Phytotherapy for insomnia: A review of the most important effective medicinal plants in treating insomnia according to references of Iran

Sleep is a complex biological pattern and one of the circadian rhythm. Insomnia referring to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or lack of sleep, which is tonic and refreshing, is one of the most common disorders of this pattern. Some of the complications of sleep deprivation are weakened immune system, reduced glucose tolerance, reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity during subsequent days, hypertension, decreased level of maximum ability to exercise, non-dependently increased risk of cardiovascular events, and talent. In the light of the significance of sleep, appropriate treatment of insomnia, and high prevalence of insomnia in the community, a strategy to treat insomnia can be development of a specific therapeutic strategy and nature-based, complementary medicines. This review article seeks to report the effective medicinal plants on insomnia according to the ethnobotanical references of Iran. According to the findings, 17 plant species from 11 families have been used for prevention and treatment of insomnia n Iran. © 2009-2016, JGPT

A NOVEL STRATEGY FOR CORRECTION OF LIPID PROFILES VIA MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA L.

Statins which are most useful in reducing blood fat have a chemical combination and present various side effects. Identifying some plants with positive effects on reducing blood fat can be a great alternative to these chemical drugs. The current study has been carried out to compare the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on the serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats. Twenty-five male Wistar Rats, ranging in weight from 150 to 180 grams, were assigned to five groups: the control group received an ordinary dietary regimen, the sham group was fed on a high cholesterol (2%) dietary regimen, experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 were given an ordinary nutrition plus chamomilla extract and Lovastatin dosages equal to 0.55 mg/ml, 1.1 mg/ml and 10 mg/kg were also, respectively, administered. Blood samples were taken on the first and the last days of the study period. To determine the blood’s lipid profile and the serum cholesterol concentration, LDL-c, HDL-c and TG were measured and the results obtained for the groups were compared. The data were analyzed in SPSS 16 software. The results of the current research paper indicated that the treatment with 1.1 mg/ml chamomile hydroalcoholic extract and 10 mg/kg lovastatin significantly reduced (P<0.001) the total serum cholesterol concentration, LDL-c and TG in experimental hypercholesterolemic groups 2 and 3 as compared to the Sham Group. Also, it was found causing a significant increase in serum HDL-c in experimental hypercholesterolemic groups 2 and 3 in contrast to the Sham Group (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). The mean weight scores of the Sham group and experimental group 1 were demonstrative of a significant increase in respect to control group (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The present study showed that the use of chamomile extract in hypercholesterolemic rats can bring about clearly discernible hypocholesterolemic effects and cause considerable and desirable effects on the serum lipid profile. Keywords: Hypocholesterolemic, Matricaria chamomilla, Lipid profile, Lovastati

Effect of Thalidomide on Cox-2 expression in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Introduction: Lung fibrosis is a progressive, fatal disease that is characterized by increasing fibroblasts proliferation and extracellular matrix precipitation. Studies have shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) could play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. In the current study, the effect of thalidomide on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was qualitatively studied in a laboratory animal model.Methods: Thirty-two adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the following four groups: Group one received 2 mg bleomycin, group two received bleomycin in addition to 4 mg of thalidomide; group three received 4 mg of thalidomide, and Group 4 received 0.1 mg of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) via intraperitoneal (IP) administration. Finally, the expression of Cox 2 protein and the percentage of contact points of alveolar spaces and pulmonary connective tissue were determined. Results: Our results showed that in the Bleo + Thal group compared to the Bleo group, the percentage of contact points of pulmonary connective tissue decreased significantly (P<0.001), while the percentage of contact points among the alveolar spaces increased significantly (P = 0.01). Also, immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated the number of Cox-2 - cells in the volume unit in the Bleo + Thal group decreased significantly in comparison with the group that received only Bleo (P = 0.012). Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest thalidomide could alleviate the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and decreases the expression of Cox 2 protein

Investigation And Comparison Of The Effect Of Saffron Petals Hydroalcoholic Extract With Metformin And Glibenclamide On Serum Glucose, HbA1c And Insulin Levels In Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Chemical drugs administered to control and treat diabetes mellitus are mostly with side effects and this has caused a daily increasing expansion in the use of alternative treatment methods including medicinal herbs. The present study has been conducted to investigate the effect of saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract on serum glucose, insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and compare it with the effects of metformin and glibenclamide in diabetes-induced rats. Materials and Methods: A total number of 35 male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) were assigned to seven 5-animal groups: control group (normal), diabetic group (Streptozotocin 60 mg/kg/body weight) and five other diabetic groups (receiving saffron petals hydroalcoholic extract in 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg doses and glibenclamide in 5 mg/kg and metformin in 500 mg/kg, respectively). The experiment lasted eight weeks and blood samples were collected from all the rats in the end of the study. Results: 100 and 200 mg/kg dosages of saffron petal extract caused significant reductions in serum glucose levels in contrast to the diabetic groups (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). All three dosages of saffron petals extract, 100, 200 and 300 mg/ kg, were found significantly reducing serum HbA1c level in diabetic groups as well as significantly increasing serum insulin level (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). The diabetic groups treated with glibenclamide and metformin, as well, brought about significant reductions in serum glucose and HbA1c levels (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and significant increase in serum insulin levels (P<0.001). Results: 100 and 200 mg/kg dosages of saffron petal extract caused significant reductions in serum glucose levels in contrast to the diabetic groups (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). All three dosages of saffron petals extract, 100, 200 and 300 mg/ kg, were found significantly reducing serum HbA1c level in diabetic groups as well as significantly increasing serum insulin level (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). The diabetic groups treated with glibenclamide and metformin, as well, underwent significant reductions in serum glucose and HbA1c levels (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and significant increase in serum insulin levels (P<0.001). The impact rate of saffron petal extract administered in a dosage of 100 mg/kg on serum insulin level elevation was higher than such drugs as glibenclamide and metformin. Conclusion: Saffron petal, like glibenclamide and metformin, is interestingly capable of influencing high serum levels of glucose and HbA1c and insulin, especially in low dosages, and it can be an appropriate solution to the control of diabetes

Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Incidence Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IntroductionProper nutrition is important for overall health, and it reduces healthcare costs associated with malnutrition. Many studies have investigated vitamin D deficiency and its role in gestational diabetes and controversial data have reported. A comprehensive consideration of articles in this field provides the possibility of a general study of this relationship. This meta-analysis is an evaluation of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and gestational diabetes.Material and methodsDifferent databases (such as PubMed, Science Information Institute, EmBase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for studies and eligible English articles published before February 2017 that have reported the risk of gestational diabetes in relation to vitamin D deficiency. This relationship was measured using odds ratios (ORs) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. The influence of each study was measured through sensitivity analysis. Funnel plots, Egger regression tests, and the Begg–Mazumdar correlation test were used to determine bias or publication bias. STATA (version 11.2) was used for all analyses.ResultsTwenty-six studies were selected as eligible for this research and included in the final analysis. In general, vitamin D deficiency among mothers may be related to an increased risk of gestational diabetes (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.35; p &lt; 0.001). The serum level of 25(OH)D is less meaningful in people with gestational diabetes than in those who have normal glucose tolerance. Subgroup analysis showed that the results concerning this association may vary with study design but do not change with country of origin.ConclusionSome evidence has shown that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of gestational diabetes

Spatial analysis of factors affecting air pollution in Tabriz city

In recent decades, Tabriz metropolis as the largest city in the northwest of the country has faced with increasing population growth and development of industrial, commercial, services and residential structures. Increasing development along with failure to comply with land use planning criteria has led to an increase in air pollution. Current study has been carried out in order to understand factors causing pollution in Tabriz city. Research method is descriptive analytical and the type of the information is documental- library. Eight indicators, i.e. floor area ratio, population density, intersection density, bus stop density, industries density, green spaces density, distance from industries and elevation were used as predictor variable. NO2 concentration was used as dependent variable and wind flow was used as an emission factor. In order to analyze the data, ordinary least squares and geographically weighted regression was used. According to the results of ordinary least square, the relationship between predictor variables and dependent variable is significant. So that the concentration of nitrogen dioxide increases with increase in floor area ratio, population density, intersection density, bus stop density, and industries density. In fact, there is a direct correlation between these variables and the concentration of nitrogen dioxide. By increasing the elevation and the distance from industries, the concentration of this pollutant decreases, which indicates an inverse correlation between these two variables and the dependent variable. Based on the results of geographically weighted regression model, considered variables account for 62% of air pollution in the city. Finally, maps of spatial variations of independent variables were drawn by using geographic weighted regression in the city of Tabriz

THE HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF SAFFRON PETALS' IN DIABETIC RATS

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important health problems around the globe and there are huge sums of money spent on its control. Various chemical and herbal substances have been applied to control blood sugar. In line with this, the present study evaluates the effect of saffron petals’ hydroalcoholic extract on the fasting blood sugar and serum insulin in diabetic rats. In the present study, male Wistar rats (180 g to 220 g) were assigned to five groups (n=5): a normal control group, streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) diabetic control group and three diabetic groups that were administered with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract per day. After eight weeks since the initiation of the treatment, the fasting blood samples were collected from the rats’ hearts to undergo fasting blood sugar and serum insulin measurements. The data were analyzed in SPSS, version 16. The serum level of fasting blood sugar in the diabetic groups that had been fed on 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg saffron petals extracts was found significantly reduced in contrast to the diabetic control group (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). But, there was not found any significant difference between the diabetic group, treated with 300 mg/kg saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract, and the diabetic control group. In the case of insulin, all the three diabetic groups that had been administered with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract showed significant increases in comparison to the diabetic control group (P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively) . Our study indicated that saffron petal is capable of reducing the high level of fasting blood sugar and serum insulin and thus it can be prescribed as a hypoglycemic drug through performing further and more complete research

INVESTIGATION THE ANTI-HYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF SAFFRON PETALS' OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT IN RATS

