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Today, the production of species distribution maps is the basis of many different researches in order to management of improvement programs and reclamation of rangelands. MaxEnt model was used to evaluate the probability of Dorema ammoniacum development in rangelands of some cities of Southern Khorasan. Presence data of D. ammoniacum was recorded based on field survey and GPS and GIS. Nine environmental information layers were used to model potential habitat of the understudy species. Relationship between species presence and environmental parameters was determined using Maximum Entropy. Map of species distribution was achieved. Results showed that the probability of D. ammoniacum is higher in regions with the following environmental characteristics; elevation of 1017-1933 m, average temperature of 13.96 to 15.17 ºC, average precipitation of 112- 131 mm, slope of 0-14% and LST range between -4 to 10ºC. An AUC of 92 demonstrated that MaxEnt is a suitable model for prediction of D. ammoniacum distribution and potential habitat. It is suggested to be used in the reclamation and potential assessment of native species of province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on to assess the formulation and efficacy of topical Dorema ammoniacum among Melasma patients. It discusses about an acquired melanin-related hyperpigmentation that occurs in sun exposure areas is Melasma which presents as gray-brown ridges and macules with prominent margins on the skin.

Since the development of vegetation is the simplest and cheapest method for excess carbon in the atmosphere, determining the carbon reserve of species will play a role in planning and determining the value of vegetation ecosystem services. In this regard, the main aim of this study was to estimate the amount of carbon sequestration, the economic value of that, and also determine the contribution of each part of organs to accumulate carbon dioxide in two plant species, including Artemisia sieberi and Dorema ammoniacum in the Darebaz Sarayan rangelands, South Khorasan. For this purpose, by sampling the soil and vegetation through the establishment of transects and plots in a random-systematic method, the number of 10 bases of two species, Artemisia sieberi and Dorema ammoniacum, were selected, and the vegetative characteristics and aerial and underground organs of each were completely sampled. The samples were transferred to the laboratory, and carbon deposition conversion coefficient of each plant organ was determined separately by the combustion method. Also, the organic carbon percentage of the soil was measured by the Valky-Black method. In the following, using the method of valuing carbon emission costs and considering the monetary value of 25.3 dollars for each ton of carbon storage, its economic value was determined. The results showed that the total amount of carbon storage in the aerial and underground parts of the D. ammoniacum species is 40.9 and 248.9, respectively. In aerial and underground parts of the plain desert species, it is 1170.9 and 238 tons, respectively. Also, the amount of carbon storage in the soil under cover of A. sieberi and D. ammoniacum was estimated to be 23.13 and 12.38 kg per square meter, respectively, which showed a significant difference compared to the open space (control = 6.29 kg per square meter) (p≤0.01). The rial value of carbon storage for aerial and underground organs in A. sieberi and D. ammoniacum is equal to 8, 1.6, and 0.02, 1.7 billion rials, respectively. The economic value of carbon storage under the canopy of A. sieberi and D. ammoniacum is 26.1 and 14 billion rials for the entire rangeland (with 8732 hectares). Due to the high carbon storage capacity of the A. sieberi species, it is suggested to use this species for restoring the mentioned rangeland and similar rangelands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Extensive research has been done to assess the efficacy of herbs for treating different disorders. Dorema ammoniacum (D. ammoniacum) is used in folk medicines for various goals. The application of herbs in medicine is accompanied by harmful effects. Chick embryo is considered a suitable model for assessing drugs toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in vasculature in chick’s extra-embryonic membrane following D. ammoniacum treatment. Alterations in molecular pathways associated with early embryonic angiogenesis such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were also evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fertile chicken (Ross 308) eggs were allocated into three similar groups; sham, control and D. ammoniacum groups; in D. ammoniacum group, eggs were inoculated with plant’s extract at doses of 50 or 100 mg per kg egg-weight. Results: Analysis of the extra-embryonic membrane vasculature revealed that D. ammoniacum extract decreases some vascular parameters such as vessels area, total vessels length, vascular branch and increases lacunarity. This herb’s vascular toxicity was in a dose-dependent manner. Down-regulation of the expression of VEGF-A was also seen in the extract-treated extra-embryonic membrane. Conclusion: Vascular toxicity of D. ammoniacum was confirmed by data presented in this paper. We conclude that alteration of vascular parameters and gene expression might finally lead to embryo malformation due to D. ammoniacum consumption. Therefore, the use of this herb must be limited during the fetal growth period especially at doses higher than 50 mg per kg.

