Journal of Medicinal Plants
Volume:19 Issue: 74, 2020

Based on recent statistical survey, the cancer is the third important factor in Iran mortality. Vinblastine and vincristine alkaloids are dominantly biosynthesized in the aerial parts of periwinkle, broadly applied for cancer treatment. Therefore, over production of these alkaloids by using the biotechnological approaches is inevitable. Since the terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAS) biosynthesis pathway is adjustable, modification of underlying substrate and enzymes concentration by biotic and abiotic elicitors are important approaches for overproduction of these metabolites. Abiotic and biotic are induced the immune systems of periwinkle and subsequently increased the biosynthesis and accumulation of vinblastine and vincristine. So this study we reviewed and discussed the impacts of different abiotic and biotic elicitors on terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAS) biosynthesis and consequent secondary metabolites over production. Based on our knowledge this is the first study on the reviewing of the different elicitors on vinblastine and vincristine and it will be more helpful in the future studies.

There are often discrepancies in the results of various studies in the field of exercise and herbal supplements.

The aim of this study was to combine the contradictory results of several studies on the effectiveness of ginger supplement on lipid peroxidation in exercise.

This meta-analysis consists of a total of 3 eligible studies selected from among the 6 studies in this field. All of the case-control studies were human and assessed the effectiveness of supplementation with zinger before exercise on malondialdehyde values.

Regarding the non significant significance of P in the I2 index, a fixed effect model was used. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using CMA software version 2 and the effect size was calculated by standardized mean difference (SMD). In total, 7 effect sizes were observed in these studies, which had 7 negative effects. Based on the results, in the study of the effect of ginger, the mean size of SMD effects on malondialdehyde (-67.66) was statistically significant (P≤0.01), but there was a significant difference between the mean size of the effects of type of intervention on malondialdehyde was not observed.

Based on the compilation of the results of the studies, it can be concluded that the responses to exercise with Zinger supplement indicate that there is probably an anxiolytic defense mechanism against the oxidative stress caused by the appropriate response exercise and the use of this supplement Has led to a more efficient anti-oxidation device.

Treatment of leishmaniasis is a challenge due to problems such as high price and dose of the drug, drug resistance and side effects.

The study aims to introduce plants compounds, which their antileishmanial effects were approved in vivo conditions.

This study as a review article was performed by searching the keywords of “medicinal plants with in vivo antileishmanial effects, nanocarrier, clinical trials, and mechanism of action” in the well-known databases to 2018. In this study, 14 medicinal plant compounds with antileishmanial effects were reviewed and mechanism of action and their in vivo therapeutic effect were evaluated.

It was found that while some of these compounds had low antileishmanial effects, their efficacy against leishmaniasis was significantly increased through loading into nanocarriers.

This study indicated that active component of medicinal plants especially along with nano carriers can be of interest for the treatment of Leishmania.

Bisphenol A (BPA) disturbs male reproductive system performance via the production of free radicals. Green tea extract (GTE) is known as a potent antioxidant.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of co-treatment of BPA and GTE as an antioxidant on male reproductive system performance.

Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: control, Bisphenol A (20 µg/kg/day), GTE (100 mg/kg/day) and Bisphenol A + GTE, treated for 8 weeks. The body weight and left testis weight were recorded. Left caudal epididymis was separated and kept in Ham's F10. Released sperms were used for analyzing the number, motility, viability and abnormalities of the sperm. The quality of sperm chromatin was assessed by nuclear staining acridine orange and aniline blue. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey‘s test. The means were considered significant at P < 0.05.

A significant reduction in the number, motility and viability of sperm were seen in BPA group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). BPA didn’t have any effect on sperm DNA integrity and histon-protamine replacement (P > 0.05). Also a considerable increase in sperm viability and motility was seen in the GTE group compared to the control.

The results of this investigation showed that GTE could compensate the adverse effects of BPA on sperm parameters in adult rats.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis by different species of Leishmania. Pentavalen antimonials as a first line drug for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis have several limitations and side effects. Natural products are more considered due to their less toxicity and cost, more efficient, safety and readily available antileishmania agents.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) roots and its main component glycyrrhizic acid on promastigote and amastigote of L. major.

