Research Journal of Pharmacognosy
Volume:5 Issue: 4, Autumn 2018

Dorema ammoniacum gum resin is used in Iranian traditional medicine for different indications including inflammatory diseases which are on the rise. Considering the important role of inflammation in different diseases, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and skin toxicity of Dorema ammoniacum gum extract (DAGE) in rats and rabbits.

The systemic anti-inflammatory effect ofDAGE (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema method in 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after the carrageenan injection to thirty male Wistar rats divided into five groups of six each. Control and standard groups received the vehicle and mefenamic acid (30 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. To assess the topical anti-inflammatory effect ofthegum, eighteen rats were divided into three groups of six: standard, vehicle, and test groups which received topical diclofenac gel, distilled water and DAGE, respectively. The acute dermal toxicity of DAGEwas evaluated in nine white New Zealand rabbits.

The results showed significant anti-inflammatory effects of DAGE in systemic treatment.The findings also indicated that all doses of DAGE were more potent than mefenamic acid. However, the topical anti-inflammatory activity of DAGE (100 mg/kg) was comparable to that of diclofenac gel 2% and showed no skin toxicity.

The results of the present study suggest that DAGE has significant anti-inflammatory effects without any erythema and edema in topical use. These effects might be partially or wholly due to possible inhibition of or interference with the production of some inflammatory mediators, especially prostaglandins, histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin.

Nigella sativa L. is one of the most important species in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). According to ITM, the plant seeds can cause bronchospasm in patients with hot temperament; therefore it is recommended to process the seeds with grape vinegar before usage. This process may influence some components of the seeds; thus, in the present investigation, the effect of processing on thymoquinone, which is one of the most important active ingredients of the seeds, has been studied. Moreover, the stability of Nigella capsules containing raw and processed seeds and Nigella-honey mixture, “Maajoon”, were assessed.

Nigella sativa seeds were processed by two

vinegar was added to the whole intact seeds, then the seeds were dried and crushed; the second method consisted of first crushing the seeds and then performing the vinegar adding and drying steps. The essential oil of the powders was obtained by using hydrodistillation method and thymoquinone content of the oils was measured by gas chromatography. In order to estimate the stability of the Nigella capsules and “Maajoon”, thymoquinone content of the products was measured after one, two and three months at room temperature.

The results showed that thymoquinone was absent in the processed seeds which were powdered before processing; but thymoquinone percentage had decreased in processed seeds which were powdered after processing (maximum content: 64.1%). The reduction of thymoquinone after three months was 40.1 and 78.5% in raw and processed capsules, respectively. No thymoqinone was found in the “Maajoon”.

Since many effects of Nigella is due to thymoquinone, it seems that grinding before processing and making “Maajoon” are not suitable methods for Nigella preparation. Powdering after processing had decreased thymoquinone content which might result in decrease in bronchospasm as the side effect of thymoquinone; therefore, this method of processing seems to be suitable.  Due to low stability of Nigella powder, powdering just before usage is recommended when necessary.

Halitosis as a common dentistry ailment which has a prevalence of around 50% of the adult population. There are many dental formulations in traditional Persian pharmacy called “Gharagher”, “Mazmazeh”, “Sonoun”, etc for treatment of halitosis. In the present study, we have tried to describe the step by step modernization of traditional herbal advices for treatment of halitosis.

Traditional Persian manuscripts were reviewed and dome herbs were selected for formulation of toothpaste. Qualitative and quantitative controls were performed on raw materials and toothpaste was formulated using the selected herbs. Pharmaceutical control tests including squeeze, centrifuge, conductivity, particle size, spreading, temperature related stability, and microbial limit tests were performed on the toothpastes.

A total of 31 medicinal plants from 24 plant families and 12 anti-halitosis “Sonoun”s  possessing anti-halitosis related properties were found. Syzygium aromaticum, Pistacia atlantica var. mutica, and Punica granatum var. pleniflora were selected for the formulation. Results of quality contril assays were in the accepted range of pharmacopeias. GC-MS analysis showed 15 and 16 components in P. atlantica and S. aromaticum oils, respectively. GC-FID results showed 85.15% α-pinene in P. atlantica and 5.28% eugenol in S. aromaticum. ATR-IR spectrum was used for control of P. granatum flowers. The organoleptic properties, phase separation, particle size and microbial tests of formulations showed an accepted shelf life for performing clinical trials. The results proved a good texture property as well as desirable abrasive properties of the toothpaste. Post production quality control tests indicated the proper feature of final product after packaging.

