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Background and purpose: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that shows its impacts on many populations worldwide. It is known as a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract followed by diarrhea and fecal inconsistency. Due to the lack of treatment in the allopathic medicine system for IBS, people in the western world use different herbs as alternative medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the dried extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi against IBS. Experimental approach: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 76 diarrhea-predominant IBS patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups: the control group (given the placebo capsule containing 250 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate) and the treatment groups (given the capsule containing 75 mg of the dry extract of D. kotschyi and 175 mg of dibasic calcium phosphate as filler). The study was conducted based on Rome III criteria. We studied symptoms included in Rome III criteria and divided the study into the duration of drug administration and four weeks after drug administration. These groups were compared with those of the control group. Findings/Results: Significant improvements were found in the quality of life, temperament, and IBS symptoms throughout the treatment duration. Quality of life, temperature, and IBS symptoms were slightly decreased in the treatment group 4 weeks after stopping the treatment. While concluding the study, we found D. kotschyi effective against IBS. Conclusion and implications: Whole extract of D. kotschyi modulated symptoms of IBS patients and improved their quality of life.

Introduction: Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an ornamental flowering plant with numerous traditional medicinal uses. It has been claimed to have anti-spasmodic activities, but only limited studies have been done to support this. The objective of this research was to investigate anti-spasmodic effect of L. japonica flower extract on uterus contractions. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared using the maceration technique. In addition, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were prepared using a solvent in solvent fractionation technique. Essential oils were collected using the hydro-distillation technique. Rat isolated uterus was suspended in an organ bath and contracted with oxytocin, acetylcholine (ACh), KCl, or application of electrical field stimulation (EFS). The relaxant effects of the extract, its fractions, and nifedipine were examined on uterine contrition induced by the above-mentioned stimuli. Results: Nifedipine in a concentration-dependent manner inhibited uterine contraction induced by oxytocin, KCl, ACh, and EFS. L. japonica flower extract also exhibited an inhibitory effect on the isolated rat uterus. Comparison of the hydroalcoholic extract with its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed that the chloroform fraction was the most potent and the ethyl acetate the weakest part of the plant with antispasmodic activity. The relaxant effect of essential oil had close similarities to that of chloroform extract. Conclusion: Lipophilic compounds isolated by the chloroform partition of crude hydroalcoholic extract of L. japonica flower exhibited the most antispasmodic activity. Ethyl acetate partition of the same extract exhibited the least activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the spasmolytic constituents of L. japonica flower reside in chloroform partitioning. The nonpolar essential oils may also have a contribution.

Objective: The prevalence of herb–drug interactions and herb's adverse effects may be serious in susceptible population such as patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we planned to determine the usage prevalence of herbal products and herb–drug interactions in CKD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on CKD and posttransplant patients with a history of using herbal supplements in Isfahan, Iran. The patients were subjected to a validated checklist, containing demographic and clinical information. The knowledge of herbal use, side effects, and herb–drug interactions was assessed based on patients' responses. Data were reported as prevalence (percent) of the occurrence. Findings: The prevalence of herbal supplement usage among CKD patients was 18.6% in this study. The study included 400 patients (261 males and 139 females). The majority of the study population were in the age range of 50–70 years (61.5%). Hypertension (34.36%) was the most common cause of kidney failure, while diabetes mellitus (21.80%) took the second place. The most frequently used unformulated medicinal herb was Echium (Echium amoenum) (15.27%), and the most commonly used formulated herbal products were anticough and mucolytic based on Thymus vulgaris (24.27%). Eighteen patients (4.5%) used herbal mix with unknown entity and sources. In this study, ginseng has the most possible interactions with prescription drugs (18 interactions), while this interaction (with clopidogrel, warfarin, and heparin) was severe in six cases. Conclusion: The present study provided the information on possible herb–drug interactions in CKD patients on herbal usage. Since the issue of using herbal products may be arbitrarily in the majority of the patients, and considering the importance of adverse reactions or major interactions, health-care providers should play an active role to identify these cases and inform the patients regarding herbal product safety, adverse effects, and possible interactions.

Introduction: Pharmacological studies confirm antispasmodic activities of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) extract on intestinal smooth muscles and it has been suggested that chamomile increases uterus tone, but so far there is no scientific studies which support this assumption. Therefore, this study was designed to determine spasmodic and spasmolytic activities of M. chamomilla extracts on rat isolated uterus. Methods: Hydro-alcoholic extract of M. chamomilla was prepared by maceration technique. Flavonoids rich extract was prepared by liquid in liquid extraction technique. The spasmodic effects of the extracts were assessed on spontaneously contracting rat uterus. The myorelaxant effect of M. chamomilla extracts was validated on isolated uterus contractions induced by KCl, acetylcholine (ACh), electrical field stimulation (EFS) and oxytocin. Results: Hydro-alcoholic extract of M. chamomilla (0.8 and 1.6 mg/mL) enhanced spontaneous movement of rat isolated uterus smooth muscle suspended in an organ bath. On the other hand, flavonoids rich fraction only diminished uterus contractile activities. Flavonoids rich extract of the plant at bath concentration ranges of 40 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL attenuated uterus response to ACh, KCl, EFS and oxytocin. The hydro-alcoholic extract of M. chamomilla at higher concentration ranges (250 μg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL) inhibited uterus contractions induced by the above spasmogens. Conclusion: The present study confirms both spasmodic and spasmolytic activities M. chamomilla hydro-alcoholic extract. Therefore, medicinal use of the crude extract of M. chamomilla may initiate uterus contraction which could increase risk of spontaneous miscarriage or premature parturition.

