In vitro evaluation of inhibitory effect of Phoenix dactylifera bark extract on rat lipid peroxidation and blood hemolysis

Purpose: To determine the polyphenolic content of P. dactylifera L. (date palm) bark extract and to investigate its in vitro inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation in the brain, liver, and kidney tissues of rat, as well as on blood hemolysis in rats.Methods: P. dactylifera L. barks were collected from Ahvaz, (Khuzestan, Iran). Methanolic extract of the P. dactylifera barks were prepared using maceration method. Total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents were determined by colorimetric methods. The effects of the extract were investigated on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation in Fe2+/ascorbate induced-lipidperoxidation in brain, liver and kidney tissues of rats. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the extracts on erythrocyte hemolysis caused by 2,2'-Azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) were evaluated.Results: Total phenolic, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins contents per each g dry extract of P. dactylifera L. were 50.7 mg tannic acid, 10.38 mg rutin, and 5.45 mg cyanidin, respectively, while halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain, liver, and kidney tissues of rats was 3150.71, 1941.45, and 1546.01 μg/mL, respectively, and for the inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis, it was 472.41 μg/mL.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate significant anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-hemolytic effects of the bark extract. Therefore, the extract can potentially be used for the in vivo treatment of diseases associated with lipid peroxidation such as cancers and Alzheimer's disease, but further studies are required.Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera, Date palm, Lipid peroxidation, Antioxidant, Erythrocyte hemolysi

Quantification of Leghemoglobin Extracted from Roots of Five Different Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Cultivars: An Experimental Study

Background: Leghemoglobin is an oxygen transporter and a hemoprotein found in nodule roots of nitrogen fixator plants from Leguminosae family. Leghemoglobin is produced in response to presence of bacteria belonging to Rhizobia family. Structurally, leghemoglobin is similar to hemoglobin and has a kind of heme iron structure.  Study of leghemoglobin as a heme iron containing agent can open up a new way for treatment and natural prevention of iron deficiency anemia and substitution with mineral iron salts. Methods: Five different cultivars of alfalfa plants including Esfahani, Bammi, Yazdy, Nik shahri, and Hamedani were cultivated in gardening farm of the faculty of agriculture in Shahid Chamran University in a linear form. Cultivation was done with biological fertilizer containing Sinorhizobium meliloti for test groups and without fertilizer for sham groups. After 60 days, the samples were harvested, and the amount of leghemoglobin produced in nodules was quantified using LaRue and Child fluorometric method. Results: The results from five cultivars of alfalfa planted with biological fertilizer showed a significant increase in viscosity of leghemoglobin in nodules of the test group in comparison with sham group (P<0.0001). Moreover, the high viscosity of leghemoglobin in nodules of Bammi cultivar indicated the capacity of this plant to produce leghemoglobin in Ahvaz. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, Bammi cultivar of alfalfa is a good option for future studies and even production of high amounts of leghemoglobin in Khuzestan Province

Effect of extract of Varthemia persica DC on whole blood acetylcholinesterase activity in rats

Varthemia persica DC. is an aromatic plant, from the Asteraceae family, wildly growing in the central provinces of Iran. Sesquiterpene lactones that are found in Varthemia species have protective effect against organophosphates toxicity. This study aimed to assess the Effect of Varthemia persica extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In this study, 0.4 mg normal saline was injected intra peritoneally in 12 control rats. 0.4 ml ethyl paraoxon was injected intraperitoneally in the reference group. In positive control group, after ethyl paraoxon injection, 0.4 ml pralidoxime was injected. In the first group (test 1) ethanolic Varthemia persica suspension was injected. In the second group (test 2), during the 6 days before toxin injection, daily injection of Varthemia persica was made. In test 3 group, suspension injection was repeated in 5 following days. In test 4 group, dichloroethanic suspension was injected. And in the last group (test 5) a high dose of suspension (1g/ml) was injected. The blood sample was collected 30 minutes after final injection. AChE activity was measure. The results showed that AChE activity was significantly improved only in the second and third groups and in other test groups, Varthemia persica suspension don't improved AChE activity. Based on the present finding it seems that the Varthemia persica extract is only effective if it used frequently and a single dose even in high dose is not effective

Different Cytotoxic Effects of Caper from Different Geographical Regions May Be Related to Changes in Mitochondrial Sirt3

Background and objectives: Beside its nutritional role, caper (Capparis spinosa) has long been used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer remedy. In the present study, we tested whether this plant can make effective changes in Sirt3 and mitochondrial function in colorectal carcinoma cell line since mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated in both cancer and diabetes and benefit confers by caper in these diseases might be due to mitochondrial alterations. Methods: Total flavonoids and phenolics were assayed using colorimetric tests. Cytotoxicity of a phenolic-flavonoid rich extract of caper collected from two different geographical regions (south and west) were mechanistically studied in HT-29 cell line. Activity of an essential mitochondrial enzyme, Sirt3 has also been evaluated along with other parameters. IC50 of extracts were determined by MTT cytotoxicity assay, cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated via flow cytometric analysis. Also, at IC50 concentrations, Sirt3 activity was determined fluorimetrically. Results: The results showed that caper induced significant cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells followed by mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, ROS overproduction, Sirt3 activity alteration and cell death. Conclusions: The above-mentioned cytotoxic parameters were inversely proportional to the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract showing that other mechanisms beyond their antioxidant capacities may contribute to their anti-cancer effects. In other term, these results suggest that antioxidant capacity may not directly contribute to the anticancer property

