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Objectives: Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that the sumac plant possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce menstrual bleeding. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of sumac capsules on postpartum bleeding among women at risk of excessive bleeding.Methods: This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted in 2022-2023. Participants were 72 women who were referred for vaginal delivery to the 9th Day Hospital in Torbat Heydariyeh city, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into two groups immediately after delivery, the placebo group received routine care. The intervention group, in addition to routine care, received two oral capsules of 500 mg sumac immediately after the expulsion of the placenta and fetal membranes, as well as two hours later. The amount of bleeding was measured using plastic bags for blood collection, which were weighed along with the sheets and pads used at hours 1, 2, 3, and 4 postpartum. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 65 women completed the study.Results: The sumac group exhibited lower mean bleeding volumes than the placebo group at all measured time points (first, second, third, and fourth hours after delivery). The independent t-test analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups’ bleeding volume at the end of the first hour (p = 0.013), second hour (p < 0.001), third hour (p < 0.001), and fourth hour (p < 0.001); that was less in sumac group. Overall, the sumac group demonstrated a significantly lower mean total bleeding volume in the first four hours after delivery (215.78 ± 16.92 cc) compared to the placebo group (261.51 ± 17.258 cc) (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Sumac capsules can be considered as a potentially effective and safe intervention for reducing postpartum bleeding among women at risk.

Abstract Background Menopause, characterized by various physical and mental changes, is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, resulting in numerous complications. Recently, herbal treatments have gained significant attention for their minimal side effects compared to chemical drugs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral capsules containing Ocimum basilicum leaf extract (OBLE) on menopausal symptoms. Methods This placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted in 2020. The research focused on 60 menopausal women referred to Mashhad health centers. Eligible participants were administered either an OBLE 500 mg capsule or a placebo daily for 1 month. Menopause symptoms were evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) before, two weeks, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS21, independent t, Mann–Whitney, and Friedman tests. A significance level of p

Background: A somatosensory nerve lesion or disease causes neuropathic pain. Presently, prescribed treatments are unsatisfactory or ineffective. The kernel oil of the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca L) is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study investigated the effect of apricot kernel oil in chronic constriction injury (CCI)- induced neuropathic pain in rats. Materials/Methods: Liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESIMS) analysis was carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the apricot kernel oil's main compounds. Rats were treated daily with apricot kernel oil (2 and 4 ml/kg) or gabapentin (100 mg/kg) for 14 days after CCI induction. Hot plate, acetone drop, and Von Frey hair tests were performed to evaluate thermal and mechanical activity. Spinal cord malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were assessed to measure biochemical changes. Results: The most detected compounds in apricot kernel oil were lipids and fatty acids. CCI produced a significant increase in thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, and cold allodynia. Moreover, CCI increased the inflammation and oxidative stress markers in spinal cord samples. Oral administration of apricot kernel oil and gabapentin significantly decreased the CCI-induced nociceptive pain threshold. Besides, spinal cord biochemical changes were attenuated. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that apricot kernel oil could attenuate neuropathic pain, possibly through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Objective: Body hair removal plays an important role in beauty standards, particularly for women. Finding a method that is easy to use, cheap, and can be done without supervision can significantly affect long-term hair reduction and reduce the side effects of hair removal. The present study investigated the impact of a containing 20% broad bean (Vicia faba) extract cream on axillary hair removal.Materials and Methods: Twenty-five female volunteers were randomly divided into A (right axillary intervention - left axillary placebo) and B (right axillary placebo - left axillary intervention). Depending on the group, each person used a cream containing 20% broad bean extract )"The extract made from the seeds and pods of broad beans.") on one side and a placebo on the other twice a day for three months. Volunteers shaved their axillary hairs three days before each visit and took pictures of both sides on the day of the visit with a trichoscope (to check the diameter and thickness of the hairs).Results: We found a decrease in thickness on the intervention group (the axilla where a cream containing broad bean extract was applied); however, this difference was not significant between the intervention side and the placebo. In terms of the number of hairs, the difference between the two groups was significant only in the second month despite the decrease on the intervention side. Evaluation based on the personal judgment of the volunteers showed that there was a substantial difference in terms of the number of hairs (p=0.012) and thinning of hair (p=0.02).Conclusion: Our findings showed that 20% broad bean extract cream could potentially reduce axillary hair growth.

Abstract Objective Acquired resistance to antifungal agents is rising among Candida species. Herbal extracts including Capsicum annum extracts have biological profits, which can be employed to overcome drug resistance in fungal species. The present study investigated the efficacy of different varieties of C. annum extracts against Candida species. Methods Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of three different varieties of C. annum were prepared using the succulent method. Total values for compound extracts of C. annum var. cayenne, C. annum var. cayenne cultivar sabzevari, and C. annum var. cerasiforme were 43, 42, and 38 g, respectively. The clinical Candida isolates including C. albicans (n = 13), C. dubliniensis (n = 2), C. parapsilosis (n = 2), and C. tropicalis (n = 1); and reference strains of C. albicans (TIMML 1292 and TIMML 183), C. krusei (TIMML 1321), C. parapsilosis (TIMML 2201), and C. tropicalis (TIMML 731) were examined based on the M27-A3 guideline. Results Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Capsicum annum showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of more than 512 µg/ml against clinical and reference strains of Candida. There was no justifiable difference between the effects of these extracts on Candida species. Conclusion Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Capsicum annum could not exert a significant effective impact on clinical and reference strains of Candida. The difference in pepper spiciness did not show a significant role against Candida isolates. However, their possible effects might be different among other yeasts or filamentous fungi.

