Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of extract contains and without Glycyrrhizic acid of Glycyrrhiza glabra rhizome in male mice

Background and aims: Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) is a very sweet and soothing herb with anti-inflammatory property and hormonal effects, and in the high importance to the pharmaceutical and food industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of extract containing and without Glycyrrhizic acid of licorice rhizome on small laboratory mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 126 male NMRI mice randomly divided into 18 groups (n=7). Xylene and Formalin Tests used for demonstrating anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. The normal saline control group and the positive control group in the inflammation test were injected dexamethasone, and morphine was injected in the pain test. Experimental groups received extract with and without Glycyrrhizic acid of licorice rhizome at doses of 20, 40, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph pad Prism software, one and two way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests (P<0.05). Results: The results of inflammation test showed that all doses of extract with glycyrrhizin contain anti-inflammatory effect in inhibiting the xelen-induced inflammation compared with the control group. Results of formalin test showed that the extract with glycyrrhizin has more analgesic effect than without glycyrrhizin extract. Analgesic effects of two extracts in both acute and chronic pain were observed which the pain score dropped significantly in chronic pain. Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that licorice root extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects so that major part of these effects is probably related to Glycyrrhizic acid

In Utero and Lactational Effects of Aqueous Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract on Puberty Timing, Estrus Cycle and Sexual Behavior in Mice

Abstract Background: Several studies have shown that developmental exposure to phytoestrogens causes adverse effects on the reproductive functions. Fennel as a phytoestrogen plant has a rich history in household use and traditional medicine.So, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of in utero and neonatal exposure with fennel on the puberty onset, estrus cycle, reproductive organs and sexual behavior of their offspring. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0 (control), 100, 200 and 400 (mg/kg bw) aqueous fennel seed extract (AFSE), daily from day 7 of gestation to postnatal day (PND) 7. Results: Vaginal opening (sign of puberty onset) was advanced in 200 (p<0.01) and 400 AFSE (p<0.001) treated females. A 30 days vaginal smear check indicated that 200 or 400 AFSE treated mice showed a prolonged estrus with decreased proestrus, estrus and metestrus stages and increased and diestrus stage and index. The ovary weight, number of corpora lutea and LH concentration decreased and uterus weight and estradiol concentration increased in the 200 or 400 treated mice in PND 70. 400 AFSE (p<0.01) treated females showed lordosis with a low lordosis quotient (LQ) when compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that developmental exposure to AFSE, due to its estrogenic compounds, it may cause the precocious puberty, disrupted estrus cycle, altered weight of reproductive organs, hormonal imbalance and low lordosis behavior

Antidepressant Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Origanum Vulgare L. Using Adult Male Mice Model of Depression Induced by Reserpine

Introduction: Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) is a plant rich in antioxidant compounds and has therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Oregano alcoholic extract on complications of depression in reserpine-poisoned mice.  Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male BALB/c mice were divided into 6 groups of 7, including control (normal saline), negative control (reserpine), fluoxetine (positive control), and three reserpine groups treated respectively with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of Oregano via the intraperitoneal route. Depression was evaluated using forced swim test. Brain and serum total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level were also determined. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software and One-Way ANOVA test. The significant was shown with (p≥0.05). Results: Negative control group significantly increased immobility time and decreased swimming time compared to the control group in the forced swim test (p≥0.001) and the extract at levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg similar to fluoxetine significantly reduced the immobility and increased the swimming time (p≥0.001). Reserpine in the negative control group decreased the antioxidant capacity and increased the level of malondialdehyde in serum and brain compared to the control group (p≥0.001).Compared to the negative control group, the extract at the level of 200 mg/kg, similar to fluoxetine, increased the antioxidant capacity in the brain (p≥0.01) and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the serum and brain (p≥0.001). In addition, the extract at level of 400 mg/kg similar to fluoxetine significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in serum and brain (p≥0.001) compared to control group. Conclusion: Oregano seems to have significant potential in reducing depressive symptoms and reducing oxidative stress due to its active antioxidant compounds

The enhancing effects of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seed on fertility potential, plasma gonadotropins and testosterone in male rats

