Investigating the cytotoxic effect of some medicinal plants from northern parts of Iran

Abstract Background and objectives: Iran owns a rich and prestigious heritage of medicinal herbs but the majority of these plants have not yet undergone chemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies. In the present study some species form northern parts of Iran were evaluated for cytotoxicity. Methods: Sixteen medicinal plants were extracted with methanol and screened for their cytotoxic activities. The inhibition of cell growth for these extracts was evaluated against MCF-7, WEHI-164, HepG-2 and MDBK cell lines. Their 50% inhibitions of growth (IC 50 ) were determined by MTT assay. Moreover, cytotoxic evaluation of different fractions of the most potent species was performed. Results: Among examined samples, the IC 50 values of methanol extract of Centaurea bruguierana (DC.) Hand.-Mzt. on mentioned cell lines were found 47.30-87.40 µg/mL. In addition, the chloroform fraction of the species was cytotoxic with IC 50 values 17.00-23.03 µg/mL. Conclusion: It was concluded that the chloroform fraction of C. bruguierana was the best candidate for identification and isolation of active principles with cytotoxic effects. These results recommend further studies about this species

Cytotoxicity of Libyan Juniperus phoenicea against Human Cancer Cell Lines A549, EJ138, Hepg2 and MCF7

Background: The current study was undertaken to assess the cytotoxicity of the leaves of Libyan Juniperus phoenicea (Cupressaceae) against human cancer cell lines. Methods: The cytotoxicity of the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the leaves of J. phoenicea (JP), obtained from sequential Soxhlet extractions, was assessed against four human cancer cell lines: EJ138 (human bladder carcinoma), HepG2 (human liver hepatocellular carcinoma), A549 (human lung carcinoma) and MCF7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) using the MTT assay. Results: The cell line A549 was the most sensitive to the JP extracts, with the highest level of cytotoxicity with the IC50 values of 16, 13 and 100 μg/mL for the DCM, n-hexane and MeOH extracts, respectively. However, generally the most potent cytotoxic extract across the other cells tested was the n-hexane extract, followed by the DCM extract, whilst the MeOH extracts showed little or no cytotoxicity. The percentage of viability of cells decreased as the concentration of test compounds increased. The cytotoxicity of various chromatographic fractions from the extracts was also studied against the A459 cells. For the n-hexane fractions, the IC50 values were 160, 62, 90, 30, 9.5 and 40 μg/mL for fractions 1 to 5 and 7, respectively. Fractions 4 and 5 showed the greatest effect. DCM fractions 2, 3 and 4 had the IC50 values of 60, 92 and 19 μg/mL, respectively, and DCM fractions 5 to 8 were non-cytotoxic. Fractions 1 and 2 of the MeOH extract were non-cytotoxic, whereas cytotoxicity was observed for fractions 3 and 4 with IC50 values of 50 and 85 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The outcome of the present study suggested that the JP leaves possess cytotoxic activities. The high level of cytotoxicity of the n-hexane and DCM extracts suggested that lipophilicity might affect the cytotoxicity of JP, where the less polar compounds had the strongest cytotoxicity

Topical herbal remedies for treatment of joint pain according to Iranian Traditional Medicine

Joint pain is one of the most common complaints with many possible causes.Some medicines used for joint pain relief such as NSAIDs have substantial and frequent side effects. Topical route possibly reduces adverse reactions by maximizing local delivery and minimizing systemic toxicity. Throughout history, plants have been the most important sources of medicines for human health and Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) is well known for its extensive use of herbal medicines to treat diseases accompanied with joint pain for centuries. In the present study, the plants used topically for relieving joint pain in ITM were searched. Moreover, their pharmacological effectiveness in modern medicine was reviewed. The terms “Waja mafasil” (joint pain), “Waja-ol-mafasil” (joint pain), “Irq-on-nasa” (sciatica), “Waja-ol-warik” (coxalgia), ‘Waja-ol-zahr” (back pain), “Waja-ol-rakbah” (knee pain) and “Niqris” (gout) were searched in three important Iranian traditional books including “Canon”, “Al-Hawi” and “Tohfat al-mu’minin” and topical preparations introduced as “Tela” and “Zemad” were selected. The scientific literatures were searched for their effectiveness related to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Thirty five plants were selected on the basis of their topical use to relief joint pain. Among these plants, 22 species have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities

Comparing the Effect of “Ginger-Lavender Capsule” and “Mefenamic Acid” on Postpartum Pain

Background and Objective: Although chemical drugs are effective for postpartum pain, herbal medicines with relative safety and fewer side effects are more suitable. The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of “Ginger-Lavender” and “Mefenamic acid” capsules on postpartum pain. Methods: This triple-blind clinical trial study enrolled 94 multiparous women complaining of moderate to severe postpartum pain in Valiasr Hospital, Fasa, in 2021. They randomly divided into 2 groups (n=47): the “Ginger-Lavender” 300 mg capsules (A) and the “Mefenamic acid” 250 mg capsules (B). Measuring the pain score started 2 hours after delivery and continued every 6 hours, before and 1 hour after receiving the related drugs, until 24 hours using VAS. Findings: The demographic information of the two groups, including mothers' age and BMI, weight of newborns, breastfeeding, receiving oxytocin and the number of pregnancies and deliveries, were not significantly different. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in pain severity between the two groups (A=5.02±1.24, B=4.72±0.97). Consuming “Ginger-Lavender” and “Mefenamic acid” capsules at different hours decreased pain severity significantly (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between the “Ginger-Lavender” and “Mefenamic acid” groups for the mean postpartum pain severity at different hours after the first (A=2.38±0.922, B=2.553±0.928), second (A=2.0217±1.242, B=2.021±1.188), third (A=1.55±0.97, B=1.61±1.07), and fourth (A=1.42±1.01, B=1.38±0.99) interventions. Conclusion: Since “Ginger-Lavender” capsules reduced postpartum pain, it is recommended to use them instead of standard drug, “Mefenamic acid” capsules, as an effective and safe herbal medicine

Neuroprotective activity of Leontice leontopetalum extract against H2O2-stimulated oxidative stress in PC12 cells

Background and objectives: Neuronal toxicity can be induced by oxidative stress via free radicals production. In recent years, great interest has been expressed to the traditional and herbal medicines. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the neuroprotective activity of Leontice leontopetalum methanol extract against H2O2-stimulated oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Methods: The plantLeontice leontopetalum was selected based on the ethnobotanical approach, which is used traditionally for the treatment of diseases related to inflammation and pain in Turkmen Sahra, Iran. Cytotoxicity of different concentrations of the methanol extract against PC12 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Then PC12 cells were exposed to H2O2 in the presence or absence of the extract. In the next step, the total protein concentration was measured via Bradford assay and cyclooxygenase inhibition was determined by a screening assay kit. Nitrite accumulated in culture medium of supernatant was measured by Griess reaction. Results: Our results indicated that the methanol extract of Leontice leontopetalum significantly inhibited cyclooxygenase activity in the presence of H2O2; however, it was not able to inhibit nitric oxide generation in the stimulated PC12 cells. Conclusion: The results suggested that Leontice leontopetalum may be useful in reducing risk of neurodegenerative related diseases such as Alzheimer Disease

Investigating the cytotoxic effect of some medicinal plants from northern parts of Iran

