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Chamomile or camomile (Matricaria chamomilla L. syn. Matricaria recutita L.) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and West Asia and has spread to other parts of the world. The plant essential oils and extracts have been frequently used for thousands of years in traditional and folk medicines across the world, due to their valuable medicinal properties. Currently, it is widely applied in different industries such as pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industry. Herein, the literature was carefully reviewed via search engines such as Google Scholar, Pub Med, and Scopus using keywords including biological activity, chamomile, flavonoids, pharmacological activity, Matricaria chamomilla, and Matricaria recutita. Sesquiterpenes such as bisabolol oxide B, bisabolone oxide, and bisabolol oxide A have been identified as the major constituents of chamomile essential oil. Also, various phenolic compounds and flavonoids were mostly reported as active compounds in the plant extracts. Although there are various reports pinpointing the mechanisms of action of chamomile and its constituents, some points have remained ambiguous and further well-designed clinical trials are required. Focusing on the importance of valuable biological properties of chamomile, the present review precisely discussed the characterized chemical constituents of the plant along with their mechanisms of action.

Abstract In this study, the ethyl acetate fraction of Myristica fragrans Houtt. was investigated for its in vitro anticholinesterase activity as well as neuroprotectivity against H2O2-induced cell death in PC12 neuronal cells and the ability to chelate bio-metals (Zn2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+). The fraction was inactive toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE); however, it inhibited the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) with IC50 value of 68.16 µg/mL, compared with donepezil as the reference drug (IC50 = 1.97 µg/mL) via Ellman’s method. It also showed good percentage of neuroprotection (86.28% at 100 µg/mL) against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity and moderate metal chelating ability toward Zn2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+. The phytochemical study led to isolation and identification of malabaricone A (1), malabaricone C (2), 4-(4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutyl)benzene-1,2-diol (3), nectandrin B (4), macelignan (5), and 4-(4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-1-methoxy-2,3-dimethylbutyl)-2-methoxyphenol (6) which were assayed for their cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity. Compounds 1 and 3 were not previously reported for M. fragrans. Among isolated compounds, compound 2 showed the best activity toward both AChE and BChE with IC50 values of 25.02 and 22.36 μM, respectively, compared with donepezil (0.07 and 4.73 μM, respectively).

Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. commonly known as "meadowsweet", is a perennial herb native to Iran, Europe, and Western Asia. Several medicinal properties of the plant have been reported in Persian medicine. Filipendula ulmaria is traditionally used for fever, pain, inflammatory diseases (arthrosis, rheumatism, and arthritis), gastric disorders, liver dysfunction, and gout. The phytochemical studies indicate the presence of several active compounds, mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Salicylic acid and its derivatives are the most important compounds found in essential oil and extracts of different parts of the plant. Pharmacological evaluations have shown the anti-arthritis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-coagulant, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, gastro-protective, and hepato-protective activity of F. ulmaria. Despite pharmacological activities, traditional uses and herbal supplements, there is no complete review article on this herb's properties. In this paper, we have provided a review on traditional uses, phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and medical information of this valuable medicinal plant.

Background and Objectives: Novel drug delivery systems improve bioavailability of standardized plant extracts which enables them to cross the biological membranes. Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle systems are an approach to circumvent problems in drug delivery. Tribulus terrestris growing in subtropical areas has exhibited some biological and pharmacological activities; it contains compounds like flavonoids and steroids. To improve bioavailability of active compounds of the plant, its extract was subjected to prepare nanoparticles. Methods: Aqueous ethanol 80% extract of the whole plant was used for preparation of encapsulated nanoparticles using poly DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polymer. Mean particle size, polydispersity, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles systems were evaluated in various ratios of T. terrestris extract. Results: All the applied concentrations of the extract provided particles in nano-scale size (163-214 nm). By increasing the extract ratio encapsulation efficacy also increased ranging between 40.3-78.5%. Above 50% of the loaded extract released in the first 3 h and it continued for 10 days. Conclusion: the plant extract has been successfully encapsulated into PLGA polymer. The quantification of encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release also showed that application of the plant in pharmaceutical field can be improved using nanoparticles.

Abstract Background Considering the advantages of using medicinal herbs as supplementary treatments to sensitize conventional anti-cancer drugs, studying functional mechanisms and regulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea (as a non-cannabinoid plant) and Cannabis sativa (as a cannabinoid plant) are timely and required. The potential effects of such herbs on lung cancer cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, caspase activity and their cannabinomimetic properties on the CB2 receptor are addressed in the current study. Methods The cytotoxic effect of both herb extracts on the growth of lung cancer cells (A549) was assessed using the MTT assay. The annexin-V-FITC staining and propidium iodide (PI) staining methods were applied for the detection of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry. The cellular level of ROS was measured using 7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a fluorescent probe in flow cytometry. The caspase 3 activity was assessed using a colorimetric assay Kit. Results Echinacea purpurea (EP) root extract induced a considerable decrease in A549 viable cells, showing a time and dose-dependent response. The cell toxicity of EP was accompanied by induction of early apoptosis and cell accumulation at the sub G1 phase of the cell cycle. The elevation of cellular ROS level and caspase 3 activity indicate ROS-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis following the treatment of A549 cells by EP extract. The observed effects of EP extract on A549 growth and death were abrogated following blockage of CB2 using AM630, a specific antagonist of the CB2 receptor. Increasing concentrations of Cannabis sativa (CS) induced A549 cell death in a time-dependent manner, followed by induction of early apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at sub G1 phase, elevation of ROS level, and activation of caspase 3. The CB2 blockage caused attenuation of CS effects on A549 cell death which revealed consistency with the effects of EP extract on A549 cells. Conclusions The pro-apoptotic effects of EP and CS extracts on A549 cells and their possible regulatory role of CB2 activity might be attributed to metabolites of both herbs. These effects deserve receiving more attention as alternative anti-cancer agents. Graphical abstract

