Effect of ethanolic extract of Safflower on naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs in mice

Background and aims: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) from Asteraceae family has different biological activities including analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and neuroprotective effects. This study designed to evaluate its effect on naloxone -induced morphine withdrawal signs. Methods: In this experimental study, male NMRI mice (25-30 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8: control groups received morphine and normal saline (10 ml/kg) and other groups received fluoxetine (20mg/kg) and different doses of ethanolic extract of Safflower (100, 200 and 400mg/kg). Morphine dependency was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg) of morphine. Withdrawal signs were elicited by naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and number of jumpings and also presence of climbing, writing, wet dog shakes, teeth chattering, diarrhea, grooming and rearing during a 30 min period. The data were expressed with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test and Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of checked signs data and they were analyzed with SPSS 19 software. Results: The ethanolic extract at all doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p., P<0.001) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p., P<0.01) significantly inhibited the number of jumps. Additionally, all doses of extract reduced the grooming and writing (P<0.05). Only 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract reduced the other checked signs including climbing, rearing and teeth chattering. All doses of extract couldn’t reduce wet dog shake and diarrhea significantly (P>0.05). Fluoxetine significantly inhibited the other signs except wet dog shakes and diarrhea. Conclusion: These findings indicated that Safflower extract has therapeutic potential in management of opiate withdrawal signs and this is comparable to the effect of fluoxetine. However, further studies need for clarify their exact mechanism of action

Comparison anti-giardia activity of Satureja hortensis alcoholic extract and metronidazole in vitro

Background and aims: Giardiasis is known as intestinal infection and created by the flagellate protozoan Giardia lamblia. Some studies showed that phenolic components, present in plant extracts and essential oils, have anti-Giardia activity. The current study was performed to compare anti-Giardia activity of Satureja hortensis (SH) alcoholic extract and metronidazole in vitro. Methods: In this Laboratory-experimental study, it was separated cysts from the feces by Bingham procedure with minor modification. The numbers of cysts were calculated with Hemusytumetr and the purified cysts of Giardia lamblia (500 µl) were exposed with 500 µl of extract at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 mg/ml and 125 mg/kg of metronidazole for 30, 60 and 120 min. The numbers of dead and live cysts was enumerated with a microscope. Results: Findings in the currnt studyshowed an increase in anti-Giardia activity of extract at high concentrations with increasing time. SH, at 100 mg/ml killed 53 in 30 min, 68 in 60 min and 78 in 120 min. Also, the extract killed by 62 in 30 min, about 88 in 60 minutes and 92 in 120 minutes. The drug had similar effects in 60 and 120 minutes, but it killed 83 in 30 minutes. Conclusion: SH alcoholic extract showed anti-Giardia activity at high rates and more time. Thus, SH extract at 200 mg may be suitable alternative for Metronidazole, without side effects. However, anti-Giardia activity of SH needs to more attentions, especially clinical investigations

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica on morphine withdrawal signs in male mice

Introduction: Previous studies have shown the analgesic, anticonvulsant, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects of Urtica dioica (UD). In the present study the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of UD on morphine withdrawal signs were investigated. Acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract was also assessed. Methods: In an experimental study, 48 male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 each, consisting of control (10 mL/kg), clonidine (3.5 mg/kg), and different doses of UD extract (25, 50,100 and 200 mg/kg). Morphine dependency was induced by administration of different doses of morphine (50, 50, 75, and 50 mg/kg) within a four-day schedule (1st-4th day, respectively). On the last day, after administration of a single dose of morphine, naloxone (5 mg/kg) was injected and the withdrawal signs were recorded within 30 minutes. To assess acute toxicity (LD50), 12 extra rats were used and toxic effects of different doses of the extract were evaluated by Lorke’s method. Results: All doses of the UD extract, compared to control group, significantly decreased the number of jumping, grooming, teeth chattering, rearing, wet dog shakes, diarrhea, writing and climbing. In addition, the LD50 of the extract was 2.9 g/kg. Conclusion: UD extract could decrease the morphine withdrawal signs and might be beneficial in addicted patients. However, further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanism of its action