Objective: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The effectiveness of noscapine has been employed as a helpful treatment for various disorders and subjected to recent theoretical breakthroughs.Materials and Methods: Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by topical application of 5% imiquimod (IMQ) (10 mg/cm2 of skin) in male Balb/c mice and then medicated with a single oral dose of methotrexate (MET) as a positive control or daily oral treatment of noscapine (5, 15 and 45 mg/kg). In this way, skin inflammation intensity, psoriatic itchiness, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score, ear length, thickness, and organ weight were daily measured. At the end of the study, histological and immunohistochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA, for pro-/anti-inflammatory factors) were performed in each ear.Results: IMQ caused psoriasis-like lesions. Noscapine markedly alleviated macroscopic parameters, namely ear thickness, ear length, skin inflammation, itching, and organ weight, as well as microscopic parameters including, pathology and Ki67 and p53, and tissue immunological mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), interferon-g (IFN-g), IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23p19 in the psoriatic skin in a concentration manner (p

Objective: Obesity is an important public health concern in the world. Considering the limited medications and their side effects and lack of a known effective way to reduce appetite, traditional herbs have been considered a complementary treatment for obesity. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM)-based herbal candy on body composition and appetite in obese and overweight adults.Materials and Methods: In this preliminary study that conducted in nutrition clinic of Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, participants were selected from overweight and obese people and randomly assigned to either groups. Participants in the intervention group received herbal candy which contained a combination of Portulaca oleracea, Plantago psyllium, and peanut oil, while participants in the control group received placebo candy for 8 weeks. The primary (appetite response, and weight changes) and secondary (body mass index (BMI), anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and laboratory variables) outcomes were collected at baseline and during the intervention.Results: Fifty participants between the age of 18 and 65 years old were included in this study. Herbal candy resulted in a greater reduction in mean weight and BMI compared to placebo (p

Objective: The present study examined the effects of Artemisia absinthium L. on scopolamine-induced memory dysfunction and brain tissue oxidative damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty rats were used in five groups: Control: received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/saline, Scopolamine: scopolamine (2 mg/kg) was administered along with DMSO/saline, and Scopolamine-Ext 50, Scopolamine-Ext 100, and Scopolamine-Ext 200 groups: A. absinthium hydroalcoholic extract 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were administered before scopolamine. The Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tasks were used for assessment of behavioral parameters. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, total thiol, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in the cortex and hippocampus.Results: A. absinthium decreased the delay time and distance traveled to reach the platform in the MWM test (p

Objective: Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures were investigated. Materials and Methods: Mice were divided as follows: (Group 1) Control, (Group 2) PTZ, (Groups 3-5) 50,100 and 200 mg/kg hydro-ethanolic (HE) extract, and (Groups 6-8) 200 mg/kg ethyl-acetate (EAF), N-hexane (NHF) and water (WF) fractions. Minimal clonic seizures (MCS) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) latencies were measured. Biochemical and histological studies were done.Results: MCS and GTCS latency in HE groups were longer than the PTZ group (p

Abstract Background Delay in episiotomy wound healing can lead to infection. The application of natural antimicrobial agents isolated from herbal essences can be a good strategy to prevent the growth of bacteria and promote the wound healing process. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of rosemary cream on episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women. Methods This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 primiparous pregnant women who were referred to the maternity ward of Shahid Motahari Hospital in Marvdasht, Iran, from September 2019 to March 2020. These women were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (rosemary cream) and control (placebo), using variable quadruple blocks. Both groups applied the prescribed cream (in a dose of 2 cm) uniformly on the sutured area to cover it with the cream. The cream was applied twice a day for 10 consecutive days postpartum, and the rate of wound healing was evaluated by the researcher in the first 12 h and at days 4 and 10 postpartum using the REEDA scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 19) through the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, student’s t-test, and Fisher’s test. A p-value less than 0.05 (P

Objective: Oxidative stress has pernicious effects on the brain. Pinus eldarica has antioxidant properties. We explored neuroprotective effect of P. eldarica against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures.Materials and Methods: Male mice (BALB/c) were grouped as control, PTZ, Soxhlet (Sox) 100, Sox 200, Macerated (Mac) 100 and Mac 200 groups. Sox and Mac extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) were injected during 7 days. Delay in onset of minimal clonic seizure (MCS) and generalized tonic- clonic seizure (GTCS) was measured. Number of dark neurons (DN) and levels of oxidative stress indicators in the hippocampus were evaluated.Results: Onset of MCS and GTCS was later in groups treated with the extracts than the PTZ group (p

Abstract The dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum L. (S. aromaticum) (Myrtaceae), cloves, have been used for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. Peritoneal adhesion (PA) is the most common complication of abdominal and pelvic surgeries, which causes significant adverse effects and severe economic burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of S. extract (SAE) on PA formation in a rat model. Male Wistar 8‐week‐old rats were randomly divided into sham, control (received vehicle), and treatment (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w/v of SAE) groups. The adhesion and related factors were examined using the Nair scoring system and immunological and biochemical kits for the levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α], growth factors [transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)], oxidative [nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA)], and anti‐oxidative [glutathione (GSH)] factors. Our results figured out that the adhesion score and IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β1, VEGF, NO, and MDA levels were significantly increased, but the GSH level was decreased in the control group compared to the sham group (p

Abstract Peritoneal adhesion is a significant problem following gastrointestinal surgeries, accompanied by a significant economic burden and morbidity for patients. Punica granatum seed oil (PSO) possesses antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the antiperitoneal adhesive properties of PSO in rats. Forty‐eight Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly and equally divided into six groups: sham group, control group; peritoneal adhesion without any treatment, vehicle group; peritoneal adhesion with saline + Tween‐80.5% treatment, and experimental groups; peritoneal adhesion with 0.5%, 1.5%, and 4.5% v/v PSO treatment. In addition, peritoneal adhesion was examined macroscopically along with evaluating the oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA], nitric oxide [NO], and glutathione [GSH]) inflammatory (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]), fibrotic (transforming growth factor‐β [TGF‐β]), and angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) factors. Our results revealed that the levels of adhesion scores, MDA, NO, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, TGF‐β, and VEGF, were propagated in the vehicle group while the GSH level was alleviated (p

Introduction: Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in pregnant women which is commonly associated with hemorrhoids. Patients' non-compliance with lifestyle modification recommendations leads to failure of treatment with this method. Although therapeutic properties of coconut oil on constipation are discussed, but its scientific documentation has not been reported; therefore, this study was performed with aim to determine the effect of coconut oil ointment on the symptoms of constipation in pregnant women with hemorrhoids. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 pregnant women who referred to Mashhad Comprehensive Health Service Centers in 2018-2019. Eligible individuals were divided into two groups. The control group received only lifestyle modification recommendations, while the intervention group in addition to these recommendations used an applicator of coconut oil ointment twice a day for two weeks. The improvement of constipation symptoms including need for straining during defecation, hard stools and defecation less than 2 to 3 times a week was assessed using the Constipation Questionnaire in Pregnancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) and Chi-square, Fisher exact and Cochran tests. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The frequency of need for straining during defecation on the fourteenth day after the intervention in pregnant women in the coconut oil ointment group was significantly lower than the control group (p