Different dosages of hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root, glycyrrhizic acid and Glucantime with promastigote of L. major were incubated at 26 °C for 24 and 48 hours then the percentages of alive promastigotes were measured by MTT assay. The antiamastigote effects of these drugs was examined by microscopic counting of the number of amastigotes in macrophages 24 hours after treating the parasite infected macrophages with them. Promastigote and infected macrophages without any treatment was used as negative controls.

The IC50 values of hydroalcoholic extracts of licorice root, glycyrrhizic acid and Glucantime on promastigote of L. major was 1250 ± 0.018, 3000 ± 0.017 and 50 ± 0.043 μg/ml after 24 hours, and 1000 ± 0.016, 3000 ± 0.017 and 25 ± 0.009 μg/ml after 48 hours, respectively. The IC50 values of the licorice root extract, glycyrrhizic acid and Glucantime on amostigate was 500, 1000 and 25 μg/ml, respectively.

Hydroalcoholic extract of licorice root and glycyrrhizic acid had cytotoxic effects on promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major.

Due to the increase in the strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it is necessary to obtain effective herbal compounds and nanocapsules synthesized from plant extracts to eliminate these strains.

The present research study was conducted to examine the antibacterial effects of Cornus mass extract and its synthesized nano-capsules on the bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics.

Samples including a combination of (urine, sputum, wounds and blood) of 436 hospitalized patients was collected and a number of 50 strains which demonstrated the highest resistance to antibiotics was separated to examine the antibacterial characteristics of the innovative compositions under study.

The findings showed that from among the 50 strains under study in 80% of the cases the E. coli bacteria and in 20% of the cases the Acinetobacter were the cause of infections. with the increase in the concentration of the extract, the size and dimension of nano-capsules increased so much so that in a concentration of 2.5 mg of extract, nano-particles as large as 72 nanometers was reported. Also, in fixed concentration of extracts diluted in more aceton, the size and dimension of nano-particles decreased to the extent that in a concentration using 15 mililitre of aceton, nano-particles equal to 66 nano meter was observed. Conclution: The findings relating to the antimicrobial characteristics of the Cornus mass extracts and its synthesized nano-capsules showed that respectively 36% and 56% of the strains under study possess antibacterial characteristics.

Due to increased cancer chemotherapy resistance, the use of natural compounds in cancer treatment has been considered in recent years. Inula-Oculus-Christi, is one of the high importance plants in the field of traditional medicine. It has been shown that extract of this plant has cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of Gaillardin and apoptosis induced by this extract on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

Gaillardin from Inula-Oculus-Christi plant was extracted by Traditional Medicine Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The cytotoxic effect of Gaillardin on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Nalm-6) and PBMC (as a normal cell line) was investigated at different doses for 24 and 48 hours. In this study, Trypan blue, MTT assay and DAPI staining were used. In addition, Annexin V/PI staining was utilized for confirming apoptosis.

The results of Trypan blue and MTT assay demonstrated the induction of apoptosis and reduction in proliferation of Nalm-6 cells treated by Gaillardin, showing a time and dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001). However, low sensitivity to the different concentrations of Gaillardin was observed in PBMCs. DAPI staining and Flow cytometry analysis confirmed a significantly high percentage of apoptotic cells compared with control groups (P < 0.001).

According to the results, Gaillardin demonstrated cytotoxic effects on Nalm-6 cells, but

Researchers argue that supplements are somewhat capable of influencing the lung tissue exposed to smoking carcinogens through cell cycle. Cyclin D1 is a gene involved in cell cycle.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12-week injection of Nigella sativa nano-capsule on the expression of Cyclin D1 of the lung tissue of the rats receiving exposure to Nicotine-Derived Nitrosamine Ketone.