Background: In traditional medicine, Lavender and Rosemary are referred as antispasmodic agents. However, so far their direct effects on uterus contraction have not been reported. This study aimed to assess antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of rosemary and lavender on rat isolated uterus contractions. Methods: In this research, the relaxant effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of these plants on rat isolated uterus contraction induced by KCl, acetylcholine, oxytocin, and electrical field stimulation (EFS) was determined and compared with nifedipine. Findings: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Lavender and Rosemary inhibited uterus contractions induced by KCl, acetylcholine, oxytocin, and EFS in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Lavender and Rosemary have relaxant effects on uterus smooth muscle, and can be useful in prevention of premature labor.

Abstract Background Retrospective studies show improved outcomes in colorectal cancer patients if taking statins, including overall survival, pathological response of rectal cancer to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT), and reduced acute and late toxicities of pelvic radiation. Major tumour regression following pCRT has strong prognostic significance and can be assessed in vivo using MRI-based tumour regression grading (mrTRG) or after surgery using pathological TRG (pathTRG). Methods A double-blind phase 2 trial will randomise 222 patients planned to receive long-course fluoropyrimidine-based pCRT for rectal adenocarcinoma at 18+ sites in New Zealand and Australia. Patients will receive simvastatin 40 mg or placebo daily for 90 days starting 1 week prior to standard pCRT. Pelvic MRI 6 weeks after pCRT will assess mrTRG grading prior to surgery. The primary objective is rates of favourable (grades 1–2) mrTRG following pCRT with simvastatin compared to placebo, considering mrTRG in 4 ordered categories (1, 2, 3, 4–5). Secondary objectives include comparison of: rates of favourable pathTRG in resected tumours; incidence of toxicity; compliance with intended pCRT and trial medication; proportion of patients undergoing surgical resection; cancer outcomes and pathological scores for radiation colitis. Tertiary objectives include: association between mrTRG and pathTRG grouping; inter-observer agreement on mrTRG scoring and pathTRG scoring; studies of T-cell infiltrates in diagnostic biopsies and irradiated resected normal and malignant tissue; and the effect of simvastatin on markers of systemic inflammation (modified Glasgow prognostic score and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio). Trial recruitment commenced April 2018. Discussion When completed this study will be able to observe meaningful differences in measurable tumour outcome parameters and/or toxicity from simvastatin. A positive result will require a larger RCT to confirm and validate the merit of statins in the preoperative management of rectal cancer. Such a finding could also lead to studies of statins in conjunction with chemoradiation in a range of other malignancies, as well as further exploration of possible mechanisms of action and interaction of statins with both radiation and chemotherapy. The translational substudies undertaken with this trial will provisionally explore some of these possible mechanisms, and the tissue and data can be made available for further investigations. Trial registration ANZ Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12617001087347. (www.anzctr.org.au, registered 26/7/2017) Protocol Version: 1.1 (June 2017).

Introduction: Dracocephalum kotschyi is a native Iranian plant with antispasmodic activities on smooth muscles such as ileum and uterus. However, so far antispasmodic effect of D. kotschyi on tracheal smooth muscle has not been reported. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate antispasmodic activity of D. kotschyi extract and two of its components luteolin and apigenin on rabbit tracheal contraction in vitro. Methods: Rabbits were euthanized by carbon dioxide and the trachea was dissected and immersed in a Tyrode’s solution. Tracheal rings were prepared and mounted vertically in an organ bath at 37°C and gassed continuously with O2. The tracheal ring preparations were contracted with acetylcholine (ACh) and KCl. The isotonic tension was recorded before and after addition of aminophylline, apigenin, luteolin or flavonoids rich extract of D. kotschyi. Flavonoids rich extract were prepared from D. kotschyi using solvent-solvent fractionation technique. Results: Standard drug aminophylline, prevented tracheal ring preparation contracted with ACh. Cumulative addition of aminophylline also attenuated tonic contraction induced by KCl on tracheal smooth muscle. D. kotschyi extract at concentration ranges of 32-512 μg/mL in a concentration dependent manner inhibited KCl and ACh induced tracheal contraction. Apigenin and luteolin (range 16–512 μg/mL) relaxed KCl and ACh-induced contraction of tracheal smooth muscle in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that D. kotschyi extract is a relaxant of tracheal smooth muscle. The relaxant effect of D. kotschyi extract could be due to its flavonoids component such as apigenin and luteolin.

Introduction: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill) is a herbal medicine widely used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, its pharmacological action on isolated ileum has not been studied. In this research effect of hydroalcoholic extract of L. angustifolia on isolate ileum contractions was studies and compared with loperamide. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of the plant was prepared by percolation method. The total flavonoid contents were assessed by colorimetric technique. A portion of rat ileum was suspended in an organ bath containing Tyrode’s solution. The tissue was kept under 1 g tension at 37°C and continuously gassed with O2. The tissue was stimulated with KCl (80 mM), acetylcholine (ACh, 2 μM) and electrical field stimulation (EFS). Effect of the L. angustifolia extract was studied on ileum contractions and compared with that of loperamide. Results: The yield of hydroalcoholic extract was 17% with total flavonoid content of 185 μg/mL in the stock solution. Loperamide in concentration dependent manner inhibited ileum contractile response to KCl, ACh and EFS. Hydroalcoholic extract of L. angustifolia (8-512 μg/mL) concentration dependently inhibited ileum contraction induced by KCl (IC50 = 88 ± 21 μg/mL), ACh (IC50 = 119 ± 251 μg/mL) and EFS (IC50 = 87 ± 33 μg/mL). The vehicle had no significant effect on ileum contractions. Conclusion: From this study it was concluded that L. angustifolia extract at microgram concentration shows an inhibitory effect on rat ileum smooth muscle. Therefore, isolation and identification of active ingredients are recommended.