Introduction: Women experience many complications due to the physical and psychological changes of menopause. One of the most important of these complications is depression. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, the use of herbal remedies has been considered by women today. This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of oral capsule of ocimum basilicum leaf extract on depression in menopausal women. Methods: This triple-blind two-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 menopausal women referred to Mashhad health centers in 2019-2020. Women eligible for the study received one 500 mg capsule of ocimum basilicum leaf extract or placebo for one month. Depression was assessed before and after the intervention with DASS21 tool. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Before the intervention, the mean score of depression in the ocimum basilicum group was 8.8± 6.3 and in the placebo group was 8.6 ±6.3, which was not statistically significant and the two groups were homogeneous (P = 0.904). After the intervention, the mean score of depression in the ocimum basilicum group (5.9± 5.3) was significantly lower than the placebo group (9.2 ± 6.2) (P = 0.049). The difference in the score of depression after the intervention compared to before the intervention decreased by 2.8 ± 4.5 in the ocimum basilicum group and increased by 0.6 ± 2.4 in the placebo group and this difference was statistically significant (P

Objective: There are several studies reporting the therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris on liver diseases. This study was done with the purpose of examining the effect of B. vulgaris oxymel (BO) in patients with refractory primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), who did not respond to current treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients with PSC or PBC who were receiving ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, 13-15 mg/kg/day) for at least six months, but their serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were still 1.5 folds higher than the normal upper limit during the last six months, were asked to participate in this quasi-experimental study. Patients were asked to take 0.5 ml/kg/day of BOtwo times a day for three months along with UDCA. At the end of the study, serum levels of ALP, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), and creatinine as well as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and quality of life (QOL) based on PBC-40 questionnaire were assessed as outcomes. Results: Our results showed that BO notably attenuated the serum levels of ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, TB, and DB, as well as PT and INR and significantly improved QOL. Conclusion: For first time, we showed that additional therapy with BOhas a promising effect in the treatment of refractory PSC and PBC.

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases around the world. Inhibitory effects of Magnolia Grandiflora bark extract has been proved on tooth decay both in vitro and by using free sugar chewing gum. This research aimed to examine the effect of Magnolia Grandiflora bark mouth-wash on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque. Materials and Methods: This crossover, placebo-controlled, clinical trial study, was performed on a total of twenty participants (aged 18 to 35 years) in both control and intervention groups and four phases. The prevalence of S. mutans was measured in a certain volume of volunteer’s dental plaque at the beginning of the project (phase 1), after the first prescription (phase 2), following the washout period (phase 3) and finally after the second prescription (phase 4) by culture on bacteriology medium. Plaque index and saliva sampling were carried out in follow-up visits by a dentist. The data were analyzed using T-Test (paired and independent) quantitatively. Results: There was a significant difference in S. mutans frequency in dental plaque between when the participants used Magnolia mouthwash and when they washed out or used a placebo (p

Background: Epileptic seizures affect the life of noticeable number of people in all over the world. Tanacetum parthenium (TP) is used in traditional medicine. We studied the effects of hydro- ethanolic extract of TP and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions on brain oxidative damage in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice. Methods: Male mice were divided into: (1) Control; (2) PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.); (3-5) hydro-ethanolic extract of TP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg); (6) n-butanol (NBut) (100 mg/kg) and (7) aqueous (Aq) (100 mg/kg) fractions. Extracts were injected (i.p.) for 3 days and 30 min before PTZ. Latencies in onset of Minimal Clonic Seizures (MCS) and Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (GTCS) as well as biochemical indicators were evaluated. Results: Medium dose of TP extract and NBut fraction prolonged the MSC and GTCS latencies. Biochemical data confirmed that administration of hydro-ethanolic extract of TP significantly reduced MDA and enhanced total thiol content and the activity of SOD and CAT in brain tissues. Comparison the effect of NBut and Aq fractions with medium dose indicated a higher level of MDA and lower amount of total thiol content and the activity of SOD and CAT in brain tissues of PTZ-Aq100 and PTZ-NBut100 groups than PTZ-TP100 group. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that the medium dose of TP extract had the most protective effect against brain oxidative damage in PTZ-induced seizure model. N-butanol and aqueous fractions of TP could not exert stronger effect than medium dose on reduction PTZ-induced brain oxidative stress. Results: Medium dose of TP extract and NBut fraction prolonged the MSC and GTCS latencies. Biochemical data confirmed that administration of hydro-ethanolic extract of TP significantly reduced MDA and enhanced total thiol content and the activity of SOD and CAT in brain tissues. Comparison the effect of NBut and Aq fractions with medium dose indicated a higher level of MDA and lower amount of total thiol content and the activity of SOD and CAT in brain tissues of PTZ-Aq100 and PTZ-NBut100 groups than PTZ-TP100 group. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that the medium dose of TP extract had the most protective effect against brain oxidative damage in PTZ-induced seizure model. N-butanol and aqueous fractions of TP could not exert stronger effect than medium dose on reduction PTZ-induced brain oxidative stress.

Introduction. COVID-19, an epidemic of coronavirus infection, has become a major global threat. The coronavirus mainly targets the human respiratory system, followed by cytokine storm, and altered immune responses associated with disease progression and adverse outcomes. Sumac and pomegranate juice are rich in bioactive compounds, which potentially have antiviral activities. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of a diet based on the use of sumac and pomegranate juice on the treatment of outpatients with COVID-19. Methods. In this study, 182 outpatients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups receiving a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac along with standard treatment and the control group (group 2) receiving standard treatment. Results. Consumption of a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac in outpatients with COVID-19, who were receiving standard-of-care treatment, led to a significant decrease in fever, chills, cough, weakness, smell and taste disorders, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain compared with outpatients with COVID-19 who received only standard treatment. Conclusion. Clinical trials of outpatients have limitations such as patients’ resilience to post-COVID-19 follow-up. However, the use of pomegranate juice and sumac can be efficacious in reducing COVID-19 symptoms. This trial is registered with IRCT20190406043175N3.

Background & aim: The negative effect of labor pain on the tendency of mothers to choose vaginal delivery demands identifying effective and safe methods to reduce pain. Regarding the analgesic effects of ginger, the present study aimed to determine the effect of back massage with and without ginger oil on the pain intensityin the active phase of labor in primiparous women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 90 primiparous women in Umm al-Banin Hospital, Mashhad, Iran (2017). The subjects were selected using convenient sampling and randomly assigned into three groups, namely massage with ginger oil, massage with placebo (i.e., paraffin), and control group. The intervention and placebo groups received 15-minutes back massage in the active phase of labor. The pain intensity was measured in three groups before and after each dilation. The data were collected using questionnaires for demographic and obstetric data as well as Visual Analog Scale for pain measurement. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version 16) through Kruskal-Wallis and the Chi-square tests. Results: The mean values of pain intensity after three evaluations were obtained as 4.1±2.29, 6.8±1.73, and 7.6±1.43 in ginger, placebo, and control groups, respectively. The results showed that the ginger group reported the lowest level of pain during the active phase of labor (P Conclusion: Back Massage with ginger oil not only has effect on pain relief but also was completely safe in order to be administered to mothers during their first experience of childbirth.

