Journal of Medicinal Herbs
Volume:12 Issue: 1, Spring 2021

Bombax costatum stem bark is traditionally used in treatment of liver diseases but the anti-hepatofibrotic effect of its ethyl acetate fraction has not been scientifically evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-hepatofibrotic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of B. costatum stem bark (EAB) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Experimental: 

Normal control group were administered olive oil while mice in the remaining groups received 0.4 ml/kg of CCl4 twice weekly for 6 weeks. Mice in treatment groups received EAB once daily orally for the next 2 weeks at doses of 31.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Mice in standard control group received silymarin (100 mg/kg) daily for the next 2 weeks. Mice in toxic control group were sacrificed 72 hours after the last dose of CCl4 while mice in CCl4 control group were observed for the next 2 weeks for spontaneous resolution of fibrosis. Effect of treatment on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and liver histopathology were evaluated.

CCl4 intoxication caused significant (p < 0.05) elevation in TNFα, TGFβ1 and MDA with associated collagen deposition in the liver. Administration of EAB significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of TNFα, TGFβ1 as well as MDA and increased GSH level compared to CCl4 toxic group.

Recommended applications/industries:

 Ethyl acetate fraction of B. costatum possesses anti-hepatofibrotic, anti-inflammatory and in vivo anti-oxidant activities against CCl4 induced liver fibrosis.

Iran with about 8000 plant species and 1728 endemic species; is one of the most important sources of medicinal plants. Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is one of the endemic plants in Iran. It grows in regions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Gorgan, Mazandaran, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Tehran, Fars and the northern heights of Semnan. In this review, the botany, traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss are discussed.

 Experimental:

In the current review keywords including DracocephalumkotschyiBoiss. and medicinal properties were searched in scientific websites such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar to compile the botanical and medicinal properties of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.

According to the literature review, Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. with high concentration of essential oil, flavonoids and other secondary metabolites is a valuable endemic plant. It has been shown immunomodulatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-spasmodic activities and is effective in treatment of headaches, congestion, and liver disorders. In addition, anti-cancer properties of this plant are related to presence of xanthomicrol and Spinal-Z compounds in the leaves of this plant.

Recommended applications/ industries: 

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. with high amount of biochemical components and pharmacological effects can be used as a valuable herbal drugs. Its cultivation for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes can help to improve the production of anti-cancer drugs in Iran.

Phytomedicine or herbal medicine, refers to the use of plants to treat diseases and promote good health. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory characteristics of the medicinal herbs make them logical adjuvant to improve wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound healing potential of Biarum straussiis’ (B. straussii) rhizome extract on cutaneous wounds in rats.

Experimental: 

Adult male rats (n=18) were divided into three groups (n=6), as group A, B and C. Then, full-thickness, square shape  cutaneous wounds were created on the skin. In group A, as negative control, the wound area was only washed using normal saline solution; in group B as positive control, the wound was treated using phenytoin and the wound treatment using B. straussii rhizome extract was done in group C, as experimental subject. The progressive changes in wounds of each group were evaluated for the contraction degree on days 4,7,10 and 14. The tissue samples of the wound area were removed from each group on day 14, fixed in 10% formalin and finally stained with H&E for histological examination. Data analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey-Kramer test (p <0.05).

The wound contraction was higher in group treated with B. straussii extractthan in control group at 7th, 10th and 14th days (p <0.0001). The histological analysis showed a significant accelerated wound contraction, complete re-epithelialization, and tissue recovery due to the topical application of B. straussii rhizome extract.

Recommended applications/ industries:

 It can be concluded that the rhizome extract of B. straussii is favorable for cutaneous wound healing in rats and would be considered as a medicinal plant, but further studies are required to reach more definitive results.

Iranian sweet basil (Ocimum ciliatum L.) and great sweet basil (O. basilicum L.) belonging to the family Lamiaceae are the most important aromatic, culinary and medicinal herbs, which widely cultivated in many countries. The areal parts especially, stem and leaves of sweet basil before flowering are widely used to enhance the flavor of foods such as salads, pasta, tomato products, vegetables, pizza, meat, soups, marine foods, confectioneries and other products.

Experimental:

 Phytochemical response of two basil species to different fertilizers including C (control), CM (cow manure 20 ton ha−1), CM + CF (cow manure 20 ton ha−1 + chemical fertilizers N.P.K), CM + CF (cow manure 10 ton ha−1+ chemical fertilizers N.P.K), CF (chemical fertilizers, N.P.K), and VC (vermicompost) was evaluated in a factorial experimental based RCBD at the field, Southwestern Iran. The hydro-distillated essential oils were analyzed using GC-FID and GC/MS.

Results indicated that interaction effects of fertilizers and basil species had significant influences on some main components such as methyl chavicol (estragole), neral, and geranial. The maximum percentage of methyl chavicol was achieved from the applied CM in green basil. The highest value for essential oil yield was observed from the applied CM + CF.

Recommended applications/industries: 

The application of organic fertilizer can be a promising strategy in achieving sustainable production of medicinal and aromatic plants such as Iranian basil.

