Journal of Medicinal Plants
Volume:6 Issue: 23, 2007

Jojoba is a woody evergreen shrub or small multi-stemmed tree native to the semiarid regions of southern Arizona, southern California and northwestern Mexico. The fruit is a green capsule which encloses up to three seeds. Jojoba wax (called oil) makes up 50% of the seed's dry weight. Jojoba is being cultivated to provide a renewable source of unique high-quality oil. Most jojoba oil produced in the U.S. today is sold at a high price for use in cosmetics and hair care products. As many as 300 products containing jojoba have appeared in the U.S. market in recent years. As the supply of oil increases and price decreases, more uses will become economically feasible. For example, the viscosity index of jojoba oil is much higher than that of petroleum oil; therefore, it may be used as a high temperature, high pressure lubricant. The stability of jojoba oil makes it attractive to the electronic and computer industries and since jojoba oil contains no cholesterol or triglycerides and is not broken down by normal metabolic pathways, it may become an important low-calorie oil for human consumption. The oil can be used as an antifoam in antibiotics production and as a treatment for skin disorders. Other proposed uses include candles, plasticizers, detergents, fire retardants, transformer oil, and for the leather industry. The meal contains up to 30% protein, but toxic compounds (simmondsins) make it currently hazardous as an animal feed. Much of the interest in jojoba worldwide is the result of the plant's ability to survive in a harsh desert environment.

Thymus species are of very important medicinal plants which are being used very much. The properties of essential oils of various Thymus species are related to Thymol and Carvacrol. Essential oils of the leaves and flowers of Thymus have antispasm, antiflatulence, anti rheumatism effects and are strong disinfectants. In pharmaceutics their essential oils are used for preparation of mouth washing solutions and anticough syrups. The purpose of this research is an investigation on the essential oils composition of Thymus daenensis Celak from four locations of Isfahan province in order to identify the most premium essential oil. The aerial parts of Thymus daenensis Celak in the flowering stage were collected in Aug. 2004 from Isfahan, Golpayegan, Samirom and Daran in Isfahan province of Iran and after drying at room temperature, were hydrodistilled for 2 h using a Clevenger-type apparatus.The essential oils were analysed by GC and GC/MS. Essential oils were produced at the yields of 3.4% (Isfahan), 3.9% (Golpayegan), 3.05% (Samirom) and 3.2% (Daran), respectively. Twenty-seven compounds were identified among which thymol (51.3%-78.3%), p-cymene (2.7%-7.6%), γ-terpinene (2.7%-10.1%), carvacrol (2.0%-9.2%) and β-caryophyllene (2.4%-4.3%) were the major constituents, respectively. Samirom sample has the most effective properties of essential oil although it has the lowest yield.In the other hand Golpayegan sample has the highest yield of essential oil in spite of it’s lowest essential oil properties.So if it is desired to obtain the highest yield, the Golpayegan sample is the best one and if it is desired to produce the essential oil with the most effective properties, the Samirom sample is the best one.

Atherosclerosis that is caused a gradual deposition of lipids in muscular arteries remain a major cause of mortality worldwide. Dietary is one of the most important environmental factors associated with the incidence of these diseases. Diets high in cholesterol have been shown to promote atherosclerosis. Inversly diets high in vegetables have been shown to reduce development this disease. In many species of Artemisia evaluated antioxidative properties. The objective of this study was evaluating the effect of Artemisia aucheri extract on blood lipids and development of atherosclerosis in rabbits fed by a high cholesterol diet. Fifteen male rabbits were randomly divided in three experimental groups (normal diet group, hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) group and the group that fed by HCD + supplemented with 100 mg/kg body weight Artemisia aucheri extract every other day). Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol were measured before and after 1 and 2 months of experimental period. At the end of the experimental period the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Artemisia aucheri significantly reduced the levels of TC, LDL, TG and significantly increased the level of HDL. Degree of atherosclerotic plaque significantly reduced in this group. Results of this study indicate that Artemisia aucheri extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. This may be related to the effect of Artemisia aucheri on plasma lipoproteins in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It has been recently shown that essential oil of Nigella sativa seeds and its major constituent, thymoquinone (TQ), possess relaxant activity on isolated trachea and ileum. Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain the smooth muscle relaxant effects of the essential oil of Nigella sativa seeds. But, only in one study, it has been shown that TQ exerts its relaxant activity probably through the inhibition of histaminergic and serotonergic receptors. This study was carried out in order to further evaluating the mechanism(s) of muscle relaxant activity of TQ. Tension recording technique using an isometric transducer connected to a physiograph in an organ bath set up was used. The spontaneous contractions of isolated ileum and contractile responses evoked by acetylcholine (ACh), histamine (His), potassium chloride (KCl), and repetitive electrical field stimulation (EFS), were recorded. ACh (10 M), His (100 M), KCl (10 mM), and EFS (20 Hz, 0.2 ms, 130 V), were applied before and after adding TQ (10, 20, 40, 80, 100 M). Moreover, in order to evaluate the role of Ca2+-channels in TQ-induced relaxation of ileum, the amplitude of contractions evoked by EFS were recorded in the presence and absence of TQ (80 M), in Ca2+-free Krebs solution, as well as following adding of cumulative concentrations of CaCl2 (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1, 2 mM). The results showed that TQ at the minimum concentration of 20 M decreased the amplitude of spontaneous contractility (p<0.01) and His- and EFS- evoked contractions (p<0.05). Also, the amplitude of ACh- and KCl - evoked contractions were decreased by TQ at the minimum concentration of 40 M (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). The maximum inhibitory effects of TQ against ileum contractility were achieved by the concentration of 100 M. Furthermore, the cumulative concentrations of CaCl2 in the presence of TQ (80 M), failed to increase the amplitude of contractions induced by EFS, which were suppressed in Ca2+-free medium. These findings indicated that TQ possesses inhibitory effects on contractility of guinea pig isolated ileum, and that effects may be responsible for the smooth muscle relaxant activity of Nigella sativa seeds. The mechanism by which TQ relaxes ileum contractility was exerted, at least in part, through an antagonistic activity on calcium channels in guinea pig ileum smooth muscle cells.