The use of medicinal herbs has been customary in traditional medicine since very long ago and according to the intolerances exhibited by some of the patients for chemical drugs due to the emergence of side effects, the medicinal herbs can be utilized as alternative treatments through adhering to evidence-based medical principles. The current research paper investigates the effects of saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract on the lipid profiles. Thirty Wistar rats were assigned to six groups: a control group and a sham group that received ordinary dietary regime and high cholesterol (2%) dietary regime, respectively, and experimental groups one to four that, besides the high cholesterol dietary regime, were also, correspondingly, treated by 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of their body weights saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract per day and 10 mg/kg of the body weight lovastatin per day. Blood samples were collected of the animals after eight weeks to determine their serum lipid profiles. SPSS (version16) was employed to perform the analysis. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C were found significantly increased in sham group and experimental group three (high cholesterol dietary regime plus 200 mg/kg of the extract) in contrast to the control group (P<0.001). The significance level was found lower in experimental group 1 (high cholesterol regime plus 50 mg/kg of the extract) (P<0.05, P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). The serum levels of these three factors and HDL-c were not found significantly different in experimental groups two and four in comparison to the control group. The results are indicative of the favorable effects of saffron petal hydroalcoholic extract, especially in lower dosages, on the regulation and correction of the serum lipid profile. Keywords: Saffron, Anti-hyperlipidemic, Medical plants, Lipid profile, Ra

INVESTIGATING THE METHADONE EFFECTS ON AST, ALT AND ALP ENZYMES OF SERUM OF MALE WISTAR RATS

Narcotics abuse and addiction have been turned to a major problem in the communities. Addiction to any type of narcotics is known to be followed by side effects both physically and psychologically. One way to control addiction is the use of another maintenance medication. The current research paper aims at investigating the effect of one such a drug as methadone on the serum levels of Alkaline phosphatase, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. A total number of 28 male adult Wistar rats were completely haphazardly assigned to four group (n=7): a control group that received an ordinary daily dietary regime and Experimental groups one, two and three that were administered through oral gavage with 5mg/ml, 20mg/ml and 40mg/ml of methadone syrup, respectively, on a daily basis besides the ordinary dietary regime for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected from the animals at the beginning and at the end of the study for the determination of serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. In the end, the data were analyzed via taking advantage of one-way variance analysis (one-way ANOVA) and TUKEY Test. The serum levels of all three ALT, AST and ALP enzymes were significantly increased in the groups that had been given different doses of methadone (P<0.001). According to the results obtained herein and the effects that methadone has on the elevation of liver enzymes levels and also due to the fact that this maintenance medication is being increasingly administered on a daily basis for the treatment of addiction to various narcotics, it seems that there is a need for devising better strategies and better planning for the amount and method of methadone use as well as the way this medication has to be distributed within the society. Keywords: Methadone, Alkaline phosphatase, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Rat

ANTIHYPERLIPIDEMIC EFFECTS OF HYDROALCOHOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF TEUCRIUM POLIUM IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC RATS

Hyperlipidemia is one of the most important factors contributing to the cardiovascular diseases. There are various chemical drugs for regulating the lipid profile level. According to the side effects proved for the chemical drugs, we, in the current research paper, investigate the effect of wall germander (Teucrium polium) hydroalcoholic extract effect on the lipid profile in the hypercholesterolemic rats. Wistar male rats, ranging in weight from 150 g to 180 g, were assigned to four groups (n=5): control group (ordinary diet), sham group (high, 2%, cholesterol dietary regime), experimental group one (high, 2%, cholesterol dietary regime plus 0.85mg/ml Teucrium polium hydroalcoholic extract) and experimental group two (high, 2%, cholesterol dietary regime plus 1.7mg/ml Teucrium polium hydroalcoholic extract). The treatment was run in an eight-week period with the termination of which blood samples were collected from the animals. To determine the lipid profile, commercial diagnostic kits were applied. The results were analyzed by the use of SPSS software, ver. 16. From the week six on, the weights of the rats from the experimental group two (high, 2%, cholesterol diet plus 1.7 mg/ml Teucrium polium hydroalcoholic extract) showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) even in comparison to the control group (ordinary diet). The serum level of triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-c was found significantly decreased in the experimental group two (P<0.001) as compared to Sham group but it did not any significant change in contrast to the control group. In experimental group one (high, 2%, cholesterol dietary regime plus 0.85 mg/ml Teucrium polium hydroalcoholic extract), only the cholesterol and TG serum levels were found significantly decreased in respect to the sham group (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Regarding the lipoprotein amount, a significant increase was documented in the experimental group two, featuring high density cholesterol (HDL-c), in contrast to the sham group (P<0.001). The present study’s findings indicated that an appropriate dosage of T. Polium can cause the regulation of lipid profile as well as the weights of the hypercholesterolemic rats. According to the side effects of the chemical drugs similar in their functions to the effect of T. polium, it can be suggested as an antihyperlipidemic drug. Keywords: Hyperlipidemic, Teucrium polium, Lipid profile, Medical plants, Rat