01, respectively). Acacia gel and placebo reduced the severity of itching (P= 0.00) but in control group no significant changes occurred (P= 0.158). Findings showed significant improvements in dry skin condition among the intervention and placebo groups (P= 0.00).

According to current study, Sambucus Ebulus Gel 5% can be considered as one of the topical treatments to relieve and improve uremic pruritus and dry skin in hemodialysis patients.

Acetaminophen is a common analgesic and antipyretic medication that cause poisoning and damage liver and kidney in case of overdose. In this study, we investigated the effects of alcoholic extract of Eryngium caucasicum Trautv. against acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress in plasma and kidney tissue in BALB/C mice.

The animals were randomly divided into 8 groups: control (saline), acetaminophen (400 mg/kg body weight) and different doses of extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight)+ acetaminophen, and the extract at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight without acetaminophen administered by gavage for a week. Twenty four hours after last treatment, plasma levels of urea, creatinine, plasma antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and tissue glutathione were measured. The effects of extract in experimental groups and the control group were compared using SPSS software.

Alcoholic extract of Eryngium caucasicum Trautv. in acetaminophen-treated mice significantly decreased plasma urea, creatinine and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in kidney tissue and increased antioxidant capacity of plasma and tissue glutathione (P<0.001).

The study showed protective effects of the alcoholic extract of Eryngium caucasicum Trautv. against acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity which could be associated with antioxidant properties and scavenging of free radicals of the extract.

Recent developments in nanotechnology lead to draw scientist's interest in green synthesis nanoparticles because of their importance in all fields of sciences. This paper is an overview of Ag nanoparticles biosynthesis (AgNPs) by aerial part of Alcea rosea extract. Synthesis procedures were described, with no stabilizers or surfactants. The synthesized AR@AgNPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and UV-Vis analysis. The UV-Vis spectrum of AR@AgNPs shown a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 425 nm. Scanning electron microscope revealed spherical shaped with a diameter range of 10-30 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the peak in silver region confirming presence of elemental silver. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antileishmanial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was performed. AR@AgNPs exhibit effective antibacterial activity against seven ATCC strains of bacteria and eight strains of drug-resistant bacteria. Also, their activity against leishmaniasis was studied on both promastigotes and amastigotes.

Liver is a vital organ in the body that plays key roles in metabolism and secreting enzymes. A better understanding of this vital organ for better care has always been of interest to researchers. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is one of the most known liver toxins. This compound is used in scientific studies as a well-known model to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various compounds. Iranian researchers in recent years have investigated the hepatoprotective effects of some native medicinal plants. These plants are abundantly found in Iran. This review aimed at exploring protective effects of different medicinal plants against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity.

This review summarizes some of the most important research published in recent years on hepatoprotective effects of native Iranian medicinal plants against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, hepatoprotective effects, and medicinal plants were the search keywords. Google Scalar, SID, Pubmed, and Sciencedirect were electronic databases searched. Emphasis was placed on native plants of Iran.

Medicinal plants are considered as rich sources of antioxidants in treatment
of hepatotoxicity caused by hepatotoxins including CCl4. To counteract the hepatotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity, antioxidant compounds can be used to inhibit free radicals.

Medicinal plants containing antioxidant compounds can be very effective in preventing carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity due to their ability to inhibit free radicals.