Such model would be a straight forward rout from traditional medical manuscripts toward clinic.

Traditional medicine could provide a hopeful area of research to mitigate the suffering of patients. “Qust” is one of the medicinal plants that are mentioned in Persian Medicine (PM) for treatment of neurological diseases. There is diversity within the scientific name of “Qust” in different references. Some have introduced Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (Asteraceae), while others have presented Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. (Costaceae) as “Qust”. Since “Qust” is not endemic in Iran, there is difficulty to access to the whole plant for its identification. Hence, this study has aimed to identify available bitter “Qust” which is composed of roots of the plant in the Iranian market.

Macroscopic characters and microscopic properties of powders and transverse sections of specimens with essential oil analysis of the Indian and one of the Iran herbal market samples using chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were investigated for identification of bitter “Qust”.

Microscopic evaluation showed presence of secretory cavities and their specific size, narrow radial rows of conducting tissue alternating with broad medullary rays in the secondary phloem and xylem, presence of inulin, absence of starch and calcium oxalate crystals in the bitter “Qust” particles. Further, positive response was observed to S. costus identifying test. In the analysis of essential oils, active components of S. costus, such as dehydrocostus lactone, were identified in the examined essential oils.

According to the results, it could be concluded that bitter “Qust” in Iran herbal market most probably is S. costus.

Although anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) use has become became more prominent in bodybuilders and professional athletes, their consumption is nowadays a problem that involves a wider population. Methandienone or dianabol is an anabolic androgenic steroid which is used by athletes for fitness. This study was conducted to investigate, the likely protective effects of curcumin on the structural parameters of the testis in dianabol treated mice.

A total of 35 male mice were divided into five groups, each containing seven mice. The control group received 0.2 mL distilled water; the second group received 20 mg/kg/day dianabol; third, fourth, and fifth groups received dianabol plus 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of curcumin, respectively. All administrations were done by gavages for 56 days. On the last day, the left testes were examined using stereological methods. The volume of testis and seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue, and diameter, length and germinal epithelium height of the tubules as well as the number of Leydig cells were estimated.

  The obtained results showed that the weight and volume of the testis as well as volume of the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue, length, diameter and epithelium height of the tubules decreased significantly (p<0.05) after dianabol administration compared to the negative control group. Oral administration of curcumin at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg, could significantly improve all the measured parameters toward the normal levels.

It seems that curcumin due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can inhibit testis volume reduction and hypogonadism following dianabol administration.

Beside its nutritional role, caper (Capparis spinosa) has long been used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer remedy. In the present study, we tested whether this plant can make effective changes in Sirt3 and mitochondrial function in colorectal carcinoma cell line since mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated in both cancer and diabetes and benefit confers by caper in these diseases might be due to mitochondrial alterations.

Total flavonoids and phenolics were assayed using colorimetric tests. Cytotoxicity of a phenolic-flavonoid rich extract of caper collected from two different geographical regions (south and west) were mechanistically studied in HT-29 cell line. Activity of an essential mitochondrial enzyme, Sirt3 has also been evaluated along with other parameters. IC50 of extracts were determined by MTT cytotoxicity assay, cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated via flow cytometric analysis. Also, at IC50 concentrations, Sirt3 activity was determined fluorimetrically.

The results showed that caper induced significant cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells followed by mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, ROS overproduction, Sirt3 activity alteration and cell death.

The above-mentioned cytotoxic parameters were inversely proportional to the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract showing that other mechanisms beyond their antioxidant capacities may contribute to their anti-cancer effects. In other term, these results suggest that antioxidant capacity may not directly contribute to the anticancer property.

Ajuga species(Lamiaceae) are traditionally used in the treatment of jaundice, joint pain, sciatic nerve, and diabetes in different countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities and safety of Ajuga chamaecistus ssp. tomentella.

Antioxidant activity, radical scavenging effect, and total phenolics content of the aqueous and methanol extracts were assessed using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice were studied in separate groups comprising aqueous and methanol extracts (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), metformin (500 mg/kg) and a negative control group.

