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Background: Various plant species have been shown to be effective in the prevention or adjuvant therapy of cancer. Alpinia officinarum and its main phytochemicals have also been the subject of several studies for their anticancer properties. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the extracts of A. officinarum to quantify flavonoids and to evaluate the growth inhibitory effects of the extracts on MCF-7 and LNCaP cells. Methods: A. officinarum aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the quantification of three flavonoid compounds. Then, MCF-7, LNCaP, and fibroblast cells were treated with several concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) of extracts (24, 48 and 72h). Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate apoptosis. Results: Galangin and kaempferol (3.85 and 1.57 mg/g dry extract) were quantified, respectively, in hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts using a validated method. The hydroalcoholic extract significantly decreased the viability of MCF-7 (IC50: 43.45μg/mL for 48 h) and LNCaP cells (IC50: 168 μg/mL for 48 h). The aqueous extract reduced cancer cell viability by more than 50% only at 200 and 400 μg/mL (72 h). Treatment of primary fibroblasts with both extracts showed no significant decrease in cell viability (25-100 μg/mL; 24 and 48h). The hydroalcoholic extract induced a significant increase in apoptotic cells in both MCF-7 and LNCaP cells. Conclusion: Obtained results demonstrated the cytotoxicity of A. officinarum through apoptosis induction in two cancer cell lines. Further investigations are required to determine the underlying apoptotic cell death mechanisms induced by A. officinarum in cancerous cells.

Objectives: Corticosteroids as the main treatment of hand eczema can cause major side effects. This study compared the effect of topical preparation of Sambucus ebulus L. leaves and hydrocortisone ...

Objectives: Developing a new medicine is a costly and time-consuming process. This study presents a novel method to collate a new materia medica from previously documented traditional Persian medicine (TPM) references. A well-documented materia medica will facilitate a quick and easy process to find traditional medicine for specific symptoms or diseases. Materials and methods: A nine-step algorithm is proposed to collate a new materia medica by searching and matching descriptions and references stated in various traditional Persian literature: (1) finding the equivalent of traditional description of symptoms or diseases; (2) determining the keywords to search in the references of TPM, including The Canon of Medicine (Book by Avicenna); (3) determining the best references of TPM for the aim of the study; (4) weighing up the references (a) based on the prominence of the author's prominence (b) determining whether the references are the author's own clinical findings or has citation from other scholars been used, (c) the popularity of the book that the references feature in, among other later scholars of TPM, the geographical and historical span across which the book has been distributed; (5) searching the references using keywords of symptoms or diseases; (6) finding the synonyms of terminologies in the various materia medicas and categorizing the findings; (7) revision (of references found) to ensure that nothing is neglected; (8) scoring the findings based on the defined criteria; (9) prioritization: sorting the materia medica based on the total scores. Some important economic, cultural or historical factors cannot be included in the main process of prioritization during the initial searching of the TPM materia medica. Therefore, it is necessary to take these factors into account after discovering the medicine and before using in practice to ascertain that they are a good match of a specific treatment, disease or symptom. Conclusion: A process to compile a new materia medica has been proposed which will enable the quick and easy selection of herbal treatments for various signs and symptoms of illnesses.

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that exists between the brain and gut. Several studies claimed that some types of headaches are associated with various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In Persian medicine (PM), physicians believed that gastric disturbances could stimulate headache and introduced some herbs for boosting gastric function as a therapeutic remedy for headache. Here we review the current evidence for the gastroprotective and antiheadache effects of herbs used in PM. Herbs used for their gastrotonic effects in PM were identified from selected Persian medical and pharmaceutical textbooks. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were used to search for contemporary scientific evidence relating to the gastric and neurologic effects of these plants. A total of 24 plants were recorded from the selected sources included in this review, most of which belonged to the Rosaceae family. Phyllanthus emblica, Zingiber officinale, Boswellias errata, Punica granatum and Hypericum perforatum had the most recent studies related to GI disorder and headache, while current research about quince, rose, apple, hawthorn and pear was limited. Reducing Helicobacter pylori growth, gastritis, erosion of the stomach lining, hemorrhage and perforation, improving gastric mucosal resistance, antisecretary, antiulcer, antipyretic, analgesic, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and antioxidant effects as well as improvement in memory scores were some of the gastrotonic and neuroprotective mechanisms described in the current research. These results confirmed that medicinal plants prescribed in PM may improve headache in patients through the management of GI abnormalities. However, further studies are recommended to investigate the efficacy and safety of the mentioned medicinal plants.