Passion flower has shown antianxeity and sedative effects in human. In this study, anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of passiflora were studied. Anticonvulsant effects of Pasipay were examined by using pentylenetetrazole model (PTZ) on mice. In this research pasipay, diazepam, and normal saline were injected i.p. at doses (0.05-0.4 mg/kg), (0.5-1 mg/kg), (10 ml/kg) respectively and after 30 minutes, PTZ (90 mg/kg, i.p) was injected to these mice. For investigating the mechanism of pasipay, flumazenil (2 mg/kg, i.p) and naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p) were also injected 5 minutes before pasipay. An ED50 value of pasipay was 0.2 mg/kg (%95 CL: 0.119, 0.408). In this model, pasipay at the dose of 0.4 mg/kg prolonged the onset time of seizure and decreased the duration of seizures compared to control (p<0.001). In this dose the seizure and mortality protection was 100%. Flumazenil and naloxone could suppress anticonvulsant effects of pasipay. It seems that pasipay may be useful for treatment of absence seizure and these effects may be related to the effect of it on GABAergic and opioid systems.

The genus Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (Lamiaceae) are grown in most part of Iran. This plant has been used as an additive in yoghurt and other dairy products, but there is little study about antimicrobial activity of Ziziphora clinopodioides on food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Ziziphora clinopodioides against some food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria and determine Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Essential oil of Ziziphora (Ziziphora clinopodioides L.) was tested for itُ s growth inhibitory and bactericidal effect on 6 Gram-negetive (Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coil, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Shigella dysenteria) and 3 Gram-positive species (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using dilution method and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was taken from the concentration of the lowest dosed test tube showing no growth on subcultured. All test organism were inhibited by Ziziphora clinopodioides L. except Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Shigella dysenteria. The MIC and MBC for Gram-negetive bacteria, including Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coil, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enteritidis were 250, 500, 125 and 250 μg/ml respctivily. The MIC for Gram-negetive bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were 125, 1000, 125 μg/ml respctivily. It is concluded that essential oil of ziziphora has antimicrobial activity on food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. According to the results of this study, It is applicable to use essential oil of Ziziphora as the natural preservatives and flavoring agents in food products.

In traditional medicines of west part of Iran, Falcaria vulgaris has significant roles. Falcaria vulgaris (gazayagji) has been used for treatment at gastric ulser, and skin ulcerous. The purpose of this study is investigated the qualitative and quantitative properties, components of this plant. Composition of extracted and volatile of the Falcaria. vulgaris have been investigated. Materials (leaves) were collected in spring from Dalahoo, west of Iran. The oils were collected by means of hydrodistilation procedure. The yield was 2.15 W/V, respectively. Subsequently the oils were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The main constituents of the F. vulgaris were Carvacrol (20.93%) & Spatulenul (27.08%).

Backgpound: Drug addiction is destructive misfortune and one of the most important problems in the world. Using the medical plants in medicinal history has valuable information and experiments in this field. According to research Trachyspermum copticum L. T. Copticum is effective in reducing of morphine’s withdrawal syndrome, so in this study we investigate the effects of T. Copticum microinjection on nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis (PGi) on morphine’s withdrawal syndrome sings (MWSS). After preparing the T.C fruit from height of the mountain in Khuzestan, aqueous extract of different concentration (Diluted 10, 100, 1000 times) was prepared by suckcele display. 32 male rats (Sprague Dawley with average weigh 250 – 300 gr) were randomized divided to 4 groups which dependent by intraperitoneum (I.P) injection with morphine. After cannulating the PGI with using the set of steriotaxi, microinjection of different doses of T. Copticum in PGI was done and naloxan (5 mg/kg) was injected I.P to groups. Withdrawal syndrome signs (diarrhea, rearing, ptosis, irritability, tremor, agitation) were observed in 4 groups. Data evaluation and analysis was done by t-test and Mann-Whitney.Results show that T.C was significantly effective in reduction of MNSS such as (rearing ptosis, irritability) compared with control group. T. Copticum is probably sensitive on specific receptors in PGI.

