Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Nepeta leucostegia Essential Oil Components by GC–MS/FID Along With Antioxidant Activity

Background: Nepeta is a large genus belonging to the Lamiaceae family. So far, no study has been reported on Nepeta leucostegia compounds and biological effects. Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Nepeta leucostegia essential oil components along with antioxidant activity. Methods: Essential oil compounds of N. leucostegia were qualitatively and quantitatively identified and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis. Besides, the evaluation of the antioxidant property was performed using DPPH assay. Results: After analysis, 96.63% of essential oil compounds were identified. Among the 36 identified compounds, 1,8-cineole (39.1%), epi-α-cadinol (6.9%), α-Terpineol (6.0%), α-fenchene (5.8%), and Camphene (5.5%) were the main compounds, respectively. The essential oil showed a significant antioxidant effect (IC50=75 μg/mL). Conclusion: The results of this study complete the information on the Nepeta genus and can be used in the chemotaxonomic study of the Nepeta genus. Due to its antioxidant effect, N. leucostegia has the potential for use in pharmaceutical and food industries

Identification and tissue-specific expression of rutin biosynthetic pathway genes in Capparis spinosa elicited with salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate

Capparis spinosa is an edible medicinal plant which is considered as an excellent source of rutin. Rutin is a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin that has been reported to have a beneficial role in controlling various diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity. In this study, the partial cDNA of four genes involved in the rutin biosynthetic pathway including 4-coumaroyl CoA ligase (4CL), flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), flavonol synthase (FLS) and flavonol-3-O-glucoside L-rhamnosyltransferase (RT) were identified in C.spinosa plants for the first time. The protein sequences of these genes shared high similarity with the same proteins in other plant species. Subsequently, the expression patterns of these genes as well as rutin accumulation in C.spinosa leaves treated with different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and also in different tissues of Caper plants treated with 100 mgL(-1) SA and 150 mu M MeJA were evaluated. The expression of all four genes was clearly up-regulated and rutin contents increased in response to MeJA and SA treatments after 24 h. The highest rutin contents (5.30 mgg(-1) DW and 13.27 mgg(-1) DW), as well as the highest expression levels of all four genes, were obtained using 100 mgL(-1) SA and 150 mu M MeJA, respectively. Among the different tissues, the highest rutin content was observed in young leaves treated with 150 mu M MeJA, which corresponded to the expression of related genes, especially RT, as a key gene in the rutin biosynthetic pathway. These results suggest that rutin content in various tissues of C. spinosa can be enhanced to a significant extent by MeJA and SA treatments and the gene expression patterns of rutin-biosynthesis-related genes are regulated by these elicitors

Analysis of fatty acid composition of two selected Phlomis species

Introduction: Phlomis bruguieri and Phlomis olivieri are two species of genus Phlomis, growing in Iran. Different species of this genus have shown various biological activities and also contain a wide range of compounds. It has been proved that both species increase sunflower oil stability and inhibit its oxidation. The aim of this study was to analyze fatty acid composition of these two species, of which P. olivieri is endemic in Iran and yet there is no report on their fatty acid composition. Methods: Aerial parts of two plants were collected, hexane extracts were prepared through soxhlet extraction and concentrated by recovering the solvent, derivatization was performed and then gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was done for detecting fatty acids. Results: Both plants contained saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In hexane extract of P. bruguieri 10 fatty acids were identified and 9-octadecenoic acid, 6-octadecynoic acid and hexadecanoic acid were found in high concentrations. P. olivieri also contained 8 fatty acids of which 9-octadecanoic acid, 12,15-otadecadiynoic acid and 7-hexadecenoic acid were detected in high concentrations. Conclusion: Two investigated plants are common in 3 fatty acids and in both of them octadecenoic acid is found in the highest amount. Unsaturated fatty acids have higher amount than the saturated fatty acids in both plants. This study opens new frontiers and applications of P. bruguieri and P. olivieri due to various bioactive components, especially for pharmaceutical applications

Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Garlic and Aloe Vera Against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E.coli

