In vitro antitumoral effects of the combination of Curcuma longa and prednisolone on inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer among children. Despite recent treatment advances, about 80 percent of patients indicate resistance to treatment and the relapse remains a significant clinical problem. Apoptotic-resistant leukemia cells exhibit an unusual response to the NF-κB pathway; therefore, inhibiting this pathway can sensitize resistant cells to treatment. IKK-NF-kappaB signaling is an important factor in carciogenesis and a potential target for cancer treatment. Therefore, in this study, the mRNA expression of targets of NF-κB signaling including IKKalpha, IKKbeta and also NF-κB were analyzed, using the real time-PCR in the face of the combined effect of Curcuma longa and prednisolone in the ALL cell line of NALM-6. Results of the study showed significant downregulation of three genes after combination Curcuma longa (5 µg/ml) and prednisolone (1 μM) in comparison with the single agents alone. These findings unveiled the synergistic effect of Curcuma longa and prednisolone on IKKα and IKKβ downregulation and NF-κB inhibition that can be considered as a new approach in the ALL treatment of resistance to chemotherapy

A review of the health effects and uses of drugs of plant licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) in Iran

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Ethnobotanic study of medicinal plants in Urmia city: Identification and traditional using of antiparasites plants

Objective: To identify the native medicinal plants used in parasitic diseases treatment in Urmia. Methods: This study was conducted among 35 Urmia herbalists to identify medicinal plants used in parasitic diseases treatment. We used direct observation and interviews with collected herbarium specimens by native herbs commonly in the treatment of parasitic diseases. Questionnaires were included apothecary personal information and native plants list with information includes plant local name, plant parts used, method of their use and traditional therapies. Herbarium samples listed in the questionnaire collected from the area and were sent to agricultural research centers and Urmia University Faculty of Agriculture for genus and species determination. Results: Thirteen medicinal plants from six families for treatment of diabetes in Urmia were obtained from interviews. Most families have anti diabetic effect was included Asteraceae (36). The most used was boiling (65). Conclusions: In view of the findings of this study indicate that plants have the potential to be a parasitic infection so it is necessary ingredients of native plants be studied to demonstrate therapeutic effects and provide field work to evaluate the clinical effects of these herbs and ingredients they claim on parasitic diseases. © 2014 Asian Pacific Tropical Medicine Press

Evaluation of bacterial and fungal contamitation of commerically produced cake in Urmia, northwest of Iran

Disease caused by consumption of contaminated food always has been a problem around the world and annual expenses spent on improving these conditions. Cake because of ingredients has great potential to be contaminated with many types of microbes. The purpose of this study is to determine microbial contamination of the cake is produced in Urmia. 200 cakes were prepared randomization from commercial cake factories in Urmia city and according to national standards survey was performed rate and type of bacterial and fungal infection. The study revealed 100 of samples were contaminated with mold and yeast but the infection was allowed and standard. Fortunately, 100 samples abut bacteria, Entrobacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, positive coagulase, Escherichia coli and salmonella were negative. Training and supervision on the process of health production and better maintenance and package commercial cake is essential for health community. © 2015 Vasile Goldis University Press