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Objective: A plethora of scientific evidence showed that several plant species from the genus Allium (Alliaceae) possess multiple therapeutic effects. Present paper aimed to examine the antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of the essential oil and methanol extract Allium rotundum L. through different in vitro assays., Materials and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging, Fe2+ chelating, reducing power and also hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation assay systems have been utilized to examine antioxidant effects of these samples. Total amounts of phenolic and flavonoid contents were calculated. The antihemolytic effect was investigated against hemolysis induced by hydrogen peroxide in rat erythrocytes. Also, mineral contents of plant were evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy., Results: IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity were 284 ± 11.64 for methanol extract and 1264 ± 45.60 µg ml-1 for essential oil, respectively. The extract has shown better reducing effects versus essential oil. The extract also demonstrated better activity in nitric oxide-scavenging activity. IC50 were 464 ± 19.68 for extract and 1093 ± 38.25 µg ml-1 for essential oil. The extract shows better activity than essential oil in Fe2+ chelating system. IC50 were 100 ± 3.75 for extract and 1223 ± 36.25 µg ml-1 for essential oil. The A. rotundum extract and essential oil showed significant H2O2 scavenging effects at dose-dependent manners. IC50 was 786 ± 29.08 mg ml-1 for essential oil. The amounts of eight elements were determined. The concentrations of elements were in the order: Mn> Fe> Zn> Cu> Ni> Cd., Conclusions: The extract showed a higher antioxidant effect in all tested models including DPPH, nitric oxide, reducing power as well as iron chelating and antihemolytic activities than essential oil. The latter showed more potent antioxidant activity in scavenging H2O2 and lipid peroxidation model. Antioxidant activities of extract may be attributed at least in part, due to its phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Objective: Sambucus (S) spp. is reported to possess a variety of activities and has been used in traditional medicine for many years. In spite of CNS activity of this genus, nothing is known about the anticonvulsant activity of S. nigra., Materials and Methods: Anticonvulsant activities of methanolic extracts of bark, fruit and leaf of S. nigra at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 were determined by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in mice., Results: Normal saline treated mice showed tonic hind limb extension for a duration of 6.58 ± 1.24 s in MES model. Administration of extracts significantly and dose-dependently increased the delay of the onset of seizures and decreased significantly the duration of tonic hind limb extension. Bark extract at 500 and leaf extract at 1000 mg kg-1 gave 100% protection against seizures. They inhibited induction of convulsion and gave 100% protections against mortality. PTZ (100 mg kg-1) induced tonic seizures in all of the control mice. Pretreatment with leaf extract at 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 significantly decreased duration of tonic hind limb extension (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001)., Conclusions: GABA receptors were involved in epilepsy. Reduction of mortality and increase the onset of convulsion in MES model was comparable with that of diazepam. Extracts might possibly be producing an antiepileptic action by increasing the level of GABA.

Objective: Medicinal plants are good sources for discovery of safe and new antioxidants. The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficiencies of three methods for evaluated for antioxidants from Eryngium caucasicum., Materials and Methods: Ultrasonically assisted extraction, Soxhlet extraction and percolation method were evaluated for the extraction of antioxidants from E. caucasicum inflorescence. Antioxidant activities of extracts were evaluated with four different in vitro tests., Results: Soxhlet extract had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than other extracts. Soxhlet extract showed the highest activity in DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 83.1 ± 2.1 µg ml-1). Soxhlet extract showed the best activity in iron chelatory (IC50 = 272 ± 6.3 µg ml-1) followed by ultrasonic extract. Percolation extract showed higher NO radical scavenging (IC50 = 390 ± 11.4 µg ml-1) than other extracts. Extracts showed good reducing power (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: The results obtained indicated that all three extraction methods especially Soxhlet method could effectively extract antioxidants from this plant.