Medication errors are the second most common cause of adverse patient safety incidents and the single most common preventable cause of adverse events in medical practice. Given the high human fatalities and financial burden of medication errors for healthcare systems worldwide, reducing their occurrence is a global priority. Therefore, appropriate policies to reduce medication errors, using national data and valid statistics are required. The primary objective of this study was to provide a national ‘characteristic profile’ of medication error-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which are also known as preventable ADRs (pADRs). A retrospective study of pADR reports submitted to the national pharmacovigilance center (PCV) within Iran’s Food and Drug Administration was conducted over a 2-year period (2015-2017). Preventability Method (P-Method), which is a standardized tool developed and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), was used for preventability assessment. The results of the analyses revealed that while the number of pADRs increased from year one to two (601 to 630), their proportion out of all ADRs per year decreased (7.32% to 6.44%). The percentage of pADRs was higher in females (61.01%) and adults (83.27%), and the highest number of reports were received by nurses (71.57%). Having ‘a documented hypersensitivity to an administered drug or drug class’ was the most common preventable factor in both years (61.23% and 54.29% respectively), and ‘anti-infectives used systemically’ were the medication class which primarily contributed to both serious (53.29%) and non-serious pADRs (39.19%). The specific characteristics of medication errors associated with ADRs from this study, especially the preventable criteria which led to their occurrence, can help devise more specific preventative policies.

Introduction: Pycnocycla spinosa, a native plant of Iran with approved antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities, could be a suitable candidate and an alternative remedy for the treatment of diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, the aim of this study is formulation of an acceptable dosage form and development of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analysis of active ingredients in its extract and pharmaceutical forms. Methods: Different formulations of P. spinosa tablets were prepared by wet granulation method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time and drug assay. HPLC was carried out based on the extract active ingredient: 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hexanoic acid (HMPHA) determination in P. spinosa extract and tablets. Results: The mean weight, friability, hardness, and disintegration time of selected formulation (tablet 5 mg) were 217.26 mg, 0.69%, 53.6 N and 95.8 seconds, respectively. Similar acceptable results were also found for 10 mg tablets. The assay test showed that the content of HMPHA in each 5 mg and 10 mg tablets were 1.64 μg and 3.59 μg, respectively. The HPLC method showed a good linearity and suitability in its working range: 4.5 to 15 μg/mL. Conclusion: The data showed that the selected formulation of P. spinosa tablets has acceptable physicochemical features.

Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the intestine with unknown etiology involving multiple immune, genetic, and environmental factors. We were interested to examine the effect of total extract from Dracocephalum Kotschyi (D. kotschyi) Boiss. on the experimental colitis. D. kotschyi hydroalcoholic extract (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) or apigenin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were administered orally 2 h prior to induction of colitis which was induced by intrarectal administration of acetic acid (4%) in rats. Prednisolone (4 m/kg) was used as the standard drug for comparison. Biochemical evaluation of inflamed colon was performed by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. After 5 days treatment, mucosal ulceration was evaluated. Intrarectal instillation of acetic acid caused significant inflammatory reactions as indicated by macroscopic and microscopic changes. The activity of MPO increased in vehicle treated groups while recovered to normal level by pretreatment of animals with D. kotschyi extract, apigenin, or prednisolone. D. kotschyi and apigenin-treated groups showed significantly lower score values of macroscopic and microscopic characters when compared with the vehicle-treated negative control group. The beneficial effect of apigenin was comparable with that of prednisolone. This research has shown the anti-inflammatory potential of D. kotschyi extract and apigenin in experimentally induced colitis.

Hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of aerial parts of Pycnocycla caespitosa have spasmolytic activity on rat ileum contractions. The objective of this research was to separate fractions of total hydroalcoholic extract of P. caespitosa guided by their spasmolytic activity on rat uterus. Aerial parts of P. caespitosa were extracted with ethanol. The concentrated extract was subjected to column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) for isolation fractions, then one of the bioactive fractions was subjected to further isolation to find its active components. Five fractions were obtained (Fr.1-Fr.5) and their anti-spasmodic activities were examined on uterus contraction induced by KCl (80 mM) and compared with ritodrine. In addition, spasmolytic effect of Fr.4 (one of the bioactive fractions) was determined on rat uterus induced by oxytocin (0.0005 IU/mL) and compared with ritodrine. Hydroalcoholic extract of P. caespitosa (0.032-2 mg/mL) reduced the responses to KCl but the inhibitory effect was not complete with 2 mg/mL extract in the bath. Four fractions (Fr.1, Fr.2, Fr.3 and Fr.4) (32-500 μg/mL) inhibited rat uterus contractions on the uterus while Fr.4 was slightly more active than others (IC50 = 146 ± 23 μg/mL). Falcarindiol and isoacetovanillone were identified from Fr.4 using phytochemical methods including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and TLC. In conclusion, in this research bioactivity guided technique was successfully used for separation of active fraction of P. caespitosa. Falcarindiol and isoacetovanillone were identified from the active fraction which inhibited both tonic and rhythmic contractile responses in rat isolated uterus.

Background: Non-Communicable disease (NCDs) is a killer of people that needs to urgent actions across the world. Scientific evidence is the critical arm for effective interventions. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the trend of four main NCDs’ scientific publication in a 17-yr period, and reflect international collaboration. Methods: This scientometric study on four main NCDs; cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases were carried out through the narrative review in international databases of Scopus from 2000 to 2016. In this way, the number of articles, citations, and international collaboration were assessed, and the frequently used terms on non-communicable diseases were mapped by VOSviewer software. Results: Over the 17 years, 25827 articles about four main NCDs by Iran indexed in Scopus have increasing trend steadily. However, chronic obstructive respiratory publications have slow trend. The number of articles, citations, and h index of cancer-related publications was higher than the others. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases scientometrics indicators state in next positions, respectively. The most collaborative country was USA in the four areas, and there was not seen region countries’ collaboration in top ten levels. The frequently used terms in NCDs’ articles in order were diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and breast cancer. Conclusion: Iran provides appropriate face of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases publications in the mirror of NCDs’ scientometry. However, there is need for more effort in chronic respiratory diseases researches, and strengthen collaboration with regional countries.