Optimal electricity supply system under Iranian framework limitations to meet its emission pledge under the Paris climate agreement

As part of its&nbsp;Paris Agreement&nbsp;commitment, Iran pledged to decrease 4 percent of its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2020 to 2030. About 29% of total emission in Iran belongs to electricity supply while energy consumption in other sectors (transport, household, and industry) have a lower share in CO2 emission. The main concern here is finding the optimal mix of power plants in the electricity supply system that should be deployed to meet Iran’s mentioned respective targets. So, we developed a non-linear mathematical programming model for Iran’s electricity system to address this concern. Results show that a 10-20% diffusion of renewable energy and converting gas turbine power plants to gas combined cycle technology with 5% annual rate can satisfy Iran’s emissions pledge under the Paris Climate Accord. Finally, this model has been run for years between 2017-2030. Four scenarios have also been prepared based on different Iranian Five-Year Development Plans

Ethanolic extract of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates morphine physical dependence in mice

Introduction: Previous studies revealed that anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) has several pharmacological effects including analgesic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activities. This study aimed to evaluate its effect on morphine physical dependence in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male NMRI mice (25-30 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8. Control group received morphine and normal saline (10 mL/kg, i.p.) and other groups received diazepam (5 mg/kg) plus one of three doses of P. anisum (50,100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p.). Dependence was induced by administration of increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg, i.p.) of morphine. A time of 30 minutes after naloxone injection was considered for the critical period of the withdrawal syndrome. The number of jumps and scores of 0 to 3 were given for incidences of wet dog shakes, teeth chattering, climbing, writing, diarrhea, grooming, and rearing during a 30-minute period. Results: All doses of P. anisum (P<0.01) reduced the number of jumps. Additionally, all doses of the extract reduced the behaviors of grooming (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and writhing (P<0.05, P<0.001and P<0.001, respectively). None doses of the extract could reduce diarrhea (P>0.05). Climbing, rearing and wet dog shakes reduced only by the high dose of the extract (P<0.05). Teeth chattering reduced by 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: These results obviously show that P. anisum ethanolic extract is effective in suppression of morphine physical dependence and further studies are needed to find out the responsible constituents and also the exact mechanisms of actions

Hydroethanolic extract of Carthamus tinctorius induces antidepressant-like effects: modulation by dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in tail suspension test in mice

Objective(s): Studies indicate that major deficiency in the levels of monoaminergic transmitters is a reason for severe depression. On the other hand, it is shown that Carthamus tinctorius L. (CT) may improve neuropsychological injuries by regulation of the monoamine transporter action. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the involvement of monoaminergic systems in antidepressant-like effect of CT extract in the tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Materials and Methods: The mice were intraperitoneally (IP) treated with CT extract (100–400 mg/kg) 1hr before the TST. To investigate the involvement of monoaminergic systems in antidepressant-like effect, the mice were treated with receptor antagonists 15 min before CT extract treatment (400 mg/kg, IP) and 1hr before the TST. Results: Findings showed that CT extract (100–400 mg/kg, IP), dose-dependently induced antidepressant-like effect (

Effect of Origanum vulgare Hydroalcoholic Extract on Giardia lamblia Cysts Compared with Metronidazole in Vitro