Unlabelled: he s, Objective: Because there is no effective and safe drug therapy for hydatid cyst, finding of some new agents especially from herbal origin with a desired scolicidal effect attracts great attention for treatment and pre-surgical use to prevent the hydatid cyst recurrence. In this study, the scolicidal effect of ultrasonic methanol extract of Garlic (Allium sativum) flower is investigated., Materials and Methods: Protoscolices were collected aseptically from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst and were exposed to different concentrations of extract for various exposure times. The viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% Eosin staining., Results: The scolicidal activity of extract at a concentration of 50 mg ml-1 was 59, 76, 81 and 86% after 10, 30, 60, and 180 min of exposure respectively. The scolicidal effect at 100 mg ml-1 was 67, 78, 85 and 98% after various exposure times, respectively. The results of this study showed that the ultrasonic extract has high scolicidal activity and might be used as a natural scolicidal agent., Conclusions: Garlic flower extracts is a potent protoscolicid and might be used in hydatid cyst treatment and pre-surgery to prevent secondary cyst recurrence.

Objective: Urtica dioica and Eryngium spp. have been used in traditional medicine for many years. In spite of many works, nothing is known about their protective effect against hypoxia-induced lethality., Materials and Methods: Protective effects of U. dioica (UD) aerial parts and E. caucasicum (EC) inflorescence against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by three experimental models of hypoxia, asphyctic, haemic and circulatory., Results: Statistically significant protective activities were established in some doses of extracts in three models. Antihypoxic activity was especially pronounced in polyphenol fractions in asphyctic model. EC polyphenol fraction at 400 mg/kg prolonged survival time (48.80 ± 4.86, p < 0.001) which was comparable with that of phenytoin (p > 0.05). It was the most effective extract in circulatory model, too. It prolonged survival time significantly respect to control group (p < 0.001). UD extracts protected the mice but the response was not dose-dependent. In haemic model, extracts of EP significantly and dose dependently prolonged survival time as compared to control group (p < 0.001). At 600 mg/kg, EP was the most effective one, being capable of keeping the mice alive for 12.71 ± 0.75 min. Only the concentration of 300 mg/kg of UD was effective (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Extracts showed remarkable antihypoxic effects. Pharmacological effects may be attributed to the presence of polyphenols in the extracts.

Objective: Many pharmacological activities have been reported for Feijoa sellowiana. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant activities of its leaf and fruit extracts., Materials and Methods: Antidepressant activities of methanolic extracts were evaluated by modified forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) in male Swiss albino mice., Results: Extracts showed signicant antidepressant activity in both models. They shortened remarkably the immobility period in both FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity (p < 0.001). Leaf extract showed better activity than fruit extract. At 800 mg kg-1, it showed far better activity than imipramine in FST (p < 0.001). Both extracts showed significantly better activity than imipramine in increasing climbing time (p < 0.001). They showed significant activity in increasing in swimming time as compared to the control group (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Our studies indicate that Feijoa showed significant antidepressant activity. It produced dose dependent effect on both models. It seems this effect is mainly mediated by inhibition of reuptake of catecholamines. These results introduced these plants as easily accessible source of natural antidepressant.

Objective: Many pharmacological activities have been reported in Sambucus (S.) genus. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant activities of different parts of S. ebulus and S. nigra., Materials and Methods: Antidepressant activity of methanolic extracts were evaluated by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) in male Swiss albino mice., Results: Extracts showed very good antidepressant activity in both FST and TST. They shortened remarkably the immobility period in both FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity. Extracts in all tested doses showed significant activity as compared to control group (p<0.001). S. nigra showed better activity than S. ebulus. Its leaf extract at 1200 mg kg(-1) showed the same activity as imipramine in FST (p>0.05). Its fruit extract at 1200 mg kg(-1) showed far better activity than imipramine in FST (p<0.001). S. ebulus fruit extract in 1200 mg kg(-1) showed significant activity which was so better than imipramine at 10 mg kg(-1), in decreasing immobility period in TST (p<0.001). No mortality was observed after 48 hours at 3 g kg(-1)., Conclusions: Our report indicated the S. ebulus and S. nigra. extracts were safe and showed remarkable antidepressant activity in FST and TST in mice. These results introduced these plants as easily accessible source of natural antidepressant.