Background and objectives: Dermatophytosis or ringworm (Qūbā) is one of the commonest and oldest skin diseases, existing before its true mycological nature was discovered. More than a million healthy as well as immunocompromised individuals are the victims of this infection worldwide. Quba is a well-known disease entity in Unani medicine and is treated successfully since centuries. The present study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of a Unani formulation and Terbinafine in its management. Methods: Sixty diagnosed cases of ringworm aged between 15-60 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the study and randomly allocated after obtaining voluntary informed consent into two groups of 30 each viz. Group A (test) and Group B (control). A Unani topical formulation, Ushq (Dorema ammoniacum) & Sirka (Vinegar) in test group and Terbinafine 1% Cream in control group was applied locally twice a day for 60 days. Patients were followed and assessed clinically for severity score of color, scaling, itching, margins, size of the lesion and Dermatology Life Quality Index score on every follow up, and KOH mount test was done before and after the study. Results: The test and control drugs showed statistically significant reduction in scores of most of the subjective parameters and KOH (p<0.001) for intra group analysis, while as no significant difference for inter group analysis (p>0.05) was observed statistically. Conclusion: Unani topical formulation, Ushq (Dorema ammoniacum) & Sirka (Vinegar) is equally effective and safe as Terbinafine 1% Cream in treating ringworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dorema ammoniacum D.Don (Apiaceae) is a monocarpic species with bulky root and stem height by 1-2 meters, which its gum resin flows in phloem issues. Gum resin has pharmaceutical and industrial properties. In traditional medicine, it has been described as a sputum (expectorant), anticonvulsant, anti-cough, antispasmodic and gastrointestinal drug. In order to compare the different root cutting methods for gum extraction, a factorial experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design with four replications on 4-year-old Dorema plants in south of Sabzevar city, Iran, in 2016. Treatments consisted of cutting methods (surface and concave), number of root cutting (1 to 4 times) and stopping time after root cutting (2 to 10 days). The results showed that the gum yield in concave method (14.73 gr plant-1) was 56% more than the surface method (9.41 g / plant). In addition, in the surface method, by increasing the number of root cutting from 1 to 4, the amount of gum increased from 6 to 11.8 g per plant. Whereas in the concave method this value was increased from 10.2 to 18 g per plant (pâ?¤0.05). The interaction between number of cutting and stopping time after root cutting showed that two times of cutting with 6 days stopping caused 16 g gum per plant. In terms of survival, 85% of plants (95 bushes) with more than 2 times cutting or 8 to 10 days stopping after root cutting died in the next year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Extensive research has been done to assess the efficacy of herbs for treating different disorders. Dorema ammoniacum (D. ammoniacum) is used in folk medicines for various goals. The application of herbs in medicine is accompanied by harmful effects. Chick embryo is considered a suitable model for assessing drugs toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in vasculature in chick's extra-embryonic membrane following D. ammoniacum treatment. Alterations in molecular pathways associated with early embryonic angiogenesis such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were also evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fertile chicken (Ross 308) eggs were allocated into three similar groups; sham, control and D. ammoniacum groups; in D. ammoniacum group, eggs were inoculated with plant's extract at doses of 50 or 100 mg per kg eggweight. Results: Analysis of the extra-embryonic membrane vasculature revealed that D. ammoniacum extract decreases some vascular parameters such as vessels area, total vessels length, vascular branch and increases lacunarity. This herb's vascular toxicity was in a dose-dependent manner. Down-regulation of the expression of VEGF-A was also seen in the extract-treated extra-embryonic membrane. Conclusion: Vascular toxicity of D. ammoniacum was confirmed by data presented in this paper. We conclude that alteration of vascular parameters and gene expression might finally lead to embryo malformation due to D. ammoniacum consumption. Therefore, the use of this herb must be limited during the fetal growth period especially at doses higher than 50 mg per kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the anticonvulsant activity and possible mechanism of action of an aqueous solution of Dorema ammoniacum gum (DAG) which has been used traditionally in the treatment of convulsions.In this study, the anticonvulsant activity of DAG was examined using the pentylentetrazole (PTZ) model in mice. Thirty male albino mice were divided randomly and equally to 5 groups, and pretreated with normal saline, diazepam, or various doses of DAG (500, 700, and 1000 mg/kg, i.p.), prior to the injection of PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.). The latency and duration of seizures were recorded 30 min after PTZ injection. Pretreatments with naloxone and flumazenil in different groups were studied to further clarify the mechanisms of the anticonvulsant action. Phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprinting of ammoniacum gum was also determined. DAG showed significant anticonvulsant activity at all doses used. The gum delayed both the onset and the duration of seizures induced by PTZ. Treatment with flumazenil before DAG (700 mg/kg) inhibited the effect of gum on seizure duration and latency to some extent and administration of naloxone before DAG also significantly inhibited changes in latency and duration of seizure produced by DAG. The percentage inhibition was greater with naloxone than with flumazenil. This study showed that DAG had significant anticonvulsant activity in PTZ-induced seizures, and GABAergic and opioid systems may be involved. More studies are needed to further investigate its detailed mechanism.