Pycnocycla caespitosa is an essential oil-containing plant naturally growing in southwest of Iran. The extract of this plant has been used as remedy in traditional medicine. Another species of Pycnocyla (P. spinosa) possessed antispasmodic activity. The pharmacological objective of this study was to look for relaxant effect of hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of P. caespitosa on rat isolated ileum contractions for comparison with loperamide. The essential oil and the hydroalcoholic extract were prepared by hydrodistillation and percolation techniques, respectively. For antispasmodic studies a section of rat ileum was suspended in an organ bath containing Tyrode′s solution. The tissue was stimulated with electrical field stimulation (EFS), KCl (80 mM) and acetylcholine (ACh 0.5 μM). The tissue was kept under 1 g tension at 37 °C and continuously gassed with O 2 . The essential oil content in the aerial parts of P. caespitosa was found to be 0.16 % ml/g. The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Seventy constituents, representing 97 % of the oil were identified. The major components of the oil were carvacrol (7.1%), β-eudesmol (6.4 %), ρ-cymene (5.7%), caryophyllene oxide (3.6%), α-pinine (1.4%) and α-phelandrene (1.1%). The hydroalcoholic extract of P. caespitosa inhibited the response to KCl (IC 50 = 48 ± 3 μg/ml), ACh (IC 50 = 61 ± 14.7 μg/ml) and EFS (IC 50 = 77 ± 17 μg/ml) in a concentration-dependent manner. The essential oil of P. caespitosa also inhibited rat ileum contractions. The IC 50 values for KCl, ACh and EFS were 9.2 ± 1.2 μg/ml, 7.6 ± 0.8 μg/ml and 6.4 ± 0.8 μg/ml, respectively. The inhibitory effect of both the essential oil and the extract were reversible. This research confirms the anti-spasmodic activity of both the essential oil and the extract of P. caespitosa on smooth muscle contraction of ileum.

Background: Stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression are the most common problems among women in their childbearing age. Research has shown that aromatherapy administered during labor reduces anxiety in mothers. With regard to the specific biological conditions in postpartum period and the subsequent drop in hormone levels, this study investigated the effect of lavender on prevention of stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in women. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial, 140 women admitted to the obstetric and gynecological unit were randomly divided into aromatherapy and non-aromatherapy groups immediately after delivery. Intervention with aromatherapy consisted of inhaling three drops of lavender essential oil every 8 h with for 4 weeks. The control group received routine care after discharge and was followed up by telephone only. After 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months of delivery, women were assessed by the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and the Edinburgh stress, anxiety, and depression scale in the two groups. Data analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc tests. Level of significance was set as 0.05 for all tests. Results: The results showed that the mean stress, anxiety, and depression at time point of 2 weeks (P = 0.012, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.003, respectively) and stress, anxiety, and depression scores at time points of 1 month (P < 0.0001) and 3 months after delivery (P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group. Conclusions: Inhaling the scent of lavender for 4 weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and depression after childbirth.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is a traditional medicine with antispasmodic activities. The objective of this research was to study antispasmodic activities of hydroalcoholic extract of D. kotschyi on rat isolated uterus contractions for comparison with isolated ileum. Hydroalcoholic extract was obtained from aerial part of D. kotschyi using percolation method. A portion of rat ileum or uterus was suspended in Tyrode′s solution at 37 °C and gassed with O 2 . Effect of D. kotschyi extract was assessed on ileum or uterus contractions induced by KCl (80 mM), acetylcholine (ACh, 500 nM), electrical field stimulation (EFS) or oxytocin (0.0005 IU/mL). The extract of D. kotschyi concentration-dependently inhibited ileum responses to KCl (IC 50 = 65 ± 18 μg/mL), ACh (IC 50 = 102 ± 18 μg/mL) and EFS (IC 50 = 117 ± 29 μg/mL). The extract of D. kotschyi also concentration-dependently inhibited uterus responses to KCl (IC 50 = 453 ± 64μg/mL), ACh (IC 50 = 58 ± 9 μg/mL), EFS (IC 50 = 22 ± 3 μg/mL) as well as oxytocin (IC 50 = 70 ± 11 μg/mL). From this experiment it was concluded that D. kotschyi extract possesses antispasmodic activities on both smooth muscle of ileum and uterus. In comparison, the extract was more effective inhibitor of ACh and EFS responses in rat uterus than on the ileum. On the other hand, the extract was a more potent inhibitor of KCl response on rat ileum. However, the extract was found to be a potent inhibitor of oxytocin-induced contraction of rat uterus. These results indicate that D. kotschyi extract may contain components that might be useful lead compounds for prevention of uterus spasm.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss, a member of Labiatae family, is a native plant to Iran, which has been reported to have immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic and antispasmodic activities. The objective of this research was to study the antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal activities of hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi in mice. Furthermore, the antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic effect of apigenin, a flavonoid constituent of D. kotschyi, was also studied. Hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts were obtained from aerial part of D. kotschyi using percolation method. Antispasmodic effect of the test compounds was assessed by measurement of small intestine transit following oral administration of a charcoal meal. Diarrhoea was induced by administration of either castor oil (0.5 ml) or magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) (10% w/v solution). Both the hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi (10 and 20 mg/kg) reduced the intestinal charcoal meal transit. Loperamide (2 mg/kg) and apigenin (2 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited intestinal movement of the charcoal meal and also inhibited castor oil and MgSO4-induced diarrhoea. The hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi (10 and 20 mg/kg) also significantly inhibited the castor oil and MgSO4-induced diarrhoea in mice in comparison with the vehicle-treated control groups. This study confirms that both the hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of D. kotschyi has antispasmodic and antidiarrhoeal properties in vivo and could be a suitable remedy for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in which smooth muscle spasm and/or diarrhoea plays a significant roles.