Introduction: Hemorrhoids is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. Lifestyle modification recommendations are associated with patients' noncompliance. The potential therapeutic properties of coconut oil on hemorrhoids have been suggested, but its scientific evidence has not been reported, therefore this study was performed with aim to determine the effect of coconut oil ointment on hemorrhoids symptoms in pregnant women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 pregnant women referred to comprehensive health services centers in Mashhad in 2018-2019. The subjects were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, one applicator of coconut oil ointment was applied twice a day for two weeks; they also received lifestyle modification recommendations. The control group only received lifestyle modification recommendations based on national guidelines. The improvement of hemorrhoids symptoms was measured on the first, seventh and fourteenth days using Visual Analog Scale (pain, prolapse, itching and overall score of hemorrhoid symptom). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) and Mann-Whitney, Independent T and Friedman tests. P

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is one of the most prevalent internal medical emergencies. Despite using several methods of treatment, effective treatment cannot be achieved in some patients. Hemostasis powder® is a mineral-herbal product. This emulsion was able to coagulate blood in, in vitro studies and also was effective in the treatment of mucosal and cutaneous bleeding in animal studies, without any toxicity. We decided to compare its effect on the treatment of human GI bleeding with the other common method for treatment of GI bleeding “argon plasma coagulation plus epinephrine injection” in a pilot randomized clinical trial. METHODS The patients with GI bleeding who were admitted to the emergency wards of Ghaem and Imam-Reza Hospitals in Mashhad were randomized to treatment with Hemostasis powder® or “argon plasma coagulation plus epinephrine injection” method, with randomized doctors, after complete testimonial sheet. The patients underwent re-endoscopy to evaluate the ulcers 3 days later, and were under observation for 3 months. After achieving the number of patients that was planned (20 patients), all data were entered to SPSS software version 20 and were analyzed with parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS The treatment success was 95% in both groups. There was no complication after treatment of GI bleeding in the two groups after 3 months. No rebreeding was reported in Hemostasis powder® group but 10 % was reported in “argon plasma coagulation plus epinephrine injection” group. CONCLUSION It seems that if the successful results occur in the future complimentary studies, Hemostasis powder® can be used as a new, effective, available, and inexpensive measure in the treatment of GI bleeding and also in the GI bleedings that cannot be treated with common available methods.

Generative and vegetative parts of the cactuses have had a long-lasting position in folk medicine and their effects could partly be confirmed in scientific experiments. Nowadays, the cactus, fruits, and cladodes are the focus of many studies because of their desirable properties. Therefore, the summarized reports of valuable properties of medicinal plants may be a good way to familiarize researches with a new source of drugs with lower side effects and higher efficacy. Opuntia dillenii, a well-known member of the Cactaceae family, is used as a medicinal plant in various countries and grows in the desert, semi-desert, tropical and sub-tropical areas. It shows diverse pharmacological activities such as: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypotensive etc. OD fruit also possesses valuable constitutes for instance: betalains, ascorbic acid, total phenol, protein as well as essential elements which suggest the significant potential of this plant as a complementary therapy against several pathological conditions. This review describes experimental evidence about pharmacological and therapeutic potential of OD in order to give the basis of its application in the prevention and treatment of some chronic diseases. More studies on OD can help better understanding of its pharmacological mechanism of action to explain its traditional uses and to identify its potential new therapeutic applications.

Background: Type-one diabetes (T1D), a chronic autoimmune disease with marked inflammatory responses, is associated with infertility complications and implications. Based on the anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Portulaca oleracea (PO), this study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of this plant extract on streptozotocin-induced type-I-diabetes-associated reproductive system dysfunction and inflammation. Methods: Male rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control, diabetic, and treatment/s (PO extract at 100 or 300 mg/kg/daily). Then food and water consumption, body, testis and epididymis weights, histopathological evaluation, seminiferous tubules diameter, sperm count and motility, glucose levels, sex hormones, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Results: Our results showed that streptozotocin-induced diabetes significantly increased food and water consumption; increased glucose, MDA, TGF-β1, and TNF-α levels; and decreased the seminiferous tubules diameter, sperm count and motility, levels of LH, testosterone, total thiol, VEGF, and SOD activity. Interestingly, PO extract (phytochemically characterized by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to detect bioactive molecules) significantly ameliorated these parameters and histopathological indexes’ damage in rats. Conclusion. Even if more preclinical assessments are needed to better characterize the mechanism/s of action, the results of this study will pave the way for the rational use of PO on diabetic-associated clinical complications and implications.

Objective. Peritoneal adhesion (PA) is an abnormal connective tissue that usually occurs between tissues adjacent to damaged organs during processes such as surgery. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Portulaca oleracea (PO) were investigated against postoperative-induced peritoneal adhesion. Methods. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats (220±20 g, 6-8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) normal, (2) control (induced peritoneal adhesion), and (3) and (4) PO extracts (induced peritoneal adhesion and received 100 or 300 mg/kg/day of PO extract for seven days). Finally, macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed using different scoring systems and immunoassays in the peritoneal lavage fluid. Results. We found that the levels of adhesion scores and interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in the control group. However, PO extract (100 and 300 mg/kg) notably reduced inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), fibrosis (TGF-β1), angiogenesis (VEGF), and oxidative (MDA) factors, while increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, antioxidant factor glutathione (GSH), compared to the control group. Conclusion. Oral administration of PO improved postoperational-induced PA by alleviating the oxidative factors, fibrosis, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis biomarkers, and stimulating antioxidative factors. Hence, PO can be considered a potential herbal medicine to manage postoperative PA. However, further clinical studies are required to approve the effectiveness of PO.