Background Therapeutic resistance to radiation and chemotherapy is one of the major obstacles in cancer treatment. Although synthetic radiosensitizers are pragmatic solution to enhance tumor sensitivity, they pose concerns of toxicity and non-specificity. In the last decades, scientists scrutinized novel plant-derived radiosensitizers and chemosensitizers, such as flavones, owing to their substantial physiological effects like low toxicity and non-mutagenic properties on the human cells. The combination therapy with apigenin is potential candidate in cancer therapeutics. This review explicates the combinatorial strategies involving apigenin to overcome drug resistance and boost the anti-cancer properties. Methods We selected full-text English papers on international databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect from 1972 up to 2020. The keywords included in the search were: Apigenin, Chemoprotective, Chemosensitizing, Side Effects, and Molecular Mechanisms. Results In this review, we focused on combination therapy, particularly with apigenin augmenting the anti-cancer effects of chemo drugs on tumor cells, reduce their side effects, subdue drug resistance, and protect healthy cells. The reviewed research data implies that these co-therapies exhibited a synergistic effect on various cancer cells, where apigenin sensitized the chemo drug through different pathways including a significant reduction in overexpressed genes, AKT phosphorylation, NFκB, inhibition of Nrf2, overexpression of caspases, up-regulation of p53 and MAPK, compared to the monotherapies. Meanwhile, contrary to the chemo drugs alone, combined treatments significantly induced apoptosis in the treated cells. Conclusion Briefly, our analysis proposed that the combination therapies with apigenin could suppress the unwanted toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. It is believed that these expedient results may pave the path for the development of drugs with a high therapeutic index. Nevertheless, human clinical trials are a prerequisite to consider the potential use of apigenin in the prevention and treatment of various cancers. Conclusively, the clinical trials to comprehend the role of apigenin as a chemoprotective agent are still in infancy. Graphical Abstract

Radiodermatitis (RD) is experienced by many cancer patients ‎receiving radiotherapy. An increasing number of these patients demand alternative natural therapies. This study aimed to review the natural products application in cancer patients who experience RD.‎ A search of studies published from 1990 to ‎‎2020 in the ‎databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed with the keywords relevant to “Radiotherapy” “Dermatitis” and “Natural Products”. Out of 73 papers obtained, 40 papers were excluded which described only protocols or were non-clinical, non-English language, or without full text. The obtained studies were ‎discussed in detail according to the outcomes and potential mechanisms of action for each natural ‎product.‎ Clinically studied natural products were found to show several outcomes from non-effective to effective in diminishing various items of RD. Outcomes on the effectiveness of Aloe vera were diverse. Some trials suggest that Silybum marianum, Boswellia, Nigella sativa, olive oil, Lianbai, and Hypericum perforatum as well as some multi-ingredient products might be effective prophylactic treatments for RD. Potential mechanisms of these natural products included topical hydrating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound ‎healing activities. Results from this review shows that there are some promising natural product options for the prevention and treatment of RD via their multifactorial bioactivities. However, additional research is needed before any definitive conclusions. A larger sample size, optimum doses and duration of intervention as well as investigation of treatment effects in diverse populations and comorbid complications would also be essential in future studies.

Cisplatin is widely used as one of the most effective anticancer agents in the treatment of some neoplasms. Reproductive toxicity is the most common outcome associated with cisplatin testicular damage. Alternative natural medicines for treating male testicular disorders and infertility have received extensive attention in research. Natural products, medicinal herbs, and their secondary metabolites have been shown as promising agents in the management of testicular damage induced by chemotherapy drugs. This study aimed to review the research related to natural substances that are promising in mitigation of the cisplatin-induced toxicity in the reproductive system. PubMed and Scopus were searched for studies on various natural products for their potential protective property against reproductive toxicity induced by cisplatin from 2000 to 2020. Eligibility was checked based on selection criteria. Fifty-nine articles were included in this review. Mainly in animal studies, several natural agents have positively affected cisplatin-reproductive-toxicity factors, including reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, DNA damage, and activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Most of the natural agents were investigated in short-term duration and high doses of cisplatin exposure, considering their antioxidant activity against oxidative stress. Considering antioxidant properties, various natural products might be effective for the management of cisplatin reproductive toxicity. However, long-term recovery of spermatogenesis and management of low-dose-cisplatin toxicity should be considered as well as the bioavailability of these agents before and after treatment with cisplatin without affecting its anticancer activity.

