Study of aqueous extract of three medicinal plants on cell membrane–permeabilizing and their surface properties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of three medicinal plants, Artemisia dracunculus L, Cuminum cyminum L and Heracleum persicum Desf, which contain saponins on biological membrane. Also in this study, some of their physicochemical properties were studied. At the first step, the aqueous extract of the plants were prepared, using maceration and then the extracts were lyophilized. 0.2 ml of RBC was added to 0.2 ml of different concentrations of each extract in McIvan’sbuffer, and then incubated in two different times and temperatures. The absorbance of the samples was determined by UV spectrophotometer. Among the three studied extracts, A. dracunculus L showed thehighest hemolytic effect and the Heracleum persicum Desf showed the lowest one. The values of emulsification Index (E24) and foam formation activity (Fh) showed for each extract the properties of surface activity. Regarding the results of this study, when considering the health of consumer, the use of aqueous extract of H. persicum Desf, with low hemolytic effect is preferred in pharmaceutical preparation. But if the hemolytic effect were considered, the use of aqueous extract of A. dracunculus L, with great hemolythc effect in comparison to the two other extract, is preferred

In vitro Evaluation of Anti-Leishmanial Activities of Zataria Multiflora Boiss, Peganum Harmala and Myrtus Communis by Colorimetric Assay

Abstract: Background & Aims: Plant extracts and plant-derived compounds are valuable sources of new medicinal agents that are commonly used to treat infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, anti-Leishmanial activity of three plant extracts on L.major promastigotes by colorimetric assay as compared to a trivalent antimonial compound (tartar emetic). Methods: Leishmania major promastigotes were cultured at 25±2°C in stationary phase in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS) and antibiotic. Then by using MTT assay, the biological activity of plant extracts in comparison to potassium antimonyl tartrate [Sb (III)] on L.major promastigotes were assessed. The optical density (OD) due to cleavage of the tetrazolium salt MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] into a colored product formazan by the parasite was measured using ELISA reader and IC50 values (50% inhibitory concentrations) were determined. All experiments were repeated in duplicate. Results: plant extracts and Tartar emetic inhibited the growth of promastigote forms of L.major in vitro after 72 hours of incubation. IC50 of tartar emetic was 4.7 µg/ml, and IC50 values for Zataria multiflora Boiss, Peganum harmala and Myrtus communis extracts were 7.4, 7.2 and 5.8 µg/ml, respectively. Although tartar emetic was more effective than plant extracts, all extracts had profound effects on promastigotes of L.major. Conclusion: Since, plant extracts of Zataria multiflora Boiss, Peganum harmala and Myrtus communis have anti-Leishmanial effects in vitro, further works are required to evaluate the exact effect of these extracts on Leishmania agents in animal models. Keywords: Leishmania major, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Peganum, Myrtle communis , Plant extracts, MTT formaza

Anti-hyperglycemic Activity of Four Plants Extracts Effective against Alpha Glucosidase in Normal and Diabetic Rats

Abstract: Background & Aims: Postprandial hyperglycemia results in the development of chronic complications. Therefore, its control is critical in the treatment of diabetes. One of the main therapeutic approaches for reducing postprandial hyperglycemia is to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates by enzyme inhibitors such as Acarbose which have already been clinically used as a medicine for diabetic patients. Methods: Aqueous and methanolic extracts of Zataria multiflora, Pistachio hulls, Myrtle leaves and Quercus infectoria which had inhibited alpha glucosidase (>90%) in our previous study were prepared by maceration method. Male wistar rats were divided into two, streptozotocin-induced diabetic group and non-diabetic group. Then each group subdivided into 6 groups of control receiving 2g/kg maltose, positive control receiving 2g/kg maltose as well as Acarbose and 4 other groups receiving 2g/kg maltose and one of the prepared extracts (1000mg/kg) after deprivation of food. Blood glucose level was measured before and 30, 60 and 120 min. after extract administration. Results: In non-diabetic rats, Quercus infectoria and Myrtle extracts significantly reduced the postprandial glucose levels (60 and 50% respectively, P0.05) but showed a reveres effect on plasma glucose and remained at high level up to 60 minutes. Conclusion: Further studies must be done for proving the efficacy of Zataria multiflora and Quercus infectoria for hyperglycemic patients with uncontrolled diets. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Alpha glucosidase, Multiflotriol, Pistachio, Myrtle, Quercu