Objectives: Many pharmacological activities have been reported in Vicia (V.) genus. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant and antihemolytic activities of aerial parts of V. sojakii., Materials and Methods: Antidepressant activity of methanolic extract was evaluated by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) in male Swiss albino mice. Antihemolytic effect of extract was also determined., Results: Extract showed good antidepressant activity in both FST and TST. It shortened remarkably the immobility period in FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity. Extract in 125 mg kg(-1) showed significant activity as compared to control (p < 0.05) in both test. Extract at 1500 mg kg(-1) showed the same activity of imipramine 15 mg kg(-1) (p > 0.05) in FST. Extract show good antihemolytic activity against H2O2 induced hemolysis., Conclusions: Our report indicated the V. sojakii aerial parts extract was safe and showed remarkable antidepressant activity in FST and TST in mice. It also exhibited good antihemolytic activity. These results introduced V. sojakii as an easily accessible source of natural antidepressant.

Objectives: Hibiscus (H.) esculentus L. (Okra) is distributed from Africa to Asia, Southern European and America and widely used as food. The aim of present study was to investigate antidepressant activity of Okra seeds and leaves., Materials and Methods: Antidepressant activity of methanolic extracts were evaluated by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Also, total phenol and flavonoid contents were measured by Folin Ciocalteau and AlCl3 assays, respectively., Results: Phenol and flavonoid contents of extracts were determined as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve, respectively. Extracts showed good antidepressant activity in both FST and TST. The extracts shortened remarkably the immobility period in FST and TST and exhibited a dose dependent activity. Seeds extract in 250, 500 and 750 mg kg-1 showed significant activity as compared to control (p < 0.001). Both extracts at 750 mg kg-1 showed similar activity as imipramine 15 mg kg-1 (p > 0.05) in TST. Extracts contained high amount of phenol and flavonoids. No mortality has been observed up to 2 g kg-1 for seeds and 2.5 g kg-1 for leaves., Conclusions: These results introduced H. esculentus seeds and leaves as an easily accessible and edible source of natural antidepressant.

Objectives: Hypericum (H.) spp. has been used in traditional medicine for their anticonvulsant effect for many years. In spite of many works on this genus, little is known about H. scabrum. In this work, anticonvulsant activity of H. scabrum was investigated., Materials and Methods: Anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract was evaluated by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsion and picrotoxin induced convulsion. Also, nitric oxide radical scavenging was investigated as a possible mechanism involved., Results: Extract (125-500 mg kg-1, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of PTZ induced convulsion. At 500 mg kg-1, 100% protection against mortality was observed. At this dose, it significantly prolonged the onset of picrotoxin induced convulsion in mice, too. It showed significant nitric oxide radical scavenging activity., Conclusions: Mechanism of anticonvulsant activity may be through GABA and/or nitric oxide pathway.

Objectives: Juglans (J.) regia L. is known to possess many biological properties. In this study, antihemolytic activity of methanol extract of Juglans regia L. flower were investigated., Materials and Methods: Antihemolytic activities of Juglans regia L. flowers were evaluated by various in vitro assays. In addition, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide and mineral contents of flowers were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy., Results: Extract showed good antihemolytic activity against H2O2 and CuOOH induced hemolysis in comparison with control. Extract was capable of scavenging H2O2 in a concentration dependent manner. IC50 for H2O2 scavenging activity was 311±12.8 µg ml-1. The amount of eight elements was determined and was in the order: Mn > Cu > Fe > Zn., Conclusions: Our study indicate that J. regia flower has remarkable antihemolytic activity, which maybe result of its high phenol and flavonoid contents, especially quercetin.

Objectives: Echinococcosis infection is caused in humans by the larval stage of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus. Hydatid cyst cured by percutaneous aspiration, infusion of scolicidal agents with reaspiration or surgery. Many scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of the cyst's content, but most of them are not safe due to their unanticipated side effects. In the present study, the scolicidal effect of methanolic extract of Sambucus (S.) ebulus fruit is investigated., Materials and Methods: Protoscolices were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Four concentrations (1, 10, 50 and 100 mg ml-1) of S. ebulus extract were used for 5, 10, 30 and 60 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% Eosin staining., Results: The results of our study indicated that methanolic extract of S. ebulus fruit showed a high scolicidal activity in vitro (p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Methanolic extract of S. ebulus showed high scolicidal activity in vitro. It might be used as a scolicidal cause in the surgical treatment of the hydatid cyst. However, further research on the in vivo efficacy of S. ebulus extract and its potential side effects is recommended.