Cassia fistula is widely used in traditional Persian Medicine as a mild laxative. The rate of chronic constipation increases above the age of 60.This study aimed to investigate the effect of Cassia fistula syrup (CFS) on geriatric constipation.This clinical trial study was performed on 70 aged patients who were referred to the clinic of gastroenterology of Rouhani Hospital, Babol, North of Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of CFS or Lactulose with a dose of 30 ccs/day. Patients were visited two weeks after entering the study to evaluate the frequency of defecation, feeling of incomplete emptying after defecation, manual maneuver, consistency of stool, and also the quality of life.The frequency of defecation per week varied from 1.82 ± 1.16 to 8.36 ± 3.44 in the CFS group after 2 weeks of intervention that was significantly more than the Lactulose that changed from 2.16 ± 1.46 to 5.66 ± 2.96 (P-value = 0.023, partial eta square = 0.079, NNT = 4). The quality of life, the percent of straining, lumpy or hard stool, pain during defecation, and the consistency of stool based on VAS were significantly better in the CFS group. The sensation of incomplete defecation, anorectal obstruction, and manual maneuvering were not different significantly between groups.CFS can be more effective than Lactulose on geriatric constipation.

Neuroprotective agents are able to defend the central nervous system against acute or chronic neuronal injuries. Even with the progress made over the last decades, most of the medications prescribed for the management of neurodegenerative diseases can only reduce their symptoms and slow down their progression. Based on natural product research, there are potential effective medicinal plants and phytochemicals for modulating neuronal functions and protecting against neurodegeneration. Plants in the genus Pistacia are also among valuable natural resources for neuroprotection research based on experiences in traditional medicine. Studies have supported the value of bioactive compounds of the genus Pistacia for central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimerʼs, Parkinsonʼs, multiple sclerosis, cerebral ischemia, depression, and anxiety. Related literature has also revealed that most of the evidence on neuroprotection in the genus Pistacia is in the form of preliminary studies, mainly including models of behavior, motor function, and memory impairments in animals, neural toxicity, cerebral ischemia and seizure models, evaluation of their effects on antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers, amyloid β aggregation, and acetylcholinesterase as well as investigations into some cellular pathways. Along with the phytonutrients in kernels such as pistachios, various phytochemicals, mostly terpenes, and phenolic compounds have also been identified in different plant parts, in particular their oleoresins, of species in the genus Pistacia. In this review, the pharmacology of neurological effects and related molecular mechanisms of the plants belonging to the genus Pistacia and its active constituents, as well as pharmacokinetics aspects, are discussed.

WOS: 000461767700008, PubMed: 31037148, Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) are the leading causes of death worldwide, underscoring the urgent necessity to develop new pharmacotherapies. Berberine (BBR) is an eminent component of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years. Recently, BBR has attracted much interest for its pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing CVMD. Recent discoveries of basic, translational and clinical studies have identified many novel molecular targets of BBR (such as AMPK, SIRT1, LDLR, PCSK9, and PTP1B) and provided novel evidences supporting the promising therapeutic potential of BBR to combat CVMD. Thus, this review provides a timely overview of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic application of BBR in CVMD, and underlines recent pharmacological advances which validate BBR as a promising lead drug against CVMD., National Nature Science Foundation of ChinaNational Natural Science Foundation of China [81603339, 81602344]; Natural Science Foundation of Anhui ProvinceNatural Science Foundation of Anhui Province [1708085QH175]; American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association [18CDA34110359]; Slovenian Research Agency ARRSSlovenian Research Agency - Slovenia [J3-8209]; Institute of Health Carlos IIIInstituto de Salud Carlos III [CIBEROBN CB12/03/30038], The work was supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China (81603339, 81602344) and Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (1708085QH175). S. X. is a recipient of Career Development Award from American Heart Association (18CDA34110359). L. Z. was supported by Slovenian Research Agency ARRS (J3-8209). A. S. was supported by the Institute of Health Carlos III (Project CIBEROBN CB12/03/30038).