It has been reported that Rosa damascena hydroalcoholic extract has inhibitory effect at higher concentration but stimulatory action at lower concentrations on ileum. This could be due to the presence of stimulatory components in the extract. R. persica Mich. is another species which belongs to Rose family but so far there is no report about pharmacological action of its extract. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate inhibitory effect of hydroalcoholic and hexane extract of this plant on ileum contraction to see which type of extract would be more appropriate as antispasmodic agents. Hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts were prepared by percolation method. A section of rat ileum was suspended in an organ bath containing Tyrode′s solution. The tissue was kept under 1 g tension at 37 °C and continuously gassed with O 2 . Effects of R. persica extracts or vehicle were studied on ileum contractions induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), KCl or acetylcholine (ACh) and compared with that of atropine. Hydroalcoholic extracts of R. persica (10-640 μg/ml) concentration dependently inhibited ileum contraction induced by KCl (IC 50 = 244 ± 35 μg/ml), ACh (IC 50 = 129 ± 7.4 μg/ml) and EFS (IC 50 = 172 ± 18.7 μg/ml). Hexane extract of R. persica (10-320 μg/ml) concentration dependently inhibited ileum contraction induced by KCl (IC 50 = 117 ± 12.4 μg/ml), ACh (IC 50 = 78 ± 9.1 μg/ml) and EFS (IC 50 = 67 ± 10.5 μg/ml). Atropine only inhibited the responses to ACh and EFS. The vehicle had no significant effect on ileum contractions. From this experiment it was concluded that R. persica extract have inhibitory effect on rat isolated ileum. Therefore, separation and identification of active component is recommended.

Background: Lead and cadmium are toxic heavy metals found as major contaminants in food products and edible oils. The aims of this study were to investigate the lead and cadmium contaminations in seeds and extracted oils from Brassica napus L and Carthamus tinctorius grown in the vicinity of industrial sites (Isfahan Zobe Ahan) near Isfahan province/Iran. Methods: In this study, the seeds of B. napus and C. tinctorius were randomly sampled from the farms. The oils of seeds were provided by factory and extracted as well in our laboratory. The two series of washed and unwashed seeds digested with nitric acid and the amount of elements in seeds and oils were measured using GF-AA spectrometer equipped with Zeeman Effect. Results: Cadmium was found in all samples below the Method Detection Limit (MDL, 0.04 μg/L). Lead contaminations were found in all seeds and oils except washed B. napus seeds. The highest levels of lead contaminations were observed in oils of C. tinctorius and B. napus with the amount of 24.74 μg/L and 11.85 μg/L, respectively. The level of lead in unwashed seed oils were significantly higher than washed seed oils (P

Background: Hydroalcoholic extract from aerial part of Pycnocycla spinosa have shown to possess antispasmodic and anti-diarrhoeal activities. Anti-diarrhoeal effect of the extract, both quantitatively and qualitatively, are very close to loperamide. The aim of this research was identification of active fraction separated from extract of Pycnocycla spinosa via applying bioassay method on contraction of rat ileum. Methods: From aerial part of Pycnocycla spinosa methanolic, extract was prepared and then medium polar fractions were separated. The antispasmodic activities of separated fractions were assessed on rat isolated ileum contraction induced by KCl and compared with total extract. After that, the most active fraction was identified for further comparison with control group. Contractions were measured as maximum recorded amplitude and express as percent of initial contraction. Full concentration response curve was plotted for each group of experiment and the IC50 value (inhibitory concentration of extract causing 50% of maximum response) was calculated. Findings: From nine fractions isolated from Pycnocycla spinosa extract, the third fraction identified as the most active fraction which contained the active substance(s). Five fractions had a medium activity and two fractions were ineffective. Conclusion: This research demonstrated that Pycnocycla spinosa possessed a number of active substances with different potencies. The most potent substance was in the third fraction and therefore, purification and identification of this substance is recommended.

Objectives: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in humans and is caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Nowadays, increasing resistance to drugs such as metronidazole resulted in many problem, so new effective remedies are needed. In this study, we evaluate constituents of essential oil and anti-trichomonas activity of Rheum ribes. Materials and Methods: The essential oil from Rheum ribes L.flower growing wild in Iran was analyzed by GC/MS. The parasites were treated with different extract and fractions of the flower, stem, and leave of the plant. Anti-trichomonas activity was evaluated using an in vitro assay. Results: In all, 19 compounds were identified; palmitic acid [27.08%], n-eicosane [9.9%], n-tetracosane [7.34%], linoleic acid [6.56%], and ethyl linoleate [4.76%] were the main components of the oil. Rheum ribes extracts and fractions concentration dependently inhibited the ability of parasites to growth. This was associated with polarity of solvent used for fractionation and plant parts used for extraction. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the potential of Rheum ribes extracts as an anti-trichomonas agent for human use. Further studies are required to evaluate its toxicity and safety.