Objectives: Yolk composition may be influenced by the bird's dietary intake. Quality of egg yolk from different sources is also varied. Especially egg yolk from organic sources, those prepared by the hen and duck were naturally fed. Traditional medicine users in north of Iran believe the oil extracted by direct heat from egg yolk has analgesic activity. In this work anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of organic and machine made hen yolk and duck yolk were evaluated., Materials and Methods: Three various sources of egg yolk (organic hens, duck and machine made) were chosen. Each yolk was extracted by two methods, solvent extraction (hexane) and direct heating. In order to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, carageenan, hot plate and writhing tests were carried out., Results: The organic hen and duck oil extracted by direct heat method showed the highest activity compared to other types. Organic sources may contain some special components which are not existed in machine made eggs. Oil samples obtained by direct heat from three different kinds of egg yolk showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 100-300 mg/kg compared to controls (p < 0.001). All samples indicated analgesic properties at all doses in writhing test. The highest activity was seen at 300 mg/kg of organic hen egg yolk oil prepared by heat (HO) and hexane extract of duck egg yolk (ED) which was similar to 5 mg/kg morphine (p > 0.001). In hot plate test all of the oil samples did not show significant difference with controls. Hexane extract of organic egg yolk (EO) (300 mg/kg) and ED (200 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant analgesic activity in hot plate test., Conclusions: This study confirms anti-inflammatory and analgesic scheme of yolk. We can also claim environmental and dietary condition is very important in yolk contents. In order to improve life quality of human beings and better efficiency for egg yolk components we suggest considering the way of feeding for poultry. We can propose organic yolk oil prepared by direct heat as an alternative remedy for inflammatory joint conditions.

Objectives: Giardia (G.) lamblia is a parasite that causes giardiasis in humans and other mammals. The common treatment produces unpleasant side effects. The ethnopharmacology for management of parasitic infections accelerates and guides the search for new chemical objects. This study assessed the in vitro cytotoxicity of Sambucus (S.) ebulus fruit against Cysts of G. lamblia., Materials and Methods: Giardia cysts were isolated from patients' fecal specimens; the cysts were isolated by sucrose 0.85 M solution. The plant extract was used at concentrations of 1, 10, 50 and 100 mg/mL throughout the experiments. The extracts were incubated with several isolates of G. lamblia for 5, 10, 30 and 60 minutes and then the viability were distinguished by eosin 0.01%., Results: S. ebulus extract at the concentration of 100 mg/ml for 60 minutes had the most anti-giardial activity (78 ± 4%) than other concentrations., Conclusions: Considering excellent antigiardial activity of S. ebulus in vitro, it seems to have potential for the treatment of the parasitic disease caused by the protozoan G. lamblia.

Objective: Recent studies show that free radicals are important mediators of hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. Allium (A.) paradoxum showed antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. This work was conduct to determine the possible protective effect of this plant against hepatotoxicity., Materials and Methods: Subcutaneous injection of 3 ml/kg carbon tetrachloride diluted in olive oil (1:1 dilution) was employed for inducing acute liver toxicity. The protective effect of aerial parts and bulbs of A. paradoxum at flowering stage were determined., Results: Both aerial parts and bulbs extracts at the doses 500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p. offered significant hepatoprotective effect by reducing the serum marker enzymes, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histopathological studies further confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of aerial parts and bulbs extracts when compared with the CCl4 treated groups., Conclusion: Extracts of A. paradoxum showed significant hepatoprotective activity compared with control group.

