Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products
Volume:14 Issue: 1, Feb 2019

Neonatal jaundice is the most common clinical problem in preterm and term neonates, and phototherapy is the most frequent treatment method for this condition. Researchers have long held that the use of natural products, especially medicinal plants, can reduce the incidence of neonatal jaundice, and in turn, the use of phototherapy in the treatment of neonatal jaundice in some countries including Iran. We aimed to carry out a systematic review on the effects of natural products on jaundice in Iranian neonates. Articles evaluating the effect of natural products on jaundice in Iranian neonates until the end of 2017 were searched using Google Scholar and IranMedex, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, Medlib, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Medline databases.  Studies evaluating the effect of natural products on neonatal jaundice were included in the study. Studies were selected from the databases by screening titles, keywords and abstracts. Hence, all the articles which had the keywords in their titles, keywords or abstracts were selected. The inclusion criteria included: carrying out the study in Iran, being performed on neonates and using a natural product (herbal or non-herbal) to reduce neonatal jaundice. The articles that did not meet these criteria were excluded.  The ideal reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the articles. Finally, a checklist was designed by the researchers to collect the data. The items of the checklist were the name of the first author of article, study objective, study setting, age, weight, number and gender of the neonates included, name, dose and frequency of the use of the natural product, route of delivery, and method of using the natural product (such as oral/non-oral). The number of neonates enrolled in the 21 included studies was 2237. The effect of natural products on preventing neonatal jaundice was not statistically significant, but in some studies, the use of natural products in combination with phototherapy was found to be effective in the treatment of neonatal jaundice. The use of natural products for the prevention and treatment of neonatal jaundice requires further studies, but the usage of natural products such as medicinal plants like Cotoneaster with phototherapy could be possibly effective in reducing the duration of phototherapy and hospitalization.

The liver plays an important role in detoxification of harmful materials and chemical agents. Many medicines, such as acetaminophen, are potential for oxidative stress and liver toxicity. The brown algae Sargassum swartzii possesses many pharmacological benefits. The present study investigated the aqueous extract of Persian Gulf brown algae Sargassum swartzii effect on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. It seems that Persian Gulf algae (Sargassum swartzii) with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties has preventive effects on acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity, yet no research has been reported in this regard so far. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in mice. Brown algae (Sargassum swartzii) was collected from the low tide area of Boushehr coasts, Persian Gulf). After transfer to the laboratory, the collected sample was washed with distilled water, air dried, and pulverized to powder. The air dried S. swartzii powder was soaked in 95% ethanol to remove pigments and small lipophilic molecules. The residue was then extracted with 10 mL of distilled water at 90°C for three hours, three times. All water extracts were combined, filtrated, and concentrated by water bath at 90°C and stored at 0°C for further analysis. Hepatoprotective activity of the S. swartzii extract was confirmed by aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline ahosphatase (ALP) levels and histopathologic findings as evidences. Aqueous extract of S. swartzii at dose of 200 mg/kg showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, yet at dose of 100 mg/kg, it showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the level of ALT. Administration of the aqueous extract of S. swartzii (100 and 200 mg/kg) could improve hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen via change in liver marker enzymes and also improved histopathological alterations in liver tissue.

Oral mucositis is a chemotherapy adverse effect. Because of anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial effect of Achillea millefolium, the current research assessed the effectiveness of Achillea millefolium mouthwash on prevention and treatment of oral mucositis, induced by chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. From 29 patients, who received induction or consolidation regimen, 14 in the intervention and 15 in the control groups, were randomly assigned in this study. The intervention group gargled 10 mL of Achillea millefolium mouthwash plus 15 mL of chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day for 20 days from the first day of chemotherapy. The control group used only chlorhexidine mouthwash. Patients were assessed at baseline 5, 10, 15, and 20 days of the study. Oral mucositis grade improved during treatment, which was significant on the 10th and 20th day (P = 0.021 and 0.002, respectively). Comparing severe and mild mucositis, the results showed that the intervention group had mild mucositis whereas the control group had the severe form (P = 0.018). The intervention group showed reduction in both pain occurrence and painkiller consumption on day 20th (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Although Achillea millefolium mouthwash was not effective in prophylaxis of mucositis occurrence, it remarkably improved oral mucositis severity.