46 Wistar rats were assigned into five groups: NNK, Supplement, and Supplement, + NNK, Control and Vehicle group. 125 μg/kg body weight of Nigella sativa nano-capsule supplement was injected subcutaneously into the Supplement and Supplement NNK groups once a week. NKK and Vehicle groups received a weekly dose of 12.5 mg/kg NNK and distilled water for 12 weeks through subcutaneous injection. After isolating the lung tissue, the expression of the Cyclin D1 gene was measured using Real Time PCR-ABI. One-way ANOVA parametric analysis and Tukey post hoc test were used to analyze the data at the significant level of P ≤ 0.05.

According to the results, the expression of Cyclin 1 gene was relatively reduced in Supplement NNK (P = 0.003) and Vehicle (P = 0.001) groups in comparison to the NNK group. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed among the Supplement, Vehicle, and Control groups. We believe that Nigella sativa nano-capsule supplement reduced the relative changes of Cyclin 1 in the lung tissues exposed to carcinogen NNK.

Apparently, this supplement is capable of reducing Cyclin 1 level in cell cycle; hence, it can reduce the carcinogenic effects of NNK and the negative effects of smoking among other therapeutic methods.

Nowadays, biotechnological methods such as transgenic hairy root culture and application of elicitors have become an attractive source for secondary metabolites production. Hyssop species (Hyssopus spp.) having active ingredients including antioxidants such as phenolics, in this plant have shown anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic and antiglycemic effects.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles on the growth and antioxidants of transgenic hairy root in two Hyssopus species including H. officinalis and H. angustifolius.

In this experiment, we used silver nanoparticles concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mg/l on transgenic hairy roots and Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC15834 strain for induction of hairy roots. Extraction of the samples were performed following ultrasonic method. Total phenolics content were determined using spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity (AOA) of the extract were evaluated through 2, 2-dipheny l-1-picryl-hydrazy l (DPPH) method.

The results showed that silver nanoparticles as an elicitor had significant effect on the measured traits. The highest dry weight and fresh weight of the transgenic hairy roots were observed as much as 3.8 and 16 g/l in H. angustifolius and 3.2 and 14 g/l in H. officinalis, respectively. Which were caused by silver nanoparticles at the concentration of 0.1 mg/l, The amount of total antioxidants in H. angustifolius and H. officinaliswere 90.81% and 89.84%, respectively. In this study, we could observe relationship between antioxidant activity and plant phenolic content.

In general, we found that 0.1 mg/l silver nanoparticles could improve the growth of transgenic hairy roots and increase their phenolics and antioxidants content.

In addition to creating the desired flavor, spices play an important role in increasing the shelf life of food by inhibiting the growth of a variety of microorganisms.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of boiled and non-boiled water extract of Curcuma longa L., Capsicum annuum L. and Piper nigrum alone or in combination.

The antibacterial effect of the spices was investigated against four major food-born pathogens by agar dilution method in different acidic or salty conditions.

The results of this study showed that non-biled water extract of C. annuum had the highest antibacterial activity. Gram-positive bacteria were generally more susceptible to the tested spices. The antibacterial activity of the spiceces was reduced by addition of sodium chloride and in acdic pH. A synergistic effect was observed between C. annuum and P. nigrum water extracts agaist Listeria monocytogenes.

It seems that by using mixture of spices, suitable antimicrobial preservative systems could be designed for different food products.

Cancer is a multi-faceted diseases caused cell proliferation in an out of control manner due to accumulation of defects and mutation in their DNA and with an impendence to invade or spread to parts of the body. During last decades new compounds with natural roots have emerged as a new paradigm for effective anti-cancer treatment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of ergolide a sesquiterpene lactone with multi-functional history to induce apoptosis.

Ergolide from Inula-Oculus-Christi a sesquiterpene lactone from Asteraceae plant was extracted by Traditional Medicine Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The cytotoxic effects of Ergolide on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MOLT4) and PBMC (normal cell line) were investigated at different doses for 48 hours. In this study, MTT assay and acridine orange staining were used. Also, annexin V-PI assays was utilized for further evaluation. In addition the gene expression level of BAX and BCL2 were analyzed by q-RealTime-PCR (quantitive RT-PCR).

The results of MTT assay demonstrated the induction of apoptosis and reduction in proliferation of MOLT4 cells treated by ergolide. (P < 0.001). Interestingly Ergolide could be less toxic in normal cells (PBMCs). AO staining and Flow cytometry analysis confirmed a significantly high percentage of autophagic and apoptotic cells compared with control groups respectively (P < 0.05).