Background and aims: Medicinal mushrooms are known for their potential for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. Fomes fomentarius is a fungus belonging to the Polyporaceae family with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects.Methods: This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of F. fomentarius extract in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity along with its scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl.Results: Better antioxidant activity was obtained for ethanol extract of the fungus (IC50: 206.20 µg/mL) compared with its aqueous extract (IC50: 414.33 µg/mL). Levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase decreased after administration of the ethanol extract especially at 100 mg/kg compared with higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg). Conclusion: Treatment with the lower dose of the extract reduced alkaline phosphatase more pronouncedly than silymarin, indicating the beneficial properties of the fungus for biliary tract diseases. Histopathological findings also showed that F. fomentarius extract at the lower dose could protect against CCl4-induced liver injury, and the mechanism may be related to its antioxidant activity.

Background and objectives: The primary etiology for gingivitis is dental plaque resulting in gum inflammation. Beside mechanical procedures, chemical agents in mouthwash can help in removal of plaques. Oil of Trachyspermum ammi rich in thymol may provide beneficial effect in control of gingivitis; therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effect of mouthwash containing the oil with chlorhexidine to control dental plaque and inflammation of gingivae. Methods: Essential oil of the plant was analyzed using GC-MS and amount of thymol was assayed by GC method. Herbal mouthwash was prepared and applied in an open-label non-randomized study, adult female and male suffering of gingivitis (N=30) entered in two groups after oral prophylaxis. Examining for plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), and modified gingival index (MGI) were conducted after two weeks administration of the herbal mouthwash. Results: The herbal mouthwash was stable for two months with no physical change and microbial contamination (0.05). Conclusion: The effect of T. ammi oil in control of inflammation was comparable with chlorhexidine, while chlorhexidine reduced risks of PI, BI, and MGI higher than those receiving the herbal mouthwash.

Background: Trachyspermum ammi is one of the prominent plant in traditional medicine of the east with several medicinal effects such as improvement of stomach disease, digestive disorder, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, bladder stones, respiratory disease and etc. Medicinal plants is one of the important reason of toxicity particularly in children and the elderly therefore, evaluation of the toxic effects of a plant is important. Objective: The aim of present study was evaluation of toxicity of ajowan oil in experimental animals. Methods: Initially, essential oil of the plant fruit was extracted to study the acute toxicity to rats by gavage. The animals were treated with 1000 mg/kg of the essential oil for 23 and 45 days to determine chronic. Hematological and biochemical parameters of rats’ blood samples were collected and spleen, kidney, liver and lung of rats were isolated for histopathologic examination. Results: According to acute studies result lethal dose, 50% (LD50) of ajowan essential oil was about 2294 mg/kg. Chronic evaluation showed that there is no statistical difference between weight, food and water consumption of test and control groups. Further, tissue analysis showed no serious change in examined tissues in the treated rats. Conclusion: Finally according to results, no chemical parameters of blood and histological pattern of tissue were affected by T. ammi oil; however the oil could be classified as moderately toxic due to its LD50 value.

Background and objectives: Traditional medicine could provide a hopeful area of research to mitigate the suffering of patients. “Qust” is one of the medicinal plants that are mentioned in Persian Medicine (PM) for treatment of neurological diseases. There is diversity within the scientific name of “Qust” in different references. Some have introduced Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (Asteraceae), while others have presented Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. (Costaceae) as “Qust”. Since “Qust” is not endemic in Iran, there is difficulty to access to the whole plant for its identification. Hence, this study has aimed to identify available bitter “Qust” which is composed of roots of the plant in the Iranian market. Methods: Macroscopic characters and microscopic properties of powders and transverse sections of specimens with essential oil analysis of the Indian and one of the Iran herbal market samples using chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were investigated for identification of bitter “Qust”. Results: Microscopic evaluation showed presence of secretory cavities and their specific size, narrow radial rows of conducting tissue alternating with broad medullary rays in the secondary phloem and xylem, presence of inulin, absence of starch and calcium oxalate crystals in the bitter “Qust” particles. Further, positive response was observed to S. costus identifying test. In the analysis of essential oils, active components of S. costus, such as dehydrocostus lactone, were identified in the examined essential oils. Conclusion: According to the results, it could be concluded that bitter “Qust” in Iran herbal market most probably is S. costus.

