Development of a validated HPLC method for the determination of sennoside A and B, two major constituents of Cassia obovata Coll.

Introduction: Cassia obovata Coll is the only Senna species which grows wild in Iran. In the present study, an optimised reverse High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) validated method was established for quantification of sennosides A and B, the major constituents of C. obovata with a simple and accurate method. Methods: HPLC analysis was done using Waters 515 pump on a Nova-Pak C18 (3.9 &times; 150 mm). Millennium software was used for the determination of the sennoside A and B in Cassia species and processing the information. The method was validated according to USP 32 requirements. Results: The solvent impact on the selectivity factor and partition coefficient parameters evaluated. Using a conventional RP-18 L1 column, 3.9 &times; 150 mm, the mobile phase was selected after several trials with different mixtures of water and acetonitrile. Sennosides A and B were determined using the external standard calibration method. Using USP 35-NF 30, the LOD and LOQ were calculated. The reliability of the HPLC-method for analysis of sennoside A + B was validated through its linearity, reproducibility, repeatability, and recovery. Fina1ly ethanol:water (1:1) extracts of Cassia obovata and Cassia angustifolia were standardized by assay of sennoside A and B through above HPLC validated method. Conclusion: Through the above method, determination of sennosides in Cassia species are completely possible. Moreover, through comparing the results, even though sennosides are rich in Cassia angustifolia but, the results shows that C. obovata could be considered as an alternative source for sennosides A and B. </p

A new validated high-performance liquid chromatography method for standardization of rosmarinic acid in Salvia extracts

Introduction: Tea bags or infuses of Salvia species from Lamiaceae family are traditionally used for the treatment of cough, and throat inflammations. They are known for antioxidant properties mainly related to the presence of rosmarinic acid (RA). Therefore it is necessary to develop a reliable analytical method for RA assay for standardization of Salvia species and also other plants containing RA like Melissa, Origanum, Lavandula, Rosmarinus, Thymus, Zataria, Mentha, Perovskia, Zhumeria, and Satureja species. In this study using a suitable extraction method by removing unwanted components present in crude methanol extract, phenolic content containing RA was extracted from dry powders of six Salvia species. Then, a suitable high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was optimized for quantification of RA in Salvia species. Methods: HPLC analysis was done on a Waters system, equipped with 515 HPLC pump and waters 2487 dual wavelength absorbance detector. The column was a Nova-Pak C18 (3.9 × 150 mm), and Millenium software was used for the determination of the compounds and processing the data. The method was validated according to USP 32 requirements. Results: Among the investigated 6 species, S. virgata was the richest in RA level, demonstrating 3.50 ± 0.12 mg/g, followed by S. sclarea and S. chloroleuca showing 1.65 ± 0.08 and 1.65 ± 0.21 mg/g. S. ceratophylla with 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/g of RA in dried plant powder was the poorest. Conclusion: The validated HPLC method allows determination of amounts as low as 2.5 µg/ mL of RA and linearity in the ranges of 2.5-25 µg/mL and 100–600 µg/mL, which is suitable for standardization of Salvia species in traditional and pharmaceutical formulation

Antispasmodic activity of apigenin and luteolin, two components of Dracocephalum kotschyi extract, on rat ileum contractions

Introduction: Aerial parts of Dracocephalum kotschyi have been used as antispasmodic agents in Iranian traditional medicine. Recent pharmacological studies confirmed antispasmodic activity of D. kotschyi extract. The objective of this research was to investigate antispasmodic activities of apigenin and luteolin to find out if they are responsible for the spasmolytic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi. Methods: Aerial parts of D. kotschyi were extracted with ethanol. Antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi, apigenin and luteolin were examined on KCl and/or acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in rat isolated ileum. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi concentrations-dependently inhibited KCl and ACh induced contractions with IC50 values of 41±10 µg/mL and 133±19 μg/mL, respectively. Apigenin concentrations-dependently inhibited KCl and ACh induced contractions with IC50 values of 57±12 μM and 80±18 µM, respectively. Luteolin concentrations-dependently inhibited KCl induced contractions with IC50 values of 68±14 μM. Loperamide reduced both KCl and ACh induced contraction with IC50 values of 189±44 nM and 82±20 μM, respectively. Conclusion: In this study apigenin and luteolin were identified as two active ingredients responsible for antispasmodic activities of D. kotschyi extract

The effects of cranberry on glucose levels and HbA1C with type 2 diabetes patients- a randomized clinical trial

