IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF ALGERIAN CAPER

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of fruits and leaves of Capparis spinosa in mice.Methods: The effect of methanolic extracts of C. spinosa on immune system were assessed by applying several approaches such as Lymphocyte proliferation assay in presence of mitogen (Concanavalin A), delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, humoral response and Cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression.Results: Administration of methanolic extracts at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg produced statistically significant results as evidenced by the increase in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response (P<0.05), enhanced the total WBC level in the cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression model (p<0.01). These extracts also showed significant increase in humoral antibody (HA) titre (P<0.05, P<0.01) at dose 200 mg/ml. Equally, C. spinosa extracts evoked a significant (p<0.05, P<0.01) increase in mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that both the plant parts extracts exert a marked immunostimulatory effect on the mouse immune system

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of methanol extract of Tamus communis L. roots

Purpose: To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of the methanol extract of Tamus communis roots. Methods: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu’s reagent and aluminium chloride assays, respectively while the antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH and β-carotene/linoleate tests. For anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat was used. Formaldehyde-induced paw edema and adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats were used to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of the extract. Results: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of T. communis showed 55.2 ± 0.036 mg GAE/g dry weight and 1.191 ± 0.002 mg QEq/g dry weight, respectively while the antioxidant activity (DPPH) showed a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 of 0.128 ± 0.011 mg/mL. Using βcarotene/linoleate assay, the extract showed 88.13 ± 4.03 % inhibition. In carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat, all doses of T. communis did not show inhibition of edema. In contrast, formaldehyde induced paw edema decreased at the dose of 150 mg/kg days 2 and 4. However, doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg did not show any activity. In adjuvant-induced arthritis, all used doses caused no reduction in arthritic scores and in paw thickness except a significant decrease with the dose 150 mg/kg at the last day. Conclusion: T. communis extract exhibits high antioxidant activity related to the phenolic compound contents. However, the results of the anti-inflammatory and anti‐arthritic studies did not support its use in folk medicine in the treatment of rheumatic ailment except on low dose

Evaluation of oral hygiene care of under 4 years old children by their mothers based on the Health Belief Model

Objective: Oral health is one of the basic components of preschool children's health. Young children completely depend on their parents, specially their mothers, to have an appropriate oral health. Health belief model shows the relationship between some structures related to personal perceptions, barriers and perceived self-efficiency, and behavior. This study aims to determine the oral health  care status of children under 4 by their mother according to health belief model in Tehran.Methods: In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study, 200 mothers with children under 4 who visited health care centers under the authority of Shahid Beheshti University of medical Sciences were randomly chosen. A questionnaire which was designed according to health belief  model (HBM) was used to collect data. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS software.Results: It was found that only in 10% of the cases knowledge score was favorable. Participants scored 50.85%, 75.93%, 72.23%, 92.06%, 48.2%, 86.31%, 64.07% in knowledge structures, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self efficiency  and behavior respectively. Knowledge structures (p<0.01, r=0.276), perceived barriers (p<0/01, r=0/314) and perceived self efficiency (p<0.01, r=0.269) showed positive correspondence and significant relationship with the oral and dental health behaviors by their mothers. Structures of health belief model could describe 17.9% of behavior variance. Amongst these structures, perceived barriers had more important role.Conclusion: This study estimated that the behavioral status of oral and dental health care of children under 4 by their mothers is moderate. Therefore planning an educational program using behavioral models and theories, such as health belief model is suggested, so that it can increase knowledge and self-efficiency and reduce perceptive barriers to promote children's oral health

Fractionation, Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Different Sub-Fractions from Pituranthos scoparius Roots

The purpose of this study was to prepare three sub-fractions from Pituranthos scoparius roots (PSR), characterize their phytochemicals contents and to investigate their free radical scavenging activity by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl scavenging activities. Tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and other bioactive compounds were found in the different sub-fractions. The Ethyle acetate extract (EAE) and chloroform extract (ChE) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity using ABTS (17.8 ± 0.87 µg/mL and 18.15 ± 0.68 µg/mL), respectively. Whereas, Crude extract (CrE) have been presented strong hydroxyl scavenging activity (14.9 ± 0.8 µg/mL). This study indicates that PSR extracts has potent free radical scavenging, and may prove to be of potential health benefit as well as additional resources for natural antioxidants. Keywords: Medicinal plant; phytochemical screening; sub-fractions, free radical scavenging