Background. Current drugs used in the management of insomnia are associated with side effects. The use of medicinal herbs for insomnia treatment has recently been suggested. Objective. The present study aimed to determine the hypnotic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) in mice. Method. The toxicity of A. absinthium extract is assessed by their lethal dose 50% (LD50), and cytotoxicity evaluation was also done with PC12 cell lines by MTT assay. A. absinthium extract (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and 3 fractions (n-butanol fraction (NBF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous fraction (AQF)) were administered intraperitoneally30 minutes before 30 mg/kg pentobarbital intraperitoneal injection; after that, the sleeping time and sleep latency were recorded. Results. The LD50 value was 2.4 g/kg. The extracts tested showed no negative effect on the proliferation of PC12 cells. A. absinthium extract increased the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P

Background & aim: Despite the global efforts to promote breastfeeding, women report some problems leading to stop breastfeeding in the early postpartum. Nipple soreness is considered as one of the main causes of early breastfeeding discontinuation. Treatment of this problem could keep breastfeeding for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of nipple pain treatment with lanolin and purslane cream on frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Methods: This double-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 86 breastfeeding women with nipple soreness who attended healthcare clinics in Mashhad, Iran, in 2016. The participants were randomly allocated to two equally sized group (43 in each), receiving purslane cream and lanolin for eight days. The correct method of breastfeeding and using the cream were trained to both groups. The nipple pain score was measured before intervention and on the third and eighth days post-intervention using a numeric pain rating scale. The subjects were also trained to record the duration and frequency of breastfeeding during the study period. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 using t-test, Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Two study groups were identical in terms of the pain intensity before intervention. There was a significant difference concerning the pain intensity between the two groups on days 3 and 8. The pain intensity in the purslane cream group was significantly lower than the lanolin group (P

Introduction: One of the most important causes of death in premature infants is nosocomial infections, and skin can be one of the ways of infections enter to the body. Considering the role of sunflower oil with massage in reducing nosocomial infections, the present study was performed with aim to determine the effects local sunflower oil on the prevention of nosocomial infections in premature infants. Methods: This clinical trial was performed in 2016 on 60 premature infants (less than 34 weeks of gestation) admitted to the NICU department of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad. The subjects were placed in two groups: sunflower massage (n=27) and control group (n=33). The body surface of these infants was covered with sunflower oil three times a day for 2 weeks and then twice for up to 28 days. When the baby is getting sick, blood counts, platelet count and white blood cells were measured. Also, after oiling the skin, the skin condition was evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and with t-test and Chi-square test. P

Background & aim: Estrogen and androgen deficiency in menopause leads to poor vulvovaginal blood flow, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia which can reduce the quality of life among the women. In this regard, this study investigated the impact of date palm pollen capsules on vaginal lubrication and dyspareunia in postmenopausal women. Methods: The present triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 ‌menopausal women aged 40-65 years, who referred to the health centers affiliated to the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, in 2015. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and placebo (n=30), receiving date palm pollen and placebo capsules (350 mg, daily), respectively, for 35 days. The data were collected at two stages (at the baseline and after treatment) using the Female Sexual Function Index, a part of which evaluated vaginal lubrication and dyspareunia. Data analysis was performed in SPSS (version 16) using the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and ANCOVA. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention in terms of vaginal lubrication (P

Averagely 80% to 90% of breastfeeding women experience the nipple pain and fissures. The important factor for successful breastfeeding is to treat this problem. This study has done as a review with the aim of analysis of the clinical trials in the field of the prevention and treatment of the nipple fissures and pain due to the importance of breastfeeding. For this purpose, the key words of sore, nipples, fissure, trauma, wound, prevention, treatment, therapeutics, therapy, clinical trial, breastfeeding and their Persian synonyms and all of their possible combinations were searched in the national databases: SID and Iran Medex and Magiran, and in the international databases: PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Science direct by May 2017. The Jadad criterion was used to assess the quality of the articles and the articles with a score of 3 or more were included in this study. Finally, 48 clinical trials were reviewed that 17 of them (sample size 1801) scored 3 or more based on the Jadad criterion. Seven articles were also in the non- drug treatment group (sample size 491) and 2 articles in the drug treatment group (sample size 337) and 8 articles in the herbal treatment group (sample size 973).The results show that menthol and warm water compress as well as teaching the correct breastfeeding methods are effective treatments to prevent and treat the nipple pain and fissures. Moreover, applying the herbal medicine for prevention and treatment of the issues raised from breastfeeding may have beneficial such as Aloe vera, Portulaca olearacea. However, more studies with a great methodology are necessary to obtain more accurate evidence.

Objective: The present study was performed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of red cabbage and its fractions on sleeping behavior in mice. Materials and Methods: The extract and its fractions were injected to mice and sleep duration as well as sleep latency were recorded. Furthermore, toxicity of the extract was determined both in vivo and in vitro. Results: The extract increased sleep duration at doses of 50–200mg/kg (P < 0.001). This observed hypnotic effect was comparable to that of diazepam (3mg/kg) (P < 0.001 in comparison with control group). Ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions could increase sleep duration (P < 0.001). The sleep latency was decreased by the extract (P < 0.001) and only ethyl acetate fraction (P < 0.001). LD50 value for red cabbage extract was 2.4g/kg. There was no toxic effect on viability of cultured neuronal cells (PC12). Rotarod test results showed that there were no significant differences between the extract groups and the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that red cabbage potentiates pentobarbital hypnosis without any toxic effect. The main component(s) responsible for this effect is most likely to be intermediate polar agent(s) such as flavonoids, which are found in ethyl acetate fraction of this plant.

Introduction: Thirst is one of the main complaints during Islamic fasting. As bread is the staple food among most Muslims, evaluating its impact on thirst is important. In this study, we investigated the effect of licorice-enriched barley bread compared to barley bread and white wheat bread. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on three consecutive days during Itikaf ceremony. Data were garnered by using a checklist including items on demographic data, weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements were repeated at the end of the study. The participants were divided into three groups receiving functional barley bread enriched with licorice, barley bread, and white wheat bread. The thirst sensation was assessed by Fan visual analogue scale. Also, 24-hour dietary recall was obtained on all the three days. Results: Overall, 273 people participated in this study. Thirst sensation in the functional barley bread was lower than that in the wheat bread and barley bread groups, but there were no significant differences between wheat and barley bread groups in this regard. During the fasting period, the greatest increase in thirst was observed during the first five hours of fasting in all the three groups, which was significantly lower in the functional barley bread group than the wheat and barley bread groups; however, there was no significant difference between wheat and barley bread groups in this respect. Finally, similar results were attained following fluid intake adjustment.Conclusion: This study showed that licorice enrichment of barley bread might alleviate thirst sensation among fasting individuals.

