Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Volume:16 Issue: 3, Mar 2014

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cells which results in increase of myeloid cells, erythroid cells and platelets in the peripheral blood and hyperplasia in bone marrow. Pterocarya fraxinifolia; (Juglandaceae) is widely distributed in northern area of Iran. The research evaluates the cytotoxic effect of n-butanol fraction, aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of P. fraxinifolia leaves on K562 cell line as a model of chronic myeloid leukemia. Leaves of P. fraxinifolia collected from Astara city and extraction using soxhlet method. K562 cells were cultured and treated with concentrations of extracts (12.5-400 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity of P. fraxinifolia extracts against K562 leukemia cells was estimated by the MTT test method. The absorbance was measured using an ELISA plate reader at 540 nm. Ethanolic extract showed the highest cytotoxic effect (IC50=148.66±11.64 µg/ml) whereas n-butanol fraction extract were least cytotoxic effect (IC50=248.97±6.71 µg/ml) among the extracts. Aqueous and methanol extracts showed the cytotoxic effect with the IC50=183.14±4.71 and 226.02±6.08 µg/ml on K562 cell line. Both ethanolic and n-butanol fraction extracts exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on K562 cell line. Considering the cytotoxic effects aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. fraxinifolia leaves on K562 cells, the plant can be considered as a potential candidate for further studies on CML treatment.

Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body against cell membrane injury or damage to the cell’s genetic material from free radical activity. The objective of this research was to study the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of various extracts from the seeds and aerial parts of Malcolmia africana (L.) R. Br. The overall results of M. africana tests allowed us to study the various extracts [hexane extract (HE), methanol extract (ME) and chloroform extract (CE)] of the test total phenolic, ABTS [(2, 2''-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid))] and DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) and also to test β-carotene, largest property antioxidant. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts of both samples was determined against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The amount of total phenolics was highest in the methanol extract (ME) of the seeds (225.19±0.02) and aerial parts (208.52±0.012 mg) Gallic acid/gr sub-fractions. The property antioxidant shows both of the mechanisms of electron transfer and the hydrogen transfer which the extracts has gone through. This investigation showed that ME has the highest antioxidant behavior. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts of both samples were determined against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The bioassay shows that the seeds and aerial parts exhibit moderate antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the extracts could be suitable as antimicrobial and anti-oxidative agents in the food industry.

Today, the increased use of antibiotics lead to the incidence of resistant strains. We are faced with lack of new antimicrobial drugs that have fewer side effects than antibiotics. Rosemary is a medicinal plant that has many uses in traditional medicine. In this study, ethanol leaves extract of this plant is tested on various pathogens. In this experimental study, Rosmarinus officinalis was used to evaluate the antimicrobial effects on pathogens. Ethanol extract of the leaves of this plant, with concentrations of 400, 200, 100 and 50 mg/l were prepared, and antibacterial activities were evaluated by well diffusion method on strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined by the microplate method. In this study, ethanol extract of rosemary leaves at concentrations of 400 mg/ml was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract on the growth of these bacteria from 6.25 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml was change. Also MBC of extract showed range from 12.5 to 200 mg/ml respectively. Result from these finding suggest that, rosemary extract, on all strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has an inhibitory effect. Also, the effect of extract, risesed by increasing the concentration.

Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy is used as anti cancer drug and weakening immune system for adult widely. As there are inadequate information, so we are to examine possible effect of hydro alcoholic extract of cinnamon on the pituitary - gonadal axis in adult male rats chemotherapy drug by cyclophosphamide. Thirty five male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups of 7 including control, observer, and experiments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The control group received no treatment while observer group were injected 2.0 mm of distilled water (solvent) intraperitoneally. The experimental mice 1, 2 and 3 were intraperitoneally injected 5 mg/kg cyclophosphamide drug with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg fed by gavage either cinnamon extract. The weight of the rats in the experimental groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were significantly lower than the control group (p=0.01). Right and left testicular weight in experimental groups 2 and 3 than in group 4 was significantly increased in groups 1 and 4 showed a significant decrease compared to the control group (p=0.01). Hormones LH, FSH and testosterone increased significantly in groups 2 and 3 than in group 4 showed the (p=0.05). 5 experimental groups showed significant increase in FSH compared with controls (p=0.05). This study showed that cyclophosphamide has a destructive effect on testis and secretion of sex hormones in male rats and hence effect of cinnamon improves it to some extent.