According to the results, ergolide demonstrated cytotoxic effects on MOLT-4, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a complementary agent in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The use of medicinal herbs in traditional medicine has been important and many of these plants have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-cancer effects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-cancer effects of Artemisia turcomanica extract on gastric cancer cell line (AGS) and its effect on expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E genes.

At first the alcoholic extract of A. turcomanica was prepared and its antibacterial effect was evaluated using MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) method. Subsequently, the cytotoxic effect of extract on AGS cell line was studied using MTT method after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Moreover, the apoptotic effect of extract was determined via annexin FITC-V and PI staining. Finally, the gene expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E were measured using Real Time PCR method.

The antibacterial results show that the A. turcomanica extract had significant effect on Escherichia coli. In addition, the results of MTT assay indicated that the maximum cytotoxic effect of A. turcomanica extract was observed in 24 h and over time, its cytotoxic effects were decreased. The maximum apoptotic effect and minimum necrosis effects was observed in 48 h. Also, the Real Time PCR results reveal that the gene expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 was down-regulated.

The results of this study show that the
A. turcomanica extract had cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on AGS cell line and it can be used as anticancer candidate in cancer therapy and prevention after further studies.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and it has the highest rate of growth among different types of cancers. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, is a major bioactive compound in several traditional medicinal plants including pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) flower. UA has very important biological and pharmacological functions.

In this study, cytotoxic effects of ethanol extract of pomegranate flowers and isolated UA against B16f10 mouse melanoma cells were investigated.

The isolation of UA from pomegranate flowers was done by using ultrasound-assisted extraction followed by normal-phase flash chromatography. The chemical structure of isolated UA was identified by GC-MS, IR and 1H-NMR spectra. The ethanol extract of pomegranate flowers and isolated UA were then tested for the cytotoxicity against B16f10 mouse melanoma cell lines. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay.

Ursolic acid was successfully isolated from pomegranate flowers by using normal-phase flash chromatography. After one flash chromatography run, the purity of UA reached more than 97% with a total yield of 0.1 % of dried pomegranate flower powder. Treatment of B16f10 cells with ethanol extract of pomegranate flowers and isolated UA exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity after incubation for 48 and 72 hours. It was observed for pomegranate flower extract in a concentration and time dependent manner.

The results suggested that pomegranate flower extract and isolated UA can be encouraging compounds in the prevention and treatment of melanoma.

Caffeine is considered as one of the most nutritional supplements and the most consuming stimulant among athletes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeine on blood lactate response following exhaustive activities in the chest and chest bite of young male swimmers.

This quasi-experimental study was performed and 16 male young swimmers were randomly divided into two groups. At first, swimmers without caffeine took part in a 100-meter long chest and back chest for the purpose of initial recording. Then, after seven more refreshments, taking caffeine was recorded. Blood lactate samples were taken in three stages of the basal state, after the supplementation period and immediately after exercise. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni and independent correlation T-test.

The results of repeated analysis of variance showed that the consumption of caffeine had a significant effect on blood lactate response after exhaustive activities compared with the control group (P < 0.001) and also improved the record performance of swimmers (P < 0.001).

The results showed that consumption of caffeine in groups had a significant effect on blood lactate and swimmers' performance, but there was no significant difference between breast and back chest groups.

From ancient times to now, native medicinal plants have been used as important medicinal source. Traditional botany offer valuable ways to find new medicinal plants and herbal medicines.

The purpose of this study is to collect and identify of medicinal plants in the Cheshmeh Gandou area that located in the Khafri part of Sepidan Township.

In 2016-2017, flora of medicinal plants of Cheshmeh Gandou region was studied. Using geographical maps, the plants of the area were collected and using the experiences of indigenous people, the medicinal properties of the plants and used organs were recorded. The samples were then identified using valid sources.