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants of Joopar Mountains of Kerman Province, Iran

Abstract: Background & Aims: Access to the non-documented experiences and information is one of the valuable ways for developing pharmaceutical sciences and a basis for production of new drugs. Ethnobotany is the science of recovering endangered non-documented traditions. Protection of these traditions would be a precious guide to gain access to new drug sources. The aim of this study was to identify and introduce the ethnobotany of Joopar mountain region in Kerman province, Iran. Methods: Traditional knowledge and belifes of ethnic groups were documented using a questionnaire and by interview. Documentary studies of medical and pharmaceutical sources and identification and scientific nomination of medicinal plants were done. Ethnobotanic information of the plants was recorded and some of the plants were used for phytochemical studies. Results: The presence of 65 plant species belonging to 30 plant families was proved. Laminaceae family constituted the major flora of the region (15.85%). The most use of the plants was in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. From about 65 plant specices, a number of 35 speciea were tannin and flavonoid positive, 26 plants exhibited positive reaction to alkalods and 15 species exhibited positive reaction to saponins. Conclusion: Considering the originality of the region and non-documented information about the plants of this region, using our findings can design appropriate programs for developing the medicinal plants compatible with the ecological conditions of this region. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Joopar mountains, Iran, Medicinal plants, Phytochemistr

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Effects of the Essential Oil and Extract of Zataria Multiflora Boiss

Abstract: Introduction: In this study, Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of the endemic plant, Zataria multiflora Boiss. have been studied. Method: The antioxidant potential of the samples was evaluated using two separate methods of inhibition of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ammonium thiocyanate systems. Antibacterial activity was determined by using disc diffusion method. Results: The antibacterial test results showed that the essential oil of the plant strongly inhibited the growth of all of the microorganisms studied especially the Gram-negative strains. The polar fraction of methanolic extract showed inhibitory effect on Gram-positive strains, while the non-polar fraction showed similar activity similar to the essential oil but not as strong as that. Essential oil and sub fractions of the methanolic extract were able to reduce the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an IC50 of 22.4 ± 1.0 for essential oil and 21.7 ± 1.6 and 16.2 ± 1.6 ?g/ml respectively for non-polar and polar fractions, which the activity of the latter is almost equal to synthetic antioxidant BHA (18.2±1.9 ?g/ml). Inhibition values of linoleic oxidation were calculated to be 82.4% and 80.3% for the polar and non-polar fractions respectively. The essential oil showed more inhibitory activity (89.7 ± 2.5) that is similar to the synthetic antioxidants BHA (97.8 ± 2.9) and ascorbic acid (93.2 ± 2.1). The chemical composition of hydrodistilled essential oils of Z. multiflora was analyzed by GC/MS. A total of 25 compounds representing 99.78% of the oil were identified. Thymol (37.59%), carvacrol (33.65%); para cymene (7.72%), gamma terpinene (3.88%) and beta caryophyllene (2.06%) were the main components comprising 84.9% of the oil. Conclusion: The obtained results show that the essential oil and methanolic extract of Z. multiflora possess antioxidant and antibacterial activities, therefore Z. multiflora could be used as a natural preservative ingredient in food and drug industries. Keywords: Zataria multiflora, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, Essential oi

Otostegia persica as a source of natural antioxidants

Abstract The antioxidant activity of different extracts of aerial parts of Otostegia persica (Burm.) Boiss., Labiateae were evaluated using b-carotene bleaching and lipid peroxidation models. The inhibitory activity of these extracts on the peroxidation of linoleic acid was measured by ammonium thiocyanate in comparison to green tea [Camellia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze] Ginkgo biloba L., and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). A methanol extract of the plant exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Five compounds were separated and purified from the methanol extract by column and paper chromatography, respectively. Three isolated flavonols showed significant antioxidant activity comparable to BHA and vitamin E in both methods. These active compounds were identified by UV, IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR, and MS spectroscopies as morin, kaempferol, and quercetin. The only identified C-glucoflavone (isovitexin) also exhibited interesting antioxidant activity, but weaker than the flavonols. trans-Cinnamic acid showed no activity in these methods