An anxiolytic effect of chamomile has been shown in various studies. In the previous study was indicated that the Iranian specious of chamomile, Matricaria recutita (M. recutita) hydro alcoholic extract acts sex dependent in the elevated plus maze. It showed anxiolytic effect in the presence and absence of male mice gonads but not in female mice. In this study we examined the anxiety model dependent of M. recutita in another unconditioned anxiety model, hole-board test, because there are various model for evaluating anxiety with specific properties. Adult male and female of N-MARI mice (N=120) were prepared and each sex divided into 5 groups (each group consist of 12 animals): control group, saline and 3 experimental groups that received different doses (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) of M. recutita hydro alcoholic extract. Hole-board instrument was used to anxiety measurement, and delay time, the devour number and maintained time in the holes, as anxiety indices in this device, were evaluated. There were not any significant differences between anxiety indices in control and saline groups in both sexes. M. recutita extract (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg via i.p.) reduced significantly an anxiety in both male and female mice and an anxiolytic effects of 30 mg/kg than the other doses were considerably higher. It seems an anxiolytic effect of M. recutita is independent to anxiety model and the similarity effect at male and female mice in this model emphasizes the validity of the model.

Burn wound is a suitable site for incidence of resistant infections; thus, the research for finding effective drugs against this infection is necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine antibacterial activity of Isfahan bee propolis extracts against beta-lactamase producing bacteria isolated from burn wound infections. Ethanol extract of Isfahan bee propolis was prepared by 28 g of propolis in 100 ml of 70% ethanol. Antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts were evaluated against beta-lactamase producing bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) isolated of burn wound infection by well diffusion method. Broth serial dilution method was used to determine MBC of extract. Beta-lactamase production of isolates was detected by iodometric test, imipenem-EDTA combined disk test and imipenem-EDTA double-disk synergy test. Ethanol extract of propolis was found to be the most effective against S. aureus strains (inhibition zone=17.66±0.47 mm) than P. aeruginosa strains (inhibition zone=7 mm). The MIC and MBC values of the extracts against S. aureus strains were 0.0143 and 0.0286 mg/ml and these values against P. aeruginosa strains were 0.75 and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. Among the S. aureus clinical isolates, all of strains produced beta-lactamase. Imipenem-EDTA double-disk synergy test showed that only one clinical isolate of P. aeruginosa was metallo-beta-lactamase positive. This study demonstrated that ethanol extract of Isfahan bee propolis is mainly active against S. aureus and it is effective on P. aeruginosa at higher concentration. Ethanol extract of propolis did not inhibit production of beta-lactamase enzyme in tested bacteria.

Satureja Khozestanica is among the native Iranian plants which grow mostly in Lorestan and Khozestan. A number of reports show that Satureja plant possesses anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Satureja Khozestanica essential oil on nitric oxide in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide in J774A.1 macrophage-like cell line. J774A.1 cells are cultured at a concentration of 106 cells per ml in RPMI 1640 medium with 10% fetal Bovin serum. Then, the cells were treated in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (1µg/ml) containing 0.004%, 0.008%, and 0.016% doses of Satureja essential oil and 0.004, 0.008, and 0.016 macromolar of carvacrol over 12, 24, and 48 hours. Next, the level of nitric oxide in the cell culture supernatant was measured using Griess’s technique. The results showed that Satureja Khozestanica extract significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide in J774A.1 macrophage cell line, dependent on dose and time. In addition, in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, Satureja Khozestanica extract inhibited the production of nitric oxide more effectively than carvacrol. The results demonstrate that Satureja Khozestanica essential oil is effective in lowering inflammation through inhibition of nitric oxide production. Therefore, this extract may be effectual in treatment of inflammatory diseases.