Objective: Anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, and antioxidant properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. suggest that it might have beneficial effects on colitis. The present study was performed to investigate the anticolitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds hydro-alcoholic extract (MSHE) and its chloroform fraction (MCF) on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Materials and Methods: Both MSHE and MCF with three increasing doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally to separate groups of male Wistar rats, 2 h before ulcer induction (using acetic acid 4%) and continued for 5 days. Prednisolone (4 mg/kg) and normal saline (1 ml/kg) were used in reference and control groups, respectively. All rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last dose (at day 6) and tissue injuries were assessed macroscopically and pathologically. Results: Extracts with three doses mentioned before were effective to reduce weight of distal colon (8 cm) as a marker for inflammation and tissue edema. Three doses of MSHE and two greater doses of MCF (100 and 200 mg/kg) were effective to reduce ulcer severity, area, and index as well as mucosal inflammation severity and extent, crypt damage, invasion involvement, total colitis index, and MPO activity compared with controls. MCF (50 mg/kg) was not significantly effective in reducing evaluated parameters of colitis compared with controls. Conclusion: It is concluded that MSHE and MCF were both effective to treat experimental colitis and this might be attributed to their similar major components, biophenols and flavonoids. Since the efficacy was evident even in low doses of MSHE, presence of active constituents with high potency in seeds is persuasive.

Background: Tichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Metronidazol with vast side effects is now the only drug approved for the treatment of this infection in many countries. The effect of Viola odorata on several parasites is shown in previous studies. In this study, in an attempt to find an alternative drug, the effect of different extracts of this plant on Trichomonas vaginalis in culture medium was investigated. Methods: Three different fractions of leave, flower, and root including diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and water fractions were prepared from crude extract. The extracts were dried using vacuum rotary evaporator and then, they were used for in-vitro anti-trichomonas vaginalis experiments. Findings: The crude extract of leave (4 mg/ml), flower (4 mg/ml), and root (2 mg/ml) of Viola odorata showed 100% growth inhibition (GI) during 24 hours. Diethyl ether fraction of leave, flower, and root of Viola odorata in concentration of 6 mg/ml showed 100% growth inhibition during 24 hours. The ethyl acetate fraction of leave, flower, and root revealed 100% growth inhibition in the first 24 hours with the minimum concentration of 20 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, and 25 mg/ml, respectively. Water fraction of leave, flower, and root showed 100% growth inhibition during 24 hours in concentrations of 5, 3, and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the appropriate effect of Viola odorata on Trichomonas vaginalis, more investigation is recommended to convert this plant to an anti-Trichomonas vaginalis drug.

Background: A lot of remedies, mostly plant based, were mentioned in the Persian old pharmacopoeias for promoting of burn and wound healing and tissue repairing. The efficacy of most of these old remedies is unexplored till now. Adiantum capillus-veneris from Adiantaceae family is one of them that was used to treating of some kinds of chronic wounds. Methods: Methanol extract was fractionated to four different partitions that is, hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous. The potential of A. capillus-veneris fractions in wound healing or prevention of chronic wounds were evaluated through angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation, in addition to in vitro tests for protection against damage to fibroblasts by oxygen free radicals. Results: The aqueous part of A. capillus-veneris promoted significant angiogenesis (P < 0.05) through both capillary-like tubular formations and proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. In addition, in the tests for protection against damage to fibroblasts by oxygen free radicals, aqueous and butanol fractions showed significant protective effects in the concentrations 50, and 500 μg/ml (P < 0.05) in comparison with a control group. In the toxicity testing, it showed weak irritation in the Hen′s egg test chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) bioassay at the vascular level on the CAM of the chicken and no significant cytotoxicity in the MTT assays on normal human dermal fibroblasts. Conclusions: Angiogenic effects and protective effects against oxygen free radicals suggested aqueous partition of A. capillus-veneris local application for prevention of late-radiation-induced injuries after radiation therapy and healing of external wounds similar to bedsores and burns.

مقدمه: Taxus baccata L به عنوان منبعی برای داروی ضد سرطان تاکسول به شمار می‌رود. مطالعه‌ی حاضر با هدف بررسی هم‌خوانی نتایج حاصله از معرفی یک سیستم بهینه‌ی حلال جهت استخراج تاکسان‌ها از گونه‌ی Taxus baccata با مطالعات بیولوژیک انجام گرفت. روش‌‌ها: سه رده‌ی سلولی MDA-MB-468، Hela و K562 در محیط RPMI-1640 با 10 درصد سرم جنین گاوی کشت داده شدند. پودر سر شاخه‌های گیاه T. baccata L با استفاده از 8 سیستم حلال به روش ماسراسیون عصاره‌گیری شد. جهت استانداردسازی عصاره‌ها از روش HPTLC (High performance thin layer chromatography) استفاده شد. سمیت سلولی غلظت‌های مختلف عصاره‌ها (استون 100، 50 و 20 درصد و اتانول 96، 50 و 20 درصد و استون-دی کلرومتان 1 به 1 و متانول خالص) بر روی سلول‌های کشت داده‌شده با استفاده از روش MTT بررسی شد. یافته‌ها: نتایج تست MTT نشان داد که عصاره‌ی استون- دی کلرومتان و سپس استون خالص بیشترین سمیت سلولی را داشتند. به علاوه در بین 3 رده‌ی سلولی مورد آزمایش، بیشترین اثر سیتوتوکسیک این عصاره‌ها روی رده‌ی سلولی K562 مشاهده شد. نتیجه‌گیری: در بین عصارهای مورد مطالعه، اثر سیتوتوکسیک، بیشتر از عصاره‌ی استون- دی کلرومتان و سپس عصاره‌ی استون خالص دیده می‌شود، همان گونه که آنالیز ترکیبات توسط TLC Scanner و HPLC بیشترین میزان تاکسان‌ها را در عصاره‌های مذکور( استون– دی کلرومتان و استون خالص) نشان می‌دهد، می‌توان نتیجه گرفت که ارتباط مستقیمی بین میزان تاکسان‌ها و اثر سیتوتوکسیک وجود دارد.