Background and objectives: Iran owns a rich and prestigious heritage of medicinal herbs but the majority of these plants have not yet undergone chemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies. In the present study some species form northern parts of Iran were evaluated for cytotoxicity. Methods: Sixteen medicinal plants were extracted with methanol and screened for their cytotoxic activities. The inhibition of cell growth for these extracts was evaluated against MCF-7, WEHI-164, HepG-2 and MDBK cell lines. Their 50% inhibitions of growth (IC50) were determined by MTT assay. Moreover, cytotoxic evaluation of different fractions of the most potent species was performed. Results:Among examined samples, the IC50 values of methanol extract of Centaurea bruguierana (DC.) Hand.-Mzt. on mentioned cell lines were found 47.30-87.40 µg/mL. In addition, the chloroform fraction of the species was cytotoxic with IC50 values 17.00-23.03 µg/mL. Conclusion: It was concluded that the chloroform fraction of C. bruguierana was the best candidate for identification and isolation of active principles with cytotoxic effects. These results recommend further studies about this species

Effect of “Gol-e-ghand”, a mixture of rose petals and honey, on migraine attacks: a before-after pilot study

Background and objectives: Migraine is the seventh most common cause of disability among all ailments according to the World Health Organization. Despite the availability of some medicines for prevention of migraine, their complications are a cause for concern. Traditional system of medicine and use of medicinal herbs can be beneficial in management of migraine. “Gol-e-ghand” is one of the most commonly prescribed products for the management of headaches in the Iranian traditional medicine. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of “Ghol-e-ghand” on decreasing the frequency of migraine attacks. Methods: Nineteen migraine patients, who met the eligibility criteria, according to the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria were assigned to the intervention. The study was conducted as a before-after clinical trial and included two phases of drug administration. Propranolol was given during the first phase, while “Ghol-e-ghand” was administered along with propranolol in the second phase. The severity, duration, and frequency of headaches were measured before and after the intervention. Results: The analysis showed that “Ghol-e-ghand” decreased the frequency of migraine (20%, p=0.04), but it was not effective in decreasing the duration and severity of the attacks. Conclusion: “Ghol-e-ghand”can be suggested in migraine patients for reducing frequency of attacks

The effect of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena essential oil on sleep quality in children

Background and objectives: Sleep disorder is one of the main problems in children. Poor sleep quality can lead to adverse effects on their growth and development. Aromatherapy is a kind of method for improving sleep. In Iranian traditional medicine, inhaling Rosa damascena has been recommended for treating sleep disorder. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs and trend to alternative medicine due to less complication, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena essential oil on sleep quality in children. Methods: This study was an experimental before and after study that conducted in 30 children with sleep disorder. Children inhaled 5 drops of Rosa damascena essential oil on a cotton ball before sleep for 20 min (2 weeks). Before and after intervention, BEARS questionnaire was asked. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparisons by SPSS software. Results: The results of this study showed that resistance to sleep, difficulty waking in the morning, nightmare and waking up during the night in children decreased (

Effects of cinnamon supplementation on expression of systemic inflammation factors, NF-kB and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double blind, and controlled clinical trial

Background and objectives: NF-kB, SIRT1 and systemic inflammation factors including hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α accelerate atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of daily supplementation of three-gram cinnamon on plasma levels of NF-kB, SIRT, hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α among type 2 diabetes patients. Subjects and methods: A randomized, double blind, and controlled clinical trial was performed with 44 adult patients who were 25 to 70 years old with type 2 diabetes, randomized to two intervention (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups differing by daily three grams cinnamon supplementation and placebo for 8 weeks, respectively. The plasma levels of NF-kB, SIRT, hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA assay at the beginning and end of the study. Results: After 8-week intervention, 39 subjects (n = 20 in the cinnamon and n = 19 in the placebo groups) ended up the trial. It was not observed significant difference in levels of hs-CRP (P = 0.29), TNF-α (P = 0.27), IL-6 (P = 0.52), and Sirtuin-1 (P = 0.51) in between group comparison. While, the result showed significant difference in levels of NF-kB (P = 0.02) between groups. As well as, in among group comparison, there was not observed significant differences except in hs-CRP (P = 0.008) in placebo group. Conclusions: This study elucidated that cinnamon supplementation has no beneficial effects in reduction of NF-kB, SIRT1, hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in type 2 diabetes patients which have a considerable role in development of atherogenesis. © 2020 The Author(s)