In total, 96 species of medicinal plants belonging to 35 families and 87 genera were identified in the region, which are used in the treatment of various diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, healing of wounds, sedative, stomachic tonic, etc. Also, by the examining the type of plants in the region, it was determined that the most type of consumption is as boiled and brewed. The largest family was reported in terms of number of species respectively Lamiaceae family with 20 species and Asteraceae family with 14 species. The genus Salvia with 5 species was identified as the largest medicinal genus in the area.

By recognizing the existing capabilities and introducing the indigenous medicinal plants, it is possible to act for extensive cultivation and exploitation, expand the cultivation of medicinal plants based on the need for domestic and foreign markets and provide information and culture for the conservation of natural resources. Therefore, the identification of medicinal plants preserves the genetic resources and helps to the country's medicinal independence.

Patients with heart problems usually suffer from sleep disorders due to the course of the disease. One of the methods for treating sleep disorders is the use of aromatherapy.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare effects of aromatherapy with orange and Citrus aurantium extracts on sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted in the CCU.

This clinical trial study was performed on 90 patients. The specimens were divided into three groups of aromatic herbal extracts with orange extract, Citrus aurantium extract and control group. The two groups underwent the treatment with these two extracts. In the control group only the usual care was taken. The data gathering tool was a SMHSQ questionnaire and a demographic profile form. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

The mean sleep quality score in the two intervention groups was significantly lower than the control group (P= 0.0008). However, the mean score of sleep quality in the two groups of aromatherapy was not significant (P= 0.082).

The aromatherapy of orange extract and Citrus aurantium improves sleep quality in patients. Each of the extracts can also affect the next dimension of the quality of sleep, which can be used as a topical scent.

Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss is native to Iran and its essential oil has cytotoxic effects.

Herbal Essences have limited application due to instability. In this research, nanoliposome containing Ducrosia essential oil has been studied for abundance and size distribution to enhance the essential oil stability for use in drug delivery systems.

Essential oil was prepared and GC-MS were used to identify the extracted compounds. Thin-film hydration method was then used to create small liposome loaded with the extract. Nano-liposomes were made by sonication and filtration methods with molar ratios 7:3, 3:2 and ratios of 3:1 V/V Essential oil to lipid phase.

The results showed that size of nanoparticles made by sonication method with molar ratios of 3:2 was 39.49 to 354.4 nm with 80.7 to 19.3 % abundance and PDI of 0.856 Encapsulation Efficiency 38% and  size of liposomes prepared using filtration method was 269.8 nm with 100% abundance and PDI of 0.507 with Encapsulation Efficiency 34% and results of nanoliposomes made by sonication with molar ratios of 7:3 and  ratios of 3:1 was 224.4 to 5330 nm with 93 to 7 % abundance and PDI of 0.229 with Encapsulation Efficiency 46%. The size of liposomes prepared using filtration was 358.9 nm with 100% abundance and PDI of 0.286 with Encapsulation Efficiency 43.5%.

It is important to note that the nanoliposomes produced by the sonication are smaller than filtration for use in the liposomal nanoscale system and Encapsulation Efficiency nanoliposomes made by molar ratios 7:3 was more than 3:2 molar ratios.

Antileishmaniasis drugs such as antimonials have problems such as disease recurrence, drug resistance, side effects and long-term treatment period. Therefore it seems necessary to search for new drugs, particularly herbal compounds with no side effects.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hydroalcholic extract of Cornus mas on Leishmania major in vitro and wounds in Balb/c mice.

Various concentrations of hydroalcholic extract of Cornus mas were prepared using maceration method in 80% ethanol. Then, 100 μl RPMI medium containing 5×105 /well leishmania major promastigote was added to 96-well cell culture plates. Afterwards extract was added in each concentrations and the plate was incubated at 26 °C on 0h, 24h, 48h, and 72h. Then the MTT solution was added and absorbance was measured with ELISA reader in 570 nm in vivo: 60 Balb/c mouse after inoculation of L. major promastigote in the base their tail, after leishmaniasis lesions concentrations of 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract were injected to test groups one day in between for 30 days. Diameter and condition wound healing was recorded before and after the treatment. Then results were analyzed by SPSS software.