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Sedum sediforme extracts

Purpose: To evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect and in vitro antioxidant activity of the areal part of Sedum sediforme (Jacq.) extracts.Methods: The plant was extracted with solvents of varying polarity (Methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate, respectively) allowed its separation into three sub-fractions: crude extract, chloroform extract and ethyl acetate extract (CrE, ChE and EaE, respectively). Total polyphenol contents of the extracts were determined. The phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA) induced mice ear edema method was using to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity. The in vitro scavenging activity was evaluated using enzymatic and non-enzymatic methods. Chelating ability of extracts was assessed using Fe2+–ferrozine complex.Results: The highest content of phenolics compound was in EaE. The administration of CrE (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) reduced ear edema induced by PMA (%I = 35.81 ± 3.18 % and 38.57 ± 2.80 %, respectively), the effect was comparable with that of diclofenac used as a reference drug (%I = 38.84 ± 1.87 %). The in vitro scavenging activity of S. sediforme extracts confirmed that the CrE has the highest enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.063 ± 0.005 mg/mL and 0.178 ± 0.006 mg/mL, respectively. However, the ChE present an excellent  chelating activity with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.397 ± 0.001 mg/mL.Conclusion: The results show that S. sediforme extracts have a strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities which lend some support their use in the traditional medicine. Keywords: Sedum sediforme, Anti-inflammatory, Superoxide scavenger, Cytochrome C, Metal chelatin

INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF ANCHUSA AZUREA EXTRACTS ON XANTHINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY AND ITS HYPOURICEMIC EFFECTS ON MICE

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the polyphenols and flavonoids from Anchusa azurea on XO activities in vitro and on serum and liver uric acid levels in normal and potassium oxonate-induced hyper uricemic mice. In addition, the renal function of the mice after flavonoid administration was estimated by the determination of blood urea and creatinine analysis.Methods: In the present study, Anchusa azurea were extracted with solvent of varying polarity allowed its separation into four subfractions: crude extract (Cr) chloroform extract (ChE), ethyl acetate extract (AcE), and aqueous extracts (AqE). Total polyphenol and flavonoids contents of Anchusa azurea extracts were determined. The inhibitory activity of the extracts on the XO was evaluated and the type of inhibition was determined. Hyperuricemia is induced by intraperitoneally injection of potassium oxonate, the uric acid, urea and creatinine were measured in serum and supernatant of the liver. The effect of the extracts on renal function was evaluated. The rate of urea and creatinine levels can be indicators for the assessment of renal function.Results: AcE were the richest in polyphenols and ChE was the richest fraction in flavonoids. The inhibitory activity of the extracts on the XO was evaluated, the results obtained showed that the inhibition is dose-dependent and ChE and AcE have the best inhibitory effect (IC50= 0.334±0.006 and 0.263±0.002 mg/ml, respectively), and both showed a noncompetitive type of inhibition. For antihyperuricemic effect, AqE and CrE caused a decrease in serum uric acid (a decrease of 66%) followed by ChE with a percentage of 29.22 %. The AcE keeps almost the same value of uric acid of "PO" group. For the supernatant, only CrE caused a significant decrease of liver uric acid (18.5±4.83 mg/l). This decrease can be explained by the significant inhibition of the XO by inhibition of the synthesis pathways of uric acid. Comparing the urea level of "OP" group (0.48 g/l), only extracts CrE-AA, AqE-AA (0.41g/l, 0.39 g/l) decreased the level of urea significantly (P ≤ 0.05) to the normal values of urea (0.34 g/l), we can conclude that the rate of urea and creatinine after treatment with plant extracts are normal and that the results of this study indicate the absence of renal damage in miceConclusion: Anchusa azurea fractions have a strong inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase and also have a significant lowering effect on serum and liver creatinine and urea levels in hyper uricemic mice.Â

The role of protection motivation theory in predicted of nutritional behavior in prevention cancers in mothers in Yazd city, Iran

Introduction: Currently, cancer is one of the most important health concerns-care in the world and Iran. The causes of cancer can be effective in creating things like the environment, food, genetics, hormones, viral factors, sunlight, smoking, weight and physical activity. In this study for first time the Protection motivation theory was applied in nutrition behavior that are important in prevention of cancers. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The participants were from 18 health centers, 9 health centers was selected and from every health center, 24 mothers were selected by simple sampling. The data was collected by a researcher making questionnaire that was completed by participants. After completion of questionnaires, all gathered data were transferred to SPSS 16 and analyzed under ANOVA, Chi square, T-test and Pearson tests and descriptive statistics. Results: Subjects were in the age group between 27-40 years. The education of 41.4 of participants was university. There is significant difference between age of participant and Perceived self efficacy (p=0,005). The data showed that the structures of Protection motivation theory could predicted 34.9 of behavior Nutritional Prevention of Cancer that the most of them was for Perceived Rewards with 39. Discussion: The data of this study showed that protection motivation theory is effective in predicted the nutritional behavior in prevention of cancers. So we can use from this theory for planning the educational program in prevention of unsuitable behavior in prevention of cancers. © Mattioli 188