Objectives: Artemisia (Asteraceae) contains more than 400 species. Many of the plants belonging to this genus are known to possess biological properties. In this study, antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of flavonoid rich fractions of A. tschernieviana Besser were evaluated., Material and Methods: Plant aerial parts were extracted with 60% acetone. Extract was fractionated sequentially with hexane (HE), ethyl acetate (EA) and water (AQ). Antioxidant and antihemolytic activities of these fractions were assessed. Their antihemolytic activity was determined by H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide induced hemolysis models., Results: AQ fraction showed very powerful activity in 1,1-disphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with IC50 = 0.12 +/- 0.01 microg ml(-1) that was better than controls (vitamin C, quercetin and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)). This fraction showed very powerful reducing power assay that was better than vitamin C (p < 0.01). EA fraction showed higher activity in scavenging nitric oxide with IC50 = 0.14 +/- 0.04 microg ml(-1). In iron chelating activity HE fraction showed the best activity (IC50 = 162.2 +/- 8.7 microg ml(-1)). In scavenging of hydrogen peroxide, AQ fraction showed better activity than control group. This fraction had higher phenol and flavonoid contents. EA fraction showed higher antihemolytic activity with IC50 = 728.8 +/- 29 microg ml(-1)., Conclusions: The fractions show very good activities in studied models. Aqueous fractions showed better activity than the others in nearly all tested models. These results can be useful as a starting point of view for further applications of A. tschernieviana aerial parts or its constituents in pharmaceutical preparations after performing clinical in vivo researches.

Objectives: Salvia (S.) is an important genus consisting of about 900 species in the Lamiaceae family. They are several reports that some Salvia spp. has effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The present experiments were undertaken to study the protective effect of S. limbata on the development of dependence to morphine in mice., Material and Methods: Antinociceptive activity of aerial parts of S. limbata was investigated using the hot plate method. In addition, the effect of its aerial parts on morphine dependence was investigated in mice. After induction of dependence by morphine, different concentrations of plant aerial parts extract were injected to treated groups. To assess morphine withdrawal, mice were injected naloxone (5 mg/kg) i.p. on the 5th day. After four consecutive days of morphine injection, withdrawal syndrome was assessed by placing each mouse in a 30 cm high glass box and recording the frequency of escape jumps for 60 minutes., Results: Animal receiving acute treatment with morphine displayed dependence. The animals treated with different extract concentrations could decrease frequency of escape jumps in number or decrease development of morphine dependence. Addiction was observed following naloxone administration. Methanol extract of S. limbata produced a statistically significant inhibition of pain induced by hot plate latency at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg i.p. A significant increase in pain threshold was observed after 30 and 60 min (p < 0.001). The activity was comparable to that of morphine (30 mg kg(-1) i.p., p > 0.05). The anti-nociceptive activity of S. limbata increased until the 60th min (p < 0.05 compared to morphine)., Conclusions: S. limbata extract produced statistically significant inhibition of pain and development of morphine dependence in mice.

Objectives: Ferula gummosa Boiss is native to central Asia. This plant has traditionally been used in the treatment of many diseases. The antihypoxic and antioxidant activities of Ferula gummosa roots were investigated., Material and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihemolytic activity was evaluated by H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocytes. The total amount of phenolic compounds was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve., Results: The extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity in some models. IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 579.6 +/- 19.4 microg/ml. The extracts showed weak nitric oxide-scavenging activity between 0.1 and 1.6 mg ml(-1) but showed good Fe2+ chelating ability. IC50 was 895.5 +/- 24.1 microg/ml. The extract also exhibited low antioxidant activity in the linoleic acid model but were capable of scavenging hydrogen peroxide in a concentration dependent manner. Tested extract show moderate activity in H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocytes which was not comparable with vitamin C., Conclusions: F. gummosa Boiss root showed different level antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. Biological effects may be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extract.

Objectives: Hypericum spp. (H.) has been used in traditional medicine for their sedative effect for many years. In spite of many works on this genus, little is known about H. scabrum. In this work antidepressant and its protective effect against hypoxia-induced lethality were evaluated., Materials and Methods: Antidepressant and its protective effects against hypoxia-induced lethality were evaluated. Antidepressant activity was determined by forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Antihypoxic activities were determined by asphytic, haemic and circulatory hypoxia models in mice. Also, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH) induced hemolysis also were investigated., Results: At all tested doses H. scabrum significantly and dose dependently reduced the immobility periods in FST and TST. Also, extract showed statistically significant antihypoxic activities in three asphytic, haemic and circulatory hypoxia models in mice. The extract showed moderately good scavenging activity with IC50 = 518.8 +/- 20.7 microg ml(-1). Extract inhibited significantly CuOOH induced hemolysis in red blood cells (RBC)., Conclusions: H. scabrum aqueous extract showed remarkable antihypoxic and antidepressant effects thus, lend pharmacological justification to the use of the plant extract by traditional medicine practitioners. Mechanism of antidepressant activity of extract may be through nitric oxide pathway.

