Comparison between the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of dill and statins on lipid profile

Background and Aims: A transient increase of blood concentration of lipids after meal is able to increase the risk of atherogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) consumption on atherosclerosis and hepatic risk factors. Methods: In an experimental study, 32 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated to four groups to receive normal diet, a diet containing 1 cholesterol, a diet containing 1 cholesterol plus 200 mg/kg dill powder, and a diet containing 10 mg/kg lovastatin. Risk factors of atherosclerosis including glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII were measured and compared between different groups. Results: Consumption of dill caused a significant reduction in glucose compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group. Dill powder significantly decreased LDL-C, TC, AST, ALT, and fibrinogen. No significant differences were found between dill group and hypercholesterolemic diet group in ApoB, factor VII, nitrite, and nitrate. Conclusion: According to our findings, postprandial consumption of dill may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis and hepatic risk factors

Postprandial hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Allium hertifolium and Sesamum indicum on hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Oxidative stress associated with postprandial hyperlipidemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction, which shifts hemostasis to a more thrombogenic state. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Allium hertifolium and Sesamum indicum on postprandial lipemic, glycemic profile and endothelial markers in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. A total of 32 male rabbits were randomized into 4 groups: Group 1: Control group (normal group); Group 2: Hypercholesterolemic diet (1% cholesterol); Group 3: 1% cholesterol administered with A. hertifolium extract (2% of diet); Group 4: 1% cholesterol administered with S. indicum powder (10% of diet). The serum was analyzed for lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC); triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB), glucose, nitrite, nitrate, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels and plasma was analyzed for fibrinogen and factor VII. These factors were measured in blood samples following 15 h of fasting and 3 h after feeding. The results showed A. hertifolium and S. indicum to be effective in reducing SGPT, fibrinogen, total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C values in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Consumption of A. hertifolium and S. indicum did not significantly change factor VII, ApoB and nitrite levels in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Intake of S. indicum significantly decreased serum SGOT, nitrate, glucose and TG compared to hypercholesterolemic diet group. A. hertifolium and S. indicum with a high content of phenolic compounds change the postprandial profile lipids, endothelial markers and trombogenic factors and might be beneficial in patients with cardiovascular diseases

The beneficial effects of Vaccinium myrtilus L. intake on atherosclerosis risk factors in male New Zealand rabbits

Background and Objective: The increase in the blood concentration of lipids after meals has a significant effect on induction of atherosclerosis. Vaccinium myrtilus has an antioxidant activity, and in this study, we aimed to determine the effects of this plant on atherosclerosis risk factors. Material and Methods: In an experimental study, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three groups of 8 rabbits: Group 1, normal diet; Group 2, a diet containing 1 cholesterol; and Group 3, a diet containing 1 cholesterol and 2 Vaccinium myrtilus powder. The blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), LDL-C (low density lipoprotein), nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII, which are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors, were measured before the experiment and 3 hours after feeding. The data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of ANOVA. The P-values below 0.05 (P0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that acute consumption of Vaccinium myrtilus might have a protective effect on some atherosclerosis risk factors

Effect of rhus coriaria consumption with high cholesterol food on some atherosclerosis risk factors in rabbit

Background and Objective: Consumption of high fat meal causes a sudden increase in blood lipids, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Sumac has antioxidant activity and this study was aimed to determine the effect of sumac consumption on some atherosclerosis risk factors due to high fat food stress in rabbits. Methods: In an experimental study, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three groups: normal diet group, a diet containing 1 cholesterol, a diet containing 1 cholesterol with 2 Sumac powder. Oxidative stress and atherosclerosis risk factors, including glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), low density lipoprotein (LDL), nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, factor VII, liver transaminases (ALT and AST) were measured before the experiment and 3 hours after feeding. Findings: High cholesterol food (1) increased TC, fibrinogen, TG, glucose, nitrate, LDL-C, ALT and AST (p<0.05). Consumption of sumac caused a significant decrease in glucose (30.15), LDL-C (58.17), TC (29.5), ALT (20.55), AST (17.46) and fibrinogen (17.92) compared to hypercholesterolemic diet group (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between sumac group and hypercholesterolemic diet group in triglyceride (TG), factor VII, nitrite, nitrate and ApoB. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that acute consumption of sumac might have a protective effect on some of risk factors of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress and liver enzymes, due to high fat food stress

The effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Zizipus vulgaris L. on burn healing

زمینه و هدف: از قدیم میوه عناب جهت ترمیم زخم سوختگی مورد استفاده قرار می گرفته است ولی این امر از نظر علمی مورد بررسی قرار نگرفته است. این مطالعه به منظور بررسی اثرات عصاره ی میوه ی عناب بر فرآیند التیام زخم سوختگی در موش Balb/c انجام شده است. روش بررسی: این مطالعه تجربی بر روی 40 سر موش Balb/c به وزن تقریبی 3±30 گرم انجام شد. پس از ایجاد زخم های سوختگی به مساحت 5/1سانتیمتر مربع و تایید سوختگی درجه دو موش ها در چهار گروه کنترل، تحت درمان با وازلین و تحت درمان با عصاره های 1 و 10 عناب تقسیم شدند. در گروه های تحت درمان، 1 گرم پماد روزی 2 بار، تا التیام کامل استعمال شد. سپس چهار گروه از نظر مساحت زخم و وضعیت هیستوپاتولوژی مقایسه شدند. یافته ها: بر اساس آزمون کروسکال والیس تفاوت معنی داری بین درصد بهبودی زخم در 4 گروه وجود داشت (001/0

Comparing the effects of nigella sativa extract and gentamicin in treatment of urinary tract infection caused by Ecoli

Background and purpose: The antibiotics' side effects and microbial resistance have increased the need for natural antimicrobial agents in treating infections. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Nigella sativa extract and its possible nephrotoxicity compared with gentamicin. The effect of N. sativa on gentamicin induced renal toxicity and its synergistic effect were evaluated on urinary tract infection caused by Ecoli in rabbits. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 36 male New Zealand rabbits were designated into seven groups: gentamicin-bacteria, N. sativa-bacteria, N. sativa-gentamicin-bacteria, N. sativa-gentamicin, bacteria, gentamicin and control groups. The animals were anesthetized after ten days of treatment, and the kidney specimens were collated for histopathological examination. The nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin and protective effects of N. sativa on kidney were studied. Antibacterial effects of the extracts were evaluated with laboratory tests and the MBC and MIC values were obtained for N. sativa. Results: The level of urea nitrogen and creatinine in urine increased in bacteria group compared to control group (P<0.05). But, they decreased in bacteria- N. sativa group compared with the bacterial group (P<0.05). Histopathological examination of kidney tissue showed that renal lesions in bacterial and, bacteria- gentamicin groups (ATN) were more than N. sativa -bacteria and bacteria-gentamycin- N. sativa (minor necrosis) groups. Conclusion: According to the results, N. sativa in addition to antibacterial effect against E. coli, can prevent the nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin. Therefore, it may be considered as an alternative, or in combination with gentamicin

Impact of Sumac on postprandial high-fat oxidative stress

Background and Objective: High-fat diet causes a sudden increase in blood lipids and oxidative stress after each meal, which can affect the trigger mechanisms of atherosclerosis and cause some acute changes in the function of vessels' endothelial cells. With respect to the antioxidant properties of Sumac (Rhus coriaria), the present research was conducted to determine the effect of taking Sumac along with food on some atherosclerosis risk factors resulting from high-fat diet in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methodology: In this experimental study, 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three eight-member groups as follows: normal diet, high-cholesterol diet (1%), high-cholesterol diet and Sumac powder 2%. Oxidative stress factors and those influencing atherosclerosis or arterial function including glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), Apo lipoprotein B (Apo B), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), nitrate, nitrite, fibrinogen and factor VII, and also liver enzymes (ALT, AST) were measured and compared in each group. Results: High cholesterol diet significantly increased total cholesterol, fibrinogen, triglycerides, glucose, nitrate, LDL-C and the liver enzymes ALT and AST (p 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the protective effect of consuming Sumac with food on some risk factors of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress (glucose, LDL-C, total cholesterol and fibrinogen) and also liver enzymes induced by high fat food

Effects of Sesamum indicum L. on fibrinogen and factor 7 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

