Aloe Vera Gel-derived Eye Drops for Alkaline Corneal Injury in a Rabbit Model

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of topical Aloe Vera (AV) gel-derived eye drops on the healing of alkali-burned corneas in rabbits. Methods: Thirty alkali-burned corneas of 30 New Zealand albino rabbits were categorized into three groups: AV treatment group that received AV gel-derived eye drops four times a day; medical therapy (MT) group that received conventional treatment; and the control group. Clinical examinations together with digital imaging of the corneas were performed on days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7. The area of the corneal epithelial defect (CED) was measured using ImageJ software. After euthanizing the rabbits, the affected corneas were evaluated by histopathological examination. Finally, the clinical and histopathological results were compared among the groups. Results: The CED area on days 2 and 7 was significantly less in the AV group than that in the MT group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.024, respectively) and the control group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.037, respectively). None of the cases developed hypersensitivity reactions, limbal ischemia, descemetocele, or corneal perforation during the study period. Based on histopathology, the AV group had notably less keratocyte loss than the MT group (P = 0.001) and the control group (P = 0.022). The inflammatory response after the alkali burn was higher in the AV group than that in the controls (P = 0.028). Conclusion: Short-term topical AV treatment was effective in healing alkali-burned corneas and hastened corneal re-epithelialization as compared to MT; however, AV gel-derived eye drops did not reduce the inflammatory response

Effects of olive leaf extract on metabolic response, liver and kidney functions and inflammatory biomarkers in hypertensive patients

Background and Objective: Hypertension is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure is gradually elevated. In this project, the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) were evaluated on metabolic response, liver and kidney functions and also biomarkers of inflammation in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial, 60 hypertensive patients, aged 30-60 years old had participated. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either OLE or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. At the beginning and end of the intervention, metabolic parameters and biomarkers of liver, kidney and inflammation were measured in sera of the participants using available laboratory methods. Results: Compared with the placebo, changes in parameters associated with glucose metabolism were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The OLE tablets did not have significant effect on liver enzymes, total protein, albumin, urea and creatinine (p>0.05), but significantly decreased interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha as inflammatory biomarkers (p<0.05) in OLE group compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: The results concluded that inflammation as a major cause of hypertension was significantly decreased in patients using OLE tablets. Key words: Olive leaf extract, essential hypertension, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, hypertensive patients, cardiovascular disease, interleukin, blood pressur

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on gene expression of lipoprotein(a) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E cosupplementation on gene expression of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done on 68 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18e40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil containing 400 mg a- Linolenic acid plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements (n ¼ 34) or placebo (n ¼ 34) for 12 weeks. Lp(a) and Ox-LDL mRNA levels were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. Lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress were quantified at the beginning of the study and after 12-week intervention. Quantitative results of RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with the placebo, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation downregulated expressed levels of Lp(a) mRNA (P < 0.001) and Ox-LDL mRNA (P < 0.001) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women with PCOS. In addition, compared to the placebo group, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E cosupplementation resulted in a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (�22.1 ± 22.3 vs. þ7.7 ± 23.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001), VLDL- (�4.4 ± 4.5 vs. þ1.5 ± 4.7 mg/dL, P < 0.001), total- (�20.3 ± 16.6 vs. þ12.2 ± 26.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001), LDL- (�16.7 ± 15.3 vs. þ11.9 ± 26.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001) and total-/HDLcholesterol (�0.5 ± 0.6 vs. þ0.4 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). There were a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (þ89.4 ± 108.9 vs. þ5.9 ± 116.2 mmol/L, P ¼ 0.003) and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels (�0.3 ± 0.4 vs. -0.008 ± 0.6 mmol/L, P ¼ 0.01) by combined omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E intake compared with the placebo group. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E cosupplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women significantly improved gene expression of Lp(a) and Ox- LDL, lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress

Determining Cardiometabolic and Antioxidant Effects of Olive Leaf Extract in Patients with Essential Hypertensio