In this study, the effects of antibacterial activity of Urtica dioica and Iris pseudacorus essential oils, native plant northern of Iran, were investigated for some selected bacteria. The influence of essential oils was tested by the using of disk diffusion and micro-broth dilution methods against standard strains of the picked out bacteria. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis, bioactivity determination, Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of essential oils were utilized for this goal. This study showed that, Inhibition zone diameter varied from 11 to 19 mm and 9 to 17 mm for Urtica dioica and Iris pseudacorus respectively. In contrast, this figure fluctuated from 19 to 28 mm and 7 to 17 mm for gentamicin and ampicillin separately. By the application of micro-broth dilution technique, MICs for 1% essential oils were 1.8-7.5 μg/ml and 3.75-15 μg/ml for, Urtica dioica and Iris pseudacorus against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria individually. Furthermore, the MBCs of herbal essences were 1.8-15 μg/ml for, Urtica dioica and 15-30 μg/ml for Iris. The application of essential oils for the bio-control of diseases, as a novel emerging alternative to antimicrobial treatments, lead to safer and more environmental management for infective diseases.

Nardostachys and hypericum due to the effects of sedation, anticonvulsant, analgesic and anti-depressants has especial place in traditional medicine. Principal component and the alkaloid extract of valerian and isovalerate, valeric acid and the extract of hypericum is hypersin and hyperforin. We conducted this study, valerian rhizome by chloroform: methanol (70:30) was extracted in order to obtain total extract produced the N-hexane and studied chemically have been took by Gc-Ms. Hydro-alcoholic extract of aerial valerian tea was prepared for study. In order to study the comparative effects of soothing extracts of valerian and hypericum in different groups of female rat extract of valerian with doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and extracts of hypericum with a dose of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and DMSO (control) with the same volume of 15 minutes prior to the assessment of sedative and sleep (sleep duration induced with ketamine dose and 40 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally). The results indicate a significant increase in sleep time induced by ketamine in the treatment groups with high and low doses of valerian extracts and the hypericum is significant at the 0.01 level. The results show that the extract of valerian in the dose of 200 mg/kg in compress of dose of hypericum 500 mg/kg contains the significant anesthetic effects.

The present investigation was conducted to study the antibacterial effect of aqueous, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Teucrium polium plant on the bacteria isolated from urine samples of those with UTI and to compare it with the effect of commonly used antibiotics in treating UTIs. The antibiotic resistance of 147 strains of bacteria causing UTIs to the antibiotics selected through Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was determined. In the meantime, the aqueous, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of T. polium plant were prepared. The antibacterial activity of these extracts was examined using Disk Diffusion Method. Finally, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of antibacterial were determined using serial dilution method. T. polium extracts were merely effective in enterococcus and pseudomonas bacteria. In general, the MIC rate of aqueous extract in enterococcus was 1.25-5 mg/ml. The MIC rate of ethanolic extract for enterococcus was calculated as 10 mg/ml. The MIC of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts for pseudomonas bacteria were achieved as 5 and 20 mg/ml, respectively. The MBC contents of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of teucrium for pseudomonas bacteria was 10 mg/ml in aqueous and 20 mg/ml in ethyl acetate extracts. The MBC content of extracts for enterococcus bacteria were 10 mg/ml in aqueous extract and 20 mg/ml in ethanolic extract. T. polium extract can be effective in some bacteria causing urinary tract infection, especially enterococcus.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the appearance of annoying symptoms, disrupting women''s daily activities as well as inducing problems. Different treatment were suggested for its and the method with the least side effects will be preferred. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Echinophora platyloba extract on PMS in the students of Shahr-e-Kord University Of Medical sciences in Iran. Sixty students having moderate to severe PMS, participated in a single-blind randomized clinical trial. The students were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The first group received the Echinophora platyloba (E. platyloba) extract and the second group received placebo. The Daily Record of Severity of Problem (DRSP) questionnaire was used to quantify PMS severity before and after the intervention. At the end of first and second cycles after the intervention, the severity of PMS was detected and compared with before intervention. Data analysis was performed by using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon and Pearson correlation test. There was not a significant difference in the severity of premenstrual syndrome between the E. platyloba and placebo group before the intervention (100.8±22.1 vs. 104.3±19.5). A significant difference was found between two groups after the intervention [(49.7±23.2 vs. 79.1±28.1), p=0.002]. E. platyloba extract is probably effective in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Using of this herbal extract is suggested for the treatment of PMS.

