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Considering that the general belief is that medicinal plants have less side effects, they are usually consumed without a prescription, so it is necessary to study the safety of these plants on different body systems including the cardiovascular system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of L. draba, one of the popular traditional medical plants, in isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats. For induction of heart failure in rats a subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (5 mg/kg/day for 10 days) was used. Hydroalcoholic extract of L. draba was injected intraperitoneally (ip) at doses of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg for 10 days. Then, hemodynamic, electrocardiogram, and histopathological changes as well as lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were investigated. Our results showed that administration of L. draba extract increased myocyte necrosis and destruction as well as myocardial glycogen accumulation in comparison to HF (Iso) group. Treatment with L. draba extract significantly increased malondialdehyde and LDH levels in comparison to HF group (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). Additionally, treatment with L. draba extract for ten days had no significant effect on hemodynamic parameters and electrocardiogram pattern. In conclusion, our results for the first time showed the cardiotoxic effects of L. draba in heart failure through the destruction of heart tissue, increase in glycogen accumulation, malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Therefore, it is suggested that the patients suffering from heart failure should avoid long-term consumption of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, argan oil has gained increasing interest in hair care products. In this study, attenuated total reflectance technique was utilized as a fast method and the results were compared to protein loss measurements in order to show the preventive effect of argan oil pre‐treatment on excised human hair after oxidative hair damage. Methods: Hair tresses were divided into three groups: in group‐1; they were damaged using oxidant agent solely, in group‐2 and 3; hair were pre‐treated with argan oil before undergoing the oxidative damage. In group‐2, the oil was removed by physical cleaning but in group‐3 the oil was removed with a washing procedure. ATR (attenuated total reflectance) spectrum was recorded for different samples. Quantitative studies of protein loss in hair samples were performed by Lowry method. The antioxidant properties of argan oil were also measured in vitro using 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) protocol, which determined the ability of the oil to scavenge the DPPH free radicals. Results: The amount of protein loss with oil pre‐treated groups was reduced significantly. The ATR spectrum showed oil deposition on hair even after washing. Four distinctive ATR peaks were changed during oxidation. The changes in peak height values were linear. The antioxidant property measured with DPPH method led to a IC50 value of 59 µg/ml. Conclusion: Argan oil pre‐treatment was effective in protecting hair against oxidative damage. ATR outcomes were in accordance with protein loss results. In this study, the ATR testing method as a fast technique was used efficiently in quantification of hair damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings: What is the central question of this study?How does an extract of Melissa officinalis L. ameliorate anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviour of mice?What is the main finding and its importance?An extract of Melissa officinalis L. possessed anxiolytic and anti‐depressant effects, which could mainly be mediated through its antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic properties. This study evaluated the effects of a hydro‐alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis (HAEMO) on anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviours, oxidative stress and apoptosis markers in restraint stress‐exposed mice. In order to induce a depression‐like model, mice were subjected to restraint stress (3 h day−1 for 14 days) and received normal saline or HAEMO (50, 75 and 150 mg kg−1 day−1) for 14 days. The administered doses of HAEMO were designated based on the concentration of one of the main phenolic compounds present in the extract, rosmarinic acid (2.55 mg kg−1 at lowest dose); other phytochemical analyses including assays for antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonoids were also carried out. The behavioural changes in an open field task, elevated plus maze, tail suspension and forced swimming tests were evaluated. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity were assessed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Moreover, levels of Bcl‐2, Bax and caspase 3 in the brain as well as serum concentration of corticosterone were evaluated. HAEMO (75 and 150 mg kg−1) significantly reversed anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviours. Also, HAEMO reduced MDA levels, enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activities and restored serum levels of corticosterone. An immunoblotting analysis also demonstrated that HAEMO decreased levels of pro‐apoptotic markers and increased anti‐apoptotic protein levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of restraint stress‐exposed mice. Our findings suggested that HAEMO reduced inflammation and had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus is a well-known genus in Leguminosae family that represented more than 800 species growing in Iran. Nevertheless, there are a few reports on Astragalus plants endemic to Iran. The roots of Astragalus plants are rich in saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides that possess various pharmacological activities. In the present study, chemical components, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Astragalus chrysostachys Boiss. roots were evaluated. For determination of phytochemicals in Astragalus chrysostachys Boiss. roots, total hydroalcoholic extract was fractionated with ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Ethyl acetate extract as a flavonoid rich extract was analyzed using vacuum liquid chromatography and preparative TLC and consequently a major flavonoid was isolated. The structure of the obtained compound was elucidated with 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Additionally, the essential oil of the roots was analyzed by GC-MS. Antioxidant activity of all extracts was evaluated by different assays. Moreover, antibacterial activities of the extracts were also investigated against 2 Gram-positive and 2 Gram-negative bacteria using Micro-dilution Broth method. Apigenin-6, 8-di-C-glucoside was detected in ethyl acetate extract for the first time in genus Astragalus. In addition, m-tolualdehyde, acetophenone, croweac in were found to be characteristics of the volatile oil of roots. Ethyl acetate extracts revealed notable antioxidant activity in DPPH scavenging assay with IC50 value of 14.6 µg/mL. Evaluation of antibacterial activity on the tested extracts showed mild activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Since there have been no reports on Astragalus chrysostachys Boiss. to date, the present data might be promising for application of this plant derivatives in phytotherapeutic practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gleditsia caspica Desf. (Caesalpinaceae) is traditionally used to treat diverse diseases. This research paper aims to investigate anti-proliferative properties and phytochemical compounds of methanolic extract from the pods of G. caspica. MTT test was used to measure in vitro anti-proliferative effect of the soxhlet-extracted methanolic extract of G.caspica pods with the concentration ranging from 25-1000 μg/ml against A549 cell line. The extract was applied to SPE, HPLC preparative system, and spectral analysis (1HNMR, 13CNMR, and UV) for fractionation, purification, and identification of phytoconstituents, respectively. The results indicated that the extract prevented proliferation of A549 cell line dependent on time and concentration. After 48 h and 72 h, there was a significant decrease in cell viability initiated from 100 and 500 (μg/ml) concentrations in comparison to untreated control. Phytochemical assessment of the extract resulted in two alkaloids, locustoside A and saikachinoside A, and four flavonoids quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, luteolin-4',7–diglucoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, and quercetin. This experiment was an activity-guided phytochemical study. In prior studies, quercetin and quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside showed in vitro inhibitory effect on proliferation of A549 cell line. However, the cytotoxic properties of the other identified compounds have not been reported. Cytotoxic properties of G.caspica was previously attributed to saponins, while isolated flavonoids and alkaloids could be responsible for the extract’s cytotoxic effects. This paper first explored cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract from the pods of G.caspica on A549 cell line and identified flavonoids and alkaloids of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traditionally Prangos ferulacea root is being used as an effective wound healing agent especially for pus-filled wounds both in human and stocks in the western north of Iran. Regarding the subject we decided to study P. ferulacea roots essential oil (PFE) for its antimicrobial and wound healing activities. Methods: The in vitro wound healing activity of PFE was evaluated in the mouse fibroblast cell line L929 using MTT assay of cell viability and cytotoxicity indices. Scratch assay as an in vitro model of wound healing assay was also conducted in this study. Moreover, the type I collagen content was used as an indicator of progress in wound healing process using Sircol collagen assay. Besides, PFE was subjected to GC/MS to identify the chemical constituents, and antimicrobical property was also evaluated against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. paratyphi and C. albicans using agar dilution method. Results: GC/MS analysis showed that the monoterpene hydrocarbones dominated in PFE, amounting to a total percentage of 95.1% with the major constituents: ß-Phellandrene (32.1%), m-Tolualdehyde (26.2%), and d-3-carene (25.8%). PFE inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginusa with the MIC value of 20 µg/mL. In addition, at the second day of treatment, PFE at concentrations of 4 and 16 µg/mL significantly (P<0.001) enhanced the migration rate of L929 cells by 87.05±2.4 and 63.5±0.08 %, respectively. Moreover, the collagen production by L929 cells was increased greatly (P<0.001). Conclusion: It is proposed that the excellent antimicrobial activity along with the significant increase of migration rate and collagen production by fibroblast cells might be associated with the high content and synergistic effect of the monoterpens, corroborating the traditional usage of this plant as a wound healing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the present study we aimed to quantify marrubiin, as the major active compound, in the aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare from Iran using a HPTLC-densitometry technique. Methods: Quantitative determination of marrubiin in M. vulgare methanol extract was performed by HPTLC analysis via a fully automated TLC scanner. Later on, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the M. vulgare methanol extract was determined using 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, total phenolics and flavonoids contents of the methanol extract were quantified, spectrophotometrically. Results: The amount of marrubiin was calculated as 156 mg/g of M. vulgare extract. The antioxidant assay revealed a strong radical scavenging activity for the M. vulgare methanol extract with RC50 value of 8.24µg/mL. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents for M. vulgare were determined as 60.4 mg gallic acid equivalent and 12.05 mg quercetin equivalent per each gram of the extract, correspondingly. Conclusion: The presented fingerprint of marrubiin in M. vulgare extract developed by HPTLC densitometry afforded a detailed chemical profile, which might be useful in the identification as well as quality evaluation of herbal medications based on M. vulgare. Besides, the considerable antioxidant activity of M. vulgare was associated with the presence of marrubiin along with phenolics and flavonoids exerting a synergistic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Naturally occurring substances as novel drugs in cancer therapy, at all times, represent a challenge to science since medicinal plants are proving to be brilliant sources of new chemopreventive agents. Methods: In the present study, methanol extract from aerial parts of Marrubium crassidens was assessed for its antiproliferative activity in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 through MTT bioassay using cell viability and cytotoxicity indices. The antioxidant property of M. crassidens extract together with its phenolic and flavonoids content were evaluated, as well. Results: According to data obtained in the study, M. crassidens exhibited antiproliferative activity with a gradual rise in cytotoxicty effect setting out on 240μg/mL concentration of the extract. Moreover, the RC50 value for antioxidant activity of the extract was determined as 40μg/mL and values for the total phenolic and flavonoids were calculated as 512.64mg gallic acid equivalent and 212.73mg quercetin equivalent per 100g of dry plant material. Conclusion: Generally, the observed antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of M. crassidens could be certified to the high amounts of phenolic and flavonoid content detected in the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Marrubium crassidens, a plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, was studied for its volatile components present in the aerial parts of the plant during the flowering stage. Methods: The essential oil of the plant obtained through hydrodistillation of the dried plant material was assessed for its chemical composition by GC/MS and GC-FID analyses. Results: Twenty-five compounds were identified, which constituted 94.3% of the total oil composition. The major components were identified as, m-tolualdehyde (23.3%), acetophenone (15.8%), nonacosane (13.1%), docosane (7.2%), o-tolualdehyde (4.1%), ß-caryophyllene (3.8%) and caryophyllene oxide (3.4%). Non-terpenoids with 75.7% were the most abundant components of the essential oil. Conclusion: Overall, M. crassidens essential oil revealed to include rather higher proportions of non-terpenoid compounds compared with other species of genus Marrubium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fumaria parviflora Lam (Fumariaceae) has been used in traditional medicine in the treatment of several diseases such as diabetes. The present work was designed to evaluate the hypoglycaemic effects of methanolic extract (ME) of F. parviflora in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The rats used were allocated in six (I, II, III, IV, V and VI) experimental groups (n=5). Group I rats served as 'normal control' animals received distilled water and group II rats served as 'diabetic control' animals. Diabetes mellitus was induced in groups II, V and VI rats by intraperitoneal single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg kg-1). Group V and VI rats were addi-tionally treated with ME (150 mg kg-1 day-1 and 250 mg kg-1 day-1, i.p. respectively) 24 hour post STZ injection, for seven consecutive days. Groups III and IV rats received only ME 150 mg kg-1 day-1 and 250 mg kg-1 day-1, i.p. respectively for seven days. The levels of blood glucose were determined using a Glucometer. Results: Administra-tion of F. parviflora extract showed a potent glucose lowering effect only on streptozo-tocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats below 100 mg/dl (P<0.001). However, no significant differences in the blood glucose levels were recorded between diabetic rats received 125 or 250 mg/kg of plant extracts. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that F. parviflora has significant hypoglycemic effect on STZ-induced diabetic rats with no effects on blood glucose levels of normal rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: One of the well-accepted beliefs about natural products, considering the advances of recently appearing new edges and features of herbal medicine, is paying more attention to cancer treatments. However, they have not been properly studied with reasonable/reliable clinical trials in human subjects in most cases. Therefore, seeking in vitro effects of herbs like Melissa officinalis (MO) in cancer therapy to identify the involved possible mechanism in conjugation with configurative/morphological aspects of treated cells seems quite necessary. In this study, we evaluated the co-treatment effect of anti-cancer drug methotrexate (MTX) and MO on HeLa cancer cells. Methods: MTT assay was applied to assess the quantitative cytotoxicity effect of both MTX and Mo. Apoptosis assay via flow cytometry was used to determine the amount of apoptotic and necrotic cells. To further investigate the anti-cancer effects, DAPI staining and DNA ladder assays are used qualitatively to detect changes in the nuclei of cells that are a sign of apoptosis occurring and morphological modifications of DNA. Results: MTX and MO mixture showed high cytotoxicity and apoptosis rate compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, the morphological changes of MTX and MO mixture were more evident than that of single MO, MTX, and control groups. Conclusions: These data regarding cell growth reduction and apoptosis induction in HeLa cancer cells showed that MTX and MO mixture can be an appropriate platform for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): The current study's objectives were to obtain different extracts and essential oils of Symphytum kurdicum and Symphytum asperrimum and to determine the chemical composition, as well as to evaluate free radical scavenging activity (IC50) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and the effect of liposomal formulation on antimicrobial properties. Materials and Methods: Air-dried powdered aerial parts of S. kurdicum and S. asperrimum were used. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties, essential oil compositions, total phenol, and flavonoid contents of different fractions were determined by DPPH test, disk diffusion assay, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Folin-ciocalteu reagent, and colorimetric assay method, respectively. The film hydration method was used to fabricate nanoparticles. Results: GC-MS analysis indicated that hexafarnesyl acetone was a major essential oil component. n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of S. kurdicum had the highest anti-oxidant activity. Extracts of both plants showed antimicrobial activity. The extracts' maximum inhibition zones against Staphylococcus epidermidis were established. A particle size analyzer detected the formulation size of 140 nm. The optimum formulation of liposomes contains the ratio of 75 mg lecithin, 25 mg cholesterol, and 50 mg herbal extract. Despite the nanoparticles' appropriate particle size, the liposomal extract's antimicrobial effect was lower than that of the free form. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that extracts have significant antibacterial and anti-oxidant activities, attributed to their bioactive constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the efficiency, many side effects have been reported for cisplatin, which is a well-known anti-cancer agent. Among them we can point to ototoxicity, which seriously reduces the quality of life in cisplatin-receiving patients. Since the approach of using natural ingredients in clinic has been growing in recent years, herein, we intend to gather delegated documentations of the presented scientific reports regarding various aspects of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO) focusing on some effective natural remedies. Methods: Well-known scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed were employed to search the target keywords. Then, to prepare the literature, the selected contents were reviewed, analyzed, and modified at several stages. Results: Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of CIO is very high and most cisplatin-receiving patients suffer from this complication to a certain degree. Along with other underlying factors, the roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic factors have been found very significant in forming the process of CIO. In order to alleviate the complication, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments have been introduced and suggested. Particularly, special attention has been paid to natural products in recent decades. In this regard, many of these compounds were found efficacious and safe. Conclusion: This review showed that, many natural products are able to attenuate CIO through various mechanisms, among which anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic pathways would be the most important ones. Therefore, as a novel pharmacological approach, they have the potential to be focused in future mechanistic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arum species have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects. However, there is no study on its possible cardioprotective effects. In the present study, the protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Arum orientale (A. orientale) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) were evaluated. For induction of MI the rats were received isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) for two consecutive days, whereas treated groups received 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg/day of hydroalcoholic extract of A.orientale intraperitoneally (ip) 20 min before each Isoproterenol injection. Isoproterenol-induced MI significantly increased myocardial necrosis and neutrophil infiltration. Histopathological analysis showed that A. orientale at dose of 160 mg/kg significantly reduced necrosis and neutrophil infiltration in the heart tissue (P< 0.046 and P<0.048, respectively). Induction of MI also increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and peripheral neutrophil percent. While A. orientale similarly decreased MPO activity and peripheral neutrophils in blood (P<0.021 p<0.042 respectively) at dose of 160 mg/kg. Administration of the extract markedly decreased serum malondialdehyde level at dose of 80 mg/kg and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity with all doses. Our results for the first time reported potential cardioprotective effects of A. orientale that partially can be through suppression of inflammatory responses and reduction of lipid peroxidation following MI. However, any suggestions for potential use in MI needs further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to extract the essential oils (EOs) of Caccinia macranthera identify their phytochemicals, evaluate their phytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and enzyme inhibition effects using in silico molecular docking technique. EOs of aerial parts, seeds, and roots of C. macranthera were extracted and analyzed via Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of EOs were determined on nine microorganisms via disk diffusion and microbroth dilution assays. In addition, the allelopathic properties of EOs were investigated by calculating the IC 50 s for inhibition of germination, seedling length and seedling weight growth of Cuscuta campestris seeds. In order to assess the possible inhibitory effect of major components of C. macranthera EOs on enzymes inhibiting germination and plant growth, molecular docking was employed against the glutamine synthetase (GS), acetohydroxyacid synthetase (AHAS), and 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzymes. The main compounds of EOs from aerial parts, seeds, and roots EOs were dihydrocarveol (29.5%), Trimethyl-2-Pentadecanone (13.6%), and Palmitic acid (16.8%), respectively. The maximum antibacterial effect was related to the aerial parts EO against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Phytotoxicity analysis exhibited a concentration-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05) activity. The aerial parts EO demonstrated a substantial allelopathy effect, with IC 50 values of 0.22 ± 0.026, 0.39 ± 0.021, and 0.20 ± 0.025 mg/mL, respectively, on inhibitory germination, seedling length and seedling weight growth of Cuscuta campestris seeds. Molecular docking analyzes showed that Oleic acid was suitable for dynamic stabilization of HPPD (−6.552 kJ/mol) and GS (−7.265 kJ/mol) and Eupatoriochromene had the inhibitory potential against AHAS, with docking score of −4.189 kJ/mol. The current research demonstrated that C. macranthera EOs from its aerial parts have an acceptable phytotoxic activity against Cuscuta campestris weed. The major components of EOs, Oleic acid and Eupatoriochromene, presented the strongest binding with HPPD, GS, and AHAS active sites causing disturbance in germination, photosynthesis and weed growth suggesting it as a natural herbicide for controlling the weeds. [Display omitted] • Dihydrocarveol, trimethyl-2-pentadecanone and palmitic acid were the major compounds of essential oils. • Aerial parts essential oil demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. • Caccinia macranthera essential oils exhibited satisfactory allelopathic and phytotoxicity effects. • Oleic acid and eupatoriochromene found in essential oils inhibited allelopathic related enzymes in silico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcea glabrata from the family Malvaceae, was selected for evaluating its xanthine oxidase inhibitory, anti-malarial, and antioxidant activities. In addition, some phytochemical analysis upon different extracts of A. glabrata were performed. Aerial parts of the collected A. glabrata plant material were dried and solvent extracted via soxhlet apparatus using different solvents. Various chromatographic techniques were used for extra fractionation of the achieved extracts. Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory, antimalarial and antioxidant activity assays upon different A. glabrata extracts and fractions were carried out and reported in terms of IC 50s. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the A. glabrata methanol extract (MeOH) were determined using the 2,2-Di Phenyl-1-Picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, aluminum chloride colorimetric, and Folin-Ciocalteu reagents, respectively. In addition, A. glabrata essential oil was obtained through hydrodistillation by a Clevenger apparatus. Analysis and identification of essential oil compounds were carried out through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. MeOH extract showed the highest XO inhibitory activity with the IC 50 of 0.37 ± 0.12 mg/mL antioxidant activity with the RC 50 of 0.24 ± 0.06 mg/mL. While, chloroform extract revealed the strongest antimalarial activity with the IC 50 of 0.4 ± 0.05 mg/mL. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of the A. glabrata methanol extract were 39.8 mg quercetin equivalent and 6.1 g gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry plant material, respectively. GC-MS analysis showed that the monoterpenes were prevailing in A. glabrata essential oil where the major constituents: octacosane (30.7%), eugenol (12.3%), and anethole (12.0%). Concerning the results of this study, A. glabrata extracts and its ingredients could be considered as a novel promising herbal medicine in the design and also treatment of new drugs for the relief of gout and malaria diseases. [Display omitted] • Eleven components were determined from endemic A. glabrata essential oil. • Eugenol and anethole were the major monoterpenes of the A. glabrata essential oil. • A. glabrata methanol extract showed the highest xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. • The strongest antimalarial activity with the IC 50 of 0.4 mg/mL were obtained from A. glabrata chloroform extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional medicine, the genus Achillea is utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties. Achillea aucheri Boiss., species native to Iranian flora was studied due to the Achillea genus's rich supply of phytochemical substances and the absence of essential phytochemical investigations. The methanolic extract (ME) from aerial parts of A. aucheri was fractionated using a C-18 pre-packed cartridge and vacuum liquid chromatography, followed by chromatographic separation using a reversed-phase preparative HPLC. The isolated components were structurally elucidated using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, essential oil from A. aucheri was isolated through hydrodistillation. Analysis of the essential oil was done through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-FID. Free-radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid and phenolic content of the ME were determined using the DPPH assay, AlCl 3 , and Folin-Ciocalteu reagents, respectively. Anti-microbial activity of the A. aucheri essential oil was investigated against different bacteria and fungus via disk diffusion and micro-dilution methods. Structure elucidation of the purified compounds revealed presence of one major flavonoid (1) and a sesquiterpene (2) in ME. From the A. aucheri essential oil, α-thujone (45.6%), artemisia alcohol (26.5%), and yomogi alcohol (8.8%) were the major constituents. The total flavonoid, phenolic content of the ME were 39.70 ± 0.05 mgQE/gE and 66.70 ± 0.08 mgGAE/gE, respectively, while IC 50 value in DPPH assay was 86.28 ± 0.01 μg/mL. Concerning the achieved antimicrobial activity, maximum diameter of inhibition zone of the essential oil was obtained against S. aureus (31.5 ± 0.5 mm) followed by S. epidermidis (13.5 ± 0.7 mm) and M. luteus (11.5 ± 0.5 mm). Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for S. aureus , S. epidermidis, and M. luteus were recorded as 2.5, 2.5 and 1.25% (v/v), respectively. Exhibited activity could be explained to the presence of α-thujone, artemisia alcohol and yomogi alcohol, the most abundant phytochemicals of A. aucheri essential oil. • Twenty-eight components were determined from endemic Achillea aucheri essential oil. • Prevailing antibacterial effect was on S. aureus, S. epidermidis , and M. luteus. • Antibacterial effects were due to phytochemicals found in the essential oil. • Major components of A. aucheri methanol extract were from flavonoid and sesquiterpene classing. • Antibacterial effects could be due to α-thujone, artemisia and yomogi alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the existence of bioactive compounds with different biological activity in the genus Clinopodium; C. umbrosum was selected to evaluate its cell toxicity. C. umbrosum aerial parts were solvent extracted and extracts were fractionated via various chromatographic techniques, so as to obtain two pure saponins, buddlejasaponin IVa and buddlejasaponin IV. The cytotoxicity activity of the extracts and the two pure compounds on oral cancer cells (HN-5) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) method. To evaluate the effect on apoptosis induction, HN-5 cells were treated for 24 h and studied by FITC Annexin V/PI staining using flow cytometry. Subsequently, the apoptosis pathway was studied through real-time RT PCR. Besides, the scratch test was performed to study the cell migration. The cytotoxic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts on HN-5 oral cancer cells after 24 h of treatment was calculated with IC 50 values of >250, >167 and 239.5 μg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic findings for buddlejasaponin IVa and buddlejasaponin IV showed that buddlejasaponin IV possessed superior cytotoxicity whilst both compounds showed their cytotoxicity through the apoptotic pathway with increasing Bax/Bcl2 ratio and the level of caspase 9. Also, HN-5 cells migration was reduced with two saponin compounds. C. umbrosum possessed significant cytotoxicity on HN-5 cells and the mechanism of cytotoxicity for its two major compounds, buddlejasaponin IVa and buddlejasaponin IV, was identified as the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis reducing the invasive potential of HN-5 cells. [Display omitted] • Cytotoxic saponins, buddlejasaponin IV and buddlejasaponin IVa were isolated from Clinopodium umbrosum. • Buddlejasaponin IV and buddlejasaponin IVa inducted the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. • Buddlejasaponin IV and buddlejasaponin IVa reduced the metastasis of oral cancer cell line. • The highest cytotoxicity was observed from buddlejasaponin IV on oral cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cynodon dactylon, a valuable medicinal plant, is widely used in Iranian folk medicine for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and atherosclerosis. Moreover, its anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties have been also reported. Concerning the critical role of angiogenesis in the incidence and progression of tumors and also its protective role in cardiovascular diseases, we investigated the effects of the aqueous extract prepared from the rhizomes of C. dactylon on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and also on angiogenesis in carrageenan induced air-pouch model in rats. Methods In the air-pouch model, carrageenan was injected into an air-pouch on the back of the rats and following an IV injection of carmine red dye on day 6, granulation tissue was processed for the assessment of the dye content. Furthermore, in an in vitro study, angiogenic property of the extract was assessed through its effect on VEGF expression in HUVECs. Results Oral administration of 400 mg/kg/day of the extract significantly increased angiogenesis (p < 0.05) and markedly decreased neutrophil (p < 0.05) and total leukocyte infiltration (p < 0.001) into the granulation tissues. Moreover, the extract increased the expression of total VEGF in HUVECs at a concentration of (100 μl/ml). Conclusion The present study showed that the aqueous extract of C. dactylon promotes angiogenesis probably through stimulating VEGF expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was the isolation and structure elucidation of chemical compounds from the rhizomes of Eremostachys laciniata (L) Bunge (EL), an Iranian traditional medicinal herb with a thick root and pale purple or white flowers as well as the clinical studies on the therapeutic efficacy and safety of topical application of the EL extract in the management of some inflammatory conditions, e.g., arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and septic arthritis (Riter's syndrome). Methods: The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated unequivocally on the basis of one and two dimensional NMR, UV and HR-FABMS spectroscopic data analyses. A single-blinded randomized clinical trial was carried out with the extract of the rhizomes of E. laciniata (EL) to determine the efficacy and safety of the traditional uses of EL compared to that of piroxicam in treatment of inflammatory diseases, e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Reiter's syndrome. Results: Eleven iridoid glycosides, two phenylethanoids and two phytosterols were isolated and identified for the first time from the rhizomes of EL. After 14 days of treatment with the EL and piroxicam ointments, all groups showed significant improvements compared to the control groups. EL (5%) ointment induced better initial therapeutic response than piroxicam (5%) onitment. Conclusion: This clinical trial established that EL was suitable for topical applications as a safe and effective complementary therapy for inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and the purpose of the study: The objectives of the present study were phytochemical screening and study of the effects of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Ocimum basilicum (basil) on cardiac functions and histopathological changes in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: The leaves of the plant were extracted with ethanol by maceration and subjected to colorimetry to determine flavonoids and phenolic compounds. High-performance TLC analysis and subsequent CAMAG's TLC scanning were performed to quantify rosmarinic acid content. Wistar rats were assigned to 6 groups of normal control, sham, isoproterenol, and treatment with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of the extract two times per day concurrent with MI induction. A subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (100 mg/kg/day) for 2 consecutive days was used to induce MI. Results: Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenolic compounds (5.36%) and flavonoids (1.86%). Rosmarinic acid was the principal phenolic compound with a 15.74% existence. The ST-segment elevation induced by isoproterenol was significantly suppressed by all doses of the extract. A severe myocardial necrosis and fibrosis with a sharp reduction in left ventricular contractility and a marked increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure were seen in the isoproterenol group, all of which were significantly improved by the extract treatment. In addition to in-vitro antioxidant activity, the extract significantly suppressed the elevation of malondialdehyde levels both in the serum and the myocardium. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that Ocimum basilicum strongly protected the myocardium against isoproterenol-induced infarction and suggest that the cardioprotective effects could be related to antioxidative activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]