The findings revealed that the effect of C. mas on leishmania was dependent on dose of extract and time treatment also all concentrations of the extract could reduce the diameter of the wound and reduce parasitic load.

The results indicated that extract of C. mas had the favorable effect in leishmanicidal activity in experimental conditions and in the animal model. Based on this, it is recommended that the effect of the herbal ointment and gel in the future on leishmaniasis should be investigated.

Neonatal jaundice is as a disease caused by the abnormality of bilirubin metabolism that tendency of people to traditional medicine is very high for the treatment.

The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic strategies, especially herbal treatments, in the neonatal jaundice, for mother and infant, based on verbally traditional medicine recommended by medicinal herbalists in Mazandaran province.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on all medicinal herbalists in Mazandaran province in 1394 and a snowball questionnaire was used for sampling. Data on demographic characteristics and treat neonatal jaundice using natural products were collected by direct method and the results were analyzed.

In this study, 12 medicinal plants for the baby and 49 herbal preparations for the mother were recommended. Moreover, based on recommendation of eighty-nine (98.9%) of the medicinal herbalists, Cotoneaster discolor (shir-e-khesht) was first choice of herbal medicine for prescribing to mother and baby.

As based on this study, the medicinal plants such as: Cotoneaster discolor, Descurainia sophia, Cichorium intybus, and Alhagi maurorum are used for neonatal jaundice as the main herbal remedies in Mazandaran province. However, this study is the first step in identifying and developing new drugs to treat neonatal jaundice, and requires additional pharmacological studies, pharmacology, toxicology, animal studies, and in particular different clinical phases to assess the exact effects of these drugs.

Sepsis or infection is the second leading cause of death in people who are intensive care units. Due to the side effects of NSAIDs drugs, the use of medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory such as Rosa (R.) damascene Mill. for treating and reducing the symptoms of the inflammation has been suggested.

The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxodant activities of Rosa (R.) damascena Mill. essential oils in the lung tissue of the septic rats induced by the experimental cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rat model.

The rats were divided into 5 groups: negative control group, positive control group and treatment groups with R. damascena Mill. essential oils and indomethacin. After 24h of CLP surgery, the oxidative parameters were measured.

The induction of sepsis reduced the levels of glutathione (GSH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) as well as increased the levels lipid peroxidation (LP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but it had no effects on glutathione S-transferase (GST). However, the treatments of rats with R. damascena Mill. essential oils have diminished the levels of biochemical parameters. Histopathological studies also demonstrated that the induction of sepsis resulted in the lung tissue damages, while these were improved by the treatment of rats with R. damascena Mill. essential oils.

The oxidative damages of the lung tissue were induced by the sepsis and the administartionof R. damascena Mill. essential oils can be effecient in the prevention and improvement of the injuries.

Attending a dentist and placing on the unit can cause anxiety.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the aroma inhalation of orange and lavender essential oils in comparison with placebo on the level of anxiety in clients in a dental clinic in Shiraz.

This randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on 120 patients referred to a Dental Clinic. The patients were divided into three groups of anxiety treatments with scent of lavender, orange and sesame (as control). The Spielberger questionnaire was used to measure the anxiety of the patients before and after the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. The level of significance was considered as 5%.

Overall, there is no difference in the state scores of anxiety before and after the interventions. In the sesame group (t-test (-0.068) and the significant level (0.501), in the orange group (t (0.465) and significant level (0.645), in the lavender group (t (0.321) and significant level (0.750). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the levels of state and trait anxiety after the interventions in all three groups.

Although, based on the present study, the use of orange and lavender extracts had partially reduced the levels of state and trait of anxiety in dental clients, more clinical studies are recommended.

Although initial studies on Elaeagnus Angustifolia L. Fruit Extract (Senjed) Nanocapsule showed its efficacy in osteoporosis in rat model as well as its significant role in elevating the serum calcium levels, there is no study on its possible genotixic potentials which is necessary for developing all nanopharmaceuticals.

This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxicity of Senjed nanocapsule using Ames and Micronucleus tests as two necessary steps for developing it as a new nanopharmaceutical.

Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and TA98 strains were used for Mutagenicity and antimutagenicity assays by counting the number of colonies in the sample plates, negative and positive control plates. Micronucleus (MN) test was performed in male and female rats after oral administration of 1000 µg/kg/day of senjed nanocapsule and lymphocyte separation from the spleen of animals.

Observations from Ames test didn't indicate any mutagenic effect for this nanocapsule, moreover the anti-mutagenicity of the extract in both strains of salmonella typhimurium (P < 0.001) showed a concentration dependent antimutagenic properties of this nanocapsule in the presence of sodium Azide but in vivo micronucleus test showed a significant increase in the number of MN, Nucleoplasmic Bridges (NPB) and Nuclear Bud formation (NBUD) compared to the control group in both genders (P < 0.001).

Based of the possible clinical values of this future nanopharmaceutical, it seems necessary to continue its in vivo genotoxicity assessments in lower doses after revising the composition of nanocarriers and before starting any clinical evaluation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neuropathologic disorder caused by dopaminergic neurons degeneration in the dense part of the substantia nigra.

The present study, designed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thyme on malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) concentration in the PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in an animal model.

In this experimental study, 40 male rats, were divided randomly into five groups (n=8) including control and PD group in which PD was induced by 4 µg 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxin in medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Treatment groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg thyme extract via intragastric administration for 14 days and then, the brains of the rats were extracted to evaluate lipid peroxidation and measure the levels of thiol (-SH) and GPX.

The significant increase in MDA concentration in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum (P< 0.05) and cerebellum (P< 0.001) and a significant reduction in thiol and GPX enzyme (P< 0.001) were reported in rats with PD. Treatment with thyme extract significantly increased thiol and GPX (P< 0.001) and significantly reduced MDA in the hippocampus, striatum (P< 0.001) and cerebral cortex (P< 0.01).

Thyme extract showed potent antioxidant activity in an animal model of PD.

Drug dependence is one of the biggest problems all over the world. Health custodians have suggested many ways to quit smoking. One of these ways is to stop the drug from taking alternative medicines. Various drugs, such as herbs and chemists, are used to stop the drug and to treat symptoms associated with it. Some herbal medicines have less side effects and are equally effective than chemical drugs such as methadone that cause liver failure. One of these herbs is the dried root of barberry.

The aim of this study was to reduce the daily dose of methadone to reduce its side effects and supplement barberry.

This study was a double-blind clinical trial that was conducted on clients referred to addiction treatment centers in Sabz. Of the eligible individuals, 40 were randomly selected and randomly assigned (two groups of 20). Patients were all in the stage of treatment stability (methadone and methadone dose on a weekly basis). The intervention group was treated with methadone syrup and barberry self-made capsules and the control group received methadone and placebo syrup for 2 months.

The findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the effectiveness of Barberry compared with placebo on pain, diarrhea, temptation, nasal congestion caused by drug withdrawal (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of effect on anorexia induced cracks.

Barberry extract can be complementary to methadone to help reduce the symptoms of a withdrawal syndrome.

The content and composition of effective components of medicinal plants in different natural habitats are affected by various factors such as elevation of sea level.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of altitude of sea level on the essential oil composition of Ducrosia anethifolia Boiss in its natural habitats in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran.

The plant aerial parts were gathered at full flowering stage from four different altitudes including altitudes of 0-400, 800-400, 800-800 and 1600-1200 meters above sea level and dried in shade. The essential oil was extracted by the hydro-distillation method by Clevenger-type apparatus. The composition of the essential oil was determined by combined GC/MS and GC.

Results showed that habitat height had a significant effect on the essential oils composition and cis-Chrysanthenyl acetate with an average of 44.77% was the main component, which was observed at 0-400 and 400- 800 m above sea level. Also, n-Decanal, α-Pinene, Citronellal, and p-Cymene were 7.59%, 3.37%, 2.70% and 1.91% of the other main components, respectively. The amounts of these compounds at various altitudes were significantly different.

A significant relationship between the altitude of sea level and essential oil components of Ducrosia anethifolia were observed. Also, sea level elevation was an important factor in changes of essential oil composition of this plant.