Oral (Lethal Dose, 50%) LD50 was determined in mice. In addition, a control group, pregnant rats in other 5 experimental groups (n=12) received orallyAnthraquinone‎ content of the aqueous extract was 0.34% w/w. Oral LD50 was obtained more than 5000mg/kg. No abortions and newborn anomalies were observed in groups. The height and weight of the offspring were significantly reduced by the administration of 500, and 2000 mg/kg of extract compared to control. There was no significant change in maternal blood urea and creatinine. Higher concentration (2000mg/kg) led to ALT elevation. ALS levels decreased dose-dependency in treatment groups comparing to control. Histopathological findings showed significant lung vascular congestion, and hypertrophy of heart in group tween80, and significant hepatic parenchymal inflammation in tween80 and 2000mg/kg and 1000mg/kg groups. In all tissues of all groups, malpighian body area and bowman's capsule space significantly increased compared to the control group.It seems

Various plant species have been shown to be effective in the prevention or adjuvant therapy of cancer. Alpinia officinarum and its main phytochemicals have also been the subject of several studies for their anticancer properties.The objective of this study is to analyze the extracts of A. officinarum to quantify flavonoids and to evaluate the growth inhibitory effects of the extracts on MCF-7 and LNCaP cells.A. officinarum aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the quantification of three flavonoid compounds. Then, MCF-7, LNCaP, and fibroblast cells were treated with several concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) of extracts (24, 48 and 72h). Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate apoptosis.Galangin and kaempferol (3.85 and 1.57 mg/g dry extract) were quantified, respectively, in hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts using a validated method. The hydroalcoholic extract significantly decreased the viability of MCF-7 (IC50: 43.45μg/mL for 48h) and LNCaP cells (IC50: 168 μg/mL for 48h). The aqueous extract reduced cancer cell viability by more than 50% only at 200 and 400 μg/mL (72 h). Treatment of primary fibroblasts with both extracts showed no significant decrease in cell viability (25-100 μg/mL; 24 and 48h). The hydroalcoholic extract induced a significant increase in apoptotic cells in both MCF-7 and LNCaP cells.Obtained results demonstrated the cytotoxicity of A. officinarum through apoptosis induction in two cancer cell lines. Further investigations are required to determine the underlying apoptotic cell death mechanisms induced by A. officinarum in cancerous cells.

Organic acids are the organic compounds with the acidic properties, classified based on the number of carboxylic functions. In general, organic acids are weak acids. However, organic acids with phenol, enol, alcohol, and thiol groups are weaker than carboxylic acids. Organic acids vary in the number of hydroxy or carboxyl functional groups and carbon-carbon double bonds in their structures. The organic acids are categorized based on four characterizations: (1) the nature of carbon chain (aromatic, aliphatic, alicyclic, and heterocyclic); (2) saturation or unsaturation properties; (3) substituted or nonsubstituted features; and (4) the number of functional groups (mono, di- or tri-carboxylic). In the biological processes, organic acids are involved in numerous important pathways of metabolism and catabolism in animals and plants as the intermediate or final products, and play a main role in the tricarboxylic acid cycle or citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), a vital pathway in eukaryotes and primary source of electrons donating to the mitochondrial respiratory membrane. Although these compounds are found in all organisms, plants have the unique ability to collect organic acids in cellular reactions. Organic acids affect fruits and vegetables' organoleptic properties such as color, flavor, and aroma. The current chapter will briefly introduce the organic acids in structures, physical, and chemical properties and discuss their Ethnopharmacology importance. Furthermore, the extraction techniques such as solid-liquid, ultrasound, microwave, accelerated liquid, supercritical fluid, and enzyme-assisted extraction will be reviewed. The purification techniques such as membrane separation, preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, counter-current chromatography, and thin layer chromatography are compared as well. As far as the identification and quantification techniques one would see gas chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Finally, the levels of organic acids found in foods/plants and the effects of food processing on the phytochemicals are discussed.