زمینه و هدف: بیماری دیابت یکی از شایع ترین اختلالات غدد درون ریز می باشد که سالانه بیش از 100 میلیون نفر را مبتلا می کند که در نتیجه نقص کامل یا نسبی و یا مقاومت به عمل انسولین ایجاد و کنترل نشدن آن موجب بروز عوارض قلبی، عروقی، کلیوی و چشمی می شود. هدف از این مطالعه بررسی اثرات زغال اخته (.Cornus mas L) بر سطح قند خون و هموگلوبین گلیکوزیله (HbA1C) در بیماران مبتلا به دیابت نوع 2 بود. روش بررسی: این مطالعه به صورت یک کارآزمایی بالینی، دو سویه کور، کنترل شده با دارونما به مدت 6 هفته انجام شد. 60 بیمار دیابت با محدوده سنی 65-41 سال در مطالعه شرکت کردند. بیماران به طور تصادفی به دو گروه 30 نفری کنترل (مصرف کننده کپسول پلاسبو یا دارونما به تعداد 2 عدد در روز) و گروه مورد (مصرف کننده کپسول زغال اخته به تعداد 2 عدد، معادل با 50 میلی گرم آنتوسیانین، در روز) تقسیم شدند. در ابتدا و پایان مطالعه میزان قند خون ناشتا (FBS) و هموگلوبین گلیکوزیله اندازه گیری و با کمک آزمون t و ANCOVA در دو گروه مقایسه گردید. یافته ها: در مورد خصوصیات افراد مورد مطالعه (سن، FBS، HbA1c) بین دو گروه در ابتدای مطالعه تفاوت معنی داری وجود نداشت. درگروه دریافت کننده زغال اخته در مقایسه با گروه کنترل در پایان 6 هفته، میزان فاکتورهای FBSو HbA1cکاهش معنی دار داشت (05/0>P). نتیجه گیری: کاهش میزان قند خون ناشتا و هموگلوبین گلیکوزیله در اثر مصرف زغال اخته، به منظور کنترل بیماری دیابت ارزشمند است. بروز این تغییرات احتمالاً ناشی از ترکیبات آنتوسیانینی موجود در زغال اخته است

The effects of wrench-dominated basement-involved faults on folding of overlying strata in the Bahregansar anticline, western Persian Gulf, Iran

Basement-involved fault geometry and kinematics has a systematic effect on the structural style of the tectonic setting. In this study, 2D and 3D seismic datasets, well data as well as thickness and depth maps were utilized to consider and reconstruct the characteristics and effects of the wrench-dominated basement-involved fault underlying the Bahregansar anticline, which is a gentle, elongated and NW–SE-trending structure in the NW Persian Gulf, on the nature of its folded strata. Moreover, using the 2D sequential restoration, the deformation of the basement structural features was modelled and analysed for its influence on the reactivation of faulting. The results show that the major basement-involved fault, called the Hendijan–Bahregansar–Nowrooz Fault (HBNF), extends along the NE–SW-trending orientation and consist of several key anticlines. The structural evolution of the Bahregansar anticline has been deeply affected by Turonian folding phase and Pliocene Zagros orogeny associated with the HBNF. In the Upper Cretaceous, the HBNF propagated upward through the overlying sedimentary sequences when the inherited normal fault contractionally reactivated in the sinistral-reverse sense as the transpression zone in response to the Neo-Tethys oceanic plate subduction under the Eurasian plate. In this regard, the NNE–SSW-trending Bahregansar anticline (i.e., Arabian trend) formed as a forced fold. Continuing oblique convergence and associated deformation was accommodated by a change in the HBNF displacement sense from sinistral to dextral movement and buckling of the Bahregansar anticline as a result of the Pliocene Zagros orogeny

The effects of wrench-dominated basement-involved faults on folding of overlying strata in the Bahregansar anticline, western Persian Gulf, Iran

Basement-involved fault geometry and kinematics has a systematic effect on the structural style of the tectonic setting. In this study, 2D and 3D seismic datasets, well data as well as thickness and depth maps were utilized to consider and reconstruct the characteristics and effects of the wrench-dominated basement-involved fault underlying the Bahregansar anticline, which is a gentle, elongated and NW–SE-trending structure in the NW Persian Gulf, on the nature of its folded strata. Moreover, using the 2D sequential restoration, the deformation of the basement structural features was modelled and analysed for its influence on the reactivation of faulting. The results show that the major basement-involved fault, called the Hendijan–Bahregansar–Nowrooz Fault (HBNF), extends along the NE–SW-trending orientation and consist of several key anticlines. The structural evolution of the Bahregansar anticline has been deeply affected by Turonian folding phase and Pliocene Zagros orogeny associated with the HBNF. In the Upper Cretaceous, the HBNF propagated upward through the overlying sedimentary sequences when the inherited normal fault contractionally reactivated in the sinistral-reverse sense as the transpression zone in response to the Neo-Tethys oceanic plate subduction under the Eurasian plate. In this regard, the NNE–SSW-trending Bahregansar anticline (i.e., Arabian trend) formed as a forced fold. Continuing oblique convergence and associated deformation was accommodated by a change in the HBNF displacement sense from sinistral to dextral movement and buckling of the Bahregansar anticline as a result of the Pliocene Zagros orogeny