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease which disrupts the neuronal electrical activity. One-third of patients are resistant to treatment with available antiepileptic agents. The use of herbal medicine for treating several diseases including epilepsy is on the rise. Therefore, further investigation is required to verify the safety and effectiveness of Phytomedicine in treating diseases. The current study is an attempt to elucidate the electrophysiological mechanism of the effect of Dorema ammoniacum gum on a cellular model of epilepsy, using intracellular recording method. The gum was applied either after or before pentylenetetrazole, as an epileptic drug, in order to explore the possible therapeutic and preventive effects of gum. Treatment with D. ammoniacum gum alone increased the neuronal excitability and when applied before or after treatment with PTZ not only did not prevent or change the electrophysiological changes induced by PTZ but also re-enhanced the induction of hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity through depolarizing membrane potential, increasing the firing frequency and decreasing the AHP amplitude. However, phenobarbital, as a standard anti-epileptic agent, almost reversed the effect of PTZ and preserved the normal firing properties of F1 neurons. The possible candidate mechanism of the effect of gum on neuronal excitability could be suppressive effects of gum on voltage and/or Ca2+ dependent K+ channels currents underlying AHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Dorema ammoniacum D. Don (Apiaceae) is a monocarpic plant endemic to central Iran. The gum resin of this species is a known therapeutic agent in Iranian, Indian and Western traditional medicines. The aim of the present study was to investigate essential oil constituents and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils and extracts of D. ammoniacum aerial parts and roots. Methods: Essential oils were analyzed using GC and GC/MS. The oils together with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the plant samples were subjected to antioxidant evaluation by DPPH and FRAP assays and antibacterial screening using disk diffusion and micro-well dilution methods. Results: Thirty-four compounds were identified in the aerial parts oil, among them β-himachalene (9.3%) and β-chamigrene (8.7%) were the main constituents. Thirty-five compounds were also characterized in the roots oil, of which β-bisabolene (15.1%) and hexadecanal (13.2%) were the main components. Ethyl acetate extract of the roots showed the highest antioxidant activity in both DPPH (IC50 21.3 ± 2.7 μg/mL) and FRAP (112.7 ± 8.1 mmol FeSO4.7H2O equivalent/g) assays. In antibacterial assay, the ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of the roots exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Essential oils were also found to be active against Shigella dysenteriae. Conclusion: Considerable antioxidant and antibacterial activities of D. ammoniacum make it an appropriate candidate for further studies and identification of its bioactive principles.

This study investigated the anticonvulsant activity and possible mechanism of action of an aqueous solution of Dorema ammoniacum gum (DAG) which has been used traditionally in the treatment of convulsions. In this study, the anticonvulsant activity of DAG was examined using the pentylentetrazole (PTZ) model in mice. Thirty male albino mice were divided randomly and equally to 5 groups, and pretreated with normal saline, diazepam, or various doses of DAG (500, 700, and 1000 mg/kg, i.p.), prior to the injection of PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.). The latency and duration of seizures were recorded 30 min after PTZ injection. Pretreatments with naloxone and flumazenil in different groups were studied to further clarify the mechanisms of the anticonvulsant action. Phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprinting of ammoniacum gum was also determined. DAG showed significant anticonvulsant activity at all doses used. The gum delayed both the onset and the duration of seizures induced by PTZ. Treatment with flumazenil before DAG (700 mg/kg) inhibited the effect of gum on seizure duration and latency to some extent and administration of naloxone before DAG also significantly inhibited changes in latency and duration of seizure produced by DAG. The percentage inhibition was greater with naloxone than with flumazenil. This study showed that DAG had significant anticonvulsant activity in PTZ-induced seizures, and GABAergic and opioid systems may be involved. More studies are needed to further investigate its detailed mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dorema (Apiaceae) is represented in the flora of Iran with seven species of which two, D. ammoniacum D. Don. and D. aucheri Boiss. are endemic. Ripe fruits of D. ammoniacum collected just in the deciduous time were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield the essential oil, which was subsequently analyzed by GC and GC–MS. Twenty-nine compounds were identified and quantified, representing 95.1 % of the total oil. (Z)-Ocimenone (22.3 %) and (E)-ocimenone (18.1 %) were the main components of the oil. In vitro antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The results of the antimicrobial assay of the oil by the disc diffusion method and the MIC values indicated that the oil exhibited moderate to high antimicrobial activity, especially against B. subtilis and S. epidermidis with MIC value of 3.75 mg ml-1.