Phytonutrients refer to nutrients in plants, or phytochemicals, that have potentially positive health benefits that are useful for maintaining well-being and the normal functions of the body, and increasing life expectancy. They have also been proven to contribute to the prevention or treatment of diseases. Different unexplored plant species can provide further sources of nutrients, as well as bioactive phytochemicals with various health benefits. Bringing these edible plants into local food systems might help to reduce malnutrition, especially in indigenous communities with underprivileged population groups. Many underutilized and unexplored plants provide the potential to variegate the human diet; so introducing these neglected herbs would increase the consumption of nutrient-rich food plants. In addition, application of multidisciplinary research and modern techniques would provide nutritional or anti-nutritional information about these underutilized plant resources, and could stand as a platform for future use of unique botanicals/phytochemicals for the next generation of functional foods, foods with fewer anti-nutrients or toxicological factors, nutraceuticals, and biofortified foods. The collaboration of relevant international/national organizations and associations, with academic groups and industrial organizations, could accelerate the addition of underutilized plant species into consumers’ diets.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a highly prevalent condition with high impact on healthcare costs. Considering the complimentary therapies options like phytotherapy, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. extract in sixteen FD patients. The subjects received capsules of 500 mg N. Jatamansi, 3 times daily before meals for 30 days. The severity of early satiation and postprandial fullness were assessed by self-report of improvement at least 50% of symptoms and other FD symptoms assessed by Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) before intervention and at end of treatment. The mean GSRS score level decreased significantly after intervention among study population. Five patients had chief complaint of early satiety and post prandial fullness who all of them reported 50% improvement. According to the results N. jatamansi seems to be effective in patients with refractory FD. Randomized clinical studies seem to be required.

BACKGROUND The increased use of herbal remedies particularly in patients with kidney diseases indicated the importance of studies, which focused on nephrotoxic plants. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to review and assess the kidney-damaging herbs mentioned in the Persian medicine [PM] books. METHOD The main PM books were searched for nephrotoxic herbs and their relevant reformers traditionally proposed for preventing renal damage. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were investigated for evaluation of the scientific evidence relating to the nephrotoxicity of herbs. RESULTS A total of 64 plants with kidney damage potential and their reformer medicaments were recorded in 7 sources included in this review. Allium schoenoprasum and Marrubium vulgare were the most repeated and emphasized nephrotoxic plants in PM books, but there was no relevant scientific evidence. Despite the lack of clinical studies, some evidence was found for 38% of plants that were related to renal damage. The most repeated reformers for reducing the renal side effects mainly consisted of gum tragacanth, gum Arabic, mastic gum, anise, jujube and honey and some evidence was found for their nephroprotective activities. CONCLUSION The present study reviewed and assessed the herbs with adverse renal effects in the main PM books. Some evidence was in line with the potential nephrotoxicity of plants and their .reformers. Despite the lack of clinical research for evaluation of their renal damage, the herbs may be focused in term of their nephrotoxicity; and there is a need for further studies on the scientific basis of their nephrotoxicity.

An increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder is an almost obvious issue in the world. Researches on natural products for finding effective drugs to prevent the disease are in progress. There is special attention to the three types of nuts including almond, hazelnut and walnut in manuscripts of traditional Persian medicine (PM) as the preventive agents against brainatrophy and memory loss. The purpose of this study is a pharmacological review of their bioactive constituents and introducing the value of these nuts as the effective supplements and natural medicinal foods in AD patients. Databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched in title, abstract and keywords from year 2000 to present for AD-related researches on these tree nuts, their major phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. As result, almond, hazelnut and walnut provide macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals which affect several pathways in AD pathogenesis such as amyloidogenesis, tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress, cholinergic pathways, and some non-target mechanisms including cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as effect on neurogenesis. These nuts are recommended in PM for their brain-protective activity and particularly reversing brain atrophy in case of hazelnut. The therapeutical statements of PM scholars mentioned in their books are based on their clinical observations with support of a long history of experiences. Beyond the molecular activities attributed to the phytochemicals, the use of these tree nuts could be more considered in scientific researches as the effective nutrients for prevention or even management of AD.

NAFLD is a chronic liver disease that affects a high proportion of the world's population which causes metabolic and hepatic damages. Rosa damascena Mill is traditionally used as a dietary supplement for liver disorders. This study was carried out to determine the beneficial effect of standardized extract of R. damascena on animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in Wistar rats. HFD rats showed an increase (p < 0.05) in the plasma lipid levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and reduced the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. R. damascena significantly reduced the elevation of final body weight, liver fat accumulation, TG, TC, LDL-C concentrations and hepatic enzymes (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination of hepatic tissue confirmed the therapeutic effect of R. damascena. Improvement of total antioxidant power activity, total thiol content, MPO enzyme activity, and also lipid peroxidation were also considered in treated animals (p < 0.05). HPLC analysis showed that phenolic compounds including gallic acid, quercetin and syringic acid are the main bioactive compounds of R. damascena hydroalcoholic extract. In conclusion, R. damascena dietary supplementation has a therapeutic effect in NAFLD. Improvement of oxidative stress associated damage in liver tissue is among the main pharmacological mechanisms involved in therapeutic activity of the plant.