Introduction: Decreased sexual satisfaction and lack of orgasm in sexual relations are of the most common problems in postmenopausal women that affect their quality of life. In traditional medicine books, pate palm pollen is introduced as sexual enhancer plant and in recent researches, it has improved sexual behavior in animals, but no study which examines date palm pollen on sexual function in humans has not been conducted; therefore this study was performed with aim to evaluate the effect of date palm pollen capsules on sexual satisfaction and orgasm in menopausal women. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial with placebo group was performed on 60 ‌menopausal women with natural menopause and without any sexual function disorder who referred to health centers of Mashhad in 2016. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: receiving date palm pollen and placebo for 35 days. The research tool was female sexual function Index (FSFI) that a part of which assessed sexual satisfaction and orgasm. The sexual function of women was evaluated before and after treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and Fisher-Exact, Mann-Whitney, Paired-t, and independent-t tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean change in orgasm score of ‌menopausal women after the intervention was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (P= 0.004). The mean change in sexual satisfaction score after the intervention was not significant in the intervention and control group (P=0.122). Conclusion: The use of date palm pollen improves orgasm in menopausal women, but has no effect on their sexual satisfaction.

In this study we aimed to examine the relaxant effect of berberine, a compound extracted from a variety of herbs, on rat tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) and its possible mechanism(s). Cumulative concentrations of berberine (20, 65, 200 and 600 μg/mL) were added on pre-contracted TSM by methacholine or KCl in non-incubated or incubated tissues with atropine, chlorpheniramine, propranolol, diltiazem, glibenclamide, indomethacin, L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and papaverine. The relaxant effects of theophylline (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mM) as positive control and saline (1 mL) as negative control were also examined in non-incubated tissues. Berberine showed significant and concentration-dependent relaxant effects in non-incubated tissues contracted by KCl and methacholine (p

Background: Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a side effect, and has negative effect on quality of life and continuation of chemotherapy. Despite new regimen and drugs, the problems still remain and standard guidelines, effective treatment and supportive care for refractory CINV are still not yet established. Persian medicine, the old Iranian medical school, offer Persumac (prepared from Rhus Coriaria and Bunium Persicum Boiss). Objective: The specific objectives were to assess the effect of Persumac on the number and severity of nausea and vomiting in refractory CINV in acute and delayed phase. Methods: This randomized, double blind, crossover clinical trial study was carried out on 93 patients with breast cancer and refractory CINV, who received outpatient high emetogenic chemotherapy in Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran from October 2015 to May 2016. The study has three stages: in stage I patients received a questionaire and completed it after chemotherapy. In stage II they were randomly divided into intervention group with Persumac and control group with placebo (lactose were used). In stage III, wash out and crossover was conducted. Both groups in all stages received standard antiemetic therapy for CINV. The following were set as the inclusion criteria of the study: female, Age ≥18 years, clinical diagnosis of breast cancer, history of refractory CINV, normal blood tests and at least three courses of chemotherapy remaining. Exclusion criteria of this study were: Total or upper abdominal radiation therapy along with chemotherapy, drugs/therapy for nausea and vomiting not prescribed in this study, hypersensitivity to Sumac or Bunium Persicum, use of sumac and Bunium Persicum in seven days prior to the intervention, clinical diagnosis of digestion disorders, non-chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, milk allergy, loss of two consecutive or three intermittent doses of Persumac or placebo. Outcomes were gathered by Persian questionnaire. Number and severity of nausea and vomiting was measured with a self-reporting tool; visual analog scale. Results: Demographic data and other characters in both groups have no significant diffrence. Eighty of 93 eligible patients in stage I completed the study and in stage II, eleven declined participation for stage III (crossover). P value of carry over, period and treatment effects demonstrated that they had not affected the results before and after crossover. The mean severity of nausea in acute phase was in stage I: 4.83 ± 1.40, stage II: 4.54 ± 2.0 and stage III: 4.15 ± 0.92 in sequence AB (first Persumac and then placebo in crossover), and in sequence BA (first placebo and then Persumac in crossover) was respectively 4.83 ± 1.40, 4.54 ± 2.0, 4.15 ± 0.92 with p value of carry over effect: 0.03 and period effect: 0.22. Except for severity of nausea in acute phase, the mean number http://www.ephysician.ir Page 3536 and severity of nausea and vomiting scores significantly decreased in acute and delayed phase of CINV. Conclusion: Persumac may control the refractory CINV. The implicable and clinical importance of this research is that another option exists for refractory CINV. Higher doses, different cancers, patients with more various features, and more complete methodology and tools can provide appropriate designs for new research on this topic. Trial registration: This trial was registered at the Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02787707. Funding: This study is part of a Ph.D. thesis and under grant; No: 930735 of Research Chancellery of MUMS

Objective: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug but its clinical application is limited because it induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes and leads to permanent degenerative cardiomyopathy and heart failure possibly due to oxidative stress. Recent studies showed that Capparis spinosa (C. spinose)exhibits potent antioxidant activity. So, in this study, we explored the protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of C. spinosa against DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Materials and Methods: Cell viability was quantified by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells were determined using flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak) evaluation of DNA fragmentation following PI staining. Cells were cultured with 5 μM DOX for 24 hr to induce cell damage. H9c2 cells were pretreated with different concentrations (6-200 μg/ml) of C. spinosa extract for 4 hr before DOX treatment in all trials. Results: Pretreatment with 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml of C. spinosa could increase the viability of H9C2 cells to 72.63 ± 2.8% (p< 0.05), 77.37 ± 1.8% (p< 0.05), 83.56 ± 2.6% (p< 0.001) and 90.9 ± 0.5% (p< 0.001) of control, respectively. Also, C. spinosa decreased apoptotic induction significantly, at the doses of 50 µg/ml (p

Objective: The possible toxicity of drugs in pregnancy should be tested before their use in pregnant patients. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the safety of phytovagex, a pessary formulation of Nigella sativa (N. sativa), which is already in clinical use for vaginal fungal infection. Materials and Methods: The pregnant rats were treated intravaginal with physiological saline (vehicle) or phytovagex pessary in the first half of their pregnancy (days 1 to 10 of gestation). Duration of pregnancy and health parameters of the newborns were recorded after parturition. Also, cytotoxicity of N. sativa hydroalcoholic extract was tested against ovary Cho cells. Results: The phytovagex had no significant effect on the duration of pregnancy, number of newborns, weight of neonates, and percent of stillbirth. No deformity or general behavioral abnormality was observed in neonates monitored for 30 days after birth. N. sativa extract had no significant effect on the viability of ovary cells at the concentrations of 12.5-200 µg/mL. Conclusion: Results of this animal study showed that phytovagex has no overall effect on the duration of pregnancy and health parameters of the newborns. Also, its active agent, N. sativa, does not induce any cytotoxic effect on ovary cells.