The n-butanol fraction showed the most phenolics content (26.5 mg GAE/g of extract) and the highest antioxidant power) 346.7 mmol FeІІ/g of extract) as well as the most considerable radical scavenging activity (IC50=15.34 µg/mL). In STZ-diabetic mice, repeated oral administration of all doses of extracts showed a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels after 3, 14 and 28 days. The results of acute toxicity study showed that the ethanol extract was non-toxic up to the dose of 6000 mg/kg. Based on the sub-chronic toxicity results, a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride was observed after using the extract (1000 mg/kg) for 23rd and 45th days. Histopathology of animal tissues revealed no significant differences in animal tissues between treated and control groups after 23 and 45 days.

our study indicated the antioxidant potential, safety and hypoglycemic effect of A. chamaecistus ssp. tomentella extracts.

Due to the rapid growth of global interest in use of ethno medicinal plants, their effects and safety assessment have become substantial. Gundelia tournefortii has been used as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agent. In the present study, nephrprotective and antidiabetic properties of Gundelia tournefortii aqueous extract (GTAE) on diabetic mice has been assessed.

Seventy mice were used and diabetes was induced by administration of 150 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally in 60 mature male mice and they were randomly divided into 6 groups. Also one group (10 mice) was considered as the negative control group which received normal saline. The treatment groups received glibenclamide 10 mg/kg (G10) and 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of GTAE through gavage for 20 days. Also, one group was considered as the non-diabetic control. On the last day, levels of blood glucose, urea and creatinine were measured in serum. After tissue processing, 5 μm sections of the kidneys were prepared and were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and used for stereological analysis.

GTAE at all doses and G10 significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the raised levels of blood glucose, creatinine and urea as compared to the untreated diabetic mice. Multipledoses of GTAE and G10 significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the volume and length of renal structures, compared to the diabetic untreated group.

According to the obtained results, GTAE groups can regulate the levels of biochemical parameters and inhibit kidney damages in alloxan induced diabetic mice. It appears that GTAE can be suggested for treatment of diabetes as an anti-diabetic supplement or drug.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the important medical complications in elderly peoples. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies are described for treatment of knee OA, but considerable side effects especially in old populations are the limiting factors. Traditional, complementary and integrative medicines have a long history in treatment of chronic diseases such as OA. Many different oral and topical drugs have been introduced for curing of OA in Persian medicine (PM) as one of the most important and historical systems of medicine. The aim of this survey was to review the clinical trials related to pharmacological treatment of knee OA with medicinal methods of PM. The main databases including PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched and consequently eight clinical trials were achieved. Some of common dosage forms such as gel and oil and some of traditional ones like “Marham” and “Dohn” were used for treatment of OA in these studies. The investigated plants were suppressors for different pathways of inflammatory responses. Antioxidant capacity and analgesic effects were other recognized effects for some of these herbs. In clinical aspect, seven of eight papers that were presented in this study, showed a significant effect in the treatment of OA; however, more researches are required to judge these traditional therapies. eatinine and urea as compared to the untreated diabetic mice. Multipledoses of GTAE and G10 significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the volume and length of renal structures, compared to the diabetic untreated group.

According to the obtained results, GTAE groups can regulate the levels of biochemical parameters and inhibit kidney damages in alloxan induced diabetic mice. It appears that GTAE can be suggested for treatment of diabetes as an anti-diabetic supplement or drug.

Jaundice is recognized by increased bilirubin level of blood and yellow appearance in skin, sclera and mucous membrane. Natural products have been used for treatment of jaundice for a long time and Persian Medicine can be a good source of natural drugs for this purpose. This study was done to find the materia medica used for jaundice based on Persian medicine (PM) texts including The Canon of Medicine (al-qanun), Al Hawi Fi Al Tibb, Tuhfat al-Mu’minin, Hedayat al-Motealemin fi Tibb, Zakhireye Khwarazmshahi, Al-Abniah 'an Haqaeq al-Adwia, Makhzan ul-Adwia and Ikhtiyarat Badie. One hundred eleven materia medica belonging to 51 families were identified as herbal remedies for treating jaundice. Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Zingiberaceae were the most dominant families. The results of this study may be present sources for pharmacological studies and development of new herbal medicines for jaundice. Asparagus, echium, arnebia, chicory, citron and purgative manna could be good candidate Materia Medica for future studies.