To evaluate the efficacy of Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleoresin essential oil on peptic ulcer (PU) and its antibacterial effect on metronidazole-resistant Helicobacter pylori, as well as chemical composition of the essential oil.The essential oil was standardized using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Acute toxicity of the essential oil was assessed in animal model. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was performed through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration method. For gastroprotective assay, rats received Pistacia atlantica Desf. essential oil (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg orally) 1 h before induction of ulcer by ethanol. Macroscopic (ulcer index and protection rate) and microscopic examination were performed.The GC/MS analysis of the essential oil led to the identification of twenty constituents and α-pinene is predominant constituent. The essential oil was safe up to 2000 mg/kg. All Helicobacter pylori strains were susceptible to the essential oil and the MIC ranged from 275 to 1100 μg/mL. The ulcer index for treated groups was significantly reduced compared to control (P0.001) with EC(50) value of 12.32 mg/kg. In microscopic examination, Pistacia atlantica attenuated destruction and necrosis of gastric tissue.Current study exhibited protective effect of standardized Pistacia atlantica essential oil against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and its antibacterial activity on Helicobacter pylori. α-pinene might be the responsible agent.

Male infertility is one of the most important subjects in medical sciences. It can cause private, social, and economic problems. Idiopathic male infertility is a situation where abnormal sperm parameters are created due to no specific cause and without definite standard treatment. Some herbal antioxidants can improve semen quality and assist infertile patients. We here report a case with idiopathic infertility who had been trying to have a child for 4 years, but he failed. A 33-year-old non-smoker, overweight man referral from urologist due to idiopathic infertility to the traditional medicine clinic. He had been trying to have a child for 4 years, and the first three years received antioxidant supplements but he was unsuccessful. Alpinia officinarum (Lesser galangal) rhizome in powder form was prepared and administered to the patient for three months. After the intervention, all the semen parameters were improved. A. officinarum has a high amount of galangin that has antioxidant effects. In this study, we showed that the spouse of an idiopathic infertile male becomes pregnant after receiving A. officinarum rhizome

Introduction Since the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in children is of the utmost importance, the current study is aimed to evaluating the efficacy of quince syrup and ranitidine in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic GERD. Methods and Materials This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on 96 children suspected of suffering from GERD. The patients referred to the gastrointestinal clinic of Ghaem Hospital, Iran, during 2017. The participants were randomly categorized into two groups (ranitidine and ranitidine plus quince syrup). The GERD symptoms, including the severity and frequency of vomiting, refusal of eating, difficulty in swallowing, choking at the time of eating, burping or belching, and abdominal or belly pain, were gathered before and after the intervention (4 weeks) using standardized Global Severity Questionnaire (GSQ-YC). Results The comparison of two groups in terms of vomiting, refusal of eating, burping or belching, and abdominal or belly pain showed a significant difference 4 and 6 weeks after the intervention (P ≤ 0.05). However, the comparison of difficulty in swallowing and choking at the time of eating between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of the intervention (P > 0.05). The comparison of the total scores between the two groups showed that there was a significant difference 2 (17.8 ± 2.6 vs 23.4 ± 4.0; P ≤ 0.05), 4 (11.5 ± 2.3 vs 18.8 ± 3.6; P ≤ 0.05), and 6 (12.2 ± 2.3 vs 21.1 ± 4.1; P ≤ 0.05) weeks after the intervention. Conclusion The results showed that the administration of ranitidine plus quince syrup was useful to improve pediatric GERD. However, it is recommended to conduct the future studies with a larger sample size and different dosage.