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of N-succinyl chitosan-coated liposomes for oral delivery of grape seed extract and evaluation of its effect on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in rats

Objective(s): This study aimed to develop an oral succinyl chitosan-coated liposomal formulation containing grape seed extract and assess its therapeutic efficacy in rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and Methods: N-succinyl chitosan was synthesized, and the liposomal formulations were prepared and characterized regarding phenolic content assay and morphology. Size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, and stability. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal bleomycin injection, and hydroxyproline measurements, lung weight, animal body weight, as well as histopathological studies were performedResults: Succinyl chitosan increases the physical stability of the formulation, especially in acidic conditions. Drug release studies revealed that 66.27% of the loaded drug was released from CF2 in an acidic medium in 2 hr, but 92.31% of the drug was released in 8 hr in a pH=7 medium. An in vivo study demonstrated that rats exposed to bleomycin significantly lost weight, while those treated with CF2 (400 mg/kg) partially regained weight. Bleomycin treatment increased the mean lung weight and the amount of hydroxyproline in the lungs; these values were significantly decreased in the group treated with 400 mg/kg CF2 (P<0.05). Histopathological examination confirmed that treatment with 400 mg/kg CF2 improved lung fibrosis. Conclusion: In rats, oral administration of N-succinyl chitosan-coated liposomes containing grape seed extract at the 400 mg/kg dose ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activities of pepsin extract of cuttlefish <i>(Sepia pharaonis) </i>from Persian Gulf

604-610Cuttlefish belong to the class Cephalopoda and their muscle tissue, skin, cuttlebone, and ink showed different therapeutic effects such as significant antioxidative ones. Given that free radicals are the cause of several degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Alzheimer, etc., use of different cuttlefish`s tissues for their antioxidative properties has seriously attracted the attention and can be helpful in improving the disease therapy process. This study was aimed at measuring antioxidative effects of Sepia pharaonis using ABTS, FRAP, DPPH, and Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging methods. The IC50s of pepsin hydrolysate of S. pharaonis in DPPH were 3.07, 1.68, 3.67, and 129.38 (mg/ml), in DPPH, non-site Hydroxyl radical scavenging, site Hydroxyl radical scavenging and ABTS+ radical scavenging assays, respectively. EC1 in FRAP assay was 21.75 (mg/ml).Results indicated that pepsin extract of S. pharaonis has antioxidant effects. This effect can be a result of the protien exsisted in cuttlfish tissue, mechanism of direct radical scavenging activity, or absorbtion of heavy metals

Antioxidant activity some endemic Iranian medicinal plants (Lamiaceae)

Oxidation, deterioration, and microbial reactions occurring in food products may cause economic loss. Deterioration of lipids is catalysed by different internal and external factors, such as free radicals, metal ions, light, and heat. In this study, some of the Iranian endemic plants were collected from their natural location in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari. By maceration method with methanol solvent, extracts were obtained. Antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts was evaluated by three antioxidant assays: DPPH, FRAP & TEAC. In DPPH

بررسی جنبه‏ های علمی و اخلاقی توصیه‏ های درمانی و پیشگیری از کووید 19 با نام درمان‏ های طبیعی، طب سنتی و طب اسلامی در فضای مجازی و رسانه ملی

