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Background and aims: This study aimed to determine the effects of Astragalus fasciculifolius hydroalcoholic extract on rat ileum contractions: The role of adrenergic, opioid, and nitric oxide (NO) receptors. Methods: A. fasciculifolius extract was prepared using 70% alcohol by maceration extraction. 2 cm pieces from the end of the rat ileum were placed in a tissue bath containing Tyrode’s solution. The tissue bath solution is constantly oxygenated. Potassium chloride (KCl), naloxone, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), propranolol, and different concentrations of calcium chloride were used to stimulate the ileum. Ileum contractions were recorded isotonically under 1 g of initial tension. The results were calculated as the amount of shortening (in millimeters). Results: This study showed that A. fasciculifolius extract caused a significant increase in ileum contraction compared to the control group (P < 0.001). This increase in contraction was amplified in combination with opioid or NO receptor antagonists (P < 0.001). Also, this effect was not significantly different in association with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that A. fasciculifolius extract enhances the contractile function of the ileum in rats. This function is reinforced by opioid receptor antagonists and NO.

Background and aims: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disease whose prevalence is rising worldwide. The treatment-related challenges of this disease have expanded the research on other compounds with suitable therapeutic properties. Carvacrol monoterpene phenolic compound, with a wide range of therapeutic properties, can be an appropriate choice. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of carvacrol on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice, further emphasizing the modulating role of oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 60 mice divided into six groups. Colitis was induced by intrarectal injection of acetic acid. Five groups of mice received carvacrol at doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg and normal saline (1 ml/kg). One group was considered normal (without colitis) and received normal saline (1 ml/kg). The severity of colitis complications was assessed through histopathological examination of colon tissue samples. Furthermore, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and gene expression of inflammatory markers were investigated in the colon samples. Data analysis was done by PRISM version 8 using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: The results showed that the induction of colitis caused significant damage to the intestinal mucosal layers, and the administration of carvacrol reduced the severity of this damage. Interestingly, the TAC of all groups that received carvacrol was higher than that of the group that received normal saline (P < 0.05). The administration of carvacrol decreased the MDA level (P < 0.05). In addition, the gene expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) reduced after carvacrol administration (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Carvacrol exerted a protective effect on the acetic acid-induced colitis in mice, probably via inhibiting the inflammatory cascade and modulating oxidative stress.

Background and aims: Given the prevalence of urolithiasis and the popularity of black radish extract for the treatment of this problem, the present study was designed to investigate its effect in alkalizing urine in stone-forming patients referred to Imam Ali clinic in Shahrekord (Iran). Methods: In this clinical trial, the urine pH was measured along with the 24-hour urine assessment for urine volume and urine citrate, oxalate, calcium, uric acid, and creatinine levels of 20 patients before and after the intervention. Results: The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) in mean urine pH after the administration of Raphanus sativus syrup for 14 days. The mean 24-hour urine volume and citrate level increased significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean uric acid and oxalate levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Mean changes in 24-hour urine creatinine and calcium levels were not statistically significant after intervention (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Raphanus sativus extract treatment can increase urine pH, urine citrate level, and urine volume and decreases uric acid and oxalate levels. Therefore, the plant may be used for the treatment and prevention of uric acid and cystine stones.