Background: Hand Eczema (HE) is a dermatological disorder with frequent relapses and multiple causes such as atopic, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. The management is complex because of the wide range of different pathogenesis. Efficacy of some of available treatments is not well established and it can affect patients’ quality of life significantly.Methods: Reports on HE such as diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy that described in medieval Iranian medicine, were gathered and analyzed from selected medical and pharmaceutical textbooks of Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM). The search of databases such as PubMed, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Science direct, Scopus, Google scholar, Web of science, Sid, Iran medex, Irandoc, was performed to reconfirm the efficacy of ITM remedies in conventional medicine from 1980-Jan-1 to 2015-Dec-30.Results: According to their opinion, HE is highly associated with liver function. This disorder was categorized into two main types as wet and dry ones. Most Iranian textbook explained signs of HE, as excessive skin itching, redness, burning and dryness. Treatments recommended by Iranian scientists were lifestyle modification, dietary intervention and performing the rules of prevention as well as herbal therapy and special manipulations.Conclusion: Iranian practitioners believed that, six essential principles, diet therapy and medicinal plants have high impact on treatment of HE. These remedies based on Iranian scholar’s experiences might be useful for further studies to the management of HE. Keywords: Hand eczema, Herbal medicine, Iranian traditional medicine, Medicinal remedies, Diet therapy, Lifestyle modification

This study evaluated the effects of Pistacia atlantica (P. atlantica), butyrate, Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and especially their combination therapy on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat colitis model. Rats were divided into seven groups. Four groups received oral P. atlantica, butyrate, L. casei and the combination of three agents for 10 consecutive days. The remaining groups were negative and positive controls and a sham group. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations were carried out along with determination of the specific biomarker of colonic oxidative stress, the myeloperoxidase (MPO). Compared with controls, the combination therapy exhibited a significant alleviation of colitis in terms of pathological scores and reduction of MPO activity (55%, p=0.0009). Meanwhile, the macroscopic appearance such as stool consistency, tissue and histopathological scores (edema, necrosis and neutrophil infiltration) were improved. Although single therapy by each P. atlantica, butyrate, and L. casei was partially beneficial in reduction of colon oxidative stress markers, the combination therapy was much more effective. In conclusion, the combination therapy was able to reduce the severity of colitis that is clear from biochemical markers. Future studies have to focus on clinical effects of this combination in management of human ulcerative colitis. Further molecular and signaling pathway studies will help to understand the mechanisms involved in the treatment of colitis and inflammatory diseases.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vulvovaginal infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal cream of Achillea millefolium extract in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis in comparison with vaginal clotrimazole.This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 80 women diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis clinically and by laboratory test; 40 women received vaginal cream clotrimazole 1 % and 40 received vaginal cream containing the aqueous extract of A. millefolium for 7 days. Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract was evaluated with Broth micro-dilution procedure.The Dermatology life quality index score showed significant reduction in both groups after treatment, but it was significantly more reduced in control group (p 0.05). Improvement in vulvar erythema was observed in both groups with no statistically difference (p = 0.1). Vaginal culture was negative in term of Candida in 28(77 %) patients of control group and in 18(53 %) patient of experimental group (p 0.05). The Minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract was 37.5 mg/mL for the standard strain.Study results showed that vaginal cream containing A. millefolium could reduce the complaints of vulvovaginal candidiasis. But, future studies with a larger sample size and different dosages are recommended to assess the outcomes of this new treatment.

Thrombosis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of vessels diseases. Due to the high prevalence of thromboembolic disorders investigations are being carried out on new antithrombotic agents with limited adverse side effects in which herbal medicines are considered as alternative remedies. Persian medicine (PM) as a traditional medicine has a good potential for pharmacotherapy based on its own principles and development of drugs via investigating PM literature. In PM manuscripts there are some concepts that express the management of blood clots and antithrombotic properties. This study reviewed the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants mentioned in PM literature for blood clot management in light of current knowledge. Plants mentioned in PM for management of blood clot belong to 12 families in which Apiaceae, Lamiaceae and Compositae were the most repeated ones. Among the proposed plants Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Boswellia serrata, Sesamum indicum, Matricaria chamomilla and Carthamus tinctorius have been the most researched plants in modern antithrombotic studies while for some plants such as Helichrysum stoechas, Dracocephalum kotschi, Carum carvi, Bunium persicum and Lagoecia cuminoides no evidence could be found. One of the interesting notes in clot management in PM texts was introducing the target organ for some of the recommended herbs like Carum carvi and Bunium persicum for dissolving blood clot in stomach and Commiphora mukul for thrombosed hemorrhoid. It seems review of PM recommendations can help to design future researches for antithrombotic drugs discovering with more effectiveness and safety.