Background and Aim: The management of a novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is a global health issue nowadays. The use of unproven natural products is on the rise in the Iranian population due to mass media advertising. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of some prevalent natural products/procedure suggestions for COVID-19 management in Iran. Materials and Methods: The scientific motor engines such as Google Scholar, Science-Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, and the using mass media by Iranian were searched by the keywords. Among the large amount of data, those linked to the aim of study are collected and discussed. Findings: Among the natural products/procedure suggestions in preventing or treating COVID-19, Ginger, Imam Kazem’s drug, Baking Soda inhalation, Salt instead of using the mask, natural disinfectants, and apitherapy were the most prevalent in Iran. However, these products/procedures were over-advertised in Iranian mass media; most of them are not recommended in Persian medicine references or proved in new studies. Medical ethics possess a valuable place in Traditional Persian medicine, and the administration of unknown agents, without any reliable documented data, has repeatedly been forbidden by the ancient Persian physicians. According to Medical Ethics Regulations of the Medical System Organization, the medical prescription by non-physicians or medical prescription outside of approved protocols are forbidden. Ethical Considerations: In compiling this study, the principle of fidelity and honesty of quoting the used texts and avoidance of personal inference from analysis have been observed. Conclusion: Based on the results, many natural products/procedures were over advertised in Iranian mass media are without reliable data for COVID-19 management. In addition, intentional neglect of natural or traditional treatments with some scientific evidence by the authorities can have a moral burden. &nbsp; Cite this article as: Kazemifar AM, Beygom Siahpoosh M, Zarshenas MM. Study of scientific and ethical aspects of covid-19 treatment and prevention recommendations with the name of natural remedies, traditional medicine and Islamic medicine in cyberspace and national media. Medical History Journal 2021; 13(46): e19.زمینه و هدف: با شیوع عفونت کووید 19 در کشور، برخی افراد اقدام به توصیه‏ هایی با عنوان درمان­ های طبیعی، طب سنتی و طب اسلامی به منظور مقابله با این بیماری نموده ‏اند. این توصیه ‏ها مورد توجه مردم واقع شده، گاه از آنها استفاده می ‏شود. هدف از این مطالعه بررسی ابعاد علمی و اخلاقی توصیه‏ هایی است که در فضای مجازی یا رسانه ملی با نام طب سنتی/ اسلامی یا درمان­های طبیعی معرفی شده ‏اند. مواد و روش‌ها: این مطالعه، یک مطالعه مروری است. جستجو با کلمات کلیدی در پایگاه‏ های معتبر علمی و جمع­ آوری مطالب مرتبط با موضوع و نهایتاً آنالیز کیفی روش انجام این مطالعه بوده است. یافته‌ها: برخی از توصیه‏ ها عبارتند از مصرف زنجبیل، داروی امام کاظم، بخور جوش شیرین، گندزداهای طبیعی، نمک بجای ماسک و زنبور درمانی. این توصیه ‏ها که در دو گروه توصیه‏ های پیشگیری و توصیه‏ های درمانی قابل طبقه ‏بندی هستند، گاهی حتی در منابع طب سنتی ایرانی یافت نمی‏ شوند و صرفاً دربردارنده‏ ی نظرات شخصی افراد، که اغلب غیرپزشک هستند، می‏ باشند. همچنین طبق مطالعات جدید، بسیاری از این توصیه‏ ها فاقد پشتوانه علمی محکم هستند و اکثراً تا کنون بر کووید 19 آزمایش نشده‏اند. این روش ‏ها در حالی به راحتی در میان مردم تبلیغ می ‏شوند که طب سنتی ایرانی سرشار از توصیه ‏های اخلاق پزشکی است و طبیبان بنام این طب، بارها از تجویز داروهای ناشناخته و تجویز بدون یافتن علت و بدون دانستن مکانیسم اثر دارو نهی کرده‏اند. همچنین طبق آیین­نامه اخلاق پزشکی سازمان نظام پزشکی، تجویز دارو توسط غیرپزشک و تجویز دارو خارج از پروتوکل‏ های مصوب، خارج از اخلاق پزشکی است. همچنین اخلاق حرف ه‏ای داروسازی در تهیه داروهای ترکیبی باید رعایت شود. ملاحظات اخلاقی: در تدوین این مطالعه، اصل امانت­داری و صداقت استناد به متون و پرهیز از&nbsp; استنباط شخصی از تحلیل‌ها رعایت شده است. نتیجه‌گیری: بر اساس این مطالعه، به دلیل نبودن شواهد علمی کافی مبنی بر اثربخشی بسیاری از توصیه ‏هایی که با نام طب سنتی تبلیغ می‏شوند، این توصیه ‏ها به لحاظ اخلاقی قابل ارائه به مردم نیستند. در کنار این موضوع، بی‏ توجهی عامدانه به درمان ­های طبیعی یا طب سنتی واجد شواهد علمی، توسط مسئولین نیز می ‏تواند دارای بار اخلاقی باشد

Comparison of the effects of fresh leaf and peel extracts of walnut (Juglans regia L.) on blood glucose and β-cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

There is some report about the hypoglycemic effect of Juglans rejia L. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats and hypoglycemic effect of its fruit peel administered intra peritoneally. Thirty male Wistar rats divided into five groups, to evaluate the hypoglycemic and pancreas β-cells regenerative effects of oral methanolic extracts of leaf and fruit peel of walnut. Rats were made diabetic by intravenous (IV) injection of 50 mg kg-1 streptozotocin (STZ). Negative control group did not get STZ and any treatment. Positive control, leaf extract, peel extract and insulin groups were treated orally by extract solvent, 200 mg kg-1 leaf extract, 200 mg kg-1 peel extract and 5 IU kg-1 of subcutaneous neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, respectively. Four weeks later, blood was collected for biochemical analysis and pancreases were removed for β-cells counts in histological sections. Diabetes leads to increase of fast blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c, and decrease of β-cell number and insulin. FBS decreased only in leaf extract group. HbA1c decreased in leaf extract and insulin groups. The β-cells number increased in leaf and peel extract groups. Insulin increased moderately in all treatment groups. We showed the proliferative properties of leaves and peel of Juglans regia L. methanolic extract in STZ- induced diabetic rats, which was accompanied by hypoglycemic effect of leaf extract