Background Hypertension is one of the most common clinical disorders affecting millions worldwide. Some studies have indicated the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the importance of antioxidant compounds in their control. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE), Olea europaea L., on cardiometabolic parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with essential hypertension. Methods This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in 2017 on 60 patients with essential hypertension aged 30-60 years referred to the cardiovascular clinic of Bu-Ali Sina Hospital in Qazvin, Iran. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups of OLE (n=30; receiving OLE 250 mg capsules twice per day for 12 weeks) and placebo (n=30, receiving placebo drug for 12 weeks). Before and after intervention, cardiometabolic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured using appropriate laboratory methods. To compare variables and groups, paired-t test and independent t-test were used, respectively. Findings The OLE intake led to a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde levels in hypertensive patients compared to the placebo group, but significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity (P<0.05). Moreover, the OLE intake had no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, other lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress (P>0.05). Conclusion OLE intake for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on some types of cardiometabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers in hypertensive patients

Effects of Olive Leaf Extract on Metabolic Response, Liver and Kidney Functions and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Hypertensive Patients

Background and Objective: Hypertension is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure is gradually elevated. In this project, the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) were evaluated on metabolic response, liver and kidney functions and also biomarkers of inflammation in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial, 60 hypertensive patients, aged 30-60 years old had participated. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either OLE or placebo tablets for 12 weeks. At the beginning and end of the intervention, metabolic parameters and biomarkers of liver, kidney and inflammation were measured in sera of the participants using available laboratory methods. Results: Compared with the placebo, changes in parameters associated with glucose metabolism were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The OLE tablets did not have significant effect on liver enzymes, total protein, albumin, urea and creatinine (p>0.05), but significantly decreased interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha as inflammatory biomarkers (p<0.05) in OLE group compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: The results concluded that inflammation as a major cause of hypertension was significantly decreased in patients using OLE tablets

Urtica Dioica Root Extract on Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological disorder as men get older. BPH can cause uncomfortable urinary tract symptoms. Given the high incidence of the disease, further research is an undeniable necessity for its better management. In this research, the efficacy of Urtica Dioica root extract (UDE) on clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated in this type of patients. Materials and Methods: Participants were 60 men with BPH that randomly allocated to two equal groups (Intervention = 30 and Comparison = 30). Block balanced Randomization method was performed using a computer by a trained nurse. Intervention and comparison groups received 450 mg dayG1 UDE and placebo as tablets for 12 weeks, respectively. The main outcome was changes in International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) from baseline to end of treatment. Data were collected by completing a standard questionnaire and performing relevant tests based on common laboratory methods. Results: UDE had an intermediate effect on IPSS, a small effect on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), intermediate to large effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and intermediate effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The magnitude of the effects of UDE on other parameters was overall negligible compared to the comparison and not significant. No side effects were seen in these patients following tablet usage. Conclusion: UDE consumption for 12 weeks among BPH patients had clinically significant effects on IPSS, serum hs-CRP, MDA and SOD activity

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Cinnamon Oil Soft Capsule in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background. Different effects of cinnamon and its oil in traditional medicine in the treatment of diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, were reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) in patients with functional dyspepsia in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Methods. Soft gelatin capsule was made using the rotary die process, and the final capsule was standardized based on its cinnamaldehyde amount and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Sixty-four patients with symptomatic functional dyspepsia were randomized to receive cinnamon oil soft capsule (n = 29) or sesame oil soft capsule as placebo (n = 35) for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the sum score of the patient’s gastrointestinal symptom (five‐point scale). Secondary variables were the scores of each dyspeptic symptom including severity of vomiting, sickness, nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, early satiety, acidic eructation/heartburn, loss of appetite, retrosternal discomfort, and epigastric pain/upper abdominal pain, as well as any reported adverse events. Results. The results showed that, after 6 weeks of treatment, the cinnamon oil and placebo groups significantly decreased the total dyspepsia score compared to the baseline at the endpoint (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the cinnamon oil and placebo groups in terms of the baseline and endpoint values of the outcome variables (P=0.317 and P=0.174, respectively). Two patients in the cinnamon oil group complained of rashes, and three patients in the placebo group complained of nausea. Conclusion. This study showed significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptom score in both treatment and placebo groups. However, there was no significant difference between the cinnamon oil and sesame oil groups in terms of the baseline and endpoint values of the outcome variables. This study was registered as https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/IRCT20170802035460N2, 29 December 2017, in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with https://www.IRCT.ir

