In Vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Effects of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.)/Rose Water Mouthwash: In vitro evaluation of Sumac/Rosewater mouthwash

Objectives Mouthwashes are one of the most effective non-mechanical methods for removing bacteria from the mouth. This study aimed to assess the cytocompatibility, antimicrobial effects (compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash), and antioxidant activity of an experimental herbal mouthwash made from sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and rose water. Methods The sensitivity of Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguinis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to the experimental mouthwash was estimated by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zones. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the redox dye resazurin, as well as the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) using the standard spot inoculation method. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results The MIC and MBC of the sumac mouthwash for the bacteria under study (except S. mutans) ranged from 0.13 to 16.65 mg/mL. For the yeast C. albicans, the MIC and MFC of the sumac mouthwash were determined to be 0.52 mg/mL. Furthermore, the sumac mouthwash showed no cytotoxicity and demonstrated significant antioxidant effects at various concentrations. Conclusion Sumac/rose water mouthwash, which is a safe, natural, biocompatible, and antioxidant product, may serve as a viable alternative to chemical antibacterial mouthwashes like chlorhexidine. This is particularly true when it is used in conjunction with regular oral hygiene practices over extended time periods

The Association Between Parental Behavior Patterns and the Dietary Intake of Preschool Children in Tehran Kindergartens

Background and Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the association between parental behavior and the dietary intake of Tehranian preschool children aged 2-6 years. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted on 310 children aged 2-6 years from the kindergartens of 22 districts of Tehran, a qualitative validated 85-item food frequency questionnaire was completed by interviewing with their parents. Also the effect of parental behavior on the children’s dietary intake was assessed using a validated comprehensive feeding practices questionnaire (CFPQ). Results: 47 and 53% of children were girls and boys, respectively. Among the parental behavior patterns, encouraging children to eat healthy foods, using food rewards, teaching and talking with children about the value of foods, encouraging the children to participate in food purchasing and preparation, making available the healthy foods, parental controlling behavior, child’s control, restricted behaviors because of having weight loss diet, and role modeling were significantly associated with the dietary intake of food groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Any effort to promote children’s dietary intake needs considering the role of parents in the development of feeding patterns, and interest in children to consume healthy foods. Keywords: Children, Dietary intake, Parental behavior patterns, Kindergarte

Evaluation of the effectiveness of an herbal formulation of Boswellia sacra Flueck. In improving cognitive and behavioral symptoms in patients with cognitive impairment and alzheimer's disease

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an herbal formulation based on Boswellia sacra in improving cognitive and behavioral symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-to-moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: A 3-month, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial was implemented from October 2021 to April 2022. Patients with MCI and mild-to-moderate stages of AD aged above 50 years (n = 60; 40 women, 20 men) enrolled in the study using clinical diagnosis and a score of 10–30 on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test. They were assigned into two groups; one receiving a herbal formulation) include B. sacra, Melissa officinalis, Piper longum, Cinnamomum verum, and Physalis alkekengi) three times a day and the other receiving a placebo for 3 months. The main efficacy measures were the changes in cognitive domains based on the MMSE and changes in behavioral and psychiatric symptoms based on neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) scores compared with baseline. Side effects were also recorded. Findings: Results of this study showed significant differences between the two groups after 3 months in terms of all the assessed variables, including the overall result of the mean score of MMSE and NPI tests (P ≤ 0.001). The herbal formulation had the most considerable effects on the domains of orientation, attention, working memory, delay recall, and language of the MMSE test. Conclusion: Herbal formulation based on B. sacra was significantly effective compared to a placebo in improving cognitive and behavioral symptoms in patients with MCI and mild-to-moderate AD