Background and objective: Medicinal oils are one of the most common and special dosage forms in oral and topical therapies of Persian medicine (PM). The oil of Saussurea costus (bitter qust) root is prominent topical oil with different applications in PM. In this study, the oil of bitter qust was prepared according to ancient Persian medical texts. Methods: To prepare traditional qust oil, 100 g of the root was soaked in 600 mL aqueous ethanol 25% overnight. The supernatant was then filtered and boiled in 800 g sesame oil until all water was evaporated. The essential oil of the root and volatile components of its traditional oil were extracted using hydro-distillation method in a Clevenger-type apparatus and were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and polysaccharides were determined by spectrophotometric methods to evaluate the chemical parameters of traditional bitter qust oil. Results: The content of volatile compounds in both investigated samples was determined (0.5% and 0.1% (v/w), respectively). Dehydrocostus lactone and 1, 3-cyclooctadiene were two similar main compounds in the both analyzed samples. Total phenolics (788.290±0.61 mg/L gallic acid equivalent (GAE)), flavonoids (303.2±2.52 mg/L catechin equivalent (CE)), tannins (23.97±0.52 mg/L GAE) and polysaccharides (9.240±0.13 mg/L dextrose equivalent (DE)) contents were determined. Conclusion: According to the obtained data, dehydrocostus lactone could be used for determination and evaluation of traditional bitter qust oil.

Background and objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has resulted in a worldwide threat due to the virulence and broad distribution in the hospital and community. Novel antibiotics are required to combat the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil alone and in combination with fifteen antibiotics of different classes against a standard and five clinical strains of MRSAs was investigated. Methods: Chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The possible synergistic interaction of several antibiotics in combination with essential oil was screened by disc diffusion method. Interaction of the essential oil and the candidate antibiotic was investigated by checkerboard assay. Results: The essential oil was rich in thymol (74.2%), p-cymene (16%), and γ-terpinene (7.1%). Combination of sub-inhibitory concentrations of essential oil with vancomycin or gentamicin increased their inhibition zones against MRSA ATCC 33591 and clinically isolated MRSAs. All of the clinically isolated MRSAs were resistant to gentamicin, while combination of gentamicin with the essential oil caused augmentation of the antibacterial activity and 4 to 520-fold decrease in gentamicin minimum inhibitory concentrations was observed against different MRSA strains with fractional inhibitory concentration indices ranging from 0.50 to 0.75. Combination of essential oil with ciprofloxacin or imipenem increased the inhibition zones against some clinically isolated MRSAs. Conclusion: Combination of sub-inhibitory concentrations of T. ammi essential oil and gentamicin could be considered as a new choice for treatment of infectious diseases caused by MRSA strains.

Soil parameters monitoring is significant in sustainable crop and food production. The standard strategy of soil parameters monitoring in developing and underdeveloped nations uses manual labor, resulting in wrong decisions in soil management. Inaccurate measurements due to sensor miscalibration or low sensor quality can lead to incorrect soil management decisions and negatively impact crop yield and environmental sustainability. Due to the mentioned challenges, this work aims to develop a Sensor-based Data Acquisition System for Soil Parameters that will enable users to observe various soil parameters like temperature, humidity, water level and soil pH. The system was developed using the combination of hardware and software components. The hardware component comprises of sensory and processing parts. The study calibrates sensors using known pH, moisture, and temperature values for specific crops to grow in Nigeria. The system will aid farmers in determining suitable crops for their farmland and increasing crop yield. The system collects data through a network of sensors installed in the soil and wirelessly transmits the data to a cloud-based server. The collected data is then analyzed and visualized in through a web-based dashboard, providing farmers with information about the state of their soil. The performance evaluation of the system was carried out using response time and accuracy. The average response time of the system was 4 seconds, and the percentage error for temperature and humidity readings when compared to weather forecast readings were 8.20% and 5.08%, respectively. The results show that the proposed system can provide accurate and reliable measurements of soil parameters and can be easily deployed and operated by small-scale farmers. Using this system can result in improved crop yields, reduced wastage, and better overall efficiency in agricultural operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trachyspermum ammi (Apiaceae) plants have several medicinal and condimentary applications and are considered an aphrodisiac agent in Iranian Traditional Medicine. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of oil from Iranian T. ammi plants on the viability of spermatogonial stem cells in vitro. The essential oil of T. ammi fruits was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the amount of thymol was calculated by a gas-chromatography method. Spermatogonial stem cells were isolated from the testes of mice using enzyme digestion. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to assess the gene expressions of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (Plzf), DNA-binding protein inhibitor (ID-4), tyrosine-protein kinase (c-Kit), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX). The number and diameter of colonies were also measured in the treated cells. The amount of thymol in the oil was 130.7 ± 7.6 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 92.8% of all cells expressed stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8), a spermatogonial stem cell marker. Expression of Plzf and ID-4 genes significantly increased in the treatment groups, while c-Kit and BAX decreased, and Bcl2 increased in the presence of essential oil. The numbers and diameters of cells were also improved by the application of the plant oil. These data indicated that monoterpenes from the oil of T. ammi improved the quality and viability of spermatogonia cells in the cell culture.