زمینه و هدف: فعالیت بیش از حد فاکتورهای هموستاتیک به عنوان عوامل خطر در بیماری های قلبی-عروقی شناخته شده اند. هدف از این مطالعه بررسی اثر کنجد و روغن کنجد بر میزان فیبرینوژن و فاکتور 7 در خرگوش های مصرف کننده کلسترول بالا بوده است. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی تعداد 32 سر خرگوش نر به طور تصادفی به چهار گروه آزمایشی هشت تایی تقسیم شدند. طی یک دوره 60 روزه، گروه اول غذای معمولی، گروه دوم غذای پر کلسترول (1)، گروه سوم غذای پر کلسترول به همراه کنجد (10) و گروه چهارم غذای پر کلسترول به همراه روغن کنجد (5) دریافت نمودند. میزان فاکتور هفت و فیبرینوژن سرم در زمان قبل از شروع آزمایش و بعد از پایان ماه دوم تعیین و در گروه های مختلف به کمک آزمون های آماری ANOVA و شفه با یکدیگر مقایسه شدند. یافته ها: در ابتدای دوره میانگین فاکتورهای بیوشیمیایی در بین گروههای مورد مطالعه تفاوت معنی داری نداشتند ولی میزان فیبرینوژن در گروه پرکلسترول نسبت به رژیم پایه افزایش معنی داری پیدا کرد (05/0

Suppressive impact of anethum graveolens consumption on biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background: We aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens (Dill) powder on postprandial lipid profile, markers of oxidation and endothelial activation when added to a fatty meal. Methods: In an experimental study, 32 rabbits were randomly designated into four diet groups: normal diet, high cholesterol diet (1), high cholesterol diet plus 5 (w/w) dill powder and high cholesterol diet plus lovastatin (10 mg/kg, bw). The concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (alt), aspartate aminotransferase (ast), fibrinogen, factor VII, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), nitrite and nitrate were measured in blood samples following 15 h of fasting and 3 h after feeding. Results: Concurrent use of A. graveolens powder or lovastatin significantly decreased ALT, TC, glucose, fibrinogen and LDL-C values in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group (P < 0.05). Consumption of A. graveolens or lovastatin did not change factor VII, ApoB, nitrite and nitrate levels significantly in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet group. Intake of A. graveolens significantly decreased serum AST compared to hypercholesterolemic diet. Conclusions: A. graveolens might have some protective values against atherosclerosis and that it significantly affects some biochemical risk factors of this disease. Our findings also confirm the potential harmful effects of oxidized fats and the importance of dietary polyphenols in the meal

Antioxidant activity and the lowering effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Allium hirtifolium boisson some haemostatic factors in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background and purpose: Hypercholesterolemia and the activity of haemostatic factors may trigger cardiovascular diseases. Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian shallot) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. This study evaluated the effects of A. hirtifoliumon on factor VII and serum fibrinogen levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Also, the antioxidant capacity of A. hirtifolium was measured. Materials and methods: In an experimental study, 24 NewZealand male rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups of eight. The groups' diet which was followed for 60 days included normal diet, hypercholestrol diet (1%) or hypercholestrol diet (1%) + A. hirtifolium. The blood fibrinogen and factor VII were measured pre and post study in all groups. The A. hirtifolium antioxidant capacity was measured using beta-carotene linoleate. Results: The study showed that serum fibrinogen level and factor VII increased significantly in hypercholesterolemic group (329.22 ± 26.7 and 277.7 ± 17.1 mg/dl) compared to normal diet group (287.25 ± 13.7 and 230.0 ± 18.2 mg/dl), respectively (P<0.05). The amount of serum fibrinogen and factor VII decreased in hypercholesterol+A. hirtifolium group (180.0 ± 23.9 and 237.0 ± 53.3 mg/dl) compared to hypercholesterol diet group (P<0.05). The antioxidant capacity of A. hirtifolium extract was 52.1 ± 3.3% in 0.2 g/L. The plasma antioxidant capacity in the group fed with hypercholesterol + A. hirtifolium was 943.907 ± 249.51 µM which was higher compared to that of the normal diet group (629.675 ± 130.73 µM). Conclusion: A. hirtifolium decreases serum fibrinogen level and factor VII, therefore, it might be helpful in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. These influences are of great importance in patients with haemostatic disorder