somayeh rahaiee

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. this multifactorial disease characterized by complex molecular landscape and altered cell pathways that results in an abnormal cell growth. One of the recent strategies to combat cancer is application of phytochemicals. phytochemicals including phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, carotenoids, phytosterol, saponin and organosulfur compounds which play important roles in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The pharmacological use of phytochemicals compounds is frequently limited by their low bioavailability and solubility as they are mainly lipophilic compounds. The nanotechnological approach improves bioavailability, and inhences solubility. In the present review we aim to summarize challenges of phytochemical compounds in cancer treatment and the status of phytochemical based nanoformulations in improving the therapeutic response.

Today, pesticides are widely used to control plant pests and are one of the most important factors affecting soil, water and environment pollution. Pesticides and theirenvironmentaltion products may remain in the environment and affect the ecosystem and biodiversity of plants, animals and aquatic organisms. In addition, the degradation of pesticides can lead to the production of harmful metabolites. One of the pesticides widely used to kill plant pathogenic fungi is propamocarb. This chemical poison is a systemic fungicide. Propamocarb in large amounts can reduce the mitotic index in mice, cause behavioral disorders and accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis. Using large amounts of this poison in plants causes yellow spots on the leaves and also reduces the antioxidant capacity of the plant. In aquatic animals, including zebrafish, it can cause liver disorders and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. In this article, we first introduce propamocarb as one of the widely used fungicides. Then we will examine its effect on mammals and aquatic animals, as well as its durability on different parts of the plant. Although this chemical fungicide is one of the poisons approved by the regulatory organizations of different countries, including Iran, but with the use of new technologies such as nanomaterials, it may be possible to reduce its consumption.

Chia seeds are considered as a rich source of bioactive and functional compounds. Due to the fact that bioactive compounds are unstable against environmental factors The stability of these compounds was important And encapsulation is a useful way to increase the stability of these compounds. In this study, nano-capsules of chia seed extract (CSE) with nano liposomes and basil seed gum (BSG) were produced and its physicochemical properties and release were investigated. nano-liposomes were first prepared using lecithin and different concentrations of CSE and then coated with three levels of BSG. The physicochemical properties and the CSE release from nano-capsules were examined. The lowest mean particle size (59.23 nm), low PDI index (0.328) and high encapsulation efficiency (80.06%) were observed in the Nano-capsules containing 0.5% CSE coated with 1.0% BSG (L0.5BSG1). Since the zeta potential of nano-capsules produced in this study was higher than ± 30 mV, so they had high stability. Based on the TEM images the L0.5BSG1 nano-capsules had spherical and irregular shape and low tendency to accumulate. The FTIR analyses showed physical interaction between nano-capsule components and also confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the nano-capsules. In terms of release rate in the gastric and intestinal simulated conditions, the CSE-loaded nano-capsules had a controlled release relative to free CSE. Finally, the results of this study demonstrated that L0.5BSG1 nano-capsules could possibly be used successfully in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of different antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds. In this study, the effects of different extraction methods with aqueous and methanolic solvents were investigated on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Teucrium hyrcanicum L.

In this basic experimental study, aqueous and methanolic extraction was carried out using three methods, including a magnetic stirrer, a Bain-Marie bath, and Shaker. The antioxidant effects were then determined using DPPH and RP methods along with the determination of total phenol and total flavonoid. The antibacterial effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli was determined through the disk diffusion method.
(Ethic code: IR.ausmt.rec.1398.11.34)

The evaluation of antioxidant properties showed that methanolic extract had a stronger effect than aqueous extract. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the magnetic stirrer method was superior to the other two extraction methods. The same results were obtained for total phenol and total flavonoid as well. Evaluation of antibacterial properties revealed that methanolic extract had antibacterial activity, while aqueous extract did not show antibacterial activity.

The results of this study showed that Teucrium hyrcanicum L. was more effectively extracted through the magnetic stirrer method than other extraction methods. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts had antioxidant properties, while only methanol extracts showed antibacterial properties. Therefore, this plant can have good therapeutic application in the treatment of diseases due to its antioxidant properties.

Herbal essential oils (EOs) have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities due to the high amount of bioactive compounds; therefore, they are considered good candidates for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study aimed to assess the total phenolic content and in vitro comparative study of the biological activities of EOs from different plants (e.g., clove, common sage, savory, and organum).

In this experimental study, total phenolic content in EOs was determined, and their antioxidant capacity was measured by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The components of essential oil were identified using a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) device. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of EOs was evaluated by the disk diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated by the broth macro dilution method. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range test.

The highest content of total phenol (157.07±2.37 mg GAL/g dry weight) was recorded for EO of organum. Moreover, the highest percentage of free radical scavenging was determined at 98.142% for organum. The results of GC/MS analysis depicted that monoterpenes were the main compounds of Eos of organum, and the highest value was obtained for the alpha-pinene (74.04%). Furthermore, the results of antibacterial activity of EOs demonstrated that the highest zone of inhibition with a diameter of 44±0.81 mm was observed for the EO of organum. The lowest values of MIC and MBC were reported as 0.275 and 0.55 mg/mL for the EOs of organum and savory against gram-positive Bacillus cereus, respectively.

As evidenced by the results of the current study, the assessed Eos, specifically those of organum, have effective antioxidant and antibacterial activity against bacteria strains, especially gram-positive ones, and can be used as safe antimicrobial compounds in food and health products.

Broccoli sprout extract (Brassica oleracea) has extensive biological activities that are mainly attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as sulforaphane. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of cooked and raw extracts of broccoli sprouts.

