Investigation of Antibacterial Effect of Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes

Background: Streptococcus mutans is major cause of tooth decay. In addition, there is some report about effects of Streptococcus pyogenes on odontogenic infections. Herbal drugs is now administrating for treatment of some disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes.Materials and Methods: In this study, standard strains of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes were used, and ethanolic extract was prepared in the microbiological laboratory of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The experiment was repeated 6 times and chlorohexine 2% was used as a control.Results: The best effect of Carum carvi was on Streptococcus mutans, whereas on Streptococcus pyogenes both extracts of Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi showed the same effect.Conclusion: This study showed, due to the fact that the Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi extracts exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, they could be a suitable candidate in compounds such as mouthwash, toothpastes and Gums. Therefore, could be used in the prevention and treatment of future oral and dental diseases

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in Kurdistan province, northwest Iran

Objective: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the main health problems worldwide. The signs and symptoms depending on the type of parasite and conditions of host can be mild, moderate, or severe. In the present study, we attempted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in individuals referred to medical laboratories in Sanandaj city, in the center of Kurdistan province, northwest Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done from 1 June 2015 to 31 August 2016, during which 1383 fecal samples were collected randomly from individuals who were referred to medical laboratories. All the samples were examined using direct slide smear, formalin-ether concentration, and staining methods. Results: Out of the 1383 stool specimens examined, 297 (21.5%) were infected with single or multiple intestinal parasites. Protozoan parasites were detected the most from the samples and helminths were very much less prevalent. Finally, the analyzed data showed a significant difference between intestinal parasitic infections and reasons for referral (p = 0.002), age groups (p ≤ 0.01), education (p ≤ 0.01), and seasonal variation (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infections especially protozoan parasites are still prevalent in the center of Kurdistan province. Therefore, health providers are recommended to consider this health problem by establishing accurate diagnosis and designing interventional program to decrease the rate of such infections in this district