Background and Aim: The occurrence of fungal species resistant to antifungal drugs and also their numerous side-effects have persuaded researchers to work on new therapeutic methods. The aim of the present study was to assess anticandidal activities of aqueous and methanol. extracts of walnut fruit, peel, and leaves on different Candida species. Materials and Methods: In the current study, antifungal effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of fruit peel and leaves of walnut (Juglans regia) against four Candida species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei) were examined using broth microdilution method. The tested fungal species were associated with different concentrations of the plant extracts , and then, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of these extracts were obtained for tested Candida species. Results: Both aqueous and methanol extracts of fruit peel .and leaves of walnut showed antifungal effects against candida species. The MICS of fluconazole, clotimazole, nystatin and aqueous and methanol extracts of fruit peel and leaves of walnut for different Candida species were 6.25-50, 3.125-25, 12.5-50 and 3.125- 25 mg/ml, respectively. MFCs of methanol extracts of fruit peel and leaves of walnut were 6.25-25 mg/ml. The aqueous extracts of fruit peel and leaves of walnut were without fungicidal effects only through inhibiting fungal growth. Conclusion: It was found that methanol extracts of walnut leaves and peels contain compounds with thrapeutic potential against candida species and it looks promising that some effective antifungal agents with minimal side effects from walnut leaves and pills extract can be obtained in the future.

Objectives: weight loss as a consecution of losing appetite in post-operative patients and those suffering from HIV, cancer, cachexia and inflammatory diseases are the main inducements of morbidity and mortality. There is an increasing demand for more efficacious and endurable appetite stimulating treatment for patients with cachexia. Health economics is influenced by the malnutrition which was accounted for 5% of Iranian populations in 2011. Artemisia absinthium is known as an orexigenic herb in Iranian traditional medicine. Little evidence is available about its orexigenic effect and mechanism. So, the present study evaluated the possible effect on appetite of hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia absinthium. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Vehicle group received 0.5 ml water per day, control group did not receive anything and other 3 groups received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of Artemisia absinthium for 7 days respectively. The daily amount of the food eaten by each rat was measured for 10 consecutive days. The amount of energy intake for each rat was also calculated for 7 days during the intervention. The difference in energy intake was calculated and compared between groups. Results: The results suggest that there was no significant (p>0.05) differences in energy received before and during intervention between three case groups compared with the control group. The energy intake in 1-2 hours after extract injection in all groups, and energy intake after 24 hours interval in third case group (receiving 150 mg/kg extract) is higher compared to other intervals, but it is not significant (p>0.05). So, it can be stated that there was no significant differences between energy intake of 3 case groups and control group. Conclusion: Artemisia absinthium had no positive and dose-related effects on appetite of rats. Future studies are needed to evaluate the orexigenic effect of this plant.

Objective: The use of drugs with herbal origin is increasing for treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Rosa damascena (R. damascena) is a well-known plant suggested to have beneficial effect on GI system. In this study, the effect of aqueous fraction of R. damascena on the contractionsofisolated guinea pig ileum was investigated. Materials and Methods: Aqueous fraction of plant was obtained from ethanolic extract after ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were discarded. To evaluate effect of this fraction on ileum contraction, guinea pig ileum was removed and mounted on organ bath and its contraction was recorded. Effect of various concentrations (0.66, 0.83, and 1.3 mg/ml) of aqueous fraction on ileum contraction in comparison with Ach in presence and absense of atropine, a muscarinic antagonist of cholinergic, was evaluated. The response of ileum to 1 µg/ml of acetylcholine was considered as 100% response. Results:Our results showed that aqueous fractions of R. damascena dose-dependently increased basal guinea pigs ileum contractions (pConclusion: It is concluded that aqueous fraction of R. damascena has mild excitatory effect on ileum contraction and this fraction may be beneficial as a mild laxative agent.

Objective: Losing weight in consequence of appetite loss can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Currently, the most widely prescribed medication for anorexia is cyproheptadine hydrochloride. However, the clinical use of cyproheptadine hydrochloride is limited by its side effects. In Iranian traditional medicine, Coriandrum sativum stimulates the appetite. Therefore, the effect of Coriandrum sativum (coriander) hydroalcoholic extract was investigated on food intake in rats. Material and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Two control groups were used, one group received 0.5 ml water per day (vehicle group), and another group did not receive anything (control group). The other 3 groups were daily treated by 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of coriander for 7 days, respectively. The daily amount of the food eaten by each rat was measured for 10 days. The amount of energy intake of each rat was also calculated for 7 days during the intervention. The difference in energy intake was calculated and compared between groups. Result: There was no significant change in energy intake between control and vehicle groups. The change in energy intake after treatment by 100 and 150 mg/kg of the extract was significantly higher than other groups (p=0.030 and p=0.007) Conclusion: This study indicated that coriander had positive effects on appetite of rats. Future studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms of the effects of this plant on appetite.

Background: Neuroimmune factors have been proposed as contributors to the pathogenesis of depression. Beside other therapeutic effects including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and analgesic effects, Nigella sativa and its main ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ), have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effects of Nigella sativa hydro-alcoholic extract and thymoquinone was investigated on lipopolysaccharide- induced depression like behavior in rats. Materials and Methods: 50 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Group 1 (control group) received saline instead of NS extract, thymoquinone or lipopolysaccharide. The animals in group 2 (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) were treated by saline instead of NS extract and were injected LPS (100μg/kg, ip) 2 hours before conducting each forced swimming test. Groups 3 (LPS + NS 200) and 4 (LPS + NS 400) were treated by 200 and 400 mg/kg of NS (ip), respectively, from the day before starting the experiments and before each forced swimming test. These animals were also injected LPS 2hours before conducting each swimming test. The animals in group 5 received TQ instead of NS extract. Forced swimming test was performed 3 times for all groups (in alternative days), and immobility time was recorded. Finally, the animals were placed in an open- field apparatus, and the crossing number on peripheral and central areas was observed. Results: The immobility time in the LPS group was higher than that in the control group in all 3 times (P

