Essential oil analysis and antibacterial activity of Ferula assa-foetida L. aerial parts from Neishabour mountains

Abstract Background and objectives: Ferula assa-foetida (asafoetida) is a native Iranian species which grows in different regions and climates in Iran. The plant is well known in Iranian Traditional Medicine as well as folk medicine for treatment of diseases. Several studies have been carried out on the essential oil of this species collected from different areas of Iran. This study is the first report about the essential oil of the plant collected from Neishabour mountains that is a potent area for growing this valuable plant species. Methods: Essential oil of the aerial part of Ferula assa-foetida which was collected from Neishabour, Iran, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the essential oil was investigated against both Grampositive (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia) bacteria using microdilution method. Results: Twenty three components representing 97.06% of the total oil were identified. (E)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (53.77%), (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (35.6%) and α-pinene (3.4%) were identified as major components. The MIC of the essential oil ranged from 12-24 mg/mL against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: The results indicated that among various compounds identified in the essential oil of F. assa-foetida L. from Neishabour mountains, disulphide compounds were the major constituents of the oil. In comparison to other reports of this plant around the country, disulphide compounds could be the reason of its moderate antibacterial effect

A Pilot Study on the Association of Lead, 8-Hydroxyguanine, and Malondialdehyde Levels in Opium Addicts’ Blood Serum with Illicit Drug Use and Non-Addict Persons

While a large body of literature has shown the health problems of illicit drug use, research is needed on how substance abuse impacts DNA damage and contaminants in blood, especially given Pb-contaminated opium. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), 8-hydroxy di-guanine (8-oxo-Gua), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood serum of opium addicts and non-addict people. The current study is a case–control study with a cross-sectional design. A sample of 50 opium-addicted and non-addict adults were chosen for this study using convenience and random sampling methods. Participants were divided into two groups: addicts and non-addicts. The atomic absorption spectroscopy method was used to measure the quantity of Pb, and the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method was used to measure the amount of 8-oxo-Gua and MDA. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test. The results show that the amount of Pb in the blood serum of addicted women and men was higher than levels in non-addict men and women, for the study participants (p-value = 0.001). Blood levels were not significantly different between addicts and non-addicts for men or women for 8-oxo-Gua (p-value = 0.647 for women and p-value = 0.785 for men) and MDA (p-value = 0.867 for women and p-value = 0.995 for men). In general, addicts’ blood Pb levels were found to be substantially higher than those of normal non-addict persons in this pilot study. As a result, testing for blood Pb levels in addicts may be informative in instances when symptoms are inconclusive.</jats:p

Datura innoxia anti-angiogenesis properties

Background and objectives: Datura innoxiaMilleris one of the two species of Datura (Solanaceae) which grow in Iran. There are many reports of the biological activities of Datura and in the present study the ability of Datura innoxia for inhibiting angiogenesis was evaluated. Methods: The methanol extract and petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol fractions of Datura innoxia flowers were obtained by maceration method. The extract and fractions were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-angiogenesis properties in HUV-EC-C cells through MTT and wound healing assays, respectively. Results: The methanol extract and the petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol fractions were cytotoxic to HUV-EC-C cells (IC50 11.25, 63.3, 8.75 and 9.27 μg/mL, respectively). The chloroform fraction demonstrated the most anti-angiogenesis activity in the wound healing assay. Conclusion: Evaluating the above activities of the compounds isolated from Datura innoxia might be a proper follow up of the present study

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects of some plants from Rosaceae. Res

Abstract Background and objectives: Alzheimer&apos;s disease (AD) is an age dependent disorder. AD is associated with decrease of brain acetylcholine level. Nowadays, one of the methods for progression inhibition of AD is using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Rosaceae is a large plant family. Different biological effects of some species of this family have been reported. The aim of the present study was to assess the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) activity of the selected plants belonging to Rosaceae family. Methods: AChEI activity of six species from Rosaceae including Cotoneaster nummularia, Cerasus microcarpa, Amygdalus scoparia, Agrimonia eupatoria, Rosa canina and Rosa damascena were evaluated based on Ellman&apos;s method in concentration of 300 µg/mL using total extracts and methanol fractions which were obtained by maceration. Results: The results showed that the total extract and methanol fraction of the aerial parts of A. eupatoria demonstrated significant AChEI activity with 46.5% and 56.2% inhibition of the enzyme, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of the AChEI activity of the methanol fraction of A. eupatoria, it seems that the polar components of the species such as flavonoids may be responsible for its effectiveness

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of four medicinal plants from Hormozgan province, Iran

Background and objectives:Hormozgan province is located in the south of Iran, bordering waters of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Due to the antioxidant potential of plants which might be responsible for their medicinal properties, the antioxidant properties of four medicinal plants of the region were evaluated. Methods: The antioxidant properties of Chrozophora obliqua, Daphne mucronata, Salvia aegyptiaca and Suaeda vermiculata were evaluated by four different methods: free radical scavenging using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), metal chelating activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation by the ferric thiocyanate method, and total reduction capability. The flavonoid and phenolic content of the plants were also analyzed. Results: Amongst the species, C. obliqua showed the best result in metal chelating activity test, and S. vermiculata showed the best antioxidant activity in the three other assays, and S. vermiculata and S. aegyptiaca had the highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents. Conclusion: The acceptable antioxidant activity of S. vermiclata as a halophyte plant, could justify the medicinal properties of the plant

Formulation and quality control of amla oil (Phyllantus emblica) based on Iranian traditional medicine