Passiflora has several species that two of them named P. incarnata and P. caerulea are cultivated in Iran. Many investigations have been carried out on therapeutic effects of the genus but only P. incarnata is approved for use in pharmaceutical dosage forms for anxiety and insomnia. The purpose of this study is differential determination of P. incarnata and P. caerulea in medicinal plants and related herbal drugs. In this investigation, microscopic properties, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and total flavonoids calculated as hyperoside of P. incarnata and P. caerulea were determined. In addition, TLC chromatogram regarding flavonoids and HPLC chromatograms of P. incarnata and P. caerulea ethanol extract, Passipay tablet and drop (Iran Darouk Co.), Passiflora drop and dry extract (Vogel Co.) and Passiflora drop (Curarina Co.) were also compared. No significant difference between total ash, acid-insoluble ash and total flavonoids in two species were found. But they were very different in microscopic properties. TLC and HPLC chromatograms are very different as well. The aerial parts of the two plant species can be well distinguished by microscopic method. The plant extract either itself or in pharmaceutical dosage forms, can be determined by HPLC or TLC methods. Since sample preparation is very simple and doesn’t require complex procedures, the above-mentioned methods seem to be efficient.

One of the famous medicinal plants is Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae), which its seeds used as diuretic and anthelminthic. Recently, the seeds have used as symptomatic relief of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. It is said, seeds’ steroids are responsible for these effects. This research was performed for identification and quantitation of sterols in Cucurbita pepo cultivated in Iran and comparison those of Hungarian origin. Seeds oil was extracted by Soxhelet apparatus with methylene chloride. Peponene (soft gel capsule of pumpkin oil) was purchased from Hungary. Derivatization of standard sterols and oils were performed by hexamethyl disilasane and trimethyl chlorosilane and samples were injected to GC/MS.Results and Analysis of the Hungarian pumpkin oil shows three sterols, campestrol (0.82), stigmasterol (0.78) and avanestrol (0.84 mg/g oil). Analysis of the Iranian pumpkin oil shows campestrol (0.38) and stigmasterol (0.67 mg/g oil), and avanestrol is absent.

The genus Thymus belongs to Lamiaceae family. This genus is comprised of about 350 species widespread in the world. 14 species exist in Iran of which four are endemic. In this study chemical compounds and antibactrial activity in essential oil of Thymus trautvetteri was identified.Methodes: Thymus trautvetteri has been collected from the highlands of Ardabil province in june 2006. Then air-dried aerial parts of the plant were submitted to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus to produce the essential oil and the extract was analysed by GC/MASS. Investigation of antimicrobial activity was conducted by Disc-diffusion, MIC and MBC technique and different antibiotics compared with antimicrobial activity of this essential oil. In this study, 49 constituents were found representing 99.76% of the oil. The major components were thymol (24.43%), borneol (11.36%), para-cymene (10.09%) and gamma-terpinene (7.78%), alpha-pinene (5.29%) and carvacrol (5.07%). The antibacterial activity of essential oil of this plant was assayed against seven bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus resulted to be the most sensitive microorganism with a MIC value of 125 µg/ml. This study showed that essential oil of this plant have strong inhibitory and bactricidal effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Identification of chemical compounds of this species showed that thymol represented the most abundant compounds as the other Thymus species. The antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Thymus trautvetteri can be attributed of thymol and other terpenoides compounds.

Regarding to the skin damages caused by the ultraviolet ray of sun and the need for protective materials against these mal effects, Silymarin was evaluated for the porpose. In this study, by histopathology studies and surveying the clinical symptoms the external use of an herbaceous (herbal) substance, Silymarin, in protecting the mal effects of ultraviolet ray has been evaluated. For the study 60 albino hamsters with same age and gender has been selected and they divided in two groups (each group 30 hamsters) randomly. The hair on the back of all animals shaved in an area about 2 square centimeters. The first group gets 9 miligram Silymarin with 20 micro liter acetone topically, and the second group gets only 20 micro liter acetone topically. Then both groups for 45 days exposed to ultra violet ray, 180milijoule/cm2 each day. Results and The results of clinical and histopathologic surveys show that topical usage of Silymarin has considerable protective effects against the mal effects of ultra violet ray on skin and this can be a promise for using this herbaceous substance as a topical sun protects substance.