Background and Aims: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli are the most important bacteria responsible for hospital infections with multiple antibiotic resistance. Problems in the treatment of infections caused by resistant isolates have been the factor for the investigation of alternative drugs, including medicinal plants. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, antimicrobial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Garlic and Aloe vera on 63 strains of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and E. coli isolated from clinical specimens were investigated. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was carried out by tube dilution method. Results and Conclusion: In the MIC test, E. coli isolates showed the most sensitivity to the aqueous (with mean MIC, MBC 236.8 and 473.6 mg/ml, respectively) and alcoholic extract of the Garlic (with mean MIC, MBC 329.6 and 659.2 mg/ml, respectively) (P<0.05). Clinical isolates of S. aureus showed the highest susceptibility to garlic alcoholic extract, followed by aqueous extract of garlic and alcoholic extract of aloe vera (with mean MIC, 156.8, 188.8 and 198.4 mg/ml, respectively). The results showed that the isolates of P. aeruginosa were resistant to both garlic and aloe vera extracts. Considering the significant antibacterial effects of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of garlic and alcoholic extract of aloe vera on pathogenic bacteria, that contribute to the development of various types of infectious and nosocomial infections, these extracts can be considered as natural and alternative drugs

Effects of cinnamon extract on complications of treatment and eradication of Helicobacter pylori in infected people

Introduction: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori has various side effects like antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract on complications of treatment and eradication of H. pylori in infected people. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, a total of 98 eligible healthy and H. pylori-infected patients approved by esophageal endoscopy were selected. The cinnamon group received multi-drug treatment including clarithromycin, amoxicillin and pantoprazole as well as a cinnamon extract capsule. The control group received multi-drug treatment and a 40 mg starch capsule. In order to analyze the cinnamon extract efficacy, the urea breath test (UBT) was performed 3 months after the start of treatment. Clinical symptoms were evaluated by a questionnaire at the beginning (day of 0), 7 days and 14 days after starting treatment. Results: The clinical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, headache, metallic flavor, epigastric pain, burp, and appetite were significantly reduced in the cinnamon group (P < 0.05). The odds ratio exhibited a higher eradication rate of H. pylori in the cinnamon group (73.47% in the cinnamon group compared to 53.06% in the control group) (P = 0.036). Conclusion: Cinnamon as assisted therapy is able to alleviate the disease and reduce the complications of H. pylori treatment

Analgesic effect of Jasminum sambac hydro alcoholic extract in rats: role of the GABAergic and opioidergic pathways

Background and Aim: There are several reports about analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative, and anti-spasmodic effects of Jasminum sambac. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effects of Jasminum sambac hydroalcoholic extract and determine the role of GABAergic and opioidergic pathways in rat model by a plantar device. Material and Methods: Wistar male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6) including control, the groups treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum Sambac (100, 200, 400, mg/kg, ip) and the groups which received the most effective dose of the extract in addition to naloxone or flumazenil. The analgesic effect was assessed by plantar device after 30, 60 and 90 min of the injections. Results: Our results showed that injection of hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum sambac (200 mg/kg, ip)  increased significantly the time delay in response to thermal pain inducing effect at 30, 60 and 90 (P <0.05) min after injection in the experimental groups compared to that in the control group. While, addition of naloxone, prevented analgesic effect of the extract at all three times (P <0.05). This pattern of reduction of extract analgesic effect was significant only 60 min after concomitant administration of the extract with flumazenil. Conclusion: The results indicated the analgesic effect of Jasminumsambac extract. Considering the preventive effect of naloxone on the analgesia produced by Jasminum sambac, opioidergic pathway seems to be dominant in the development of Jasminum sambac analgesic effect. Keyword: Hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum sambac, Analgesic effect, Opioidergic pathways.   Received: Dec 31, 2017     Accepted: May 22, 201