Mentha species are commonly used in traditional medicine for their several pharmacological properties. Mentha species are also used as spice and are known for their bactericidal, antiviral and fungicidal properties. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the antifungal activity and fumigation toxicity of essential oils of Mentha spicata, M. pulegium, M. piperita and M. rotundifulias against fungi and Bactrocera oleae insect responsible for olive rot. Essential oils of the four Mentha species were extracted by a Clevenger-type apparatus. Their antifungal activity was tested using radial growth technique, and their insecticidal activity was examined by fumigant test. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the main components of the four Mentha essential oils. All the essential oils presented antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Alternaria spp. and Penicillium spp. At the highest concentration (15 µL/mL air), essential oil of M. pulegium caused 100% mortality after 1.5 h of exposure. However, for M. piperita and M. rotundifulia essential oils, 25 µL/mL air was required to have mortality of 100%. The essential oils could act as antifungal agents and fumigants against B. oleae.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) triggers a profound systemic inflammatory response and sympathetic nervous system activation translated into post-operative adverse outcomes. The current study aimed at determining whether preparative use of selenium could reduce the severity of inflammatory reaction to surgery. The current randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery of Dr. Heshmat Hospital; a referral center affiliated to Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS), Rasht, Iran. From May 2015 to September 2015 one hundred and fourteen patients who were candidates for elective CABG were randomly recruited to receive either an intravenous bolus of 600 µg Se before induction of anesthesia in the group S (n = 56) or normal saline as placebo in the group C (n = 58). To measure white blood cells (WBC) serum levels, blood samples were collected preoperatively (T0) and three times after CPB initiation immediately after the end of CPB (T1), as well as 24 (T2) and 48 hours (T3) after surgery. Statistical tests including chi-square, the Kruskal-Wallis, and independent t tests, as well as repeated measurement ANOVA were used to analyze the data. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the baseline characteristics (P = 0.0512). There was no significant difference between the two groups in other four time points; T0 (P = 0.0512), T1 (P = 0.571), T2 (P = 0.974), and T3 (P = 0.215), although the trend of changes was statistically significant in each group (P = 0.0001), the intergroup comparisons showed no significant changes (P = 0.166). There was no strong evidence that a single-dose of Se could reduce inflammation following CABG surgery.

Vernonia amygdalina leaf has a significant importance in food and traditional medicine. It has been reported to possess various pharmacological effects. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of microwave-assisted extraction factors on the extraction from V. amygdalina leaves. The results highlighted that an increase in temperature deteriorated the yields of V. amygdalina leaf. Thus, shade-dried samples gave the highest yields at the irradiation times of 10 and 2 min, microwave power of 500 and 600 W, the temperature of 100 and 80°C, the feed-to-solvent ratio of 1:10, and ethanol concentration of 60% v/v using water and ethanol as the extracting solvents, respectively. Likewise, the antioxidant assay resulted in IC50 values of 260 ± 1.1 µg/mL DPPH and 149.78 ± 0.81 µg/mL ABTS for water and 204 ± 0.92 µg/mL DPPH and 31.17 ± 1.4 µg/mL ABTS for ethanol. Therefore, the synergistic mechanism of mass and heat transfer may be accounted for the accelerated extraction due to microwave energy.

Berberine is a well-known alkaloid derived from Berberis species. The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective properties of berberine and elucidate its probable mechanisms against sodium nitrite toxicity. Forty animals were randomly classified into five equal groups to be treated for 60 days, including group 1: Control, group 2: Berberine-treated (100 mg/kg), group 3: Sodium nitrite-treated (80 mg/kg), group 4: Sodium nitrite together with 50 mg/kg of berberine, and group 5: Sodium nitrite together with 100 mg/kg of berberine. The protective effects of berberine against sodium nitrite induced-liver damage were investigated using parameters related to oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis in the hepatocytes. Treatment of rats with sodium nitrite considerably increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression, caspase-3 activity, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 concentration (P < 0.05) and significantly declined the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.05). The treatment of intoxicated rats with 100 mg/kg of berberine significantly reversed these changes and reached the values approximately to the normal level. However, berberine 50 mg/kg failed to normalize the disturbances. This study demonstrated that berberine could decrease sodium nitrite-induced liver injury in a dose-dependent manner probably due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antifibrotic capacities.