Objectives: Alcea hyrcana Grossh (A. hyrcana Grossh) (malvacea), is native to northern of Iran. Many of the plants belonging to the genus Alcea are known to possess ethnomedical and biological properties. In this study, antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of flower, seed and leaves of Alcea hyrcana Grossh were evaluated by various antioxidant assays., Material and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation test were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. The total amount of phenolic compounds was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents also have been determined., Results: All extracts showed good antioxidant activities. The A. hyrcana Grossh leaves extract exhibited strong ferrous chelating activity with IC50 = 0.11 +/- 0.01 mg ml(-1), nitric oxide radical scavenging with IC50 = 0.45 +/- 0.01 mg ml(-1) and better reducing power activity than other extracts. The seeds extract showed high scavenging activity against free radicals, including both the hydrogen peroxide and DPPH radicals. Only leaves extract had good activity in linoleic acid model. Seeds extract had significant higher total phenol (68.9 +/- 3.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract powder) and leaves had higher flavonoids contents (28.3 +/- 2.6 mg quercetin equivalent/g of extract powder) than other parts., Conclusions: The leaves, seed and flower extracts of A. hyrcana Grossh exhibited good but different levels of antioxidant activity in all the models studied. The extracts had good iron chelation, H2O2 and nitric oxide scavenging activities. Antioxidant activities may be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenols and flavonoids.

Objectives: The Ferula genus (Umbelliferae) is a rich source of gum-resin and is much utilized in folklore medicine. This study is designed to examine antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities of Ferula foetida regel flower, stem and leaf extracts., Materials and Methods: 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and H2O2 scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihaemolytic activity was evaluated by H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte. Total phenolic compounds were determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve., Results: The leaf aqueous-ethanol extract showed the highest activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity. All extracts showed weak nitric oxide scavenging activity. The stem extract had better activity in nitric oxide scavenging model than the other extracts (IC50 = 896.9 +/- 21.9 microg ml(-1)), but it was not comparable to quercetin (p < 0.001). The leaf extract exhibited better H2O2 scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activity than the other parts. The extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity in linoleic acid peroxidation test but were not comparable to vitamin C (p < 0.001). Extracts showed weak reducing power activity. The stem extract showed better antihaemolytic activity than the flower and leaf. The flower extract had higher phenolic contents. The extracts exhibited different levels of antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities in all tested models., Conclusions: This study showed remarkable antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in Feruia foetida. Biological effects may be attributed to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. It is very promising for further biochemical experiments.

Objectives: This study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the recovery effects of methanolic fraction Angel's wings on gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxicity., Material and Methods: Renal injury was achieved by injecting 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally of GM in normal saline. Extract were administrated intraperitoneally at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg. Blood samples were examined for serum creatinine, serum urea, and blood urea nitrogen after the 10 consecutive days of treatment., Results: Results show that GM-induced nephrotoxic animal model was successfully prepared. Methanolic fraction of Angel's wings attenuated the gentamicin-induced increase in level of serum creatinine, serum urea, and blood urea nitrogen., Conclusions: The present study shows that the extract at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally offered significant nephroprotective action that is comparable with control group.