Objective(s): To evaluate the influences of aqueous extracts of plant parts (stem, leaves, and root) of Portulaca oleracea L. on bioformation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Materials and Methods: Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by different plant part extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. was carried out and formation of nanoparticles were confirmed and evaluated using UV-Visible spectroscopy and AFM. Results: The plant extracts exposed with silver nitrate showed gradual change in color of the extract from yellow to dark brown. Different silver nanoperticles were formed using extracts of different plant parts. Conclusion: It seems that the plant parts differ in their ability to act as a reducing and capping agent.

Background: Nicotiana tobacco contains large amounts of alkaloid nicotine. Tobacco plant is used for smoking and causes many health problems since it is high in nicotine which is one of the widely-recognized toxic compounds with serious side effects for different body organs. Reducing nicotine content of this plant is a way to reduce its health hazards in cigarette smokers. Utilizing the new methods of genetic engineering can modify nicotine levels in the plant. In this study, through transferring the blocking gene, the pathway of nicotine biosynthesis was blocked to produce transgenic tobacco with low levels of nicotine. Methods: Transgenic plants carrying T DNA, and non-transgenic plants were grown on MS medium. Then their leaves were dried and powdered. The plants were extracted with alkali solution. Eventually, the nicotine content of the extract were analyzed using GC. Results: The analysis of extracts showed a reduction in the nicotine content of the transgenic plant (contain T-DNA) in comparison with non-transgenic plants. Conclusion: Tobacco with lower nicotine reduction can reduce the toxic effects of smoking on smokers and can facilitate withdrawal from it.

Background and Aim : Gag reflex is one of the most common problems in dental treatment. All researches performed to reduce or eliminate this reflex were not effective or were time-consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Elaeagnus Angustifolia lozenge in controlling gag reflex during dental treatment . Materials and Methods : This study was a randomized double blind controlled trial with convenient sampling on 84 patients that were candidates for radiographic procedures in the School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The cases were randomly divided into two groups of case and control. The case group used Elaeagnus Angustifolia L extracts and the control group used placebo. Fruit extract was formed into lozenge. Before and after intervention, the gag reflex was evaluated by stimulation of the soft palate and pharyngeal tonsils. Data analysis and comparison was performed with SPSS 11 software and Chi-square , McNamara and t tests . Results : The gag reflex significantly decreased in the soft palate region (p

Background: Green tea contains phenolic compounds which could be considered as an anticariogenic agent. In addition, there has not been any significant side effect reported compared to sodium fluoride. So it seems that any comparison between the effects of green tea extract on the level of cariogenic bacteria with sodium fluoride is beneficial. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of sodium fluoride and green tea mouth rinses on the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus of children. Materials and Methods: In a double-blind randomized controlled parallel study, 60 children (8- to 12-year old) were selected according to inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups. Subjects were instructed to rinse their mouth with 0.05% sodium fluoride mouth rinse or 0.5% green tea mouth rinse, twice a day for 2 weeks. Before intervention and after 2 weeks, salivary levels of bacteria were measured. Bacterial level changes were compared using t-test (α = 0.05). Results: Independent t-test showed no significant differences in the average number of bacterial colonies before and after intervention in both groups (P>0.05). According to the paired t-test there was a significant difference between the mean number of bacterial colonies, before and after intervention, in each group (P

Introduction: Gag reflex is one of the most common problems during dental procedures, especially during radiography and impression taking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia drug film on gag reflex. Materials and methods: One hundred patients referring to the Radiology Department of Isfahan School of Dentistry were selected for the purpose of this double-blind clinical trial and randomly divided into two groups. The gag reflex was provoked and then in 50 patients, medication A (placebo) and in 50 others medication B containing Elaeagnus angustifolia were placed for 3 minutes in zones which were trigger zones for the gag reflex. Then the patients’ gag reflex was evaluated again. Data was analyzed with Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests (α=0.05).Results: In group A (placebo), frequency of distribution of gag reflex in the soft palate, tonsils and tongue were not significantly different before and after drug use. However, in group B, frequency of distribution of gag reflex exhibited significant differences in the tonsils (p value < 0.001) and soft palate (p value < 0.003) after drug application. In addition, there were no significant differences in sex distribution between the two groups.Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that a thin film of a medication containing Elaeagnus angustifolia has a positive effect on gag reflex in the tonsil and soft palate areas, and it can be used during dental procedures such as radiography procedures. Key words: Gagging, Drug, Placebo, Radiography.

Background: Eczema is one of the most common dermatologic disorders with specific clinical characteristics, unknown etiology, and not yet known curative treatment. Introducing any kind of treatment to relieve itching and inflammation will be considered as therapeutic success. The use of herbal essential oils has attracted widespread attention as a new natural treatment of dermatologic diseases and thus a step for revival of traditional medicine. Methods: In this study, essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum ceylanicom) were selected as potential therapeutic candidates for eczema. Different concentrations of menthol and camphor were also added to increase the skin penetration and anti-itching effects of the ointment. Hydrocarbons were used as ointment base due to high solubility, stability, and good covering properties of essential oils in this base. A combination of 27% liquid paraffin and 35% paraffin wax was used as the best base of the ointments. Clinical evaluations were then performed on 110 patients among whom 50 patients received herbal ointment. Findings: Complete improvement was observed in 66% of the herbal group compared to 43.3% of the standard care and 13% of the placebo groups. Patients who received the herbal ointment experienced fast and stable relief of itching (after 1-2 weeks of using the ointment). Mild and transient side effects such as irritation and redness were seen in 20% of the cases in the herbal group. Conclusion: Fast relief of itching and short treatment period were some advantages of herbal ointment. Different concentrations of the active ingredients were prepared and some modifications were made to increase penetration, accelerate relief of itching, and decrease skin irritation induced by essential oils. This herbal ointment was most effective in chronic eczema and its efficacy on exogenous eczema was less than endogenous eczema.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), which remains one of the major public health problems in the world. The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) worldwide highlights the urgent need to search for alternative antimycobacterial agents. More and more people in developing countries utilize traditional medicine for their major primary health care needs. It has been determined that the medicinal plants Pulicaria gnaphalodes and Perovskia abrotanoides possess strong antibacterial effect. Materials and Methods: In this study, the antimycobacterial effects of P. gnaphalodes and P. abrotanoides essential oil on MTB were examined. Essential oil was prepared from P. gnaphalodes aerial parts and P. abrotanoides flower. The effects of six different concentrations (20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml, 80 μg/ml, 160 μg/ml, 320 μg/ml, and 640 μg/ml) were examined against sensitive isolates of MTB and MTB H37Rv (ATCC 27294). Results: The results showed that P. gnaphalodes and P. abrotanoides essential oil extracts have strong inhibitory effects on MTB. This activity for P. gnaphalodes was observed from very low (4%) to good (70.9%) effect; meanwhile, this activity for P. abrotanoides was observed from very low (4%) to strong (86%) effect. Conclusion: The mean of inhibition percentage for P. gnaphalodes and P. abrotanoides in 640 μg/ml was 58.1% and 76.2%, respectively. So, P. abrotanoides plant is more effective against MTB than P. gnaphalodes. Identification of the effective fraction against MTB is a further step to be studied.