The use of herbal medicinal preparations in dementia therapy has been studied based on experience from traditional medicine. A dichloromethane extract of gum ammoniacum, the gum-resin from Dorema ammoniacum D. Don had shown acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in a previous study. The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization of the active compounds from this resin. The extract was investigated by a respective colorimetric microplate assay and the active zones were identified via TLC bioautography and isolated using several chromatographic techniques. The structures of the active components were characterized by one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as (2'S,5'S)-2'-ethenyl-5'-(3-hydroxy- 6-methyl-4-oxohept-5-en-2-yl)-7-methoxy-2'-methyl-4H-spiro[chromene- 3,1'-cyclopentane]-2,4-dione (1), which is an analogue of doremone A and a new natural compound, and as (2'S,5'R)-2'-ethenyl-5'-[(2R,4R)-4-hydroxy-6- methyl-3-oxohept-5-en-2-yl]-7-methoxy-2'-methyl-4H-spiro[chromene-3,1'-cyclopentane]- 2,4-dione (2 = doremone A), (4E,8E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,9,13- trimethyltetradeca-4,8,12-trien-1-one (3 = dshamirone), and 4,7-dihydroxy-3- [(2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-yl]-2H-chromen-2-one (4 = ammoresinol). Dshamirone turned out to be the most active compound with an IC50 value for AChE inhibitory activity of 23.5 μM, whereas the other substances showed weak activity. The concentrations of the analytes in the resin were determined by HPLC as 3.1%, 4.6%, 1.9%, and 9.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dorema ammoniacum D. Don. (Apiaceae) which is native to Iran is classified as a vulnerable medicinal species. The aim of this study was to enhance the germination of Dorema ammoniacum seeds, which have a low percentage under normal laboratory conditions. Different pretreatments were carried out to obtain efficacy in breaking dormancy and speeding germination, using of scarification, cold stratification, Washing and chilling treatments, gibberellic acid (GA3) and N6- benzyladenine (BA) treatments. The rate and percentage of seed germination varied with duration and medium of stratification. The highest germination percentage was obtained in the moist sand cold stratification for 45 days (68.00 ± 1.7). Both germination rate and percentage of Dorema ammoniacum increased by increasing the number of exposure days at 4 °C. However, when the chilling temperature was decreased from 4 to -5 and -10 °C, a negative response was monitored for both germination rate and percentage. Addition of GA did not promote germination. Regardless of applied treatment to seeds, germination rate was positively correlated with germination percentage. Therefore, fast germination was associated with high germination percentage. For the first time, these results indicated that Dorema ammoniacum seeds which have deep morphophysiological dormancy need a chilling treatment for reliable germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dorema (Apiaceae) is represented in the flora of Iran with seven species of which two, D. ammoniacum D. Don. and D. aucheri Boiss. are endemic. Ripe fruits of D. ammoniacum collected just in the deciduous time were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield the essential oil, which was subsequently analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Twenty-nine compounds were identified and quantified, representing 95.1 % of the total oil. (Z)-Ocimenone (22.3 %) and (E)-ocimenone (18.1 %) were the main components of the oil. In vitro antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The results of the antimicrobial assay of the oil by the disc diffusion method and the MIC values indicated that the oil exhibited moderate to high antimicrobial activity, especially against B. subtilis and S. epidermidis with MIC value of 3.75 mg ml-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: An acquired melanin-related hyperpigmentation that occurs in sun exposure areas is Melasma which presents as gray-brown ridges and macules with prominent margins on the skin. The aim of this assay was to assess the formulation and efficacy of topical Dorema ammoniacum among Melasma patients., Methods: This study was a 30 days double-blind, randomized clinical trial in Melasma with a placebo group. The study was carried out on 49 patients with Melasma attending Haji Daii Nursing Center in Kermanshah, Iran. Optimized topical formulation of D. ammoniacum gum extract was prepared by evaluating the characteristics of different topical formulations of this plant. Mean Melasma severity index (MMASI) instrument was applied to assess the product effectiveness and to determine the skin stains. Patients were pursued to receive the treatment throughout the 30 days trial. This scaling was accomplished before the intervention and 30 days after the use of the herbal product. To analyze the quantitative variables, t-test and Mann-Whitney test were evaluated by SPSS 21 software, and p-value <0.05 was considered as the statistically significant., Results: The survey was performed on 40 female subjects (81.6%) and nine male subjects (18.4%) with the mean age of 32.18 ± 8.69. According to the results, the mean MSI in the drug group was significantly lower than before treatment and decreased from 86.98 ± 69.48 to 31.03 ± 32.62 (p-value <0.05)., Conclusions: In compliance with findings this survey revealed a positive effect of the cream formulation of D. ammoniacum extract on Melasma. As it was represented no side effects, this formulation is appropriate for the treatment of Melasma., (© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)