Curcumin is a plant polyphenol compound used as a traditional supplement in many countries. The potential therapeutic or preventive effects of curcumin may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Bovine aortic endothelial cells derived from bovine aorta were maintained in low glucose DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium). The time-course and different concentrations of TGF-β (2 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL) were used to evaluate ET-1 mRNA expression. Also, the BAECs were treated with 10 µM of SB431542 (chemical inhibitor of TGF-β receptor) as positive control and different doses of curcumin (5 µM, 10 µM, and 15 µM). The expression of ET-1 mRNA was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA with SPSS software. ET-1 mRNA expression significantly increased in six hours in the TGF-β-treated group (2.79 ± 0.9). SB431542, as well as curcumin 10 µM and 15 µM significantly decreased the expression of ET-1 mRNA by 2.3 ± 0.15, 1.5 ± 0.16, and 1.02 ± 0.01, respectively. Curcumin downregulated ET-1 mRNA; this result suggested a possible underlying molecular mechanism mediated through ET-1 to exert its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is well known that green tea has antioxidant properties. Accordingly, it is important to investigate the effects of green tea on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress indices in humans during high intensity resistance training, especially in obese men. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of green tea extract supplementation during high intensity resistance exercise training on oxidative stress and systemic inflammation indices in obese men. Twenty obese men (body mass index ≥ 30) voluntarily participated in the current study and were randomly assigned to groups of green tea and high intensity resistance training (RT) (GR; n = 10) and placebo and high intensity resistance training (PR; n = 10). RT was performed three times a week on non-consecutive days for eight weeks. The training started at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), and training intensity reached to 90 - 95% of 1RM till the end of the eighth week. The GR group consumed a green tea capsule (500 mg) each day during the eight weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention and were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Concentrations of ofinterleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma were also measured. The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) or near significant improvements in all the measured blood parameters with training, but no further effects (interactions) with ingestion of green tea. Also, we found that there was not any significant relationship between MDA and TAC changes and TNF-alpha and IL-6 in either group after RT intervention and supplementation (P > 0.05). Thus, it can be stated that low-dose green tea supplementation does not influence inflammatory and oxidative stress indices when provided along with exercise training.

This study aimed to determine the ulcer-protective effect of Pistacia atlantica extract against the lesions induced by ethanol. Pistacia atlantica has shown different pharmacological effects including antioxidant activity. The experimental model lesions pathogenesis was related to reactive species production. All the experiments were conducted on male Wistar rats (weight: 200 - 250 g), which were randomly divided into seven groups. Different doses of Pistacia atlantica extract were orally administered to the experimental groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Normal saline was orally administered to the ulcer control group (5 mL/kg). In addition, one hour before receiving ethanol (5 mL/kg), the positive control group received ranitidine (50 mg/kg) and the negative control group received normal saline (5 mL/kg). One hour after ethanol application, the animals were anesthetized, the stomachs were removed, and then the number and the length of gastric lesions, as well as the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (as an index of peroxidation) and level of nitric oxide (as an important antioxidant agent), were determined in rat gastric mucosa. In this study, Pistacia atlantica extracts dose-dependently reduced the number of gastric lesions induced by ethanol. Pre-treatment with Pistacia atlantica extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly decreased the stomach MDA level and increased the stomach NO level. Based on the results, Pistacia atlantica extract can be effective in the prevention of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Fraxinus excelsior L. has been traditionally used as a diuretic, carminative and gallstone crusher. The antimicrobial activity of Fraxinus excelsior L. leaves and bark extract has been confirmed against bacteria and fungi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Fraxinus excelsior L. seed essential oil. Chemical composition of F. excelsior was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and micro broth dilution assays. Overall, 53 components were identified in the essential oil, which constitute 99.98% of total oil composition. Carotol (16.25%), α-cadinol (13.33%), δ-cadinene (12.4%), bicyclogermacrene (10.34%), α-muurolol (9.69%), and E-caryophyllene (5.9%) were the main components of the essential oil. The essential oil showed the best activity against the standard strain of Staphylococcus aureus, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans had less sensitivity to it. The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the essential oil against clinical isolates of S. aureus were 0.162 ± 0.024 and 0.31 ± 0.067 μL/mL, respectively. Therefore, the essential oil can be a suitable candidate for further studies against staphylococcal infections.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disorder that results in severe respiratory failure and death. The main characteristic of IPF is excess oxidative stress, fibroblast activation, increased collagen deposition, and multiple fibrotic lesions. Zingerone exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of zingerone on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and underlying mechanisms in rats. PF was induced by bleomycin (5 mg/kg, intratracheally) in male Sprague-Dawley rats and then, zingerone (10 - 40 mg/kg, orally) was administrated for 21 days’ post-bleomycin-instillation. After euthanizing the rats, the biochemical and histopathological markers of lung tissue were determined. The findings showed that bleomycin significantly increased inflammatory and fibrotic responses, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the influx of inflammatory cells into the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), and hydroxyproline content of the lung (P < 0.01). In addition, the level of glutathione (GSH), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased in the lung of bleomycin-instilled rats (P < 0.01). However, zingerone (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly decreased histopathological injuries in H&E (Hematoxylin and eosin) and Masson’s trichrome-stained sections, hydroxyproline content and infiltration of leukocytes into BALF and oxidative markers, in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). In addition, zingerone (40 mg/kg) significantly reduced the level of MDA in bleomycin-instilled rats (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that zingerone has protective effects against bleomycin-induced PF, which may be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.