Citrus paradisi Macfad (Rutaceae) seed extract (CPE) is used in folkloric medicine for the management of diabetes, blood deficiencies and as immune booster, which may require long term usage. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of ethanol seed extract of grapefruit in adult Wistar rats in order to determine its safety profile in whole organism’s systems.

Experimental: 

Acute toxicity study was conducted using OECD–425 procedure. Subchronic toxicity study (90 days) was conducted using 40 adult male Wistar rats, randomly divided into four groups (10/group) and orally-treated daily, thus: Group I-Control (normal saline, 10 ml/kg), Groups II-IV received CPE (4, 40 and 400) mg/kg body weight, respectively. On the 92nd day, animals (6/group) were euthanized under diethyl ether anaesthesia and sacrificed. Vital organs were eviscerated, blotted, weighed and stored for oxidative stress measurement; some samples of the organs were fixed in formalin for histopathological examination. Other animals (4/group) were retained for reversibility studies.

Results showed significant increase and decrease in weights of the kidneys and spleen, respectively. Significant increase in malondialdehyde level and decreases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase activities were recorded. Histopathology of the kidney, liver, and lungs showed some degree of pathologies. Reversibility studies showed reversal of test effects on extract discontinuation. Despite the diverse biological usefulness of ethanol seed extract of C. paradisi (CPE), it may also induce an array of toxicities especially on long term use.

Recommended applications/industries:

 Contrary to the tradomedical claims that CPE is absolutely safe, the study revealed that CPE may induce oxidative stress and organ toxicity especially on long term use. It is imperative the plant seed extract and its derivatives be used with utmost caution, and where possible be avoided.

In our daily lives, we need to use some supplements to support our bodily functions besides our daily diet. It is essential to get some additional minerals and vitamins required to reinforce our normal diet in today’s conditions. There are different food supplements that vary according to the body’s need. It is important to know if these supplements have the right ingredients or not. In the present study, our aim is to investigate the ingredients and antioxidant potential of a kind of herbal drug used for protection against deterioration of joint cartilage.

Experimental:

 In order to examine the magnetic and structural properties of the herbal drug, several spectroscopic methods (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) were applied at room temperature. The powdered form of the herbal medicine pill was used for analysis.

We observed a broad signal with a g value of ≈2.0010 and with a line width of 185 G due to the higher Mn concentration by electron paramagnetic resonance. However, in the spectrum, we determined a weak shoulder with g value of 2.0040 which can be attributed to a carbon centered radical. Two x-ray diffraction peaks centered at ≈26.5° and 38° were assigned to turmeric which is an important component for assisting in reducing of inflammation and pain. The elemental composition results were in good agreement with the other applied techniques.

Recommended applications/industries: 

It will be important to carry out alternatively supportive spectroscopic studies in health-related applications.

Nigella sativa L. (Black seeds) which is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, grows in Southwestern Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. The use of N. Sativa seeds and oil in traditional remedies goes back more than 2000 years, and the herb is described as ‘the Melanthion’ by hippocrates and dioscorides.

Experimental:

 In the current literature review, key words including N. Sativa, thymoquinone, black seeds, toxicity, protection of hepatocellular were searched in scientific websites such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar etc. to compile the protective effects of N. Sativa against hepatocellular damage.

Many active components of N. Sativa have been identified, including thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, nigellone, melanthin, nigilline, nigelamine, damascenone, p -cymene and pinene. N. Sativa is a medicinal plant with antifungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-parasite, anti-oxidant, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-tussive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymoquinone could prevent many disorders such as neurobehavioral kidney and liver disorders. N. Sativa was also found to be able to relieve the symptoms of patients with several diseases, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and natural and chemical toxicities.

Recommended applications/industries: 

According to literature,N. Sativa treatment will decrease the elevated lipid peroxidation, liver enzyme levels and increase antioxidant enzyme levels. N. Sativa administration can also protect hepatic tissue from deleterious effects of toxic metals.

Ocimum gratissimumis an aromatic plants used among traditional medicine practitioners in the treatment of warts, diarrhoea, headache, diabetes etc. This study aimed at evaluating the anti-diabetic and toxicity profile of aqueous leaf extract of the plant in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Experimental: 

Thirty albino rats (111.33 ±1.50g) were grouped into six (A-F) groups of animals. Group A received 0.5 ml distilled water (p.o) for eight days. Diabetes was induced in group B-F animals using 160 mg/kg alloxan (i.p ) and thereafter administered 2.5 metformin, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum, respectively (p.o) for 8 consecutive days. Blood sugar level was taken 1 h after drug administration every other day. Body weights of animals were taken before induction, after induction, and on the 8th day. Blood samples and organs (liver, kidney, and pancreas) were collected for biochemical assays and histopathological examinations.

Alloxan significantly (p <0.05) increased the glucose, albumin, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels of rats compared with the distilled water group. The aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum significantly (p <0.05) reduced the glucose, albumin, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, ALP, AST and ALT levels compared with the diabetic untreated rats. There were no significant histological changes in the liver, pancreas and kidneys of diabetic treated rats compared with diabetic untreated rats which exhibited moderately distorted organ degeneration.

Recommended applications/industries: 

Aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum possesses anti-hyperglycemic effects and is relatively safe for use in the treatment of diabetics.