Background: The task force on plants for fertility regulation in men continued with its program to identify novel prototypes in plants alleged to have fertility regulating properties. Nigella Sativa seeds are frequently used in folk medicine in the Middle East and some Asian countries for the promotion of good health and treatment of many ailments.Objective: To evaluated the role of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on fertility potential, Pituitary-testicular axis hormones and Testosterone in male rats.Materials and Methods: 24 male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; control, group A and group B, each group comprising of 8 rats. Animals in control group received 1 ml of normal saline and treatment groups (A and B) received (gavage) graded doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seeds on a daily basis for 60 days. At the end of treatment period, fertility parameters such as body and reproductive organs weight, sperm motility, viability and count, epididymal sperm reserve (ESR), daily sperm production (DSP), blood testosterone concentration, Gonadotropins levels and fertility index were measured.Results: There was a significant difference in testes and epididymidis weight, sperm count, ESR, DSP, blood testosterone concentration, LH and fertility index in both the lower dose group and the higher group as compared to the control group.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seed especially in higher doses could increase fertility potential, LH and testosterone concentration in male rats

Investigating the Anti-Depressant and Anxiolytic Effects of the Rosa canina L. Fruit in Syrian Rats Treated with Bisphenol A

Background & objectives: The pathophysiology of depression is very complex. Rosa canina L fruit contains various antioxidant compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects of the aqueous- alcoholic extract of the Rosa canina L fruit in the behavioral tests including forced swimming, tail suspension, maze, and sucrose preference tests, as well as biochemical tests such as antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels. Rosa canina L with high amounts of vitamin C, has anti-depressant and anxiety effects. Methods: In this experimental study, 60 Syrian male mice were divided into 5 groups of 12, including the control group, the bisphenol A group, and three groups treated with oral bisphenol A at a dose of 125 mg/kg per day and the aqueous- alcoholic extract of the Rosa canina L fruit at doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/day was administered from day 50 to 120 after birth. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and the One Way ANOVA test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The findings showed that bisphenol A significantly increased the duration of immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension test. The extract at the level of 400 mg/kg decreased the duration of immobility in both tests. Bisphenol A significantly reduced the antioxidant capacity of serum and brain. The extract at the level of 400 mg/kg significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of both the brain and serum. Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that the fruit of the Rosa canina L has antioxidant effects, and with a significant decrease in antioxidant capacity and immobility in Syrian mice treated with the extract, therefore it has anti-depressant and anxiety effects

The antinociceptive effects of rubbing Pistacia atlantica oil by formalin test in male labarotory mice

Background and Aim: Baneh (Pistacia Atlantica) is a valuable oily fruit that has gained considerable attention because of its pharmaceutical, nutritional and industrial applications. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of rubbing baneh oil using formalin test during acute and chronic phases in male laboratory mice. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 male mice. They were allocated into 5 groups including control (without treatment), rubbing vaseline, morphine (positive control), baneh oil, and baneh oil plus morphine. Before the formalin test, the animals were treated with rubbing baneh oil for six hours. Morphine (10 mg/kg) was injected with a single dose subcutaneously. Pain scores were obtained using formalin test by injecting 0.02 ml of 2.5% formalin into the animals&rsquo; right palm. Results: Rubbing baneh oil significantly reduced the pain in acute pain (P <0.01), sub-acute pain (P <0.001), and chronic pain (P <0.001) phases as compared with the control group. On the other hand, baneh oil showed a stronger antinociceptive effect in chronic pain than morphine (P <0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that rubbing Baneh oil has antinociceptive effect where a considerable share of this effect may be attributed to the oil&rsquo;s compounds. &nbsp

The Analgesic Effect of Topical Clove Oil Using Formalin Test in Male Mice

Background & objectives: Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) is a medicinal plant usually used in traditional medicine to reduce toothache. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of topical Clove oil on acute and chronic pain in male mice using formalin test. Methods: In this study, 24 mice were divided into 4 groups: control, morphine (as positive control), Clove oil, and Clove oil plus morphine groups. Before the formalin test, the animals were treated topically with clove oil for 6 hours.&nbsp; A single dose of morphine (10 mg/kg) was prescribed subcutaneously. Pain scores were obtained using the formalin test through an injection of 20 microliter of formalin 2.5% into the palm of the animal's right hand. Results: Topical administration of Clove oil significantly decreased acute pain (the initial phase of the formalin test) and chronic pain (the second phase of the formalin test). Furthermore, topical Clove oil increased the analgesic effect of morphine in acute pain phase. Conclusions: This study showed that the analgesic effect of topical Clove oil was comparable to morphine