Background: Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. is a tropical tree growing in southeast of Iran. All parts of this plant have nutritional uses and pharmacological activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of M. peregrina in dexamethasone (Dex)-induced hypertension in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats received Dex (30 μg/kg, subcutaneously; s.c.) or saline (as vehicle, 1 ml/kg, s.c.) for 14 days. In a prevention study, the rats received M. peregrina extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) for 4 days, followed by Dex for 14 days. In a reversal study, the animals received M. peregrina extract orally from day 8 to 14. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using tail-cuff method. The hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) concentration and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were assessed in plasma samples. Results: Dex significantly increased the SBP and the plasma H 2 O 2 and decreased the plasma FRAP value (P < 0.001). M. peregrina extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg prevented (P < 0.01) but did not reverse Dex-induced hypertension in rats. It also dose-dependently reduced the plasma H 2 O 2 concentration and improved the FRAP value upon Dex administration. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated the antioxidant and partially antihypertensive effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of M. peregrina in Dex-induced hypertension. Further experiments on other fractions of the leaves and also other parts of this plant are suggested for better evaluation of its antihypertensive effect and finding its mechanisms of action.

Background: There are considerable attempts worldwide on herbal and traditional compounds to validate their use as anti-cancer drugs. Plants from Moringaceae family including Moringa oleifera possess several activities such as antitumor effect on tumor cell lines. In this study we sought to determine if callus and leaf extracts of M. oleifera possess any cytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Ethanol-water (70-30) extracts of callus and leaf of M. oleifera were prepared by maceration method. The amount of phenolic compounds of the extracts was determined by Folin Ciocalteu method. The cytotoxicity of the extracts against Hela tumor cells was carried out using MTT assay. Briefly, cells were seeded in microplates and different concentrations of the extract were added. Cells were incubated for 48 h and their viability was evaluated by addition of tetrazolium salt solution. After 3 h medium was aspirated, dimethyl sulfoxide was added and absorbance was determined at 540 nm with an ELISA plate reader. Cytotoxicity was considered when more than 50% reduction on cell survival was observed. Results: Callus and leaf extracts of M. oleifera significantly decreased the viability of Hela cells in a concentration-dependent manner. However, leaf extract of M. oleifera were more potent than that of callus extract. Conclusion: As the content of phenolic compounds of leaf extract was higher than that of callus extract, it can be concluded that phenolic compounds are involved in the cytotoxicity of M. oleifera.

Background: Water purification processes include the use of chemical compounds despite the concern that they may induce diseases. An ecological solution to this dilemma can come from the use of plant seeds for this purpose. Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori seeds have water clarification ability. Therefore, the aim of this work was to look for certain water clarification genes in M. peregrina. Materials and Methods: After preparation of M. peregrina callus, mRNA was extracted from these cells. After application of reverse transcriptase, the obtained cDNA (s) were used for PCR amplification of the desired genes using primers based on MO 2.1 gene of Moringa oleifera. DNA amplification products were cloned in E. coli Xl 1 blue cells and DNA sequences were compared with Mo 1,2 gene in M. oleifera. Results: We obtained 3 PCR products (approximately 200, 300, and 400 bps). Conclusion: After comparison of the sequences of 300bp band obtained from M. peregrina with Mo 1,2 gene in M. oleifera, it seems that 300bp band is a good candidate to investigate regarding its potential flocculent activity.

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is considered one of the main causes of vulvovaginitis in women. Metronidazole with vast side effects is now the drug of choice for treatment of this infection. In an attempt to find an alternative drug, the effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on this parasite was shown in previous studies. In this investigation, the effect of different extracts of this plant on T. vaginalis in culture medium has been investigated. Materials and Methods: Five different extracts including total extract, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water fractions were prepared. The extracts were dried using vacuum rotary evaporator and then they were used for in vitro anti-trichomonas experiments. Results: Crude extract of E. camaldulensis showed 80% growth inhibition (GI) in a concentration of 12.5 mg/ml during 24 h. Diethyl ether extract in a concentration of 25 mg/ml showed 100% GI during 24 h. With ethyl acetate extract, 100% GI was detected with the minimum concentration of 12.5 mg/ml in the first 24 h. Finally, water extract in a concentration of 50 mg/ml showed 80% and 100% GI after 48 and 72 h, respectively. Conclusion: Ethyl acetate fraction is the extract which showed the highest percentage of GI (100%) with the least concentration (12.5 mg/ml) after 24 and 48 h.