Effect of Chaerophyllum macropodum extracts on Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro

Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a protozoan parasite causing trichomoniasis or trichomonal vaginitis. The infection is considered as non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD). Metronidazole and Tinidazole are now the drugs of choice for the treatment of this infection. However, resistant to these drugs has also been reported. So it is necessary to search for effective alternative drugs with fewer side effects. Chaerophyllum macropodum (C. macropodum) plant have been used against some parasites. Therefore, in this study the effects of different extracts of this plant on T. vaginalis in culture media have been investigated. Methods: In this experimental study hydro-ethanol extracts of C. macropodum leaves were prepared. Anti-T. vaginalis activities of the extracts were tested in concentrations of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 and 150 mg/ml following 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation of cultured media. Results: All extract concentrations showed some degrees of growth inhibition activity on T. vaginalis. However crude extract was more efficient. Conclusion: C. macropodum showed an anti-T. vaginalis activity. More investigations are recommended to use this plant as an antiparasitic drug

Antispasmodic activity of apigenin and luteolin, two components of Dracocephalum kotschyi extract, on rat ileum contractions

Introduction: Aerial parts of Dracocephalum kotschyi have been used as antispasmodic agents in Iranian traditional medicine. Recent pharmacological studies confirmed antispasmodic activity of D. kotschyi extract. The objective of this research was to investigate antispasmodic activities of apigenin and luteolin to find out if they are responsible for the spasmolytic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi. Methods: Aerial parts of D. kotschyi were extracted with ethanol. Antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi, apigenin and luteolin were examined on KCl and/or acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in rat isolated ileum. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi concentrations-dependently inhibited KCl and ACh induced contractions with IC50 values of 41 ± 10 μg/mL and 133 ± 19 μg/mL, respectively. Apigenin concentrations-dependently inhibited KCl and ACh induced contractions with IC50 values of 57 ± 12 μM and 80 ± 18 μM, respectively. Luteolin concentrations-dependently inhibited KCl induced contractions with IC50 values of 68 ± 14 μM. Loperamide reduced both KCl and ACh induced contraction with IC50 values of 189 ± 44 nM and 82 ± 20 μM, respectively. Conclusion: In this study apigenin and luteolin were identified as two active ingredients responsible for antispasmodic activities of D. kotschyi extract

Evaluation of spinacetin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside in the induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Background and aims: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of spinacetin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, a flanovid compound separated from Centurea shmidi against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and its effect on apoptosis induction. Methods: In this study, the inhibition rate of cell growth and induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cell culture cells after treatment with different concentrations of spinostine glycoside was studied by MTT and flow cytometry. Results: According to the results of MTT test, after 48 hours treatment with spinostin-7-O- β-D-glucoside, a significant inhibition in cell proliferation was observed compared to the control group (P <0.05). The results of the study of apoptosis in the flow cytometry assay showed that the derived flavonoid increased significantly the apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line (P<0.05). Conclusion: The derived flavonoid of spinacetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside significantly inhibited MCF-7 proliferation and induced apoptosis. So, it could be suggested as a compound for breast cancer therapy

In vitro and in vivo Anti-Toxoplasma activity of Dracocephalum kotschyi essential oil

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of worldwide importance, responsible for toxoplasmosis in homeotherms. Although treatment options are readily available, most drugs often cause serious side effects. Extracts of Dracocephalum kotschyi (D. kotschyi) have shown significant pharmacological activity against various parasites, viruses, and bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the anti-T. gondii activity in vitro and in vivo of D. kotschyi essential oil. The thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was used to assess the anti-T. gondii activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oil. The presence of T. gondii was observed by Giemsa staining, and the viability was evaluated by the trypan blue staining method. Furthermore, the survival rate of acutely infected mice was evaluated by intraperitoneal injecting of the essential oil (50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1 day−1) for five days after infection with 2 × 104 tachyzoites. Essential oil, negative, and positive controls that showed the best toxoplasmacidal activity were assayed in triplicate at each concentration. The essential oil exhibited the highest anti-Toxoplasma activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 9.94 ± 0.38 µg, with a selectivity index of 2.463. On Vero cells, the CC50 of the oil was 24.49 ± 0.96 µg and exhibited a significant anti-Toxoplasma activity. Moreover, the treatment by essential oil significantly increased the survival rate compared to untreated infected control. In conclusion, the essential oil might be a useful compound, and with more testing, it may be an excellent alternative to standard chemical drugs in the treatment of toxoplasmosis