The amount of sulforaphane in broccoli sprout extract was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and antioxidant capacity were investigated by the DPPH free radical scavenging method. In addition, the antibacterial activity of raw and cooked sprout extracts on some bacteria was explored using disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by macro dilution method. Significant differences were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) through Duncanchr('39')s multiple range test.

Based on the results obtained by HPLC, the amount of sulforaphane in the raw broccoli sprout extract was determined to be 787.46 μg/mL. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of raw and cooked sprout extracts depicted a higher antioxidant activity with an increase in concentration. Furthermore, the antibacterial study showed that cooked sprout extract had higher antimicrobial activity, compared to the raw sprout extract (at a significance level of 0.05). The highest growth inhibition zone was found against Gram-positive Bacillus cereus strain with a diameter of 18±0.6 mm; moreover, the lowest amounts of MIC and MBC were obtained at 0.39 and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively.

In general, the results show that cooked broccoli sprout extract has significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, compared to the raw sprout. Accordingly, it can be utilized in food, health, and medical products as a highly promising source. However, further studies are required to be conducted in this regard.

Recently, much attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) due to their eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easily applied nature. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using Eriobotrya Japonica seed aqueous extract. Moreover, it was attempted to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Initially, the Eriobotrya Japonica seed aqueous extract was prepared, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured in this study. After the preparation of ZnO NPs by the extract, the antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. In addition, the antibacterial activities of the extract and NPs were determined using a disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli gram-negative bacteria. Ethics code:  Ir.ausmt.rec.1398.11.33

The results showed that aqueous extract had a specific amount of phenolic and flavonoids (9.86 mg/g and 27 mg/g dry weight of extract, respectively). Moreover, the synthesized ZnO NPs were <30 nm in diameter with a good absorption rate at 349 nm. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the extract and NPs indicated an increase in the antioxidant activity following an increase in the concentration. Furthermore, the anti-bactericidal activity results demonstrated an appropriate antibacterial activity against S. aureus, whereas the aqueous extract had no antibacterial activities.

The findings revealed that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs had appropriate antioxidant and bactericidal activities. This suggests that the NPs can be used in various sectors, such as cosmetic products and food packaging, as a potential alternative to synthetic antibiotics.

Attention to the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has been increased recently since they are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and potential alternatives to chemical and physical methods. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an intracellular extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, it was attempted to evaluate their antibacterial and antioxidant effects.

After the preparation and identification of the physical characteristics of the ZnO NPs, their antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP). Moreover, the antibacterial activity of NPs was tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using a disc diffusion method. Ethics code: IR.ausmt.rec.1398.11.33

The results showed that the synthesized NPs had a spherical shape, and their diameter size was < 30 nm. A good absorption at 370 nm confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs. These NPs depicted an improved antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Moreover, they showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in both DPPH and FRAP.

The results indicated that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs had antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This suggests that ZnO NPs can be used in food packaging and cosmetic products. In addition, they can be utilized as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics. However, further studies are required to be conducted in this regard.

We aimed to examine the expression levels of the VASA gene and protein in testis sections of neonate and adult mice as well as testicular cell cultures.

In this experimental study, in order to investigate the expression of this germ cell marker gene in more detail, we analyzed the expression of VASA by immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and fluidigm reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

The immunohistochemical assays showed that the VASA protein was exclusively expressed in germ cells in the seminiferous tubules of the neonate and adult testis and not in somatic cells. VASA was not detectable in PLZF positive spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), was weakly expressed in proliferating spermatogonia, and became abundant in spermatocytes and round spermatozoa. Counting VASA-positive cells in the seminiferous tubules of the neonate and adult testis depicted significant higher expression (P<0.05) of VASA in the adult testis in comparison to its neonate counterpart. SSC colonies were established in vitro after digestion of the testis and characterized by immunocytochemistry for CD90 and stage-specific embryonic antigens 3 (SSEA3). Immunocytochemistry confirmed that in contrast to the not detectable signal in vivo, VASA protein was strongly localized in the cytoplasm of both neonate and adult mouse SSCs under in vitro conditions. The results of Fluidigm RT-PCR revealed a significant higher expression of the germ cell gene VASA in adult SSCs in comparison to neonate SSCs in cell culture (P<0.05).

The VASA protein is, therefore, an extremely specific marker of testicular germ cell differentiation in vivo and mostly expressed in the adult testis in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The immunohistochemical signal in spermatogonia is very low. So, PLZF positive SSCs are negative for VASA in vivo, while in contrast, once isolated from the testicular niche VASA is also strongly expressed in SSCs under in vitro conditions.

Scutellaria pekinensis is one of the most valuable Medicinal species of the Lamiaceae family. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and the antioxidant effects of Scutellaria pekinensis.
 

In this study, after extracting the aqueous and methanol extracts, the antioxidant effect of the extract was measure-using DPPH and FRAP methods. Disk diffusion method was use to investigate the antibacterial effect against three types of bacteria.In addition, the study examined phenolic and flavonoidal.
 

The results showed that the highest amount of phenol and flavonoid were obtained by methanol extract and shaker extraction method. The highest amount of free radical scavenging (DPPH) and FRAP were related to aqueous extract and shaker extraction method. The highest inhibition zone diameter for Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli in the concentration of 600 mg/ml were 15.67±0.58, and 25.33±3.15 respectively, and for Staphylococcus aureus, the concentration of 900 mg / ml was 26±2.
 

The results showed that the solvent type and extraction method had a great impact on the amount of antioxidant compounds and antibacterial effects. Considering the few studies performed about this plant, the results of this study can be a good report for further research.