Objective: This study was planned to investigate whetherCoriandrum sativum (C. sativum) is capable of protecting neurons against glucose/serum deprivation (GSD)-induced cytotoxicity. Material and Methods: The PC12 cells were cultivated for 24 h in standard media (high-glucose DMEM containing Fetal Bovine Serum) or for 6 h in GSD condition (glucose-free DMEM, without serum) in the absence or presence of various concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml) of hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE), water fraction (WF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) or N-butanol fraction (NBF) of this plant. At the end of the treatments, the cell viability was determined using MTT assay. Results: With the exception of 1.6 mg/ml of EAF or NBF which decreased cell survival, the HAE and its fractions exhibited no cytotoxicity under standard condition. Exposure of the cells to GSD condition showed 52% decrease in the viability. In this condition, the HAE, EAF and NBF not only failed to increase cell viability but also increased the toxicity. On the other hand, WF at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml significantly attenuated the GSD-induced decrease in cell survival. Conclusion: The present study revealed that C. sativum bearing water-soluble compound(s) could induce neuroprotective activity. Also, we showed that some constituents from this plant may serve as cytotoxic agents under stressful conditions like hypoglycemia and serum limitation.

Objective: Rosa damascena mill L (R. damascena) is a medicinal plant mostly known in the world for its perfume. It also has beneficial effects on stress, tension and depression. In this experiment antidepressant effect of ethanolic extract of R. damascena by forced swimming test (FST) was evaluated. Material and Methods: Animals received ethanolic extract (15, 60 and 90 mg/kg, i.p), imipramine (15mg/kg, i.p; positive control), or saline (negative control). Thirty min post- injection, immobility and swimming times were measured and compared in the different studied groups. Results: Intraperitoneal injection of lower concentration of extract (15 mg/kg) did not change swimming and immobility times compared to the control group. The higher concentrations of extract (60 and 90 mg/kg) significantly increased immobility time and decreased swimming time. Therefore ethanolic extract at tested doses had no antidepressant effect in this study. Conclusion: Although ethanolic extract did not have antidepressant effect, we cannot rule out this effect altogether. In our opinion, antidepressant effect is masked by CNS depression effect of ethanolic extract of R. damascena.

Objective: Punica granatum, commonly known as pomegranate, has emerged as a medicinal plant with potential antimicrobial activity. The present study was planned to evaluate this activity against both Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria as well as against pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans (C. albicans). Material and Methods: The aqueous and methanolic extracts of pomegranate fruit skin were prepared using a Soxhalet apparatus. Antimicrobial effect of the extracts was studied and compared with commercial antibiotics using three different methods; agar dilution, cylinder plate, and disk inhibition zone techniques. Results: Both extracts showed good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Also the methanolic extract presented strong antifungal effect on C. albicans. The antimicrobial activities against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans were comparable with those of cloxacillin, gentamycin and clotrimazole, respectively. The methanolic extract was found to be more effective than aqueous one against all the tested microorganisms. Conclusion: The extracts from pomegranate fruit skin possess strong antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. Therefore this plant could be an important source of new antimicrobial compounds to treat bacterial and fungal infections.

Objective: Rosa damascena mill L (R. damascena) is an ornamental plant that has several therapeutic (such as sedative and hypnotic) effects. It also heals depression, grief, nervous stress and tension. In the present study we evaluated antidepressant-like effect of R. damascena using forced swimming test (FST). Material and Methods: Three doses of aqueous extract (15, 60 and 90 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. After 30 min of injection, immobility and swimming times were measured and compared with control (negative control) and imipramine (positive control). Results: The results showed that low dose (15mg/kg) of extract significantly increased swimming time and decreased immobility time. However, the two high doses of extract (60 and 90mg/kg) had no significant effect on these parameters. Conclusion: These results proposed antidepressant-like effect of low concentration of aqueous extract of R. damascena.

Objective: Results obtained from literature reviews and human studies have shown the analgesic effects of clove plant in toothache. The present work was undertaken in order to investigate the possible analgesic effect of clove oil in mice. Materials and Methods: Fifty mice were divided into 5 groups: 1) Saline; 2) Essential oil (Ess) 2%, 3) Ess 5%, 4) Ess10% and 5) Ess 20%. The hot plate test (55±0.2 °C; Cut-off 60 sec) was performed as a base record 15 min before injection of drugs (Saline or 2, 5, 10 and 20% concentrations of Essential oil) and consequently repeated every 15 minutes after injection. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA test showed that maximal percent effect (MPE) in animal groups treated by 5, 10 and 20% essential oil was significantly higher than saline group. Comparison between 4 treated groups showed that MPE in 10% essential group was higher than 2 and 5% groups however; there was no significant difference between 10% and 20% groups. Conclusion: The result of present study showed that clove essential oil has analgesic effect inmice using hot plate test. More investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism (s).

Objective: Nigella Sativa (N. Sativa) seeds were used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases. The seed extracts and oil of this plant have shown various pharmacological properties including antimicrobial actions. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial effects of methanol extract of the seeds against pathogenic bacteria causing mastitis in cows have been investigated. Materials and methods: in in vivo experiments, 10 cows with mastitis were treated by local injection of different concentrations of methanol extract of the seeds into the infected breasts. In in vitro experiments, the microorganisms were collected from the same infected breasts and used for the assessment of the antimicrobial effects of the extract by means of agar dilution and disk diffusion methods. Results and conclusion: The extract showed significant in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects on causative organisms compared to standard drugs and also induced healing of the disease. This is the first veterinary experiment, to our knowledge, that investigated the antibacterial effects of Nigella sativa.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are classified as two lung complications arising from various conditions such as sepsis, trauma, and lung inflammation. Previous studies have shown that the extract of the leaves of Portulaca oleracea (PO) possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. In the present study, the effects of PO (50–200 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (Dexa; 1.5 mg/kg) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI were investigated. Subsequentially, the lung wet/dry ratio; white blood cells (WBC); levels of nitric oxide (NO); myeloperoxidase (MPO); malondialdehyde (MDA); thiol groups formation; super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities; and levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated in order to demonstrate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of PO. Our results show that PO suppresses lung inflammation by the reduction of IL-β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2, and TGF-β, as well as by the increase of IL-10 levels. We also found that PO improves the level of WBC, MPO, and MDA, as well as thiol group formation and SOD and CAT activities, compared with the LPS group. The results of our investigation also show that PO significantly decreased the lung wet/dry ratio as an index of interstitial edema. Taken together, our findings reveal that PO extract dose-dependently displays anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced rat ALI, paving the way for rational use of PO as a protective agent against lung-related inflammatory disease.