Comparison the efficacy of herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine on gingival index of intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit

Background: Intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are not able to take care of their mouth health, so they are at risk of bacterial colonization and dental plaques formation that can lead to systemic diseases such as pneumonia and gingivitis. Aims: In randomized, double-blind clinical study, the efficacy of natural herbal mouthwash containing Salvadora persica ethanol extract and Aloe vera gel was compared with chlorhexidine on gingival index (GI) of intubated patients in ICU. Materials and Methods: Seventy-six intubated patients (18–64 years old with mean age 40.35 ± 13.2) in ICU were admitted to this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Herbal mouthwash and (2) chlorhexidine solution. Before the intervention, the GIs was measured by modified GI device into two groups. The mouth was rinsed by mouthwashes every 2–3 h for 4 days. 2 h after the last intervention, GIs were determined. Results: Along with mechanical methods, herbal mouthwash in reducing GI was statistically significant than that of chlorhexidine (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study introduce a new botanical extract mouthwash with dominant healing effects on GI (1.5 ± 0.6) higher than that of synthetic mouthwash, chlorhexidine (2.31 ± 0.73)

Effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) essential oil supplementation on metabolic profile and serum leptin in pre-diabetic subjects: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract Some medications and herbal drugs are suggested to ameliorate impaired plasma glucose and its complications in pre-diabetic patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of cumin essential oil supplementation on metabolic markers and serum leptin in pre-diabetic subjects. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, subjects of intervention group received one cumin soft gel (containing 75 mg of cumin essential oil) per day for 10 weeks, while subjects of control group received one placebo soft gel. Glycemic indices and serum leptin did not significantly improve in intervention group. Except serum total cholesterol, other markers of lipid profile as well as anthropometric indexes improved in intervention group. Subgroup analyses represented that lipid profile and anthropometric indexes were ameliorated in women after intervention, while did not show significant improvement in men. It can be concluded that cumin essential oil can be used as an adjuvant therapy to ameliorate metabolic status in pre-diabetic

Probiotic supplementation and the effects on weight loss, glycaemia and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on weight loss, glycaemia and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 women with PCOS were randomized to receive probiotic capsule (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Consumption of probiotic supplements resulted in a significant reduction in weight (−0.5 ± 0.4 vs. +0.1 ± 1.0 kg, p = 0.004) and BMI (−0.2 ± 0.2 vs. +0.03 ± 0.4 kg/m2, p = 0.004) compared with the placebo. In addition, compared with the placebo, probiotic administration was associated with a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (−2.4 ± 8.4 vs. +2.1 ± 7.0 mg/dL, p = 0.02), serum insulin concentrations (−2.0 ± 5.8 vs. +1.6 ± 5.0 μIU/mL, p = 0.01), homoeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (−0.5 ± 1.4 vs. +0.3 ± 1.1, p = 0.01), homoeostatic model assessment-beta cell function (−7.5 ± 22.3 vs. +6.3 ± 21.7, p = 0.01), serum triglycerides (−13.3 ± 51.3 vs. +13.6 ± 37.1 mg/dL, p= 0.02) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0.006 ± 0.01 vs. −0.005 ± 0.02, p = 0.01). When we adjusted the analysis for baseline values of biochemical parameters, age and baseline BMI, except for QUICKI (p = 0.08), other findings did not alter. We found that probiotic supplementation among PCOS women for 12 weeks had favourable effects on weight loss, markers of insulin resistance, triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol concentration