Background and objectives: Amla is native to India and is exported to Iran. Although amla has been mentioned in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) manuscripts, no pharmaceuticals have been prepared from this medicinal plant in Iran; thus, in the present study amla oil has been designed and formulated according to ITM. Methods: Phyllantus emblica and Myrtus communis were purchased from herbal market of Tehran and their scientific names were confirmed. Quality control tests were performed on the herbs. For preparing amla oil, the aqueous extract of Myrtus communis leaves was prepared by using maceration method for 24 h. Then, the mixture was filtered and amla was added to the extract and shaked for 48 h. After filtering the mixture, sesame oil was added to the filtrate (in equal volume) and heated until all water was evaporated and the oil remained. Quality control examinations including determination of viscosity, density, acid value, saponification value and microbial tests were performed on the oil. Results: Amla oil was dark yellowin color with sesame odor. The density was found to be 0.966 mg/mL and the viscosity was 108.2 centipoise. Acid value was 3.03 mg KH/g oil and saponification value was zero. No fungal or bacterial growth was observed. Conclusion: The formulated amla oil demonstrated acceptable physicochemical charactristics and could be introduced for further mass production after completing the final required evaluations

Antimalarial assessment of Viola odorata L. by heme polymerization inhibition method

Background and objectives: Viola odorata L. is a grassy plant that grows in the humid regions and has been used to treat liver diseases and complicated and tropical fevers in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). V. odorata has cold and humid temperament while the temperament of fever which is the most important symptom of malaria is the opposite. Antimalarial activity of the petroleum ether fraction of V. websteri has been reported through pLDH method in vitro. In this study, the antimalarial effect of V. odorata which has been used for the treatment of fever in ITM has been evaluated by heme polymerization inhibition method.  Methods: The fractions were prepared through maceration during four consecutive days using petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water; each day the mixture was filtered and the next fresh solvent was added to the dry plant residue. The heme polymerization inhibition method was carried out in 96-wells plate at the concentration of 200 μg/mL for each sample. The absorbance was recorded at 405 nm with an ELISA reader and the heme polymerization inhibition was determined. Results: The results demonstrated that the petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous fractions of V. odorata inhibited heme polymerization up to 62, 77, 100and 53%, respectively while the methanol fraction of V. odorata showed the most considerable results. Conclusion: The results introduced the methanol fraction of V. odorata L. as a proper candidate for further antimalarial studies

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Ruta graveolens L. extract on inhibition of lipid peroxidation and DPPH radicals and the effects of some external factors on plant extract's potency.

The antioxidant properties of Ruta graveolens L. were evaluated by two different methods; free radical scavenging using DPPH and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by the ferric thiocyanate method. The IC50 value of the methanol extract in DPPH inhibition was 200.5 μg/mL which was acceptable in comparison with BHT (41.8 μg/mL). In thiocyanate method, the plant extract demonstrated activity as much as BHT in prevention of lipid peroxidation. Increasing the temperature during extraction, significantly decreased the extract power in inhibition of DPPH radicals. The storage time and temperature had no effect on lipid peroxidation inhibition

Essential oil analysis and antibacterial activity of Ferula assa-foetida L. aerial parts from Neishabour mountains

Background and objectives: Ferula assa-foetida (asafoetida) is a native Iranian species which grows in different regions and climates in Iran. The plant is well known in Iranian Traditional Medicine as well as folk medicine for treatment of diseases. Several studies have been carried out on the essential oil of this species collected from different areas of Iran. This study is the first report about the essential oil of the plant collected from Neishabour mountains that is a potent area for growing this valuable plant species. Methods: Essential oil of the aerial part of Ferula assa-foetidawhich wascollected from Neishabour, Iran, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the essential oil was investigated against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia) bacteria using microdilution method. Results: Twenty three components representing 97.06% of the total oil were identified. (E)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (53.77%), (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (35.6%) and α-pinene (3.4%) were identified as major components. The MICof the essential oil ranged from 12-24 mg/mL against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: The results indicated that among various compounds identified in the essential oil of F. assa-foetida L. from Neishabour mountains, disulphide compounds were the major constituents of the oil. In comparison to other reports of this plant around the country, disulphide compounds could be the reason of its moderate antibacterial effect

An intervention to increase hepatitis C virus diagnosis and treatment uptake among people in custody in Iran

Background: Iran is among countries with high opioid agonist therapy (OAT) coverage in prisons, which provides an infrastructure to increase feasibility of HCV programs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of an intervention to improve HCV screening, diagnosis, and treatment, including alongside the provision of OAT, in an Iranian prison. Methods: During July-December 2018, in the Gorgan prison, all incarcerated adults (>18 years) received HCV antibody rapid testing and, if positive, provided a venepuncture sample for HCV RNA testing. Participants with positive RNA received direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir) for 24 or 12 weeks, respectively, for those with and without cirrhosis. Response to treatment was measured by the sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Results: Among 2015 incarcerated people with a median age of 35 years (IQR:29�41), the majority were male (97%), had not finished high school (68%), and had a history of drug use (71%), of whom 15% had ever injected drugs. A third of participants were receiving OAT, including 54% of those who had ever injected. HCV antibody prevalence was 6.7%, and RNA was detected in 4.6% of all participants; this prevalence was 32.6% and 24.7% among those with a history of injection, respectively. Treatment uptake was 82% (75/92) and was similar among people on OAT and those with a history of injection (81%). The majority completed treatment in prison and were available for SVR12 assessment (71%, 53/75). Achieved SVR12 was 100% (53/53) based on the available case analysis; those who did not have available SVR12 were released either prior to treatment initiation or completion (n = 39). Conclusion: The availability of OAT infrastructure should be considered as an opportunity for enhancing HCV care in prisons. Where resources are limited, the prison harm reduction network could be used to design targeted HCV programs among people who are at higher risk of infection. © 2021 Elsevier B.V