Background: Giardiasis, an intestinal infection, is made by the flagellate protozoan and on the other hand, positive effects of plants derivatives, especially phenolic derivatives, against giardiasis. The effect of Origanum vulgare (OV) hydroalcoholic extract is still uninvestigated. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of OV hydroalcoholic extract on Giardia lamblia cysts compared with metronidazole in vitro. Methods: The present experimental study was conduct­ed in 2015-2016 in the Laboratory of Department of Parasi­tology of Islamic Azad University (Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran). Cysts separated from feces by Bingham procedure were calculated by using the Hemusytumetr method. Five hundred µl of concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 mg/ml of OV hydroalcoholic extract and also125 mg/kg of metronidazole were added to the purified cysts of giardia. Control group was treated with normal saline. Anti-Giardia activity was calculated by using the light microscope for 30, 60 and 120 min and after exposure to eosin stain. Results: The results indicated anti-Giardia activity of OV hydroalcoholic extract and the best response was achieved at higher levels so that there were no significant differences among OV groups at levels of 200 mg/kg with metronidazole (P>0.05). Conclusion: The anti-Giardia activity of Origanum vulgare extract is may due to the presence of phenolic compounds present in it

Evaluation of antidepressant-like effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata in animal models of depression in male mice

Introduction: Passiflora incarnata (PI) is one of the commonest herbal anti-anxiety and sedative agents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidepressant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of PI in forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in male mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8: Negative and positive control groups received normal saline (10 ml/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) and imipramine (30 mg/kg), respectively and treatment groups received extracts of PI (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg). Immobility, swimming and climbing behaviors were recorded during 6-min. Results: All doses of PI extract compared to control group significantly reduced the duration of immobility time in both of two tests (p&lt;0.001). Also, these extracts increased swimming time (p&lt;0.001) without significant change of climbing time. Conclusion: PI has considerable antidepressant-like effect in animal models of depression. However, further studies are needed to determine its exact mechanism of action.</p

Antibacterial effects of <em>Solanum tuberosum</em> peel ethanol extract in vitro

Introduction: Today, medicinal plants are being widely used due to being natural, available, and cheaper than synthetic drugs and having minimum side effects. Since there were reports about the antibacterial properties of Solanum tuberosum (SE), the aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of SE ethanol extract in vitro condition on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae Methods: Ethanol extract of SE peel was prepared by maceration method. Initially, antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of SE was qualitatively determined by disk diffusion test; then, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were qualitatively determined by micro-dilution method. Results: SE peel extract had antibacterial properties and its effect was more pronounced on gram-positive bacteria, especially S. aureus (0.62&plusmn;0.00 mg/ml). The extract had antibacterial activity on gram-negative bacteria, P. aeruginosa, too (8.33&plusmn;2.88 mg/ml). Conclusion: SE peel extract has antibacterial activity and its effect on gram-positive bacteria was more pronounced than the investigated gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, it is suggested that SE peel constituent compounds be determined and to determine the exact mechanism of its antibacterial properties, and more comprehensive research be done to apply it, clinically.</p

The Effects of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) on Morphine Withdrawal Signs in Male Mice

Background and Aim: The antispasmodic, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and sedative effects of Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) have been already examined in various studies. Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of C. citratus hydroalcoholic extract on morphine withdrawal signs in male mice. Materials and Methods: Male NMRI mice (20-30g) were rendered dependent by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of morphine three times daily at doses of 50, 50 and 75 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 days. After the last administration of morphine on the fourth day, different doses of C. citratus extract (140,280 and 560 mg/kg, i.p.) and clonidine (0.3mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 30 min before the administration of naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.). The mice were observed for 30 minutes for the withdrawal signs, i.e., the characteristic jumping, grooming, teeth chattering, climbing, rearing, wet dog shakes, writing and diarrhea. Results: The findings revealed that all doses of C. citratus (p<0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) and clonidine (p<0.001) could reduce the number of jumps. Moreover, all doses of the extract reduced the grooming (p<0.05), climbing (p<0.05), diarrhea (p<0.01), and writhing behavior (p<0.05). Rearing and wet dog shakes were reduced only by the high dose of the extract (p<0.05).Clonidine decreased the other checked signs (except rearing and wet dog shake behaviors) such as grooming (P< 0.01), teeth chattering (P< 0.05), climbing (P<0.05), writing (P<0.01) and diarrhea (P<0.01). Conclusion: The results indicated that C. citratus extract could attenuate morphine withdrawal signs. However, further studies are required to clarify its exact mechanism of action