In-Vitro Efficacy of Plantago lanceolata L. Extracts on Trichomonas Vaginalis

Abstract Background: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common non viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Plantago lanceolata extracts on Trichomonas vaginalis. Materials and Methods: In this study, after collection and drying of P. lanceolata, n-hexanic, ethyl acetate, methanol and hydroalcoholic extracts, they were prepared by maceration. Five clinical T. vaginalis isoleates subjected to extract suscebtibility testing, in comparison of metronidazole. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) tests were carried out in duplicate and repeated two times for each T. vaginalis isolate. Results: The results showed that the extracts of P. lanceolata had potent antitrichomonal activity. The most antitrichomonal activity was related to ethyl acetate extract with the least MIC of 500 µg/ml and mean of 1525 µg/ml, after 48 hrs incubation. And also, the lowest antitrichomonal activity was related to hydroalcoholic and methanolic extract with the least and mean MIC of 2000 µg/ml. The results of MLC and MIC tests were identical and this finding confirmed the trichomonacidal activity of the extracts. The drug suscebtibility testing showed that the T. vaginalis isoleates were susceptibale to metronidazole ranging from 3.1 to 6.2 µg/ml with a mean and standard deviation of 4.2 ± 1.5 µg/ml. Conclusion: This study showed that the extracts of P. lanceolata hav e a considerable activity on T. vaginalis parasite. Hence, further studies are needed to clear more details of antimicrobial properties of P. lanceolata compounds

The Prevalence of Trichomoniasis in Women Referring to Health Treatment Centers in Karaj City, 2016 (Iran)

Background and Objective: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, which is one of the causative agents of vaginitis in women. This research was the first study that conducted to determine the prevalence of trichomoniasis in Karaj city. &nbsp; Methods: This study was carried out on 967 women referring to health treatment centers in Karaj city in 2016. Trichomonas vaginalis, was diagnosed using vaginal discharge sample, wet mount, gram stain, and culture on Dorset medium. Candida and bacterial vaginitis was also diagnosed based on direct staining of smear. &nbsp; Results: Out of 967 individuals, 11 persons (1.1%), were diagnosed positive for Trichomoniasis. One sample (0.1%) were positive by gram staining, 5 samples (0.5%) by wet mount, and 11 samples (1.1%) by Dorset culture method. The highest infected individuals with T. vaginalis (1.6%), were in the age group of 35-44 and in the group with primary education (3.2%). In this study, the relationship between trichomoniasis and education level of the participants, was statistically significant (p=0.003). The most clinical signs and symptoms observed in individuals with trichomoniasis, was reported to be vaginal discharge and itching (90%). The prevalence of candida and bacterial vaginitis, were 11% and 14.5%, respectively. &nbsp; Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of trichomoniasis in the studied population is relatively low. But, considering the importance of sexually transmitted infections in community, implementation of appropriate health strategies for the promotion of public health, is necessary for the control of these groups of infections. &nbsp; &nbsp

Biochemical and Histological Evidence on the Protective Effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian Shallot) as an Herbal Supplement in Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Background and Objectives. Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian shallot), as an edible vegetable, has several pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects, while its protective effects in liver cells are controversial. In this study, we examined the effect of A. hirtifolium extract on cadmium- (Cd-) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: groups 1, 2, and 3 received vehicle, Cd (100 mg/L/day by drinking water), and A. hirtifolium extract (200 mg/kg/day; orally), respectively. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were Cd groups which were treated with A. hirtifolium extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively). After 2 weeks, liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and also oxidative stress biomarkers including lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecule (TTM), and the histopathological changes were determined using standard procedure. Results. The findings showed that Cd caused a remarkable rise in levels of serum hepatic enzymes such as ALT (P<0.001), AST (P<0.01) and ALP (P<0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, Cd led to the decreasing of the levels of TTM (P<0.001) and TAC (P<0.001) and increasing of LPO (P<0.001) in liver tissue in comparison with the control group. In this regard, remarkable vascular congestion, hepatocellular degeneration, and vacuolization were observed in hepatic tissue of Cd-treated rats. Following the administration of A. hirtifolium extract, a significant improvement was observed in the functional and oxidative stress indices of hepatic tissue alongside histopathologic changes. Conclusion. The current study indicated that the A. hirtifolium extract might prevent hepatic oxidative injury by improving oxidant/antioxidant balance in rats exposed to Cd