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILES, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND PROTECTIVE EFFECT AGAINST AAPH-INDUCED MOUSE ERYTHROCYTE DAMAGE BY DAPHNE GNIDIUM L. SHOOTS EXTRACTS

Objective: Various biological activities have been reported for Daphne gnidium, the aim of the present study was to determine polyphenols and some biological activities of extracts from the shoots of this plants.Methods: Phenolic and flavonoids contents of D. gnidium extracts (DGE) were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau and identified by HPLC–DAD/MS. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of the crude (CE), chloroform (CHE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) extracts of D. gnidium shoots were investigated using several in vitro and ex vivo assays, including 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging (by both enzymatic and nonenzymatic methods) and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity methods. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured using the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity, reducing power and ß-carotene-linoleic bleaching assays. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis were also performed to confirm the protective effect of these extracts.Results: It was found that values of phenolics varied between 130.84±5.99 and 137±7.66 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of cinnamic acid derivatives and other metabolites from the flavonoids family. All extracts exhibited a superoxide scavenging capacity. The EAE had the highest antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extracts showed an inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase, the IC50 rangesfrom 0.021±0.001 to 0.061±0.001 mg/ml. The EAE showed also potent reducing power ability. CHE possess an inhibition ratio of (92.11%) in the linoleic acid oxidation assay close to that of BHT (96.77%). All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity in the linoleic acid emulsion system (3.87-61.11 %). Under the oxidative action of AAPH, EAE and CE showed higher protective effect against erythrocytes hemolysis than the CHE. The percentage of hemolysis (H%) determined for EAE and CE after 1 h of incubation were 0% and 1.9%, respectively.Conclusion: This study indicates that DGE contains relevant antioxidant compounds responsible, at least in part, for its antioxidant and radicals scavenging activity. Flavone derivatives were determined as the main active component of the shoots part and the CHE was the most active extract.Â

HPLC analysis, acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of Salix alba L. barks extracts on experimental animal models

The white willow, Salix alba L., rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, is traditionally used for its antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential in Algeria. As part of the ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Setif region in Algeria, in the present study, we assessed the safety profile of S. alba barks methanol (SAME) and aqueous (SAQE) extracts, their phytoconstituents, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), reducing power and hydroxyl radical tests assays. HPLC analysis identified 16 compounds in each extract with different concentrations. Gallic acid, syringic acid and cinnamic acid were high in the aqueous extract, while the methanol extracts were rich in chlorogeni cacid, catechin, methyl gallate, pyrocatechol, rutin, ferulic acid, naringenin, taxifolin and kaempferol. The extracts showed significant reducing power, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging effects. In vivo tests showed a strong effect on carrageenan-induced paw edema after 5 h with an inhibition of 88.62 and 87.56% for SAME and SAQE (500 mg/kg), respectively. The extracts also at 500 mg/kg showed significant inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema of 57.81% with SAME 67.18% with SAQE. The results have shown that the methanol and aqueous extracts of the barks of S. alba had no toxic effect on biochemical parameters as well as the organ weights and behaviour. It indicates that S. alba could be a promising source of anti-inflammatory agent

INVESTIGATION OF ANTIHEMOLYTIC, XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITION, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF SALVIA VERBENACA L. AERIAL PART EXTRACTS.

Background: In this study, Salvia verbenaca L. aerial part extracts (SVEs): were screened for their antihemolytic, xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Material and methods: To investigate SVEs antihemolytic activity, the 2,2,-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used to induce erythrocyte oxidative hemolysis. In XO inhibition test, xanthine was used as substrate and cytochrome c for generating superoxide anions. The antioxidant activity of SVEs was examined by means of reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging and iron chelating assays. In addition, SVEs were tested for their antimicrobial effects by evaluating antibacterial and antifungal activities. Results: Ethyl acetate extract (EAE) contains the highest amount of total polyphenols and flavonoids (661.78 ± 4.00 mg GAE / g E) and (28.81 ± 0.38 mg QE / g E) respectively. In antihemolytic test EAE was the most active extract with an HT50 value of 165 min. SVEs gave significant inhibitory effects on XO, especially the chloroform extract (ChE) with IC50 value of 0.0088 ± 0.000 mg/ml. EAE was the most active extract in reducing power essay (EC50: 0.0047 ± 0.000 mg/ml) and in DPPH radical scavenging essay (IC50: 0.0086 ± 0.000 mg/ml). Finally, the EAE has inhibited the growth of nine bacterial strains with inhibition zone diameters of (12 to 16 mm), but no activities have found against fungal strains. Conclusion: S. verbenaca could be considered as a potential source of natural antihemolytic, enzyme modulator, antioxidant and antibacterial agents