Studies confirmed anticancer properties of saffron extract. Angiogenesis, formation of new blood vessels which is necessary in many physiological stages and pathological events such as tumor growth. So it would be an effective strategy to inhibit angiogenesis to treat many cancers and metastasis. In this experimental study, effects of saffron on angiogenesis in chick chorioalantoic membrane (CAM) were investigated. Fifity ross fertilized eggs divided in 5 groups, including: control, sham exposed, experimental group 1, 2 and 3. In second day of incubation window was opened on eggs. In day 8 gelatin sponges contain gelatin and albumin was put on chorioalantoic membrane and was soaked with Saffron aqua extract in concentration 100, 400 and 800 µg/ml. In 12th day all cases were photographed by photo stereomicroscope. Numbers and lengths of vessels around the sponges were measured by Image J software. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16 in significant level p<0.05. According to data analysis, changes had no correlation on the average length of blood vessels in the first experimental group (41.5±5.5 mm), compared with the control group, (44.5±2.4 mm). While in the second and third experimental group (40.2±2.1 mm) and (38.4±3.8 mm) these changes were significant (p=0.001). On the other hand, the average number of blood vessels in the first experimental group (22.07±5.2) in compare with the control group (27.46±4.4) shows a significant reduction (p=0.02), this decline between the second (18.80±4.4) and third (15.87±3.8) experimental groups was significant at the level of p=0.001. Saffron extract has a dose dependent inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in chick chorioalantoic membrane.

Intensive and acute exercise trainings may induce oxidative stress, but antioxidant supplements may attenuate its degenerative consequences. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of green tea supplementation on the oxidative stress indices after an intensive resistance training session. 40 non-athletes (without regular physical activity) women were randomly divided into 4 equal (n=10) groups including green tea supplementation, green tea supplementation plus resistance training, resistance training, and control groups. After supplementation period (600 mg/day, 14 days), resistance training and green tea supplementation plus resistance training groups performed an intensive resistance training session at 75-85 % of one repetition maximum. The malondialdehyde and total thiol were measured as oxidative stress indices. Data were analyzed by using of repeated measure ANOVA and LSD tests at p<0.05. Results showed that after 14 days of green tea consumption, malondialdehyde significantly decreased in green tea supplementation (p=0.03) and green tea supplementation plus resistance training (p=0.01) groups, while total thiol increased significantly (p=0.01) in two green tea supplementation groups. However, an intensive resistance training session increased malondialdehyde (p=0.01) without any significantly changes in total thiol (p=0.42). It seems that green tea supplementation can inhibit exercise-induced protein and lipid oxidation in non-athletes women via enhancement of antioxidant defense system of the body.

Pomegranate juice has several antioxidant components such as flavenoids and mineral materials such as sodium and potassium. In this study the effects of pomegranate juice on bone calcium content and body weight of adult mice were survived. In this applied study two doses (3.3 and 6.6 ml/kg) of pomegranate juice (PJ) were gavaged to female mice for 30 days. Animals were weighed at days of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30. Bone calcium contents were measured by flame photometer. Bone calcium content of PJE treated mice increased but it was not significant statistically. Pomegranate juice did not affect body weight. Pomegranate juice extracts even its high dose did not show any side effect on body weight and tissues of adult female mice.