Objectives: Alpha-thalassemia (alpha-thal) is one of the most common genetic disorders and in some populations has prevalence as high as 30%. Disorders in hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis lead to mild to severe reduction in alpha-chain synthesis. Diagnosis of alpha-thal by examining fresh blood taken from umbilical cord is a simple and appropriate approach, while in later stages its diagnosis will be difficult and costly., Material and Methods: This study examined the prevalence of alpha-thal gene deletion in neonates in Sari, Iran. Screening study was carried out by examining fresh blood samples obtained from excised umbilical cords of neonates born in Sari hospitals from June 2007 to March 2008. Complete blood count (CBC) was done and Hb electrophoresis and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were performed for detection of Hb Bart's band. For each case two slides were stained by vital stain, 20 and 120 minutes post blood collection. Prevalence of alpha-thal was calculated and statistically analyzed (p < 5%)., Results: 69 cases out of 680 (10.1%) were positive for Hb Bart's. In 16 out of 69 positive cases (22.3%) the results of two methods, electrophoresis and slide staining were in conformity. In 53 positive cases (77%) there was no visible band in Hb electrophoresis; however Hb Bart's was detected via vital staining method. If the ratio of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to red blood cell (RBC) count is smaller than 23, risk of alpha-thal is 2.8 fold greater than cases with an MCV/RBC ratio below 23 (p < 0.05). None of the cases were reported to be positive for Hb H disease and hydrops fetalis., Conclusions: Considering high prevalence of alpha-thal gene deletions in neonates in Sari hospitals, it is recommended to screen newborns for alpha-thal in this city and similar areas with such a high prevalence. The sensitivity of cellulose acetate electrophoresis and HPLC methods is not adequately high to detect Hb Bart's in all positive cases and staining and examination of peripheral blood slides stained with vital staining is necessary.

Objectives: Metals such as iron are needed for physiological functions of the body. However, their excess may cause serious damage including poisoning. The effects of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions on human plasma cholinesterase activity were investigated., Material and Methods: Plasma were obtained (n = 24) from healthy male volunteers, and treated with five various concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. Activity of butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) was assayed according to colorimetric EIIman procedure. The activity was calculated as micromole of hydrolyzed substrate, per minute in each ml., Results: Both ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) ions significantly decreased the BChE activity in all tested concentrations. The effect of ferric (Fe3+) ions on the reduction of plasma enzyme activity was more pronounced than ferrous (Fe2+) ions (p < 0.001, respect to control group)., Conclusions: The present paper represents the effect of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions on ButyrylChE activity in human plasma. It reveals that both ions suppress BChE activity.

Objectives: Biebersteinia multifida is a common herb known in Iran. Its roots have been used locally in folk medicine of western region of Iran in the treatment of many diseases. The antioxidant activity and its inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis were investigated., Material and Methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihemolytic activity was evaluated by H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte. The total amount of phenolic compounds was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve., Results: Root had higher phenol contents (80.1 +/- 3.1 mg ml(-1)) and showed highest activity in DPPH radical-scavenging activity (95.9 +/- 3.2 microg ml(-1)). It also showed better reducing power than other parts. In Fe2+ chelating, leaf extract was the most potent (789 +/- 33 microg ml(-1)). Extracts exhibited good H2O2 scavenging in a concentration dependent manner. All extracts exhibited good protection against hemoglobin-catalyzed peroxidation linoleic acid system. In nitric oxide scavenging model, root extract showed the best activity (696 +/- 2.7 microg ml(-1)). Root and leaf extracts contained total phenol and flavonoids contents than other extracts. Tested extracts show weak activity in H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte which was not comparable with vitamin C., Conclusions: Biebersteinia multifida extracts exhibited different levels of antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in all tested models. Biological effects may be attributed, at least in part, to the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the extracts.

Objectives: Pistacia lentiscus has traditionally been used in the treatment of many diseases. Its resin was investigated for its mineral contents, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in rats., Material and Methods: Inhibition of carrageenan induced edema was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Fe2+ chelating ability, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and nitric oxide scavenging activities were used to evaluate antioxidant activities and mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Gallic acid content was determined by HPLC., Results: Resin produced statistically significant inhibition of edema at all doses when compared to the control groups. A 100% inhibition of inflammation was observed at 800 mg/kg i.p. Resin exhibit no toxicity up to 3 g/kg body weights i.p. in mice. Weak DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activities were observed but showed good Fe2+ chelating ability (IC50 = 162 microg ml(-1)). The amount of elements was decreased in the order: Cu > Fe, Zn > Mn > Ni, Cd. Gallic acid content was 0.1 mg/g resin., Conclusions: These experimental data support the use of Pistacia lentiscus resin as an antiinflammatory and antioxidant agent.